Plano Officials Seek Input on Future of Closed School Campuses
Plano officials are asking for input on the future of three of the school district’s closed campuses, a rare opportunity for new, community-oriented development in a city nearly built out.
The Plano Independent School District Board of Trustees voted last year to close Davis Elementary, Forman Elementary, Armstrong Middle School, and Carpenter Middle School due to low enrollment rates and aging facilities.
The trustees’ emotional decision to shutter the schools and transfer students and teachers to other campuses came at a time of budget constraints for the district. Trustees also chose to halt bus service for hundreds of students this school year, citing cost concerns.
Now the city of Plano, with less than 5% undeveloped land remaining, is considering the future of three campuses it’s purchasing from the district. Here’s what to know about the properties, how to learn more, and where to give input.
Background Information
The Plano Independent School District Board of Trustees made the difficult decision to close four schools due to low enrollment rates and aging facilities. This decision was not made lightly, and the trustees understood the impact it would have on the community.
The city of Plano is now stepping in to purchase three of the closed campuses, with the goal of redeveloping them into something that will benefit the community. The district is keeping the Carpenter Middle School site for potential educational use in the future.
Demolition at Armstrong Middle School in Plano, Texas, Thursday, September 25, 2025.
Anja Schlein / Special Contributor
What to Know About the Campuses’ Future
The city is buying the property of the Davis, Forman, and Armstrong schools, but the district is keeping the Carpenter Middle School site for potential educational use in the future.
The other three former campus sites, which the district began demolishing last month, will be redeveloped “in ways that benefit the public” starting as early as next year, according to the city’s website. Plano’s City Council will consider options after officials gather public input this month and next.
The futures of the former Davis Elementary School and Armstrong Middle School campus sites are unknown, but Forman Elementary School’s site will host a fire station, according to city plans. Plano leaders used funds from a public safety facilities package, which voters approved in a bond election this May, to purchase the land for and design the station.
Demolition at Davis Elementary School in Plano, Texas, Thursday, September 25, 2025.
Anja Schlein / Special Contributor
How to Give Input
The city of Plano will host six information sessions and seek community input on redevelopment of the purchased school properties.
- Davis Elementary Info Session 1: Wednesday, Sept. 24 from 6-8 p.m. at Haggard Middle School
- Forman and Armstrong Info Session 1: Saturday, Sept. 27 from 2:30-4:30 p.m. at Memorial Elementary School
- Davis Elementary Info Session 2: Saturday, Oct. 4 from 9-11 a.m. at Haggard Middle School
- Forman and Armstrong Info Session 2: Wednesday, Oct. 8 from 6-8 p.m. at Otto Middle School
- Forman and Armstrong Info Session 3: Saturday, Oct. 11 from 9-11 a.m. at Meadows Elementary School
- Davis Elementary Info Session 3: Thursday, Oct. 16 from 6-8 p.m. at Haggard Middle School
Next Steps
Plano leaders anticipate holding another bond referendum to fund development of the fire station in 2029. After the new fire station has been designed, the Plano leaders will determine the best use of any remaining property with community input, according to the city’s website.
Conclusion
The future of the closed school campuses in Plano is uncertain, but one thing is clear: the city is committed to redeveloping them in a way that benefits the community. By hosting information sessions and seeking public input, the city is giving residents a chance to have their say in what happens next.
