Southlake Carroll ISD Considers Closing Intermediate School Due to Declining Enrollment

Southlake Carroll ISD trustees heard a proposal Monday to close an intermediate school serving students in the fifth and sixth grades, and to reroute those students to elementary and middle schools. Durham Intermediate School will be considered for closure in the 2027-28 school year, as outlined in a plan devised by a task force made up of teachers, parents, administrators, and principals. The other intermediate school, Eubanks Intermediate School, will remain open.

The district’s five elementary schools currently serve students in kindergarten through fourth grade, while its two middle schools serve seventh and eighth grades. Under the new plan, elementary schools would accommodate students in kindergarten through fifth grade, and middle schools would include sixth-grade students.

Declining Enrollment and Financial Implications

Jeff Brady, the executive director of communications at CISD, said the district is facing a decline in enrollment. In the 2022-23 school year, the district had about 8,500 students, which dropped to under 8,000 students this school year.

“The enrollment trends are clear,” he said during the meeting. “This enrollment trend is not changing. It’s very definite and it’s consistent.”

Since 2019, CISD has lost about $8 million in annual revenue due to enrollment decreases, he said. There are about 100 empty classrooms across the district.

The proposal would save CISD about $2.5 million, according to Brady.

Impact on Students and Families

Drops in enrollment and tightening budgets are plaguing school districts across North Texas. Last week, Grapevine-Colleyville ISD school board members voted to close two elementary schools, despite impassioned pleas from parents, while Grand Prairie ISD trustees considered recommendations to shutter three schools.

With Texas’ school voucher-style program set to take off next school year, public school advocates worry enrollment declines could worsen. Parents now have more choice over their child’s education, with options like private schools and home schooling.

State Funding and Support

Earlier this year, the Texas Legislature boosted the base amount of money school districts get per student by $55, but public school advocates say that increase would need to be more than $1,300 to catch up with inflation.

While CISD is facing challenges similar to other school districts, its position is “more fortunate,” Brady said. The district does not have a deficit; rather, it is considering consolidation to account for declining enrollment down the road.

Next Steps and Timeline

The proposal will unfold over the next 18 months, which he considers to be a “healthy timeline.”

“This gives us a long runway and plenty of time for families to get adjusted, for the district to make decisions,” Brady said in an interview.

CISD trustees could vote on the proposal in January.

Conclusion

The Southlake Carroll ISD is considering closing an intermediate school due to declining enrollment, which has resulted in a loss of $8 million in annual revenue. The proposal would save the district $2.5 million and would involve rerouting students to elementary and middle schools. The district is facing challenges similar to other school districts in North Texas, but its position is considered more fortunate. The proposal will unfold over the next 18 months, and trustees could vote on it in January.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is the Southlake Carroll ISD considering closing an intermediate school?

A: The district is facing a decline in enrollment, which has resulted in a loss of $8 million in annual revenue. The proposal to close an intermediate school would save the district $2.5 million.

Q: Which school is being considered for closure?

A: Durham Intermediate School is being considered for closure in the 2027-28 school year.

Q: What will happen to the students who attend Durham Intermediate School?

A: The students will be rerouted to elementary and middle schools. Elementary schools will accommodate students in kindergarten through fifth grade, and middle schools will include sixth-grade students.

Q: When will the proposal be voted on?

A: The CISD trustees could vote on the proposal in January.