As the Fort Worth Independent School District (FWISD) initiates campus closures, concerns over declining student enrollment are becoming increasingly evident. During a recent meeting on January 13, 2024, administrators presented data indicating that enrollment levels at both William Monnig Middle School and E.M. Daggett Middle School have reached their lowest since 2017. Leon Moreno, a concerned resident, attended the meeting alongside others who urged the board to reconsider the closure plans.
The meeting highlighted troubling statistics, notably that Monnig currently serves only 440 students, which is approximately half of its capacity. Similarly, Daggett is operating at just 62% with 333 students enrolled. Deputy Superintendent Kellie Spencer confirmed that these schools, along with others with fewer than 500 students, will be closely monitored for potential future actions.
Spencer emphasized the dynamic nature of enrollment patterns, stating, “Both campuses will continue to be monitored and evaluated for potential future action. Enrollment patterns across the district are continually evolving, and FWISD remains responsive and flexible in order to best serve the needs of all students.”
Addressing Enrollment Trends and School Closures
The district’s decision to close 18 schools by 2029 stems from a combination of factors, including aging infrastructure requiring approximately $1.2 billion in repairs and a significant drop in enrollment of about 20,000 students over the last decade. Four schools are slated for closure this June, raising concerns among parents and community members.
During the meeting, Kelly Decker, a mother of students at Monnig, urged the trustees to consider the impact of these closures on children. “I want to ask you to prioritize the least of our children,” she stated, reminding trustees of their responsibility to safeguard the educational environment for all students.
Another noteworthy aspect of the school district’s structure is its feeder patterns. Currently, Monnig feeds into Arlington Heights High School, while Daggett students attend R.L. Paschal High School. However, several high school patterns consist of only one middle school, and this situation is expected to continue evolving. By 2030, both the North Side and Polytechnic feeder patterns will transition to a single middle school.
Future Governance and Accountability
As FWISD navigates these challenges, the impending state takeover looms large. Trustee Camille Rodriguez raised concerns about future governance, questioning whether an appointed board of managers could overturn decisions made by the current elected trustees. Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath is expected to appoint nine managers, who will have the same authority as the current trustees.
Amid these changes, the district faces a paradox: although Fort Worth has seen its population surge past 1 million residents, the largest school district within the city is experiencing declining enrollment. Factors such as falling birth rates and increased competition from charter and private schools are contributing to this trend, creating a complex landscape for FWISD.
As the district prepares for upcoming closures and evaluates enrollment trends, the voices of parents like Decker will continue to resonate within the community. The call for prioritizing the needs of students, especially those from marginalized backgrounds, remains a critical part of the conversation surrounding education in Fort Worth.
