The Sabine School District became an independent school district in 1951. The district continued to renovate and expand its campuses to meet student needs through its oil-rich tax base. In 1965, Sabine ISD integrated its schools through a "freedom of choice plan." The North Chapel campus was closed when integration was finalized in 1969.
Today, Sabine Independent School District serves approximately 1400 students on three campuses. The elementary school serves Pre-K through grade 5 in the district's oldest remaining structure. Middle school students in grades 6-8 are housed in the 1969 high school building. High school students in grades 9-12 attend classes in a two-story facility that was dedicated in 1984. Sabine ISD joined other area school districts that fell victim to the economic impact of the East Texas "oil bust" in the mid-1980's. Declining mineral values and revisions in the school finance law moved the district from its status as "budget balanced" or "rich" school district to a financially "poor" district. The budgetary constraints, however, have not affected the commitment of Sabine ISD administration and Board of Trustees to provide a quality education for all district students.