KISD School Closures Announced: Decades-Long Educational Sites Closing Next Year
The Killeen Independent School District (KISD) has announced the closure of three educational campuses in a significant move affecting local students. This decision was made during a board meeting on October 28, as part of the District Optimization plan aimed at addressing declining enrollment and financial challenges.
KISD School Closures Overview
The board approved measures that include closing Peebles Elementary School, Palo Alto Middle School, and Eastern Hills Middle School by the end of the 2025-26 school year. These closures are expected to save the district an estimated $64 million over the next five years.
Details of School Closures
- Peebles Elementary School: Established in 1960, it will close after 60 years of service. Peebles has seen an increase in state accountability scores, rising from an F to a B rating.
- Palo Alto Middle School: Opened in 1995, it is part of the district’s reorganization as a potential Alternative Education Placement campus. Performance ratings have been low, and the school currently serves 781 students.
- Eastern Hills Middle School: Opened in 1987, this school has struggled academically, receiving D and F ratings in recent years. It has a student body of 586.
Financial and Operational Rationale
Consultant Olin Parker, with Civic Solutions Group, presented the closure recommendations due to the schools’ aging facilities and declining performance. Closing Peebles and Eastern Hills is projected to shift students to more efficiently run campuses.
While the community provided feedback supporting these closures, there was significant discussion regarding Hay Branch Elementary School, which was not closed, thanks to concerns raised by Trustee Oliver Mintz regarding the economic impacts on the northern areas of the district.
Community Feedback and Trust Decisions
A survey conducted from August 26 to October 3 revealed that over 60% of participants supported closing Peebles and Hay Branch. However, Hay Branch remains open, allowing further evaluation of its impact on the community.
State Oversight and Future Planning
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has mandated KISD to submit a turnaround plan by November 14 for its failing schools, including Palo Alto and Eastern Hills. If these schools fail to improve, further sanctions may result, including potential state oversight or campus closure after five consecutive years of poor performance.
Optimizing Educational Outcomes
KISD’s interim superintendent, King Davis, emphasized the importance of utilizing taxpayer dollars effectively while addressing the challenges of low enrollment and performance. Changes aim to enhance educational support for students struggling in math and reading.
In addition to the closures, KISD will implement intervention models and continue to seek community collaboration to ensure a smooth transition for affected students and families as they are integrated into neighboring schools.
These changes highlight KISD’s commitment to optimizing educational resources and prioritizing student success amid pressing financial realities.
