Keller ISD weighs consolidating four schools amid enrollment drop and budget strain

Four schools will be considered for consolidation in the Keller Independent School District as the system faces a budget shortfall over the next three to four years. 

District leaders say the loss of 1,600 students means a significant drop in state funding.

"We have a bunch of good ideas," Superintendent Dr. Cory Wilson said. "But no one good solution."

Wilson said he notified the principals of the four potentially impacted schools by email on Thursday. The campuses under consideration are Bear Creek Intermediate, Parkwood Hill Intermediate, Trinity Meadows Intermediate, and Shady Grove Elementary.

Committees studying consolidation

The superintendent said he took input from joint committees composed of community members, staff, and school leaders. Members of the Long‑Range Planning and Citizens Bond Advisory Committees have met on the issue at least five times.

"Costs have grown, and they are not keeping up with just the regular cost of electricity and plumbing," committee member Morgan Leal said. "And how much it costs just to run a school. And that's not accounting for salaries and cost of living. And many districts will give increases in salaries."

Leal, who serves on the Bond Advisory Committee, believes Wilson is doing the best he can in a situation where state funding has not kept pace with district needs.

"That's a state thing that they can make different decisions on, and they don't," she said. "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."

Board to consider plan on April 23

The Board of Trustees may consider the proposed consolidations on April 23. Wilson said the decision could affect 4,250 students. The impact on staffing and school transportation, including bus routes, has not yet been determined, he said.