“Why local leaders should champion ‘community schools’ to improve student, family, and neighborhood well-being”(see link provided)

[council3_rubal]

At the 21 Jan Council meeting one of our residents addressed Council with concerns about “larger issues” regarding school closures and repurposing. Universal City will soon lose its third elementary school.

I can appreciate the community value of local schools. This issue is of concern because my wife and I chose Universal City and our neighborhood (41 years ago) because of the proximity of the local elementary school, the quality of the school system, neighborhood safety, and sidewalks for our children to walk to school.

Please review the attached link, perhaps this topic should not be off the Council's radar. Certainly, it should be a component of the pending Comprehensive Plan.

The land territory covered by JISD and new development provides unique challenges for the JISD board, just as build-out planning for our City. However, we cannot lose sight of those things that make our neighborhoods attractive and safe places to live and a destination for future residents of Universal City.

Reference Link:

Why local leaders should champion ‘community schools’ to improve student, family, and neighborhood well-being

www.brookings.edu

 

[council4_vaughan]

I agree with you Bernie, but I don't know what we can do about it. If you have any suggestions of what we can do, I would be happy to discuss it.

 

[council3_rubal]

Thanks for the comment.

1) Better understanding of our demographics for build-out. The pending Comprehensive Plan provides an opportunity for recommendations for "local" educational requirements. 2) The historic split in school district jurisdictions within UC boundaries (Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City and Judson ISD) may keep UC as a tax base for both, but without commitment to serve local educational needs within the boundaries UC. Both school districts are pressed with the challenges of meeting growth needs and we with sustainability. Splitting our student population between two districts may work against us. Perhaps it is time for a dialogue with both school districts to include discussions for realignment that would serve both districts and better serve the local education needs within the boundaries UC. The reference provided in the original post is a good read for benefits.

 

[council3_rubal]

FYI ONY
JISD School Board Meeting this evening 6PM
Link is for this evening's agenda. It provides some demographics for the student population.
(Not specific for UC)

Public Meeting Agenda: January 23, 2025 at 6:00 PM - Public Hearing - BoardBook Premier

meetings.boardbook.org

 

[council3_rubal]

Fellow Councilmembers,

1) I just received an announcement by email from JISD for a town hall meeting (growth and planning) at Coronado Village Elementary on Monday 24 Feb 6:30 PM. I will be attending as a resident of the Universal City and the Coronado Village neighborhood. Should other Council members attend guidance is sought to preclude considerations of a walking quorum.
2) Our 4 February Council Meeting showed an expression of support from the Council to place as an action item the invitation to the school districts that serve UC residents a platform to present their changes affecting UC residents to include plans for school repurposing. I thank the Mayor for his offer to extend and invitation to these districts.
3) I would also ask for consideration for the possible discussion with both Judson ISD (JISD) and Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD (SCUCISD) of the pros and cons of a "MINOR BOUNDARY ADJUSTMENTS BY AGREEMENT" to better accommodate the needs of residents Universal City and maintain an elementary school near the heart of our City rather than splitting our student population between two districts.