LEWISVILLE, Texas — Another North Texas school district is considering closing schools due to budget constraints and declining enrollment.
Lewisville ISD is considering potentially closing five elementary schools: B.B. Owen Elementary, Creekside Elementary, Garden Ridge Elementary, Highland Village Elementary and Polser STEM Academy.
On Monday, the Lewisville ISD board of trustees reviewed the recommendations of the district’s community efficiency committee.
“I wish that we had the relief that we needed from the legislature, but as you mentioned, that’s not the only challenge. This decline in enrollment and these empty seats – 20% to over 30% -- is a lot. It’s a hard set of facts that we have to continue to work with,” said Lewisville ISD trustee Dr. Staci Barker.
District officials are also considering boundary adjustments for another eight schools -- Bluebonnet Elementary, Degan Elementary, Memorial STEM Academy Elementary, Old Settlers Elementary, Rockbrook Elementary, Creek Valley Middle School, Downing Middle School and Lakeview Middle School.
District officials say they plan to hold community listening sessions to get feedback before a final decision is made. The board expects a final decision on the issue in December. Any changes would take effect in the 2025-2026 school year.
“We will emerge from this as a stronger and a more united LISD,” said Lewisville ISD board president Jenny Proznik.
Some parents called for the districts to keep the schools open during public comment.
“Tonight I should be volunteering as a baseball coach for my two HVE Vikings. Instead, I’m here hoping my words will save their school and, frankly, all five elementary schools that were on that board from retirement,” said Lewisville ISD parent Ryan Ritter.
“Closing Polser affects 10% of the entire LISD STEM program. That’s a program that took years in the making, and Polser has established national recognition. I mean, their resume of accolades is impressive,” another parent, Amber Clark, added.
Other school districts in North Texas, including Coppell ISD and Plano ISD, have also recently discussed potential school closures.
