The San Antonio Independent School District (SAISD) and the planning of a downtown baseball stadium have been at the center of intense negotiations. With the go-aheads from the City of San Antonio and Bexar County leaders, the final hurdle remains with SAISD. Deputy Superintendent Patti Salzmann emphasizes that the district's actions are to meet the needs of students' families and communities.

Superintendent's Perspective

SAISD Superintendent Jaime Aquino calls the proposed offer a "fair counter-offer." He believes it aligns with the district's values of promoting educational vision and supporting students' families. By including provisions such as building affordable housing and appointing the superintendent to a board seat, the district aims to ensure a beneficial outcome. Aquino states, "This is the right thing to do as it helps our district in multiple ways."

Land Acquisition and Terms

Developer Weston Urban and the Missions ownership group are seeking to purchase a parcel of land on Camaron Street currently used by SAISD. However, SAISD trustees have made it clear that Weston Urban must accept all their terms. This includes building over 1,000 new affordable housing units, appointing the SAISD superintendent to a seat on the Houston Street Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) board, using TIRZ funds to build a new Advanced Learning Academy, constructing a new parking garage for Fox Tech, paying $400,000 annually to compensate for lost interest, and providing at least 1,250 affordable housing within SAISD zones. These terms represent a significant package that Weston Urban must meet if they want to acquire the land.

Public Opinion and Opposition

Before the board's vote, there were hours of public comments, with a majority expressing opposition to the stadium development. Alejandra Lopez, president of the San Antonio Alliance of Teachers and Support Personnel, commended the board for considering what the district deserves. She emphasized that if the land is to be sold, it should be in the best interest of the SAISD community. Lopez said, "If the developers are truly invested, their support should include infrastructure investment throughout the district."

Stadium Timeline and Alternatives

The group behind the double-A Minor League Baseball venue hopes to have the stadium built by spring 2028. It has the capacity to seat 4,500 and accommodate up to 8,000. If the parties involved in the stadium planning do not agree on the terms, SAISD has two options. It can pursue selling the land through sealed bids or take the route of eminent domain against Weston Urban to build its Advanced Learning Academy. This shows the complexity and potential consequences of the ongoing negotiation.