Godley ISD Superintendent Dr. Rich Dear presented information on anticipated rapid growth in student enrollment during the Godley Chamber of Commerce luncheon on December 8, 2022. Data shows the school district as one of the fastest growing in North Texas.

Dear reported that enrollment continues to climb with the number of students increasing 47% over the last six years, with about 1,900 students enrolled in 2017 compared to just over 2,800 for the current school year. Enrollment has increased an average of 7% annually, but that growth rate could increase to 15% each year over the next few years.  With rapid growth, the district could soon add 700-800 students each school year.

Demographers predict that the district will add nearly 900 new students in the near future and 5,000 over the next ten years. The superintendent reviewed proposed regional transportation corridors, future commercial enterprises, and developing residential subdivisions with over 20,000 homes currently in the planning stage.

A 2015 bond program of $50 million included Phase 1 of the current high school, agricultural project center, and investment in technology.  The most recent initiative approved by voters in 2021 totaled $168.5 million for continued development of the high school campus (career and technical education center, competition gymnasium, fine arts wing), the new Pleasant View Elementary School, and other improvements.  Rising costs due to inflation and supply chain issues caused the reduced scope or postponement of several projects that will be included as priority items for a new bond proposal.

A long-range facility planning committee met regularly this fall to develop recommendations for the school board for accommodating new growth.  The group, which considered needs for current campuses as well as future facility and infrastructure needs, includes a mix of parents, students, community members, and district staff numbering almost 60 strong.

Pictured is Dear at the chamber luncheon.