In a pivotal decision aimed at addressing financial challenges and declining enrollment, the Lubbock Independent School District (LISD) Board of Trustees unanimously voted on Wednesday, December 4, to close Hodges Elementary School and proceed with a significant school consolidation plan. The decision was made during a special meeting, marking a turning point for the district as it seeks to overcome a $14 million budget deficit while improving educational opportunities.
Closures and Consolidation Plans
The Board's decision includes the closure of Hodges Elementary and the consolidation of Overton Elementary School into Rush Elementary School, as well as OL Slaton Middle School into Dunbar College Preparatory Academy and Atkins Middle School. These changes are set to take effect in the 2025-2026 school year.
Parents of Hodges students will play a critical role in determining their children’s new school assignments. LISD announced that parents will complete a survey to choose between Bean Elementary, Bayless Elementary, or a division between Bayless and Roberts Elementary. Surveys, sent via email, must be completed by noon on Sunday to be considered.
Community Voices and Concerns
The decision followed emotional discussions from parents, teachers, and students advocating against school closures. A music specialist at Hodges Elementary spoke passionately about the impact on students, questioning how to explain such a significant change to children who have formed deep bonds with their teachers and favorite programs.
“How are we going to explain to our students that they won’t come back to their school next year? How are we going to explain that they will be moved somewhere else, that they won’t return to the teachers that love them so dearly, the teachers that they build relationships with, and they won’t get to return back to their favorite afterschool programs?” she asked during the meeting.
Scott Eberhard, a member of the Future Focus Committee and P.E. teacher at Hodges Elementary, expressed his frustration with the process. “We should have known sooner. It shouldn’t have been as rushed. There should have been more transparency. To make this decision tonight, knowing all that, is the wrong decision, in my opinion,” he said.
The Board’s Perspective
Despite the intense opposition, Board members acknowledged the difficulty of the decision while emphasizing its necessity for the district's success. Board member Nancy Sharp addressed the emotional toll, saying, “We get how hard it is, but at the end of the day, we’re not doing our jobs if we’re not making sure that students are getting the best experience, the best opportunities.”
Several Board members became visibly emotional during the meeting, sharing condolences with families and expressing their own reluctance to close the schools. Nonetheless, they stood firm in their decision, which they believe will ultimately benefit the district.
Background and Context
The move comes after months of deliberation and feedback from parents, teachers, and the Future Focus Committee, which recommended the consolidation plan. The committee’s work began in October, with discussions centered around LISD’s financial challenges, including a $14.8 million budget deficit, lack of additional state funding, and declining enrollment rates.
LISD’s initial proposals in October stirred widespread concern among parents. At a November 21 board meeting, Phase 1 of the consolidation plan was presented, allowing stakeholders to voice their opinions. On Monday, December 2, LISD announced that Bean and Harwell Elementary Schools were no longer under consideration for consolidation, narrowing the scope of closures and mergers.
Next Steps
As the district moves forward, it faces the challenge of easing the transition for affected families. LISD plans to provide additional resources to ensure students and staff are supported throughout the process. The Board also emphasized that their decision aligns with the district’s long-term goal of providing better opportunities and experiences for all students.
