Keller (Texas) district proposes closing 4 schools

A Keller (Texas) School District committee has recommended closing four schools to offset low enrollment and the financial difficulties the district is facing.

The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports that the proposal--shuttering three intermediate schools and one elementary school ahead of the 2027-28 school year--would save Keller at least $51 million.

The schools being being targeted are Bear Creek Intermediate, Parkwood Hill Intermediate, Trinity Meadow Intermediate and Shady Grove Elementary.

The district estimates that at least 4,250 students would be affected by the changes. 

The Long-Term Planning Committee used a 10-point list of criteria to arrive at its recommendations: 

• District-wide Grade Alignment and Configuration
• Campus Occupancy and Utilization
• Cost of Bringing Facilities to Standard
• Transportation Considerations
• Prioritization of Facility Costs
• Cost of Relocating Special Programs
• Facility Condition index Score
• Limiting Staff and Student Disruptions
• Program Equity Access
• Feeder Pattern and Boundary Stability

The committee said that within the last five years, Keller has seen an enrollment decline of 4,000 students. The decline is expected to continue as birthrates decrease and fewer younger families move into the area.