During a work session on Oct. 22, 2024, the Plano Independent School District Board of Trustees approved an interlocal agreement (ILA) with the city of Plano for the potential sale of three surplus properties: Armstrong Middle School, Davis Elementary School and Forman Elementary School.
The agreement follows the board’s resolution from Sept. 17, 2024, which marked these properties as surplus and allowed for a possible sale. The ILA sets up a framework for Plano ISD and the city of Plano to work on the potential purchase of these properties after the 2024-2025 school year.
“This agreement represents a significant step in our process of responsibly managing district resources. It ensures that these properties will continue to serve our community while upholding neighborhood integrity,” said Plano ISD Board President Nancy Humphrey in an official statement. “We appreciate the city of Plano’s collaboration in this endeavor.”
The ILA has a one-year term, with a planned closing date of Aug. 31, 2025, for any potential sales. This follows all necessary steps under Texas Education Code Section 11.1542. Now, the district is moving forward by working with the city of Plano as allowed by the board’s resolution.
The ILA does not require Plano ISD to accept any offers from the city, nor does it prevent the city from withdrawing offers. Official appraisals will determine the fair market value of the three properties.
In June 2024, the Plano ISD board voted unanimously to close the four campuses. Specialized programs at the closing schools, such as the elementary regional day school program for the Deaf (RDSPD) at Davis, are being relocated. Plano ISD also said that no staff members will lose their jobs due to the closures. Students at the schools will be rezoned and transportation routes will need to be redrawn.
The closures are expected to save Plano ISD an estimated $5.2 million annually. Several factors are contributing to this issue, primarily the cost of living in Plano. According to the district, the average home price in Plano is $584,000. Additionally, declining birth rates in Plano have resulted in smaller kindergarten classes compared to graduating classes. Carpenter, for example, had a capacity for nearly 1,400 students, but only 500 enrolled.
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