Katy ISD Superintendent Welcomes 14,000+ Teachers and Staff to 2025-26 School Year

KATY, TX [August 8, 2025] – This morning, Katy ISD Superintendent Dr. Ken Gregorski welcomed more than 14,000 educators and support staff back for the 2025-2026 school year through a virtual districtwide address.

Centered around this year’s theme, “United in Purpose,” Dr. Gregorski highlighted the district’s continued academic success, ongoing investment in safety and innovation and the critical role employees play in supporting 97,000 students across more than 100 campuses and support facilities.

“Whether you're in the classroom, on a campus, driving a bus, preparing meals or supporting from a department — your role matters,” Gregorski said. “Katy ISD’s continued excellence is a direct reflection of your dedication.”

Emphasized throughout Gregorski’s address were key areas of focus and Katy ISD accomplishments, including:

Academic & Student Success—

• In Spring 2025, Katy ISD students outperformed state averages on STAAR:
  • +18 points in Math
  • +17 in Reading
  • +19 in Science
  • +20 in Social Studies
• More than $10.1 million in scholarships were awarded to graduating seniors.
• Katy ISD was recognized again as a Top Music Education Community nationwide.
• More than 32,000 students enrolled in Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses, with 45 percent of seniors earning at least one certification.

Strategic Initiatives & Innovation—
Dr. Gregorski outlined several initiatives shaping the future of education in Katy ISD, including:

• Katy ISD Innovative Pathways (launching Fall 2026) with online/hybrid courses and a new Legacy Virtual High School, expanding access for students across Texas, pending TEA approval.
• A new “Bring Your Own Laptop” pilot at Taylor High School, paired with the A+ Virtual Environment to streamline access to learning tools.
• Implementation of the Balanced Assessment Framework, beginning at elementary campuses, reducing unnecessary local testing.

Teacher Compensation & Legislative Wins—
Following an energetic legislative session, Katy ISD secured:

• New state funding for safety, special education, CTE and teacher and staff pay increases.
• A Board-approved compensation plan funded by state and local dollars, resulting in:
  • $5,000 increases for experienced teachers (state funded).
  • $2,500 stipends for first- and second-year teachers (locally funded).
  • 3 percent midpoint increases for all non-instructional, non-administrative employees (locally and state funded).
  • 3 percent midpoint increases for assistant principals, principals and department administrative staff (locally funded). 

Campus Safety Enhancements—
Exceeding state safety standards:

• Upgraded fencing at elementary schools, installed FlipLok door devices for enhanced security at campuses, and piloted Raptor Badge silent alerts at select campuses.
• Continued staffing armed officers at all secondary schools and security guards at elementary campuses.
• Received 5,000+ tips via the SpeakUp app last school year, helping proactively prevent incidents.

Growth & Facilities—
Fast-growth district:

• Katy ISD is the second fastest-growing district in Texas, projected to enroll 1,200 new students this year.
• Recent and upcoming openings to accommodate growth include:
  • Boudny Elementary and Cross Elementary (Fall 2025)
  • North Transportation Center (Fall 2025)
  • Merchants Way Campus Expansion housing BLC and 18+ Program (Spring 2026)
  • Elementary #49 and Junior High #19 (Fall 2028).
• Campus upgrades are ongoing at multiple aging facilities across the District.

“Every lesson you teach, every student you support, every role you play — you are part of something greater,” Dr. Gregorski told staff. “Together, we are united in purpose, and that makes all the difference.”

Katy ISD teachers and support staff watch the Superintendent’s Welcome Back Message live.

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