Fort Worth ISD school closures: These 18 campuses are on the list

FORT WORTH, Texas - The Fort Worth Independent School District is finalizing its plans to close more than a dozen school campuses. 

The process will be presented at Tuesday night’s school board meeting.

Fort Worth ISD School Closures

What we know:

When Fort Worth ISD first began discussing a long-term plan to utilize its facilities more efficiently, 25 schools were on the list for possible closure. Now that number is down to 18.

Most of the schools are elementary schools, including S.S. Dillow, Eastern Hills, Milton L. Kirkpatrick, Charles E. Nash, Riverside ALC, Edward J. Briscoe, De Zavala, A.M. Pate, J.T. Stevens, Atwood McDonald, West Handley, Harlean Beal, H.V. Helbing, Sunrise-McMillan, and Hubbard Heights elementary schools.

Three secondary schools are also on the list – McLean 6th Grade, Kirkpatrick Middle School, and Morningside Middle School.

Four of the schools – S.S. Dillow ES, Eastern Hills ES, McLean 6th Grade, and West Handley ES – have already received board approval to be phased out.

If the plan is approved, the closures will begin at the end of this school year and continue through June 2029.

Dig deeper:

According to the presentation, Fort Worth ISD will save more than $77 million over the next five years by closing the schools.

It will also help the district deal with a $17 million budget deficit and declining enrollment.

Since 2019, enrollment has dropped by more than 12,000 students, and the district projects a loss of more than 5,000 additional students over the next five years.

Fort Worth ISD said the master plan will improve learning, equitably distribute resources, and support long-term sustainability, adding that the transition would not require funding or a new bond program.

What they're saying:

At Tuesday night's special board meeting, some parents urged the board to reconsider the list of schools up for closure before the final vote.

"I urge each of you to consider where else the budget can be moved to support struggling campuses and students. We have several ideas. And I urge you not to close the A-rated school that has proven the potential to change history," said one parent.

"I know it is emotional, it is tough, and no one likes to see a neighborhood school closed. But this is where we are ,and it’s time to do the hard work," said another parent.

What's next:

Fort Worth ISD’s board of trustees will hold a special meeting at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday to discuss the plans.

They are expected to vote on May 20.