Judson ISD Closes Middle School; Three More UC Elementaries at Risk

Universal City leaders lobby the school board as a pattern of campus closures raises fears about property values and community appeal.

At the Universal City City Council meeting on Feb. 17, Universal City’s mayor said Judson Independent School District voted the night before to close Judson Middle School, starting with the 2026–27 school year.

The mayor also said Judson ISD is considering closing additional campuses, and that district discussions involved closing three of eight elementary schools under review. He noted Olympia Elementary has moved on and off the closure list and said he would not be satisfied until the district makes a final call.

“We'll have a long memory if they close-up our schools,” the mayor said.

UC Officials Showed Up

The mayor, Mayor Pro Tem Fitzpatrick, City Manager Turner and Council Member Putt all attended a recent Judson board meeting to argue against further closures. The mayor told council members the city made its position clear to the district.

He also made a point of what the board said about its most recent closure. When Coronado Elementary was closed, Judson board members acknowledged there was no financial benefit.

“and they even admitted at the meeting night before last, there was no impact in that closing as far as as far as your budget goes. Their words, not mine,” the mayor said.

'They Waited Too Long'

Fitzpatrick criticized the situation and urged earlier action.

“I feel bad for the school board, but they're also are in this position because they took too long to take action,” Fitzpatrick said. “And so, well, I feel bad that they have to take some action. They're there because they didn't take action two years ago when they should have started, and it might have been less challenging to do than the situation they're in.”

Fitzpatrick also told residents to stay engaged.

“if Olympia does end up back on the list, emails do make a difference. Showing up and having comments do make a difference,” Fitzpatrick said.

What's at Stake

City officials noted that not every Universal City family is directly impacted by Judson ISD’s closure decisions, but said they believe the community could still feel broader effects.

“we are not gonna be a desirable place to have people buy their homes. Our property values could go down. It could have a substantial impact on our community,” the mayor said.

Fitzpatrick said: “UC has had three schools closed. That's impactful for our community.”

What Comes Next

Judson ISD has not finalized its elementary closure list. Olympia Elementary remains in limbo, and UC officials say that uncertainty is exactly the problem.

The mayor asked residents to keep sending emails to the Judson school board and urged them to show up and speak at future meetings.

Judson Middle School — located on the gray campus near Converse — will be deactivated at the end of the current school year. Students will be reassigned when the 2026-27 year begins.

The Universal City Council met Feb. 17, 2026. Video of the meeting is available at universalcitytx.new.swagit.com.