Katy ISD Seeks 2021 Bond as Fastest Growing District in Texas

KATY MAGAZINE NEWS

December 17, 2020

By Natalie Cook Clark

Since 2018, Katy ISD has had the largest student gains out of any of Texas’ 65 school districts (with more than 30,000 enrolled). At the December Board of Trustees meeting, Population and Survey Analysts (PASA) shared the annual update that showed the growth in Katy as the District’s boundaries continues.

Katy's Jordan High School in Cross Creek Ranch opened this 2020-21 school year. It's the 9th KISD high school. Photo courtesy: Katy ISD

5th Largest Producer of Homes

“Katy ISD is now the fifth largest producer of homes out of 61 school districts in the Houston area,” says Dr. Pat Guseman, a demographer with PASA. “The majority of the lots in the northwest quadrant of Katy ISD are building out rapidly.”

Katy ISD currently has more than 84,000 students enrolled and is expected to see over 100,000 students by 2027.

“By the time Katy ISD is fully built-out, it should have approximately 115,500 students,” says Guseman.

To address this continued growth, the Board of Trustees discussed forming a Community Bond Advisory Committee (CBAC) that will review capital needs in consideration of a May 2021 Bond Referendum.

PASA recommends adding more schools to address the continued growth. They specifically recommend adding an elementary, junior high, and high school for the northwest quadrant along with a possible attendance boundary modification for that area.

It was noted that in the north and far west areas of the District that there are more than 4,000 acres of open land. PASA predicts that this land will be heavily used for subdivision construction.

Elyson, a Newland community, is actively building up its community in the northwest of Katy ISD’s boundary. When completed, they will have built around 6,000 homes.

Anticipating a Zero-Tax Rate Increase

In 2017, community voters approved a $609,204,553 bond with a no tax rate increase. The bond provided six new schools, a major comprehensive renovation at one campus, and more. The District anticipates being able to maintain a zero-tax rate increase with this new bond request.

The CBAC will evaluate all needs and plans to present a finalized bond package to the Board of Trustees on Monday, February 8 during a special Board meeting.

For additional information about the CBAC and the bond creation process, visit their website.

Katy ISD is located within 181 square miles and has 71 campuses and facilities. It is the sixth-largest school district in Texas, and known for its high academic performance, award-winning staff, highly sought out programs, and extra-curricular activities.