Abilene Times

There were 23 multiracial students enrolled in Merkel ISD schools in the 2021-22 school year, 11.5% less than the previous year, according to the Texas Education Agency.

Data showed that Merkel ISD schools welcomed 1,087 students during the 2021-22 school year. Among them, multiracial students comprised 2.1% of the student body to be one of the least represented ethnicities in the district.

Merkel ISD roughly covers schools within Taylor County and has a main office in Merkel.

Among the four schools in Merkel ISD schools, Merkel Elementary School recorded the highest enrollment of multiracial students in the 2021-22 school year, with a total of 10 students.

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.

Year	Total District Enrollment	Total of Multiracial Students	Multiracial students %
2021-22	1,087	23	2.1
2020-21	1,097	26	2.4
2019-20	1,108	29	2.6