Introduction to School Closure
A Frisco middle school will close next year after trustees unanimously approved a retirement plan Monday night. Administrators and trustees framed the closure of Staley Middle School at the end of this school year as a painful necessity to offset the district’s declining enrollment projections.
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“Campus closures are becoming a harsh reality for many districts … Unfortunately, the declining enrollment in Texas public schools is what has us here today,” trustee Sherrie Salas said at Monday’s meeting.
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Declining Enrollment Projections
The district, which serves over 65,000 students, was steadily growing for decades until 2023. Over the next three to five years, Frisco ISD expects to lose 1,000 students annually. In three years, the district expects to have 850 fewer middle schoolers, which amounts to one middle school, according to its website.
“We simply have more students going out of our buildings than going in,” Salas said.
She said the 2026-27 school year rollout of Texas’ education savings accounts, high property values and changes in birth rates are contributing to enrollment declines.
“Retiring schools is going to be the next five, 10 years of our future,” said Deputy Superintendent Todd Fouche.
Closure of Staley Middle School
At a September board meeting, district officials said closing the campus could save the district around $4 million in maintenance and operations costs. It would also free up $20 million in bond funds.
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Staley, one of the oldest campuses in Frisco, is a cornerstone of the community. At Monday night’s meeting, residents spoke out against the closure of the Title I school, saying it would disrupt the accessibility and relationships critical to neighborhood students’ success.
“The great thing about Staley is everyone gets a chance. Isn’t that what student opportunity is about?” said Lizbeth Reddoch, a Staley seventh grader, during public comment. “Our teachers care about us and making learning safe … We don’t need a brand new school. Staley likes its students.”
The school was selected for closure after district officials determined it had the most aging infrastructure among 19 middle schools. A plumbing replacement, for example, would cost the district $3.5 million and displace students and staff for two years, according to the district’s website.
The board’s decision comes after residents voted against a $1.08 billion bond last November, which would have set aside $102.3 million to rebuild Staley.
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Impact on Students and Staff
Trustees denied a motion in April to close the campus at the end of the 2024-25 school year, describing the decision as “rushed” and asking district officials to get a second demographer opinion. Those numbers also projected a decline in middle school enrollment over the next five years, according to a presentation at the September board meeting.
Nearly 600 students attended Staley last year, according to state data. Those students will be rezoned to nearby middle schools — Hunt, Trent or Griffin — for the 2026-27 school year. All students attending their zoned school will be eligible for transportation.
Students will be able to transfer to any middle school in the district under 90% capacity, officials said at the meeting.
Staley educators and staffers are “reasonably assured” a comparable position within the district, officials said.
Staley, a Title I middle school, served around 279 economically disadvantaged students last year and received around $85,000 in federal funding for low-income students. That federal money, which went toward extra tutorial services and instructional materials, does not follow the student and will be reallocated to Frisco’s 12 remaining Title I campuses next year, administrators said.
The district will use its general fund to pay for any support former Staley students might need.
Conclusion
The closure of Staley Middle School is a significant decision that will impact the students, staff, and community. While the decision was made to offset declining enrollment projections, it is essential to consider the potential consequences on the students and staff. The district must ensure that the students are provided with the necessary support and resources to succeed in their new schools. The community must also come together to support the students and staff during this transition.
FAQs
Q: Why is Staley Middle School closing?
A: Staley Middle School is closing due to declining enrollment projections in the district. The district expects to lose 1,000 students annually over the next three to five years, resulting in 850 fewer middle schoolers in three years.
Q: What will happen to the students attending Staley Middle School?
A: The students attending Staley Middle School will be rezoned to nearby middle schools — Hunt, Trent or Griffin — for the 2026-27 school year. All students attending their zoned school will be eligible for transportation.
Q: What will happen to the staff at Staley Middle School?
A: Staley educators and staffers are “reasonably assured” a comparable position within the district.
Q: How will the closure of Staley Middle School affect the community?
A: The closure of Staley Middle School will likely have a significant impact on the
