Pasadena ISD’s school board voted to close McMasters Elementary School and consolidate its students with nearby Parks Elementary before the next school year. The decision follows years of declining enrollment that has reduced district attendance by more than 2,000 students.

According to the district, state funding—which is tied to student attendance—has decreased as a result of the enrollment drop. Officials said the district is receiving less money from the state and must adjust its operations accordingly. McMasters Elementary’s campus also requires millions of dollars in repairs, a financial burden the district deemed unsustainable given current enrollment trends.

Parks Elementary, located less than a mile away, was identified as the long-term solution for McMasters students. All students from McMasters will transition to Parks Elementary for the upcoming school year, and current staff members will retain their positions. Staffing adjustments across Pasadena ISD will be managed through attrition, with vacant roles potentially left unfilled instead of conducting layoffs. The district said it plans to continue updating families and staff as the transition process moves forward.

During the board meeting, parents, teachers, and former students delivered emotional testimony opposing the closure. Despite the opposition, the board moved forward with the consolidation plan. “Pasadena ISD is committed to responsible stewardship of our resources and ensuring every student has access to a high-quality education.” The district added, “Declining enrollment requires us to examine how we use our facilities to operate efficiently while maintaining strong academic programs.”