Students do some boot scootin’ at the Leon Springs Dance Hall.

Leon Springs Elementary students put on their cowboy boots and hats and two-stepped through the “Longhorn Learning Trail” at the Leon Springs Dance Hall Feb. 8.

“I’m just blown away by the number of people who are in this audience,” special guest, Northside Superintendent Dr. John Folks said to the crowd. “Isn’t this wonderful? I want to tell you how much I appreciate the school in Leon Springs.”

Folks took the opportunity to ask for support for the upcoming $692.67 million bond issue election May 12.

“Northside has a bond issue every three years to accommodate the growth,” Folks said. “In this new bond issue, we will have to have another high school, three middle schools and nine elementary schools to be built to accommodate the growth that we’re having.”

The superintendent said the passage of the bond issue this spring is ‘very, very critical’ to the school district.

“Northside is the largest recognized school district in the state of Texas,” he said. “What that means is the accountability in the way the state rates schools. Northside School District is the only district in the state that has achieved that recognized status, and we’re very proud of that. Northside also, a year ago, received the Outstanding School District in Texas’ award. We provide the best education we can provide for these children.”

Folks told the crowd that Northside is the fastest-growing school district in the state of Texas.

“We’re at 82,000 students and we’re growing 4,000 students every year,”Folks said. “If you really look at the state of Texas - the Houston School District, the Dallas School District, the Cypress-Fairbanks School District and then Austin School District and Northside are right together we will pass Austin next year as the fourth-largest school district in Texas.”

Folks said NISD officials are projecting the student population to be 100,000 in five years.

“You see the growth in this area and now ITM is coming into the Leon Springs area. Most of you know we’re just completing construction of Aue Elementary right down Boerne Stage Road,” Folks said and was greeted by the cheers of future Aue students. “We built integrity in every single school in Northside, no matter where that is.”

The principal, Maricia Gregory, has already been hired. Folks predicted parents will be pleased with that choice.

“I know you will get to know Ms. Gregory and she will be an outstanding asset,” he said.

This year, NISD opened four elementary schools. Next year, the district will open two elementary schools and a middle school. The following year, the district plans to open three elementary schools and two high schools.

“We have to have schools to open to accommodate the growth we’re having,” Folks said.