TEMPLE, Texas — The Temple Independent School District welcomed students back to all 15 of its campuses for the first day of the 2026-2027 school year on Thursday (August 13).
The district was expecting just over 8,750 students on the first day of classes in 2026. As always, enrollment should continue to climb over the next two weeks as additional registration forms are submitted. Students returned to campuses that featured upgraded fire alarms, new and upgraded security cameras, additional perimeter, courtyard, and playground fencing, and cyber security upgrades. Those projects were approved by voters as part of Proposition A last November and were accomplished in less than a year from the passage of the proposal.
Many students also returned to find familiar faces leading their classes with Temple ISD’s teacher retention rate surpassing the state average this year. TISD hired about 30-40 fewer new teachers this school year compared to last year and the district also had fewer hires that are new to the teaching profession this school year. Temple ISD also welcomed back a large number of alumni who serve the district as teachers, coaches, and instructional aides.
“The culture in Temple ISD not only draws more experienced teachers, but also retains existing staff,” said Dr. Bobby Ott, superintendent of schools for Temple ISD. “Hiring 30% less teachers provides a savings in training costs, and more importantly, year-to-year stability for our students.”
The district also returns to class looking to build on the momentum created through classroom gains across campuses. Temple ISD received a B rating in the Texas Education Agency’s (TEA) accountability ratings released to school districts on Wednesday (August 12). Temple High School and Edwards Academy both earned A ratings, five campuses received B’s, and multiple campuses improved by a full letter grade in those ratings. TISD earned 26 distinctions in different subject areas, growth, and post-secondary readiness across various campuses.
“The momentum of Wildcat Nation is at an all-time high. I witnessed parents high-fiving teachers and students beaming with pride as they entered their campuses” Ott added. “The number of messages we have received from community members, business leaders, parents, and alumni from all over the state has been heartwarming. They are proud of our staff and students for creating a high-performing academic institution.”
School board members, community leaders, church leaders, soldiers from several Adopt-A-School units, and district administrators were on hand to greet students at campuses throughout the district on the first day of classes. That community support added to a sense of excitement from students, teachers, support staff, and families, all looking forward to a strong start to the new school year.