When does New Caney ISD plan to add a third high school?

We’re in the process of purchasing the land for it right now. Our overall plan is to build it in our next bond unless factors change between now and then. We’re expanding both high schools now to accommodate the growth, so the next step is to move toward building a new high school.

Where will the third high school be located?

Our needs are going to be in the southwest part of the district. We see some needs in the north part, but right now we’re looking toward building in the southwest part of the district. 

What are the biggest issues that NCISD is facing right now?

Probably the biggest issue we deal with is 1,000 new students [coming to the district] every year. That’s almost the same size as if you were adding an elementary school to your school district each year. It’s a pretty tough process getting them ready for tests and accountability. It’s definitely a challenge to meet the standards of the district and get them prepared. It takes a lot of resources.

How is New Caney dealing with rapid student growth?

One of the keys to maintaining order when you have this type of growth is to make sure you have a lot of planning and putting the pieces of the puzzle in place that will guarantee a smooth transition as we move to the future.

What will NCISD  look like five years from now?

I’m betting we’ll be approaching 20,000 students and definitely have three high schools and possibly then looking for a fourth high school. Our demographers say [our] top growth will be probably 35,000-40,000 students, about the same size as Humble ISD today, with four or five high schools.

Has Texas’ controversial school funding formula affected NCISD?

Our property values are behind our growth, which means that your money is never there when you need it. Certainly as taxpayers, we know that our property values are going up, but the development here isn’t the same as it is in other areas. Hopefully, as that growth continues it will help property owners, and tax rates can come down a little bit. The funding will come, but it just takes a while when you don’t have that many values outside of just rooftops. There’s not a lot of shopping centers or big retail developments. Of course they’re coming, but in the meantime, the burden falls heavily on our homeowners.