Education
BY MICHAEL CROUCHLEY
PISD continues process that could close schools
campuses. ... Decisions haven’t been made because we’re still doing the work.” PISD officials are looking to restructure or consolidate schools largely due to declining enrollment. The district’s enrollment has consistently declined since its peak at 55,700 in 2012, and it currently stands at 47,800 students. PISD’s website notes rising home prices, growth in northern districts and decreasing birth rates as some reasons for declining enrollment. The district formed an advisory committee to conduct research on “building and property efficiencies” in September, and is holding several community meetings to gather feedback.
Plano ISD officials are still working through the process of evaluating building efficiencies per an update provided to the district board of trustees Johnny Hill, PISD deputy superintendent for business and employee services, gave a presentation on the district’s long-range planning efforts to the board of trustees. Hill’s presentation highlighted the long-range facility planning webpage, which features answers to many frequently asked questions, presentations, data and more. Hill added there is no list of schools the district may look to close. “Everyone’s all in on having a very thorough process,” Hill said. “We’re looking at all of our
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Capacity In total, Plano ISD schools are operating at 73% capacity. A full breakdown of capacity data in the district can be found on PISD’s website.
Elementary school
75%
High school Middle school
68%
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63%
Senior High school
88%
SOURCE: PLANO ISD/ COMMUNITY IMPACT
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What’s next?
members will also have the opportunity to provide feedback at meetings on March 6 and April 9. Findings from the study will be presented to PISD’s board of trustees in May, and any recommendations will be submitted for board approval in June.
The goal of the study is to consider whether buildings are being used effectively, the district’s website states. Along with possible school closures, feeder patterns may also be adjusted. The next community meeting is set for 6-7:30 p.m. on March 6 at Clark High School. Community
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PLANO SOUTH EDITION
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