The Carrollton Farmers Branch ISD Board of Trustees has voted to close four schools in an effort to address financial challenges. The decision was made in a 6-1 vote on Thursday night, sparking frustration among some community members.
Schools Set to Close
The affected campuses include:
- Furneaux Elementary
- Long Middle School
- Central Elementary School
- McCoy Elementary
Following the vote, some audience members expressed their disappointment by shouting at the board.
Why the Closures?
District officials have been discussing the consolidation plan for months, citing a significant budget shortfall. Closing these four schools is expected to save the district approximately $9 million in just one year.
- Furneaux Elementary will be repurposed as a pre-K center.
- McCoy Elementary will be sold.
- Central and Long will serve as temporary classroom spaces for students from other campuses undergoing renovations.
Declining Enrollment and Facility Challenges
Officials say the closures are necessary due to financial constraints and declining student enrollment.
- 24 of the district’s 34 schools are operating at only 75% capacity.
- The closures will eliminate over 2,300 empty seats across the district.
- Some of the affected school buildings are outdated.
Concerns from Parents
Parents have voiced concerns about the impact of the closures, including:
- Disruptions to students who will be separated from their teachers and classmates.
- The relocation of specialized programs.
- The need for new attendance zones, which have not been updated in over 20 years.
What’s Next?
With the closures set in motion, the district will now begin the process of rezoning attendance boundaries and transitioning students to new schools. Texas Times will provide updates as more details become available.
