Grapevine-Colleyville ISD Considers Closing Dove and Bransford Elementary Schools

School Closure Decision

• 📌 The Grapevine-Colleyville ISD board of trustees is set to vote on the potential closure of two elementary schools: Dove Elementary School in Grapevine and Bransford Elementary School in Colleyville.
• 🗓️ If approved, the closures are expected to take effect for the 26-27 school year.

Financial Pressures and Enrollment Decline

• 📉 The district has experienced a significant enrollment drop, losing approximately 1,500 students since 2019.
• 💰 This decline has resulted in over $10 million in lost state funding, directly impacting the district's budget.
• 📊 Bransford Elementary is currently operating at 67% capacity, while Dove Elementary is at 56% capacity.
• 💸 Closing these two schools is projected to save the district $2.7 million annually.

Community Impact and Alternatives

• 😟 Families at both schools have expressed distress and have been advocating for solutions for three months, seeking to be part of the district's growth strategy.
• 🤝 The mayor of Grapevine has even offered to raise money to help save Dove Elementary School.

Broader District Trends

• 🏫 Grapevine-Colleyville ISD is not alone in facing these challenges; other North Texas districts are also making difficult decisions.
• 🔄 Examples include McKenna ISD repurposing three elementary schools and Frisco ISD closing Staley Middle School, while some districts like Capel ISD have rejected consolidation plans.