GPISD Prepares to Vote on Closing Three Schools Amid Budget Crisis

GPISD faces a critical decision as it prepares to vote on closing three schools amid a $17‑million deficit and declining enrollment. The January 15, 2026 school board meeting will determine the fate of institutions that have served Grand Prairie families for decades.

Background

Grand Prairie Independent School District, with more than 25,600 students across 37 campuses, is grappling with falling enrollment and reduced funding. The district’s financial challenges are compounded by aging facilities that operate below the 90 % capacity goal.

Superintendent’s Statement

During Thursday evening’s board meeting, Superintendent Dr. Gabriel Trujillo announced the proposed closures. He said, “This is not an easy decision to be made at all, but let’s talk facts: We are 3,631 students less than we were in 2019,” said Supt. Dr. Gabriel Trujillo. He also highlighted the district’s enrollment decline.

Trujillo outlined the district’s fiscal hurdles: a $17‑million deficit, uncertain state funding, and the need to compete with open‑enrollment districts, the state’s voucher program, and homeschooling options. He added, “Our families have every right to find the best way to meet the needs of their child.”

Proposed Closures

The district has identified three campuses for closure:

• Travis World Language Academy – a Spanish‑language school with 690 students, operating at 83 % capacity. The building is described as aging and in need of costly repairs.
• Delmas Morton Elementary School – a C‑rated campus with 578 students, 60 % capacity, and an aging structure facing continued enrollment decline.
• Dickinson Elementary School – a C‑rated school with 421 students, 73 % capacity, slated to merge with Truman Middle School to form the Truman Digital Learning Institute.

Board trustee Gloria Carrillo criticized Travis Academy’s condition, stating, “It’s old. It’s old. It’s old. It costs the utility bills or the work orders the school has more work orders than any of the other schools.”

Community Reactions

Residents expressed concern over the potential loss of neighborhood schools. Jesus Mendoza, a local resident whose family has attended Travis World Language Academy from kindergarten to elementary, said, “All my family went to this school from kinder to elementary,” said Jesus Mendoza. He added, “I was expecting my little son, he’s one year old, to go to this school, so I’m taking it kind of tough.”

Mendoza also noted the community’s need for the campus, stating, “There’s plenty of kids in this neighborhood that need this school.”

Upcoming Vote

The school board is expected to vote on the proposed closures during its January 15 meeting, which will include public comment. Board members can vote yes, no, or table the issue for a later date.

Key Takeaways

• GPISD faces a $17‑million deficit and declining enrollment, prompting proposals to close three schools.
• Travis World Language Academy, Delmas Morton Elementary, and Dickinson Elementary are the schools targeted for closure.
• The January 15 board meeting will decide whether the closures proceed, with community members voicing strong opposition.

The outcome of the vote will shape the future of Grand Prairie’s educational landscape and determine whether the district can remain fiscally responsible while serving its students and staff.