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Updates
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Community Meetings
Tues., Jan. 21, 2025 | 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Driscoll Middle School
(17150 Jones Maltsberger)Wed., Jan. 22, 2025 | 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Wilshire Elementary School
(6523 Cascade)Thurs., Jan. 23, 2025 | 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Clear Spring Elementary School
(4311 Clear Spring)
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Parent Notifications
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NEISD sets Campus Consolidation Community Meetings | Dec. 17, 2024
Three meetings are now set to share details with our impacted communities.
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Efficiency Committee Update and Recommendations Video | Dec. 9, 2024
The Long-Range Efficiency Committee has spent several months looking at the data from our recent facility assessment, the District budget, costs per student, enrollment, capacity, and other factors. The overwhelming consensus from the committee was that campus consolidation is necessary.
Ask a Question
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Frequently Asked Questions
All submitted questions will be reviewed, and responses will be shared here on the Campus Consolidation page to ensure that everyone has access to the most up-to-date information.
Please note that while we may not be able to respond to each individual submission directly, we will address common inquiries and provide updates regularly. Be sure to check the page for new information as it becomes available.
General
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What was the timeline of community outreach and communication?
- On Friday, May 17, 2024, parents & employees were notified during a Dr. Maika message that Budget Study Sessions would begin on Monday, May 20.
- During Budget Study Session #1 – Information regarding Attendance, Enrollment & Campus Utilization/Capacity was shared, among many other budget-related topics.
- During the 2nd Budget Study Session – on June 3 – it was shared with the Board that Efficiency & Facility Assessment Results would be taken into consideration as future strategies regarding our District budget, savings, and efficiency decisions. It was also announced that results from the Facility Assessment would be shared in August.
- During the 3rd Budget Study Session – a deficit budget was passed, with no compensation for staff – along with Board conversations surrounding cost savings scenarios.
- On Aug. 12, the results of the Facilities Assessment was shared with the NEISD Board of Trustees during a regular board meeting. The Long-Range Efficiency & Facilities Steering Committee were discussed and plans were approved for these committees to move forward.
- Dr. Maika shared with all staff & parents a message on Sept. 3 an update regarding next steps from the Facility Assessment, including information on the committees being formed and the work they will be doing over the following months.
- On Dec. 9, Dr. Maika again communicated with all staff and parents through a message that recommendations from the Long-Range Efficiency Committee would be shared with the NEISD Board of Trustees that night, and they were encouraged to watch that discussion via the livestream, for updates.
- The evening of Dec. 9, during the Board meeting, which is livestreamed, recommendations on campus consolidation were not presented until shortly before 10 p.m. As soon as the presentation was complete, a letter was shared with all staff and parents. As part of that letter, a webpage link was included where questions could be asked. The Board meeting did not conclude until 11:00 p.m.
- The morning of Dec. 10, that letter was shared on the NEISD Facebook & Instagram pages and the NEISD website. It was also shared on the campus Facebook pages for Wilshire, Clear Spring & Driscoll. A Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) webpage is continually being updated.
- Community meetings will be held in January and February.
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When will the exact dates for community meetings be announced?
We aim to finalize and share those dates as soon as possible.
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How soon will students and staff be informed of their new assignments?
Community meetings will take place in January and February to gather feedback and develop consolidation scenarios. The Board of Trustees will review and vote on these plans in February. If the plans are approved, students will be informed of their new assignments at that time, and HR will work with staff on relocation details.
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Will parents have the opportunity to vote on the consolidation decision?
While parents will not vote directly on this matter, the district is committed to gathering community feedback through upcoming meetings. These meetings will provide an opportunity for parents and other stakeholders to voice their opinions and share their concerns, which will help inform the final decisions made by the Board of Trustees.
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Why were the selected schools chosen?
For more details, please refer to the Efficiency Committee Update and Recommendations Presentation.
The decision to consolidate campuses is based on the evaluation of multiple factors, including student enrollment, facility utilization, and overall budget constraints. It is important to note that the majority of our budget is allocated to salaries, so other areas must also be evaluated. Currently, 14 schools are operating with less than 50% utilization, which further supports the need for consolidation.
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Can the district provide details regarding enrollment levels based on the considered criteria of campuses operating at 50% or less capacity, as well as, data for the middle school campuses in proximity?
Schools Operating Under 50% Capacity
CampusEnrollmemtCapacityDriscoll Middle School5341,410Jackson Middle School6351,483Canyon Ridge Elementary4501,255Dellview Elementary316648Harmony Hills Elementary375819Las Lomas Elementary450998Longs Creek Elementary5401,086Montgomery Elementary239991Oak Meadow Elementary390965Redland Oaks Elementary3491,078Serna Elementary301767Wetmore Elementary4791,026Wilshire Elementary185577Woodstone Elementary5551,153Enrollment of Middle Schools within Proximity of Driscoll Middle School
CampusEnrollmemtCapacityBradley Middle School1,1541,996Garner Middle School7721,275Harris Middle School8971,746Wood Middle School6481,286 -
Will the savings from consolidations be used to address other deficiencies, like employee raises or facility improvements? What are the estimated financial impacts of these closures?
We are currently evaluating possibilities for the buildings, considering factors like efficiency and facility conditions. The consolidation of these three schools is projected to save up to $3 million. Decisions on how these funds will be utilized are still being considered, with a focus on addressing district priorities.
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When the transfer process begins, will families be informed of other campuses being considered for future closures to avoid being relocated an additional time?
Our goal is to minimize disruptions and ensure students are not moved more than necessary. While we re-evaluate campuses annually, we are keeping potential future scenarios in mind as current consolidation plans are finalized.
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What strategies will be used to support the integration of students at receiving campuses?
Campus leaders and staff will collaborate to ensure all necessary support and resources are in place for incoming students. Specific strategies will be developed and implemented once the consolidation plans are finalized.
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Why is consolidation being considered when it could lead to larger schools, which might negatively impact the student experience, including class size, athletics, and individualized attention?
For more details, please refer to the Efficiency Committee Update and Recommendations Presentation.
The decision to consolidate is based on a comprehensive evaluation of multiple factors, including student enrollment, facility utilization, and budgetary constraints. While we understand the value of smaller schools, a significant portion of our budget is allocated to salaries, and other areas must also be considered for cost efficiency. Currently, 14 schools are operating at less than 50% capacity, which highlights the need for consolidation to optimize resources and ensure sustainable operations.
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What will happen to campuses that are vacated due to the relocation of students and staff?
The next steps in the process will involve developing specific scenarios based on community and campus feedback, which will be gathered in meetings scheduled for January and February. These scenarios will be presented to the Board of Trustees for final approval.
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What factors are driving the decision to close campuses, and why can’t other areas of the budget be adjusted to avoid closures?
For more details, please refer to the Efficiency Committee Update and Recommendations Presentation.
The decision to consolidate campuses is based on the evaluation of multiple factors, including student enrollment, facility utilization, and overall budget constraints. It is important to note that the majority of our budget is allocated to salaries, so other areas must also be evaluated. Currently, 14 schools are operating with less than 50% utilization, which further supports the need for consolidation.
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What is the plan for the buildings of consolidated schools, and how will the district address concerns about vacant buildings?
We are evaluating possibilities for the buildings, considering factors like efficiency and facility conditions.
The next steps in the process will involve developing specific scenarios based on community and campus feedback, which will be gathered in meetings scheduled for January and February. These scenarios will be presented to the Board of Trustees for final approval.
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Will events and programs for the current school year still take place?
If the recommendation for consolidation is approved by the Board of Trustees, it would occur in the 2025-26 school year. This school year will not be impacted.
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Boundaries, Feeder Paths, & Transportation
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Is the district considering crossing the 1604 barrier when redrawing school boundaries?
Scenarios will be developed before the Board of Trustees takes a final vote in February. Factors such as physical space, transportation, feeder patterns, and community input will be carefully considered.
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Will bus transportation be provided for students impacted by the relocation?
Students are eligible for bus transportation if their home address is two miles or more from the property line of their assigned campus.
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Are there any plans to redraw NEISD boundary lines or attendance zones in the future?
Currently, our focus is on the areas around Wilshire, Clear Spring, and Driscoll. While 14 schools are operating with less than 50% utilization, redrawing boundary lines would simply redistribute students without addressing the broader issue of declining enrollment, which has been a trend for over 10 years. We will continue to evaluate boundaries and enrollment on an annual basis to determine the best solutions for the district.
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Will boundary adjustments for other campuses be considered to keep more students together as they transition to middle school?
The district carefully considers multiple factors on an annual basis, including boundaries and transportation options, when evaluating potential adjustments. We will continue to monitor and adjust these factors as needed, with an ongoing commitment to providing equitable access to quality education for all students.
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How will the consolidation impact feeder patterns for Driscoll students, and can parents make school choice decisions before the final board vote?
As part of the consolidation planning process, we will develop specific scenarios regarding feeder patterns and campus transitions. These will be shared at upcoming community and campus meetings in January and February, with final decisions made by the Board of Trustees.
The School Choice window is open from December 2, 2024, and will close on July 25, 2025, at 4:45 p.m.
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What are the new school assignments for students currently attending the schools that will be consolidated??
The next steps in the process will involve developing specific scenarios based on community and campus feedback, which will be gathered in meetings scheduled for January and February. These scenarios will be presented to the Board of Trustees for final approval.
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Academic Services & District Programs
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How will the District ensure my child has access to after-school care, particularly at campuses that may see increased demand?
The District will collaborate with campus leaders and staff to ensure adequate support and resources are available for incoming students, including after-school care.
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Will course selection be delayed for the schools affected by the consolidation?
Registration will proceed as normal. If any delays occur due to course selections not being available at other schools and the need to expand offerings, updates will be provided to campuses.
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How will special education students be affected by these changes?
We are committed to working with campus leaders and staff to ensure that special education students receive the necessary support and resources during the transition.
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With this major shuffling of students, how can you ensure that my children will receive the academic support they need from the start of the school year?
We are committed to working closely with campus leaders and staff to ensure that all necessary support and resources are in place for incoming students. Our goal is to make the transition as smooth as possible and provide the support needed for their continued academic success.
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School Choice
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What will happen to students who planned to attend Driscoll through the School Choice program?
Consolidation scenarios are being developed and will be presented for a Board vote in February, including decisions on where students may be relocated. The School Choice window remains open until July 25, 2025, at 4:45 p.m. for families to explore other campus options.
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Will school choice applications (opting into another NEISD campus) be allowed/accepted during the remainder of 2024 and all of 2025?
Yes, the School Choice window is open from December 2, 2024, and will close on July 25, 2025, at 4:45 p.m.
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How will the consolidation impact feeder patterns for Driscoll students, and can parents make school choice decisions before the final board vote?
As part of the consolidation planning process, we will develop specific scenarios regarding feeder patterns and campus transitions. These will be shared at upcoming community and campus meetings in January and February, with final decisions made by the Board of Trustees.
The School Choice window is open from December 2, 2024, and will close on July 25, 2025, at 4:45 p.m.
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Teachers & Staffing
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What support services and resources will be available to help staff manage potential emotional impacts following the announcement of this news?
NEISD offers several support resources for staff:
ComPsych: This free Employee Assistance Program is available to all NEISD employees, regardless of whether or not you are enrolled in health plan. It provides NEISD employees and family members access to eight free counseling sessions per topic, per year, via phone or video chat. You or a family member can speak with a licensed therapist at no cost to you. Additional information is available on the ComPsych tab of the Wellness webpage at neisd.net/wellness. Remember, to log in with your NEISD credentials first. You can also download the ComPsych Guidance Now mobile app for easy access.
Learn to Live: Available to employees on a BCBSTX medical plan, this program offers confidential digital mental health resources. Complete a short, online self-assessment to help pinpoint the programs right for you, then explore quick and easy lessons based on the recommendations and connect with a mental health coach to help you achieve your goals. Access Learn to Live by logging into Blue Access for Members and navigating to the Wellness tab at the top right of the screen.
Headway: Also available to employees on a BCBSTX medical plan, this platform helps find in-network mental health providers, and can be booked online through the secure platform without having to take the time to make various phone calls for scheduling. On this platform you can see therapist bios including what to expect on your first visit, and can sort through different preferences such as location, gender, therapy style, etc. Headway offers providers who can be seen in as a little as 48 hours and is a great option for those who are looking to get seen immediately with an in-network provider.
These services can assist and equip staff with tools and support during this transition period.
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Will staff members transition to the same campuses as the students they currently serve?
Many staff members will transition with students to the same campuses. However, some may not. The District will work closely with staff to accommodate their needs whenever possible and ensure a smooth transition for all.
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Will some teachers from the consolidated schools be relocated before the end of this school year?
At this time, no relocations are proposed for this school year. The recommendations and changes are planned for the 2025-26 school year
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Will current teachers and staff have the option to choose which campus they will move to?
Human Resources will work with staff members at impacted campuses to assist in the transition process.
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Driscoll Middle School
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What will happen to students who planned to attend Driscoll through the School Choice program?
Consolidation scenarios are being developed and will be presented for a Board vote in February, including decisions on where students may be relocated. The School Choice window remains open until July 25, 2025, at 4:45 p.m. for families to explore other campus options.
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Couldn't rezoning elementaries into Driscoll balance enrollment and prevent a middle school gap within the Driscoll community?
Enrollment has been declining, and simply redistributing students does not address the broader issue of continued enrollment drops. Currently, 14 schools are under 50% utilization. Final decisions on consolidation and where students will be zoned will be made by the Board of Trustees in February.
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There are many new developments and subdivisions within the Driscoll area. How have these developments affected capacity?
Two middle schools, including Driscoll, are operating at below 50% utilization. The other 12 middle schools fall within a utilization range of 50-75%. Final consolidation plans, including decisions about student placements, will be determined by the Board of Trustees in February.
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Why can’t Driscoll be considered for a magnet or bilingual school to increase enrollment?
Several factors were considered in the decision-making process. Currently, 14 schools are operating below 50% utilization, and simply redistributing students to other campuses does not address the broader issue of declining enrollment across the District.
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How will the consolidation process take into account the importance of these close connections and the unique atmosphere that Driscoll provides?
We understand and appreciate the strong sense of community that Driscoll Middle School fosters. We understand the connections made at smaller schools are incredibly valuable, and we recognize that this contributes to a positive educational experience. While consolidation is being considered for operational efficiency, we are committed to carefully evaluating all options and community feedback.
The decision to consolidate is based on a comprehensive evaluation of multiple factors, including student enrollment, facility utilization, and budgetary constraints. While we understand the value of smaller schools, a significant portion of our budget is allocated to salaries, and other areas must also be considered for cost efficiency. Currently, 14 schools are operating at less than 50% capacity, which highlights the need for consolidation to optimize resources and ensure sustainable operations.
For more details, please refer to the Efficiency Committee Update and Recommendations Presentation.
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If Driscoll must close, would a phased approach be considered to allow current students to finish their education there?
For more details, please refer to the Efficiency Committee Update and Recommendations Presentation.
The decision to consolidate is based on a comprehensive evaluation of multiple factors, including student enrollment, facility utilization, and budgetary constraints. Currently, fourteen of our schools are operating with less than 50% utilization, which contributes to the need for consolidation. Boundary adjustments and phased closures will be considered as part of the ongoing discussions.
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How will the consolidation impact feeder patterns for Driscoll students, and can parents make school choice decisions before the final board vote?
As part of the consolidation planning process, we will develop specific scenarios regarding feeder patterns and campus transitions. These will be shared at upcoming community and campus meetings in January and February, with final decisions made by the Board of Trustees.
The School Choice window is open from December 2, 2024, and will close on July 25, 2025, at 4:45 p.m.
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Were alternative options, such as redistributing students from other middle schools, considered during the consolidation planning process?
Many factors were considered during the planning process such as efficiency, proximity to other campuses, boundaries and feeder patterns, facility conditions and possible future use of facilities. Scenarios will be developed in the coming months and the Board of Trustees will vote on the final plans in February.
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Clear Spring Elementary School
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What will happen with the current 5th graders who were scheduled to feed into Driscoll for middle school tours and course selections? How will the consolidation process impact their preparations for the next school year?
The current 5th graders across NEISD are scheduled to visit their receiving middle schools on January 16, 2025 for tours and course card selections. Plans for 5th graders who would have attended Driscoll, especially from split elementary campuses, are still under consideration for the course selection process. More details will be provided as they become confirmed.
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What is the recommendation for the future of Clear Spring School, and when will a final decision be made?
Currently, the recommendation is to consolidate Clear Spring Elementary for the 2025-26 school year, along with Driscoll Middle School and Wilshire Elementary. The Board of Trustees will review and vote on this recommendation in February.
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Wilshire Elementary
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What will happen with the current 5th graders who were scheduled to feed into Driscoll for middle school tours and course selections? How will the consolidation process impact their preparations for the next school year?
The current 5th graders across NEISD are scheduled to visit their receiving middle schools on January 16, 2025 for tours and course card selections. Plans for 5th graders who would have attended Driscoll, especially from split elementary campuses, are still under consideration for the course selection process. More details will be provided as they become confirmed.
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Will there be a closing ceremony for Wilshire, allowing alumni and current families to say goodbye?
At this time, it is too early to determine if a closing ceremony will take place. A final vote on consolidation plans will occur at the end of February, after which further details will be shared.
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Where will the Alternative Elementary School be located?
The location for the Alternative Elementary School is still under consideration. Specific scenarios will be developed and feedback will be gathered during community and campus meetings in January and February. These scenarios will then be presented to the Board of Trustees for a final decision.
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Questions Specific to Campuses Not Currently Under Consideration
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What will happen with the current 5th graders who were scheduled to feed into Driscoll for middle school tours and course selections? How will the consolidation process impact their preparations for the next school year?
The current 5th graders across NEISD are scheduled to visit their receiving middle schools on January 16, 2025 for tours and course card selections. Plans for 5th graders who would have attended Driscoll, especially from split elementary campuses, are still under consideration for the course selection process. More details will be provided as they become confirmed.
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How will the consolidation impact middle schools like Bradley, which many believe are already at capacity?
Currently, no middle schools in the District are considered overcrowded. Two middle schools, including Driscoll, are operating at below 50% utilization, while the other 12 middle schools are within 50-75% utilization. The District will ensure that any consolidation plans prioritize balanced class sizes and appropriate resource allocation. Final decisions will be made by the Board of Trustees in February.
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Will magnet school bus stops be adjusted to allow families to select a more convenient stop or campus of choice rather than the assigned location?
The next steps in the process include developing specific scenarios based on community and campus feedback, which will be gathered during meetings in January and February. The Transportation Department will analyze the impact on existing bus routes and shuttle services, including magnet and bilingual programs. Currently, magnet school shuttles pick up and drop off at the student’s designated home campus.
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How will this affect the lottery process for magnet applications?
These changes will not impact the lottery process. Students will be reflected by the school they are currently enrolled in.
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Where will Wetmore 5th graders feed into if Driscoll is closed?
Consolidation scenarios will be worked on over the next couple of months and the board will vote on plans, including where students may be moved, in February. The school choice window is currently open until July 25, 2025 at 4:45 p.m.
