Administrators at Tomball and Magnolia ISDs are continuing to find ways to enhance opportunities for economically disadvantaged students as overall enrollment continues to climb.

Tomball ISD

TISD’s economically disadvantaged population has seen a steady decline from 25.9 percent of 11,125 students in 2011-12 to 22.1 percent of 13,238 students in 2014-15. “The number of students who are eligible has been steadily increasing as part of the overall growth of Tomball ISD,” TISD Communications Director Staci Stanfield said. “However, the growth of this economic bracket is overshadowed by the rapid growth of upper-income families. Therefore, the percentage has decreased.” Over the past five years, the district has received an average of $877,237 in Title I funds to be put toward its four schools classified as economically disadvantaged, Stanfield said. A number of local churches and organizations work with schools to provide support for students who may come from economically disadvantaged homes, Stanfield said. “Our vision is that Tomball ISD students will lead the way in creating the future,” Stanfield said. “In order to achieve this, students will need some individual attention at times, and we are committed to providing it.”

Magnolia ISD

“These students often start behind their peers in kindergarten, and the teachers have to quickly identify their needs and begin closing the achievement gaps so that these students are able to reach their potential and become successful learners.” —MISD Special Programs Director Lynn Blair

The economically disadvantaged population at MISD has remained relatively steady from 40.8 percent of 12,016 students in 2011-12 to 39.2 percent of 12,458 students in 2014-15. During the 2014-15 school year, MISD received $1.4 million in Title I funds to be allocated among its seven schools identified as economically disadvantaged. At the elementary school level, a higher percentage of the free or reduced-price lunch application forms tend to be filled out and returned than at the secondary schools, MISD Special Programs Director Lynn Blair said. “Many times other students still qualify, but without the documentation, they cannot be coded as economically disadvantaged,” Blair said. Districts aim to offer additional resources for students who may struggle in an academic setting for a variety of reasons, she said. To aid students in need, faith-based ministries, the Magnolia/Tomball Family YMCA and parent teacher organizations help with school supplies and other materials, Blair said. “These students often start behind their peers in kindergarten, and the teachers have to quickly identify their needs and begin closing the achievement gaps so that these students are able to reach their potential and become successful learners,” Blair said.