Gadsden Independent School District staff and board members spent a major portion of the meeting discussing a proposed consolidation of Berino Elementary as part of a districtwide financial outlook.

Superintendent Dempsey told the board the consolidation is under study; the district has held staff and community meetings and posted a survey on its website. He said the district is working with ARC, a vendor that produces attendance‑zone options, and that transportation implications will be reviewed with the district’s bus provider.

Residents from Berino repeatedly urged the board to ensure multiple community meeting opportunities and Spanish translation. "I don't want them on the bus," said Berino grandparent Patsy Padilla, describing concerns about long bus rides and who would respond if a child became ill while away from the community. Padilla also said grandparents often provide daily transportation and are worried about longer, less familiar routes.

Another resident, Margie Bridal, provided housing‑development figures for nearby Perino and Berino subdivisions and urged the board to consider projected growth before deciding on any closure. Bridal said developers expect more phases of housing to begin selling in late 2025 and that new families could add students in coming years.

Board members asked staff to provide historical boundary dates, the district’s in‑district and out‑of‑district transfer counts, and facility ages; the superintendent said ARC will model rezoning options and that the district will present attendance‑zone maps and transfer data at public meetings. Board members also requested the district advertise clearly that meetings will offer Spanish translation and consider hosting a meeting at the district’s GAC facility so online connection and interpretation can be provided.

Next steps: the district scheduled two parent meetings for Sept. 29 (morning and afternoon) at Berino Elementary and will return to the board with rezoning scenarios, transfer counts and facility‑age details.