BISD By the Numbers

By Aaron Nelson Brownsville Herald August 14, 2007
49,775 to 50,275: The projected enrollment for the 2007-08 school year, based on historical data and enrollment trends. In the 2006-07 school year, BISD hit peak enrollment in November with 48,391 students.

7,030: Number of BISD employees, including 3,166 teachers, 2,229 auxiliary staff, 873 educational aides, 537 professional support staff, 194 campus administrators and 31 central administration staff.

$479 million: The budget approved for the 2007-08 school year, including $263 million for instruction.

No. 51: Ben Brite Elementary opened in 2006, pushing the district just over the 50-campus mark.

$38,000: Salary offered to first-year BISD teachers that hold a bachelor’s degree. Teachers with one year experience are offered $38,500. Teachers with a master’s degree and at least 27 years experience can earn $59,720.

22,000 and 42,000: The number of breakfasts and lunches served daily by Food and Nutrition Services last school year.

27: The number of TEA recognized schools in the district for 2006-07, 10 more than in 2005-06.

2 million: The number of miles BISD school buses traveled last year, transporting more than 27,000 students on regular routes.

18,719: Students in BISD’s bilingual program (39 % of all students)

20,547: BISD students labeled Limited English Proficient (43% of all students)

5,679: BISD students in special education (12% of all students)

45,673: BISD students that come from economically disadvantaged families (95% of all students)

1,439: Migrant students enrolled with the district. (3% of all students)

$135 million: Amount in bond projects committed to build a high school, middle school and three elementary schools. Bond money will also pay for classroom wing additions at Faulk and Stell Middle Schools and Pace High School, a new kitchen at Hanna High School, renovations at Lincoln Park School, a new synthetic turf at Sams Stadium, the repaving of Eagle Drive. Construction projects are expected to break ground in December or January 2008.

Brownsville Herald business editor Aaron Nelsen compiled these figures from BISD information.