School Closures in Grapevine-Colleyville

Introduction to the Issue

Grapevine-Colleyville school board president Shannon Braun said the district will close elementary campuses, but no decisions have been made on how many will be on the chopping block. The district’s Education Master Planning Committee will submit recommendations to the board later this fall. Braun stated that the idea of closing schools is not new, as the district has been discussing downsizing and rightsizing for some time. She also mentioned that some schools have been half-empty, which has led to the consideration of closures.

Braun and other trustees have talked about campus closings at PTA meetings, and the community is aware of the potential closures. The Education Lab is also involved in the discussions, providing in-depth coverage of education issues and stories that affect North Texans.

Reasons for School Closures

The district is not looking at middle or high school campuses, as the issue lies with the elementary schools. The community is aging, and it is an expensive place to live, making it difficult for young families to afford homes. According to information from the Sept. 29 board meeting, the median list price for a home in Grapevine was $600,000 in September, and in Colleyville, it was $1.1 million. This has led to a decline in enrollment, making some schools unsustainable.

Dove Elementary in Grapevine and Bransford in Colleyville are among the campuses being considered for closure. The district did not receive full funding from the state and is also a “recapture” district, sending more than $30 million to the state to distribute to poorer districts. This lack of funding has put a strain on the district, making it necessary to consider closures.

Response from the Mayor and Superintendent

Last week, concerns about schools closing prompted dueling letters from Grapevine Mayor William Tate and Braun. Tate’s letter criticized Grapevine-Colleyville for failing to include the city in its discussions over the schools and also cited financial concerns. Braun responded with a letter telling Grapevine to stop putting out false information. She had to consult with school district attorneys before responding to Tate’s letter, which took two days.

Braun described a meeting last month involving Tate and Superintendent Brad Schnautz, where Tate told the superintendent that if schools close, Schnautz would never work in the area and told Braun that closing schools is “political suicide.” Tate got angry during the meeting when Braun talked about the Education Master Planning Committee, saying people were chosen based on their talents, not where they lived.

Aftermath and Next Steps

Tate advised Schnautz that as a superintendent, it would be difficult for him to get hired elsewhere if he came from a district with political turmoil. Tate told Braun that she has two or three years of political experience and that he has 57 years, and he was giving her advice. Braun sent a letter to Tate asking for another meeting to discuss issues facing Grapevine-Colleyville.

Braun stated that the decision to close schools will be based on factual data, not emotions. She asked what the mayor wants people to do, picket, or raise holy Cain, but it doesn’t matter, as the decision to close schools will still be made. The district will continue to communicate with the community and provide updates on the closure process.

Conclusion

The potential closure of elementary schools in Grapevine-Colleyville has sparked controversy and debate. While the district faces financial constraints and declining enrollment, the decision to close schools will have a significant impact on the community. The district will continue to work with the Education Master Planning Committee to make recommendations and provide updates on the closure process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which schools are being considered for closure?

A: Dove Elementary in Grapevine and Bransford in Colleyville are among the campuses being considered for closure.

Q: Why are schools being considered for closure?

A: The district is facing financial constraints, including a lack of full funding from the state and being a “recapture” district, sending more than $30 million to the state to distribute to poorer districts. Additionally, the community is aging, and it is an expensive place to live, making it difficult for young families to afford homes.

Q: What is the timeline for the closure process?

A: The district’s Education Master Planning Committee will submit recommendations to the board later this fall. The district will continue to communicate with the community and provide updates on the closure process.

Q: How will the decision to close schools be made?

A: The decision to close schools will be based on factual data, not emotions. The district will work with the Education Master Planning Committee to make recommendations and provide updates on the closure process.