City discusses buying Cummings Middle School as part of Gladys Porter Zoo expansion

BROWNSVILLE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The City of Brownsville and Brownsville Independent School District are working together to discuss the possible expansion of Gladys Porter Zoo.

The expansion is needed for the landlocked facility as it could lose its accreditation by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums due to lack of suitable space for larger animals like lions, gorillas, tigers and others.

The school board held a meeting Wednesday where members announced the potential plans for the selling of Cummings Middle School, located right in front of the zoo.

Cummings Middle School is not just any school, but rather home of the district’s career and technology program (CTE).

The sale of the school could mean the program moving to another campus and that has some people worried.

However, many supporters of the purchase like Tamara Trevino, a Brownsville resident and mother, say the change offers children an opportunity to experience something unique and close to home. An average of 432,000 locals and tourists visit the zoo annually.

“I feel it is a very great asset to our community and very loving for our children and a great learning environment for them as well,” Trevino said.

BISD Superintendent Jesus H. Chavez said the property would not be sold if there was nowhere to continue the program.

Other supporters like Adina Alegria, Executive Director of the Texas Valley Educators’ Association, say the school district has many other abandoned properties where the CTE program can be implemented.

Alegria contested the view of two school board members who argue the purchase is taking away assets from students.

“Well, the zoo is an asset to the children," Alegria said. "The zoo is an asset to all of us and the community and so again we have so many properties that can facilitate CTE and if this property can be sold for the betterment of the zoo, so they won’t lose their accreditation, then why wouldn’t you do it. Its really a win-win situation.”

Chavez also said there is no price tag for the selling of the middle school, although they are looking for something fair.

City of Brownsville Commissioner Pedro Cardenas said they have received a fair offer of close to sixteen million on the table. He says the purchase could happen as soon as this fall.

“Month and a half," Cardenas said in relation to the purchase. "We are ready to move on. We have the funds ready and ready to move on and after that we will give BISD as much time as they need to be able to move the programs.”

Next week, another meeting will be held on Wednesday at Gladys Porter Zoo. During that session, the city of Brownsville will inform the community of what the expansion would entail.