50 Facts About Killeen Independent School District

Overview of Killeen Independent School District

Killeen Independent School District (KISD) is a dynamic educational institution located in Killeen, Texas. Known for its close ties with Fort Hood, the district serves a diverse student population and has a rich history of growth and development.

1. Student Population: KISD currently serves more than 38,000 students.
2. Schools: The district operates thirty elementary schools (pre-K to grade 5), eleven middle schools (grades 6-8), and four high schools (grades 9-12).
3. Specialized Campuses: In addition to traditional schools, KISD has several specialized campuses catering to specific student needs.

Growth and Demographics

Over the years, KISD has seen significant growth and changes in its student demographics, reflecting the evolving community it serves.

4. Growth: Over the past twenty years, the student population increased from 20,000 in 1986 to over 38,000 today.
5. Geographic Area: KISD covers more than 400 square miles, making it one of the largest school systems between Dallas and Austin.
6. Demographics: The student body is diverse, with 36.6% Caucasian, 38.6% African-American, 20.1% Hispanic, and 4.0% Asian students.

Academic Achievements

KISD prides itself on its academic achievements and the success of its students.

7. Graduation Rates: In 2006, 1,485 students graduated from KISD high schools, with 911 planning to attend college and nine appointed to military academies.
8. Scholarship Money: The graduating class of 2006 earned nearly $11 million in scholarship money.
9. Academic Ratings: In 2007, KISD was rated overall as “Academically Acceptable” by the Texas Education Agency’s Academic Excellence Indicator System (AEIS).
10. Recognized Schools: Sixteen schools were recognized, and one elementary school was labeled as “Exemplary” in the same year.
11. Gold Performance Acknowledgement (GPA): KISD earned strong scores from the GPA system, which considers factors like performance on Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate tests, high scores on the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS), attendance rates, and college entrance exam scores.
12. Commended Ratings: Thirty of forty-seven possible KISD campuses received a commended rating in at least one field.

Military Influence

The proximity to Fort Hood has a significant impact on KISD, shaping many aspects of the district’s operations and student life.

13. Military Influence: The district’s proximity to Fort Hood has formed a unique relationship with the military base, influencing its development and operations.
14. Military Families: Approximately half of the students come from military families, presenting both challenges and opportunities for the district.
15. Adopt-A-School Program: The Adopt-A-School program, developed through the partnership between KISD and Fort Hood, was honored with the Governor’s Volunteer Award in 2007.
16. Junior Reserve Officer Training Corp (JROTC): KISD offers opportunities for students to participate in JROTC, which can help them in future military careers.

Employment and Teacher Support

KISD is a major employer in the area and offers various incentives to attract and retain quality teachers.

17. Employment: With over 5,800 employees, KISD is the second-largest employer in the area, after Fort Hood.
18. Teacher Salaries: New teachers in KISD earn a starting salary around $40,000, with additional stipends available for coaching, directing extra-curricular activities, teaching fine arts, or serving in vocational training.
19. Signing Bonuses: Teachers who agree to teach in critical need subjects like chemistry, physics, math, or Spanish can receive a $3,000 signing bonus.
20. Bilingual Instruction: Teachers who offer bilingual instruction can earn a $3,000 per year stipend.
21. Alternative Certification Program: KISD offers an online Web-Centric Alternative Certification Program (WCACP) for those interested in becoming teachers without a traditional teaching certificate.
22. Program Requirements: To be eligible for the WCACP, candidates must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university/college and a minimum GPA of 2.5.

Historical Context and Challenges

KISD has faced various challenges over the years, particularly related to its growing student population and the influence of Fort Hood.

23. Historical Context: In 1996, Killeen ISD and Groton ISD in Connecticut recognized the challenges posed by fluctuating military populations and began exploring solutions.
24. Overcrowding Issues: The growth of Fort Hood led to severe overcrowding in Killeen’s high schools, causing clogged hallways and shortages of teachers and supplies.
25. Community Advisory Group: Dr. Mary Keller, an assistant superintendent at Killeen ISD, chaired a community advisory group to address the overcrowding issues.
26. Block Scheduling: One solution implemented was shifting the high schools to block scheduling, which made things somewhat easier but presented complications for incoming military students.
27. Military Perspective: Lieutenant General Thomas Schwartz and his wife Sandy became strong advocates for military-connected students, bringing a military perspective to the district.
28. Seed Money and Office Space: In 1997, Sandy Schwartz requested and received $90,000 in seed money and office space from the KISD Board to support the Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC).
29. MCEC’s Charter: MCEC’s charter was signed by Texas Secretary of State Alberto R. Gonzales on August 10, 1998, and it received its 501(c)(3) non-profit status the same day.
30. MCEC’s Board Members: The initial board members included Dr. Keller, LTG Taylor, and KISD assistant superintendent Dr. Larry W. Moehnke, among others.

Student Mobility and Special Programs

KISD has a high student mobility rate due to the military presence, and it offers various programs to support its diverse student population.

31. Student Mobility Rate: KISD has a student mobility rate of 25.4%, nearly double the state average, due to the high number of military families moving in and out of the area.
32. Military-Connected Rate: The district has a military-connected rate of 27.8%, over eight times the state average, creating unique challenges for the district.
33. Special Programs and Services: KISD supports a range of student needs, including Dyslexia, Special Education, 504, At-Risk, and Economically Disadvantaged programs.

Equity and Academic Performance

KISD is committed to closing the equity gap and improving academic performance for all students.

34. Equity Gap Report: According to the 2022 data, the equity gap in Math/Reading for African American students was 4.43%, indicating a significant disparity in academic achievement.
35. Comprehensive Early Education Program: KISD provides a comprehensive early education program to ensure all students start their educational journey on a strong foundation.
36. Disciplinary Alternative Education Program (DAEP): The DAEP within KISD is dedicated to providing a supportive and tailored educational experience for diverse student groups, addressing disparities and fostering positive outcomes.
37. DAEP Objectives: The program’s objectives include serving specific student groups, addressing overrepresentation, and ensuring each student’s unique needs are met.
38. DAEP Student Groups: The DAEP encompasses students from economically disadvantaged families, various ethnic and racial backgrounds, contributing to a rich and inclusive learning environment.
39. DAEP Strategies: The program uses targeted strategies and comprehensive assessments to ensure the academic and personal growth of all DAEP students.
40. DAEP Outcomes: The program aims to foster positive outcomes for each individual student, recognizing the importance of equitable access to quality education.

Recent Academic Data

Recent data shows improvements in academic performance and highlights areas where KISD continues to work on closing the gaps.

41. State-Reported Data: According to the 2022 data, the percentage of all students meeting grade level increased by 26.6% from 2021 to 2022, indicating improvement in academic achievement.
42. Closing the Gaps Domain: KISD evaluates four components under the Closing the Gaps domain: Academic Achievement, Growth or Graduation, English Language Proficiency, and School Quality or Student Success.
43. Math/Reading Equity Gap: The equity gap in Math/Reading for African American students decreased from 2.49% in 2021 to 4.43% in 2022, showing a significant gap in academic achievement.
44. White Student Performance: White students showed a higher percentage of meeting or exceeding grade level in Math/Reading, with 61.77% in 2021 and 0% in 2022, indicating a lack of data for this demographic in recent years.
45. Hispanic Student Performance: Hispanic students also showed a higher percentage of meeting or exceeding grade level in Math/Reading, with 33.95% in 2021 and 61.60% in 2022, indicating improvement over time.
46. Economically Disadvantaged Students: Economically disadvantaged students had a lower percentage of meeting or exceeding grade level in Math/Reading, with 20-21 gap being 0.0% and 21-22 gap being 0.0%, indicating a lack of data for this demographic in recent years.
47. DAEP Objectives for Economically Disadvantaged Students: The DAEP program aims to provide tailored support to help economically disadvantaged students succeed academically, addressing the challenges they may face.
48. DAEP Objectives for Ethnic and Racial Representations: The DAEP program encompasses students from various ethnic and racial backgrounds, contributing to a rich and inclusive learning environment.
49. DAEP Strategies for Addressing Disparities: The program uses targeted strategies and comprehensive assessments to address disparities and ensure equitable access to quality education for all students.
50. DAEP Outcomes for Positive Student Growth: The program aims to foster positive outcomes for each individual student, recognizing the importance of academic and personal growth in a supportive educational environment.

Killeen ISD: A Unique Educational Landscape

Killeen Independent School District stands out due to its close ties with Fort Hood and its diverse student population. Serving over 38,000 students across a wide range of schools, KISD has grown significantly in the past two decades. The district's commitment to academic excellence is evident in its numerous recognized and exemplary schools, as well as its impressive graduation rates and scholarship earnings.

KISD faces unique challenges, such as high student mobility and a significant number of military-connected families. However, programs like the Adopt-A-School initiative and the Disciplinary Alternative Education Program (DAEP) showcase the district's dedication to supporting all students. With a strong focus on equity and tailored educational experiences, KISD continues to foster positive outcomes for its diverse student body. This commitment ensures that every student has the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their background or circumstances.