Texas law provides for public education

Laws enacted in 1854 in the state legislature provided for the foundation of local school districts and made public education a reality in the state of Texas. Education in Texas suffered during the Civil War and the Reconstruction which followed. Efforts were made to improve the status of public education during the latter part of the 19th century, and the growth and development of Texas' public schools increased with the coming of the 20th century.

Local taxation for rural schools increased in the 20th century, and small rural schools began consolidating into districts. In 1915, Texas passed a compulsory attendance law, and in 1918, the legislature approved the use of free textbooks in public schools.

In the early 1900s, Bexar County was still primarily in rural area, and many of the districts in the northwest county consisted of just one school. This situation would persist, with little change, for the first half of the 20th century.

1949: The birth of Northside ISD

In 1949, 11 rural schools joined together to form Northside Consolidated School District. Those schools were Leon Springs, Los Reyes, Helotes, Locke Hill, Leon Valley, San Antonio Heights, Lockhart, Mackey, Clifton, Hoffman, and Culebra. Enrollment in that first year was 823 students. H.M. Biggers was named superintendent of the new district, and construction began on Northside High School (Northside High School was renamed John Marshall High School in 1960). In 1955, the district became Northside Independent School District.

The year 1955 is also the year in which the school board approved the integration of Northside High School, allowing African American students to attend. One year later, in 1956, Northside began a program of building which has continued to this day, with Northside Junior High (renamed Sul Ross Middle School in 1960) and Northside Elementary (now Colby Glass Elementary).

The 50's

During the 1950s, enrollment at Northside reached 3,309. Superintendent Biggers resigned and was replaced by Murray Boone. During the decade, the school board began a bus transportation program and secured federal funding for the district. They also opened the first school cafeterias and instituted the first discipline policy and dress code.

The 60's

The 1960s saw explosive growth. Northside enrollment doubled in the first three years of the decade, and doubled again by 1967. By the end of the 60s, Northside enrolled over 20,000 students and had opened 12 new elementary schools, two new middle schools, and two new high schools. In 1964, Murray Boone retired as superintendent, and the school board selected Edmund Cody.

In 1966, Northside fully embraced integration with the closing of West San Antonio Heights and the transfer of African American students to ten elementary schools. The board also started Northside's bilingual education program with summer school classes for non-English speaking children. They began Northside's special education program by approving the education of all children, regardless of their handicaps.

The 70's

The 1970s were a time of modernization and development for Northside. The District began using computers for issuing payroll checks, 11 new schools opened, and enrollment grew by more than 10,000 students. In 1974 Nellie M. Reddix became the first African American and the second woman on the Northside school board.

The 80's

In the 1980s, Northside was named the fastest growing school district in Texas. By the decade's end, enrollment was up to nearly 50,000 students. The District opened 23 new schools and facilities, including Taft High School, Health Careers High School, two middle schools and 11 elementary schools. Edmund Cody retired as superintendent, and was replaced by Jack Jordan. At the state level, the 1980s brought teacher accountability: the Texas Examinations of Current Administrators and Teachers (TECAT) exam. The Texas Assessment of Basic Skills (TABS) was instituted to measure student performance.

The 90's

In 1994, Northside adopted a strategic plan under Superintendent Dr. Agustin Orci, who was chosen to lead the District when Jack Jordan retired in 1993. The Northside Strategic Plan was a collaborative effort, involving the input of parents, students, teacher, employees and community members. The Northside Education Foundation was created as part of the Strategic Plan. The NEF is a non-profit foundation which generates and disburses funds and other resources to provide enrichment to Northside students. Dr. Orci resigned in 1995 to enter corporate America.

In 1995, veteran educator Ed Rawlinson was named Northside Superintendent. Under his leadership, the District grew to over 60,000 students during the 1990s, yet providing a quality education remained the focus. Also in 1995, NISD voters approved a $98 million bond issue: $94 million for school construction, and for the first time, $4 million for technology. In 1998, as a result of exploding enrollment growth, Northside voters approved more school construction bonds: this time $198 million for construction and $26 million for technology. Voters also approved raising the tax cap to $1.50, the maximum allowed by the state.

In 1996, Mary Hull Elementary became the first Northside elementary school to earn National Blue Ribbon Status. Other schools followed, and in 2000 Northside became a Texas Recognized District, the largest Recognized District in Texas. Rawlinson led the development of Communications Arts High School as well as two successful bond issues: $224 million in 1998, and $495 million in 2001.

The new century : San Antonio's premier school district

The new century opened with new challenges for Northside, as the district grew to more than 67,000 students in 2002, with 11 high schools, 12 middle schools, and 47 elementary schools, with several more schools in planning or under construction. In summer 2002, Bexar County's newest high school, Warren HS, opened, along with Nichols and Rhodes elementary schools.

The $495 million bond package approved by voters in 2001 is the largest construction package for schools ever in Bexar County and the 3rd largest in Texas. Funds are being used to build nine schools and to renovate or make additions at all others. In 2002, Ed Rawlinson retired, and Dr. John M. Folks became Northside Superintendent. John M. Folks joined Northside from Spring ISD in Houston, where he also served as superintendent. He is a former university education department dean, and was the chief school leader for the state of Oklahoma.

Northside's status as the "school district of choice" in San Antonio has brought greater and greater numbers of students and families to the District. New enrollment for the 2002-03 school year was 3,369 students, far exceeding all growth expectations. In fact, it represents the greatest enrollment increase in one year in the history of Northside School District.

2003 : New Schools, New Faces

The 2003-04 starting enrollment was 71,507. This steady growth came at the same time that the State of Texas is facing a funding crisis in its public schools, with state funding shrinking as school districts reach the legal limit of what they can provide for themselves through local taxes. The enthusiastic support of the community in a series of bond issues has been critical to Northside's response to the influx of students. The District started the new school year with three new elementary schools and a new middle school. Six more new schools are scheduled to be opened in the next two years. Northside's dedicated teachers, staff and administrators work to maintain the same high quality education that brought so many new students and their families to live in the Northside School District.

2004: Progress for NISD, Progress for Texas Education

The year 2004 will always be remembered as the year that Northside successfully sued the State of Texas for the way the state funds public education. Judge John Dietz ruled in favor of the plaintiff school districts, of which Northside was one, that the state funding system was unconstitutional. The Judge gave the State one year to design a plan that will adequately and equitably fund Texas schools.

In 2004, three more schools opened: Gregory Luna MS, Paul Ott ES, and Thomas L. Hatchett, Sr. ES. NISD experienced a record enrollment when 74,018 students enrolled in Northside Schools. The additional 2,500 new students over the previous year continued to stretch the school district’s resources in spite of a massive classroom construction program.

Bond Issue 2004 was supported by the voters and provided $439 million for more classrooms in 11 new schools, additions and renovations to countless others, the funding to purchase 9 more school sites to try and stay ahead of the building boom. With this successful bond issue, NISD voters have approved $1.25 Billion in school building bonds.

In 2004, the District’s Library Media Centers were recognized as the Best in the United States. Business Careers HS alum Darold Williamson won a Gold Medal at the Athens Olympics in track and field, becoming the first San Antonian to capture gold in field and track. Jay HS alum Wallace Jefferson captured state wide headlines when he was appointed the Chief Justice of the Texas Supreme Court. In addition, 2004 marks the year that “No Shots-No School” was enforced sending hundreds on unvaccinated students to their doctors before they could enroll in NISD schools. NISD hosted the Texas State Academic Decathlon in 2004 at Clark HS. That same year, NISD was named a Texas Recognized District for the fifth year in a row, no small feat considering the size and diversity of this school district.

2005: NISD named the Best School District in Texas by H-E-B

The highlight of 2005 was being named the Best School District in Texas by H-E-B. The grocery giant and "power partner" selected NISD as the most outstanding school district in Texas and presented a check for $100,000 to Superintendent John Folks. In addition, H-E-B selected Linda Garcia as the state's best middle school principal.

This is the year also that the Northside Education Foundation embarked on their $2 million fund campaign having surpassed the original $1 million mark. Each year, the NEF Gala and other fundraising efforts draw big names and large numbers of people who want to be counted among the Friends of the Foundation, a mark of prestige.

Friends of Northside was also launched in 2005. This sprawling effort which employs the e-mail contacts of NISD's 10,000 employees hopes to eventually draw another 10,000 citizens into the Friends fold. This electronic communication initiative will prove that the more information you provide to people who are interested, the more they will support you, or at least understand the challenges we face.

And support this community does well. With Bond 2004 fresh in our minds, attention turns to Bond 2007. Over the years, the NISD community has supported over $1.25 billion in bonds to build new schools, renovate older ones and add technology.

Just this year alone, over 4,000 new students enrolled in NISD schools, shattering all records. This is the most number of new students ever to enroll in NISD schools in one year. Current enrollment projections put over 100,000 students in Northside Schools with in the next 8 years. Hundreds and hundreds of additional classrooms are needed to manage the growth.

In spite of crushing numbers of students, NISD did its part to help the victims of the worst hurricanes to hit the Gulf Coast region. When Hurricane Katrina hit Louisiana and Mississippi , thousands of refugees came to San Antonio . When Hurricane Rita hit the Texas coast, more refugees came to San Antonio to escape the threat. NISD enrolled over 500 students, affectionately named Katrina and Rita kids. Many are expected to stay here permanently.

Two more schools opened their doors this year: John Paul Stevens High School in the bustling Westover Hills area and Dean Krueger Elementary School in the outer Loop1604/Braun Road corridor. A highlight of the high school dedication was the special visit of Justice John Paul Stevens, who the day after the dedication was shown on worldwide television newscasts swearing in the new Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court John Roberts. Stevens said that the highlight of his life was having the school named in his honor.

2005 also marks the year that the Supreme Court of Texas ruled that the state must revamp the way it funds schools. While the ruling was mixed, it did provide another impetus to the Governor and Legislature to do the right thing for kids and adequately and equitable fund education. It is expected that the Governor will call another Special Session, the fifth one under his watch, to deal with school finance.

State elected officials will continue to hear from Northside ISD about the issues and challenges facing Texas public schools from two powerful advocates.

Katie Reed, NISD Trustee, also represented the Texas Association of School Boards as its president during 2006; and Superintendent John Folks now also speaks for the Texas School Alliance. It is unusual that two state leaders emerge from the same school district, but it is a testament as to the leadership within the school district.

2006: A year of continued growth, continued success

NISD named "Largest Recognized School District in Texas!"

As unprecedented enrollment growth showed no signs of slowing down, Northside continued to garner achievements and accolades in 2006. Northside moved from the sixth to fifth largest school district in the state with a total enrollment of 81,811 students. And, when the Texas Education Agency announced accountability ratings, Northside became the largest district in the state to earn a Recognized rating. Considering the great diversity and challenges NISD faces, this singular accomplishment is huge.

New schools and facilities are investments in community

In 2006, Northside opened four new elementary schools -- Fisher, Mead, Murnin and Wanke -- all named for beloved and long-time educators in the District. The state-of-the-art Northside Natatorium, the District's second aquatics facility, also opened in the Dub Farris Athletic Complex on Loop 1604, and Gustafson Stadium, located in the Hardin Athletic Complex on Loop 410, was rededicated after a massive renovation.

Next multi-million dollar bond issue takes shape

To keep up with the deluge of new students, preparations for School Bond 2007 took shape. A Citizens' Bond Committee was appointed to study the needs of the District -- now growing by roughly 4,000 students a year -- and to make a recommendation to the Board of Trustees for a May 2007 bond election. The School Board is expected to take action in January 2007.

Northside leaders honored at state level

Northside leaders and educators continued to make a statewide impact in 2006. Superintendent John Folks was named the Region 20 Superintendent of the Year by an Education Service Center selection committee. He went on to be named one of five finalists in the state for Superintendent of the Year in the annual competition sponsored by the Texas Association of School Boards.

In addition, Erika Foerster at Jones Middle School was named Middle School Principal of the Year, and Rob Fields at Stevens High School was named High School Assistant Principal of the Year by the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals.

One of the top highlights of the year came at the Texas Association of School Boards/Texas Association of School Administrators annual convention in Houston. Because longtime Northside Trustee Katie Reed was the outgoing TASB president, Northside had the opportunity to showcase itself with a 30-minute "spectacular"performed in front of thousands of school trustees and administrators from across the state. About 220 fine arts students from across the District interwove song, dance, music and the spoken word to tell the story of Northside. The high-energy, fast-paced production featured the six Pillars of Characters, the foundation of Northside's character building curriculum.

Business Careers HS becomes first wireless high school

Business Careers High School became the first high school in Bexar County to fully implement a school-wide computing initiative by putting a laptop computer in the hands of every student and teacher -- and developing a curriculum to support the technology.

Other accomplishments included the launch of Inside Northside Radio, which joined Inside Northside Video Magazine and Inside Northside Weekly as yet another means to communicate with students, employees, parents and residents of the District.

NISD approves biggest property tax cut in Bexar County

Statewide, the funding of public education took center stage when the Texas Legislature, meeting in a special session, passed House Bill 1, a sweeping law that issued mandates on property taxes, curriculum and employee salaries. The law required all Texas school districts to lower property tax rates, but because of rising property appraisals, many homeowners across the state did not see a significant reduction in property taxes in 2006.

However, the Northside Board of Trustees was able to approve the largest property tax rate decrease among San Antonio area districts. Northside trustees also approved a 5 percent raise for all teachers, counselors, librarians and nurses in addition to the $2,000 pay raise funded by the state through House Bill 1.

Four years of math and science is law

The law also required all high school students, starting with ninth graders in the 2007-08 school year, to graduate with four credits of math and four credits of science. In addition, House Bill 1 earmarked funding for a "high school allotment" to help school districts improve graduation rates, increase participation in Advanced Placement courses and increase college readiness.

2007: Northside in the national spotlight

Northside named one of top five districts in the nation

Just two years after H-E-B Grocery Co. named Northside the best school district in Texas, NISD was selected as one of five finalists in the nation for the 2007 Broad Prize for Urban Education. This very prestigious award goes to the school district that has made the greatest improvement in student academic achievement while closing achievement gaps for minority and low income students. As a finalist for the Broad Prize, Northside received $125,000 in scholarships for the Class of 2008. This is an outstanding accomplishment, especially considering the District’s diversity and fast-growing enrollment.  U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings called the Broad Prize the “Oscar of Education.”

Voters approve largest bond issue in District history

In May, the Northside community overwhelmingly approved a $692.67 million bond proposal to build 12 new schools and make additions and improvements to existing schools. Almost 70 percent of voters said yes to School Bond 2007, making it the fifth consecutive bond proposal Northside voters have approved since 1995. Of the past five bond issues, School Bond 2007 had the widest approval margin and also the most number of voters. Approval of the bond ensures that the District will be able to provide classroom space for the thousands of new students who come to Northside each year.

Continued growth; new schools join Northside family

The District’s phenomenal growth continued in 2007, and Northside ISD surpassed Austin ISD to move from the fifth to the fourth largest school district in Texas. Enrollment, now at 85,546, is growing by about 4,000 students a year. NISD must open at least 200 new classrooms a year to keep pace with the student growth.  At the start of the 2007-08 school year, three new schools were welcomed to NISD. Julia Newton Aue Elementary and Rita Kay Driggers Elementary are both named for longtime, dedicated Northside educators. And Wallace B. Jefferson Middle School is named for a Jay High School graduate who became the first African American to serve as the Chief of the Texas Supreme Court. Construction continues at a furious pace to build 12 more schools, five of which are scheduled to open in summer 2008.

Northside prepares to goes wireless

The Board of Trustees gave the go-ahead to build a wireless network, making Northside ISD the largest district in Texas to go completely wireless. When the installation is completed at the end of 2008, students, teachers, and staff will have access to the Internet anywhere and any time at all campuses. The wireless network will augment classroom instruction and increase communication between school staff, District leaders said, and in the long run, the wireless network will be more cost-efficient than installing cables and hardware every time a campus gets additional computers. Installing the network will cost about $6.7 million, which will come from funds approved by voters in School Bond 2004.

Northside energy conservation program garners statewide recognition

In December, Northside’s Energy Management Department received two statewide accolades. The District’s energy management program was selected as one of 12 innovative initiatives in the state to be featured in Texas School Business magazine’s first annual “Bragging Rights” issue. In addition, Northside was named Outstanding Government Organization in the state at the 2007 Clean Air through Energy Efficiency (CATEE) Awards. The energy management program uses innovative measures to conserve electricity, water, and paper and saves the District more than $1 million annually in utility costs.

Unfunded legislative mandates continue to challenge school districts

The 80^th legislative session ended with a slew of unfunded mandates and no additional operational funding for school districts. Some of the mandates include: seatbelts on buses, defibrillators on all campuses, steroid testing of student athletes, increase in physical education requirements, and the replacement of high school TAKS exams with End-of-course tests.

Northside Independent School District
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