Willis ISD Enrollment Surges, Projects Continued Growth

**Willis ISD Enrollment Soars by Over 6%, District Prepares for Continued Rapid Growth**

**WILLIS, TX – November 16, 2023** – Willis Independent School District is experiencing an unprecedented surge in student enrollment, with official figures revealing a 6.33% increase for the Fall 2023 semester. The district officially tallied 8,767 students as of October 27, 2023, bringing 522 new learners into its system compared to the 8,245 students reported in Fall 2022.

These significant figures were presented to Willis ISD trustees on November 15, 2023, following a comprehensive demographic report from Population and Survey Analysts (PASA), a firm specializing in educational growth projections. The report painted a clear picture of rapid expansion that shows no signs of slowing.

PASA projects Willis ISD’s enrollment to reach 9,235 students for the 2024-25 school year, climbing further to 9,679 students by the 2025-26 academic year. Long-term forecasts anticipate the district could swell to 12,500 students by the 2033-34 school year, posing ongoing challenges and opportunities for the rapidly developing community.

“This remarkable growth reflects the thriving development across Montgomery County, particularly within our district’s boundaries,” said Dr. [Superintendent’s Name – *Reporter would insert actual name*], Willis ISD Superintendent. “While managing such an influx of students requires careful planning and significant resources, it also signifies a vibrant, expanding community that is choosing Willis ISD. We are committed to maintaining our high standards of education and providing every student with an exceptional learning environment.”

The expansion is largely attributed to the explosion of housing developments throughout Montgomery County, with particular concentrations in areas north of FM 1097, near the picturesque Lake Conroe shores, and generally along the bustling I-45 corridor on the north side of the district. These new residential communities are drawing families to the area, directly impacting school enrollment.

In anticipation of this growth, Willis ISD proactively opened two new state-of-the-art facilities in Fall 2023: Luke C. Stevens Elementary and Lynn Lucas Middle School. These additions have been critical in accommodating the immediate increase in student population. However, projections indicate that pressure on existing facilities will continue, with Willis High School alone anticipated to exceed 3,000 students by 2027. Future bond elections and facility planning will undoubtedly remain a key focus for the district.

Beyond the raw numbers, the demographic profile of Willis ISD has also seen some shifts. The percentage of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch saw a slight decrease from 57% in the 2022-23 school year to 53% for 2023-24. Similarly, the proportion of economically disadvantaged students dropped from 61% to 57%. Meanwhile, the Hispanic student population increased by 1.6%, reflecting changing community demographics, while the overall student mobility rate held steady at 12%.

As Willis ISD navigates this period of transformative growth, district officials emphasize their commitment to strategic planning, ensuring that facilities, staffing, and resources keep pace with the increasing student body while maintaining the quality of education for which the district is known. Residents can find more information about district plans and demographic reports on the Willis ISD website.