In the first quarter of 2026, housing growth has continued in Northwest ISD, according to a report from Zonda Demographics at the district’s regular May 18 board meeting.

The overview: While the district is still experiencing growth, it has slowed down in 2025-26 compared to recent years, said Stuart Keogh, an educational advisor with Zonda Demographics.

Keogh cited declining birth rates, a change in student mobility—which shows a statewide trend of more students being homeschooled or heading to charter schools—and the rate at which homes are being built.

He added that homes in NISD are still being built at a higher rate than in other nearby districts.

Despite growth slowing down, the Zonda Demographics presentation states that enrollment should continue to increase over the next 10 years.

Looking ahead: NISD enrollment is forecasted to increase to nearly 35,600 students by the 2030-31 school year, the presentation states. With additional housing growth, enrollment is anticipated to grow to nearly 37,300 students by the 2035-36 school year.

Stay informed on seven road projects happening in Keller, Roanoke and northeast Fort Worth. This list is not comprehensive.

Upcoming projects
North Oak Street updates
Project: Roadwork on North Oak Street will be from Byron Nelson Boulevard to Dorman Street and include a 31-foot curbed roadway, installation of new storm drain infrastructure and cross culverts to replace the existing open ditches, replacement of water and sewer lines and the addition and replacement of sidewalks.
Update: The project is in the design phase and will take at least six months to complete. The design work started in April.

Ongoing projects
Intermodal Parkway project
Project: Intermodal Parkway will be transformed into a four-lane road with sidewalks, street lighting, storm drainage and traffic signals between Old Blue Mound Road and the BNSF train yard entrance.
Update: The street paving is nearing completion and the switch to the new pavement began in May, according to the city website.

Stay informed on five transportation projects around Dallas-Fort Worth.

1. US 75 at Arapaho Road crossing enhancements
Project: Work will include Arapaho Trail improvements, pedestrian lighting, new ramps, a DART bus stop connection and a trail connection under US 75 with a barrier wall between a relocated U-turn lane.
Update: The project is currently under final design.

• Timeline: fall 2026-winter 2027
• Cost: $4.9 million
• Funding source: city of Richardson

• Timeline: spring 2026-fall 2027
• Cost: $27.8 million
• Funding source: town of Prosper

Texas’ sweeping immigration enforcement law can take effect for now, a federal appeals court ruled May 29.

The background: Senate Bill 4 gives Texas officials the unprecedented authority to arrest and deport migrants suspected of crossing the Texas-Mexico border illegally. State lawmakers passed the measure in late 2023, and it has largely been tied up in court since.

The latest: In an unpublished order May 29, the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals allowed SB 4 to take effect as the case continues, lifting a lower court order that had blocked portions of the law. 

What they're saying: In a joint statement, a trio of civil rights groups decried the May 29 decision as “disappointing and out of step with the Constitution,” saying that they would continue to fight the law in court.

Gov. Greg Abbott celebrated the order as a “major border security victory.” State agencies have not detailed their plans to arrest, detain or deport migrants under SB 4.