Spring ISD to Close Link Elementary and Dueitt Middle School in 2026
In a decision that’s been months in the making — and one that hasn’t come lightly — Spring Independent School District will close two of its campuses, Link Elementary and Dueitt Middle School, at the end of the current school year. The closures, which will take effect in 2026–27, are part of a larger district-wide optimization plan aimed at addressing declining enrollment, financial challenges, and underused school buildings.
The vote came during the Spring ISD Board of Trustees’ regular December meeting, following extensive review, community input, and ongoing discussions about how to best serve the district’s 32,500 students moving forward.
“Closing Link and Dueitt is truly a heartbreaking decision,” said Board President Justine Durant. “With campuses operating at nearly 60% capacity and reductions in federal funding, we are facing realities that require hard choices. We will not be fiscally responsible if we do not address these challenges now, even when the decisions are difficult.”
Why These Schools?
Both Link and Dueitt have seen a steady decline in enrollment, with each running far below capacity. This means large portions of the campuses are sitting unused — all while the district manages a $13 million budget shortfall. With fewer federal dollars coming in and operational costs continuing to rise, district leaders said it became necessary to take action.
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“This was an extremely difficult decision as part of our District Optimization Plan,” said Superintendent Dr. Kregg Cuellar. “We understand how deeply this affects our students, families, and staff, and we do not take it lightly. As we move through this transition, our priority is to care for and support one another — especially our students — while maintaining a positive, compassionate culture and staying accountable to our families every step of the way.”
What Happens Next?
Starting in the 2026–27 school year, students at Link Elementary will be rezoned to Lewis Elementary or Beneke Elementary. Dueitt Middle School students will transition to Bailey Middle School or a redesigned Bammel Middle School. In addition, some students currently zoned to Bailey and Bammel will be rezoned to Wells and Twin Creeks to help balance enrollment across campuses.
The district says it will provide updates, transition support, and resources for families throughout the remainder of the school year to help make the change as smooth as possible.
Looking Ahead
Board members emphasized that the decision was not made lightly and is part of a broader effort to ensure every student in Spring ISD has access to high-quality academic programs, strong campus cultures, and updated facilities — even if that means fewer campuses overall.
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“We know this decision was incredibly difficult,” said Trustee Winford Adams, Jr. “But ultimately, our responsibility is to do what is best for all 32,500 Spring ISD students. Every step of this process has been guided by a commitment to protect the academic experience, opportunities, and long-term success of every child we serve.”
Though the closures bring understandable sadness, district leaders say the long-term goal is to strengthen Spring ISD for generations to come.
For more information on the district’s transition plan and rezoning updates, families are encouraged to visit springisd.org.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
