The Lewisville Independent School District board of trustees has decided to close five elementary schools starting in the 2025-2026 school year due to declining enrollment and a $4.5 million budget deficit. Schools affected include Owen Elementary, Creekside Elementary, Garden Ridge Elementary, Highland Village Elementary, and Polser STEM Academy.
Parents, teachers, and students attended the board meeting to advocate for keeping the schools open, presenting emotional testimonies about their significance. Board members expressed gratitude for the community’s input and acknowledged the difficulty of the decision. The vote was unanimous for all closures except Highland Village Elementary, where one trustee dissented.
District officials highlighted the need to revise school enrollment boundaries to address the shifting demographics. While acknowledging the challenges, they urged the community to focus on advocating for broader educational funding reforms in Austin during the upcoming legislative session.
Community listening tours are scheduled to gather input and address concerns, reflecting the district’s commitment to open dialogue despite the closures. These tours aim to engage stakeholders from each affected school as the district navigates this transition.
The closures reflect a growing trend across North Texas, where many districts face declining enrollment and financial pressures, forcing difficult decisions. Such actions impact not only students and parents but also teachers and support staff, highlighting the broader challenges of educational funding in the region.
Board members emphasized their intention to continue fighting for increased resources and support at the state level. They hope these efforts will prevent similar measures in the future and secure better funding for Texas schools.
The closures have sparked widespread concern, underlining the emotional and logistical challenges facing Lewisville ISD and other districts grappling with similar issues. The listening tours and continued advocacy signal the district’s effort to navigate this sensitive situation with transparency and care.