GARZA COMMUNITY RAISES ALARMS

At the meeting, alumni and staff urged the district not to “dismantle” Gonzalo Garza Independence High School or rush any move that would disrupt services for students who rely on its alternative and career‑oriented programs. Jesse Leek, a 2009 Garza graduate, told the superintendent: “This school is not broken … to dismantle or have hazardly change the school at the eleventh hour is to gamble with other students’ lives.”

SUPERINTENDENT: IDEA, NOT A PLAN

Superintendent Matias Segura replied that he values Garza and its leaders, called the relocation concept “an idea in its infancy,” and said administration would pursue careful conversations with Garza staff, program leaders and community members before proposing anything to trustees. “There is not a plan,” Segura said. He framed the idea as a possible way to activate an underused facility sooner rather than waiting multiple years to plan and build.

COMMUNITY CONCERNS

Parents, staff and longtime volunteers said Garza’s program relies on specific campus assets—on‑site childcare, hands‑on classes, accessible transit routes—and that moving those supports would risk student attendance and the school’s personalized model. A retired Garza faculty leader warned, “Moving to Martin would kill Garza,” citing differences in campus layout and student access.

DISTRICT COMMITMENTS

Segura said the district would not “dismantle” Garza and pledged to: engage with program leaders and community before advancing any proposal; preserve program continuity where possible; and design transition plans that focus on students’ credits, transportation needs and program staffing. He repeated that any idea would need trustee review before reaching a recommendation.

PROVENANCE

The exchange began when alumnus Jesse Leek raised concerns (public comment) and concluded with Segura’s repeated assurances that the administration is exploring options and will consult stakeholders before action.