McKinney ISD votes to close three elementary schools due to changing enrollment and budget considerations.

Three elementary schools in southern McKinney are set to close following a decision made by the McKinney Independent School District (ISD) Board to consolidate operations in response to a decline in student enrollment. The closures of Eddins, McNeil, and Wolford elementary schools reflect a broader trend: soaring property values and low housing turnover have made it increasingly difficult for young families to move into the area.

As a result of the school closures, the approximately 750 students currently enrolled in these schools will be redistributed among the district’s remaining ten elementary schools for the upcoming academic year. The decision to shut down the three schools is projected to save the district approximately million annually, a crucial financial relief as McKinney ISD has been operating with a budget deficit for the past five years.

Data shows that while certain areas within McKinney are experiencing residential growth—which may lead to overcrowding in some schools—the southern regions are seeing a significant decline in enrollment. In a thorough assessment initiated in 2023, the district identified schools that were not operating at full capacity, prompting the board’s decision to close the facilities.

McKinney ISD Superintendent Shawn Pratt emphasized that the choice to close these schools was a difficult one, made necessary by the financial pressures the district faces. Despite efforts to alleviate the budget shortfall through other measures, including opening enrollment to families from outside the district and implementing tuition for childcare programs, these initiatives have not sufficed. Over the past year, the district managed to reduce its deficit significantly from million to .7 million.

The recommendation to close the three elementary schools was put forth by a facilities committee after evaluating 13 schools in the targeted area. The committee based its findings on various factors, including the condition of the school buildings, financial considerations, and the proximity of these schools to one another. Collectively, the 13 schools in question serve roughly 6,000 students but possess the capacity to accommodate around 9,500 students.

Public outcry followed the board meeting, as parents expressed their concerns regarding the impact of these closures, particularly on special needs students who find support within these schools. Community members spoke passionately about the significance of these elementary schools and the inclusive environments they foster.

Alana Chisum, the district’s assistant superintendent for human resources, assured that staff members affected by the closures would be offered positions in other schools within the district. McKinney ISD is not alone in confronting declining enrollment; other affluent suburban districts, including Frisco ISD and Plano ISD, have also made similar decisions in recent months as they struggle with similar demographic and financial pressures.

Amy Dankel, the president of the McKinney ISD Board, articulated her concerns about the state’s school choice policy, which she believes diverts funds from public schools and exacerbates the financial challenges facing districts like McKinney. The current enrollment figures show that McKinney ISD serves over 23,500 students from 21 elementary schools, five middle schools, and three high schools.

As the community grapples with the consequences of these closures, the long-term implications for education in McKinney remain a key topic of discussion among parents, educators, and district officials alike. The district had anticipated rapid growth following its significant expansion in the early 2000s, but persistent high housing costs have hampered that expected enrollment surge, leading to these difficult adjustments.

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