ANTHONY, N.M. (KFOX14/CBS4) — Gadsden Independent School District is grappling with financial difficulties due to a significant decline in student enrollment, dropping from over 13,000 in 2019 to an anticipated 11,000 next year.In response, the district is considering closing Berino Elementary School to address budget concerns.During a meeting on Monday evening, dozens of parents voiced their opposition to the proposed closure.Maria Savedra, a parent at Berino, expressed her concerns, saying, "This is also goi...
ANTHONY, N.M. (KFOX14/CBS4) — Gadsden Independent School District is grappling with financial difficulties due to a significant decline in student enrollment, dropping from over 13,000 in 2019 to an anticipated 11,000 next year.
In response, the district is considering closing Berino Elementary School to address budget concerns.
During a meeting on Monday evening, dozens of parents voiced their opposition to the proposed closure.
Maria Savedra, a parent at Berino, expressed her concerns, saying, "This is also going to cause other schools to get filled with kids and could result in a lower quality of education." She urged district leaders to "look for another solution, there are other solutions."
GISD Superintendent Travis Dempsey acknowledged the aggressive nature of the plan but emphasized the need for proactive measures as enrollment declines.
"If we ignore budget, then over time the quality programs Gadsdens come to know for, those could suffer for that decision," Dempsey said.
He noted that teachers and staff would relocate with students to other schools, projecting a savings of $2 million.
Additionally, the Alta Vista Early College Program would move into the Berino Elementary building, which currently serves over 300 students.
Dempsey also proposed a voluntary retirement option with an $8,000 bonus district-wide, aiming to save $6 million.
Without these cuts, he warned that the district might face layoffs in the coming years, with a goal of saving between $6 and $8 million over the next two years.
Parents expressed concerns about the impact on their children's education and social connections.
Dani Jimenez, a parent, said, "I’m afraid that if they go to another school and they don’t have the same dual language, they’re gonna learn English and I want them to both learn Spanish."
The Gadsden ISD board is scheduled to discuss the proposal on Oct. 16. Further updates will be provided as the district's plans develop.
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