Coronado Village residents press Judson ISD to reconsider repurposing Coronado Elementary into DAEP

Dozens of Coronado Village residents urged the Judson Independent School District Board of Trustees to halt plans to repurpose Coronado Village Elementary School (CVE) as a disciplinary alternative education program, saying they learned of the closure and repurposing late and were not contacted directly.

Residents said the neighborhood — about 520 homes — is largely families and senior citizens and that placing JCare in the middle of that residential area would harm safety, traffic and property values. Multiple speakers called for a broader outreach process including mailed flyers, marquee notices, and local media coverage ahead of a planned town hall meeting.

The board opened public comment to members of the community. Robert Whiting of Coronado Village said he first learned about the closure on Feb. 3 and Feb. 4, 2025, and said many neighbors lack internet access and therefore missed prior committee workshops and a December board vote he said authorized the closure. James Talley, who lives across the street from the school, called possible placement of JCare in Coronado Village “a burden” for local police and taxpayers, citing comments he said Universal City police made at a recent city council meeting. Multiple residents said they signed petitions opposing DAEP placement and asked the district to consider senior-center or administrative-office uses instead.

Several speakers acknowledged alternative uses and prior improvements at CVE paid through bond projects and asked whether recent investments — roofing, ADA sidewalk, gym improvements and planned HVAC work — would be wasted if the building is repurposed. Beth Parker reviewed past bond status reports for Coronado Village and asked how future students and boundaries will be managed when nearby apartments are occupied.

Board members and staff acknowledged community concerns and said the district had posted required public notices under the Texas Open Meetings Act and followed established committee processes. Trustee Monica Ryan was thanked by residents for outreach after neighbors raised concerns on social media. Assistant Superintendent of Operations Daniel Brooks attended a neighborhood meeting, and the board set a town hall date; residents asked for more proactive, mailed and posted notice to the 520 homes. The board did not take an immediate vote on repurposing during the meeting.

The board later discussed related construction and bond items in the superintendent’s report but made no final action to redirect the project during this session. The board did approve a separate consent package and other agenda items during the meeting.

The district plans a town hall meeting where staff will present repurposing options and gather community input; residents and at least one council member urged the district to consult neighbors before finalizing any DAEP relocation.

The board and administrators said they will respond to requests for additional notice and intend to provide more details at the town hall and on upcoming district communications.