FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas — Fort Bend Independent School District officials are considering closing up to seven elementary schools as the district faces declining enrollment, district leaders said Monday.
The schools under review include Austin Parkway, Dulles, Fleming, Glover, Mission West, Ridgegate, and Sugar Mill elementary schools. The potential closures would accompany boundary changes and consolidation efforts, including moving students into the new Amy Coleman Middle School.
Stacey Tepera, president of Population and Survey Analysts, which conducted demographic research for the district, said declining birth rates in Texas and the growth of charter schools and virtual education programs have contributed to lower enrollment.
Fort Bend ISD Board President Kristin Tassin emphasized that the plans are preliminary. “What was shared tonight represents draft plans, not final decisions,” she said. Superintendent Marc Smith added the district is committed to “navigating this process with care, integrity and open communication.”
The district plans to release proposed school boundaries in January, hold a community feedback workshop in February, and expects a final board vote on potential closures and boundary changes in March.