economically disadvantaged children and Hispanic children are increasing, while African-American children are decreasing, as of 2007. Guseman cited increasing private school enrollment, increasing costs of housing, and a dearth of local employment as reasons for the loss of students in Galveston. During that year, Christine Hopkins, a spokesperson for the district, said that the housing costs and perceptions of GISD schools caused many families to move from the GISD area. Before Hurricane Ike hit Galveston in September 2008, GISD had 7,900 students. After Ike hit Galveston, the district lost 25% of its total enrollment. Burnet and Scott elementary schools and Central Middle School received severe damage; the district said the schools would not open in fall 2009. In March 2009 GISD cut 163 positions, including 99 teaching positions; 40% of the total cut positions had already been vacant. In the fall of 2009 the district had 6,235 students, 1,665 fewer than the previous year. This was a 20% decrease from pre-Ike. The district had expected 6,000 students to be enrolled during the 2009-2010 school year; it had 235 more than expected. School configuration change plans In March 2007, Galveston ISD announced that it would introduce plans to change the configurations of its elementary and middle schools within the city of Galveston. Some parents expressed concern about consolidating the middle schools, because Weis and Central had different student demographics, with Weis having a wealthier student body. Ending in the 2007-2008 school year, Galveston ISD operates: Six elementary schools including grades Pre-Kindergarten through 5 One schools including grades Pre-Kindergarten through 8 Three middle schools with grades 6 through 8 One high school with grades 9 through 12 After spring 2008, Alamo Elementary School would be converted into a multi-purpose center. Starting in the 2008-2009 school year, Galveston ISD would operate four PreK-4 elementary school and two K-4 elementary schools. Weis Middle School would become a 5-6 school. Central Middle School would become a 7-8 school. Austin Middle School would become a magnet school for grades 5-8. Now GISD is configured in- 4 Pre-K through 4th grade elementary schools. 2 K through 4th grade elementary schools. 1 5th grade through 6th grade middle school. 1 7th grade through 8th grade middle school. 1 5h grade through 8th grade magnet school. 1 9th grade through 12th grade high school. Post-Hurricane Ike Galveston schools reopened in October 2008. GISD Police Galveston ISD Police Department is