The big picture
Trustee Lauren Tyra said the district was in “completely uncharted territory” going into the long-range facility planning process.
The process included the formation of an advisory committee to conduct research on “building and property efficiencies,” along with several community meetings, according to PISD's website.
PISD board President Nancy Humphreys said the new policy will serve as a “roadmap” for future district leadership if needed.
“If this needs to be looked at again in 10-15 years, this is a starting point,” trustee Jeri Chambers added.
The details
The two adopted policies include guidelines for when, how and why the district should consider closing or consolidating schools.
According to meeting documents, the district can consolidate or close a school for the following nonacademic reasons:
- Space utilization
- Physical condition of the building
- Alternative use of school facilities
- Changing demographics
- Legal requirements
Both of the adopted policies can be found on the district’s website, here and here.
The background
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 stands at 47,800 students.
PISD’s website notes rising home prices, growth in northern districts and decreasing birth rates as some of the reasons for declining enrollment.
More information can be found on the district’s long-range facility planning webpage.
What’s next?
Findings from the study will be presented to PISD’s board of trustees later this month, and any recommendations will be submitted for board approval in June.
Board member Tarrah Lantz added that no schools will be closing next year, and “no decision has been made” about the closure or consolidation of any specific campuses.
