College Station ISD Superintendent Tim Harkrider led a passionate discussion Aug. 25 about the district’s future amid declining enrollment and how a new administration office might fit in with CSISD’s long-term goals.
The overview
According to the latest available enrollment data, College Station ISD has decreased in total enrollment since the 2022-23 school year. Texas Education Agency data correlates with a state trend, with public schools in Texas losing thousands of students for the 2025-26 school year.
As previously reported by Community Impact, the district has also attributed the declining birthrate to the lack of enrollment. The district’s data estimates a potential loss of close to 1,000 students by 2030, leading to lower state and local tax revenue.
What trustees are saying
Trustee Mike Martindale said he had reservations about a completely new office space because of the declining enrollment.
“If we don’t do something, we might have to worry about closing schools,” Martindale said. “Every budget presentation we’ve seen has said declining enrollment. I just want to make sure we make the right decision on what form that new central office space comes in.”
Trustee Darin Payne argued the declining enrollment is due more to stagnation in the local economy.
Meanwhile, Trustee Kristin Wilson said that the board is considering everything, but she wants to remain hopeful for an uptick in students with organic growth and the growth that could come from the Terafab chip manufacturing facility in Grimes County.
“This is going to be a huge project that brings construction workers,” Wilson said. “I don’t have a crystal ball, but we have to set this district up for 10 to 15 years across the road.”
What’s next?
The board is set to review and potentially approve the construction of a new administration building during their Sept. 15 meeting. The 2023 bond-approved project could cost $31.1 million if approved.
