Grapevine mayor offers to help keep Dove Elementary School open
Mayor holds off GCISD elementary school closures
Grapevine's Mayor has offered to raise $1.2 million to prevent the closure of Dove Elementary School for the upcoming year, pending a response and vote from the financially strained Grapevine-Colleyville ISD school board next week.
GRAPEVINE, Texas - Parents in the Grapevine-Colleyville ISD are expressing cautious optimism after Grapevine’s mayor offered to help raise money to prevent the closure of Dove Elementary School. Dove is one of two campuses recommended for shutdown amid a budget deficit, according to the district.
Grapevine mayor offers financial lifeline
What we know:
Mayor William D. Tate sent a letter to the GCISD board president asking trustees to pause the closure process and work to rebuild community trust. Tate proposed raising $1.2 million over the next two months to keep Dove Elementary open for the 2026–27 school year, giving the district more time to address its financial shortfall.
"It’s just nice to know they’re behind us, and they stand with us," said Allan Thompson, a Dove Elementary parent. He and other parents were preparing a float for a holiday parade when they learned of the mayor’s letter.
The district confirmed the board president received Tate’s letter but has not issued a formal response.
The recommendation to close Dove Elementary in Grapevine and Bransford Elementary in Colleyville came last month from the district’s Education Master Planning Committee. Shortly afterward, Superintendent Brad Schultz announced he would leave GCISD in January for another job.
Colleyville mayor responds
What they're saying:
In a statement to FOX 4, Colleyville Mayor Bobby Lindawood Jr. said he wishes GCISD did not have to close any schools, much less schools in Colleyville.
"I care for all of our GCISD schools. Following the data from our GCISD trustees, raising quick cash is unfortunately nothing more than a small band-aid which will have very little impact in the long run. If the trustees must close a School in Colleyville, I will have to trust GCISD elected officials to make those crucial decisions as they were elected to do. I will not favor one school over another. Every school in our district is precious and has a great history with loving parents who dearly love those facilities," he said.
Lindawood also shared on social media a list of ways Colleyville has helped to fund the district's efforts, including paying for school resource officers, giving Tax Increment Financing funds, donating grant money for school beautification, paying for a drug sniffing dog program, replacing Narcan on campuses, and more.
"For a town that is only 13 mi.² and has a small Tax base, we step up and help our schools pretty darn well. Colleyville is certainly pulling its weight," the mayor said in the Facebook post. "ALSO, I put my money where my mouth is. Tami and I have donated funds above and beyond our yearly taxes we have already given to GCISD. So, I hope those who are questioning and pointing fingers at myself and Colleyville, I hope this answers your question stops poor rumors. In return, my question is – Are you putting your money where your mouth is?"
Community frustration over communication
Local perspective:
Parents say communication from district leaders has been insufficient. Several left a Tuesday night Q&A session frustrated.
GCISD School closures 'inevitable' despite Mayor's opposition
Grapevine-Colleyville ISD plans to close up to three schools to address budget deficits and declining enrollment, a move strongly opposed by the city's mayor.
"I stayed long enough to realize it was sort of a regurgitation of what we’d already seen," said Matthew White, another Dove Elementary parent. "I didn’t appreciate it wasn’t going to be a true Q&A."
Parents told FOX 4 they want more transparency and a clearer long-term plan. Thompson said the district has not explained what happens after the schools close.
"Right now, it’s very clear the plan ends when the schools close," he said. "That’s really the terrifying part of all this."
Board vote looms
What's next:
The GCISD board is still scheduled to hold a special meeting next Wednesday to vote on the recommended school closures.
Mayor Tate’s office said he will not give interviews until the school board responds to his letter.
FOX 4 updated this story to reflect that the proposed vote is not on hold at this time.
The Source: Information in this article was provided by FOX 4's Amelia Jones.