On Aug. 9, Midland Mayor Lori Blong offered her best wishes to the Midland Independent School District (MISD) as it began classes for the 2023-2024 academic year.
“I want to wish all the teachers and students a blessed year,” Blong said in an Aug. 9 Facebook post. “To the teachers, your hard work and dedication is so appreciated. To the students, embrace the opportunities that come your way and walk through every open door. Praying for a blessed, safe, and wonderful year.”
KWES Channel 9 reports that MISD entered the new school year with 95% of the teaching positions filled districtwide.
"We're incredibly pleased with the results of our teacher recruitment efforts," MISD Chief of Human Capitol Brandon Reyes said in a press release obtained by the station. "It's a pivotal accomplishment that underscores our commitment to ensuring every student benefits from quality instruction."
Midland Reporter-Telegram reports that the district said 25,595 students attended classes on what was the first official day for most public school districts in the Lone Star State. According to the publication, MISD said the figure is 226 more than what was registered on the first day of classes the previous academic year.
“We projected opening day enrollment to be 28,125 students, and we opened our doors today with an enrollment of 25,595 students,” district officials said, Midland Reporter-Telegram reports.
The district didn’t include students who entered classrooms after 10 a.m. while the first day for students in Midland College Pre-K and Early College High School is next week, per the publication. MISD officials project the official student population for the new school year to be 28,356, a jump from last year’s figure of 27,821. Midland Reporter-Telegram reports the number will be calculated later in the school year.