Latest TexEdNews:
Reported Elsewhere:
Having problems?
Please refresh your browser.
Reported Elsewhere
Where possible, these headlines link to no-paywall or soft paywall articles, or to websites offering free trials. TexEdNews neither condones nor endorses the accuracy of this news feed.
Feb. 16, 2026
Some US schools cancel class pictures after online claims surrounding Epstein
(AP) Some school districts in the U.S. dropped plans for class pictures after widespread social media posts linked a billionaire with ties to Jeffrey Epstein to the photography giant Lifetouch, which on Friday called the claims “completely false.” Related:
Tioga ISD faces accreditation risk due to financial struggles, community rallying in support
(KXII) Tioga ISD’s accreditation is at risk due to ongoing financial struggles, and it’s going to take “a village” to protect it. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has informed the district that its financial rating puts its accreditation in jeopardy. District leaders will travel to Austin on March 3 to plead their case before the TEA.
United ISD board members push back on school consolidation proposal
(Laredo Morning Times) Members of the United Independent School District Board of Trustees in Laredo acknowledged harsh budget realities while vowing to explore alternatives during this week’s heated workshop meeting as administrators presented a proposal to potentially consolidate five elementary schools and one middle school. One board member went beyond saying he did not want to close schools by stating his district’s campus simply would not close.
Northside ISD eyes ‘optimization’ plan and potential bond, tax rate elections amid $38M deficit
(San Antonio Report) Northside Independent School District officials are weighing their options to deal with a $38 million deficit and projections that student enrollment will continue to drop.
Denton ISD is reviving its virtual learning program. Here’s how it will work
(KERA) Denton Digital will offer four distinct programs.
Unity Center opens in former Lubbock elementary school
(KCBD) A new Islamic mosque and community center opened over the weekend in a former elementary school in northeast Lubbock, welcoming people of all faiths to use its facilities. The Unity Center has taken over the old Arnett Elementary School and features sports fields, equipment and other amenities designed to build community connections. Mohamad Altabaa, president of the Unity Center, said the project came together in just 40 days and has received support from around the world.
Jury rules mom, lawyer must pay millions to teenager they accused of racial bullying
(WFAA) A Collin County jury has ordered a mother and her attorney, who accused a group of middle schoolers of racially-motivated bullying, to pay $3.2 million to one of the teenagers involved. The jury found Summer Smith and attorney Kim Cole intentionally inflicted emotional distress and publicized the private information of Asher Vann, now 19, whom they accused of forcing Smith’s son to drink a cup of urine at a birthday sleepover in Plano in February 2021. A Snapchat video of the incident sparked headlines and outrage nationwide — and led more than $100,000 to be donated to a GoFundMe page Cole created to benefit Smith and her son. “It was immature. It was stupid. It was nasty. But that’s not who I am and that’s not me today,” Vann told WFAA on Thursday. Vann said the public outrage turned his life upside down.
5 Alvin ISD High School seniors say coach left them behind after final game
(KPRC) Five Alvin ISD High School seniors on the girls’ varsity basketball team say their coach left them behind at Dawson High School after the team lost its final game. Alvin ISD officials did not respond to KPRC 2 for comment.
You’ll never believe how many three pointers this Texas basketball team made
(Courier Texas) A Texas high school boy’s basketball team is literally balling this week as they celebrate their record-breaking win. During a Feb. 10 game, Fayetteville High School not only beat Buckholts High School 120-25, but scored an astonishing 40 three pointers, beating the previous National Federation of State High School Associations record. Meadow Heights High School in Patton, Missouri previously held the record since 2006, when they scored 36 three pointers.
What’s the history of gender and ethnic studies at UT Austin?
(Austin American-Statesman) Though conservative critics have become increasingly vocal against the fields in recent years, ethnic and gender studies are not new fields.
UT El Paso announces $2 million federal appropriation to expand drone research and teaching
(KVIA) The University of Texas at El Paso announced a $2 million appropriation from the federal government to expand drone testing and operations Friday morning.
‘Risks to children.’ Why Texas is warning about unregulated home child care
(KXAN) Finding child care in Texas can be tough because of prices and waitlists. Some parents choose child care homes instead of centers, often due to limited options. But KXAN Investigators learned the state found hundreds of those home providers operating without a license or any oversight.
Texas State Technical College to Train Data Center Operators
(Government Technology) Starting in March, Texas State Technical College in Abilene will offer a 15-week data center operator training course that will focus on essential skills, including electrical and mechanical systems, safety, troubleshooting and facility operations.
A nonprofit looking to knock out college suicides steps into the ring at TCU
(Fort Worth Report) The Fight Against Suicide, started at the University of Georgia, has expanded to eight schools including TCU.
Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas launches pilot program to guide young adults through grief
(Texas Public Radio) The Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas has launched a specialized grief camp supporting these young adults who may not have anywhere to turn to during the grieving process of a lost friend or relative.
Music convention vendor shares his experience: ‘If you love music… Texas Music Educators Association is like a candy store’
(Texas Public Radio) Some 30,000 educators, vendors, and students were in San Antonio for the annual Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) Clinic & Convention. There were dozens of performances and workshops, some of which are even open to the public. The young talent is inspiring, and today on the convention floor, I browsed about the booths and saw scores of high school kids excitedly trying out new instruments. Related:
Texas Ballot-Harvesting Ban Upheld in Federal Appeals Court
(Texas Scorecard) The 2021 law bans individuals from offering “vote harvesting services” to influence the outcome of an election.
Latest from TexEdNews!
$ = Subscribers Only
