Fort Worth ISD is moving forward with plans to close 18 schools over the next four years in response to ongoing enrollment declines and budget challenges.
The school board voted 8-0 to approve the closures, which are expected to save the district $10 million over five years and allow funds to be redirected toward academic needs like literacy programs.
Since 2019, enrollment has dropped by 15%, with another 6% decline expected by 2030. The closures include elementary, middle, and specialized campuses, with some set to close as early as June 2026.
Families from impacted schools like Briscoe and De Zavala raised concerns about transportation, student safety, and losing access to unique programs, including De Zavala’s dual-language track and Briscoe’s strong community support for low-income families. Despite pushback, some residents acknowledged the need to prioritize long-term student success over nostalgia.
A new Eastern Hills campus is also in the works, with students temporarily moving to West Handley Elementary until construction is complete.
For a full list of affected schools and closure dates, visit FWISD’s Better Spaces plan.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.