EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — Gadsden Independent School District is considering consolidating Berino Elementary School as part of its “Right-Sizing Plan,” citing years of declining enrollment and concerns about long-term sustainability.
Superintendent Travis Dempsey said enrollment across the district has been shrinking for more than a decade, with the sharpest decline in the past seven years.
“For the last 14 years, Gadsden has experienced declining enrollment, the last seven considerably. We’re fine right now, but I’m looking at the future, and I see a possible problem,” Dempsey said.
Berino currently has the lowest enrollment of any elementary school in the district, with just over 300 students. If the consolidation plan moves forward, those students — along with teachers and staff — would be reassigned to nearby campuses, including Vado, North Valley and Gadsden Elementary.
District officials say the move could save about $2 million while preserving programs and helping avoid future layoffs.
“What I’m trying to avoid is layoffs,” Dempsey said. “I fear that two to three years down the road, we end up with a budget that would force them — so what I’m trying to do is use attrition, retirements, and consolidation — to prevent that.”
The superintendent added that dual language and special education programs would continue uninterrupted if Berino students are relocated. Teachers and staff would also follow students to their new schools.
Berino’s campus would not be left vacant if the plan is approved. Dempsey confirmed that one option being considered is relocating Alta Vista Early College High School to the building, giving its students a permanent facility instead of portable classrooms.
The proposed consolidation is one part of the district’s larger Right-Sizing Plan. Here are some of the other considerations for the plan:
- Employee transfers (voluntary/involuntary)
- Voluntary Retirement Incentive Option
- Formal Consolidation of Loma Linda Elementary
- Consideration of transfer of Sunland Park Elementary
- Consideration of demolition of Mesquite Elementary
- Consideration of relocation of Anthony PreK
Below is the Right-Sizing Plan presentation provided by Gadsden ISD.
The Gadsden ISD Board of Education is expected to discuss and possibly vote on the proposal during its Oct. 30 meeting. One more community meeting is scheduled before then. To learn more about the proposal, head to the district’s website.
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