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Duncanville ISD presents plan to transition Alexander Elementary amid long-term enrollment decline
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Summary
Superintendent Dr. Graham proposed repositioning students from Alexander Elementary to nearby campuses and repurposing the building for district use, citing a sustained enrollment decline from about 417 to a projected 285 students and an estimated $7.1 million in lost funding over five years.
Dr. Graham told the Duncanville Independent School District board that a multi‑factor analysis of enrollment, facility condition and finances led administration to recommend repositioning Alexander Elementary rather than keeping it open as a traditional elementary campus. He said Alexander’s enrollment is projected to fall to about 285 students next year, down from roughly 417, and that the district has lost about 838 students over five years — a decline he estimated cost the district about $7,100,000.
On the proposed plan, students would be reassigned to Daniel, Brandenburg and the Central campus (the latter through the district’s choice process). Dr. Graham said receiving campuses have capacity and that no receiving campus would exceed about 86% utilization under the plan. He described the proposal as an operational and fiscal decision intended to preserve programs and staffing across the district.
Trustees asked how the building would be used and whether it could become a storage site that would invite vandalism; one trustee said neighbors might object to a storage facility. Dr. Graham responded that the district plans to maintain the building’s exterior and repurpose it for district use, not abandon it, and that long‑term use would be evaluated strategically. He emphasized the plan intends to protect educational programs by concentrating resources where enrollment supports robust offerings.
The superintendent outlined a community engagement timeline: neighborhood meetings in April and a final recommendation to the board next month. He said human resources has drafted a structured staff transition plan and that the district will not displace students without planned receiving campuses and supports.
Why this matters: district leaders said keeping underutilized buildings open spreads resources thin and reduces instructional opportunities for all students. Dr. Graham framed the proposal as a move to stabilize finances and reinvest in instruction across the district.
Next steps: administration will hold community meetings in April and return to the board with a final recommendation. If the board approves closure, staff transition and student reassignment plans will be implemented according to the timeline presented.
