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Brownsville ISD authorizes superintendent to negotiate transfer of Cummings property to help Gladys Porter Zoo
Summary
The Brownsville ISD Board unanimously authorized Superintendent Dr. Jesús H. Chavez to negotiate with the City of Brownsville over the Cummings property, approving protections for students and CTE programs and a reversion clause if the site is used for non‑zoo purposes.
The Board of Trustees of the Brownsville Independent School District on Aug. 21 authorized Superintendent Dr. Jesús H. Chavez to enter negotiations with the City of Brownsville regarding the district’s Cummings property, a move trustees said is meant to help Gladys Porter Zoo address accreditation and expansion needs.
"The District will have three to five years to move out of the building," said Board President Jessica Gonzalez, summarizing the negotiating points the Board approved. Trustees also approved assurances that no student would be displaced, that programs would not pause or be reduced during any transition, and that if needed the district would lease the building for $1 a year with the city responsible for maintenance, grounds, utilities and repairs.
The motion to authorize negotiations passed unanimously (7‑0‑0). Trustee Jessica Gonzalez made the motion; Trustee Eddie Garcia seconded it, and the Board adopted a set of negotiating parameters that include a reversion clause so ownership returns to BISD at no cost if the site is used for non‑zoo purposes. During the reconvened session trustees emphasized the district’s stated goal of securing a new, state‑of‑the‑art CTE facility for students rather than merely renovating Cummings.
Board members framed the vote as balancing the zoo’s urgent land needs with obligations to students. Trustee Carlos Elizondo said he supported negotiation while insisting on fiscal responsibility and transparency; Trustee Daniella Lopez Valdez said she had consulted counsel and had no conflict and would place students first. Trustee Eddie Garcia reiterated the partnership rationale, noting his personal ties to the area and the value of free zoo access for BISD students.
The Board’s action follows an extended public comment period in which teachers, former students, zoo board members and students urged support for the zoo while also raising questions about how proceeds or savings would be used to replace or relocate CTE programs currently housed at Cummings. The Board said it will pursue outside funding partners as needed and that timelines could extend beyond three to five years if required to protect students and programs.
