Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD Votes to Close Four Schools Amidst Declining Enrollment and Funding Cuts

School Consolidation Decision

• 🎯 The Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD school board voted six to one to close four schools this fall, impacting hundreds of students and staff.
• 📌 This decision marks the first time in 20 years that attendance zones will shift across the district.

Reasons for Closure

• 📉 The district cites declining birth rates, state funding cuts, and the availability of alternative school options as primary reasons for the consolidation.
• 💰 In the first year alone, the district expects to save $9 million and reduce approximately 2,300 of its 9,800 empty seats.

Community Opposition and Concerns

• 🗣️ Despite protests and powerful pleas from parents and students, the board approved the consolidation plan.
• ⚠️ Parents expressed strong opposition, particularly regarding the closure of McCoy Elementary, which they highlighted for its Avid program, exemplary special education, and the LEAP program serving the top 2% of students.
• ⚖️ Concerns were raised about the impact on equity, racial diversity, and the loss of a competitive school choice option that was cost-effective for taxpayers.

Next Steps for Families

• 🗓️ Families impacted by the closures must decide on their child's education within the next three weeks, as online enrollment for cfbisd opens on April 1st.