Navarro Independent School District

GERONIMO, TX - August 19, 2025 – Navarro ISD has officially exceeded 3,000 students in the first week of the 2025-2026 school year, reaching this milestone far earlier than anticipated. The latest demographic report provided to the Board of Trustees in April 2025 projected a peak enrollment of 2,949 for the year, typically not reached until November. The data reflects a strong and growing community, with the district now home to 3,033 students as of Tuesday.

“This unprecedented student growth isn't just a number,” said Superintendent Dr. Mandy Epley, “it reflects our thriving community which increases the need for spaces to learn, teachers to educate, operations, counseling, food service, transportation, and other services to support our students. The local economy, abundant job opportunities, and affordable housing are all drawing new families to the area. They are choosing Navarro ISD because it is a ‘destination district,’ a place known for its academic excellence, rich history of engaged families and relationships, and personal connections to support students in their educational journey and preparation for life success.”

Board President, Melissa Sartain, further attributed the growth as a testament to the resilient power of public education and the intentional, committed actions of our school board and community, “We believe in cultivating strong relationships to help students grow and prepare for their future. This shared vision is what brings both families and top-tier educators from across the state to our district. Our commitment to high-quality, innovative instruction and strong partnerships with parents and the community are the true drivers of our consistent growth.”

The district’s growth is evident across all campuses, as detailed in the latest enrollment numbers.

• Navarro Elementary: Enrollment jumped from 776 in May 2025 to 796 in August 2025, surpassing its peak enrollment of 762.
• Navarro Intermediate: Enrollment increased from 685 in May 2025 to 753 in August 2025, right at its peak projected enrollment of 753.
• Navarro Junior High: Enrollment grew from 621 in May 2025 to 692 in August 2025, approaching its peak enrollment of 696.
• Navarro High School: Enrollment rose from 713 in May 2025 to 792 in August 2025, well above its peak enrollment of 738.

“The evidence is clear that we are growing. You can see it in the long car lines, the drop-off and pick-up congestion, and most importantly, in the faces of our new students and families. This year’s theme, ‘It’s Growing Season,’ truly reflects the expansion we are seeing in our enrollment and throughout our community."

Navarro ISD is actively managing this rapid growth. The district's demographer projects an annual growth rate of 10%, adding 250-350 students per year for the next decade. By 2035, enrollment is expected to exceed 5,500 students. To accommodate this expansion, the district is moving forward with key bond projects, including the completion of the new Navarro High School, scheduled to open to students in January 2026 followed by the completion of the new Athletics Complex. This new campus, designed for 1,100 students, will be followed by a refresh of the current high school into a new junior high. Additionally, construction on a second elementary school on Martindale Road is currently in the final design and permitting stages with the City of Seguin and scheduled to break ground later in the semester and open in August 2027. The district's Long Range Facilities Master Planning Committee will reconvene on August 20 to address enrollment increases over the next ten years with key considerations to include expanding the junior high school.

The district is not only focused on growing new facilities and maintaining existing facilities, but also intentional about hiring to support the growth. Navarro ISD is strategically adding more teachers and support staff to ensure class sizes remain manageable and students receive the attention and services they need. A special board meeting scheduled for August 27, in which the Board of Trustees will approve the tax rate and adopt the proposed 2025-2026 budget, maintaining a balanced general fund, demonstrating fiscal responsibility to its taxpayers while also investing in its people. This commitment to recruit, hire, coach and retain high quality teachers and staff to support student outcomes was recently highlighted by the implementation of pay raises of up to 10% for staff, acknowledging their hard work and dedication.

For more information on Navarro ISD's growth and ongoing projects, please visit the district's website and follow updates on the Bond at Work webpage.