NEW HOME, Texas — New Home ISD’s board of trustees voted Feb. 9 to close the Life Skills classroom at New Home Elementary School, a decision that will require five special needs students to be bused approximately 30 miles to a classroom in O’Donnell beginning the 2026-2027 school year.
Parents of students in the classroom say the move could undo years of progress their children have made and are planning to bring their concerns to the school board.
Why the district closed the classroom
New Home ISD Superintendent Julia Stephen declined an on-camera interview but answered KCBD’s questions and provided a statement shared with staff, families and stakeholders. In that letter, dated Feb. 18, the district said misinformation about the change was circulating on social media and sought to clarify the decision.
Full statement from New Home ISD:…