Committees recommend closing 4 Keller ISD schools, impacting 4,000 students as enrollment drops and costs rise
Keller Independent School District leaders are weighing a proposal that could close four campuses and impact more than 4,000 students as the district faces declining enrollment and a growing budget shortfall.
A Long-Range Planning Committee and Citizens Bond Advisory Committee on Thursday recommended consolidating the district's three remaining intermediate schools — Bear Creek Intermediate, Parkwood Hill Intermediate and Trinity Meadow Intermediate — along with Shady Grove Elementary. The proposal is part of a broader effort to cut costs as student numbers continue to fall.
District officials say the consolidation plan could save at least $51.6 million.
"Costs have grown, and they are not keeping up with the regular cost of electricity and plumbing and how much it costs to run a school," said Morgan Leal, a member of the Citizens Bond Advisory Committee. "I never thought I'd be here either, but this is where we are, where our state is not funding our schools where they need to."
Keller ISD said more than 4,000 students could be affected if the closures move forward. While changes to staffing and transportation are still being worked out, the district said it expects all current employees to be placed in positions within the district.
Board trustees are expected to take up the proposal later this month, with the next regular board meeting scheduled for April 23. If approved, the closures would take effect in the 2027–2028 school year.
Why enrollment is falling in Keller ISD
District leaders say enrollment has dropped by about 1,600 students since last school year and by more than 4,000 students over the past five years. Officials attribute the decline to lower birth rates and fewer young families moving into the area.
Because Texas public school funding is closely tied to enrollment, the decline is expected to significantly reduce revenue. Keller ISD projects it could lose about $34 million in funding by the 2029–2030 school year.
Facing those losses, district leaders say consolidating campuses has become one of the most viable options to reduce expenses and stabilize the budget.
