DALLAS, Texas– The Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District (CFBISD) in North Texas is considering the closure of four schools as part of a plan to address a financial shortfall.
The schools identified in the proposal are Central Elementary, Furneaux Elementary, McCoy Elementary, and Long Middle School. This comes as the district faces a budget deficit of approximately $19 million.
The proposed closures are a response to both the district’s financial difficulties and a steady decline in student enrollment.
CFBISD officials have indicated that closing the schools could save the district an estimated $9 million in the first year.
The proposed closures have sparked mixed reactions from the community. Parents have voiced concerns about the potential impact on their children’s education, particularly the possibility of overcrowded classrooms at remaining schools.
There are fears that the closures could lead to a decline in the quality of education and reduce access to important resources and extracurricular activities.
Teachers and staff at the affected schools are also facing uncertainty. Many are worried about job losses and the redistribution of positions within the district.
Teachers have expressed concerns over potential increased workloads and disruptions to educational continuity, which could affect students’ learning experiences.
The school board is scheduled to vote on the proposed closures during its meeting on March 6. This vote will determine whether the district moves forward with the plan.
Other Texas districts have also faced similar challenges in recent months, with some opting for school closures or staff reductions as part of their strategies to balance budgets. These financial struggles have sparked state-level discussions about the need for increased support and funding for public education.