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Another DFW school district may close several schools
A multi-million dollar budget shortfall may cause Lewisville ISD to close 5 schools. The board expects to have a final decision by December 2024.
LEWISVILLE, Texas - Budget cuts are forcing another North Texas school district to consider closing campuses.
Lewisville ISD will hold "listening sessions" to get feedback from parents before making a decision.
The district projects a $4.5 million deficit and nearly 10,000 fewer students in the next decade.
On Monday night, the board reviewed the recommendations from a community efficiency committee and narrowed the list of schools facing changes.
The elementary schools up for closer are B.B. Owen, Creekside, Garden Ridge, Highland Village, and Polser STEM Academy.
Boundaries could be adjusted for eight other elementary and middle schools.
"Tonight, I should be volunteering as a baseball coach for my two HVE Vikings. Instead, I’m here hoping my words will save their school and, frankly, all five elementary schools that were on that board from retirement," Lewisville ISD parent Ryan Ritter said during public comment.
"Pulling out a STEM school, closing Polser affects 10% of the entire LISD STEM program. That’s a program that took years in the making. Polser has established national recognition. I mean, their resume of accolades is impressive," another parent said.
Coppell ISD school board votes to close Pinkerton Elementary School
Budget issues have prompted the Coppell Independent School District to close an elementary campus, despite dozens of parents trying to stop that from happening.
The district said it will continue to monitor enrollment trends and is hopeful for more funding from the Texas Legislature.
"I wish that we had the relief that we needed from the legislature, but as you mentioned that is not the only challenge. This decline in enrollment, these empty seats, 20% to over 30% is a lot," said Lewisville ISD Trustee Dr. Staci Barker.
"We will emerge from this a stronger and more united one LISD," President Jenny Proznik added.
The board expects to have a final decision by December.
Changes will take effect for the 2025-2026 school year.