CFBISD School Closures Spark Outrage: Parents Rally for Change in Upcoming Election

Denton County

April 2, 2025 Maverick Tax Guardians

Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD to Close Four Schools Amid Budget Woes, Sparking Parent Outrage

The Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District (CFBISD) has made the tough decision to shutter four schools—Furneaux Elementary, Central Elementary, McCoy Elementary, and Long Middle School—at the end of the current school year. The closures, approved by the school board, aim to address a significant budget shortfall and declining student enrollment, saving the district an estimated $9 million annually. However, the move has left many parents feeling blindsided and frustrated, prompting a call to action as school board elections approach.

Why Are the Schools Closing?

The decision to close the four schools stems from a combination of financial challenges and shifting demographics. CFBISD is grappling with a $19 million budget deficit, a problem exacerbated by stagnant state funding since 2019. According to district officials, inflation has driven up operational costs, while enrollment has steadily declined, leaving 9,800 empty seats across their schools. To balance the books, the district has already implemented $8 million in cuts this year and is planning an additional $6-8 million in reductions for the 2025-2026 school year.

The schools slated for closure were chosen based on factors like proximity to other campuses and building age. For instance, McCoy Elementary, a beloved school known for its LEAP program for gifted students, is part of a feeder pattern with four elementary schools located within a mile of each other. The district believes consolidating these schools will improve overall utilization.

Parents Push Back: “We Were Blindsided”

The announcement has sparked outrage among parents, many of whom feel the district lacked transparency during the decision-making process. “I wish I had paid more attention,” said Venus Basaran, a parent in the district, in an interview with CBS News Texas. “We just trusted them, and now we’re seeing everything that was happening behind the scenes.” Another parent, Tierney Gonzalez, expressed deep frustration, noting that she’s now considering moving her family out of the district after being a student there herself for 12 years.

Mary Patton, a McCoy Elementary parent, called the school the “heartbeat of the neighborhood” and emphasized its importance to the community. “You woke us all up,” she said, addressing the school board. “We are awake. We are fighting. We’re not going anywhere.” Parents have been digging into financial records and performance evaluations, trying to understand why their schools were targeted for closure.

A Call to Action: Get Involved in the Upcoming Elections

With their voices feeling unheard, parents are now channeling their energy into the upcoming school board elections on May 3, 2025. They’re encouraging others to get involved and vote for change, emphasizing the importance of knowing who’s on the school board and what they stand for. The deadline to register to vote in this election is April 3, 2025, and you can check your registration status on the Texas Secretary of State’s website.

“These elections are really important,” Basaran urged. “Even if you don’t live in this district, go to your own district and look at your board members. What do they stand for?”

The Bigger Picture: State Funding Challenges

At the heart of this issue is a broader problem: inadequate state funding for public education in Texas. CFBISD Board President Randy Schackmann acknowledged the strain, noting that the basic per-student funding allotment hasn’t increased since 2019, despite inflation driving up costs by as much as 19%. “Public education is a requirement of the state,” Schackmann said. “We need the state to step up and take a stronger role.”

The closures in CFBISD are just one example of the tough choices school districts across Texas are being forced to make. Many districts are operating on deficit budgets, hoping for increased funding that has yet to materialize, even as the state sits on a $33 billion surplus.

What’s Next for CFBISD Families?

For now, parents and students are preparing for a difficult transition as the four schools close their doors at the end of the year. While the district promises that the consolidation will lead to long-term benefits, the immediate impact on families and communities is undeniable. Schackmann asked for patience, saying, “Give us a little time, give us a little slack, and I believe this will work out well.”

If you’re a parent or resident in the Carrollton-Farmers Branch area, now is the time to get involved. Stay informed, attend school board meetings, and make your voice heard in the upcoming election. For more updates on education in Texas, check out CBS News Texas’ “The Learning Curve” segment, airing weekday mornings at 6 a.m.

What are your thoughts on the school closures?