Classrooms came alive once again with eager smiles and happy hellos as Katy ISD welcomed nearly 90,000 students and nearly 14,000 teachers and staff back for the first day of the 2026 – 2027 school year on August 12. The start of school kicks off a year of “Excellence in Action” across the district.

Katy ISD Superintendent Ken Gregorski welcomed students and families at the historic Katy Elementary School at 5726 George Bush Drive in Katy, the district’s oldest campus and the birthplace of Katy ISD. He was joined by City of Katy Mayor Dusty Thiele, Katy ISD Board Vice President Dawn Champagne, Katy Elementary Principal Beth Grimet, Katy ISD Chief of Police David Rider and Precinct 4 Director of Partner Engagement Kendra Yarbough Camarena, representing Commissioner Lesley Briones, to honor the year ahead and pay tribute to the campus’ historic place in the City of Katy’s history. The original Katy Elementary one-room schoolhouse was built in 1898 and has served generations of local families. The site received a historical designation in 2017.

“Our teachers and staff have worked hard all summer to prepare every classroom and learning space for a safe, welcoming and productive school year,” Grimet said. “I am incredibly proud of our experienced educators and support staff, who exemplify this year’s District theme, ‘Excellence in Action,’ through their dedication to every student, every day.”

While Superintendent Gregorski opened the morning at Katy Elementary, the first day of school also marks a historic milestone as Legacy Virtual High School welcomes its inaugural class, expanding Katy ISD learning beyond traditional classrooms through a flexible, virtual high school experience. The new campus is part of the district’s continued investment in innovative learning opportunities designed to meet the evolving needs of students and families.

“Today marks the beginning of a new year of opportunity for every Katy ISD student,” Gregorski said. “From our historic roots at Katy Elementary to new and innovative learning opportunities, we are focused on preparing every student for success. I’m excited for all that our students, educators, staff and families will accomplish together this school year.”

As Katy ISD expands learning opportunities, the district continues to make student safety a top priority. For 2026 – 2027, Katy ISD is strengthening its robust, multilayered approach to campus security with expanded police and armed security personnel and new wearable emergency alert badges for employees. These investments augment existing safeguards as the district continues to exceed state requirements and reinforce its commitment to providing a safe, secure and supportive learning environment for every child.

At Katy Elementary, Grimet and campus staff welcomed students to a school steeped in district history and tradition. Mayor Thiele also read a book to Katy Elementary students to help them start the new year off right by reading. Gregorski’s “Welcome Back” message this year encouraged employees, students and families to carry the district’s theme throughout the year.

“When each of us commits to’ Excellence in Action,’ there is no limit to what our students, our schools and our district can achieve,” Gregorski said.