San Antonio, September 12, 2025
News Summary
The San Antonio Independent School District (SAISD) is inviting proposals to lease several of its closed school buildings. This initiative comes as a response to declining enrollment in recent years. Currently, five properties are available for community-driven projects, with a bidding deadline set for October 17. Community feedback has emphasized preferences for fine arts programs and green spaces, highlighting the district’s commitment to revitalizing these facilities while addressing local needs. SAISD aims to evaluate various proposals that align with community interests.
San Antonio – The San Antonio Independent School District (SAISD) is actively seeking proposals to lease several of its closed school buildings, a move prompted by declining enrollment in recent years. Currently, five vacant properties are open for bids, providing an opportunity for various community-driven projects. The deadline for submitting questions regarding the buildings and the bidding process is September 25, 2023, while the official bidding period will continue until October 17, 2023.
SAISD has stated that any proposal meeting its specifications and satisfying district interests could be selected; however, the district has no obligation to accept any bids. Interested parties must submit detailed bid information, including an executive summary, a project timeline, financial statements, and evidence of community alignment.
Community Preferences and Responses
A recent community survey collected input from 9,360 respondents, providing insight into the preferred future uses of the closed school facilities. Among those who participated, 54% were students, while the remainder represented employees and parents. The survey revealed a strong emphasis on the inclusion of fine arts programs, which was highlighted as the top choice by nearly 1,800 participants. Other favored suggestions included the creation of green spaces and early childhood education programs, ranking second and third, respectively.
Additionally, some community members suggested alternative uses for the buildings, such as converting them into homeless shelters or selling them off. Responding to these diverse needs, SAISD’s Director of Strategic Initiatives mentioned that the district has secured a partner to facilitate the repurposing of these facilities and plans to use bond money to finance the revitalization efforts.
Engagement and Public Involvement
To further involve the community in this process, SAISD has scheduled virtual meetings that will discuss the survey findings and gather additional feedback. Alongside their preferences for educational and recreational uses, survey respondents also expressed their desires for open-ended features such as food banks, community centers, swimming pools, and assistance in selling unused buildings to strengthen district operations.
Addressing Urgent Needs
Ernest Gonzales highlighted the necessity for prompt action regarding the closed buildings. He noted that without immediate revitalization efforts, these facilities could remain vacant, potentially impacting the surrounding neighborhoods negatively. By involving the community and exploring diverse proposals, the SAISD aims to breathe new life into these institutions while addressing local needs effectively.
The feasibility of various proposals will be assessed based on the specifications provided by the district, ensuring a thoughtful approach to repurposing these valuable assets. As the bidding deadline approaches, the district is placing emphasis on community-centric solutions to support its educational mission and community welfare.
FAQ
What is SAISD currently doing with closed school buildings?
SAISD is soliciting proposals to lease several closed school buildings due to declining enrollment.
When is the deadline for submitting bids?
The deadline for submitting bids is October 17, 2023. Questions about the bidding process must be submitted by September 25, 2023.
What kinds of community input were received regarding the use of the closed facilities?
A survey with 9,360 responses indicated a strong preference for fine arts programs, green spaces, and early childhood education, among other suggestions.
How is SAISD financing the repurposing efforts?
SAISD plans to utilize bond money to support the repurposing of the closed school facilities.
What are some other uses suggested by the community for these buildings?
Some suggestions include converting the buildings into homeless shelters, establishing food banks, and creating community centers.
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Closed School Buildings | Five properties available for lease due to declining enrollment |
| Proposal Deadline | Official bidding until October 17, 2023; questions due by September 25 |
| Community Engagement | Survey with 9,360 responses indicating top preferences: fine arts, green spaces, early childhood education |
| Financing | Utilization of bond money for repurposing efforts |
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Additional Resources
- Spectrum News: SAISD Soliciting Bids for Closed Schools
- Wikipedia: San Antonio Independent School District
- Express News: Proposals to Reuse SAISD Closed Schools
- Google Search: San Antonio Independent School District
- News 4 San Antonio: SAISD Seeks Community Input
- Google Scholar: San Antonio Independent School District
- KENS 5: SAISD Survey on Repurposing Schools
- Encyclopedia Britannica: San Antonio Independent School District
- News 4 San Antonio: UTSA Students Present Projects to SAISD
- Google News: SAISD Community Input
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