London ISD keeps growing. Here's how the city of Corpus Christi is responding.
The rapidly expanding London school campus will likely soon be officially part of Corpus Christi.
The roughly 82-acre campus is home to three school tiers that comprise London Independent School District’s campus – its elementary, junior high and high school buildings – as well as its athletic fields and facilities, according to officials.
The annexation was requested by the district. It is intended to accommodate ongoing and future growth.
The predicted estimates of student population growth are exceeding earlier projections, with increases of about 10% to 12% per year, London ISD Superintendent Judi Whitis told the Corpus Christi City Council earlier this week.
Five years ago, there were less than 1,100 students, Whitis said – school officials now predict that number will reach about 1,900 by July. A series of projects are in the works or planned to expand the district’s capacity.
“We’re not slowing down,” Whitis said.
Located off Weber Road and London Pirate Road, the district’s campus is currently connected to the city’s public water service, but the annexation would provide wastewater service, city records show.
Building additions and an expansion to the athletic field, “there’s really a greater need now for them to tie in to the public wastewater,” said Dan McGinn, director of planning and community development, on Tuesday.
City Councilman Gil Hernandez had recommended annexation several years ago, he said, partially based on ensuring Corpus Christi police and fire protection for the campus.
Situated outside city limits means “they’re not technically covered by our fire department and there would be some delay if there (were) any issues going on out there,” Hernandez said.
“I would hate for to have anything happen and us not show up as a police force,” he said.
The district’s use of septic tanks was also a factor, Hernandez added.
“I know they’re a growing school,” he said. “They take up a lot of land for their septic tanks, so they’ll be able to utilize that land going forward – not to mention it’s probably better for the environment, considering their proximity to Oso Creek.”
It’s believed that the city’s services would not be strained or require additional funding for items like code enforcement, parks and recreation, animal control or solid waste, according to a presentation made before the council.
Additional service expense for police is expected to be marginal, the documents state, since the district has its own security resources. For fire, city officials consider it “case-by case” since expenses fluctuate dependent on variables such as the number of staff responding.
City Councilman Jim Klein voiced reservations about the proposed annexation.
“It’s nothing personal against the London folks – I think this is going to be a great addition to the community,” he said. “I just have real concerns about constantly adding to our infrastructure while we are struggling to maintain and bring up to standards our existing infrastructure.”
It’s anticipated that district enrollment will reach about 2,400 students by 2027, according to city documents.
Plans for the district include 14 new rooms for the elementary school, as well as 10 new rooms and some science labs for the high school, Whitis told the council Tuesday.
Among future plans are the development of an early childhood facility and expansion of the middle school, she added.
The council approved the annexation 8-1 this week, with Klein voting in dissent.
The decision would be finalized, should the council reaffirm its vote, in its meeting next week.
More: What to expect after London ISD voters approved $96 million bonds
More: London ISD touts growth, academic success during first State of the District event
This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Corpus Christi poised to annex London ISD campus
