CFB ISD outlines facilities criteria and timeline for possible campus consolidations; public urges faster transparency

Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD officials on Jan. 16 presented the criteria the districtwill use to evaluate school buildings and outlined a schedule that includes an information-only board presentation on Feb. 6, faculty briefings Feb. 7, campus listening tours Feb. 1017 and a board vote on March 6. The facilities planning advisory group recommended utilization targets and considerations to guide any consolidation decisions.

The advisory group set as a districtwide target roughly 85% utilization, with minimum campus utilization at 75% and a maximum at 90%, and asked that capacity calculations be adjusted for programmatic needs such as special education and newcomer programs. The group also emphasized balancing enrollment across the district, managing transfer processes, and preserving high-school feeder patterns when possible.

Chris Moore, the district official leading the Facilities Master Plan presentation, told trustees the advisory panel met three times between October and December, reached strong consensus on the criteria (support in the 93298% range across categories) and folded that work into demographer data, capacity/utilization studies and educational specifications. Moore said the Feb. 6 board presentation will be information-only and that any consolidated campuses would be notified to principals the week of Feb. 6; campus listening tours will follow. The board would receive community feedback gathered at those tours before a recommendation and vote on March 6.

During public comment, Rosemead Elementary PTA President Anna Adamo urged trustees to "acknowledge that this is a hard time for all of us" and called for earlier, clearer communications about possible closures, transfers and supports for families and staff. Parent and district staff member Aria Dean also criticized the pace and transparency of communications, raising concerns about how students with disabilities were supported during past program consolidations and asking for faster timelines and explicit safeguards for vulnerable students.

Trustees and staff said they would make materials available after the Feb. 6 presentation and emphasized planned faculty briefings and parent listening sessions. Board members pressed staff to ensure non-digital notification methods for families who are not on social media and to include mental-health and transition supports for students and employees.

The district said it has created a standalone facilities website, a dedicated email (askcf@cfbisd.edu) and a hotline for questions. Moore said district leaders will meet individually with principals of any campuses identified for consolidation before public release and that the district is assembling resources to help parents and staff with registration, transfers and conversations with students.