Jones Creek, December 16, 2025
The Brazosport Independent School District has announced the immediate closure of Stephen F. Austin Elementary School in Jones Creek. This decision follows ongoing delays in the construction of its new campus, which was initially slated for completion in 2022. The school has a significant history within the community, and plans for relocation and support are in motion to assist affected students and families during this transition.
Jones Creek, Texas: A School Closure and Community Impact
Brazosport Independent School District (ISD) trustees have unanimously voted to close Stephen F. Austin Elementary School in Jones Creek, effective immediately. This decision follows a series of relocations and construction plans aimed at enhancing educational facilities within the district.
Recent Developments
In 2019, Brazosport ISD secured voter approval for a $267 million bond referendum, which included plans to construct a new state-of-the-art Stephen F. Austin Elementary campus. The existing campus was scheduled for demolition to make way for the new building, with construction slated to begin in June 2021 and complete by July 2022. During this period, students and staff were temporarily relocated to O.A. Fleming Elementary in Freeport for the 2021–22 school year. The relocation was intended to be temporary, with students expected to return to the new Stephen F. Austin campus in August 2022. However, the new campus was not completed on schedule, leading to further delays. As of December 2025, the new campus remains unfinished, prompting the district to close the existing Stephen F. Austin Elementary School and seek alternative educational arrangements for the students.
Background Context
Stephen F. Austin Elementary School has a longstanding history in the Jones Creek community. The decision to close the school is part of a broader effort by Brazosport ISD to modernize and improve educational facilities district-wide. The district has faced challenges in meeting construction timelines and ensuring that all students have access to quality education in safe and modern environments. The closure of Stephen F. Austin Elementary School is a significant step in the district’s ongoing efforts to address these challenges and provide better educational opportunities for all students.
Impact on the Community
The closure of Stephen F. Austin Elementary School is expected to have a considerable impact on the Jones Creek community. Parents and students will need to adjust to new school assignments, and the district is committed to providing support during this transition. The community has expressed concerns about the closure, particularly regarding the adequacy of alternative educational facilities and the potential disruption to students’ learning experiences. Brazosport ISD has stated that it will work closely with affected families to ensure a smooth transition and address any concerns that arise.
Looking Ahead
Brazosport ISD continues to prioritize the construction of the new Stephen F. Austin Elementary campus, with the goal of providing a modern and safe learning environment for students. The district is also exploring other initiatives to improve educational facilities and address the needs of the community. While the closure of the existing campus is a challenging decision, it is part of a larger strategy to enhance the quality of education within the district and ensure that all students have access to the best possible learning environments.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why was Stephen F. Austin Elementary School closed?
The school was closed due to delays in the construction of the new campus, which was part of a 2019 bond referendum approved by voters. The existing campus was scheduled for demolition to make way for the new building, but construction has not been completed as planned, leading to the closure of the current school.
What will happen to the students from Stephen F. Austin Elementary?
The district is working to provide alternative educational arrangements for the students affected by the closure. Parents and students will be informed about new school assignments and support services available during this transition.
When is the new Stephen F. Austin Elementary campus expected to open?
As of December 2025, the new campus has not been completed. The district is prioritizing the construction and aims to provide a modern and safe learning environment for students as soon as possible.
How is the community reacting to the closure?
The community has expressed concerns about the closure, particularly regarding the adequacy of alternative educational facilities and the potential disruption to students’ learning experiences. The district is committed to addressing these concerns and working closely with affected families to ensure a smooth transition.
What is Brazosport ISD doing to improve educational facilities?
The district is actively working on the construction of the new Stephen F. Austin Elementary campus and exploring other initiatives to modernize and improve educational facilities district-wide. The goal is to provide all students with access to quality education in safe and modern environments.
Key Features of the Closure
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Decision | Unanimous vote by Brazosport ISD trustees to close Stephen F. Austin Elementary School in Jones Creek. |
| Reason | Delays in the construction of the new campus, which was part of a 2019 bond referendum approved by voters. |
| Impact | Students will need to adjust to new school assignments; the district is providing support during this transition. |
| Community Response | Concerns about the adequacy of alternative educational facilities and potential disruption to students’ learning experiences. |
| District’s Plan | Prioritize the construction of the new campus and explore other initiatives to improve educational facilities district-wide. |
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