The Spring Creek Independent School District (SCISD) was a public school district located in southeastern Hutchinson County, Texas, United States;[1] it stopped operations in 2024.
The district consisted of a single campus, Spring Creek School, that, at the end of the district's life, served students in grades kindergarten through 12th grade.[2] To boost enrollment, Spring Creek also accepted transfer students from outside of the district.[3]
In 2001, the district only included elementary school, and secondary students (grades 7-12) from Spring Creek ISD's territory were allowed to attend one of three neighboring districts – Borger, Plemons-Stinnett-Phillips, or White Deer.[3] Up to the time of closure, the district still gave the options for 7-12 students to attend any of those three districts, as well as the Panhandle Independent School District.[4]
In 2009, the school district was rated "exemplary" by the Texas Education Agency.[5]
The first Spring Creek School building was built in 1900, one year prior to the organization of Hutchinson County, on the Harvey Ranch. In its first year, there were a total of seven school-aged students, six males and one female, and six under school age for a total of 13. In 1901, the Hutchinson County Commissioners Court divided the county into four school districts, Spring Creek being named district #4. The school moved to several different locations until the 1930s, when a red brick school building was constructed. On March 8, 1938, the school was dedicated in a ceremony attended by approximately 500 people. The Spring Creek Independent School District was formed in 1949.[6]
On September 22, 2001, Spring Creek celebrated its 100th anniversary and held an all-school reunion as well as an official historical marker dedication.[6]
The district changed to a four day school week in fall 2018.[7]
The student count was 96 in the 2021-2022 school year.[8] Circa 2023-2024, the enrollment ranged from 72 to 78.[9] In January 2024, enrollment was below 80, with fewer than 10 students living in the school district.[10] The enrollment figures were below those of previous eras.[11] The State of Texas stopped giving state funding since student enrollment was under 90, and the Texas Education Agency (TEA) wanted $600,000 back that it had given the district.[9] The school community believed that funding would be exhausted and the school would collapse.[9] Danny Finch, the final superintendent, stated that the prospective student enrollment for the 2024-2025 school year, had it happened, would be "dire".[12]
Therefore, the district sought to consolidate into the Borger Independent School District.[10] In January 2024, the board of trustees of Spring Creek ISD approved a merger, with one member voting against.[9] In February 2024 all members of the board of trustees of Borger ISD approved a merger agreement.[13] The State of Texas had plans to spend $500,000 to assist the consolidation.[14] On July 1, 2024, the district consolidated into Borger ISD.[15]
Since 1937, Spring Creek School had the following principal/superintendents.[6] They are:
As of the 2007-2008 school year, the Spring Creek Independent School District had a total enrollment of 85 students.[16]
Spring Creek Elementary School offered a Gifted and Talented Program, a Learning Lab where students can receive assistance on individual curriculum objectives, and a strong technology program. As well as an active Parent-Teacher Organization (P.T.O.).[3] [6]
They also offered programs and classes such as: art, journalism, Student Council, National Junior Honor Society, and National Honor Society, basketball.