New Caney ISD's New School Named West Fork High School

NEW CANEY, TX — The New Caney ISD Board of Trustees approved West Fork High School as the name of the district's third high school at its Monday meeting, according to a news release.

West Fork High School, located on Sorters-McLellan Road south of Lone Star College-Kingwood, is planned to open August 2022. The name, which was recommended by a committee led by future principal Bridgett Heine, is a reference to the West Fork of the San Jacinto River, which flows next to the school.

“The connection to the area’s natural landscape, as well as the river’s importance to our community, were strong considerations,” Heine said in the release. “Also, the strength, beauty, and sense of adventure that rivers represent are symbolic of what we want West Fork High School to be for our students. We’re very excited to have a name. Our school is no longer just a construction site but is becoming a real destination, a place of learning and growth for students."

West Fork's mascot - the Gators - and colors - dark green and white - were chosen in a separate process by staff and future students. The school's branding and logos are set to be completed in the coming months, according to the release.

West Fork's creation was part of a bond referendum approved by voters in May 2018, and the school will accommodate approximately 1,350 students when it opens, with possible expansion for a total of 2,250 students in the future.

“This is a very exciting time for our school district,” said Chad Turner, president of the Board of Trustees. “The Board is very much looking forward to seeing this school open, and having a name and mascot brings us closer to that reality. West Fork High School is just another example of the commitment our community has made to excellence in education.”