North Side Pyramid FAQ

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.  

Students with special needs will continue to receive services as outlined in their Individualized Education Program (IEP).  

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.

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. 

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.

The student-to-teacher ratio would continue to align with district guidelines.

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.

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.

Manuel Jara, Rufino Mendoza, Sam Rosen, Dolores Huerta, Kirkpatrick, W.J. Turner, Washington Heights.

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.

Today's fourth graders and below in the feeder schools.

We move forward with current 2021 Bond renovation plans for identified sites.

The proposed plan is to combine the allocated funds for both campuses into a single project from the 2021 bond. 

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.

The district sent out calls to all elementary and middle school pyramid families and posted about the meetings on social media. 

The district hosted two North Side pyramid meetings and posted the presentations online.

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.  

 A new campus would be built on the current JP Elder site.

Transportation is available for any students who live outside of a two-mile radius from the school for which they are zoned to attend.

 This has not been determined.

Renovations to JP Elder and Kirkpatrick MS remain an option.

Fort Worth ISD does not own any other property within the Northside boundary that is conducive to building a middle school.

There is no need to move students from the building for any planned renovations.

This has not been determined.

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.

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.

Yes, this is all part of the studies the district conducts.

 The design of the campus will support timely drop off/pick up.

Any project, renovation or new construction, will focus on the safety of students.

 The district will work with contractors to ensure that noise impact is minimized.

 No.

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. 

 Renovation plans will continue.

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. 

 The annex at the JP Elder site is on the National Register of Historic Places.

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.

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.

The budgets would be combined to build the new facility.  There is no anticipated impact to houses in the area.

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.

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.

Transportation is available for any students who live outside of a two-mile radius from the school for which they are zoned to attend.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The safety deficiencies that have been identified will be addressed through the utilization of the bond funds.

Transportation is available for any students who live outside of a two-mile radius from the school for which they are zoned to attend.

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.

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.

The use of portable buildings means that students are transitioning from the main building to portable buildings through the school day.  

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.