Plano officials are asking for input on the future of three of the school district’s closed campuses, a rare opportunity for new, community-oriented development in a city nearly built out.
The Plano Independent School District Board of Trustees voted last year to close Davis Elementary, Forman Elementary, Armstrong Middle School and Carpenter Middle School due to low enrollment rates and aging facilities.
The trustees’ emotional decision to shutter the schools and transfer students and teachers to other campuses came at a time of budget constraints for the district. Trustees also chose to halt bus service for hundreds of students this school year, citing cost concerns.
Now the city of Plano, with less than 5% undeveloped land remaining, is considering the future of three campuses it’s purchasing from the district. Here’s what to know about the properties, how to learn more and where to give input.
The Education Lab
Demolition at Armstrong Middle School in Plano, Texas, Thursday, September 25, 2025.
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What to know about the campuses’ future
The city is buying the property of the Davis, Forman and Armstrong schools, but the district is keeping the Carpenter Middle School site for potential educational use in the future.
The other three former campus sites, which the district began demolishing last month, will be redeveloped “in ways that benefit the public” starting as early as next year, according to the city’s website. Plano’s City Council will consider options after officials gather public input this month and next.
The futures of the former Davis Elementary School and Armstrong Middle School campus sites are unknown, but Forman Elementary School’s site will host a fire station, according to city plans. Plano leaders used funds from a public safety facilities package, which voters approved in a bond election this May, to purchase the land for and design the station.
Demolition at Davis Elementary School in Plano, Texas, Thursday, September 25, 2025.
Anja Schlein / Special Contributor
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Plano leaders anticipate holding another bond referendum to fund development of the fire station in 2029. After the new fire station has been designed, the Plano leaders will determine the best use of any remaining property with community input, according to the city’s website.
How to give input
The city of Plano will host six information sessions and seek community input on redevelopment of the purchased school properties.
Davis Elementary Info Session 1: Wednesday, Sept. 24 from 6-8 p.m. at Haggard Middle SchoolForman and Armstrong Info Session 1: Saturday, Sept. 27 from 2:30-4:30 p.m. at Memorial Elementary SchoolDavis Elementary Info Session 2: Saturday, Oct. 4 from 9-11 a.m. at Haggard Middle SchoolForman and Armstrong Info Session 2: Wednesday, Oct. 8 from 6-8 p.m. at Otto Middle SchoolForman and Armstrong Info Session 3: Saturday, Oct. 11 from 9-11 a.m. at Meadows Elementary School Davis Elementary Info Session 3: Thursday, Oct. 16 from 6-8 p.m. at Haggard Middle School