KATY ISD

The man accused of fatally stabbing his wife, a Katy ISD school employee, was found dead inside a holding cell Saturday morning, Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said.

An 18-year-old who allegedly participated in a huge after-school fight involving Katy ISD students has been identified and charged in the stabbing of three students, according to the Harris County Constable’s Office Precinct 5.

Two children and two adults were injured following a crash involving a METRO bus and Katy ISD bus Tuesday, Harris County sheriff’s deputies said.

Students are still pushing for the district to update its anti-discrimination policy to include sexual orientation and gender identity.

School is back in session and COVID-19 is having major impacts on school districts in our area. Katy ISD reportedly has the largest number of staff COVID cases.

A petition is calling Katy ISD to update its anti-discrimination policy after an internet ban on LGBTQ-related websites came to light.

Several students who spoke at the Katy ISD board meeting on Monday said they will not be silenced until what they consider to be “LGBTQ discrimination through internet policies” is put to an end.

Several Katy ISD parents are upset over certain books that are on the shelves at their kid’s schools. The parents said the books are obscene and sexually explicit in nature.

After canceling a virtual visit by an award-winning children’s author earlier this month, Katy ISD went forward with the appearance Monday.

Katy Independent School District said they reinstated an award-winning children’s author books more than a week after parents claimed the subject matter promoted “critical race theory.”

Bubba Salinas is a sophomore at Jordan High School in Katy ISD. He is also a member of the marching band, and his parents say he loves making art.

Katy Independent School District said they have “temporarily” removed books by an award-winning children’s author from their library shelves after an outcry from parents claiming the subject matter promotes critical race theory.

Take a look at the top five trending stories across all of Community Impact Newspaper’s coverage areas as of Oct. 1.

Katy Independent School District has been ranked as the No. 1 school district in the Houston area, according to Niche’s Best Schools list.

COVID-19 cases at many Houston area school districts climbed and even multiplied for weeks, but throughout the region, caseloads are dropping dramatically.

September 11, 2001, was a tragic day etched in history. Twenty years later in a classroom at Beck Junior High School in Katy, many of Ms. Madison Hughes ESL students are hearing about 9/11 for the first time.

Dozens of parents and students attended Katy Independent School District’s special board meeting Monday.

Students in Katy ISD returned to the classroom on Wednesday morning.

Katy becomes the latest school to offer virtual learning for some students amid the increased number of COVID-19 cases.

Teachers in the Katy Independent School District can expect to see a bump in their paychecks starting soon.

Slowly but surely, local actress Taylor Polidore has been making her dreams come true.

The group of five parents argue that the district’s mask requirement is an example of “separate but equal” education, banned by the Supreme Court’s ruling in Brown v. Board of Education.

Cy-Fair Fire Department Crews respond to a crash involving a Katy ISD school bus in the 6100 block of Peek Rd. HOUSTON – An investigation is underway after a driver was injured in a crash involving a Katy Independent School District bus, according to Cy-Fair Fire Department. The school district said its bus was hit by another vehicle. Firefighters said 16 high school students and two adults on board the bus were evaluated at the scene. The driver of the vehicle was taken by ambulance to an area hospital as a precaution, according to Katy ISD.

1 Cypress Creek defeats Cinco Ranch 67-29Cypress Creek looked the part on Saturday. After a 10-point first quarter, Cypress Creek locked down to allow seven total points over the next two quarters. Cypress Creek Player of the Game - Kyndall HunterPhoto Gallery: Cypress Creek vs Cinco Ranch (Photos by Bradley Collier/VYPE)Langham Creek defeats Grand Oaks 58-37​Langham Creek is moving on in the playoffs with a big win over Grand Oaks on Saturday. Houston Heights defeats Ridge Point 61-58Heights is into the Regional Quarterfinals for a second-straight year. After a three-point victory over Ridge Point, the Bulldogs move on to face Cypress Creek in the next round.

Even though it was delayed by just a few days, the 2021 UIL Boys Basketball playoffs have officially begun in Houston. We will continue to update this story throughout the day as scores, highlights and more comes in. Jack Yates defeats Sealy 95-71Jack Yates showed its force again as it not suprisingly opened the playoffs with a double-digit win and nearly hitting the 100-point mark. Memorial defeats Westbury 62-51The Mustangs win first round of the playoffs 62-51!! AdFort Bend Hightower defeats Waltrip 100-43Hightower Boys with the win over Waltrip.

(AP Photo/Lisa Rathke)More than 400 students will participate in Katy Independent School District’s FFA Livestock Show, beginning next week. All individuals will be required to present a designated ticket to attend the Katy ISD FFA Livestock Show. Ad“The Katy ISD Livestock Show will look a bit different this year, however, we guarantee an outstanding event the parents and students will be proud of,” Martin said. The Katy ISD FFA Livestock Show is scheduled to take place Tuesday, Feb. 16 - 20 at the Gerald D. Young Agricultural Sciences Center. The show is as follows:Tuesday, February 16, 2021*Swine Weigh-in begins at 4 p.m.*Broiler Show begins at 5 p.m.*Postponed due to Inclement WeatherWednesday, February 17, 2021Steer, Goats and Lambs Weigh-in begins at 3 p.m.Rabbit Show begins at 5 p.m.Thursday, February 18, 2021Swine Show begins at 8 a.m.

KATY, Texas – Katy Independent School District Board of trustees met Monday evening to discuss a 2021 bond package. Katy ISD Board President Ashley Vann said the district is expected to exceed 100,000 students by 2030, and it needs many improvements to accommodate. Monday at the 5:30 p.m. virtual board meeting, Katy ISD trustees were presented with the Community Bond Advisory Committee’s recommended 2021 bond package. ”Katy ISD district grows about 2,500 students a year,” Vann said. The Katy ISD tax rate will not increase.

KATY, Texas – Miabella Ramirez, 12, is representing Katy in a sweet way. One Katy ISD student is getting ready to bake her way to the top! Miabella Ramirez, @BeckJuniorHigh student, was chosen to compete on Food Network's Kids Baking Championship! pic.twitter.com/eGlpgvvC3D — Katy ISD (@katyisd) December 27, 2020Katy ISD cheered on the Beck Junior High student via Twitter and Facebook, wishing her great luck. You can catch up on Season 9 of “Kids Baking Championship” Mondays at 8 p.m. on Food Network or by watching the latest episodes here.

On Sunday, friends, family and many others gathered at a Chick Fil A in Katy where he works for a candlelight prayer vigil. “Father God we just come before you with these sweet children on behalf of their brother Sam,” one woman said. Sam is 17 years old and is a senior student at Tompkins High School in Katy. Sam is a wide receiver and Head Football Coach Todd McVey says Sam is a good kid who can do it all. If you would like to help Sam and his family, more information can be found on the Tompkins Football Facebook page.

It has been over a week since Seven Lakes defeated Klein for the Class 6A State Championship bringing the first-ever state crown in volleyball to Katy ISD. Check out some of the best photos from it powered by Athlete Training + Health. About Athlete Training + HealthAthlete Training + Health's mission is to use best practices of health and performance to provide a world-class training environment for active adults and athletes of all ages and abilities. Our multi-field, state-of-the-art facilities are equipped with advanced pro-style weight rooms and dedicated areas for adult and youth athletes. ATH's highly-skilled coaches deploy training strategies that elevate – regardless of age or ability – athletes' performance to the highest level through consistent evaluation and education.

"It's awesome, it's something we talked about all year," Fulshear coach Sydney Gotcher said. "I think at the end of the year last year people were saying Lovejoy and Fulshear. Lovejoy is a brand in the volleyball - much like North Shore in football - and they have won a lot. In fact, Lovejoy enters Saturday seeking back-to-back titles for its program and the eighth overall but Fulshear is ready to claim its second-straight crown. "They are just the ultimate volleyball team when you think of 5A volleyball.

KATY – A star quarterback for Katy High School, who made headlines last year for being caught on camera using a racial slur, is once again off the football team. Now, he is suing Katy ISD to be reinstated. The 19-year-old student was suspended in September after a Katy ISD police and a K-9 found a substance they believed to be marijuana in Bronson’s vehicle during a search of the Katy H.S. But in a letter dated September 28, less than two weeks after the incident, the Katy ISD superintendent Dr. Ken Gregorski appeared to clear McClelland of any wrongdoing. A spokesperson for Katy ISD would not answer questions about the case.

KATY, TEXAS – Katy ISD closed Nottingham Country Elementary Thursday after a COVID-19 outbreak on campus. Seventeen students and five staff members tested positive for COVID-19, according to the district’s online dashboard. The district sent a letter to parents saying officials would notify those who came in direct contact with the 22 people. Katy ISD closed Seven Lakes High School when at least 43 students tested positive for COVID-19 last week. Starting Friday, Katy ISD is offering free COVID-19 testing for students.

KATY, Texas – Seven Lakes High School will be temporarily closed Friday after at least 43 students tested positive for COVID-19, according to Katy ISD. Students and staff will report back for in-person learning on Nov. 3. During the campus closure, in-person students will be provided intermittent at-home virtual learning. District officials said any staff or students determined to have been directly exposed will be notified. According to campus condition stages, the school will not close until confirmed cases exceed 10% of current facility occupancy.

KATY, Texas – Seven Lakes High School will be temporarily closed Friday after at least 43 students tested positive for COVID-19, according to Katy ISD. Students and staff will report back for in-person learning on Nov. 3. During the campus closure, in-person students will be provided intermittent at-home virtual learning. These gatherings include off-campus weekend parties where social distancing and mask-wearing has not occurred.”The district is also reporting that two staff members have active cases of COVID-19. According to campus condition stages, the school will not close until confirmed cases exceed 10% of current facility occupancy.

KATY, Texas – Katy ISD Superintendent Ken Gregorski gave the State of the District Address Friday morning on YouTube. Katy ISD students earned top scores on national assessments and won a number of statewide championships in music and sports. “The on-site testing facility for rapid testing will be for our employees and their dependents who are insured with the district. As far as we know we are the only ones in the state doing this to mitigate COVID-19,” said Katy ISD Superintendent, Ken Gregorski. The Katy ISD COVID-19 Testing Facility is located at the Agriculture Sciences Center, 5825 Katy Hockley Cut-Off Road, Katy, TX 77493.

HOUSTON – Katy ISD Police Department Officer Luis Santiago is known as “The Teddy Cop.”He hands out bears to special needs students and lets them know that the uniform represents protection, safety and friendship, among other things. “The teddy bear and the police uniform is a learning tool," he said. "It teaches them not to be afraid. And now with coronavirus, being that everyone has to wear a mask, Teddy Cop wears the mask to say stay safe, you gotta wear your mask.”Santiago started the program five years ago and has given out 2,100 bears. He hopes other school districts will do something similar.

KATY, Texas – The president of the Katy Independent School District board released a digital message to parents and staff about September’s achievements, new campuses, how the district will cope with a lowered tax rate, among other topics. Board President Courtney Doyle welcomed students back to the fall semester, saying nearly 84,000 students are enrolled in 68 of its campuses. Tax rate decreaseThe district will be saving its taxpayers this year after board trustees approved a drop in the school tax rate of 5.43 cents per $100 valuation. New name proposal for new campusDuring September’s board meeting, it was recommended for Junior High #17 to be named Bill and Cindy Haskett Junior High for the new campus. Cindy Haskett taught math at Katy Junior High from 1980 until she retired in 2005, culminating 33 years in public education.

KATY, Texas – The Katy Independent School District is providing free meals to all students in the area, even if they aren’t part of the district, after the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) extended the food program waiver, the district announced. Katy ISD began providing meals Monday and students can receive free breakfast and lunch through Dec. 31, or pending available funds through the USDA and TDA. “All students are eligible for one breakfast and one lunch meal per day per federal guidance,” said Nutrition & Food Service Executive Director Donna Pittenger. “Parents can however add funds to their student’s Pay N' Go meal account for a la carte purchases or in preparation for when the USDA waiver ends,” she added. Once the waiver expires, Katy ISD will switch back to the National School Lunch and Breakfast Program, according to a press release.

Cane Island schools continue rich tradition of excellenceBesides new luxury homes from acclaimed builders, resort-quality amenities and convenient I-10 west access, Cane Island residents receive a challenging, yet well-rounded education at Katy ISD’s Bryant Elementary School and at longtime Katy ISD schools, Katy Junior High School and Katy High School, all just convenient to the community. As Katy ISD’s first junior high school, Katy Junior High School captures the legacy, tradition and pride of generations of educators, including those whose namesakes can be found on schools throughout the district. At this legendary campus, teachers uphold a level of excellence in education backed by a tightly woven partnership of school, parents and community. At Katy High School, the storied tradition of Katy ISD’s first high school is deep-rooted throughout the campus, from the main entry to classrooms and labs where students embrace a well-rounded education, including Advanced Placement coursework, dedicated to the study of languages, mathematics, fine arts and humanities. As for new homes, Cane Island features move-in ready homes, starting in the $290,000s, with island kitchens, open entertaining spaces, master suites, game rooms and media rooms, secondary bedrooms and outdoor entertaining spaces.

KATY, Texas – Mayde Creek High School quarterback Donte Jones, 18, is facing four counts of aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon after being arrested by Houston police with assistance from Katy Independent School District Police Thursday. Officials say Jones and three others were gathered at an apartment complex in the 18600 block of South Parkview Drive on August 22, according to court records. One of the victims identified Jones to police saying he’s seen Jones before because they both attended Katy ISD’s Opportunity Awareness Center alternative school. “On September 17, 2020, the Katy ISD Police at the request of the Houston Police Department (HPD), assisted in the arrest of student Donte Jones. The arrest pertains to an HPD case, and details regarding possible charges should be directed to that agency," Katy ISD officials wrote in part in a statement to KPRC 2.

HOUSTON – Two Houston-area public school districts, Katy and Clear Creek ISDs, were named as one of the country’s best in-state employers, according to Forbes Magazine’s second annual ranking of America’s Best Employers by State. Katy ISD was ranked No. 2 while Clear Creek ISD was at No. This marks the second time Katy ISD made this list, ranking as No. 22 best employers to work for in Texas.

KATY, Texas – Students at Katy Independent School District returned to in-person classes this week after three weeks of virtual learning. It was a high-stress week for parents, teachers and students worried about going back to school amid a pandemic, so to wrap up the week, the district shared a legendary “welcome back” video. The message was sent from none other than David Hasselhoff and it was everything you would expect from The Hoff. “After six months of virtual learning, the students of Katy ISD will return face-to-face, mask-to-mask with the other awesome teachers on Tuesday (Sept. 8),” Hasselhoff said in the video. I know the kids are so excited.”According to the district, the video was provided by a Katy ISD parent as a “special surprise for back to school.”We aren’t sure if the kids in school know who Hasselhoff is, but one can only hope they appreciated the epic-ness of the video.

HOUSTON Several major school districts plan to welcome some students back to campus Tuesday amid the coronavirus pandemic. With about half of Katy Independent School Districts students returning to campuses, parents will be armed with a new and necessary tool. Because its been hard on online work, said Carlee Staton, a Katy student. That includes pregnant mom Sachet Harrold, who has two kids online and health concerns about the baby on the way. However, because they werent able to get devices to all the students, HISD will open 36 campuses as digital learning centers for elementary and middle school students who need them.

KATY, Texas The Katy Independent School District announced this week that will open a COVID-19 rapid testing site for its employees to help slow the spread of the virus as students plan to return to class. The testing site will open to district staff only and hours of operation will be from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Heres who can qualify to get tested at this free site:Katy ISD employees potentially exposed to a positive case at work, or outside of workKaty ISD employees qualifying dependents under the Katy ISD Health PlanKaty ISD employees who are uninsured with Katy ISD (no family or spouses)Testing will be based on a first-come, first-serve basis. The testing site will be located at the Agriculture Sciences Center, 5825 Katy Hockley Cut-Off Road. For more information on Katy ISD Staff Resources, click here.

Thursday, the District launched its COVID-19 Case Dashboard, providing parents with a robust tool to keep themselves updated during this ongoing global health crisis. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) recently directed all Texas school districts to submit weekly reports on positive COVID-19 cases based on data from the previous week. The COVID-19 Case Dashboard is easy to navigate and is updated every night to provide parents the most up to date information.What is it? Data on the Dashboard is displayed by districtwide active cases, as well as cases by staff, students and campus. Anyone interested can find more information about the dashboard, Katy ISDs self-reporting app and the employee testing site online.

KATY, Texas – Katy ISD is set to begin the school year with a virtual start on Wednesday morning. More than 85,000 k-12th grade will begin the school year with online learning. Katy ISD Superintendent Dr. Ken Gregorski said that the district has been working for weeks to make sure that students have the technology needed to begin the school year. So we feel that our system is up and ready and functional to handle the capacity that it will need for students to get online,” the superintendent said. All the way from when you get on the bus where every child getting on school transportation is required to wear a mask.

KATY, Texas Harris County's roadmap to reopening schools plan is experiencing a few bumps as local districts are giving the idea a failing grade. I see the point of view, said Nour Elyaed, a former Katy ISD student with siblings still in teh district. But also I think it can definitely be challenged because there are people who have been homeschooled before and it wasnt much of an issue.Parent Dionne Sames said she believes students should definitely return to class at some point. Maybe its a phased approach by, grade or something, Sames said. The state in large part has given local districts the leeway to decide exactly when to return to class.

"I got word late this afternoon that we had the green light to start tomorrow if we'd like," Humble ISD Athletic Director Troy Kite said about restarting Strength & Conditioning Camps. As of 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Katy ISD and Humble ISD had announced their intentions to restart Strength & Conditioning Camps starting Wednesday, July 29. The very next tweet on their timeline, quoting Humble ISD Athletics Tuesday announcement - "WE'RE BACK!!!!! For Humble ISD, the district had been hosting Strength & Conditioning Camps since June 8, when the University Interscholastic League made it where those could resume. Humble ISD has been very active in getting input from the parents of their students through surveys that have been conducted throughout the summer.

The question: How does virtual learning work? The answer: The virtual learning experience may be different depending on which district your child is enrolled in. While districts consent in-person learning is the most effective learning environment, the spike of coronavirus in the Greater Houston area has many districts opting to begin the 2020-2021 school year with virtual learning. For example, Katy Independent School District is offering in-person learning and a virtual program, the Katy Virtual Academy. However, some districts, like Houston and Alief ISDs, are only offering virtual learning to start the fall.

As part of our new Ask 2 series, the newsroom will answer your questions about all things Houston. Question: What is the plan if/when a student or teacher tests positive for C-19? Will the whole class need to quarantine or will they continue class as usual and monitor symptoms? Answer: Protocols for when a student or teacher becomes infected with the coronavirus varies for each school district. Click here to learn what your school districts plans are for the upcoming school year.

KATY, Texas Katy ISD unveiled their 2020-2021 school year reopening plan on a separate website for parents and students. The website, called Smart Restart, highlights important links for students who wish to return to school in person, and those who want to return online. It also includes resources for parents like safety protocols at all campuses and FAQ pages. The district unveiled two methods of learning: on-campus and virtual, also known as the Katy Virtual Academy. Parents and students who want to enroll in Katy Virtual Academy may do it between July 20 and August 5.

Katy ISD announced on July 23 that it will begin the school year with three weeks of online learning. Parents and students who are interested in Katy ISD’s online learning, Katy Virtual Academy, can make their choice by August 5. “On September 8, the goal is to resume plans to reopen campuses for both in-person instruction and virtual instruction. District staff and faculty will be required to wear facial coverings. Measures not in place:PartitioningClass size limitsExtracurricular activities:Students who participate in Katy Virtual Academy can partictpate in UIL-cocurricular and extracurricular activities.

Parents raised many concerns, including STARR testing being put back on the calendar for the upcoming school year. Katy Independent School District officials are working on a safety plan that will give parents the option of both online or in-person instruction. The district plans to finalize its plans within the next few weeks. STARR testing to resumeWhile school officials attempt to get students and teachers back safely, parents are not happy with the STARR testings back on the schedule. KPRC 2 reached out to the TEA Commissioner to see if districts would be given any more time or if state officials will consider moving STARR testing.

Campos won the 100-meter dash at the Will Taylor Relays, Katy ISD Bubba Fife Relays and the College Station Relays. VYPE: How long have you been running track and how did you get your start? CAMPOS: "I started running track when I was 9-years-old, so a total of seven years. VYPE: What is your favorite thing about running track? Shoutout to my Track Houston girls!"

The best high schools in the Houston metro for 2020, according to U.S. News and World ReportPHOTOS: Top high schools in the Houston Metro for 2020Houston ISD dominated this year's list, while Katy ISD, Alief ISD, Aldine ISD, Clear Creek ISD and Fort Bend ISD each had at least one school represented in the ranking. >>>See more for Houston's best public high schools in 2020, according to U.S. News & World Report... less PHOTOS: Top high schools in the Houston Metro for 2020Houston ISD dominated this year's list, while Katy ISD, Alief ISD, Aldine ISD, Clear Creek ISD and Fort Bend ISD each had at least one school represented in ... more Photo: Xy - Fotolia Photo: Xy - Fotolia Image 1 of / 39 Caption Close The best high schools in the Houston metro for 2020, according to U.S. News and World Report 1 / 39 Back to GalleryHouston ISD schools dominated U.S. News and World Report's latest ranking of best high schools in the Houston metro for 2020, accounting for nine of the top 25 spots. The Best High Schools rankings provide the most comprehensive, data-based information on nearly every public high school in the country, Anita Narayan, managing editor of Education at U.S. News, said in the release. Houston ISD schools took a majority of the top 25 spots for the Houston metro ranking, with DeBakey High School for Health Professions, Carnegie Vanguard High School and Eastwood Academy ranked as the top three schools, respectively. 1 high school in the U.S.For more information on the top high schools for 2020, visit U.S. News and World Report's website.

Katy ISD investigating report of sexual assault at Mayde Creek HS campusKaty ISD police are investigating allegations that a 16-year-old girl was reportedly sexually assaulted on the campus of Mayde Creek High School, according to a school district spokesperson. Katy ISD police are investigating allegations that a 16-year-old girl was reportedly sexually assaulted on the campus of Mayde Creek High School, according to a school district spokesperson. Photo: Google Earth Photo: Google Earth Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Katy ISD investigating report of sexual assault at Mayde Creek HS campus 1 / 1 Back to GalleryKaty ISD police are investigating allegations that a 16-year-old girl was sexually assaulted on the campus of Mayde Creek High School, according to a school district spokesperson. The spokesperson tells Chron.com the reported victim and parent were not cooperating with Katy ISD until late Friday morning. Sexual assault is an incident that campus administration and Katy ISD police investigate thoroughly to ensure student and staff safety.

KATY, Texas - A former Katy ISD teacher's aide is facing felony charges for allegedly assaulting a student with autism at James E. Taylor High School last month. She is facing a third-degree felony charge. Sedlar resigned her position. "The Katy ISD Police and human resources department recently investigated an allegation involving a paraprofessional," Katy ISD said in a released statement. While the individual resigned during that inquiry, the investigation led to a third-degree felony- injury to a child or disabled individual charge being recommended to, and accepted by, the District Attorney."

KATY, Texas (KTRK) -- A Katy ISD paraprofessional is accused of throwing a phone at a student with autism, striking him in the head.Crystal Jane Sedlar is charged with injury to a disabled individual, which is a felony.Court records say on Oct. 22, the 15-year-old student was being argumentative and was being counseled by a special education teacher at James E. Taylor High School. Police say that's when Sedlar interjected herself in the conversation between the teen and the teacher.She then grasped the teen's arm from behind and attempted to move him, according to court records. That's when a witness says the teen faced Sedlar and became combative by pulling her hair and slapping her. He went on to say, "then she does scratch me in the neck and my hand" and "used her phone and she hit me in the head. "Witnesses told investigators this was done without additional provocation.

A Katy ISD teacher's assistant is accused of assaulting a student during an argument with a teacher. Copyright 2019 by KPRC Click2Houston - All rights reserved.

KATY, Texas (KTRK) -- A Katy ISD para-professional is accused of throwing a phone at a student with autism, striking him in the head.Crystal Jane Sedlar is charged with injury to a disabled individual, which is a felony.Court records say on Oct. 22, the 15-year-old student was being argumentative and was being counseled by a special education teacher at James E. Taylor High School. Police say that's when Sedlar interjected herself in the conversation between the teen and the teacher.She then grasped the teen's arm from behind and attempted to move him, according to court records. That's when a witness says the teen faced Sedlar and became combative by pulling her hair and slapping her. He went on to say, "then she does scratch me in the neck and my hand" and "used her phone and she hit me in the head. "Witnesses told investigators this was done without additional provocation.

Paul Marotta/Getty Images for Knowledge UniverseHOUSTON - A ranking released by Niche lists the top public elementary schools in the Houston area. Here are the top 20 best public elementary schools in Houston, according to Niche. Keiko Davidson Elementary School (Katy ISD)2. Stanley C. Stanley Elementary School (Katy ISD)4. Joella Exley Elementary School (Katy ISD)20.

Katy ISD/KPRC2HOUSTON - The Katy Independent School Distirct is gearing up to head back to school Wednesday. With the upcoming school year coming up fast, here are four things for Katy parents and students to know:1. School bus tracking appEdulog Lite is Katy ISDs new school bus tracking app that monitors the location of buses as they travel their route through Katy ISD boundaries. Katy ISD parents can now see how close their child's bus is to its designated before - or after- school stop, as well as track the bus while it is en route. Online web storeA+ Pay N Go will allow Katy ISD parents to make payments for cafeteria meals, activity fees and a variety of other campus and district-related services.

Sources: Aldine ISD, Pearland ISD, Pasadena ISD, Cy-Fair ISD, Galena Park ISD, Houston ISD, Fort Bend ISD, Katy ISD, Alief ISD, Spring Branch ISD/Community Impact NewspaperWhen Fort Bend ISD is back in session Aug. 14, teachers and librarians will begin to see $2,500-$3,500 more on each paycheck for the whole school year, depending on experience. The FBISD board of trustees approved a compensation increase plan for all of the districts eligible 8,891 employees. Alief ISD gave teachers a 6% raise for a starting salary of $57,400, while Spring Branch ISD approved 6%-9% raises and a salary of $57,000. The $24.7 million compensation is part of the approved 2019-20 FBISD budget that includes operating expenditures of $716.9 million. The amount of the adjustments will vary based on House Bill 3 and the adjustments anticipated to be given by other local districts, Guinn said.

Property owners in the Katy ISD geographic boundary may pay lower property taxes if a new tax rate is approved. District administration recommended the board approves a tax rate of $1.4432, in which the maintenance and operations tax rate would be $1.0532 per $100 valuation and the interest and sinking tax rate would be $0.39 per $100 valuation. The 2018-19 property tax rate was $1.5166. The public is encouraged to attend and discuss the proposed tax rate. But general fund tax revenue will decrease by about $20.6 million year over year due to the lower tax rate.

Sources: Population and Survey Analysts, KISD/Community Impact Newspaper | Designed by Anya GallantSources: Population and Survey Analysts, KISD/Community Impact Newspaper | Designed by Anya GallantSources: Katy ISD, Lamar CISD/Community Impact Newspaper | Designed by Anya GallantAfter years of accelerated growth, residential development in south Katy is approaching build-out. If the schools are great, you are going to be in very good condition for a long time.Circular demandGuseman said Katy has been building out over 40 years and the Katy district is healthy because people are aging at different times. Then, another family who wants to move to Katy with their children can buy it.More to comeThe majority of all remaining growth in Katy is in the northwest sector, according to PASA. The same builders and developers that are building in northwest Katy now are the same builders and developers that had staggering success at south Katy, he said. When other sections north of I-10 were built-out, those werent the same buildersdevelopers to the south of I-10.

KATY, Texas (KTRK) -- A retired K-9 from the Katy ISD Police Department died Tuesday morning, according to authorities. "Retired K-9 Marcel passed away this morning, our condolences go out to his handler/partner former Katy ISD Police Department Sergeant Justin Moyer," Katy ISD police said in a Facebook post.

Spring Branch ISD - Jennifer Blaine - $298,000*Humble ISD - Elizabeth Celania Fagan - $310,040Clear Creek ISD - Gregory Smith - $310,171New Caney ISD - Kenn Franklin - $315,602Klein ISD - Bret Champion - $332,766Houston ISD - Grenita Lathan (interim) - $345,060Alief ISD - HD Chambers - $345,580Fort Bend ISD - Charles Dupre - $350,391Katy ISD - Lance Hindt - $394,587Cypress-Fairbanks ISD - Mark Henry - $418,917As of Oct. 2018, these were the highest paid superintendents in the Houston area.Harris, Fort Bend, Montgomery and Galveston County were represented in the top 10. *Based on data collected on June 25, 2019.

KISD Chief Financial Officer Chris Smith said at the June 24 board of trustees meeting the new online system, called Pay N Go, will be unveiled on the districts website July 10. In addition to promoting the new system, administration plans to create videos to help parents learn how to use it. But for the 70% who pay for meals online and the 65% who pay course fees online, Pay N Go is an upgrade to the existing online payment system implemented in 2003, Smith said. Community Impact Newspaper reached out for the investment cost for Pay N Go, but the district did not immediately respond. Pay N Go is expected to increase efficiency, improve customer service, improve resources for families and reduce risks, Smith said.