Abilene Times

There were 297 Hispanic students enrolled in Merkel ISD schools in the 2022-23 school year, the same number as the previous year, according to the Texas Education Agency.

Data showed that Merkel ISD schools welcomed 1,140 students during the 2022-23 school year. Among them, Hispanic students comprised 26.1% of the student body to be one of the most represented ethnicities in the district.

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

Among the three schools in Merkel ISD schools, Merkel Elementary School recorded the highest enrollment of Hispanic students in the 2022-23 school year, with a total of 151 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 Hispanic Students	Hispanic students %
2022-23	1,140	297	26.1%
2021-22	1,087	297	27.3%
2020-21	1,097	285	26%
2019-20	1,108	293	26.4%