Spring Branch Independent School District is contemplating the permanent closure of Northbrook Middle School as it faces a projected budget deficit of $24 million for the upcoming 2026-2027 academic year.
The proposed plan involves relocating approximately 500 students from Northbrook to three nearby middle schools, raising concerns among families residing north of I-10 who feel their community is being unfairly targeted by the district’s budget cuts.
The Fiscal Reality
District officials have described the situation as a “perfect storm” of financial challenges, citing record inflation and a stagnant basic allotment from the Texas Legislature. Moreover, SBISD leaders have repeatedly criticized the state’s “Recapture” system, which requires the district to return local tax revenues to the state, even in the face of a significant deficit.
Data from the district indicates that Northbrook Middle School is currently operating at about 50% capacity. Officials believe that consolidating Northbrook with Landrum, Spring Oaks, or Spring Woods middle schools would optimize resources and help maintain essential academic and extracurricular programs.
Additionally, Northbrook recently received an “F” accountability rating from the Texas Education Agency. The district contends that moving students to campuses with “B” or “C” ratings would lead to improved academic outcomes.
Community Pushback
For many parents, the potential closure represents a troubling trend. Over the past two years, the district has already closed Treasure Forest Elementary and Panda Path, leading to feelings of frustration and defeat among families. Community activist Virginia Elizondo expressed that many feel powerless to prevent this outcome, stating, “We really don’t want the district just to see the Northside schools and communities as a way to save money.”
While the district attributes declining enrollment as a major factor in the decision, some community members argue that these numbers were influenced by the district’s own policy changes, particularly the termination of the “SKY Partnership” with YES Prep. Elizondo pointed out that once the charter partnership ended, many students opted to leave the district instead of remaining at Northbrook.
What’s Next
In light of the potential closure, the district has assured that all current Northbrook employees would remain employed and be reassigned to other campuses. Transportation services will be provided to newly zoned schools, and the district plans to arrange tours for families to facilitate the transition.
The Board of Trustees is set to discuss the closure and rezoning plans in a workshop on Monday, May 11, at 6:00 p.m. at the SBISD Administration Building. In anticipation of this meeting, community members are organizing a rally outside the administration building at 5:30 p.m. to express their opposition to the proposed closure.
