Fort Worth Independent School District (FWISD) is moving forward with a proposed master plan aimed at enhancing student learning, which includes the closure of 18 schools, primarily elementary campuses. The school district, which had initially considered shutting down 25 schools, has since narrowed down the list.
The current list includes 15 elementary schools, along with one 6th-grade campus and two middle schools. Notably, four schools—S.S. Dillow Elementary, Eastern Hills Elementary, McLean 6th Grade, and West Handley Elementary—have already received board approval for closure. The remaining closures could take place at the end of this school year, continuing through June 2029.
This initiative is part of a broader effort by FWISD to manage its resources efficiently amid a significant budget deficit of $17 million and a decline in student enrollment, which has seen a drop of over 12,000 students since 2019. The district anticipates losing another 5,000 students in the next five years. FWISD has projected that the school closures could save more than $77 million over the next five years.
At a recent school board meeting, some parents voiced concerns regarding the proposed closures, urging board members to explore alternative solutions to support struggling schools rather than shuttering them. One parent highlighted the importance of an “A-rated” school that has historically contributed positively to the community.
As FWISD prepares for the upcoming discussions and a vote scheduled for May 20, there is a strong emphasis on the potential benefits of the master plan. The district assures that the reorganization will help distribute resources more equitably and promote long-term sustainability without the need for additional funding or a new bond program.
The district’s commitment to improving educational outcomes while addressing budgetary challenges presents a complex but hopeful outlook for the future of school facilities and student learning in Fort Worth.