Northwest ISD Cuts Staff, Increases Class Sizes Amid $5.7 Million Budget Shortfall

JUSTIN, Texas — Northwest Independent School District (ISD), serving 14 cities across Tarrant, Denton, and Wise counties, has become the latest North Texas district to announce staffing cuts and larger class sizes in response to significant budget shortfalls. The district’s newly approved plan aims to save approximately $5.7 million.

The cost-cutting measures include halting new full-time hires at the elementary level and reducing about 60 full-time positions across middle and high schools. In addition to these reductions, the district will decrease staffing for athletics and fine arts by 15%, saving an extra $1.1 million.

While district officials hope these cuts will occur through resignations and retirements, they cannot rule out the possibility of layoffs. So far, 18 employees have already submitted early resignations, with most being retirements. The staffing cuts will affect not only teachers but also administrative and support staff.

Northwest ISD also approved the elimination of several programs, including AVID, a college preparation initiative designed to support first-generation college students. Class sizes will increase as well, with grades 2–4 expanding from 22 to 24 students per class. Middle and high school teachers will now handle up to 180 students daily, up from the previous 165.

To further address the budget deficit, the district is considering additional cost-saving measures. These include reducing the number of middle school field trips, cutting outsourced services like groundskeeping and custodial work, and slashing campus budgets by 10%.

These changes reflect the growing financial challenges faced by many school districts across Texas, forcing tough decisions that directly impact students, teachers, and educational programs.