Approved Plan for McCoy Elementary

Staff | Space | Resources

Based on current enrollment levels, the Smith feeder pattern’s elementary utilization will improve to 86%.

Districtwide - 85% | Minimum - 75% | Maximum - 90%

At 48 years old, this is the oldest elementary in this feeder pattern without an existing major renovation or replacement plans. The 1970s floor plan includes small classrooms that are difficult to secure, presenting safety and security concerns.

Travel Distance | Access | Neighborhood Feel

This feeder pattern has a very high density of elementary schools, with four different campuses located within one mile of each other. This density ensures that the neighborhood feel will be maintained despite consolidation.

Age | Floor Plan

Higher utilization results in lower cost per student, resulting in the ability to increase staff, space and resources to boost student performance.

Not necessarily.  Enrollment caps will be implemented at each campus and will be based on space, enrollment capacity, and the number of programs offered. After the early registration period ends on May 23, 2025, the final enrollment cap figures will be established. The out-of-district transfer process will remain the same. 

All programming has not been finalized at this point. Our goal is to keep the classrooms that were at McCoy in the same feeder pattern area. Should the board vote to consolidate McCoy, parents will get information about their students' campus for the 2025-2026 school year by March 14, 2025.

The meeting duration and structure were designed to ensure that key information was communicated while also allowing time for responses to the submitted questions. The 10-minute allocation for questions was set to maintain an efficient and focused discussion, but we understand that parents and stakeholders may have additional concerns.
To ensure all voices are heard, we encourage participants to complete the provided survey and attend the February 25th meeting. Our goal is to provide transparency and gather meaningful input.

The percentage of open seats throughout CFB has been a gradual trend. The district’s most recent demographics report shows a 4.7-percent student decline over the past five years. That is about 250 students per year. The 10-year forecast anticipates that trend to continue with an 1,100 student decline during that time period. 

Due to the lack of state funding, and the spending restrictions on those increases that have been awarded, districts all over the state are forced to consider what the future of public education will look like to remain competitive and create opportunities for students. 

At the time of the May 2023 bond, it was believed that the state would increase the state funding formula. It is unfortunate that the state funding formula does not factor in inflation. EXAMPLE: The district is in a position where they can build the schoolhouses but not afford the essentials inside them, and so we have to have less houses. State law prevents districts from spending bond funds on operating expenses. 

McCoy is the lone elementary school recommended for consolidation within the Smith HS feeder pattern.

The program will remain at Perry for the 2025-26 school year. 

The family and student support for their neighborhood campuses speaks volumes to the pride throughout CFB. McCoy ES is no exception. This decision was not taken lightly and has been shaped by a variety of factors that extend beyond individual successes.

Some key considerations include districtwide resource allocation, demographic changes, and long-term strategic planning. The district must balance the needs of all schools and students, ensuring that resources are distributed equitably and sustainably. The broader context of the district's goals and challenges must be taken into account.

The program will remain at Perry for the 2025-26 school year. 

While school bus driver shortages have become more common throughout the state, it is not among the key factors in relocating the LEAP program. Primarily, LEAP is recommended to relocate because it is an academic program located within a campus proposed for consolidation. Transportation routes are among the factors considered when proposing a campus for LEAP’s relocation.

The district currently provides transportation for the LEAP program.

All programming has not been finalized at this point. Our goal is to keep the classrooms that were at McCoy in the same feeder pattern area. Should the board vote to consolidate McCoy, parents will get information about their students' campus for the 2025-2026 school year by March 14, 2025.

The IEPs will be implemented as written. When deciding campuses we look at the proximity of your home to the campus with the program decided by the IEP. Campuses for the 2025-2026 school year for students will be shared with parents of students on a consolidated campus by March 14th.

Feedback for this proposal has been collected since the fall of 2023, when this study began. Staff, teachers, students, parents and community members have all been part of the process. That input factored heavily into the final proposal, along with the Facilities Planning Advisory Group criteria. While studies conducted by third parties indicate CFB’s current situation is not as dire as some districts in the area, they do trend toward a continued enrollment and funding decline—as is the case in most Dallas County districts—which has to be addressed.

The district has not conducted a recent appraisal for this property. Additionally, the district has not solicited potential buyers. The proceeds of a sale would be a one-time increase to the district’s general fund.

Many factors are considered when determining the retirement of a school campus. One priority in the student achievement criteria is to preserve programs whenever possible - affecting the least amount of  scholars and students. Academic considerations were among the multiple aspects taken into account, including financial sustainability, resource allocation, and community needs. It is important to note that this decision was not based solely on academics but rather on a holistic view of various factors to ensure the best outcomes for all students in the district.

After the retirement of the McCoy campus, the district would prioritize the necessary measures in a sale to prevent competition for student enrollment, commercial property, and increase single family homes in neighborhoods.

The district’s $35B in taxable assessed values rise in a consistent trend of approximately 6% each year. The impact of declining enrollment, no increase in funding per student, and over 20% inflationary increases in the cost of living has created a perfect storm of budget deficits that the district can not sustain. The total student investment will suffer if we do not optimize our campuses. Preserving programs in fewer, larger campuses will be the only way to keep the portfolio of choice for our kindergarten students that the graduates of 2025 have enjoyed. 

It’s not easy or cheap. Locked doors for individual classrooms is one the most important things we always want to do. Walls would need to move to meet current code requirements, and that has a domino effect on other things like cabinets and finishes. 

Yes, students who are assigned a new home campus will have a spot.

Yes.  However, families requesting a transfer are not eligible for CFBISD transportation to or from their requested school. Even though notification of the decision for most transfers is within 60 days, due to space limitations and/or teacher allocations, some requests may not be eligible for consideration until the beginning of the school year. Transfers are not considered after the start of the semester, except in extenuating circumstances.

Not counting facilities already planned for replacement, this building prototype is the least well-suited to our current instructional model. 

Teaching positions in CFBISD are part of the 24% attrition that the district experiences each year. If vacancies materialize, HR will determine the best candidate to fill those vacancies. Professional Development is a budgeted expenditure every year for new teachers. CFBISD has a strong history of cultivating their own high-quality teachers.

The cost to operate the four campuses proposed for consolidation totals approximately $17M, and the published 54% savings of $9M had many considerations factored into the calculation. The goal is permanent budget reduction of the entire cost to operate the campuses within 5 years. 

While property values were not identified as a factor by the Facilities Advisory Planning Group, location was a criteria to develop the recommendation. Location was defined as: 

• Minimize distance of travel for students to any change of school assignment.
• Consider repurposing underused or closed schools to maximize the value of existing assets and reduce costs associated with building new schools.
• Evaluate proximity to charter and private schools to avoid creating school "competition" that negatively impacts enrollment. Consider how the location impacts access to specialized programs like Pre-K, SPED, and bilingual education.

Woolpert was selected because they had the needed qualifications and expertise. Their work was funded by 2023 Bond funds.

The four main factors established by the Facilities Planning Advisory Group were utilization, condition and adequacy, location, and cost for quality. Academic considerations were among the multiple aspects taken into account, including financial sustainability, resource allocation, and community needs.

It is important to note that this decision was not based solely on academics but rather on a holistic view of various factors to ensure the best outcomes for all students in the district.

Anyone can request a transfer and the process is the same.  However, families requesting a transfer are not eligible for CFBISD transportation to or from their requested school. Even though notification of the decision for most transfers is within 60 days, due to space limitations and/or teacher allocations, some requests may not be eligible for consideration until the beginning of the school year. Transfers are not considered after the start of the semester, except in extenuating circumstances.

The student and building data we provided our consultants are the same records we use on a day-to-day basis and are regularly updated as the student population and our buildings change. 

The one older elementary in the feeder pattern was considered, but it has had a major addition/renovation while McCoy has not.

A formal community vote is not part of the process; however, we highly value and welcome your input. Please share your thoughts by emailing askcfb@cfbisd.edu.

No. The district must comply with the maximum of the 22:1 student to teacher ratio for grades k-4 as set by the Texas Education Code. 

If the LEAP Program is relocated to another campus all LEAP students will automatically be placed at the new campus. This will not require a transfer.

The 2024 demographics report projects resident students + current transfers to remain flat - from 396 in 2025-2026 to 402 in 2034-2035.

The long-term plan is to increase student enrollment and provide innovative instructional opportunities. We will continue to maintain the integrity of the LEAP programs at the designated elementary and middle school campuses. There are no plans to consolidate the LEAP program with any other GT programs. The LEAP program is unique by design and has been created with a curriculum that is customized to meet the needs of the students in the program academically, socially, and emotionally. Other GT programs and services will continue at all campuses.

McCoy is the oldest elementary in the feeder pattern without a major renovation. Good is 34 years newer. Blanton is 29 years newer. Carrollton will be brand new. As you might expect, these three neighbors have less wear & tear. It does appear that there may be a foundation issue at the front of McCoy. 

This will be dependent on the new school and whether or not they have the same programs and opportunities. The principals will work together to accommodate the students and merge programs to the best of their ability.

Teachers currently employed in the LEAP program will be reassigned to the program's new campus. Those who choose not to accept this reassignment will be placed in another vacant position within the district. Given the strong interest among educators in teaching within the LEAP program, this transition is not expected to impact the program’s operations.

*UPDATE: Feb. 28, 2025: After consultation with legal counsel, the decision was made to consider all proposals as one vote. 

The proposal consists of four distinct recommendations for campus consolidation and four separate rezoning recommendations, aligned with high school feeder patterns.

We want to build upon the current success by providing better space that is already available elsewhere. 

If you have insights or information that could contribute to the process, please email them to askcfb@cfbisd.edu.

Site selection is an administrative decision and may be changed at any time. The IEPs will be implemented as written. When deciding campuses we look at the proximity of your home to the campus with the program decided by the IEP. Campuses for the 2025-2026 school year for students will be shared with parents of students on a consolidated campus by March 14th. 

This is a really tough situation, and unfortunately, there's no easy answer, especially when budget deficits are a factor. Consistency is key for students in this program and it is our goal to minimize moves as much as possible. Special Education classrooms are now located in feeder pattern areas based on student need in that area. The hope is, with dedicated classrooms on campuses in each area, less moves will occur. Should moves have to be made, the Special Services Department will make sure there is open and frequent communication with families, we will provide clear information about the reasons for the move, the transition plan, and how the district will support students.

We will continue to offer this employee incentive.

The final decision will be made once a consolidation plan is approved. Available options include repurposing the facilities, utilizing them as temporary space during campus renovations or replacements, or selling the property. The properties will not be left vacant.