By David Taylor / Managing Editor
Aldine Independent School District is considering the closure of Teague Middle School as part of its ongoing “Optimization 2026” initiative, a sweeping effort to address a dramatic decline in student enrollment and mounting budget pressures. The district, which has already shuttered nine campuses since 2024, is now reviewing the fate of Teague Middle and potentially three more elementary schools, as leaders grapple with the realities of fewer students, reduced state funding, and rising operational costs.
At a recent community meeting, district officials—including Superintendent Dr. LaTonya Goffney—outlined the challenges facing Teague Middle School. Enrollment has plummeted by 60 percent over five years, leaving the campus at just 42 percent capacity with only 487 students and 682 vacant seats. If the closure is approved, students would be rezoned to Jones and Aldine Middle Schools, though temporary arrangements may be necessary due to ongoing construction.
The district’s optimization plan is driven by several factors: declining birth rates, a lack of affordable housing, fewer new home developments, and the rise of alternative education options such as charter schools and homeschooling. These trends have led to a 26 percent drop in enrollment since 2015-16, forcing Aldine ISD to consolidate resources and close underutilized campuses.
The potential closure of additional elementary schools is also under review. In the past two years, Aldine ISD has closed Smith, Eckert, Stovall E.C./P-K/K, De Santiago E.C./P-K/K, Oleson, Raymond, Conley, Sammons, and Gray Elementary Schools. The district cites the same reasons—declining enrollment, budget shortfalls, and decreased state funding—for these decisions. The closures are expected to save millions of dollars, as much as $25 million last year, and allow the district to redirect funds toward teacher salaries and improved programming.
District leaders emphasize that these closures, while difficult, are necessary to ensure students have access to high-quality educational opportunities and robust programming. Each facility is being evaluated individually, with options ranging from repurposing to demolition or sale. Community engagement remains a priority, with meetings held to gather feedback and ensure transparency.
As Aldine ISD continues its optimization project, families are urged to monitor official communications for updates on school closures and rezoning plans. The district’s commitment is to adapt to changing demographics and funding realities, striving to build a stronger foundation for the future of its schools and community.
“This is not a one-time effort but an ongoing process that evolves with the needs of our community, students, and families,” according to the district. “Over the next several years, the district will continue to assess enrollment trends, facility usage, and program effectiveness to make data-driven decisions that prioritize student success.”
The district said they are committed to choice for students.
” In addition to their closest zoned campus, some Choice School options may be of interest to families. Please visit AldineISD.org to find out more about our district’s various unique academic programs, campus and the enrollment process,” the website reads.
Aldine ISD is not alone in school closures. Houston ISD, the state’s largest school district and neighbor to Aldine, is looking at a dozen or so closures this year alone.
For the 2026-2027 school year, HISD is closing 12 schools, including Alcott, Briscoe, Burrus, Cage, Franklin, Hobby, N.Q. Henderson, Port Houston, and Ross elementary schools, plus Fleming and McReynolds middle schools and Middle College High School.
Their reasoning for closure was also declining attendance, and some will be shuttered because of the condition of the buildings.
Spring ISD will close Link Elementary School and Dueitt Middle School beginning in the 2026-2027 school year as approved by the Board of Trustees in December 2025 to address declining enrollment and budget deficits. Affected students will be rezoned to other district campuses, with the closures saving over $4 million annually.
The district is facing a $13 million budget shortfall and buildings operating at only 60 percent of capacity.
Several area charter schools have announced their closures by the end of this year. Students are attending their final semesters at Houston’s Bloom Academy, Yellowstone College Preparatory, Two Dimensions Preparatory and Legacy School of Sport Sciences.
The Texas Education Agency confirmed that three additional charter schools throughout the state are due to close this year as well.
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