By RAY QUIROGA
publisher@sbnewspaper.com
An embattled San Benito CISD elementary school has avoided permanent closure, at least for now.
Rangerville Elementary, believed to have opened over 100 years ago and to have existed before joining the San Benito School District, has a long history of serving students in the rural area along Texas Highway 281 and in Rangerville, bordering Harlingen.
In recent weeks, district administrators met with campus staff to discuss what appeared to be the campus’s inevitable closure due to declining student numbers in recent years; after reporting a student population of over 200 last year, the school’s enrollment dropped to 160 this school year.
Several local public school districts have reported declining enrollment due to various factors, including an immigration crackdown, the growing popularity of charter and private schools, Texas School Choice, and shifting demographics.
San Benito CISD also reported a decline in tax revenue of more than $6 million this year, prompting district officials to make difficult decisions.
As part of the closing process, district officials held a town hall last Wednesday evening.
Expected to attract a modest group of stakeholders, the meeting drew a packed audience and lasted nearly three hours.
Taxpayers, alumni, current students, parents, and both past and current teachers shared their opinions with trustees and administrators who attended the town hall. (See the March 6, 2026, edition of the San Benito News for complete details.)
Less than 24 hours later, district officials issued a statement, signed by SBCISD Superintendent of Schools Alfredo Perez, addressed to parents and families at Rangerville Elementary, confirming that the administration does not recommend permanently closing the school.
“Thank you to the many parents, staff members, and community members who attended the recent town hall meeting regarding Rangerville Elementary,” the announcement read. “We truly appreciate the time you took to share your thoughts, concerns, and support for the school and its students.”
The letter continued, “After carefully reviewing the feedback and the information discussed, the administration will not recommend closing Rangerville Elementary. The voices of our families, staff, and community were an important part of this process, and we appreciate the input shared.”
“Rangerville Elementary has a strong and supportive community, and we remain committed to working together to provide the best possible educational experience for our students. It is because of this strong community that we are hopeful that, together, we can find a solution to our enrollment challenges,” the statement continued. “Thank you for your continued support of our school, our staff, and most importantly, our students.”
Board Trustee Frutoso Gomez, who was raised on the outskirts of San Benito and attended La Paloma Elementary, delivered an impassioned speech at the Town Hall urging that the campus stay open.
He told the NEWS that the district is considering making the campus a magnet school focused on agriculture and farming, adding that closure should be the last resort and not the first.
On Thursday, SBCISD Director of Public Relations Luis D. Gonzales, Jr. corresponded with the NEWS via email, stating, “The San Benito CISD administration will not recommend the closure of Rangerville Elementary. The administration will develop our retention and recruitment strategy in collaboration with stakeholders, including students, staff, parents, and community members. This strategy will incorporate their ideas and recommendations for ongoing marketing efforts for the Rangerville area and throughout the entire San Benito CISD.”
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