When the final bell rang in May 2014 releasing students for the summer holiday, there were a little over 67,000 students in Katy ISD. When this school year started, that number had increased to 70,000, with West Memorial Junior High seventh grader Michael Thomas marking the new milestone student.

“This just further proves that Katy ISD continues to be one of the top destination districts in the nation, drawing thousands of families and businesses from all across the country,” Assistant Superintendent Tory Hill said. “They are moving here to take advantage of the high quality programs we offer our students and the healthy economy our residents enjoy.”

According to the president of Katy Economic Development, Lance LeCour, the Katy area will grow to the size of Pittsburgh within two years.

The Economic Development Council estimates the population will be 343,000 by 2019 and half a million by 2035. Katy ISD is faced with the challenge of providing schools for a district that is rapidly expanding.

“While it’s an exciting time for the district and the area to see new master-planned communities break ground, and top-name retailers open new locations here, it is critical that the district addresses the growing enrollment numbers across Katy campuses,” Hill said.

New schools are needed to accommodate the influx and those existing are in need of renovations and updates. The $748 million Katy ISD Bond, passed Nov. 4, will make this easier.

“[The bond] includes funds for six new campuses and renovations to nearly 50 District facilities, which will add approximately 9,000 new classroom seats across Katy,” Hill said.

Katy is one of the hottest places to move to in the country. “Energy Corridor” provides many jobs for residents, and new companies moving into the region promise to draw even more people.

“With the district growing by nearly 3,000 students every year, it is our responsibility to ensure that every single student that walks through our doors receives unparalleled learning experiences and opportunities,” Hill said.

The district is expected to begin construction of new schools and facilities in 2015.