Academics
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How does closing Kirkpatrick benefit Kirkpatrick students when Elder has most recently had lower ratings than Kirkpatrick has higher student ratio and fewer African American educators?
Constructing a new school and consolidating students from both campuses would enhance the educational experience by offering a wider array of curricular options through the consolidation of resources. Consolidating Kirkpatrick students would provide them with the opportunity to access programs currently unavailable at Kirkpatrick, such as Mariachi. Additionally, students would retain access to Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses like touch data systems, professional communications, and general employability. These courses would be offered in newly developed labs, fostering a more conducive learning environment. The new building and added spaces would also allow for the introduction of more programs that offer high school credit.
The student-to-teacher ratio would continue to align with district guidelines, which currently specify 25 students to 1 teacher in core classes and 28 students to 1 teacher in elective courses. For the upcoming school year, secondary campuses will follow district staffing guidelines of 28 students to 1 teacher in core classes and 30 students to 1 teacher in elective courses. To ensure the highest quality instruction, staffing guidelines will be adhered to, prioritizing the assignment of teachers based on expertise and qualifications, including the inclusion of African American educators.
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What does this mean for our special needs students?
Students with special needs will continue to receive services as outlined in their Individualized Education Program (IEP).
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Will before and after school programs be the same?
The before and after school programs will be tailored to the new consolidated school. J.P. Elder currently provides after school services through the YMCA, while Kirkpatrick utilizes the Fort Worth After School program. The selection of the after school program will be based on student interests and needs to ensure it meets their requirements.
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How does closing academically benefit Kirkpatrick students? Kirkpatrick is rated higher.
Consolidating students from both campuses into a new school would enrich the educational experience by combining resources and offering a broader range of curricular options. A new building would create enhanced academic opportunities, providing students access to a wider array of academic programs and extracurricular activities currently unavailable. This expanded access would empower students to excel academically. Kirkpatrick and J.P. Elder are both progressing in student achievement, and the commitment to providing the best teachers ensures that all students receive a top-quality education.
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What are plans for safety for so many students and fights?
Ensuring student safety remains the top priority. Administrators have developed systems to ensure continuous supervision of students, including strategic placement of staff and a duty schedule for monitoring students inside and outside the building. Areas prone to conflicts — such as the cafeteria during lunch — are closely supervised. These systems and plans will continue in the new consolidated building.
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What would be the student to teacher ratio if combined?
The student-to-teacher ratio would continue to align with district guidelines.
Data/District
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What is the expected enrollment with combined schools/trends vs. current enrollment?
The current enrollment for Kirkpatrick and JP Elder combined is 1,228 students.
The combined expected enrollment for the 2027-28 school year is 1,011 students.
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What does staffing look like/school offerings currently vs. proposed?
Staffing will be based on formulas in response to enrollment and budget as done districtwide. Those are elements that are currently unknown for the 2027-28 school year.
We anticipate enhanced student academic offerings and extracurricular activities because of increased student demand as a result of the proposed consolidation and higher enrollment.
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What elementary schools will feed into the proposed school?
Manuel Jara, Rufino Mendoza, Sam Rosen, Dolores Huerta, Kirkpatrick, W.J. Turner, Washington Heights.
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Are boundaries being changed?
Once a final decision is made staff will continue to monitor enrollment trends and make any recommendations for boundaries if necessary, but currently there are no anticipated boundary changes.
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What grade does this affect?
Today's fourth graders and below in the feeder schools.
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What happens if it’s not approved?
We move forward with current 2021 Bond renovation plans for identified sites.
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How is this being funded?
The proposed plan is to combine the allocated funds for both campuses into a single project from the 2021 bond.
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Do people leave schools because of facilities and is this plan responsive to that?
One of the reasons people leave schools can be aging facilities. People are drawn to modern, inviting facilities. In Fort Worth ISD, we recognize the power of new campuses in attracting students. We are committed to providing our students with facilities that match the quality of those in any other part of the city.
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How did you notify the community?
The district sent out calls to all elementary and middle school pyramid families and posted about the meetings on social media.
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How many meetings about Elder/KMS did you have?
The district hosted two North Side pyramid meetings and posted the presentations online.
Facilities
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Operationally, what are the improvements?
One consolidated middle school would provide new infrastructure, additional building security, and increase budget and staffing efficiencies. Without a new consolidated campus, current older campuses would need to be renovated within the scope of the current budget.
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Would the building be in the middle of the two schools?
A new campus would be built on the current JP Elder site.
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What does this mean for bus riders?
Transportation is available for any students who live outside of a two-mile radius from the school for which they are zoned to attend.
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If Kirkpatrick reopens, will the name change?
This has not been determined.
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Why is taking down the portables and expanding the gym not an option?
Renovations to JP Elder and Kirkpatrick MS remain an option.
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Is any other land/property available under construction to build a new middle school?
Fort Worth ISD does not own any other property within the Northside boundary that is conducive to building a middle school.
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Why can’t we temporarily move the Kirkpatrick students while Kirkpatrick is renovated or torn down and re-established?
There is no need to move students from the building for any planned renovations.
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Does Mr. Leo Vaughn’s name transfer to J.P. Elder’s auditorium?
This has not been determined.
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How will the building's history be preserved?
If the decision is made to consolidate the campuses, a stakeholder group will be formed to determine how history is preserved and displayed in a new facility.
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What happens to the building? Will the school be reopened if there is an increase in enrollment?
This has not been determined. A decision will be made regarding the future use of the building if a decision is made to combine the middle school campuses.
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Have you considered the impact on the JP Elder neighborhood? Traffic?
Yes, this is all part of the studies the district conducts.
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How would we navigate drop off/pick up in a timely manner?
The design of the campus will support timely drop off/pick up.
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Safety for children?
Any project, renovation or new construction, will focus on the safety of students.
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How will the J.P. Elder students not be affected with the construction noise?
The district will work with contractors to ensure that noise impact is minimized.
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Does this have anything to do with the proposal of the three hotels and the addition of a tower at Meacham airport?
No.
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What is the price to renovate the schools separately/individually?
As part of the 2021 bond program, Kirkpatrick Middle School was allocated a total budget of $38,890,739 for architectural fees, permitting, management, construction costs, furniture, etc. Of the total budget, $27 million is to be used for construction costs. JP Elder Middle School was allocated a total budget of $51,019,173, of which $36 million is to be used for construction costs.
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What is the alternative if this isn’t done?
Renovation plans will continue.
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Is the decision proposed because Kirkpatrick Middle School does not have the real estate to grow?
The proposal is to consolidate the campuses and build the new facility at the JP Elder site. A new facility on the Kirkpatrick site is not feasible as there is not enough land available to accommodate.
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Why is JP Elder considered a historical building and not Kirkpatrick?
The annex at the JP Elder site is on the National Register of Historic Places.
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With the rise in construction costs, how can this be more cost efficient for Fort Worth ISD?
The budget has been established and either renovations will continue or a new building will be constructed. The budget is not large enough to address all of the deficiencies that exist in either facility. Constructing a new facility ensures that every space in the building meets modern code requirements, is ADA accessible, and conforms to TEA’s 2021 School Facilities Standards. Additionally, a new facility will be more efficient and easier to maintain. These factors have a positive impact on the district’s operating budget.
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With the analysis, were there studies determining the impact to those that depend on the proximity of the school?
Transportation will be made available to any student who lives outside of a two-mile radius of the school for which they are zoned to attend.
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What and where would the money go if Kirkpatrick school would close? How would it affect the houses near the area?
The budgets would be combined to build the new facility. There is no anticipated impact to houses in the area.
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With any big change like this one, what are some disadvantages/negatives to closing the school and combining it with JP Elder?
Our existing schools have decades of history and a unique culture at their respective sites, which is something to consider with any consolidation. Should campuses merge into a new facility, a primary focus will be creating a welcoming, unified campus community at the new site that honors the history and experiences of its members.
In order to ensure any potential transition is as seamless as possible, systems and processes will be implemented to support the success of all students and staff. Opportunities exist to merge the traditions of the campuses and create new memories together, enhancing the experience for all. Stakeholder groups would be identified to ensure that this is done in a thoughtful way, incorporating the voices of students, staff, and the community.
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What are other options to consolidation?
If the schools are not consolidated, renovations to the campuses will continue. FWISD will work within the renovation budget allocated to address as many of the deficiencies that have been identified as possible. It is not possible to address all of the identified deficiencies of the aging facilities within the current budgets.
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What about transportation from Kirkpatrick Middle School?
Transportation is available for any students who live outside of a two-mile radius from the school for which they are zoned to attend.
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Are safety issues like active shooters being considered?
The safety of students and staff within all FWISD facilities is a priority. Safety will be a priority in the design of a new facility or the renovations of the current facilities.
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What happens to previous bond money?
Bond money will be utilized for the design and construction of a new facility or the renovation of existing facilities. Either way, the bond money allocated for each campus will be utilized for the campus.
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Are these meetings being held at elementary schools since they also will be affected by the change?
Elementary families were invited to attend the Community Listening Sessions hosted by the Board of Trustees. Sessions were held at the buildings that were being discussed.
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Where can we see a mock up of renovation plans?
There are no design plans for renovation or a new facility. The information presented in the Listening Sessions was strictly based on whether or not it would be feasible to consolidate the campuses on an existing site with minimal disruption to students.
Design for renovation of existing facilities or the construction of a new facility will begin after the Board of Trustees considers the information and takes possible action.
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Why are all these safety hazards only now being looked at?
The safety deficiencies that have been identified will be addressed through the utilization of the bond funds.
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How will you ensure kids who walk to Kirkpatrick get to school?
Transportation is available for any students who live outside of a two-mile radius from the school for which they are zoned to attend.
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The JP Elder annex can be demolished even though it is on the National Register of Historic Places. Have architects considered a plan which demolishes the annex and restores the 1935 building?
The feasibility study determined that the renovation and expansion of the existing JP Elder school building is not feasible within the existing budget. Too many deficiencies exist.
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How many floors is the classroom area? It looks small for a combination of two schools.
There is not a design for the facility. Design will occur if the Board of Trustees based on the decision of the Board of Trustees.
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Why is the portables a safety jeopardy?
The use of portable buildings means that students are transitioning from the main building to portable buildings through the school day.
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So if it is a fire hazard currently and city will not approve why are students being allowed to attend school currently?
The facilities were built to established codes and regulatory standards based on the timeframe they were built. When those standards change, buildings are “grandfathered in” until such time renovation occurs.
In one of the examples shared, JP Elder does not have a comprehensive fire sprinkler system. This is allowable because of the timeframe in which the areas of the building were built.