Richardson ISD recently announced a proposal that would close four elementary schools and one Pre-K in response to declining enrollment and lack of state funding.
Starting in the 2024-2025 school year, the district plans to consolidate four elementary schools — Greenwood Hills, Springridge, Spring Valley and Thurgood Marshall — into other elementary schools within the district.
According to the district, Project RightSize was developed by the RISD Administration following recommendations from the RISD Community Budget Steering Committee. Any adjustments to attendance boundaries would necessitate a vote by the RISD Trustees for implementation.
“The goal with Project RightSize is to ensure that we are able to focus our finite budget dollars on student programs, activities and continued academic growth, as well as prioritize compensation so the district can continue to recruit and retain the best educators and staff in North Texas,” Superintendent Tabitha Branum said in a statement.
Currently, RISD operates the least efficient elementary school model compared to other districts in the area. Its average elementary school enrollment is lower than that of competing districts, and a considerable number of our schools are well below capacity. Currently, the district has over 9,000 vacant elementary school seats, with projections indicating more than 12,000 empty seats once students transition to middle schools.
Starting this week, the RISD will host meetings for parents impacted by the changes:
Elementary Changes
Feb. 26, Pearce High School Commons Area – 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 27, Berkner High School Auditorium – 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 28, Richardson High School Auditorium – 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
March 4, Lake Highlands High School H Building Auditorium – 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Pre-Kindergarten Changes
March 5, RISD Academy – 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m
“We understand that the topic of consolidating schools can be an emotional one,” Branum said. “Starting with this proposed plan, if school consolidations are approved, our team is committed to ensuring the thoughtful and people-centered implementation for next school year. I am proud of our students and teachers, and those who support them, and our duty is to continue to leverage our limited resources to provide the tools to meet academic growth goals.”
Parents unable to attend the meetings can find additional information here or contact the school here.
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