A lawsuit has been filed against KISD and Evolv Technologies by the father of a student fatally stabbed at Roy J. Smith Middle School, alleging negligence in campus security and a defective weapons detection system.
KISD aims to reduce the percentage of uncertified teachers to below 7% by August 2029, enhancing recruitment of fully certified teachers and developing pathways for uncertified candidates to become certified.
Enrollment in KISD’s bilingual program has decreased, while the ESL program has grown. Overall, KISD is serving more students in ESL or bilingual programs compared to the previous year, though the total number of emergent bilingual students has decreased.
Why this matters: These updates impact student safety, teacher quality, and support for bilingual learners within KISD. The lawsuit raises questions about school security measures, while the staffing goals reflect a commitment to certified educators. Changes in bilingual programs indicate evolving needs within the district’s diverse student population.
Thadius Baker, the father of Serenity Baker, filed a lawsuit against KISD and Evolv Technologies following the fatal stabbing of his daughter at Roy J. Smith Middle School. The suit alleges KISD’s negligence in campus security and claims Evolv Technologies’ weapons detection system was defective and misrepresented. The system was not functioning on the day of the stabbing. The lawsuit also claims the district was aware of bullying involving the perpetrator but failed to take action. Baker is seeking damages for his daughter’s suffering and medical expenses.
KISD is working to decrease the percentage of uncertified teachers in the district. Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources William Baker presented goals during a board of trustees workshop, aiming to have fewer than 7% of teachers hired through the District of Innovation (DOI) exception by August 2029. As of September 2025, 10% of teachers were uncertified, down from 14% in September 2024. The district is developing pathways to help uncertified candidates become certified and providing test preparation assistance.
KISD has seen a decrease in emergent bilingual (EB) student enrollment this year. According to Executive Director of Multilingual Services Eli Lopez, the district is serving 1,254 students in its bilingual program, 37 fewer than the previous year. However, the ESL program has grown by approximately 13.5%, with 3,621 students enrolled. Overall, KISD is serving 4,875 students in ESL or bilingual programs, 394 more than last year. The total number of EB students enrolled in the district is 5,299, 265 fewer than last year. The discrepancy between total EB students and those in programs is due to parents declining services. KISD serves students representing more than 89 different languages, with Spanish, Filipino, French, Vietnamese, and Korean being the most common.
Q: What is the District of Innovation designation?
It exempts KISD from specific requirements outlined in the Texas Education Code, allowing them to hire uncertified individuals through an approved plan.
Q: What are KISD’s bilingual programs?
KISD offers a Dual Language One-Way program (pre-K through grade 2) and a Transitional Bilingual Late Exit Program (grades 3 through 5).
Q: Why are some EB students not receiving services?
Parents or guardians may decline services for their student.
KISD faces a lawsuit concerning campus safety and the use of weapons detection systems.
The district is actively working to reduce the number of uncertified teachers by 2029.
While overall EB student enrollment has decreased, KISD is serving more students in ESL and bilingual programs.
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