In a move driven by declining enrollment and budget constraints, the Amarillo Independent School District (AISD) Board of Trustees has announced the closure of three elementary schools—Park Hills Elementary, Pleasant Valley Elementary, and Sunrise Elementary—at the end of the current school year. The closures mark the beginning of a consolidation process that will merge these campuses with others in the district starting in August 2025.
Declining Enrollment and Fiscal Responsibility
The closures come as part of AISD's ongoing efforts to adapt to population shifts and financial challenges. The three schools being closed are the district’s smallest elementary campuses, and officials cited inefficiency in maintaining smaller schools under the current state funding model.
"Small schools are not fiscally efficient to operate, especially with the current state funding model,” the board stated. Members expressed concern that delaying the decision further would be irresponsible, given the district's financial realities.
The consolidation plan aims to strengthen AISD’s educational offerings. “Ultimately, AISD leaders believe that consolidating some smaller campuses will create even stronger schools with improved opportunities and services for all students,” the district noted in its official statement.
Historical Context of School Closures in Amarillo
The decision to close schools is not unprecedented in AISD’s history. Over its more than 100 years of serving the community, the district has adjusted to population shifts and neighborhood changes by closing and consolidating schools when necessary.
For example, Morrow Elementary was closed in 1965 after the construction of Interstate 40 and the Interchange prompted families to move away, reducing enrollment to under 200 students. The campus later became the Region 16 ESC Head Start Cleveland Street Center. Similarly, Wilson Elementary was closed in the 1970s as highway expansion brought roads too close to the school grounds.
Statewide Challenges and Local Solutions
Amarillo is not alone in facing such challenges. School districts across Texas are grappling with similar issues of declining enrollment and budget shortfalls, forcing many to make tough decisions about closures and consolidations.
AISD’s approach focuses on minimizing disruption for students, families, and staff. "Our district will remain focused on our students and their future academic success as campus and district leadership work closely with staff and families of the affected schools to make this transition as smooth as possible,” the board emphasized.
In a reassurance to employees, the district confirmed that no staff members would lose their jobs as a result of the closures and consolidations.
Next Steps for the Affected Schools
As the school year progresses, AISD leadership will collaborate with the families and staff of Park Hills, Pleasant Valley, and Sunrise Elementary schools to prepare for the transition. Plans for pairing and consolidating the campuses are expected to roll out in the coming months, with full implementation slated for the 2025-2026 school year.
The closures highlight the balancing act required of public school districts as they navigate financial constraints while striving to maintain high-quality education. For AISD, the hope is that this difficult decision will ultimately strengthen the district and improve outcomes for students across Amarillo.
