Ariel Worthy/Houston Public Media
Fort Bend ISD could close up to seven elementary schools, as the district sees declining enrollment.
Officials are considering closing the following schools:
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Austin Parkway Elementary
Dulles Elementary
Fleming Elementary
Glover Elementary
Mission West Elementary
Ridgegate Elementary
Sugar Mill Elementary
As the district considers its school boundaries, it’s including the possible closure or consolidation of the seven elementary schools.
District officials spelled out their reasons for redrawing lines at a school board meeting Monday.
Stacey Tepera is the president of Population and Survey Analysts, which was hired by the district to conduct demographic analysis. She said birth rates are declining across the state.
“Overall, the number of babies born in Texas since 2015 has generally declined,” she said.
Tepera said the proliferation of charter schools is driving down enrollment in Texas schools as well, and more students are also enrolling in virtual education programs instead of traditional schools.
“While the total number of students participating in these virtual programs is still relatively small – only about 50,000 students across Texas – the consistent growth in this alternative educational opportunity illustrates demand,” she said. “Texas families are seeking flexible alternatives in education for their students.”
Part of the idea is to move students from two middle schools into the new Amy Coleman Middle School and rebalance the number of kids at each campus.
In a statement, Fort Bend ISD Board President Kristin Tassin emphasized that the plans presented Monday night are still preliminary.
“I want our community to clearly understand that what was shared tonight represents draft plans, not final decisions,” she said. “The School Boundary Advisory Committee, administration, and the board have devoted significant time and thoughtful discussion to these initial draft plans, always with one goal in mind, ensuring long-term success and stability for our students and schools.”
Superintendent Marc Smith said in a statement that the district is committed to “navigating this process with care, integrity and open communication.”
“Schools are truly the heartbeat of our neighborhoods, and we recognize how deeply our families, staff and students care about them,” he said. “These conversations are not easy, but they are necessary.”
The district’s proposed new boundaries for schools will be released in January. School board trustees will gather feedback from the community during a workshop meeting the following month. Trustees are expected to take a final vote on the potential closures and new school boundaries in March.