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Midway ISD Closes Elementary School Amid Declining Enrollment

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2026/ .. elementary-school-amid-declining-enrollment.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Wednesday, February 25th 2026 at 17:23 GMT by KWKT Waco
      Locales: Texas, UNITED STATES

MIDWAY, TEXAS - February 25th, 2026 - The Midway Independent School District (ISD) Board of Trustees made a difficult but decisive move Monday, voting to close Longfellow Elementary School and undertake a comprehensive redrawing of attendance zones. The decision, reached after a months-long period of intensive debate, community forums, and financial analysis, signals a proactive approach to addressing declining enrollment and ensuring the district's long-term fiscal health.

For several years, Midway ISD has experienced a plateau, and even a slight dip, in student population - a trend mirroring demographic shifts across several suburban areas in Central Texas. This decline presents a significant challenge for school funding, which is largely tied to student enrollment numbers. Declining numbers mean less state and federal funding, forcing districts to make difficult choices about resource allocation.

Superintendent Dr. Rick Chapin emphasized the gravity of the decision, stating, "This was not an easy decision. We deeply understand the impact this has on our families, staff, and the Longfellow Elementary community. However, it's a necessary step to ensure the long-term financial stability and quality of education in Midway ISD. We've explored every viable alternative, and ultimately, this plan offers the most responsible path forward."

The closure of Longfellow Elementary, currently home to approximately 180 students, is projected to generate annual savings of around $500,000. These funds will be strategically reinvested into existing schools, focusing on enhancing academic programs, updating facilities, and supporting teacher development. The district plans to prioritize areas like STEM education, fine arts, and special needs programs.

The reassignment of Longfellow Elementary's students to other schools within the district is a key component of the plan. The district is committed to a smooth transition for all affected students, offering support services and ensuring minimal disruption to their learning. The district also has plans to offer transitional support for the Longfellow staff, with assurances that all personnel will be reassigned to other positions within the ISD.

The immediate next step is the redrawing of attendance zones, a process designed to balance enrollment across the remaining elementary schools. This isn't simply a matter of dividing the geographic area - factors such as natural boundaries (major roads, waterways), existing neighborhood cohesiveness, and projected future growth are all being considered. The district is acutely aware of the potential for disruption to students and families and is prioritizing minimizing travel times and maintaining neighborhood schools wherever feasible.

Public forums will be held over the next few weeks to present the proposed attendance zone changes and gather additional community feedback. The forums will be live-streamed and recorded for those unable to attend in person. A dedicated webpage has been created on the Midway ISD website to provide detailed information about the process, including maps of the proposed zones and frequently asked questions. The district encourages parents, teachers, and community members to actively participate in the discussions and share their concerns.

The final vote on the new attendance zones is scheduled for March 18th. Following approval, the district will implement a comprehensive communication plan to ensure all families are informed of the changes and understand the impact on their children's schooling.

The decision at Midway ISD reflects a broader trend occurring in school districts across the state. Many districts are grappling with similar challenges related to declining enrollment, budget constraints, and the need to modernize educational offerings. Midway ISD's approach--combining consolidation with strategic reinvestment--may serve as a model for other districts facing similar circumstances. The district leadership believes that by making these tough choices now, they can ensure that Midway ISD continues to provide a high-quality education for all students for years to come. The focus now is on building a stronger, more sustainable future for the district, one that prioritizes student success and fiscal responsibility. They aim to focus resources on growing programs that will attract and retain families in the long term.