Growth
LCISD ranked behind KISD for the most student growth between the 2018-19 and 2023-24 school years, according to a Population and Survey Analysts’ update in mid-November.
The growth of single-family subdivisions in North Katy are projected to have the largest impact on KISD’s enrollment, Community Impact reported. Over 20% of students will be enrolled from the new multifamily and rental housing units, according to PASA.
Meanwhile, demographers labeled LCISD as a “hypergrowth” district in early 2024, meaning it has an elementary school zone that adds 150 to 300 new home sites annually. To accommodate for this growth, district officials said they are preparing for a possible 2025 bond referendum, three years after the approval of a $1.52 billion bond.
The district’s 2022 bond funds are being used for new schools, renovations, safety and security upgrades, a career and technical education center, and new technology.
Due to the district’s bond debts exceeding its assets, LCISD received a B rating in November by the state's annual financial accountability rating system.
Book removal policies
Both KISD and LCISD trustees have voted to remove books in elementary and junior high school libraries that relate to gender fluidity, while providing the option for parents to opt-in for access in high school.
In 2024, 20 book titles have been removed from KISD libraries that were in violation of the “pervasively vulgar” standard outlined in the policy, according to the district website.
While LCISD does not have a list of book titles under review on their website, it has removed 65 books between 2022-24.
School board elections
KISD’s May elections resulted in a victory for incumbents Rebecca Fox for Position 6 and Dawn Champagne for Position 7.
Positions 1 and 2, which are currently held by Victor Perez and Lance Redmon, respectively, are up for election this May, according to the district website.
In LCISD, districts 1, 2, 3 and 6—held by Zach Lambert, Kay Danziger, Mandi Bronsell, and Joe Hubenak, respectively—are also up for election in May, according to the district website.
All positions for KISD are three-year terms, while LCISD are four-year terms, according to both districts’ websites.
Legislative priorities
Formed from listening groups and a community survey, KISD trustees presented a list of priorities ahead of the 89th Texas Legislature convening this January. The priorities included:
- Increasing the state’s basic allotment for public education
- Improving teacher retention and recruitment
- Altering the state’s standardized testing and financial accountability rating system
The 89th legislative session will begin Jan. 14 and run through June 2.
