District says plan to close multiple campuses could save $51.6 million as the district faces declining enrollment.
KELLER, Texas — Keller ISD is proposing to close several schools as the district faces declining enrollment and ongoing financial pressure.
According to the district, enrollment has dropped by more than 4,000 students over the past five years and is expected to continue declining over the next decade. District leaders say fewer births and a slowdown in young families moving into the area are driving the trend.
The proposal would close three intermediate schools: Bear Creek, Parkwood Hill and Trinity Meadows. According to the district, elementary campuses would be restructured to serve students through fifth grade, while middle schools would serve grades six through eight.
The plan also includes closing Shady Grove Elementary. According to the district, the campus was identified due to higher capital needs.
District officials say the proposal would save a minimum of $51.6 million in capital improvement costs.
In an interview with WFAA, trustee Randy Campbell said he believes the plan is a necessary step forward.
“I have confidence this is a good proposal. It’s been well thought out,” Campbell said.
He added that without the closures, the district would face a growing financial deficit.
“If we weren’t making these closures, we’re looking at a $9 million deficit as it is,” Campbell said.
Some community members say while the decision is difficult, it reflects the reality facing the district. Laney Hawes, a parent, said one of the closures will impact one of her children directly. Hawes has been active in committee discussions regarding district challenges and potential campus closures.
“It just made sense that we needed to close,” said Laney Hawes. “None of us want to operate in a deficit, none of us want our school district to go under, so we have to accept the harsh realities.”
Hawes said the situation has been emotional for families.
“It’s been painful, heart wrenching and anxiety inducing,” she said. “But, we knew it was coming so I think we were kind of prepared. You can’t look at the data and see a number of elementary schools well below 70 percent, it just made sense to combine some of them.”
According to the district, if approved, the changes would take effect in the 2027-28 school year.
In a statement on the district’s website, the district said:
“We recognize the deep connections our community has to its schools, and that closures are never easy. Guided by past experiences, the district is committed to navigating this transition with care while positioning Keller ISD for long-term stability.”
Trustees are expected to continue discussions on the proposal at their next meeting on April 23.