Trustees press administration for clearer enrollment trend data as PSJA projects decline

Several trustees pushed the administration for more granular enrollment and transfer data as the district prepares its 2026–27 budget. Assistant Superintendent Becky Gonzales and enrollment liaison staff cited a projected enrollment of 28,200 (a decline of about 850 from the prior year) and said registration stands near 28,400 but not all registrants appear in attendance counts. Trustees asked for five‑year loss figures and the destinations of departing students; administration said recruitment efforts include targeted home visits, liaisons, public relations campaigns (billboards, commercials, community events), expanded virtual options and outreach to new housing developments.

Trustees and staff also discussed external factors: lower birth rates in Hidalgo County, homeschooling trends and voucher program approvals. Trustee questions showed concern that transfers to charters and neighboring districts may be driven by program offerings or perception; administration said it will provide more detailed transfer analyses and launch targeted recruitment activities for new neighborhoods and students lost to homeschooling or transfers.