Fort Worth Schools Shake-Up: 3 Campuses Face Closure in Bold Consolidation Plan

District Proposes Major Overhaul to Address Declining Enrollment & Budget Challenges

Fort Worth ISD officials have dropped a bombshell recommendation that would permanently shutter three schools in the Polytechnic Heights neighborhood while consolidating operations at a fourth campus. The sweeping proposal marks one of the district's most significant restructuring efforts in recent years.

Schools on the Chopping Block:

• Morningside Elementary (est. 1961) - Students would relocate to nearby Charles Nash Elementary
• John T. White Elementary (est. 1955) - Operations would merge with adjacent Polytechnic High School
• Daggett Elementary (est. 1953) - Programming would shift to nearby McLean Middle School

Why This Matters Now:

1. Enrollment across these schools has plummeted 22% since 2019
2. District faces $18M budget shortfall for 2025-26 academic year
3. Facility maintenance costs exceed $5M annually for aging buildings

"We're facing hard truths about underutilized spaces and stretched resources," explained FWISD Superintendent Angélica Ramsey during Thursday's tense community meeting. "This plan allows us to redirect funds toward teacher retention and STEM programs rather than leaking roofs."

Community Backlash Brewing

Alumni and local activists have already launched #SavePolySchools campaigns, arguing the move disproportionately impacts historically Black and Latino neighborhoods. "These schools anchor our community," argued lifelong resident Terrance Washington outside Morningside Elementary. "You're talking about erasing 70 years of history."

The school board will vote on June 11 after public comment periods. If approved, changes would take effect Fall 2026.

What Do You Think?

• Should urban districts prioritize facility costs over community ties to schools?
• Does consolidating schools actually improve educational outcomes?
• Are these closures racially/ economically discriminatory?
• Would you support tax increases to keep neighborhood schools open?