School Boundary Changes Spark Controversy Among Parents

In a recent Northside Independent School District (NISD) board meeting, significant discussions centered around proposed boundary changes aimed at alleviating overcrowding at Bernal Middle School. The School Boundary Advisory Committee (SBAC) presented two recommendations: moving approximately 254 students to Briscoe Middle School and 209 students to Luna Middle School, both effective August 2025.

The committee's chair, Laurie Whitmire, outlined the extensive process leading to these proposals, which included multiple public hearings and outreach efforts to inform affected families. Despite these efforts, feedback from the community revealed substantial opposition. For the Briscoe proposal, out of 15 responses from families, 13 were against the change, with concerns primarily focused on educational continuity, transportation issues, and the perceived lower performance ratings of Briscoe compared to Bernal.

Similarly, the Luna proposal faced resistance, with 56 out of 59 responses opposing the change. Parents expressed worries about the quality of education at Luna, the impact on home values, and the challenges of transitioning students, particularly those with special needs. The SBAC acknowledged these concerns but emphasized the necessity of the boundary changes to address overcrowding at Bernal.

Trustees discussed the grandfathering option, which allows current students to remain at Bernal without transportation, a provision that some parents were unaware of. The board is expected to vote on the proposals in the coming weeks, with the SBAC urging timely communication to families regarding the outcomes and next steps.

The meeting concluded with public comments from residents, many of whom reiterated their opposition to the boundary changes, citing concerns about stability for military families and the potential negative impact on property values. The board's decision will be closely watched by the community as it navigates the complexities of school zoning and student welfare.