Fort Worth Parents Voice Concerns Over Potential School Closures

Photo Courtesy Fox 4 News

FORT WORTH, Texas – Concerned parents filled the pews of Arlington Heights Methodist Church on Wednesday night, seeking clarity on the future of Fort Worth ISD schools amid discussions of potential closures.

District leaders emphasized that no final decisions have been made, urging families to remain patient as the process unfolds.

Community Concerns and District Response

Families from North Hi Mount and South Hi Mount Elementary Schools, along with Stripling Middle School, gathered to hear updates from district officials. Fort Worth ISD Deputy Superintendent Kellie Spencer reassured parents that no official list of schools under consideration for closure exists at this time.

“There may be a perception that a final plan has already been developed, but that is 100% not true,” Spencer stated, addressing growing concerns.

The anxiety stemmed from a recent board workshop presentation by a consulting firm, which included consolidation options and a preliminary list of schools potentially at risk. Spencer clarified that the presentation was misinterpreted.

“It’s unfortunate how that information was shared, and it was certainly not the district’s intent for it to be released in that manner,” she said.

She also dismissed certain options as unfeasible, such as converting Stripling Middle School into an elementary school.

“Had that idea come up five years ago, maybe—but if you drive by the school now, what do you see? Construction. A $60 million investment. To be what? A middle school,” she emphasized.

The Bigger Picture: Enrollment Challenges

Fort Worth ISD is grappling with declining enrollment, partly due to a lower birthrate. Addressing this challenge will be a major task for interim Superintendent Karen Molinar, who was recently named the lone finalist for the district’s top leadership role.

“It’s not going to happen this month or next,” Molinar assured parents. “We’re looking at late spring before any decisions or recommendations are made. But more importantly, this will be a phased process—not an immediate closure of five, 10, or 15 schools next year.”

Next Steps for the District

Next week, Fort Worth ISD will present potential options and seek community feedback before moving forward.

“This phase is about gathering input,” Spencer explained. “We’re still evaluating options to ensure they are viable before presenting them to the public.”

She also reiterated that any proposed changes will not take effect until the 2025-2026 school year, with only previously approved measures being implemented next school year.

As discussions continue, the district aims to finalize its master facilities plan by June, ensuring that community voices are heard throughout the process.