Lewisville ISD is facing significant community pushback regarding the potential closure of Creekside Elementary School, as highlighted during a special meeting on November 18, 2024. Staff and community members expressed deep concerns about the impact of such a decision on students' emotional well-being, academic performance, and family dynamics.

A staff member articulated fears that closing Creekside would displace students from a nurturing environment, leading to increased transportation challenges and longer commutes for families. This disruption could adversely affect children's academic success and self-esteem, as well as diminish the quality of education they receive. The staff member urged the district to consider alternative solutions to keep the school open.

Community member Kira Danelle raised additional concerns about the implications of closing the school, including potential vandalism of the empty building and the effect on local property values. She criticized the district for not including the closure discussion in previous meetings and expressed skepticism about the timeline for decision-making, suggesting that a decision may have already been made.

Danelle also pointed out that the school proposed for rerouting students, Lewisville Elementary, is currently on a state improvement plan with lower test scores compared to Creekside. She referenced research indicating that students who experience school closures tend to face long-term negative outcomes, including lower college attendance rates and earnings.

In a show of solidarity, community advocate Andrea Michelle Golden Reid, also known as \"Grama Bear Andy,\" praised the district's leadership for their transparency but emphasized the need to protect Creekside and other schools from closure. She expressed her commitment to advocating for the families affected by the potential decision through a heartfelt poem.

The discussions at the meeting underscore the community's strong attachment to Creekside Elementary and the potential ramifications of its closure, highlighting the need for careful consideration of the educational and emotional impacts on students and families. As the district moves forward, the voices of concerned parents and staff will likely continue to resonate in the ongoing dialogue about the future of local schools.