Waco Reporter

Of the many ethnicities represented in Texas districts, the most prevalent ethnic group among students enrolled in Falls County districts in the 2021-22 school year were Hispanic, according to the Texas Education Agency.

Of the 2,304 students attending Falls County district schools, 40.5% were Hispanic. Black students were the second largest ethnicity, making up 28.6% of Falls County districts' students.

In the previous school year, Hispanic students still were the most common group in Falls County districts, representing 38.5% of the student body.

Chilton ISD had the most diverse student body in the county, including white, American Indian, Black, Asian, Hispanic, Pacific Islander, and Multi-racial.

In the 2021-22 school year, the total number of students enrolled in school districts in the county increased 2% compared to the previous year.

The main offices of all districts mentioned in the story are located in cities associated with Falls 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
Chilton ISD	Hispanic	59.8%	547
Marlin ISD	Black	54.9%	882
Rosebud-Lott ISD	white	47.8%	720
Westphalia ISD	white	88.4%	155