Thank all of you out there who voted on November 2, 2010 in favor of the KISD bond issuance. The bond package was passed but by a fairly small margin. I am not sure what everyone who voted against this package was thinking or how they would grapple with a school system that is exploding with growth but I certainly welcome any comments from the naysayers so I might be able to appreciate their point of view.  I will never agree with these folks but maybe I sort of will understand.

Since the KISD is in question, I thought it would be good idea at this point in time to review specific facts and figures about this school system.

* KISD is the 13 TH largest district in the State of Texas with a total f 1,236 public and charter schools. KISD is the 4 TH fastest growing district in Texas during period from 2004-2005 - 2009-2010 school years. Over 21 % of people who move to the Houston Metroplex will have their children attend KISD.

* KISD's total tax rate is 23 rd in the State and debt service is 70 TH in the State.

* Class of 2010 will have 3,712 graduates.

* KISD has 40 National Merit Semifinalists.

*Scholarships Accepted by the 2010 KISD Graduates exceeds $19 million. This is a huge number!!!

* Since year 2006 KISD has had at least 2 schools ranked in the top 6 % of America's best High Schools. Years 2009 and 2010 found KISD with FOUR schools in top 6% in the entire nation. Check out some of my older blogs for more information as I have written about these rating the last years when it became public knowledge. Unbelievable to have four schools on this list from one school district. The vast majority of schools on the list, I might add, are all private with only 8% being public schools and I will repeat myself again 4 are in KISD!!!! WOW>>>

* Seven Lakes High School (SLHS) was 5A Academic Decathlon State of Texas Champions and came in fourth in the entire US during 2010. Another WOW here for me!!!  I will add that SLHS was also 4A Academic Decathlon State Champions in 2008 and this was the first year SLHS could even compete as previously the school was too new. My step son was part of that Team and we are very proud of him and SLHS as this was a remarkable achievement.

* Eight out of the last 10 years KISD was named one of "The Best Communities for Music Education'. I have written a couple of recent blogs about the bands andthe excellence of the music and marching.

* As of September 2010 over 20,000 KISD students are enrolled in fine arts courses from grade levels 6-12 and this out of a total student body of approximately 31,000.

* During 2009 and 2010 KISD had 10 pieces of art work created by students selected for the Houston Live Stock Show and Rodeo. This was the most of any school disrtrict in the entire Houston area.

* The highest award at the rodeo for the Reserve Grand Champion was sold for $120,000 and the associated student was from Katy High School.

* The Houston Live Stock & Rodeo sales of KISD student raised animals was $307, 000 with the students earning $45,000 in cash.

* During the last 4 years, KISD has had 5 music organizations selected based on competitive auditions as state 'Honor" groups.

* KISD Elementary Honor Choir will perform at the Texas Music Educators Association Clinic and Convention.

* Both the Taylor HS and Seven Lakes HS Marching bands will be performing at the Sugar Bowl pre-game activities. See I told these bands were excellent!!!

* Cinco Ranch HS Symphony Orchestra will perform at the Midwest Clinic, International Band and Orchestra Clinic.

* Cinco Ranch HS ranked 6 TH during 2009-2010 State UIL Lone Star Cup honoring top high Schools in the State for best overall academic and athletic programs.

* Currently Texas High School State Football Football Poll ranks the Katy Tigers 2 ND and the Cinco Ranch Cougars 5 TH in the State. Who knows we could have 2 state champs here as CRHS plays in Division 1 and Katy HS Plays in Division 2 when the State High School Football Championship playoffs begin. These two teams play this weekend for the District 19-5A Championship!!!

 * Acedemic State Ratings based on testing:

                                                          2008                                             2009                        2010

Number of schools is shown

Highest Rating - Exemplary                    16                                                 24                           32

Recognized                                             19                                                 20                            18

Acceptable                                              10                                                  5                              0

% Exemplary or Recognized                    77%                                               90%                         100%!!!!

Overall rating                                               Recognized                                 Recognized                Recognized 

These are VERY impressive facts and figures about this wonderful school district. Now maybe you know why passing this bond issuance was so important to everyone as the money is eeded to continue to grow and have overall excellence.