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The Future Of Cater Elementary: 5 Critical Facts Temple, Texas Parents Must Know About The School's 2027 Transition

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Cater Elementary School in Temple, Texas, is currently operating on a specific and highly scrutinized timeline, making it one of the most discussed educational entities in the Temple Independent School District (TISD) as of December 2025. The school, located in the heart of Bell County, continues to serve its community despite a widely publicized plan by TISD to vacate the current building in the near future. This article provides the most recent, essential facts that every parent, resident, and stakeholder needs to understand about the school's status, academic performance, and its eventual transition.

The academic and structural future of Cater Elementary is a key focus for local education officials, especially following recent discussions about repurposing the property. While the school continues to provide vital Pre-kindergarten and Elementary school programs, its long-term physical location is set to change, a development directly impacting the Skyline Homes subdivision and surrounding neighborhoods.

Cater Elementary School Profile: Administration, Location, and Key Facts

Cater Elementary is an established part of the Temple Independent School District, serving students in grades Pre-kindergarten through 5. The school is known for its community involvement and its commitment to fostering a positive environment, even as it faces structural and academic challenges.

Here is a detailed profile of the school and its administrative context:

  • Full Name: Cater Elementary School
  • Location: 4111 Lark Trail, Temple, TX 76502
  • School District: Temple Independent School District (TISD)
  • Grades Served: Pre-kindergarten (Pre-K) through 5th Grade
  • Student Enrollment: Approximately 309 students (as of recent data)
  • TISD Superintendent: Dr. Bobby Ott (The Central Texas native has served as superintendent of Temple ISD since 2018).
  • TISD Elementary Education Leadership: Sara Watson, Ed.D., Executive Director of Elementary Education (Oversees elementary campus administration).
  • Academic Calendar: Follows the official Temple ISD calendar for the 2025–2026 academic year.

Fact 1: The Official Vacate Date is Set for January 2027

The most critical and recent piece of information regarding Cater Elementary is the specific timeline for its physical location. The Temple Independent School District (TISD) Superintendent has indicated a concrete plan to vacate the Cater Elementary building in January 2027.

This decision stems from ongoing discussions and planning within the district concerning facility utilization and long-term capital improvement strategies. The plan to vacate the building has opened up a public discussion about the future use of the site, with possibilities ranging from demolition to make way for new housing to repurposing the facility for other community or district needs.

While the school remains fully operational and committed to its students through the 2026-2027 school year, this impending date signals a significant transition for the Cater Elementary community. Parents should monitor TISD communications closely for details on where students will be relocated following the 2027 transition.

Fact 2: The School Received $1.6 Million in 2015 Bond Renovations

Despite the recent news of the planned 2027 vacate date, the Cater Elementary facility is not an entirely neglected structure. In 2015, Temple ISD passed a $136.5 million bond to support various district projects.

Cater Elementary was a direct beneficiary of this bond, receiving approximately $1.6 million for major structural and functional improvements.

The key projects completed under the 2015 Bond included:

  • Construction of a brand new library facility.
  • Extensive renovations to school corridors.
  • Crucial ADA upgrades to restrooms to ensure accessibility compliance.

These renovations were officially completed in Summer 2018. The fact that a significant investment was made just a few years before the decision to vacate highlights the complexity of district-level planning, often involving changing demographics and long-term facility needs that supersede recent upgrades.

Fact 3: Academic Performance Places the School in the Bottom Quartile of Texas Elementary Schools

A major factor in the public discourse surrounding Cater Elementary is its academic ranking within the state of Texas. Data consistently shows that the school faces significant challenges in student achievement metrics.

According to educational ranking platforms, Cater Elementary is generally ranked within the bottom 50% of all public schools in Texas. Historically, the school has been placed in the bottom quartile of Texas elementary schools, often receiving a 1- or 2-star rating from independent rating bodies.

This ranking is typically based on three major categories:

  • Student Achievement (how well students perform on state standardized tests).
  • School Progress (how much students improve year-to-year).
  • Closing the Gaps (how well different student groups perform).

The low ranking underscores the persistent need for targeted educational interventions and support programs within the TISD system to better serve the students attending Cater Elementary.

Fact 4: The School Maintains a Strong Culture of Inclusivity and Community

Despite the structural and academic challenges, Cater Elementary is not defined solely by its rankings. The school has been publicly recognized by TISD for its commitment to a positive and inclusive campus culture, demonstrating a strong community spirit.

Key cultural and community entities include:

  • "No Place for Hate" Designation: Cater Elementary is one of several TISD schools that has earned the prestigious "No Place for Hate" designation. This recognition signifies the school's commitment to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive learning environment for all students and staff, actively working to reduce bullying and bias.
  • Annual Freedom Walk: The school hosts an annual Freedom Walk, which brings together students, parents, and the surrounding neighborhood. This event serves as a powerful symbol of community unity and remembrance, often held around the September 11 anniversary, reinforcing civic duty and patriotism.

These programs highlight the dedication of the faculty and the local community to providing a nurturing environment that focuses on character development and social-emotional learning alongside academics.

Fact 5: The School’s Future is Tied to Temple ISD’s Consolidation Strategy

The decision to vacate the Cater Elementary building in January 2027 is part of a broader, long-term strategic plan by Temple ISD to manage its facilities and resources more efficiently. As demographics and student enrollment shift across Bell County, the district must evaluate which facilities are most viable for future educational needs.

The discussion about repurposing the old Cater Elementary site, potentially for new housing development, indicates a move toward consolidating educational resources into newer or more strategically located facilities. This consolidation strategy aims to pool resources, potentially offering a wider range of programs and better support staff ratios in the remaining campuses.

For parents, this means the eventual successor school for Cater students will likely be a newly constructed or significantly modernized campus, offering updated facilities and technology. While the transition may be challenging, the district’s goal is to ensure all students from the Cater Elementary attendance zone receive their education in a high-quality, modern learning environment.

The Future of Cater Elementary: 5 Critical Facts Temple, Texas Parents Must Know About the School's 2027 Transition
cater elementary temple texas
cater elementary temple texas

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