> At a Glance
> – Arlington ISD may close Blanton Elementary after this school year
> – The 70-year-old campus faces soaring repair costs and declining enrollment
> – More closures could follow as the district reviews under-used buildings
> – Why it matters: Families could see neighborhood schools shuttered as Texas districts grapple with tight budgets
Arlington ISD could shut the doors on Blanton Elementary as early as June, part of a broader look at campuses that are aging, half-full, or both.
Why Blanton Is on the Chopping Block
Built in the 1950s, the South Collins Street school needs costly upgrades. A recent facility review flagged it as one of the district’s most troubled sites.
Superintendent Matt Smith said enrollment keeps dropping and repair estimates keep climbing.
> “I don’t see a situation with declining enrollment with such a high dollar amount that it’s going to be required to repair that facility,” Smith noted.
Academic performance has slipped, and district leaders want to shift students to a higher-rated campus with stronger resources. A final destination hasn’t been chosen.
Part of a Regional Pattern
Arlington is the latest North Texas district to confront campus closures:
- Carrollton-Farmers Branch, Grapevine-Colleyville, Lewisville and Fort Worth ISD have all shut schools in recent years
- Parents in those districts pushed back against proposed closures
- Rising utility bills, inflation and flat state funding squeeze budgets
Smith said the review started late last year. Some buildings are newer but under-enrolled; others are old yet full, so each campus gets a tailored review.
What Happens Next
No decisions are final. The board will vote on January 20, after a special parent meeting next week.
To avoid missteps made elsewhere, Arlington ISD will hire two outside consulting firms to crunch enrollment data before recommending additional closures. Any follow-up shutdowns would be announced ahead of the next school year.
| Timeline | Action |
|---|---|
| Next week | Community meeting for Blanton families |
| Jan. 20 | Board vote on Blanton closure |
| 2025-26 | Earliest date for other possible closures |
Key Takeaways
- Blanton Elementary, open since the mid-20th century, is first in line for closure
- District blames high maintenance costs, falling enrollment and academic struggles
- Trustees are studying every campus; more closures are likely
- Parents will learn the district’s longer-term plans before the next school year
Arlington families are bracing for a shake-up as board members decide whether to retire one of the city’s oldest elementary schools.
