Readers of our newsletter will know that CAST Schools announced last June that we were working with the San Antonio ISD (SAISD) to open a new elementary campus on the East Side.

The school is intended to build on the success of the Pre-K-12 Advanced Learning Academy (ALA), which typically has a wait list of 700-800 students, and to serve that community as well as students on the ALA wait list. We plan to start with grades K and 1st and grow to serve Pre-K-8th.

Former ALA Principal Kathy Bieser assumed a role shared by SAISD and CAST Schools to oversee the design of the new school, and CAST Schools received a grant from City Education Partners to fund a position for the principal during the planning year.

Since these plans were formed, SAISD let us know they are unable to identify a viable, stable facility for this East Side school to open for the 25-26 school year.

Our desire to serve the East Side remains high, and we are ready to move forward when the district can identify the home campus to house it long-term.

In the meantime, Kathy Bieser continues to support the SAISD/CAST principals as they implement the amazing programs at our current schools. In particular, she will support the ongoing design of our newest school, CAST Imagine.

Community members who have more questions or who would like to be involved in our design sessions for CAST Imagine should reach out to schedule a meeting with Kathy Bieser who can be reached at ebieser1@saisd.net.

Thanks to everyone for your continued support, and know that we remain committed to opening a CAST campus on the East Side in the future.

Jeanne Russell

Executive Director

CAST Schools