Families in the Judson Independent School District (ISD) are voicing their concerns as the district faces a potential cut to the Spanish Immersion Program at Wortham Oaks Elementary School. Three families, each with children enrolled in the program, are preparing for significant life changes if the cuts proceed.
Courtney Walker, Sheri Thomas, and Paul Garza expressed their disappointment regarding the program’s uncertain future. “One of the main reasons that we love Wortham Oaks is the Spanish Immersion Program, and the fact that they’re considering taking that away is just disheartening,” Walker stated. This sentiment reflects a broader anxiety among families connected to the program amid the district’s ongoing budget crisis.
Judson ISD has struggled with a multi-million-dollar budget shortfall for several years. According to Trustee Suzanne Kenoyer, the situation is dire. In a statement made on December 13, 2024, she indicated that the district might not have a first-grade class next year, leading to the eventual phase-out of the program as students progress through the grades. “Once they finished fifth grade, then the program would be gone completely,” she noted.
On December 12, 2025, a spokesperson for Judson ISD confirmed to KSAT that the district is contemplating cuts to several programs, including the dual language initiative and gifted and talented services. The spokesperson emphasized that no final decisions had been made and mentioned that a board meeting scheduled for December 18 would allow public comments.
The families are determined to make their voices heard at this upcoming meeting. “We know several others who plan to attend, too,” said Garza, highlighting the importance of the program to their families. He shared that both he and his wife come from Spanish-speaking backgrounds, making the program essential for their children.
Thomas explained that her family’s decision to move to their current neighborhood was largely influenced by the availability of the Spanish Immersion Program. “We made a decision about whether or not to buy this house because it’s Judson ISD, but Wortham Oaks was a good school, and it has a Spanish Immersion Program,” she said.
The potential loss of the program has prompted these families to consider relocating if it is cut. Thomas remarked, “100% we will not be at Wortham Oaks if they drop the [Spanish] Immersion Program.” She expressed deep concern about the district’s financial management, stating, “For us, we are not going to stay in a D-rated district who’s $30 million in debt.”
Despite the challenges, the families are willing to explore alternative options to preserve the program. All three indicated they would consider paying tuition if necessary to maintain the Spanish Immersion Program, even though that option is not currently available. Garza stated, “I would have no problems paying, within reason, an amount of money to keep them in that program because it’s definitely worth it.”
Thomas noted that similar tuition options had been introduced for pre-K 4, where parents paid $5,000 per year. “People are still willing to do that, and I feel like that would be the same for Spanish Immersion,” she said. Walker added, “If we’re willing to pay tuition, if other parents are too, or even willing to fundraise more to have this program, just give it a chance.”
As the district contemplates significant changes, the futures of many families hang in the balance, underscoring the profound impact of educational programs on community stability and family decisions. The upcoming board meeting on December 18 will serve as a critical platform for families to express their support for the Spanish Immersion Program and seek clarity on the district’s financial future.
