Judson ISD considers closing Judson Middle School or Kitty Hawk amid projected $37 million deficit

District leaders say consolidation is needed to address structural budget gaps

Judson Independent School District is weighing the closure of one of its two middle school campuses—Judson Middle School or Kitty Hawk Middle School, home to the JSTEM Academy—as the district confronts a projected budget shortfall of about $37 million. Trustees have been considering multiple consolidation scenarios as enrollment declines and operating costs increase across the district.

The board has already moved toward a plan to close four campuses by the end of the current school year—one middle school and three elementary schools—framing the action as a cost-saving measure intended to reduce recurring expenditures. District administrators have described campus closures as one component of a broader effort to stabilize finances heading into the next school year.

Two middle schools, different facility cost projections

In presentations to trustees and in public meetings, district leadership has highlighted estimated long-term costs tied to keeping each middle school in service. District estimates have placed future facility needs for Judson Middle School at more than $70 million, compared with roughly $45 million for Kitty Hawk Middle School.

Families and students have spoken publicly about the potential academic and community effects of losing either campus, including concerns about transitions for students, continuity of programs, and the practical impact of longer commutes and campus crowding after consolidation.

Elementary campuses also under review

While the middle school decision has drawn the most immediate attention, trustees have also discussed a list of elementary campuses that could be part of the three elementary closures. Campuses named in board discussions have included Franz Leadership Academy, Millers Point Elementary, Park Village Blended Learning Academy, Rolling Meadows Elementary, and Spring Meadows Elementary.

• Trustees have considered closure packages ranging from two to five schools.
• Administrators have indicated that closing four campuses would yield an estimated $7 million in savings, reducing roughly one-fifth of the projected deficit.

Budget pressure compounded by leadership turnover

The district’s financial planning has unfolded alongside administrative turnover. Judson ISD has faced repeated changes in its finance leadership in recent years, and trustees recently took action affecting top district leadership as the deficit discussion intensified.

Public comments to trustees have included calls for clearer accounting of expected savings, detailed relocation plans for affected students and staff, and fuller explanations of how consolidations would change class space usage and campus services.

The board is expected to make a final decision on which middle school would close in a scheduled vote, followed by additional action on the elementary campuses under consideration. Any closures would take effect for the next school year, with student reassignment and operational transitions to be determined through district planning and future board actions.