Schools
The First Day Of School In Katy ISD: A Legacy Honored, And Potential Changes Ahead
A new school opens, but more could be on the way as Katy ISD considers a new bond proposal.
KATY, TX — Students in the Katy Independent School District were among those in five other school districts in the Greater Houston area to start the 2017-2018 school year on Wednesday.
More than 76,000 students filed into the one of 66 area school campuses before the first bell rang.
One of those Katy ISD schools is Robert and Felice Bryant Elementary School, which opened their doors for the first time.
Find out what's happening in Sugar Landfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Bryant Elementary holds a special place in the heart of Kindergarten teacher Amanda Fait, because years earlier, she was a student in Felice Bryant’s kindergarten classroom, KHOU reported.
“She’s an outstanding teacher and just loved her kids so well, including myself,” Fait said.
Find out what's happening in Sugar Landfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The Bryant’s began their teaching careers in Sudan, Texas in the mid 1970s, where Bob was band director and Felice as the only kindergarten teacher.
The couple came to Katy in 1983 and continued their teaching legacy.
Together they have dedicated more than 70 years as public school educators in Texas. All three of their children are Katy ISD graduates, Covering Katy reported.
Bryant Elementary is just the latest in the story of Katy ISD’ explosive growth.
In fact, enrollment is expected to increase by 2,500 a year, which means Katy ISD could be serving up to 100,000 students by 2026.
“Folks, it’s not a secret anymore. We’re growing and we’re growing fast, real fast,” Katy ISD Superintendent Lance Hindt said in March in a message to Katy ISD parents.
In January, Katy ISD’s board of trustees approved the formation of a bond committee, which began meeting in the spring.
The committee presented their recommendations for a $609 million bond proposal to the board of trustees in July, which included the recommendation for one new high school, two new junior high schools, three new elementary schools and numerous upgrades throughout the district.
When the board convened on July 24, they opted to take no action at this time, and have until Aug. 21 to consider the proposal in order to ensure it is on the November ballot
Image: Shutterstock
Send news tips to bryan.kirk@patch.com
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.