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The development of the Woodlawn District in the 1920’s started several decades of building schools, streets, and parks, church’s, and stores. Elected officials, architects and planners were building this neighborhood to last long-term with a vision of being the best. When its doors opened in 1932, Thomas Jefferson High School lived up to the neighborhood vision of becoming the best. Not just best in San Antonio, but for many decades, the best in the nation. One of the reasons for the schools success was a strong cluster of neighborhood feeder schools. The quality of the public schools drove the demand for homes in the surrounding area. By providing the best schools a high demand for homes in proximity of the schools became synonymous. As San Antonio grew outward in the 1970’s and 1980’s the school and neighborhood lost its luster. Demographic shifts, political boundaries and housing policies were some of the external factors changing the profile of the perception of neighborhood schools. For the past several years the Woodlawn and Jefferson neighborhoods have seen tremendous revitalization and renewed interest. Couples, singles, families and empty-nesters have discovered and/or rediscovered the many great qualities the greater Jefferson area has to offer. From Alazan Creek to Oak Hills, Monticello Park to Woodlawn Lake Park, Deco District to Woodlawn Hills, Sunshine Estates to Inspiration Hills and Hillcrest to Donaldson Terrace -- our neighborhoods are growing. Under the leadership of two different superintendents, in 1997 and 2001, citizens voted to issue bonds totaling nearly $800 million dollars to expand and renovate schools throughout SAISD as part of a “building momentum” campaign. Only eight years later, under a new superintendent, there are suggestions to close some of the recently expanded schools and consolidate others to maximum capacity. |