Frisco ISD Delays Decision on Staley Middle School Closure
FRISCO – In a recent board meeting, the Frisco Independent School District (ISD) opted against immediately closing Staley Middle School, which is reported to be in disrepair and financially burdensome to maintain. Trustees expressed concerns regarding an ongoing budget deficit.
Budget Shortfall Overview
During a budget workshop held prior to the board meeting, officials revealed that Frisco ISD is grappling with a significant budget shortfall estimated at $5 million. Despite implementing some spending cuts, further reductions are deemed necessary to stabilize the financial situation.
Considerations for Staley Middle School
The school board thoroughly evaluated the possibility of closing Staley Middle School as part of the strategy to address the financial crisis. This potential closure would involve re-zoning affected students to neighboring schools. The proposal was primarily motivated by the school’s poor physical condition and the escalating costs of repairs.
Board Discussion and Community Response
During the discussions, several board members voiced their support for keeping Staley Middle School operational until at least the end of the 2025-26 academic year. Conversely, other members highlighted the financial implications of maintaining the aging facility.
“Staley is not a school that is failing or they are not struggling. They don’t have abysmal testing scores or staff retention issues. I implore you to please vote no action,” urged Frisco resident Christina Wolfe during the meeting.
Next Steps for Frisco ISD
As the meeting progressed, two motions were proposed regarding the school’s future. The initial motion to close Staley Middle School by the end of the current school year was rejected. Instead, the board approved a second motion to enlist a demographer to provide an additional analysis of the situation, with decisions expected to be revisited in June.
