Governor Appoints Aaron Kinsey as SBOE’s New Chair
Gov. Abbott announced on Monday that he has appointed State Board of Education (SBOE) member…
Year: 2023
-
-
Adopted Public School Library Standards Prohibit “Sexually Explicit” Books
A pair of closely coordinated actions by two state governing bodies has resulted in the…
-
Ex-Webb CISD Husband/Wife Board Members Lose Appeal Over Documents Request Denial
Ruling: A state law gives only current — and not former — school board members…
-
Six of the Seven SBOE Members Whose Terms are Expiring Filed for Re-Election
The 15-member State Board of Education (SBOE) will say goodbye to at least one member…
-
2024 Texas Mental Health Creative Arts Contest
Texas students and adults of all ages are invited to submit original artwork, writing or…
-
Disabled Parent Loses Appeal Over Frisco ISD’s Mandatory Online Student Registration Process
Ruling: An ISD did not have to grant a disabled parent’s request for paper based…
-
New Resource for Texans Experiencing Family, Dating or Other Types of Violence
The state Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has posted a printable two-page informational flyer…
-
DPS to Implement CDL Skills Test Modernization Initiative
The Department of Public Safety (DPS) has announced that it is preparing to implement changes…
-
$ / Curriculum & Instruction / SBOE / TEA
TEA to Hire Contractors to help SBOE Adopt Vocabulary Lists and Lists of Literary Works
The TEA has posted requests for proposals (RFPs) for contractors to help the SBOE comply…
-
Appeals Court Extends Timeline in A-F Lawsuit Schedule
A three-member Texas Third Court of Appeals (Austin) panel — that currently has the fate…
-
TEA Puts Educator Certification Exam Contract Up for Bid
The TEA has issued this request for proposals to develop and administer the state’s educator…
-
DSHS to Award Two $10,000 Texas School Health Grants
ISDs and charters can apply for this school year’s Department of State Health Services (DSHS)…
-
Klein ISD has Legal Immunity Over Car Crash Involving its Police Officer
Ruling: An ISD has immunity from being sued over a traffic accident involving a school…
-
Schools to Share in Upcoming State Opioid Abatement Grant Program
Rules approved this week by the state’s Opioid Abatement Fund Council (OAFC) will reserve up…
-
Reimbursable ISD Grants for Interior and Exterior LED Lighting Retrofits
This State Energy Conservation Office (SECO) reimbursable grant program will allow eligible K-12 public school…
-
TEA Releases School Year 2022-23 Bus Accident Data
The TEA has just released its Bus Accident Reporting System (BARS) data for School Year…
-
Pesticide Safety Report Maps Texas’ and Nation’s Schools Near Crop Fields
A report (press release/interactive map) released this month by the Washington, D.C.-based Environmental Working Group…
-
$ / Courts / School Finance
Landowners Can’t Void Baird ISD’s “Chapter 313” Agreement for Wind Farm Project by Suing Comptroller
Ruling: Opponents of an ISD’s approval of a “Chapter 313” property tax limitation agreement for…
-
Federal Judge’s “Precedent Setting” Ruling Says SBEC Unlawfully Rejected Military Spouse’s Out-of-State Certification
SBEC violated a federal law by refusing to recognize the two out-of-state school counselor licenses…
-
November 14-17 SBOE Meeting Highlights
Highlights from the Nov. 14-17 State Board of Education meeting in Austin: SBOE Resources Agenda…
-
Permanent School Fund Hires New CEO
The Texas Permanent School Fund Corp. (Texas PSF) has announced the appointment of Robert “Bob”…
-
Fired Klein ISD Teacher Didn’t Violate STAAR Regulations by Handing Special Needs Student his “Whisper Phone” During Testing
Ruling: The education commissioner must reverse his decision that upheld a teacher’s firing over an…
-
TCEQ Lead Testing in School and Child Care Program
The TEA posted correspondence today encouraging schools and child care centers to participate in the…
-
Texas Voters Rejected Most of the ISD Athletic Facility Proposals on their November 7 Ballots
Voters largely just said “no” to anything having to do with an athletic facility when…
-
Ex-Denton ISD Coach Can’t Force School Board to Consider his Grievance Over Conflict with Another Coach
Ruling: A former ISD athletic coach skipped the procedural steps required to ensure that the…
-
New State Program Aims to Help Teachers and Others Become First-Time Homeowners
Full-time Texas teachers, teacher aides, school librarians, school nurses and school counselors — who meet…
-
Appeals Court Allows TEA to Release 2023 A-F Accountability “Informational” Items
Just because the education commissioner is (for now) legally blocked from issuing the final 2023…
-
TRS Updates Retiree COLA Info Due to Constitutional Amendment’s Passage
The TRS on Wednesday posted updated info about the permanent cost of living adjustment (COLA)…
-
Texas ISD Superintendent Pay Averages $172,185 for 2023-24, TASB/TASA Survey Says
Texas ISDs responding to the School Year 2023-24 Texas Association of School Boards/ Texas Association…
-
TEA Releases Final 2022-23 ISD and Charter Fiscal Ratings
The TEA today released the final 2022-23 School (ISD) and Charter Financial Integrity Rating System…
-
Venus ISD Wrongly Rejected Parental Request to Opt Student Out of Accelerated Instruction
Ruling: A school district must exempt a student from state-required accelerated instruction if the student’s…
-
UIL Posts Info About “Residence Rule” Revision
The UIL has posted info about a revision to the athletics participation related “Residence in…
-
Abbott Claims Deal Reached with House Leaders to Lift Voucher Blockade by Increasing Public School $$$$$
Governor Abbott announced today that he has reached a deal with House Speaker Dade Phelan…
-
$ / Legislature / Libraries / SBOE
Public Comments Sought on Proposed School Library Standards
The Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) is accepting public comments — until Nov….
-
Three Original Texas School Meal Recipes Introduced
The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) has just posted standardized recipes — in collaboration with…
-
Texas Supreme Court Dismisses Two COVID-Era Lawsuits as “Moot”
The Texas Supreme Court dismissed “as moot” lawsuits filed by the state against San Antonio IOSd
-
Judge Temporarily Blocks Release of Next Round of A-F Accountability Ratings
A Travis County judge late Thursday afternoon granted a temporary injunction that prevents, for now,…
-
Report: The Principal Cleared of Assault Charge for Paddling Student Didn’t Violate State Law or his ISD’s Policy
The Texas Tribune reported today that the criminal assault charge filed last month against Overton…
-
Martinsville ISD Reportedly is the First Texas District with an All-Electric School Bus Fleet
The 323-student Martinsville ISD in Nacogdoches County is the first Texas school district to boast…
-
AG Doubts Legality of School Systems Hiring “Independent Contractors” as School Resource Officers
A state attorney general’s opinion (KP-0447) issued today casts doubt on the legality of a…
-
TASA Announces State’s Top “Teachers of the Year” for 2024
These two Texas educators were announced as the state’s 2024 Teachers of the Year during…
-
TEA Posts Educational Resources on the Middle East Conflict for Texas Students
The TEA today posted links to four sets of resources on the Israeli conflict that…
-
Governor Encourages Texas Students to Participate in Cybersecurity Training
Governor Greg Abbott today (press release) encouraged Texas students to participate in CyberStart America (CSA)…
-
AG Paxton Issues “ESG” Advisory Letter to Ensure Compliance by Governmental Entities
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton issued this advisory letter today on what governmental entities must…
-
Oct. 15-16 UIL Legislative Council Meeting Results
Moving the pilot Robotics Education & Competition Foundation (RECF) contest to a permanent part of…
-
Texas Tech “Policy Brief” Casts Doubt on Fully Online Teacher Preparation Quality
A new Texas Tech University “policy brief” faults fully online educator preparation programs (EPP) in…
-
Oral Arguments Set for Nov. 29 in Legal Fight Over Texas’ School Library Book Rating Law
A U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals panel will hear oral arguments in the lawsuit…
-
$ / School Safety / TEA News
TEA to Buy 24 Chevy Vehicles for its New School Safety/Security Fleet
The TEA today posted an emergency bid notice seeking vendors that can supply 24 Chevrolet…
-
Judge’s Ruling on Whether to Grant Injunction in Accountability Lawsuit Could Come by Oct. 20
The Travis County judge presiding over the lawsuit pitting about 111 school districts against the…
-
Adopted TEA Rule Governs Mandatory School Drills and Active Threat Exercises
The TEA’s adopted revisions to a rule governing mandatory school drills and active threat exercises…
-
TEA Seeks Special-Ed Mediators
The TEA is accepting applications from licensed attorneys (with at least these minimum qualifications) to…
-
TEA to Randomly Select Districts to Determine Their School Counselor “Time Tracking” Compliance
TEA has announced that it will randomly select school districts to document how well they…
-
UIL Posts Agendas for the League’s Oct. 15-16 Rule Making Meeting
Adding boys volleyball, wheelchair tennis, girls flag football and a drone contest as UIL-sanctioned competitions…
-
TASO & UIL Partner to Recognize “Good Sportsmanship” Schools
The Texas Association of Sports Officials (TASO) and the UIL have just launched a joint…
-
Special Session’s Topics Include Education Savings Accounts, Border Security and More
Gov. Abbott this afternoon officially announced that these will be the topics he has assigned…
-
“Texas State Symbols” Website Launched
Do your students know that Texas has an official Air Force, bread, health nut, snack …
-
Parental Appeals Against Two Charters Dismissed
Ruling: Decisions by charter schools are not appealable to the …
-
$3 Million Federal Grant to Help Texas A&M Tackle Teacher Shortages
Texas A&M University will address the demand for teachers in Texas with the help of…
-
Humanities Texas to Award 15 Outstanding Teachers $5,000 Each
Humanities Texas — which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year — is accepting nominations…
-
“Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries” Grants
The Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries is accepting applications for grants to help the…
-
Devers ISD’s Board Properly Based Teacher’s Nonrenewal on “Anonymous” Statements by Students and Parents
Ruling: A teacher was not entitled to learn the identities of the students and parents…
-
Free Telemedicine Mental Health Care Services for Texas Schools
The Texas Child Mental Health Care Consortium has launched Texas Child Health Access through Telemedicine…
-
2023 Texas School Nurse Workforce Survey
Individuals who are working as a school nurse — and have a Texas nursing license…
-
Top TASA/TASB Convention Awards
The following awards were announced during the just concluded Texas Association of School Administrators/Texas Association…
-
Commissioner Dismisses Parental Appeals Involving Coppell, Frisco and Garland ISDs
The education commissioner recently dismissed the following parental appeals for procedural reasons — such as…
-
Fish Art Contest for Texas Students in Grades K to 12
The Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center has begun accepting entries for the 2024 Wildlife Forever’s Fish…
-
Fifth Circuit Panel Allows Texas to Enforce School Library Book Rating Law (for now)
A U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals panel quietly issued an order on Monday evening…
-
TASB: Poll Shows Texans Support Increased Teacher Pay, Oppose Vouchers
Texans want lawmakers to prioritize teacher salaries and funding for public schools, according to the…
-
TEA Launches “TX K-12 Cybersecurity Initiative”
The TEA has announced the launching of the TX K-12 Cybersecurity Initiative to counter the…
-
“Local Food for Texas Schools” Reimbursements
National School Lunch and National Breakfast Program contracting entities — that are not contracted with…
-
“School Field Trip Worthy” Texas Memorial Museum Reopens with a New Name, New Exhibits — and Much More
Need to add another stop to your school’s Austin field trip itinerary? After being closed…
-
Ex-Crystal City ISD Business Manager’s Whistleblower Lawsuit Dismissed
Ruling: An ISD’s business manager who was effectively fired after it became known that she…
-
Teen Gets Maximum 40 Year Prison Term in Shooting Death of Arlington ISD Student on School’s Steps
A Tarrant County jury today sentenced an Arlington teen to the maximum allowable (for a…
-
$ / SBOE / School Finance
PSF Plans Year-Long Headquarters Move to New UT Austin Office Tower
In about a year, the Permanent School Fund (PSF) Corp.’s headquarters will have moved from…
-
Abbott Confirms Plans for October School Choice Focused Special Session, with Another One Likely if Needed
Gov. Abbott — during a public “tele-townhall” event on Tuesday — confirmed his intention to…
-
Federal Judge Temporarily Blocks — and Harshly Criticizes — Texas’ New School Library Book Rating Law
A federal judge on Monday issued a 59-page opinion that enjoins the state from moving…
-
Ex-Temple ISD Employee Loses Wrongful Termination Lawsuit Because She Waited 41 Years to Sue the District
Ruling: A wrongful termination lawsuit filed against an ISD is dismissed because the former employee…
-
H-E-B Accepting Nominations/Applications for Excellence in Education Awards Program
Applications and nominations for the 2024 H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards are currently being accepted….
-
New Caney ISD Doesn’t have to Upgrade Ex-Student’s Diploma from “Cum Laude” to “Magna Cum Laude” Status
Ruling: A high school graduate can’t force her former ISD to change her diploma to…
-
UIL Issues Guidance on New Law about Parental Option for Students to Repeat a Grade
The UIL has issued this guidance to schools relating to how recent legislation (HB3803) affects…
-
$ / Attorney General / Governor / Masks
A Governor’s Executive Order is a “Law,” AG Opinion Suggests
An executive order issued under the governor’s emergency powers is a “law” as defined by…
-
Question About School Marshals Posed to Acting Attorney General
Whether school boards — under specific provisions of the Texas Education Code — may allow…
-
“Take Care of Texas” Video Contest
This annual contest sponsored by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality will …
-
TEA’s A-F Accountability Ratings Release Date Delayed Until Late October or Early November
Education Commissioner Mike Morath announced this morning — in a conference call to reporters —…
-
UIL Medical Panel Embarks on Tentative Plan to Require Schools to Measure Outdoor Air Temps via “WBGT” Devices by 2025-26
The UIL is considering upgrading the current recommendation — into a mandate by School Year…
-
Ex-Katy ISD Special-Ed 11th Grader Loses Third Appeal Over Being Repeatedly Tased by School Resource Officer
Ruling: A federal lawsuit that was filed over the repeated tasing — by a school…
-
Study Tracks Texas Youth Being Treated for Depression or Suicidal Thoughts
Nearly half of Texas youth being treated for depression or suicidal thoughts reported at least…
-
$ / Accountability / Courts / Education Commissioner / SBOE
Morath Tells SBOE that the “A-F” Lawsuit Filed Against him is “Without Merit”
“The case is without merit.” That is what Education Commissioner Mike Morath told State Board…
-
Report: $12.5B in College Financial Aid in 2021-22 Still Left Texas Students with Significant “Unmet Need”
A new Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) report reflects that despite Texas students enrolled…
-
Conscientious Exemptions for Required K-12 Student Vaccinations Continued Upward Spiral in School Year 2022-23
About two out of every 100 students enrolled in a Texas public or accredited private…
-
“My Texas Future” Digital Tool Connects Working-Age Adult Texans with Postsecondary Info/Resources
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board has just launched My Texas Future, a new digital…
-
Seven ISDs File Suit Over TEA’s Upcoming “A-F” Accountability Ratings Release
Seven Texas school districts filed a lawsuit Thursday seeking a temporary court order to block…
-
Governor Announces 150 “Purple Star” Designated Campuses
Gov. Abbott announced today that these 150 Texas public schools have been awarded the Purple…
-
Agreement Ends Fed’s Inquiry into Pflugerville ISD’s Faulty Student-on-Student Sexual Assault Investigation
The U.S. Department of Education (USDE) Office for Civil Rights (OCR) announced today that it…
-
State Attorney General Casts Doubt on Franklin County’s Proposed Countywide Ban on Solar Projects
A moratorium being considered by Franklin County commissioners to ban commercial solar energy projects countywide…
-
-
TWC Awards $2.3 Million for Texas High School Robotics Programs
The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) announced today that it has awarded more than $2.3 million…
-
Course Guide Tracks Transferable Math Credits Among Texas Public Colleges/Universities
The Charles A Dana Center at UT Austin has posted information (including a video) about…
-
$ / Accountability / TEA
TEA Releases Preliminary ISD and Charter Financial Accountability Ratings
Update: Click here for the final fiscal ratings. The TEA today posted the preliminary 2022-23…
-
All Students, Faculty, Staff and Alumni at Every UT Academic Campus now have Access to Free “Microcredential” Program
The UT System and Coursera this month launched what is billed as the most comprehensive…
-
Appeals Court Narrows Injunction’s Focus in “A+ Texas Teachers” Legal Fight to Prevent Closure by SBEC
Ruling: A temporary injunction that has prevented the state from taking the next step toward…
-
Texas Supreme Court Affirms Firing of Fort Worth ISD Teacher over Anti-Immigrant Tweets to President Trump
The Texas Supreme Court — without comment — announced (Aug. 4) that it will not…
-
Alamo Heights ISD Assistant Principal who Texted “FML” to a Parent Loses Termination Appeal
Ruling: A school board fired a high school assistant principal for “good cause” because she:…
-
Criminally Charged Alice ISD Special-Ed Teacher Loses Nonrenewal Appeal
Ruling: Classroom video, parental complaints, a letter from a disability rights advocacy group — and…
-
Forney ISD Special-Ed Teacher had “Good Cause” to Abandon his Contract Due to Physically and Verbally “Aggressive” Students
A Forney ISD grades 7-to-12 special-ed teacher who abruptly quit his job after only one…
-
Harris County Dept. of Education Rebuffs Ex-Assistant Principal’s Retaliation Claims
Ruling: A school district has immunity from being sued over retaliation and other claims arising…
-
Appeals Court Reinstates SBEC’s Permanent Revocation of Former “Life School” Charter Teacher’s Certification
Ruling: A judge should not have invalidated a decision by SBEC’s governing board to permanently…
-
Ex-Spring ISD Administrator was not Illegally Forced to Resign Due to his Military Commitments
Ruling: A jury’s dual verdict that an ISD “constructively discharged” an administrator due to his…
-
Fifth Circuit Judges Vote 9-7 Against Reconsidering Ruling That Sided with Fort Bend ISD Employees in Student-on-Student Sexual Assault Lawsuit
Ruling: A decision by a three-judge U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals panel that school…
-
Fort Bend ISD Must Release ISD Related Cell Phone Records from Personal Devices Owned by District Officials
Ruling: An ISD can’t block the release of cell phone records reflecting district related communications…
-
Ex-Caddo Mills ISD Athletic Director Loses Appeal
Ruling: The education commissioner’s conclusion that an ISD did nothing wrong in reassigning its long-time…
-
Fifth Circuit Says UNT Can Continue Charging Out-of-State Students Higher Tuition than Undocumented Texans
Ruling: The University of North Texas (UNT) can continue charging out-of-state students higher tuition than…
-
Fifth Circuit Refuses to Force TEA to adopt “Special Rule” for 18+ Year Old Special-Ed Students
Ruling: The TEA lacks the authority to enact the so-called “Special Rule” that is built…
-
$ / Legislature
The 88th Legislature’s Regular Session’s New School Laws
The following is a list of the major school related bills that became law (or…
-
$ / Legislature / SBOE
SBOE Receives 88th Legislature Regular Session Update
SBOE’s June meeting included TEA updates on what happened on the school legislation front during the regular session that ended on May 29.
-
Texas Supreme Court Upholds Governor’s “No Mask” Mandate Order Against Local Governments
Ruling: State law empowered the governor to ban local governmental entities from imposing mask mandates…
-
U.S. Supreme Court Voids Race Based College Admissions Programs
The U.S. Supreme Court today ruled, via a 6-3 vote, that race based admissions at…
-
Fifth Circuit “Un-Dismisses” Ex-Austin ISD Student’s Special-Ed Lawsuit — Thanks to a U.S. Supreme Court Decision
Ruling: A three-month-old U.S. Supreme Court decision involving a special-ed lawsuit that originated in Michigan…
-
Fifth Circuit Revives Trump-Supporting Student’s Harassment Claim Against Austin ISD
The entire U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals will reconsider the dismissal by a three-judge…
-
Fired Dallas ISD Teacher Loses Whistleblower Lawsuit
Ruling: A teacher was justifiably fired for including the name of a student in an…
-
SBOE Starts to Closely Scrutinize Innovative Course Requests to Eliminate “Redundancy”
Requests by school districts for SBOE approvals of innovative courses will undergo much closer scrutiny, and the board’s…
-
$ / SBOE / School Boards / School Bonds / TEA
More Lawyers could Qualify as Independent Hearing Examiners Under Draft SBOE Rule
The SBOE Committee on School Initiatives directed that TEA staff draft rules to modify …
-
$ / Charter Schools / SBOE
SBOE “Approves” Four New Charter Applicants — and Rejects a Fifth Applicant
The State Board of Education (SBOE) gave final approval to four applicants for new (Generation 28) charter districts to open in School Year 2024-25, and rejected …
-
June 2023 SBOE Meeting Info
Resources: Articles:
-
Feds say Texas meets special education standards
The Austin American-Statesman reported (June 23) that after years of noncompliance, the TEA has fulfilled…
-
June SBOE Meeting Highlights
The State Board of Education (SBOE) met last week, which resulted in the “approval” (by not vetoing) four of the five charters on the education commissioner’s list, and the discussion of major school related bills that passed during the regular session. We will start posting articles from the meeting later today.
-
AG Opinion says “Race Based” Student Discipline Decisions May Violate Texas Constitution
A court would likely rule that Texas school officials can’t decide how (or if or…
-
Cypress-Fairbanks ISD is not Liable for School Bus Accident
Ruling: An ISD has immunity from being sued over an accident in which a school…
-
Twice-Fired Houston ISD Police Officer Loses Appeal
Ruling: An ISD has immunity from being sued over retaliation and discrimination claims by a…
-
June 13 UIL Legislative Council Meeting Highlights
If the Legislature passes a voucher bill, then the UIL Legislative Council might need to…
-
UT Dallas Can Require Tenured Professor to Give Students Homework Instead of Quizzes
Ruling: A public university’s requirement that a tenured professor give his students homework instead of…
-
Five Charter Applicants Make Commissioner’s Final List
The education commissioner is proposing that the State Board of Education (SBOE) “approve” (by not vetoing) five applicants to open new charter districts.
-
Arlington ISD Employee’s Grievance was Improperly “Abated”
Ruling: A school board should not have indefinitely postponed the consideration of an employee’s grievance…
-
McKinney ISD Skipped a Required Step in Banning Parent from District’s Property for Two Years
Ruling: An ISD didn’t give a parent the legally required prior warning before summarily issuing…
-
$ / SBEC & Certification / TEA
TEA Asks Appeals Court to Lift Temporary Order in Lawsuit Filed by State’s Largest Ed-Prep Entity
The state’s largest educator preparation program (EPP) has not shown any compelling reasons why TEA/SBEC…
-
$ / Charter Schools / Courts
Horizon Montessori Charter Fired its “Marketing Specialist” for Non-Discriminatory Reasons
Ruling: A public charter school district didn’t fire its marketing specialist for being a Muslim…
-
Fifth Circuit Loosens the “Absolute Bar” on Parents without Lawyers Filing Federal Lawsuits on Behalf of Their Children
Ruling: Parents without lawyers may file federal lawsuits on behalf of their children if a…
-
$ / Courts / SBEC & Certification / TEA
Appeals Court Temporarily Halts TEA’s Effort to Shut Down State’s Largest Ed-Prep Entity
Ruling: The TEA must temporarily halt plans to take the next steps leading to possibly…
-
Texas Supreme Court Enters Boundary Dispute Between Lampasas and Copperas Cove ISDs
Whether the education commissioner can consider ISD annexation disputes when one of the two affected…
-
$100K Bond set for ISD Superintendent Arrested for “Solicitation of a Minor” in Sting Operation
Harris County media reported that a judge in Houston set a $100,000 bond this morning…
-
TEA Adopts Final School Facility Safety and Security Standards
The TEA has announced the final adoption of rules to address school facility safety and…
-
New Superintendent, Board of Managers Announced for Houston ISD
The TEA, this morning, announced the appointment of former Dallas ISD Superintendent Mike Miles as…
-
Brownsville ISD can’t Block Fired School Secretary’s Whistleblower Lawsuit
Ruling: An ex-elementary campus secretary can continue pursuing her Whistleblower lawsuit against her former school…
-
TRS Board Sets ActiveCare Rates and Gets Retiree COLA Bill Implementation Timeline Briefing
Setting TRS-ActiveCare health insurance rates for the upcoming plan year — and being briefed on…
-
Insurer Loses Appeals Against Two More ISDs Over Disputed Property Damage Claims
Rulings: An insurance company can’t force the lawsuits filed by two ISDs over storm related…
-
Sinton ISD Parental Complaint Dismissed Over How their Child was Drug Tested at School
Ruling: A parental complaint alleging that a 12-year-old female student was subjected to “egregious, brutal,…
-
Hays CISD Owes $13,240.80 to Teacher Fired for “Particularly Heinous Crimes”
Ruling: Believing that a teacher had committed “particularly heinous crimes” did not justify a school…
-
Updated Suicide Prevention Resources
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission and the Texas Institute for Excellence in Mental…
-
Lowered Flags and Moment of Silence Set to Mark Wednesday’s First Anniversary of Uvalde Tragedy
To mark the first anniversary of the Robb Elementary shooting in Uvalde on Wednesday, the…
-
UIL State Executive Committee Results
The UIL State Executive Committee issued these sanctions today following public hearings:
-
Beaumont ISD can’t Block Lawsuit over Hurricane Related Insurance Dispute
Ruling: A licensed public adjuster and his company can continue litigating their claims that an…
-
$ / Courts / Property Taxes
Texas Supreme Court Nullifies Iraan-Sheffield ISD’s “Tax Ferret Contract” with a Lawyer
Ruling: Taxing entities can’t hire lawyers under contingency fee contracts — sometimes called “tax ferret…
-
Alief ISD is not Liable over Cafeteria Worker’s 2019 Traffic Accident
Ruling: Because a high school cafeteria worker had just gotten “off the clock” when she…
-
Voters Approved $21.5 Billion in School Bonds on May 6
A TexEdNews analysis of this Texas Bond Review Board (BRB) bond election database reflects that…
-
$ / Legislature
Legislative Update – May 9 to 8 a.m. Monday, May 15
School bills signed by, or sent to, the governor since our last update include ….
-
Private Residential Facility Can’t Challenge Revocation of TEA’s Approval to Serve Special Needs Students
Ruling: A private residential facility can’t challenge the TEA’s decision to revoke the facility’s approval…
-
Fifth Circuit: Illegal “Anti-Male Bias” May have Prompted Expulsion of Rice University Student
Ruling: Because a jury might conclude that a university student’s de facto expulsion was due…
-
Settlement Announced to Compensate Normangee ISD Over State’s Pro-Energy Law
Attorney General Ken Paxton and the 637-student Normangee ISD today announced a settlement with the…
-
Likely IRS Action will Increase PSF Bond Guarantee Program Capacity
The capacity of the Permanant School Fund (PSF) Bond Guarantee Program (BGP) could increase from…
-
$ / Legislature
Legislative Update – Through 8 a.m. Tuesday, May 9
The governor signed a major school safety bill — and other bills start trickling toward the governor’s desk.
-
“Flashing Lights” Video Moves to YouTube
The “Flashing Lights” video — a required part of the Texas high school curriculum —…
-
Richardson ISD Parent Loses Appeal Over a PG Rated Disney Movie Shown to her Child at School
Ruling: A state law that allows parents to give written notice to excuse their children…
-
AG Issues Opinion on “School Psychologist” Question
The Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council likely has the legal authority to adopt a rule …
-
April 28 SBEC Board Meeting Highlights
Here’s a summary of what happened at the latest SBEC board meeting:
-
Fentanyl Awareness Toolkits for Texas Schools
The TEA and the state Health and Human Services Commission have separately posted fentanyl awareness…
-
2023 Texas Rain Catcher Award
The Texas Water Development Board is accepting applications from governmental entities and other eligible categories…
-
TRS to Set ActiveCare Rates on May 30
April 27-28 TRS Board Meeting Highlights
-
TEA Sets Three Day Charter Applicant Virtual Interview Meeting Schedule
TEA staff and State Board of Education members will interview the eight remaining applicants for…
-
TEA Seeks Reviewers for Science Instructional Materials
The TEA is encouraging Texas educators and experts to apply to become reviewers of grades…
-
TEA Seeks Mediators and Court Reporters for Special-Ed Proceedings
The TEA has issued “requests for qualifications” (RFQs) for individuals seeking to be selected to…
-
TEA: Teacher Attrition Rates and Uncertified Teacher Hires Reached Record Highs this School Year
Highlights from the TEA’s recently released Teacher Attrition Report and the Teacher Retention by Preparation…
-
Mission CISD Becomes Fifth Texas School System to Win Appeal Over Firm’s Trademark Infringement Claim
Ruling: An ISD’s “read a million words during the school year” initiative didn’t violate a…
-
TSTA: Texas Lags Behind Nation in Teacher Pay and Per-Pupil Spending
Texas per-pupil spending for this school year has dropped to 44th (near the bottom) nationally…
-
EPA’s 2023 Clean School Bus Grant Program
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced Monday that applications are being accepted for the…
-
High School Student “Health Ambassadors” Sought to Help Promote School Nutrition Programs
The Texas Department of Agriculture is seeking student leaders for the 2023-24 school year to…
-
TEA Releases Final 2022-23 Enrollment Data
Both ISD and charter school enrollments increased this school year when compared to last school…
-
AG’s Opinion Sought on Student Resource Officer Question
Requested Opinion RQ-0506-KP This request for an attorney general’s opinion — asked by the Hardin…
-
Updated Guidelines for the Care of Students with Food Allergies
The Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has revised and updated the Guidelines for the…
-
Sharyland ISD Can’t Block School Bus Accident Lawsuit
Ruling: An ISD’s awareness that a police officer had threatened to charge a school bus…
-
Report: PSF CEO Holland Timmins to Step Down Amid Controversy
The Dallas Express reported today that Texas Permanent School Fund (PSF) Corp. CEO B. Holland…
-
$ / Charter Schools / TEA
Eight Charter District Applicants Advance to the Next Stage
The TEA released the names of the eight applicants that will advance to the next stage of being considered to open new charter districts in Texas beginning in School Year 2024-25.
-
Dallas ISD Employee’s Appeal Dismissed Over “Wrong” Type of Employment Contract Claim
Ruling: A school employee’s claim that he was given the wrong type of employment contract…
-
Alvarado ISD’s Decision to Ban Registered Sex Offender Parent from a Campus Event is Upheld
Ruling: An ISD didn’t violate state parental rights laws by telling a parent — who…
-
Parents can Opt Out of Answering Gender Specific UIL Student Medical History Form Questions by School Year 2024-25
The UIL Medical Advisory Committee voted unanimously (April 16) to allow parents to be able…
-
Ex-Principal Can’t Escape SBEC’s Sanction for Saying he Wished he Could Shoot Teachers
Ruling: SBEC was entitled to issue a two-year certification suspension to a former principal because…
-
$ / Libraries / SBEC & Certification / SBOE
Divided SBOE Vetoes SBEC’s New School Librarian Certification Standards
A divided State Board of Education (SBOE) vetoed this recently approved State Board for Educator…
-
April 2023 SBOE Committee Meeting Minutes
Minutes of the April 2023 SBOE committees that met Tuesday through Thursday (April 11-13, 2023).
-
UIL Names New Director of Athletics
The UIL announced (April 13) that Cypress-Fairbanks ISD Athletics Director Ray Zepeda will be the…
-
Commissioner’s Comments to SBOE
The following is a summary of what Education Commissioner Mike Morath discussed with SBOE members (April 12) during the regularly scheduled “commissioner’s comments” portion of the meeting.
-
TEA Posts Final Minimum Standards for Bullying Prevention
The TEA has posted the final version of the minimum standards for bullying prevention policies…
-
Months-Old Complaint Over Lubbock ISD’s COVID-19 Policy Dismissed
Ruling: The education commissioner is not legally empowered to consider a complaint over an ISD’s…
-
Silsbee ISD Maintenance/Transportation Director Loses Voided Employment Contract Appeal
Ruling: A school board did not have to give its director of maintenance and transportation…
-
Citizen’s Complaints about a Crockett ISD Elementary School Dismissed
Ruling: A citizen’s complaint that an ISD’s leadership failed to address poor testing performance and…
-
Texas Supreme Court Says Universities Can Revoke Degrees
Ruling: Texas universities can revoke the degrees of their graduates on findings they committed academic…
-
$ / Legislature
Legislative Update (March 27 to 8 a.m. Thursday, April 5)
Here’s a quick summary of what has been happening in the Legislature, with 54 days…
-
AG Issues HB3 PK Partnerships Opinion
Opinion KP-00440: Before an ISD can seek a TEA waiver to not offer state-mandated prekindergarten…
-
PSF has $5.4 Billion Left to Guarantee School Bonds
The TEA reported (April 5) that action taken by the State Board of Education (SBOE)…
-
Lead Service Line Replacement (LSLR) Program
A Texas Water Development Board administered program — under the federal Drinking Water State Revolving…
-
2022-23 Texas Charter District Superintendent Base Pay Rankings
Click the image below to view/download the TexEdNews report of public charter district superintendent base…
-
Katy ISD Wins Appeal Involving “Repeatedly Tased” 11th Grade Special-Ed Student
Ruling: A federal disability rights lawsuit filed by the mother of a special-ed student who…
-
Ex-Katy ISD Football Team Captain Loses Appeal Over Aftermath of Viral Three-Second Snapchat Video
Fifth Circuit: Public schools and school officials can’t be successfully sued for violating the free speech rights of a student for the student’s “off campus speech” unless the courts — at the time the action is taken against a student — had clearly established that disciplining the student for what the student said is unconstitutional.
-
$ / Reports & Research / TEA
School Year 2022-23 Texas ISD Superintendent Base Pay Rankings
The following is a searchable database — with download and print features — of the…
-
TEA Data Reflects Record Public School Enrollment This School Year
Newly released TEA data reflects that ISDs and charters collectively enrolled a record 5,518,432 students…
-
Legislative Update – March 20 to 8 a.m. Monday, March 27
The state’s budget, vouchers — and more — were on the legislative agenda during TEN’s latest reporting period.
-
Three New Texas Higher-Ed Student Success Initiatives Announced
New Texas higher-ed initiatives include a low-interest loan option and two online resource tools.
-
TEA Reports Charter “Waitlist” Data
The TEA reported this month that 66,512 individual students were put on one or more…
-
$ / Reports & Research / TEA
TEA Reports 2022-23 ISD/Charter Budgeted Pay and Staffing Data
Texas ISDs and charters cumulatively budgeted 1.6 percent pay hikes for their employees this school…
-
AG Paxton Says School Choice is Legal in Texas
State Attorney General Ken Paxton issued an opinion and a press release late in the…
-
Legislative Update – March 13 to 8 a.m. Monday, March 20
Bill filing deadline passes, major school choice bills, Senate passes first bill, House speaker endorses school safety/funding items.
-
Dual Credit CTE Equipment Grants
Texas Workforce Commission grants to buy, repair or replace equipment to support new or existing…
-
TASB’s Teacher/School Personnel Survey Highlights
The Texas Association of School Boards’ annual survey of school personnel pay reflects that the…
-
$ / Charter Schools / Courts
McAllen ISD and IDEA Charter Didn’t Commit Trademark Infringement
Ruling: “Read a million words” (and similar) student reading incentive programs — offered by an…
-
Governmental Alternative Fuel Fleet Grant Program
A Texas Commission on Enviornmental Quality administered program to assist state or local governmental agencies…
-
Rice University Announces $3,110 Tuition Hike for the 2023-24 Academic Year
Rice University’s undergraduate tuition for the 2023-24 school year will be $57,210, an increase of…
-
TEA Takes Control of Houston ISD
The TEA announced (Wednesday, March 15) that it will take control of Houston ISD in…
-
Go on a Virtual Field Trip
Students can learn about a variety of STEM topics, including estuary systems, water quality monitoring, and electronics recycling, through this series of virtual field trips.
-
Senate Ed Chair Asks AG About Legality of a “Texas Education Savings Account” Program
RQ-0502-KP — Sen. Education Committee Chair Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe, asking whether a Texas Education Savings…
-
Legislative Update – March 6 to Sunday, March 12
Bill filing deadline passes, major school choice bills, Senate passes first bill, House speaker endorses school safety/funding items.
-
$ / Courts / School Boards
La Joya ISD Can’t Block Insurance Agency’s $3.35 Million Lawsuit
Ruling: An ISD doesn’t have immunity from being sued for breach of contract by its…
-
$ / Courts / Elections / School Boards
Unsuccessful Voting Rights Act Lawsuit Against Lewisville ISD Wasn’t “Frivolous”
Ruling: Although a federal judge properly dismissed a voting rights lawsuit filed against an ISD,…
-
Recent Mask Rulings
Texas appellate courts recently issued rulings in appeals by the state of mask mandates in the Elgin and Point Isabel ISDs, and the city of El Paso.
-
Student Athlete’s Mom Loses (for now) Effort to Advance Possible Lawsuit Against Six Gordon ISD Employees
Ruling: A judge must reconsider her order requiring six ISD employees to be deposed as…
-
United ISD Teacher’s Retaliation/Discrimination Claims are Mostly Dismissed
Ruling: Missing a required legal deadline means that all but two of the several claims…
-
$ / Courts / School Boards
Activist’s $299,200+ Judgment Against Houston ISD Affirmed
Ruling: A federal judge’s ruling that an ISD must pay a community activist nearly $300,000…
-
Fired Harmony Charter Teacher Wasn’t Discriminated Against
Ruling: A civil rights lawsuit filed by an African American charter school teacher who claimed…
-
Feb. 16-17 TRS Board Meeting Highlights
The potential for significant TRS-ActiveCare premium hikes was among various issues discussed during the latest TRS board meeting.
-
Feb. 2-3 SBOE Meeting Highlights
Here are summaries of what happened during the SBOE’s first meeting of 2023. The board:
-
First SBOE Meeting of 2023 Gets Off to an Icy Start
Due to the icy conditions that struck the Austin and surrounding areas, the State Board…
-
$ / SBOE / School Finance
SBOE Approves a $6 Billion Step to Temporarily Address PSF School Bond Guarantee Crisis
The SBOE approved a measure that is expected to free up about $6 billion in…
-
SBOE Committee Asks TEA to Draft Possible Revisions to Hearing Examiner Rule
The SBOE Committee on School Initiatives signaled that it would be open to starting a…
-
Fort Worth ISD was Justified in Firing Teacher Over Anti-Immigrant Tweets
Ruling: An ISD had “good cause” to fire a teacher over a series of anti-immigrant…
-
Failed Fax Transmission Helps Kill Whistleblower Suit Against Houston ISD
Ruling: A failed fax transmission is among the several reasons why a fired school employee’s…
-
Hearne ISD Parent’s Special-Ed Appeal to Commissioner Dismissed
Ruling: A parent who previously filed special-ed related complaints against her child’s ISD with the…
-
$ / Associations / Courts
TASB’s Insurance Fund Can’t Block Colorado ISD’s Lawsuit Over Hailstorm Damage Claim
Ruling: The Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) Risk Management Fund lacks governmental immunity protections…
-
Texas Supreme Court Removes Major Roadblock in TEA’s Journey to Take Over Houston ISD
Ruling: Due to a 2021 change in state law, an injunction that has kept the…
-
Austin ISD Not Liable Over Alleged Harassment of Trump-Supporting Student
Note: Click here for an update to this article. Dismissed: An ISD did not violate…
-
Dallas ISD Teacher Loses Appeal Despite Hearing Examiner’s Failure to Follow State Law
Ruling: Although an independent hearing examiner (IHE) apparently violated state law by granting an ISD’s…
-
Gladewater ISD Granted Special-Ed Camera Installation Deadline Extension
Ruling: An ISD’s request to extend the state mandated deadline to grant a parental request…
End of content
End of content
