Spring ISD is advancing into Phase 2 of its District Optimization Plan, launching a new round of community input meetings aimed at enhancing program equity, improving campus utilization, and ensuring long-term sustainability across the district.

The optimization plan, developed through extensive analysis and community engagement since 2023, is focused on aligning resources with student needs while ensuring long-term sustainability. Over the past two years, the district has implemented major budget-saving initiatives, adjusted staffing structures, restructured schedules to increase student opportunities, and launched a comprehensive enrollment and capacity review. These efforts have already resulted in more than $22 million in budget savings, the consolidation of underutilized programs and positions, and the foundation for upcoming school boundary and facility recommendations. Phase 1 of the plan laid the groundwork for future changes that will support high-quality learning environments and equitable access across Spring ISD.

Phase 2 is now underway and includes a deeper review of program accessibility, building utilization rates and student enrollment patterns. In late June and early July, the district began hosting the next round of  in-person and virtual community meetings at schools including Carl Wunsche Sr. High School, Dueitt, Twin Creeks, and Bailey middle schools to gather input from families and staff.

Spring ISD Board of Trustee Vice President Natasha McDaniel expressed words of affirmation and encouragement as changes began to take place.

“We’ve gotten a lot of critical feedback,” said McDaniel during the June 30 special session. “We encourage the community to stay engaged and come to our building bridges with the board sessions that we host at the [Family and Community Engagement] building as well. Our goal is to work together to improve our district.” 

Among the considerations being reviewed:

• Consolidation of certain underutilized campuses
• Increased access to high-demand choice programs and CTE Pathways
• Transportation and facility efficiency improvements
• Program equity and feeder pattern alignment
• Ensuring return on investment of curriculum and instructional programs

The district emphasized that final decisions have not been made and that stakeholder feedback will shape future recommendations brought before the Spring ISD Board of Trustees.

Leaders also reiterated the district’s commitment to making decisions that are in the best interest of students. As part of this approach, Spring ISD is evaluating ways to strengthen feeder patterns, preserve valued programs, and ensure that every student—regardless of campus—has access to high-quality educational experiences.

During the meeting at Wunsche on Tuesday, attendees engaged in meaningful dialogue with district leaders, asking questions and sharing perspectives on how proposed updates might impact their students. The session emphasized Spring ISD’s intent to protect student experiences while expanding access and enhancing program quality across the board.

The updated model also supports the district’s broader efforts to ensure program equity by providing high-demand offerings in facilities that are fully utilized, modern, and tailored to career pathways.

Community members and district staff addressed various concerns directly – one clarifying that any potential changes to Wunsche would maintain its current daily structure, course offerings, school choice application process, and campus culture. The accountability reporting would shift back to their feeder pattern campus, but students would continue to attend classes on-site and graduate together.

Meeting attendees also provided valuable input through live polling and open discussion. When asked about the proposed updated feeder pattern, 32% of participants responded “yes,” and 38% said “somewhat”—indicating majority interest in better academic continuity. Another poll showed that more than half of attendees felt “very comfortable” or “somewhat comfortable” with school consolidation, understanding that each closure could save $1–1.5 million annually to be reinvested into student support.

Many participants expressed support for aligning feeder patterns and expanding program access, especially if those changes reduce student travel time or create more cohesive academic pathways. Others noted that addressing aging facilities and right-sizing the district is a proactive way to protect future funding and program quality.

“We want schools that draw communities together with natural dividing lines,” said Matthew Pariseau, Spring ISD Chief of Innovation & Student Success, during the June 24 board meeting. “Our efforts are centered on enhancing safety and maintaining strong, connected communities. Significant work has gone into ensuring that these changes reflect our district’s full diversity—both ethnically and economically—while advancing our commitment to equity for all students.”

Pariseau also echoed some positive words about the future of the district through these changes.

This work is making us stronger,” Pariseau said. “By restoring belief in Spring and investing in our community, I truly believe we’ll see great things return to us—especially as we expand opportunities for students and families.”

Spring ISD encourages all families, staff, and community members to participate in the upcoming sessions and share their perspectives. A full list of meeting dates and materials is available on the district’s website at https://www.springisd.org/page/district-optimization.

For more information, contact the Spring ISD Innovation & Student Success Department at mparisea@springisd.org.