Katy ISD Talks Unity of Schools, Families, and Community in State of District
- ncookclark
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KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
October 24, 2025
By Natalie Cook Clark
The theme was “Unity in Purpose” as Katy ISD Superintendent Dr. Ken Gregorski and school leaders thanked and stressed the importance of the role that Katy families, local leaders, and the community. Student success, innovation and safety were all in the forefront of the State of the District.
Katy ISD Superintendent Dr. Ken Gregorski delivered the annual address in the Leonard Merrell Center before an audience of elected officials, business leaders, educators and community members, centered on this year’s theme — “United in Purpose.”
“This year’s districtwide theme, “United in Purpose,” captures the spirit that has driven Katy ISD’s success, year after year,” says Dr. Gregorski. “It speaks to the collective strength of our parents, community members, educators, and staff, all working together toward the same goal: delivering unparalleled learning experiences grounded in academic excellence, innovation, safety, and fiscal responsibility.”
Academic Excellence and Prudent Financial Stewardship
For the fifth consecutive year, Katy ISD is ranked the No. 1 school district in the Houston area and 10th in Texas by Niche. Of the districts ranked above Katy ISD, none serve more than 22,000 students — underscoring the District’s ability to achieve large-scale success while maintaining individualized attention for more than 95,000 learners.
Despite the shifting state accountability landscape, the District’s 2025 STAAR results outperformed state averages by wide margins — 18 points in math, 17 in reading, 19 in science, and 20 in social studies — signaling the District’s ongoing commitment to student growth and instructional excellence.
Last year’s graduating class earned $10.1 million dollars in scholarships, and 202 student athletes went on to continue sports in college. Katy ISD’s diverse fine arts offerings also netted the District a designation one of the Best Communities for Music Education, highlighting an avenue where students can plug creative musical interests into their educational journey.
Staying Ahead
Katy ISD continues to “stay ahead of the curve” in areas such as virtual learning and CTE Programs.
“Every student learns differently,” says Dr. Gregorski. “That’s why our educators have a single purpose, to support the whole child.”
To reach students where they are at and give more learning options, Katy ISD will launch Legacy Virtual High School in Fall 2026 — a forward-thinking virtual campus serving eligible full-time and part-time learners across Texas. Backed by Senate Bill 569, the program positions Katy ISD as a statewide leader in high-quality virtual education while generating additional per-student funding to reinvest in local schools. The allows the District to offer KISD’s renowned educational quality to students across Texas.
The District continues to adapt to change especially as the workforce changes. This has resulted in the rapid growth of Career and Technical Education (CTE). More than 32,000 students are enrolled in CTE courses across 40 programs, and nearly 45 percent of graduating seniors earn an industry certification before graduation.
The District’s state-accredited Alternative Certification Program continues to grow Katy ISD’s own educators. Last spring, the first cohort of 80 newly certified teachers graduated and joined District campuses this school year.
Commitment to Safety and Wellness
Katy ISD Police Chief Mark Rider and his team remain focused on proactive safety measures that exceed state standards. Every campus is protected by armed security personnel, including officers and guards at all secondary schools and guards at every elementary campus. Recent safety upgrades include innovative locking devices for classroom doors, enhanced playground fencing and a pilot of a campus badge alert system that allows silent, campus-wide communication even without cell service.
The District’s SpeakUp Anonymous Reporting App received more than 5,000 actionable tips last year, helping prevent potential crises. Katy ISD’s Mental Health Intervention Team provided direct support in over 150 incidents, ensuring that safety and well-being remain central to the District’s mission.
Dr. Gregorski ended his address focusing again on partnerships and unity.
“This unity of purpose drives Katy ISD forward giving every student the chance to learn, grow and succeed,” he says.
And he stressed that the District will continue to grow to meet the ever changing needs both with population growth and economic development.
With more than 100 campuses and facilities, Katy ISD continually assesses long-term facility, safety and technology needs through its bond committee process. As needs, priorities and potential enrollment growth evolve, the District will assess the need for a future bond program, innovative pathways and other initiatives with guidance from the board.
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