“We are working to balance enrollment across the district, to utilize the available seats so that any cost savings can be used for supporting academic programs and our students,” said Beth Martinez, deputy superintendent and chief of staff for FBISD. “It is important to note that these key milestones and the adjusted timeline are in direct response to stakeholder feedback.”
The background
As FBISD is nearing full build-out and experiencing declining enrollment, Martinez said the district now has “more student seats than we will ever need again,” prompting the need to balance enrollment, utilize available capacity and redirect savings toward academic programs.
The three-year boundary planning process began this school year, incorporating enrollment trends, campus capacity, financial data, program placement needs, guidance from the School Boundary Advisory Committee and community feedback, Martinez said.
For the first phase, the district would focus on elementary schools and inaugural campuses, while middle and high schools will be addressed in a later phase, Martinez said.
Previously, parents, trustees and administrators have emphasized the importance of transparency and data-informed decision making that weighs the “emotional” impact of school rezoning.
By the numbers
The district’s readiness survey gathered 991 completed responses, including 680 parents and community members, 254 staff members and 26 students, per the dashboard as of Dec. 5.
While 66% of respondents expressed an understanding of the process, only 28% of respondents say they feel ready for attendance boundary changes or possible consolidations, said Stephanie Williams, chief of organizational development for FBISD. Staff and students reported higher readiness levels than parents and community members, she added. Staff highlighted potential staffing changes, integration into new school communities and transportation issues. Meanwhile, students expressed concern about adjusting socially and academically if moved.
The requests
Williams said respondents identified support that would help them feel more prepared for upcoming changes, including:
- Clear timelines and regular updates
- Consistent academic programming
- Access to an frequently asked questions document
- Before- and after-school care options, particularly from parents and students
What’s being done?
In response to the survey, Martinez said the district has already taken action in areas including:
- Increased communication via email, social media, the district website, principal newsletters, community organizations and the “Fort Bend ISD in Focus” updates
- Additional board workshops to clarify data and decision-making criteria
- Adjusted timeline, including the Dec. 15 release of draft boundary scenarios
- Commitment to transition support for families and staff who may change schools
- Review of academic programming to preserve learning opportunities
Community members can access the survey results through the district’s Long-Range Boundary Planning website, where they can submit questions through the district’s “Let’s Connect” portal, Martinez said.
The Dec. 15 board meeting will feature presentations from the district’s demographer Population and Survey Analysts, Zonda Education—the district’s boundary consultant—and PBK Architects.
Draft boundary plans including elementary rezoning, possible school consolidations and the attendance boundary for the new Amy Coleman Middle School will be presented at the Dec. 15 board meeting.
