Dear Four Points Neighbors,

When I first heard that LISD might close a school in Steiner Ranch, the rumor was that it would be my son’s future school, and my heart sank. The dream of walking my kids to school each day vanished before it could even begin. When the District later identified Steiner Ranch Elementary (SRE) as the campus on the chopping block, I felt some relief that it wasn’t ours. But that relief was fleeting, because the families at SRE share the same hopes and dreams we all do: raising children in a neighborhood where schools are the heart of the community.

That piece of the community is now at risk. And make no mistake: if SRE closes, every single family in Steiner Ranch will feel the impact.

Parents of toddlers and preschoolers, this especially means you! Your children will be the future ones squeezed into overcrowded classrooms, shuffled into portables, and used as the “test case” for the District’s lack of foresight. Hoping someone else will fight this fight is tempting, because life is busy but no one will advocate for your child more fiercely than you. If we just shrug our shoulders now, we will look back wondering why we let our kids pay the price for our silence. 

The costs go beyond classrooms though- closing SRE threatens the very character and value of our amazing neighborhood. Research is clear: shuttered schools lead to weaker community bonds, declining property values, and less appeal to future families. Ask yourself: would you choose to move into a neighborhood where the elementary school sits boarded up? Would you pay the same premium for a home here?

We can prevent this, but only if we stand together. The LISD Board has not yet made a final decision. That means our voices still matter, but only if they are heard.

So I am asking ALL of Steiner Ranch: do not sit this one out. Attend the Board meetings. Speak up to your neighbors. Write to LISD leadership. Show up for SRE families the way you would want them to show up for you in return. It is not just their fight but should be shared by all Steiner Ranch Residents. 

The time to act is now. Let’s save Steiner Ranch Elementary. Let’s save our community because united together, we can make a difference! 

-Aimee Thompson 

Steiner Ranch Resident 

This guest editorial represents the personal views of the author and is published for informational and discussion purposes only. The opinions expressed herein do not reflect the official policy or standpoint of Four Points News. The newspaper assumes no responsibility for any consequences arising from the use of or reliance on the views expressed.