Fort Worth ISD reviews school closures as budget deficit prompts phased plan
Tuesday night, the Fort Worth Independent School District Board of Education will learn new details about a proposal to close 18 schools over the next four years in response to a $17 million budget deficit and steadily declining student enrollment.
At the special meeting, a list of schools it wants to close or consolidate in the next five years was presented.
Heather Tolksdorf has two daughters who attend De Zavala Elementary — one of the schools currently recommended for closure in 2027.
"My husband and I chose De Zavala specifically for the unique combination of academic excellence and diversity," said Tolksdorf.
The school has an A rating according to the Texas Education Agency. Parents don't understand why the district would consider closing an A school, given the district's overall D rating.
"De Zavala stands apart as one of the other parents spoke to in the board meeting tonight," Tolksdorf said.
"There are tough decisions that have to be made, but from the jump, the Facilities Master Plan has been a farce," said Stephanie Thomas, a Fort Worth ISD parent.
Some of the schools on the list were already set to close due to aging infrastructure. Others could be merged with nearby campuses.
The majority of the campuses slated for closure are elementary schools.
Only two, S.S. Dillow Elementary School and Eastern Hills Elementary School, will shut down at the end of this academic year. The remaining 16 closures would be phased in through June 2029.
The board has already approved closing S.S. Dillow ES, Eastern Hills ES, McLean 6th Grade, and West Handley Elementary School. Trustees still have to vote to approve the other 14 on the list.
The list and timeline of the proposed closures:
Closure Date: June 2025
- S.S. Dillow ES (Consolidation previously approved)
- Eastern Hills ES (Consolidation previously approved)
Closure Date: June 2026
- Milton L. Kirkpatrick ES
- Charles E. Nash ES
- Riverside ALC
- Edward J. Briscoe ES
Closure Date: June 2027
- De Zavala ES
- A.M. Pate ES
- J.T. Stevens ES
- Atwood McDonald ES
Closure Date: June 2028
- McLean 6th Grade (Consolidation previously approved)
- West Handley ES (Consolidation previously approved)
- Harlean Beal ES
- H.V. Helbing ES
- Sunrise-McMillan ES
Closure Date: June 2029
- Kirkpatrick MS
- Morningside MS
- Hubbard Heights ES
According to documents, the district expects the closures to save Fort Worth ISD $77.3 million over the next five years.
"This proposal is about building a better future for our students," said Superintendent Dr. Karen Molinar in a statement. "Our goal is to create learning environments that inspire success. By right-sizing and investing in our schools, we can ensure every student has access to the programs and resources they need to thrive."
The proposed plan would not require additional financing or a new Bond program.
"This is a difficult process, but it is one rooted in equity, academic impact, and fiscal responsibility," said Kellie Spencer, FWISD Deputy Superintendent, in a statement. "We're proposing a phased approach that allows for stability, forward planning, and community partnership. Smarter spaces mean stronger schools."
Trustees aren't expected to vote on the recommendations for closure until next week on May 20.
