Parents, data analysts warn trustees Braker Woods closure would spark attrition and budget loss
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Summary
Dozens of recorded callers from the Braker/Bridal/Biker/Breaker Woods community told trustees that the proposed closure would break a longstanding neighborhood feeder pattern, risk IB program loss, and drive families to private or charter schools, producing enrollment and budget declines the district's model may not account for.
Dozens of recorded public comments and several trustees' questions on Oct. 29 focused on one campus a range of callers repeatedly identified as "Braker/Bridal/Biker/Breaker Woods" elementary. Callers described the school as a neighborhood anchor, emphasized its International Baccalaureate program and walkability, and warned trustees that closures of high-performing neighborhood schools can trigger student attrition that reduces district funding.
"You would see Bracker Woods is a quintessential neighborhood school'children walking and biking every morning," said Mackenzie Coronado, who identified herself as a parent calling about the consolidation plan. "Our school is essential in this community, and it would forever change the historical nature of our neighborhood for generations to come if it were closed. We need a concrete answer as to why Bracker Woods is closing."
Several commenters cited independent data reviews that raised fiscal concerns. "Three independent data scientists found that closing Braker Woods could cost the district $470,000 in the first year and create an ongoing $170,000 annual deficit," said Kelsey Long, who identified herself as a parent; other callers warned that even modest attrition multiplied across multiple closures could create a material revenue shortfall. Ben Hooten, another parent, pressed the trustees: "How will AISD recover when this plan triggers the exodus that you haven't accounted for?"
Trustees acknowledged the concerns and asked administration staff to continue very localized engagement with the campus community. Superintendent Segura said staff would meet with affected campus leaders and families and work to include more detailed, campus-level enrollment sensitivity modeling in the Oct. 31 and subsequent deliverables.
Context and next steps: Many parents asked trustees to postpone any final action until the district supplies the Oct. 31 finance addendum and campus-specific sensitivity analyses; trustees asked administration for options and alternatives that would avoid closing a well-enrolled neighborhood school if feasible. Trustees did not vote on any closure at the Oct. 29 session.