Longview Times

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

Of the 7,877 students attending Rusk County district schools, 48.3% were white. Hispanic students were the second largest ethnicity, making up 31.7% of Rusk County districts' students.

In the previous school year, white students still were the most common group in Rusk County districts, representing 48.2% of the student body.

Laneville ISD had the most even distribution of races among county districts, with 36.5% Black students, 34% Hispanic students, 23.7% white students, and 5.8% Multi-racial students.

In the 2021-22 school year, the total number of students enrolled in school districts in the county increased 1.8% compared to the previous year.

The main offices of all districts mentioned in the story are located in cities associated with Rusk 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
Carlisle ISD	Hispanic	53.6%	608
Henderson ISD	white	43.4%	3,414
Laneville ISD	Black	36.5%	156
Leveretts Chapel ISD	white	47.3%	245
Mount Enterprise ISD	white	75.8%	467
Overton ISD	white	70.5%	474
Tatum ISD	white	45.6%	1,475
West Rusk County Consolidated ISD	white	54.6%	1,038