Cleveland ISD students will return to class on Tuesday, Aug. 5, with District officials projecting total enrollment to fall between 12,600 and 13,000 students — possibly just a slight increase over last year but far from the double-digit percent growth the District has experienced annually in recent years.
Superintendent Glenn Barnes, who is entering his first full year in the role, said the District wrapped up the last school year with 12,600 students. While growth is still occurring, it has slowed significantly in recent months.
“We are no longer seeing the double-digit growth every year,” said Barnes. “That’s a welcome change for us as we continue working to meet the needs of our students and staff.”
The District typically doesn’t have an accurate student count until after the Labor Day holiday in September, once enrollment fluctuations from late registrations and student transfers settle. For now, the estimate is based on prior year trends and early registration numbers.
As preparations ramped up for the new school year, the District welcomed back teachers and staff during two convocations held Thursday, July 31, at the Cleveland High School gym. Traditionally held as a single event, this year’s convocation was split into two sessions to accommodate the growing number of District employees — another reflection of Cleveland ISD’s rapid expansion in recent years.
Rapid population growth, driven largely by gains in the Hispanic community, has created major challenges for the District in recent years — from overcrowded campuses to staffing shortages. This slowdown may offer some relief to educators and families concerned about capacity and resources, and taxpayers footing the bill for new campus construction.
Though Barnes is newly appointed as superintendent, he’s no stranger to Cleveland ISD. He previously served as principal of Cleveland High School for many years before taking on administrative roles in other districts. Now back in Cleveland, he says it feels like returning home.
“It feels good to be back home. I am looking forward to seeing everyone return for school,” Barnes said. “I love the first days of school because they are a fresh start for everyone.”
With preparations in place, Barnes is optimistic about the year ahead.
“I’m looking forward to a great school year,” he said.
With all due respect to the staff, bus drivers and administrators that work tirelessly just to earn a paycheck, Plum Grove is not Cleveland. It’s a longer drive than Splendora, which has its own school district with a smaller population. Hardin and Hull also have their own schools.
Provide them with their own schools and let it stop draining municipal resources. Until then, its unlikely that you will see another bond passed. You might have predicted Grand Oaks would provide enough of a voting base to vote Yes on bonds, but growth there has slowed in part because the quality of schools ranks among the lowest 10th percentile in the state by most metrics, and also becausethe Lennar homes are also substandard compared to the DR Hortons in The Canopies across the street from Splendora HS, but that’s another matter.
This is not fair to the children either to be taught in temporary mobile home structures, and the student:teacher ratio is much worse than most districts, which results in a lacking level of engagement. I understand that it is the duty of the superintendent to support a bond for increased funding, but we will be ready to vote it down as we have since 2017. Nip the problem in the bud.
Perhaps the administration building can be repurposed into a 9-10 or 6th grade facility.
Report on all of the details please. Why is exponential growth not expected this year?
MAGA, bitches!
Because Daddy Trump got the border under control, and now that there is some semblance of law and order in the US, and the gravy train is slowing down- these wetbacks that flocked to the Cleveland area are getting sent back, and no more are coming.
The border is closed