District Response to County Line Article

The February 12 issue of the Cinco Ranch High School newspaper, County Line, included an opinion piece written by two students entitled “Cinco territories: other schools should find own hot spots.” Since its publication, a significant number of community members have voiced their objections.

The opinions voiced in this article do not reflect the values of our organization or this community, nor does the district believe that viewpoints that demean or insult others have a place in our school newspapers. Most in this community have responded sensibly and their comments have served to confirm the satirical context in which the article was written in relationship to the values of our community.

No matter where you live in Katy, what makes this such a great community is that we all desire the same thing: the best education and opportunities for our children. Our district is filled with exceptional students whose diversity and talents make Katy ISD one of the best districts in the state and the nation. Our parents and community members give of themselves without reservation so that our children can have the opportunity to succeed. These are the values that bring our community together. 

As such, it is regrettable that some of the responses have been spiteful at best and have served to negatively load the emotions of our youth rather than set a positive example of how to appropriately respond.

Katy ISD values the First Amendment right of students to express themselves, and also believes that good judgment should be used when choosing words. Regardless of the students’ intention, which was to deliver a satirical look at the growing territorialism among many Cinco Ranch High School students, it was received by many as not truly reflecting the values on which this entire community is built. For this reason, the school issued an apology as this response was not the result intended.

While there is certainly nothing wrong with spirited, good-natured school rivalry, we cannot tolerate attitudes on the part of students – or adults – that are demeaning, disrespectful or harmful.

On Feb. 27, the district will convene a meeting that includes the Superintendent’s Student Roundtable, high school principals, and parent support group leaders from all of the schools. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss this issue and how we can develop a better sense of unity of purpose within our district.