Forest Country News

Of the many ethnicities represented in Texas districts, the most prevalent ethnic group among students enrolled in Shelby County districts in the 2022-23 school year was white, according to the Texas Education Agency.

Of the 5,267 students attending Shelby County schools, 46.2% were white. Hispanic students comprised the second-largest ethnic group in the county, making up 31.5% of the student body.

In the previous school year, white students were also the most represented group in Shelby County districts, comprising 45.3% of the student body.

Center ISD had the most diverse student body in the county, including white, American Indian, Black, Asian, Hispanic, Pacific Islander, and multiracial.

In the 2022-23 school year, the total number of students enrolled in the county increased 1.9% compared to the previous year.

The main offices of all districts mentioned in the story are located in cities associated with Shelby County.

The Texas education system is currently torn between public schools and taxpayer-funded private schools.

Critics argue that private schools use funds that should go to the public school system, while private school advocates claim they’re offering better education for more Texas students.

Education in Texas is often a hot button issue, especially as test scores lag behind other states.

“The problems commonly cited are flaws in the school financing system, relatively low teacher salary, poor test performance by students…dropouts from traditional schools in favor of charter schools…gun violence, and mental health issues,” claimed the Texas Almanac.

District	Most prevalent ethnic group	Percent of Total Student Body	Total enrollment
Center ISD	Hispanic	44.7%	2,491
Excelsior ISD	White	83.8%	74
Joaquin ISD	White	78.8%	711
Shelbyville ISD	White	72.7%	831
Tenaha ISD	Hispanic	53.6%	455
Timpson ISD	White	58.2%	705