CONVERSE, Texas – Judson Middle School will officially close after the Judson Independent School District Board of Trustees unanimously voted to shut down the campus as the district works to address a $37 million budget shortfall.
The decision came during a special board meeting Monday evening, where school leaders considered closing either Judson Middle School or Kitty Hawk Middle School. After discussion, the board voted unanimously in favor of closing Judson Middle School.
Tensions rose during the meeting when District 1 Trustee Susanne Kenoyer was escorted out after questioning the legality of discussing the hiring of a new superintendent. Board President Monica Ryan called for security to remove Kenoyer before trustees entered closed session. Kenoyer later left the meeting as trustees continued deliberations behind closed doors.
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The possible closure of several elementary schools also remains under review. The district previously approved on Feb. 9 a plan to close four schools across Judson ISD as part of broader cost-cutting measures.
Several community members attended a special meeting over the weekend to share their thoughts on the potential middle school closures ahead of the vote.
“Your kids will survive and make do,” said Scott Willis. “The teachers you love are there, and you make your new community. You realize the kids transition anyway. They go from elementary to middle to high school.”
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The board’s special meeting began at 5:30 p.m., where trustees ultimately made the final decision to close Judson Middle School as part of efforts to reduce the district’s budget deficit.