During the annual 3NEWS back-to-school panel, district officials shared updates on safety, academics, enrollment, transportation and support services for families.
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — As students prepare to return to the classroom, Corpus Christi ISD leaders say the district is entering the new school year with higher enrollment, improved academic performance, and a continued focus on student safety.
During the district’s annual Back-to-School Panel on 3NEWS First Edition, Superintendent Dr. Roland Hernandez, CCISD Police Chief Kirby Warnke and Deputy Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Kelsey Wagner answered questions about school safety, transportation, academics and the future of the district.
Enrollment on the rise
Hernandez said the district is seeing encouraging enrollment numbers heading into the new school year.
CCISD currently has nearly 700 more students registered than at the same time last year, with more families expected to enroll before the first day of school.
“Our students and families love their schools,” Hernandez said. “We’re excited about where enrollment is right now.”
School consolidations continue to pay off
After closing seven campuses last year, Hernandez said every affected teacher and administrator was successfully placed in another school.
The district also preserved memorabilia from the closed schools so longtime traditions can continue, even after the buildings are eventually demolished.
“We were able to place every single teacher and every single administrator,” Hernandez said.
Bus routes and transportation
Transportation remains a challenge statewide, but Hernandez said CCISD is prepared for the start of the school year.
The district adjusted school start times to allow bus drivers to complete multiple routes each morning and afternoon, ensuring that students affected by campus consolidations continue to receive transportation.
“We’re always going to need more [drivers], but we’re in a good position,” Hernandez said.
School safety remains a top priority
Chief Kirby Warnke said the CCISD Police Department is fully staffed heading into the school year and has spent the summer training alongside Corpus Christi police, firefighters and other agencies inside former school buildings scheduled for demolition.
The district has also expanded police coverage at some middle schools following campus consolidations.
Teachers also have access to silent panic alerts that immediately notify school administrators and police dispatchers during an emergency.
Preparing teachers and classrooms
Deputy Superintendent Dr. Kelsey Wagner said teachers have spent the summer participating in professional development designed specifically for educators, administrators and support staff.
She also said the district has already developed guidance for the use of artificial intelligence in classrooms, emphasizing AI should support learning—not replace it.
“We want to make sure it’s done the right way and ultimately that we keep our kids safe,” Wagner said.
Addressing bullying and student mental health
District leaders encouraged parents to report bullying concerns as soon as possible, saying early intervention helps schools resolve problems before they escalate.
Officials also emphasized the importance of creating welcoming campuses and connecting students and families with mental health resources and community partners.
“We want kids to come to school and have fun and learn,” Hernandez said.
Support beyond the classroom
CCISD also highlighted services available to families through its Students in Transition program, including clothing closets, food pantries and assistance for military families, homeless students and others facing hardships.
Hernandez said the district wants to be a resource for families throughout the school year—not just inside the classroom.
Looking ahead
Hernandez said the district has significantly reduced its budget deficit while continuing to evaluate future facility needs as population growth shifts toward Corpus Christi’s Southside.
He also encouraged families to stay involved throughout the school year.
“We’re here to support you,” Hernandez said. “What the year turns out to be is what we make of it.”
At the close of the interview, Hernandez also reflected on the legacy of his late son, Leighton Hernandez, a coach and educator at Veterans Memorial High School. He shared that a scholarship created in his son’s honor has already awarded 11 scholarships to graduating seniors.
Watch the full CCISD Back-to-School Panel interview anytime on 3NEWS+.
