Community Rallies to Support Education
The Corpus Christi ISD Fundraiser, hosted by the Corpus Christi Education Foundation, recently announced that it raised more than $197,500 during its annual State of the District event — a celebration dedicated to supporting teachers and students across the Corpus Christi Independent School District (CCISD).
The Corpus Christi ISD Fundraiser serves as both a vital source of financial support and a platform for district leaders to showcase achievements, outline future goals, and engage with community members and local business partners who champion education.
Throughout the event, attendees enjoyed musical performances and inspiring presentations from students in the district’s expanding career and technical education (CTE) programs, reflecting the innovation and talent thriving within CCISD classrooms.
District Earns Higher Rating and More “A” Schools
Superintendent Roland Hernandez shared the district’s progress over the past year, noting that CCISD earned a “B” rating from TEA for 2025. The district’s score rose from 75 to 81, showing the dedication of teachers, students, and staff.
In a notable milestone, CCISD doubled the number of A- and B-rated campuses, a testament to ongoing academic improvement across schools. Among the standout performers were:
- Windsor Park Elementary School
- Collegiate High School
- Branch Academy
- Barnes Elementary School
- Creekside Elementary School
- Early Childhood Development Center
- Webb Elementary School
- Baker Middle School
- Veterans Memorial High School
Additionally, Yeager Elementary School made remarkable progress, improving by three letter grades in just one year — a highlight that drew vigorous applause from attendees.
Honors and National Recognition
Hernandez also celebrated CCISD’s recognition as the National Hispanic Institute School District of the Year for 2024, an honor that reflects the district’s continued commitment to diversity, cultural awareness, and academic opportunity.
This recognition further underscores the district’s efforts to foster inclusive classrooms that equip students for leadership beyond the classroom.
New Middle Schools and Facilities Bring Growth
This fall, two new middle schools — Hamlin and Lexington — opened their doors, funded by a 2022 voter-approved bond. The district built the schools to accommodate the city’s growing population and replace aging facilities.
For many teachers and students, the new Hamlin Middle School represents a welcome change. Hernandez said the campus now has modern air conditioning that enhances comfort and learning conditions.
Although recent drought restrictions slowed the establishment of athletic fields at both campuses, Hernandez expressed optimism that the fields would soon be ready for full use.
Supporting Military-Connected Students
Additionally, another central point of pride for the district is its ongoing support for military-connected families. Out of CCISD’s 32,000 students, nearly 2,300 have ties to military service members, reflecting the district’s strong connection to the local armed forces community.
Furthermore, several district campuses — including Barnes Elementary, Moody High, Grant Middle, King High, Dawson Elementary, Ray High, Windsor Park Elementary, and Kolda Elementary — have received “Purple Star” designations. This distinction honors schools that are deeply committed to meeting the unique academic and emotional needs of military-connected students.
Moreover, Hernandez shared that the district continues to pursue this designation for additional campuses. In particular, Veterans Memorial High School achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the first school in Texas to launch a U.S. Coast Guard Junior ROTC program, giving students valuable leadership training and hands-on experience in public service.
STEM Innovation Expands Opportunities
Innovation was another central theme of the event. Hernandez highlighted CCISD’s growing focus on STEM and workforce programs that prepare students for future careers.
Last year, CCISD partnered with Baylor College of Medicine to launch a health science pathway, inspiring future healthcare careers.
Meanwhile, Coles High School received a $100,000 grant from the Port of Corpus Christi to enhance technology-driven learning. Specifically, the grant funded new labs for geographic information systems, drone operations, computer science, cybersecurity, photography, and video production. It also funded a program for students ages 21–26 to finish high school, reinforcing lifelong learning.
A Commitment to Future Success
The event celebrated CCISD’s achievements and reaffirmed its mission to expand student opportunities. With continued community support, the district aims to expand programs, improve facilities, and prepare future leaders.