Forney ISD received its latest quarterly enrollment forecast projecting a staggering 35,000 students by 2031. The report is based on the latest data of housing starts, inventory, land use and enrollment trends presented by leading demographer Zonda Education.
Forney ISD’s 2021 fall student enrollment stood at 14,351 including 1,570 new students. The latest forecast shows a revised projected student growth of over 2,400 new students next year, with an average of 2,000 new students each year for the next 10 years.
“Forney is building houses quicker than anyone ever anticipated,” said Dr. Justin Terry, superintendent of FISD. “We receive these reports each quarter and this one was the highest estimate we have ever received.”
As a fast-growth district, Forney ISD continuously reevaluates enrollment forecasts. Staffing needs, facility management, financial capital, land acquisition, construction, technology, safety -- all these areas require careful planning to advance the district successfully.
“We are always planning for the future. The numbers we just received certainly may impact the timeline of our current plans,” said Terry. “Our growth is because of the incredible success of our students, parents and teachers at maintaining our high level academic excellence – and because of the commitment our entire community has for our school district. Due to the support of our Forney Family, we have a legacy of uniting together for the best interests of our schools. Collectively, we know the best thing we can do to maintain the long term success of our community and economy is to continue providing the best schools possible.”
In 2019, Forney voters approved a $623 million bond for new construction and district improvements. As a part of the bond, the district opened three new schools last fall and started construction on two elementary schools scheduled to open in 2022 and The OC set to open in 2023. Due to the savings during construction of the last three campuses, the district is planning for the 10th elementary school and expansions at North Forney High School and Forney High School.
Recently the district broke ground for The Opportunity Central (a new career, college and community center) opening Fall 2023. This campus will incorporate innovative career and college education, while integrating the community and business partners, to provide students real-world experiences.
“We will be reviewing these projections and reports in greater detail as we determine what steps are necessary to best serve our students,” said FISD Board President Greg Pharris. “We take great pride in our district and want to ensure every child at FISD continues to have a seat to learn.”
Highlights from the report include:
• Forney ISD added 1,570 students last fall as the housing market picked up and students returned from Covid
• Quarterly new home starts within the district more than doubled between 2020 and 2021
• FISD could add over 2,400 students next fall as new home sales reach 3,000 annually
• 5 year housing growth of 15,000 homes and 11,120 students for a 2026/27 enrollment of 25,462
• 10 year housing growth of 29,500 homes and 20,760 students for a 2031/32 enrollment of over 35,000
“It’s really an honor to see so many people interested in becoming a part of our Forney Family. I know we have something special here in Forney and it appears the secret is out,” said Pharris.
For more information on 3rd quarter demographic enrollment data, please visit www.forneyisd.net/growth.
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