Sixteen elementary campuses now face an uncertain future. Up to four campuses could shutter before the start of the 2027-28 school year, spokesperson Aubrey Chancellor said Tuesday.
Forecasting a nearly $20 million shortfall in April, North East ISD officials announced a multi-step plan intended to boost student enrollment and reduce wasted space. Trustees started the process by opening enrollment to students zoned to other districts. Before starting discussions about potential campus closures, district officials planned to return to the school board with data showing which campuses were under capacity.
Data shared at the district’s Monday board meeting detailed which schools met the criteria. Each of the 16 elementaries on the potential closure list enrolls fewer than 450 students, uses less than 60% of campus capacity and operates with above-average costs per student.
The list includes Canyon Ridge, Castle Hills, Colonial Hills, Dellview, Harmony Hills, Las Lomas, Montgomery, Northern Hills, Northwood, Oak Grove, Oak Meadow, Redland Oaks, Regency Place, Ridgeview, Serna and Wetmore elementary schools.
“There’s more tough decisions ahead of us. And it is not going to be easy decisions,” Jarrett said. “I just want to make sure that we’re all aware, this is not something that we want to do, but it very well is something that we’re going to need to do.
Chancellor said the district’s goal is to make plans for the future of any closed school buildings ahead of time, so that the community is not left with empty buildings.
As of last Friday, 51,317 had enrolled. The higher-than-expected number saved the district from losing more money, as school districts receive state funding based on how many students come to school each day. The new enrollment figure represents a stable projection for the rest of the year, Jarrett said. The district is working on an updated estimate of the deficit, Chancellor said, but officials anticipate it will be lower than earlier estimates.
Board President David Beyer asked community members to support one another and reach out to the board to share their thoughts. He said he would not be able to make everyone happy, but he promised to listen.
“I don’t like to be doom and gloom, but it’s the state of where we are right now,” Beyer said. “Support your schools. Support your teachers. Support your principals. Show up. Be involved. Pay attention, and know what’s happening at this level, and know what’s happening at the state level.”
Trustee Tracie Shelton on Monday emphasized the need for community input to help find creative ways to move the district forward.
“They can be partners with us in helping make the decision if they come forward early in the process before it’s ‘ink on the page,’” she said.