Braddesport ISD proposes rezoning sixth graders to Freeport Intermediate to maintain funding

The Brazosport Independent School District (BISD) Board convened on July 14, 2025, to address critical issues surrounding the reconfiguration of attendance zones, particularly for sixth graders at Stephen F. Austin Elementary (SFA). The meeting highlighted the district's ongoing challenges with declining enrollment and financial sustainability.

The discussion began with an overview of BISD's commitment to providing quality education across its seven municipalities, including Clute, Freeport, and Lake Jackson. Current enrollment stands at 12,364 students, with projections indicating a rise to 12,886 by the 2024-2025 school year. However, SFA's enrollment has sharply declined from 326 students in 2019 to just 193 in August 2024, raising concerns about the school's viability.

The board reviewed the financial implications of this decline, noting a deficit budget of $11 million for the upcoming school year, primarily due to a loss of funding linked to student enrollment. Factors contributing to this decline include the global pandemic, population shifts, and housing issues. The district has previously reconfigured feeder patterns to optimize resources, including the closure of several elementary schools due to low enrollment.

A significant point of discussion was the need to rezone sixth graders from SFA to Freeport Intermediate School. This move is intended to maintain compliance with Texas Education Agency (TEA) requirements regarding funding and comparability. The board noted that if SFA's enrollment does not meet the necessary thresholds, the district risks losing approximately $2.3 million in Title I funding, which supports essential educational programs.

The administration proposed that moving sixth graders to Freeport Intermediate would not only help maintain SFA's enrollment below the TEA's exclusion criteria but also align with the existing feeder pattern, allowing students access to additional elective courses. The board emphasized the importance of this decision in ensuring the continued operation of SFA and the retention of critical funding.

In conclusion, the administration's recommendation to rezone sixth graders from SFA to Freeport Intermediate was presented as a necessary step to navigate the district's financial challenges while continuing to provide quality education. The board opened the floor for public comments before proceeding to a vote on the proposal, reflecting the district's commitment to transparency and community engagement in decision-making processes.