Parents File Complaint Against UISD Over Proposed School Closures

Concerns raised over transparency, student services, and impact of consolidating Amparo Gutierrez Elementary and Matias de Llano Elementary.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 1:24pm

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a single, iconic school backpack repeated in a tight grid pattern, conceptually representing the community's fight to preserve their children's educational experience.The vibrant colors and repeated patterns of a beloved school supply item symbolize the energy and community spirit that parents hope will be maintained despite the proposed school closures.Laredo Today

A group of parents whose children attend Amparo Gutierrez Elementary have filed a formal complaint against the United Independent School District (UISD) as it prepares to vote on the closure of their school and Matias de Llano Elementary. The complaint outlines concerns over how the consolidation could impact students, particularly those with special needs, as well as broader issues around transparency and governance in the decision-making process.

Why it matters

The proposed school closures have sparked significant backlash from parents who are worried about the disruption to their children's education and support services. The complaint highlights the challenges districts face in balancing budget constraints with the need to maintain high-quality education and accommodate the diverse needs of their student population.

The details

The complaint was submitted by a group of parents whose children attend Amparo Gutierrez Elementary. They raised concerns about how the closure could affect students, including a second-grade student who is nonverbal, has a speech delay, and relies on a specialized classroom environment. Parents also said the changes could cause some students to lose approved transfers tied to a parent's workplace, limiting family involvement. Broader concerns were raised about transparency and governance in the decision-making process, with parents saying they have unanswered questions and feel the outcome was predetermined without fully understanding the impact on families.

  • On February 11, 2025, UISD held a workshop to discuss the proposal to close and consolidate the two elementary schools.
  • The UISD board is scheduled to vote on the closure recommendation at a meeting on Monday, March 30, 2026.
  • If approved, UISD plans to hold a follow-up meeting on April 16, 2026 to provide additional information on attendance boundaries, transition plans, and support for students and families.

The players

Stephanie Villarreal

A parent whose son attends Amparo Gutierrez Elementary and who joined other parents in submitting the joint grievance against UISD.

Erika Chavez

A parent who wrote that the school closure forces a change of placement without convening an ARD meeting or obtaining parental input.

Jazmin Casso

A parent who raised concerns that the decision could disproportionately affect students with learning disabilities, potentially violating federal law.

Javier Montemayor Jr.

A District 5 Trustee who discussed UISD's proposal to close and consolidate schools at a UISD workshop on February 11, 2025.

Gerardo Cruz

The UISD Superintendent who stated in a letter that the district must make thoughtful, long-range decisions to responsibly manage resources and continue serving students.

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What they’re saying

“Many of us are left with unanswered questions and a sense that this outcome was determined without fully understanding the human cost. Families deserve transparency and concrete answers before a permanent decision is made.”

— Stephanie Villarreal, Parent

“The school closure forces a change of placement without convening an ARD meeting or obtaining parental input.”

— Erika Chavez, Parent

“Overcrowding or understaffing at receiving campuses may delay evaluations and critical support services, violating federal law. Until the district provides a detailed, legally compliant transition plan showing how protections will be maintained, I request that the closure be delayed or reconsidered.”

— Jazmin Casso, Parent

What’s next

The UISD board is scheduled to vote on the closure recommendation at a meeting on Monday, March 30, 2026. If approved, the district plans to hold a follow-up meeting on April 16, 2026 to provide additional information regarding attendance boundaries, transition plans, and support for students and families.

The takeaway

The complaint filed by parents highlights the complex challenges school districts face when considering school closures, particularly the need to balance budgetary constraints with the educational and emotional needs of students, especially those with special requirements. The case underscores the importance of transparency, community engagement, and comprehensive transition planning when making such impactful decisions.