Long-Range Boundary Planning and Enrollment Management
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Frequently Asked Questions
Our goal is to be clear, build trust, and emphasize the student-centered purpose of this important work. The Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) is meant to address common questions and concerns from the community regarding the District's Long-Range Boundary Planning Process.
School Closures & Consolidations
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Will class sizes increase? If so, how will this benefit student learning?
The goal of Long-Range Boundary Planning is to balance enrollment across the District. While some schools may experience shifts in enrollment, the District remains committed to maintaining class sizes that support effective teaching and learning. Any changes will be carefully managed to align with staffing ratios and instructional standards.
In some cases, boundary adjustments may help reduce overcrowding at certain campuses, allowing for more consistent class sizes District-wide. This can lead to improved access to instructional support, better use of facilities, and a more balanced distribution of resources all of which contribute to a stronger learning environment for students.
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When schools are consolidated, what would be the max class size?
Even if a school is consolidated, Fort Bend ISD will continue to follow its established staffing ratio process to guide class sizes. In accordance with Board Policy EEB(Legal), and Texas Education Code §25.112, districts must request an exception for any prekindergarten through fourth grade classrooms that exceed the 22-student limit.
The Board must approve any recommendation of a request for Maximum Class Size Exception Waiver prior to the Administration submitting the request to the Texas Education Agency for final approval.
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When the schools are consolidated, will transportation be provided?
Transportation services will be provided for eligible students. Eligibility is determined by the Transportation Department based on the distance a student lives from the assigned school, using the shortest route on public roads as calculated in the routing system. For further questions, contact Transportation at Transport.Support@fortbendisd.gov.
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What is the plan regarding the use of portable classrooms?
The Long-Range Boundary Planning process is working to balance enrollment across the District, which will relieve over-utilized campuses and decrease the need for portable buildings.
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What will the District do to the campuses that are consolidated/closed?
Following Board approval to consolidate/close a campus, the District will begin a comprehensive evaluation process to determine the best path forward. This process may include repurposing the site for District programs, leasing or selling the property if the Board deems it surplus, demolishing the building, or exploring other community-serving uses.
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If our school closes, what percentage of students are expected to stay in public school?
While it is difficult to predict exactly how families will respond to a school consolidation, the District remains committed to supporting every student through the transition. The District's goal is to ensure that all students have a smooth transition to their new campus, with continued access to academic programs, extracurricular activities and support services. We will work closely with families to address concerns and help students feel welcomed and successful in their new school environment.
Attendance Boundary Changes
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What if my student has been affected by a previous boundary change?
Per Policy FC(Local), students affected by a previous boundary change while attending the same level (elementary, middle, high) are eligible for an intra-district transfer, but shall not be eligible for District-provided transportation.
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Why did we buy our house according to a school zone if the school zones are going to change?
We understand that many families choose their homes based on school zoning and we deeply value the trust and investment that decision represents. School boundaries are established to reflect current enrollment patterns, facility capacity, and community needs. As neighborhoods change over time, boundary adjustments may be necessary to balance enrollment across the District. Long-Range Boundary Planning is designed to be thoughtful, data-informed, and community-engaged. While changes can be difficult, they are made with the goal of supporting all students and ensuring the long-term sustainability of our schools. The District is committed to transparency and will continue to involve families throughout the process.
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Our household is being impacted by the boundary changes. Can my student remain at their current campus in the 2026-2027 school year?
Per Policy FC(Local), following Board approval of a new school or an adjusted attendance boundary, students shall attend school in the attendance zone in which he or she resides.
Exceptions to this general rule are as follows:
Elementary Schools: students entering grade 5 are eligible for an intradistrict transfer to remain at their current campus. This provision does not apply to their siblings. If the student entering grade 5 chooses to remain at their current campus, transportation shall not be provided by the District.
Middle Schools: students entering grade 8 are eligible for an intradistrict transfer to remain at their current campus. This provision does not apply to their younger siblings. If the student entering grade 8 chooses to remain at their current campus, transportation shall not be provided by the District.
On March 9, 2026, the Fort Bend ISD Board of Trustees approved the boundaries changes and information on how to request an intradistrict transfer will be communicated soon.
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How do the boundary changes account for the timing of repairs at Madden Elementary and phased movement of students?
The approved boundary changes would be implemented in phases to align with planned facility repairs at Madden Elementary and to minimize disruption for students and families.
As part of this approach, some rezoning actions would take effect at the beginning of the 2026–27 school year, while others would occur once repairs are completed and students and staff are able to return to the Madden campus.
Specifically:
- The move from Neill Elementary to Malala Elementary would take effect beginning in the 2026–27 school year.
- The move from Malala Elementary to Madden Elementary would occur after repairs at Madden Elementary are completed.
- The move from Madden Elementary to Holley Elementary would also take effect beginning in the 2026–27 school year.
Communication
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How can I get involved or share my feedback?
Visit fortbendisd.com/attendanceboundaries for updates, including videos and opportunities to participate. Contact us through Let’s Connect, which ensures your message is routed to the appropriate team for a timely response. You can also email us directly at boundaryplanning@fortbendisd.gov.
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What communication channels will Fort Bend ISD use to keep the community informed of information and key dates?
Fort Bend ISD will continue to use multiple communication channels to keep families, staff, and community members informed throughout the process. These include:
- Emails to parents and staff
- District website and Boundary Planning webpage
- Social media
- Board Meeting updates
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How will our feedback be taken into account to warrant rezoning?
While rezoning is necessary due to declining enrollment and limited state funding, which have significantly stretched our resources, community feedback remains a critical part of the process.
Although input may not prevent rezoning or consolidation, it plays a meaningful role in shaping the discussions, informing decision-makers, and guiding the multiple layers of review that influence final outcomes. Your voice helps ensure that the process is thoughtful, transparent, and responsive to the needs and values of those it impacts.
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Who can we email to freely express concerns?
We welcome your feedback and concerns. The best way to share them is through Let’s Connect, which ensures your message is routed to the appropriate team for a timely response. You can also email us directly at boundaryplanning@fortbendisd.gov.
Transfers and Cap & Overflow
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What is cap and overflow?
Cap and overflow occurs when a campus is highly utilized and needs relief prior to an attendance boundary adjustment. During cap and overflow new students are directed to attend a nearby school or schools that have available space.
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In schools with cap and overflow, what is the likelihood of a new attendance boundary being the same as the cap and overflow plan?
Cap and overflow is a short-term enrollment management strategy used to relieve over-utilized campuses. While campuses designated as overflow destinations are considered during the boundary planning process, their use as a long-term solution depends on a variety of factors and is not predetermined simply because they were part of a cap and overflow plan.
Attendance boundary changes are a long-term strategy to manage enrollment. As part of the boundary planning process, all campuses are evaluated to balance enrollment across the district; relieving over-utilized campuses and making more efficient use of under-utilized ones.
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Will siblings be allowed to join older siblings after rezoning?
No. Siblings are not automatically allowed to join older siblings who remain at their current school after rezoning. In alignment with Board Policy FC(Local), only students in specific grade levels (5th, 8th, and 10th-12th) may request to remain at their current campus. Younger siblings will be required to attend the newly zoned school.
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Can I transfer my child to a campus other than the campus our address is zoned to?
Special Circumstance Transfers are based on specific criteria and transportation is not provided. Please see the Student Affairs webpage for further information.
Staff
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Staff Frequently Asked Question's
All staff may visit the Human Resources SharePoint for FAQ's regarding staff impacts.
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What will happen to teachers if their school is closed?
Campus Staffing is a critical component of the school consolidation process. As we emphasize People throughout this Process, we are committed to being clear and transparent about what staff members can expect.
Our priority is to take care of our current FBISD family first. Staff members impacted by a school consolidation will be placed before any new hires are considered.
It’s important to remember that even when a school is affected by consolidation, there will continue to be a need for staff to support students at their new campuses. Positions will be filled based on an employee’s contract, certification, and overall fit.
The District will also continue to implement the annual transfer process, just as we have in previous years. The transfer window is expected to open in the spring.
Long-Range Boundary Planning (LRBP) Process
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Why is FBISD undergoing Long-Range Boundary Planning?
To balance enrollment, support student needs and programs, and use District resources responsibly as enrollment patterns and academic needs change.
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What is the process for developing boundary scenario options?
It begins with a demography study and boundary planner assessment. Scenarios are reviewed by district administration and a multi-departmental core team. Then, the School Boundary Advisory Committee (SBAC) provides feedback and asks clarifying questions. Community input is gathered before final recommendations are presented to the Board for approval.
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How is the boundary planning process centered around students?
The boundary planning follows District policy (Policy FC(Local). This policy puts students first and includes decision principles such as community integrity, safe walking distances*, equal access to programs, and with the least disruption as possible.
*where feasible and practical
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What role does the School Boundary Advisory Committee (SBAC) play?
The SBAC is a group of community members representing each feeder pattern who advise the District from an approach that puts the students first and operates through a District-wide lens. Members are selected through the Central Application Process. They review data, ask questions, and provide feedback to ensure recommendations reflect community values and student needs.
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Does the membership of the School Boundary Advisory Committee (SBAC) represent all communities in the district?
Per FC(Local), the SBAC is composed of individuals representing parents and/or community members from each high school feeder pattern area. Membership selection is determined through an application process utilizing a fair and equitable process involving cross-departmental administration review.
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What makes boundary planning so complex?
There are many parts to consider with boundary planning: enrollment estimates, the condition of buildings, transportation, academic programs, financial impact, and community feedback. It's a multi-layered process that requires careful analysis and collaboration.
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Do the student enrollment projections take apartment complexes into account?
Yes. Fort Bend ISD works with an external demographer who assesses all residential areas including single-family homes, multi-family complexes, and other parcels of land.
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What transportation data is factored in?
Transportation is factored in, including drive time, walk zones, number of buses and anticipated transportation costs.
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Does consolidation consider school performance?
School performance is one of several factors the District reviews when evaluating campuses for potential consolidation. However, Long-Range Boundary Planning is a comprehensive process that considers a wide range of data points, including:
- Facility condition and age
- Enrollment trends and building utilization
- Proximity to other campuses for efficient boundary adjustments
- Operational costs
- Access to programs and services
While academic performance is important, consolidation decisions are not based solely on test scores or ratings. The District's goal is to ensure all students have access to high-quality learning environments, and any changes are made with careful consideration of both educational and operational impacts.
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How do growth projections account for older neighborhoods where homes are sold to renters or new families?
For neighborhoods without new housing construction, the demographer looks closely at recent trends in student enrollment. It doesn't matter if homes are sold to new families, rented out, or stay with the same owners; they track whether the number of students in that area is going up, going down, or staying the same each year. Then, they use those patterns to predict future enrollment. This way, the projections naturally reflect changes like more rentals, families moving in, or new parents with school-aged kids.
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How exactly should we understand and define "neighborhoods"?
Neighborhood subdivisions are defined areas with divided plots of land that make up a community of homes. Master-Planned communities are larger-scale, mixed-use residential developments. These developments provide residents with amenities such as parks, playgrounds, tennis courts, commercial enterprises like stores and restaurants, office space, and multi-family residences. Several neighborhood subdivisions are included within a master-planned community. As stated in policy FC(Local), master-planned communities are not considered neighborhoods.
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Does Long-range boundary planning consider master-planned community?
Policy FC(Local) guides the attendance boundary process through student-centered decision principles, such as community integrity, access to programs, and cost-effectiveness. While the planning process involves consideration of multiple factors when balancing enrollment, master-planned communities are not classified as neighborhoods within this framework and are not a specific consideration in boundary planning. The decision principles are applied, where feasible and practical, with the primary focus on meeting the educational needs of students across campuses. For more details, please refer to the full policy.
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What are planning units and how are they determined?
Planning units are geographical areas of residential developments based upon evenly distributed student population densities. Planning unit boundaries follow major roadways, natural features (creeks, etc.) and/or neighborhood boundaries. Population and Survey Analysts (PASA) projection data is modeled by Planning Unit and then aggregated to form school-level enrollment projections and future school catchment areas that allow PASA to better create options for long-range facility planning.
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What are feeder patterns?
A feeder pattern is where elementary and middle schools feed into a particular high school to ensure smooth transitions as they move from one level to the next.
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What is the focus of this year's Long-Range Boundary Planning process?
This year, the Long-Range Boundary Planning process was focused on balancing enrollment at the elementary level and the opening of Amy Coleman Middle School for the 2026-2027 school year. This included boundary adjustments and school closures to better align student populations with available facilities and resources.
While the initial schedule targeted specific feeder patterns for the first phase, the timeline and scope were refined based on updated data and community input. This is a multi-year process, and adjustments will continue as new information becomes available to ensure decisions meet student needs and operational goals.
Please Note: There will be no boundary recommendations made for high school at this time.
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Where can I find my bus route for my address?
Transportation provides a Bus Route Locator to provide a specific attendance zone and bus route information for each home address.
Should you have any questions, email Transport.Support@fortbendisd.gov
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What is the name of the boundary planning company?
The District is working with Zonda, the external boundary planner. For any boundary-related questions, please contact the district through Let’s Connect, which ensures your message is routed to the appropriate team for a timely response. You can also email us directly at boundaryplanning@fortbendisd.gov.
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Where can I find the District's Demographic Study?
The 2024 Demographic Study is conducted by Population and Survey Analysts and can be found here.
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How does PASA project when to include new housing and other factors into projections?
PASA has developed a model that incorporates numerous factors and the impact of those factors on projections. For example, new housing is included in projections based on when homes are expected to be built, sold, and occupied, with adjustments for potential delays due to economic conditions, labor shortages, or changes in developer plans. The number of students projected to occupy those new homes is based on student yield rates, which are derived by looking at comparable ratios in other comparable neighborhoods. On the other hand, alternative educational opportunities (charters, private, etc.) are factored into projections based on past enrollment shifts and anticipated new options in the district. PASA incorporates each factor differently based on years of research and the best information available collected at the time of the study.
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Why does the District demographer conduct a yearly Demographic Report for 10-year enrolment projections?
The Enrollment Forecast reflects the most likely scenario based on the best available information at the time of the study. PASA Demographic Studies rely on assumptions about the district’s housing market and economic conditions, analyzing how these factors influence student enrollment trends. Additionally, the forecast also considers variables such as the availability of alternative educational opportunities, birth trends, kindergarten enrollment patterns, and cohort size as students move through the grade levels, to name a few. Because these factors are constantly evolving, PASA approaches each study with a fresh perspective – ensuring that projections are based on current data rather than influenced by past forecasts.
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How does the District work with external consultants on the boundary work?
FBISD works with outside experts who help study enrollment trends and boundaries. These experts use trusted methods and local information to guide the process. Their work is informed by best practices and is shared with district leadership, the School Boundary Advisory Committee (SBAC), and the Board to support transparency and informed decision-making.
