SOUR LAKE — After multiple attempts, students living in Bevil Oaks will attend Hardin-Jefferson schools this fall. According to 12News file reports, parents petitioned to detach from Beaumont ISD last year.
The petition claimed Hardin-Jefferson ISD performs better academically, and is closer than the Beaumont schools. Originally, The BISD Board of Managers rejected the petition, but the Texas Education ruled in favor of Bevil Oaks.
Michelle Nelson has both a sixth and an eleventh grader living in Bevil Oaks that will attend Hardin Jefferson this fall. She said she's excited for the new opportunities, but what's most important is that her kids are happy.
"They're a really high performing district, so I'm excited for that opportunity," said Nelson.
Her daughter, sixth-grader Alexandra Nelson is thrilled for the fresh start. For the past several years, she's attended Harmony Science Academy. She's looking forward to having a shorter commute to school.
"I'm most excited that we live a lot closer and I get to ride the bus for the first time," said Alexandra Nelson.
While she'll miss her old friends, she can't wait to make some new ones, and get involved in drama class.
Biology and human anatomy teacher Jeanine Edgecombe is already working to get her classroom ready for the new year. She said she can't wait to welcome the new students from Bevil Oaks.
"It's going to be exciting to see some new faces at school, and bring them into our HJ family," said Edgecombe.
Both Edgecombe and the Nelsons can't wait for the first day, August 20th.
"As far as community, and community, location-wise, and then the type of community we are, we really, we associate a lot closer with Hardin-Jefferson, so we're really excited to be here," said Nelson.