Frisco ISD Still Tops List of Nation’s Fastest Growing Districts
Frisco ISD remains the fastest growing school district in the state and nation. As of now, FISD enrollment was 27,516 students, a gain of 3,600-plus students compared to last year.
Within the 75 square miles of Frisco ISD, more than 3,700 employees serve students living in both Collin and Denton Counties and residents of the majority of Frisco, along with some portions of Plano, Little Elm, and McKinney. It is estimated that the district is approximately 40 percent built-out.
With this unprecedented growth comes the responsibility to manage that growth appropriately and build for the future. Prior to 1998, FISD included seven schools. Since 1997, FISD has added 31 new schools, opening two-to-six campuses annually. To meet the district’s construction needs, FISD citizens authorized schoolhouse bonds through four referendums in the past eight years totaling $1.692 billion ($118million, $298million, $478 million and $798 million). These referendums received approval ratings of 95, 96, 89.4, and 73 percent, indicating the community’s strong support for education and for meeting the needs of students.
Construction is ongoing and the following schools were opened this fall: the permanent Liberty High School, Fowler Middle School, and three elementary schools, Carroll, Mooneyham, and Robertson. In 2008, the district will open its 8th and 9th middle schools (Scoggins and Stafford) and its 26th and 27th elementary schools (Elliott and Tadlock). A Career and Technical Education Center will also open in 2008. The 5th and 6th high schools, Heritage and Lone Star, are scheduled to open in 2009 with 9th and 10th graders or 2010 with 9-11 graders (timing depends on enrollment trends). At least one elementary school will open in 2009 on Legacy Drive.
With available bond funds, the district has monies to serve the needs of up to 52,000 students – these funds will allow FISD to grow to 44 elementary schools, 14 middle schools, and seven high schools with the design of an 8th. Funds are also available to continue purchasing school sites, to maintain and renovate existing campuses as they age, to maintain security, to expand and upgrade technology, and to provide office space. The current commitment of the Board, the Administration and the community is to build facilities that maintain a small, personal learning environment. Elementary schools are being built to accommodate 760 students; middle schools will serve 800-1,000 students and the high schools are being built to serve between 1,500 and 1,800 students.
As the school district grows in size, so does its commitment to excellence and its focus on providing the best learning opportunities for students. Test scores continue to improve and are well above the state and national averages. More than 70 percent of seniors take one or more of the college entrance exams, and approximately 90 percent of all graduating seniors plan to continue their education following high school.
Financially, the district’s operating budget is $187.5 million for 2007-2008. The tax rate is at $1.35 per $100 of assessed valuation. Certified taxable values are at $13.7 billion; the average home value is $257,242.
