(May 15, 2008)

ROBSTOWN--A cost-cutting move by the Robstown School Board to save money has upset some parents at Salazar Elementary School.

We found out about this story after some parents called the station to complain. So we did some digging and learned this school board decision has upset both parents and teachers.

Most parents at Salazar Elementary School haven't even heard the news. School leaders decided at a meeting on Tuesday night to move second graders from Salazar to Martin Elementary School starting next school year.

"I don't know if it's going to be hard over there because it's crowded over there and here too," said Melva Trevino, a parent whose child attends Salazar Elementary School. 

Parents tell us teachers are upset over this decision. Many complained to them about having to move from Salazar Elementary School.

"If they're already place here, why move them?," said Trevino. "Leave them where they are."

"To me, they have to take enough time already as it is to teach the kids and get them prepared for TAKS for next year, it's just going to be more overwhelming on the teachers I think," said Maria Torres, another parent from Salazar Elementary School.

The school principal told us to leave the campus without saying why this decision was made. The superintendent was away from his office and not available for comment.

The board president says this is being done as a budget cutting measure.

Rosendo Espinoza said "some rooms are available at Martin Elementary while the second grade wing needs repairs at Salazar Elementary."

Even with that excuse, parents are still concerned about their children.

"The classes may be overcrowded and they probably won't be able to learn as much as they need to learn being that the class is so packed in there," added Torres.

The district plans to send a letter home to parents to explain their decision. They just hope parents will understand and go along with the plan.

--Manuel De La Rosa, Area 3 News, mdelarosa@kiiitv.com