Grapevine, Texas, October 11, 2025
News Summary
The Grapevine-Colleyville ISD is contemplating closing several elementary schools due to declining enrollment and budgetary issues. While specific schools have not been confirmed, Dove Elementary and Bransford Elementary are under review. School board discussions continue amid community concerns regarding the impact on local neighborhoods and student reassignment. The district faces significant budget challenges, sending over $30 million to the state with insufficient funding received in return. Mayor William Tate has raised issues about the lack of communication with the school district about these potential closures.
Grapevine, Texas Faces Potential Elementary School Closures
The Grapevine-Colleyville Independent School District (ISD) is considering the closure of some elementary schools due to declining enrollment and budget concerns. Although no specific number of schools has been mentioned, the district’s Education Master Planning Committee is preparing to present recommendations to the school board later this fall regarding possible closures.
School board president Shannon Braun indicated that discussions about downsizing have been ongoing, acknowledging that the proposal may come as a shock to some community members who were previously informed during PTA meetings. The current issues predominantly impact elementary schools, while middle and high schools are less affected by enrollment decline.
Demographic shifts within the community have also contributed to these considerations. Many young families are finding it increasingly difficult to afford housing due to high median list prices, which are around $600,000 in Grapevine and $1.1 million in Colleyville. Dove Elementary and Bransford Elementary are among the campuses being evaluated for potential closure.
The district operates under a “recapture” classification, meaning it sends more than $30 million to the state and receives insufficient funding in return. Braun, who has deep ties to the community, emphasized the difficulty of these decisions while assuring the public that the district has no intention of causing harm to the community.
As tensions mount, Grapevine Mayor William Tate has voiced concerns regarding the lack of collaboration between the city and the school district regarding the potential closures, emphasizing that such actions could lead to political consequences for district leadership. Tate has described the closure discussions as tumultuous and pointed out that the city was not adequately consulted in the planning process.
In response, Braun has clarified that officials from the city were invited to participate but chose not to engage in the planning discussions. Superintendent Dr. Brad Schnautz further noted that the district currently holds approximately 1,900 empty seats in elementary schools, leading to expected declines in school funding tied to enrollment figures.
Recent statistics reveal a significant drop in student enrollment, with a projection of 978 seniors graduating in 2026 compared to just 692 incoming kindergarteners in 2025. Parents have expressed that potential closures could disrupt local neighborhoods, raise concerns about student reassignment, and affect traffic patterns.
Concerns have been raised by parents during school board meetings, many of whom feel they are being caught off guard by the urgency of discussions surrounding school closures. In light of these anxieties, Braun has sought a meeting with Mayor Tate to further address the challenges the district faces and highlighted the importance of data-driven decisions regarding any closures.
Underlying factors contributing to the proposed school closures include budget deficits, aging demographics, and financial ramifications arising from low student enrollment and inadequate state funding. Parents like Courtney Fray and Patty Thompson have expressed worries regarding how closures may impact their children’s education and the overall stability of their community.
FAQ Section
What is the reason behind the potential school closures in Grapevine-Colleyville ISD?
The closures are being considered mainly due to declining enrollment and budget concerns, primarily affecting elementary schools.
Are there specific schools that may close?
Currently, Dove Elementary and Bransford Elementary are among the campuses being evaluated for potential closure.
How many seats are currently empty in the district’s elementary schools?
The district has approximately 1,900 empty seats in its elementary schools.
What are the community’s concerns regarding these closures?
Community members are worried about disruptions to local neighborhoods, student reassignment, and overall impacts on traffic patterns.
What is the timeline for the decision on school closures?
The Education Master Planning Committee is expected to submit recommendations to the school board later this fall.
Key Features of Grapevine-Colleyville ISD School Closures
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Potential Closures | Dove Elementary and Bransford Elementary are under consideration. |
| Empty Seats | Approximately 1,900 empty seats in elementary schools. |
| Enrollment Projections | 978 seniors graduating in 2026; 692 incoming kindergarteners in 2025. |
| Median Home Prices | $600,000 in Grapevine; $1.1 million in Colleyville. |
| Recapture Classification | The district sends over $30 million to the state without sufficient funding in return. |
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Additional Resources
- WFAA
- Wikipedia: Grapevine, Texas
- NBC DFW
- Google Search: Grapevine-Colleyville ISD
- Fox 4 News
- Google Scholar: School Closures Grapevine
- CBS News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Grapevine-Colleyville Independent School District
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