Consolidation

This recommendation comes directly from the BRAC's five-year plan, which identified financial triggers, such as declining enrollment and rising operational costs, that make consolidation a fiscally necessary next step. Because CISD has experienced multi-year enrollment declines and significant budget pressures, the District cannot continue operating under-capacity campuses without impacting academic programs.

The District currently has almost 100 empty classrooms throughout our campuses - enough space for nearly 2,000 additional students. There is a significant cost impact to heating, cooling, and maintaining empty classrooms. Consolidation protects classroom resources and ensures long-term sustainability while more efficiently using available resources.

The Durham Intermediate School campus is the facility most in need of renovations within the District, with costs expected to exceed $8 million. The property itself represents a significant real estate revenue source for the District.

This change will not occur until August 2027. This plan intentionally allows for a long runway to allow smooth planning and community involvement.

Student experience remains the top priority. Fifth graders will remain at their home elementary campus, and 6-8th grade students will attend one of two middle school campuses: Carroll Middle School and a newly-developed middle school campus to be housed at the existing Dawson Middle and Eubanks Intermediate Schools.

A 6-8th model strengthens academic continuity for our middle school students, and leaving 5th graders on their elementary campuses similarly provides continuity and stability for that student population.

Benefits for students and classrooms include:

• More robust 6-8th academic programming
• A cohesive middle-level experience
• Better teach collaboration
• Efficient class sizes and better use of staff expertise

No. This plan is designed to preserve existing academic and extracurricular programs while minimizing curriculum disruption. In fact, this plan offers a more comprehensive, streamlined approach for some of our programs, including special education offerings.

Minimal disruption is expected. CISD has planned this structure to maintain consistency in teaching, pacing, and academic pathways.

Yes. Among all BRAC-reviewed consolidation solutions, this plan offers the most stability for students and the greatest long-term financial advantage for CISD.

Under the current model, Carroll Elementary students would typically be split between two intermediate campuses - Durham Intermediate and Eubanks Intermediate. Under the realignment plan, all Carroll Elementary students will now remain together and attend middle school on what is currently the Eubanks Intermediate and Dawson Middle School campuses. This new alignment keeps students with their peers on the same campus and within one consistent feeder pattern, rather than being divided between two separate campuses.

This realignment will result in all students from Carroll Elementary, Old Union, and Rockenbaugh Elementary Schools feeding into the Dawson Eubanks Campus, while Johnson and Walnut Grove Elementary Schools will continue to feed into Carroll Middle School.

While Carroll ISD is transitioning away from the intermediate school model, the current Eubanks Intermediate School building will continue to serve students as part of a unified middle school campus alongside Dawson Middle School. Planning teams are still finalizing details, but the current concept includes connecting the two buildings with a breezeway to maximize the use of both facilities and create a cohesive middle school experience for students and staff. Many other final details are still under consideration and will be decided as our transition teams continue to meet ahead of implementation in fall of 2027.

The District will use Board-approved parameters to set boundaries. In cases where feeder patterns may change, the District will grandfather in students who are currently attending a campus outside their new attendance boundary. A student will remain on that campus until they naturally transition to the next school level; at that point, new boundaries would take effect.

The District will support students and their families with a variety of events, which may include: 

• Open houses
• Campus tours
• Counseling support
• Opportunities for peer meet ups

The VATRE provided important funding for staff compensation and student programs, but did not fully address long-term pressures due to years of stagnant state funding while the cost to educate our Dragons increased significantly. Declining enrollment and more than $8 million in required repairs at Durham make consolidation a responsible, future-focused solution.

Closure of Durham Intermediate School has the potential to net the District approximately $2.5 million in annual savings and revenue.

CISD is committed to managing staffing changes responsibly. Through retirements, reassignment, and natural attrition, the District would plan to minimize staffing impacts.

Like all school districts, Carroll ISD makes staff reassignments each year to support evolving needs. These adjustments help the District retain excellent employees while responding to enrollment trends, staffing requirements, and student needs.

As part of the Durham closure, affected staff will have the opportunity to indicate their preferred campus placements. Those preferences will be thoughtfully considered as final assignments are determined.

CISD deeply values the legacy of Durham Intermediate. As part of the transition, the District will plan recognition events, collect stories, and create opportunities for alumni and families to celebrate its impact. There will be a Durham Legacy transition team to help facilitate the honoring of Durham's Legacy and impact on the community.

CISD is planning far ahead, rather than rushing such a big transition. By prioritizing transparent communication, community engagement, and student-centered planning - areas where other consolidations have stumbled - we can have a smooth transition that provides continuity for our students and ample planning time for our staff.

The District is committed to keeping our community informed each step of the way. You can expect updates through:

• The District website
• Social media
• Open houses
• Superintendent newsletters
• Campus-level communications