(Geronimo) — The halls of Navarro ISD will once again be filled with students Wednesday as the district welcomes families back for the first day of the new school year.
Superintendent Dr. Mandy Epley says the start of a new school year brings plenty of excitement for students, families and staff.
“It is awesome to see our families returning, you know, the excitement and students’ faces as they come up to the door and greet their teachers, just knowing that the year is starting with that awesome energy, is really invigorating for us as educators.”
Epley says the school year is about more than academics, with students also taking part in activities and service projects throughout the community.
She says the district is looking forward to seeing what students accomplish during the coming year.
At the same time, Epley is asking parents and families to be patient during the first few weeks as everyone settles into new routines.
Drop-off and pickup traffic, along with school transportation, can take some time to get running smoothly.
“The first few weeks are always an adventure as, you know, we deal with drop off and pick up and transportation, you know, as we kind of get in the groove of the school year.”
Epley says district administrators and operational staff are meeting daily to make adjustments and smooth out the process.
Meanwhile, enrollment is already showing signs of continued growth.
Epley says initial numbers are coming in above peak projections on every campus except Navarro Intermediate, where she expects enrollment to reach its projected level quickly.
She credits the Navarro ISD Board of Trustees and local taxpayers with helping the district prepare for that growth by providing additional space and resources.
“We’ve done a great job with our school board to plan for staff to be able to welcome all kids, and the taxpayers have helped us to get some additional spaces so that we will have space for our growing population.”
Epley says the district is prepared to welcome the growing number of students and expects enrollment to continue increasing.
As Navarro ISD begins the 2026-27 school year, district leaders are encouraging families to be patient during the opening weeks while students, staff and transportation crews settle into their routines.