Tyler Reporter

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

Of the 10,887 students attending Cherokee County district schools, 49% were white. Hispanic students were the second largest ethnicity, making up 35.4% of Cherokee County districts' students.

In the previous school year, white students still were the most common group in Cherokee County districts, representing 48.9% of the student body.

Bullard ISD and Jacksonville 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 1.6% compared to the previous year.

The main offices of all districts mentioned in the story are located in cities associated with Cherokee 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
Alto ISD	Hispanic	37.8%	556
Bullard ISD	white	84.9%	2,791
Jacksonville ISD	Hispanic	53.7%	4,743
New Summerfield ISD	Hispanic	84.9%	538
Rusk ISD	white	62.6%	2,001
Wells ISD	white	76.7%	258