The Chronicle reports that district officials say they are dealing with a $24 million budget shortfall.
According to the Texas Education Agency, Northbrook received an 'F' rating last year, and its enrollment dropped by more than 300 students from the 2023-2024 school year to the year before.
A former Northbrook teacher told the Chronicle that this would be one more example of schools north of I-10, where more Hispanic and working-class people live, not getting the same support as schools in wealthier areas south of the interstate.
PREVIOUS REPORT: Parents plead Spring Branch ISD to save charter school programs during budget cut meeting
This is not the first time the district has had to close schools due to budgetary factors.
According to a 2023 report from ABC13, the Spring Branch ISD board voted 6-1 to close down Treasure Forest Elementary and Panda Path School for Early Learning for the 2024-2025 school year. This was an effort to consolidate a $35 million budget shortfall.
The district's decision to close those two schools two years ago ultimately ended the KIPP Courage and Yes Prep charter partnerships, of which Northbrook Middle School was a part.
The board is not scheduled to vote on the Northbrook closure until May 11th; however, there is a community meeting on Monday, May 4th, at 6:30 p.m. in the Northbrook Middle School auditorium.