News Summary
The Dallas Independent School District has proposed closing 12 schools starting in the 2026-27 academic year to address a significant budget deficit and declining enrollment. This includes 8 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, and a specialized high school program. The decision follows a directive from the Texas Education Agency due to low academic performance and comes as enrollment has decreased from 150,000 to 125,000 students. Community workshops will be held to gather feedback, with a vote on the proposal expected on November 20.
Dallas Makes Announcement on School Closures Amid Financial Challenges and Enrollment Drop
Dallas, TX — The Dallas Independent School District (DISD) has outlined a draft plan proposing the closure of 12 schools starting with the 2026-27 academic year. The move comes as the district grapples with a significant budget shortfall and a steady decline in student enrollment.
Details of the Proposed Closures
The district’s preliminary proposal includes shutting down 8 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, and 1 specialized high school program. The affected elementary schools are:
- Alexander Elementary
- Burton Elementary
- Carver Elementary
- DeSoto Elementary
- Fair Park Elementary
- Lindsey Elementary
- Mary McLeod Elementary
- W.D. Good Elementary
The middle schools proposed for closure include:
- A. Maceo Smith MS
- William H. McGarrah MS
- Rev. John E. Johnson Jr. Middle School (temporarily closed)
The only high school program proposed for closure is the Dallas School of Vocational Studies, which will shift to operate as a specialized program at another district campus.
Reasons Behind the Proposal
This decision follows a directive from the Texas Education Agency (TEA), which mandates the closure or restructuring of 23 district schools due to low academic performance. The district is also facing a $15 million budget deficit and an ongoing decline in student numbers, with enrollment decreasing from approximately 150,000 in 2015 to about 125,000 students currently.
Expected Financial Impact and Attendance Changes
If approved, the district anticipates these closures will generate an estimated cost saving of approximately $20 million annually. In addition to school closures, Dallas ISD plans to redraw attendance boundaries for about 95% of its schools. These boundary changes are expected to affect over 18,000 students, prompting parents to check updated school zones through a newly launched interactive online platform.
Families will have the option to participate in a “grandfathering” process, allowing current students to remain at their existing schools until they graduate or reach the final grade offered, despite boundary adjustments.
Community Engagement and Feedback
To ensure community involvement, the district has scheduled a series of public workshops on October 14, October 16, October 27, and November 8. These sessions aim to gather feedback from parents, staff, and community members regarding the draft closure plan and boundary changes.
Leadership Perspectives and Community Concerns
Dallas ISD Board President expressed awareness of the emotional impact these changes may have on families and local communities. District officials emphasized that the closures are part of a broader effort to respond to years of underfunding and to adapt to the evolving educational needs of the city’s student population.
The schools slated for closure and boundary adjustments are spread across various districts within the city, with many serving a high proportion of low-income students. The closures also involve relocating support services, such as dual language programs, to other campuses to optimize resources and educational offerings.
Looking Forward
District officials reiterated that significant restructuring is necessary for the district to achieve improved academic performance and financial stability. The superintendent emphasized the importance of adjusting to current educational challenges, including underfunding and shifting demographic patterns.
While the draft plan has yet to be finalized, community members and stakeholders are encouraged to participate actively during upcoming workshops. The Dallas ISD School Board is expected to vote on the proposal in a meeting scheduled for November 20.
In conclusion, Dallas is undertaking considerable changes involving school closures and boundary redrawings to address financial difficulties and declining student enrollment, aiming to create a sustainable and effective educational environment for its community.
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Additional Resources
- KVUE: Austin ISD School Consolidation and Closure News
- Statesman: Austin ISD School Closure List
- KXAN: 13 Schools Named in Austin ISD Closure Plans
- Austin Chronicle: Austin ISD School Closure Recommendations
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
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