At a Glance
- Grand Prairie ISD postponed a vote to close three schools amid a $17 million budget deficit.
- Listening sessions will be held at each campus February 2-5.
- Travis World Language Academy, Morton Elementary, and Dickinson Elementary-all rated C and under-enrolled-remain on the chopping block.
- Why it matters: Parents say closures would disrupt stability for hundreds of students who have built friendships and bonds with teachers.
Grand Prairie ISD’s school board hit pause Thursday night on a plan to close three campuses, bowing to parent outcry over a proposal driven by a $17 million shortfall.
Superintendent Dr. Gabriel Trujillo opened the packed meeting with a surprise announcement: no vote would be taken on the consolidation plan.
“The reason is I want to make sure that it becomes very clear for our families and our teachers that you have a voice,” Trujillo said.
The district revealed last month that Travis World Language Academy, Morton Elementary, and Dickinson Elementary were under review. Each carries a C state rating and operates below capacity, factors the administration says compound budget pressures alongside aging buildings and uncertain state dollars.
Parents Plead for Stability
Nearly two-dozen parents lined up at the microphone, urging trustees to prioritize children’s emotional security over balance-sheet fixes.
“We already know the teachers. We know all her friends and all that, so starting over, it may affect her because she’s already used to everyone there,” said Eloy Morales, whose child attends Morton.
A Travis mother whose daughter is the last of several siblings to walk the campus halls echoed that sentiment.
“I want Travis to stay open. It’s like a family you grow up with, but not only that, they know your child by name, but also the education. They have really good education there,” she told the board.
New Timeline
In place of an immediate decision, the board scheduled a trio of campus-specific listening sessions:
- Dickinson Elementary – February 2, 6 p.m.
- Morton Elementary – February 3, 6 p.m.
- Travis World Language Academy – February 5, 6 p.m.
District leaders say feedback collected during the meetings will shape any final consolidation recommendation. No new vote date has been announced.
