Tyler Reporter

The majority of students in Van Zandt County districts were white in the 2022-23 school year, according to the Texas Education Agency.

Of the 10,717 students attending Van Zandt County schools, 69% were white. Hispanic students comprised the second-largest ethnic group in the county, making up 23.8% of the student body.

In the previous school year, white students were also the most represented group in Van Zandt County districts, comprising 70.7% of the student body.

Edgewood ISD and Wills Point ISD had the most diverse student body in the county, including white, American Indian, Black, Asian, Hispanic, Pacific Islander, and multiracial.

In the 2022-23 school year, the total number of students enrolled 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 Van Zandt 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
Canton ISD	White	76.4%	2,303
Edgewood ISD	White	79.4%	1,042
Fruitvale ISD	White	80.9%	398
Grand Saline ISD	White	70%	1,214
Martins Mill ISD	White	73.1%	495
Ranch Academy	White	74.2%	93
Van ISD	White	66.3%	2,407
Wills Point ISD	White	58.2%	2,765