BY JONATHAN PERRIELLO
Effects on Lewisville ISD
Looking ahead
In addition to state funding challenges and declining enrollment, LISD is burdened with inflation, increasing appraisal district revenue contributions and the inability to provide raises. To help mitigate this, officials trimmed electives, dipped into existing fund balances, and began considering building consolidations and bound- ary changes on Oct. 7, Rapp said in an email. The district’s mitigation efforts reduced the FY 2024-25 budget shortfall from around $8 million to about $4.5 million, according to district documents. “We still have a lot of work to do before we figure out which, if any, of these campuses need further review,” Rapp said. LISD currently has around 48,000 students enrolled. The district predicts an enrollment decline until it levels out around 45,000 students in the next decade, Rapp said. This is primarily attributed to lower birth rates and a high average home price within the district.
CISD anticipates having enough vacancies at other campuses to transfer Pinkerton Elementary teachers, and no staff will be terminated as a result of the closure, Director of Communications Amanda Simpson said in an email. However, the amount of teachers the district expects to leave is currently unknown, Simpson added. Likewise, the LISD board is going to go over the committee’s findings carefully, Rapp said. Once officials identify campuses for further consideration, families at those campuses will have a chance to ask questions, express concerns and share feedback in person. Families affected by these decisions will get more information directly about these upcoming meetings. The board will provide further direction in late October before district officials hold listening tours in November, Rapp said. The final decision will be in December and will go into effect in the 2025-26 school year.
Campuses considered for closure and/or consolidation
B.B. Owen Elementary Creekside Elementary Ethridge Elementary Garden Ridge Elementary Heritage Elementary Highland Village Elementary Polser Elementary DeLay Middle School Downing Middle School Lakeview Middle School
SOURCE: LEWISVILLE ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT
“Throughout this process, our focus remains on providing the best possible education for our students,” Rapp said. “We’re making these decisions carefully to balance our district’s financial health with the needs of our families.”
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LEWISVILLE - COPPELL EDITION
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