On March 21, 2024, Richardson ISD trustees approved Project RightSize proposals aimed at consolidating and repurposing five elementary campuses.
The approved plan will merge the attendance boundaries of Greenwood Hills Elementary, Springridge Elementary, Spring Valley Elementary and Thurgood Marshall Elementary, thereby closing these four schools in the upcoming 2024-25 academic year. Dobie Pre-Kindergarten School will also cease operations as a school starting in 2025-26.
This consolidation initiative is projected to yield annual savings of approximately $10.8 million in operating expenditures and generate an estimated $10 million in one-time funds.
“This is a very difficult day for RISD,” Superintendent Tabitha Branum said in a statement. “From the time that elementary school consolidation was recommended by the community budget steering committee last year, we knew there was no way to implement a plan without directly impacting valued families and communities.”
The decision builds upon budget planning talks initiated over a year ago and is anticipated to lead to the finalization of the 2024-25 operating budget in June 2023.
The district hosted five parent/community gatherings to offer information, address inquiries and gather feedback. These sessions collectively drew over 850 attendees, with a total of 470 questions addressed. RISD trustees and staff also reviewed over 350 online questions and feedback messages via the Let’s Talk platform.
Students affected by the consolidation plan will receive priority in transfer requests depending on space availability. Central staff will initiate work on implementation specifics, such as requesting new school zone designations and crossing guard assignments, in collaboration with the cities of Dallas and Richardson.
Parents who enrolled students for the 2024-25 academic year at a consolidated campus will have their enrollment automatically transferred to their new attendance area school, requiring no further action. Families seeking clarification on the elementary consolidation plan's implementation can reach out to their 2024-25 elementary school for assistance or through the Let’s Talk platform.
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