McLean 6th Grade Closure
School District Decisions
In a significant move, the Fort Worth Independent School District (FWISD) has announced the closure of the standalone McLean 6th Grade Center by the 2028-29 school year. This decision is part of the district’s broader consolidation plan, which aims to address the inequitable distribution of resources among its schools and create improved opportunities for all students.
The closure of McLean 6th Grade Center follows a similar path taken earlier this year with the consolidation of Wedgwood Sixth Grade and Leadership Academy at Forest Oak Sixth Grade. These closures were driven by declining enrollment and increased operating costs, factors that also led to the decision regarding McLean.
According to district documents, the combined enrollment at the two McLean campuses has declined by 24% since the 2018-19 school year, from 1,580 students to 1,195 in the 2023-24 school year. Projections indicate that the combined enrollment will further decrease to 1,110 students by the 2027-28 school year.
Impact on Students
The closure of McLean 6th Grade Center and the consolidation of its students into the renovated McLean Middle School is not without concerns. Parents’ primary worry surrounds how the sixth-grade students will integrate with the seventh- and eighth-grade students, a challenge the district is confident they will address through further discussions.
Maida Glasgow, the campus PTA President, acknowledged that this is the primary concern among parents, but expressed confidence that the district will work to iron out the integration process. The lack of public outcry, in contrast to the earlier discussions around the potential closure of Daggett Middle School, suggests a more receptive community response to the McLean consolidation plan.
Community Considerations
The decision to close McLean 6th Grade Center and consolidate the campus with McLean Middle School has been made with input from the community. In contrast to the original proposal that included the closure of Daggett Middle School, the district has engaged with both the McLean and Daggett communities to ensure that the final decision best serves the neighborhoods and the city as a whole.
Mayor Mattie Parker, whose daughter attended both the McLean 6th Grade Center and McLean Middle School, understands the district’s rationale for the consolidation. However, she emphasizes that communication with community members must remain the primary focus in any future decisions regarding school closures and consolidations, as they are the ones most impacted by such decisions.
$74M FWISD Renovations
Scope of Renovations
As part of the consolidation plan, FWISD has allocated approximately $73.7 million for the McLean project, which includes addressing facility needs and enhancing the educational environments at the combined campus. The renovations will cover areas such as band and theater halls, ensuring that the consolidated school can provide a well-rounded educational experience for its students.
Funding Sources
The funding for the McLean project is a result of a transfer of funds originally allocated for the separate renovations of McLean 6th Grade Center and McLean Middle School. In 2021, voters approved a $1.2 billion bond measure that included renovations or additions to 18 middle schools across the district, including the McLean campuses.
However, a $2 million master facilities plan later revealed that FWISD middle schools face $130 million in deferred maintenance needs, with nearly half categorized in poor condition. As construction costs are impacted by inflation, the district has had to re-evaluate its original plans and prioritize the most pressing needs, making the consolidation of McLean a more cost-efficient solution.
Timeline and Execution
The timeline for the implementation of the McLean consolidation project remains to be determined. The district’s board committee has indicated that opportunities for consolidation within the Polytechnic and North Side pyramids will be revisited in the month of September, suggesting that further discussions and decisions are forthcoming.
Educational Facilities
Learning Environments
The renovations at the consolidated McLean Middle School aim to create improved learning environments for students. By addressing facility needs and enhancing educational spaces, the district hopes to facilitate a more engaging and enriching educational experience for the combined student population.
Infrastructure Upgrades
The $74 million investment in the McLean project will also cover infrastructure upgrades, ensuring that the consolidated campus is equipped to meet the evolving needs of 21st-century learning. This may include improvements to HVAC systems, electrical wiring, plumbing, and other essential building systems.
Sustainability Initiatives
As part of the renovations, the district may also explore eco-friendly solutions to improve the overall energy efficiency and environmental impact of the McLean campus. This could involve the use of high-performance insulation, energy-efficient lighting, water conservation measures, and renewable energy sources, aligning with the district’s commitment to sustainability.
Community Engagement
Stakeholder Involvement
The decision-making process surrounding the closure of McLean 6th Grade Center and the subsequent renovations has involved extensive community engagement. The district has worked closely with parents, community members, and local leaders to ensure that their concerns and perspectives are taken into account.
Communication Strategies
Transparent and proactive communication has been a key focus for the district in navigating these changes. By hosting community meetings and engaging with stakeholders, FWISD has aimed to address the needs and apprehensions of the affected neighborhoods, fostering a collaborative approach to the consolidation and renovation plans.
Feedback and Collaboration
The district’s willingness to adjust its initial proposals, such as the decision to keep Daggett Middle School open, demonstrates a commitment to actively listening to the community and incorporating their feedback into the final decisions. This collaborative approach is crucial in ensuring that the renovated McLean Middle School truly meets the needs and expectations of the families it serves.
As an experienced home improvement consultant for the Reluctant Renovator website, I understand the importance of community engagement and considering the diverse needs of families when undertaking large-scale renovation projects. The FWISD’s approach to the McLean closure and renovations aligns with the principles of budget-friendly planning, eco-friendly considerations, and family-friendly design that we advocate on the Reluctant Renovator platform.
By prioritizing stakeholder involvement, transparent communication, and a willingness to adapt based on community feedback, FWISD is setting a positive example of how educational facilities can be reimagined to provide high-quality, sustainable, and inclusive learning environments. As the district continues to navigate the consolidation and renovation process, I encourage the Reluctant Renovator community to stay informed and engaged, as the lessons learned from this project may offer valuable insights for their own home improvement endeavors.
To explore more renovation tips and tricks, small-space solutions, and time-saving hacks, be sure to visit the Reluctant Renovator website at www.reluctantrenovator.com. Our team of experienced consultants is dedicated to empowering homeowners with the knowledge and resources they need to tackle their renovation projects with confidence.
