The Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District (CFBISD) has announced a plan to close four campuses in response to budget deficits and declining enrollment. The decision, which was approved by the school board, aims to save the district approximately $9 million in the first year alone. The schools set for closure include Central Elementary, McCoy Elementary, Furneaux Elementary, and Long Middle School.
District officials cited several factors contributing to the closures, including a significant number of empty seats across the district and a lack of state funding. The district currently has 9,800 empty seats, and the consolidation plan is expected to reduce more than 2,300 of these. Additionally, the district has not seen an increase in state funding per student since 2019, further exacerbating financial challenges.
The decision has sparked protests and disappointment among students, parents, and community members. Many have voiced concerns about the social and emotional impact on children, as well as the potential disruption to their education. Despite these concerns, district officials maintain that the closures are necessary to ensure the long-term financial stability of the district and to provide a more effective educational environment for students.
The plan also includes re-purposing some of the closed campuses for other uses. For example, Furneaux Elementary may be converted into a pre-K center, while Central Elementary and Long Middle School could be used as temporary classroom spaces during renovations at other campuses. The district will also need to redraw attendance zones to accommodate the changes, which have not been restructured in over 20 years.
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Tell your Smart Speaker to "PLAY 1080 KRLD"
Sign Up to receive our KRLD Insider Newsletter for more news
Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube
