FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas – KPRC 2 and reporter Re’Chelle Turner are working to get more answers from Fort Bend Independent School District after the district voted to close seven elementary schools as part of a plan to address its growing budget deficit.
During an Agenda Review Workshop on Monday, the Fort Bend ISD Board of Trustees voted on the closures. Some campuses were voted on individually, while others were grouped together.
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The following schools were approved for closure by a 4–3 vote:
- Austin Parkway Elementary
- Dulles Elementary
- Glover Elementary
- Ridgegate Elementary
- Sugar Mill Elementary
- Mission West Elementary
- Arizona Fleming Elementary
KPRC 2 reporter Rilwan Balogun reached out to the district about next steps and received the following statement Tuesday morning:
“Today, district administration and campus leadership are actively working on-site at the affected campuses to support staff and begin the next steps following the Board’s decision. Our immediate focus is on supporting our school communities and ensuring a thoughtful transition process for students, families, and employees.
The District will be providing a joint statement from the Superintendent and the Board President within the hour. Please feel free to use that as an official statement from the District. If anything should change regarding media interview availability, I will make sure to let you know.
Thank you for your patience as we work to ensure our community receives clear and accurate information.”— Maria DiPetta, APR
Meanwhile, many parents say they still have questions about what happens next.
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KPRC 2’s reporter Re’Chelle Turner is working to get answers to several concerns ahead of the afternoon newscasts, including:
- Why are A-rated schools being closed?
- What are the next steps for students currently attending those campuses?
- Will some students be moved to lower-rated schools?
- What will happen to teachers and staff at the impacted campuses?
- How will bus routes and transportation be affected?
If you have questions you’d like us to ask district leaders, email rturner@kprc.com.
Why are these changes happening?
Fort Bend ISD officials say the district is facing declining enrollment, with some campuses significantly under capacity. For example, some schools built for 800 students currently serve around 300.
District leaders say the closures are part of an effort to address a growing budget deficit and reduce the cost of operating buildings that are not fully utilized.