As part of ongoing efforts to mitigate declining student enrollment and make efficient use of district facilities, Rasco Middle School will close at the end of this school year. Beginning in the 2026–2027 school year, student grade levels will be realigned across Lake Jackson elementary campuses and Lake Jackson Intermediate School:
- Students currently in 4th grade will remain at their elementary campus next school year as 5th graders
- Incoming 6th graders from Rasco will begin the 2026-2027 school year at Lake Jackson Intermediate School, which will serve 6th–8th grade students -a common intermediate or junior high school configuration
- Pre-K students at Brannen Elementary (approximately 50) will transition to Beutel Elementary School in the new school year. Brannen Elementary will serve Kindergarten through 5th grade students
- Beutel and Roberts elementary schools will serve PreKindergarten through 5th grade students
All campuses involved have ample capacity to accommodate the additional students. Several important factors will remain unchanged for families and staff:
- No current student transfers will be revoked due to the closure
- Attendance boundaries will not change
- No staff members will lose their jobs as a result of the closure
- Class sizes and staffing ratios will remain consistent
To support a smooth transition, Rasco Principal Keith Fuller will serve as the next principal of Lake Jackson Intermediate School, providing continuity and familiarity for students and families. Fuller was named the 2025 Brazosport ISD Secondary Principal of the Year and previously served as an associate principal at Angleton High School.
“We are committed to making thoughtful decisions that support both our students and our community,” said Superintendent Danny Massey. “While closing a campus is never easy, this transition allows us to better align our resources and maintain strong learning environments across our schools.”
Additional information and updates will be shared with families throughout the transition process.
Understanding Enrollment Declines and School Funding
Brazosport ISD and all public schools in the state are funded based on student enrollment and average daily attendance. When student enrollment decreases, funding decreases. It is not financially feasible to keep schools open when there is ample space to consolidate campuses.
- Brazosport ISD’s student enrollment has declined from 12,441 students to 10,872 students over the last 10 years, which is more than $10 million dollars in less funding received. Lake Jackson campuses have declined 11.9%.
- Freeport campuses student enrollment has declined 31.4% over the last 10 years.
- Currently, Brazosport ISD is 268 students below in enrollment from this time last year, which equates to more than $2 million dollars in less funding for next school year.
- Rasco Middle School has declined in student enrollment by 201 students since 2019. Lake Jackson Intermediate School has declined by 165 students since 2021. That is a total decline of 366 students between the two schools, which is approximately more than $3 million dollars in less funding received.
Why is Brazosport ISD student enrollment declining:
- Lack of local housing developments
- More, newer, better priced housing available on the Highway 288 corridor
- Home Schooling is more accessible
- Declining Birthrates: young adults are waiting longer to get married and have children
- Hurricane Beryl destroyed housing and trailers that did not get replaced
- Global Pandemic
- Depressed economy within the Petrochemical Industry
- Immigration Enforcement
For more information about district funding and enrollment trends, visit the resources below:
Families with questions are encouraged to submit a Just Ask!