Coppell Families Rally to Save Iconic Pinkerton Elementary School
Coppell, TX – A wave of **determination and concern** swept through Coppell as families banded together to protest the possible **closure of Pinkerton Elementary School**, a cherished institution in the district. With plans potentially on the brink of action, parents and students expressed their fears about being uprooted from their school community during a recent demonstration.
On a sunny day, amidst colorful signs and the voices of passionate parents, families gathered outside the Coppell ISD administration building. Many held bright signs proclaiming “Save Pinkerton Elementary” and “Keep All Schools Open” in both English and Spanish, reflecting the district’s diverse community. Among the crowd was fourth-grader Joshua Waters, who simply stated, “I just don’t want my school to close.” With heartfelt sincerity, he highlighted how much he enjoyed learning with his friends and going on field trips.
Protests Precede Key School Board Meeting
This spirited protest took place just hours before a significant school board meeting where trustees were expected to vote on this controversial proposal. The driving force behind the potential closure stems from **declining enrollment** and stagnant state funding, prompting tough decisions for the district.
Superintendent Brad Hunt acknowledged the gravity of the situation in a video message to families, emphasizing the commitment to do what’s best for everyone. “These decisions aren’t easy for anyone,” he reassured. District officials had studied enrollment forecasts and building usage, leading to the recommendation to close Pinkerton and shift its students to nearby Wilson and Austin elementary schools.
Widespread Concerns About Impact
The impact of closing Pinkerton Elementary raises significant concerns among parents, particularly those from low-income backgrounds. Many fear that consolidating the existing dual language program at Wilson Elementary with another program at Denton Creek Elementary will displace families that rely on accessible education. “You’re choosing to affect your most vulnerable? The youngest children need stability,” commented Wilson mom Randi Pearson. Having moved to the area specifically for the school, Pearson expressed her heartbreak at the thought of losing the community that feels like home.
“There’s a special connection here,” Pearson noted, observing how the teachers and staff of the dual language program create a nurturing environment for students. She worried about the potential disruption that such a change would bring, particularly to her young daughter who has just begun her educational journey.
Addressing the Financial Landscape
The sobering reality is that Coppell ISD expects an **enrollment drop of about 550 students** in the next three years, a decline that represents a loss larger than some elementary schools’ entire student populations. The financial strain on the district is palpable, leading to tough decisions about resources, staffing, and whether to keep buildings open.
Looming budget constraints are not unique to Coppell, as districts like Richardson, Irving, and Plano have made similar choices in recent years. This situation results from several factors, such as funding being dependent on student attendance and a lack of increase in state funding since 2019, leaving many districts to cope with declining finances.
This challenge is compounded by the expiration of federal pandemic aid, which had previously provided significant support to public schools, alongside inflation pushing costs for everything from transportation to utilities higher.
A Community Under Pressure
The potential closure of Pinkerton Elementary resonates deeply with the community, particularly given its history as the **oldest elementary school** in Coppell. It is named after the district’s first superintendent and is considered a **historic site** in the area. Julie Waters, Joshua’s mother, expressed frustration, stating, “We feel like the board hasn’t been listening.” The sentiment of being unheard resonates with many families invested in the future of their schools.
As the school board convenes to discuss the future, the families of Coppell remain hopeful that their voices will be heard and their beloved Pinkerton Elementary will continue to be a vibrant hub for learning and community connection.
