Midway ISD Demographic Report Highlights Steady Growth and Future Facility Needs
The Midway Independent School District continues to grow, albeit slower than projected, according to the Fall 2024 Demographic Report. The report, presented to the Midway ISD Board of Trustees at a special called October meeting, analyzed student enrollment trends, housing developments, and future capacity needs.
"Our growth hasn’t reached the levels we projected five years ago, but it’s about more than just building capacity," Dr. Allen explained. "We are definitely out of space and nearing capacity at some of our schools, but we need to view demographics from a broader perspective, considering the number of teachers available to fill the classrooms. Sometimes capacity is influenced not just by physical space, but whether or not we have the staff needed to make use of the space."
The district has seen a small increase in student numbers, with a 1.3% rise in enrollment over the past year, bringing the current enrollment to 8,823 for the 2023-24 school year. This is part of a larger five-year trend that has seen 6.5% growth, with projections suggesting enrollment could reach 9,494 by 2035. This growth has been fueled by both residential expansion and a higher rate of student transfers from neighboring districts.
"This report provides crucial insights into our district and community's population trends,” Midway ISD Board President Pete Rusek said. “It highlights the importance of long-term planning to ensure we meet the future needs of our students and families."
Housing development in the district remains strong, despite rising inflation and interest rates. The report notes that while overall home sales have slightly decreased, new home sales still account for 19% of all home purchases in the district. The average price for new homes has surged by 85% over the past decade, with the current average new home price standing at $398,151.
Midway ISD is also seeing the continued growth of subdivisions, with 22 actively building and 10 future subdivisions planned. The district is preparing for an influx of new families as groundwork is underway on more than 440 lots in just three subdivisions, and over 1,900 multi-family units are in various stages of planning across the district.
"Our district has been a destination for families due to our strong academic reputation and the quality of programs and opportunities available to students,” Midway ISD Superintendent Dr. Chris Allen said. “And, we anticipate that trend to continue."
The district’s rapid growth is beginning to strain school capacities, particularly at the elementary level. Park Hill Elementary is projected to exceed capacity within the next two years, and Chapel Park Elementary is also approaching its limit. Currently both campuses are overflowing new students to other campuses in the district.
In response to these pressures, the district is undergoing a facilities needs assessment to understand campus capacity issues and develop plans to address future facility needs, including potential campus expansions and the construction of new schools, as well as establish long term maintenance schedules.
"Our previous bond projects have set the stage for accommodating current enrollment, but as the enrollment continues to rise, we know that further action will be necessary to maintain our high standards of education," Dr. Allen added. "We have successfully completed the projects from our 2019 Bond – which was on time and under budget – while simultaneously planning for the future."
In addition to the major 2019 Bond projects, including the construction of Park Hill Elementary, major renovations at Midway Middle School, the Career and Technical Education addition at Midway High School and the conversions of the former intermediate campuses to River Valley Middle School and Chapel Park Elementary, the district was able to fund $1.5 million in safety and security improvements across the district, new roofs and other capital improvements, and new all-inclusive playgrounds at elementary schools.
Click here for more information about the completion of the 2019 bond.
