Pflugerville ISD

The superintendent said the district could be in the same position next year if Texas does not increase funding for public schools during the current legislative session.

Pflugerville ISD in the Austin area is looking at shuttering one elementary school to save money, but it’s not the only district considering closures. Declining enrollment and stagnant state funding are leaving many districts with tight budgets and in some cases budget deficits.

The district first announced possible closures in an effort to save money in December. At that time, the district was looking at closing two to three elementary schools.

Originally, PfISD administrators asked the school board to consider closing two to three schools. But on Thursday, Superintendent Douglas Killian suggested closing one to two schools instead.

The PfISD school board is considering closing several elementary schools to save money as the district faces a multimillion-dollar budget deficit. Trustees are expected to make a decision next month.

PfISD staff are holding public meetings over the next two weeks to get input from parents and community members on 10 proposals to redraw attendance boundaries for the 2023-2024 school year. Most of the proposals include the closure of two to three elementary schools.

Superintendent Douglas Killian said the district does not want to close schools, but it’s running out of options in the face of declining enrollment, limited state funding and competition from charter schools. Parents are pushing back.

A video that circulated on social media shows the white teacher telling students he believes his race is superior. District officials said the conversation does not align with the district’s core values or culture.

Six of the eight propositions are part of the district's $367 million bond. If voters approve the package, PfISD will be able to renovate aging schools, buy new technology and create affordable housing for teachers.

In an email to parents, Superintendent Douglas Killian said the district has too many staff members out because of COVID-19.