CRYSTAL CITY, TEXAS — Crystal City Independent School District announced Thursday it will terminate 72 employees and impose additional cost-cutting measures to avert an imminent financial collapse, with the district's total bank account balance standing at less than $500 to make payroll. The reduction in force includes 68 at-will employees and four certified teachers, the district said in a statement.

The at-will positions consist primarily of instructional aides along with clerical, maintenance, and food service staff. Interim Superintendent Richard Grill said the cuts were not based on tenure or compensation. "We didn't base it on how much they made or didn't make or how many years they had in or didn't have. It was basically, do we need this many people? And obviously we don't."

Grill said the district plans to consolidate three elementary schools into one with a single principal while keeping the campuses open. Additional measures include a one-year salary freeze, reduced health insurance benefits, and a 50% cut to coach stipends.

The district also plans to require parents to pay fees for their children to play sports. He said he has met with a coach and plans to meet with the school board on June 1 to set a feasible sports fee. The district will not charge for equipment but will charge only for transportation and tournament participation costs. Estimated sports fees are $100 per student per sport in high school and $80 per student per sport in middle school.

"Well, what's the alternative? The alternative is the school districts going to close and it's going to consolidate," Grill said.

He warned of further consequences if the district's finances are not stabilized. "Next year we'll be in a probated status and if we don't get it fixed next year the district will lose accreditation. So, the children who are sophomores today, if we won't get this thing fixed their diplomas will mean nothing when they graduate."

According to the Texas Education Agency website, Crystal City ISD has received a D academic rating each year since 2023. The next regularly scheduled Crystal City ISD school board meeting is on June 1 at 6 p.m. at 613-B W. Zavala St.