Yesterday, I meet Susan Dacus and Marcia Coker who work for the Wylie ISD. I wanted to just introduce myself and ask some preliminary questions.
As we sat down we started to talk about the ISD. There are over 50 languages spoken in the ISD. Languages from English and Spanish, to different Asian and Middle Eastern dialects. Interesting to note, that most of these non-English speaking segments of the ISD, most of them refuse ESL classes. From the website, here is an ethnic breakdown of the ISD. Gender: 51% Male; 49% Female. Race: 57% Caucasian, 20% Hispanic, 15% African American, 7% Asian, 1% Native American. Economically disadvantaged - 28.74%. Average student to teacher ratio 14.7:1 (Includes all classes such as Special Education and Title 1).
Looking at growth, for right now, most of the growth is happening west of HWY 78. With the completion of the George Bush turnpike close at hand, the district is looking at growth occurring in the southeast portion of Wylie. Current growth has slowed down from 14% a couple of years ago to basically one elementary school a year. It is predicted that Wylie ISD will grow up to 25,000 students when all is said and done.
Looking ahead, our conversation moved from the make up of the ISD to renting policy. I received a large packet with policies and regulations for those renting school building for other activities. While I won't go into pricing (because I was told that it would change), I did receive some terms for renting. They rent on a two year term, with a possible additional 3 years if the church has proof that they are purchasing land or need time making other arrangements. The other stipulation deals with membership. The new church must have 100 attendees with 80% of those attendees living within the Wylie ISD.
So with this information, I go back to focusing on prayer. Making sure that where the church goes, and what I do, I am listening and am in tune with God's will for me and my family and for this new faith community in Wylie/Rowlett.
