Congress Approves Social Security “Fairness” Bill Benefitting Many TRS Members and Other Public Sector Employees/Retirees
The U.S. Senate early Saturday morning (Washington, D.C. time) voted to give final approval to…
Year: 2024
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TEA Reports “Public Education State Funding Transparency” Data as of Dec. 17, 2024
The TEA has just released a 14-page “Report on Public Education State Funding Transparency” containing…
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Governor Appoints Eight to Texas School Safety Center Board
Gov. Abbott on Tuesday announced the following appointments to the Texas School Safety Center board:
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TEA Posts First Application Received for Fast Tracked “High-Performing Entity” Approval Consideration
The TEA reported (as of press time) that one out-of-state charter operator met the Dec….
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TEA Posts “2024 Comprehensive Biennial Report on Texas Public Schools”
The TEA has just posted the 227-page 2024 Comprehensive Biennial Report on Texas Schools in…
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Adopted TEA Rules: Instructional Materials and Safe Schools
OER transition planning for districts and school safety/security reporting via the TEA’s Sentinel.
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$ / Accountability / Federal / TEA News
Agreement Allows TEA to Access Military Enlistment Data for School Accountability Purposes
The TEA announced on Thursday that the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) has agreed to provide the agency with the data to be used to calculate the military enlistment portion of the College, Career, and Military Readiness (CCMR) portion of the A-F school accountability system.
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TEA Releases 2023-24 Texas Academic Performance Reports
The TEA on Thursday announced the posting of the 2023-24 Texas Academic Performance Reports (TAPR)….
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State Auditor: Texas School Safety Center Failed to Ensure Required Info Received from Districts is Complete and Accurate
The Texas State Auditor’s Office (SAO) has issued a 20-page report on the Texas School…
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TEA Cancels Latest “GEAR UP” Federal Grant Application Cycle
The TEA today announced the cancellation of the 2025-26 Texas Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness…
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Study: Toxic Air in Texas High Schools
Details of a research study released today suggest that the indoor air in Central Texas…
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UT Austin sees record number of freshman applications for Fall 2025
UT Austin marked its third consecutive year of receiving a record-breaking number of freshman applications,…
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November 18-22 SBOE Meeting Highlights (Part 2 of 2)
Part 2: Board member attacks AP courses; SBEC; costs for private schools to administer state tests; innovative courses; PSF; “goodbyes.”
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Memorial Services Pending for Retired TCTA Executive Director Jeri Stone
Memorial services are pending for Jeri Stone, who retired as Texas Classroom Teachers Association (TCTA)…
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TEA Releases Names of “First Batch” of 100+ Teachers Under SBEC Investigation in Certification Cheating Scheme
The TEA on Wednesday released what was described as the first batch of more than…
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November 18-22 SBOE Meeting Highlights (Part 1 of 2)
Part 1: TEA remodel forces SBOE to move, Bluebonnet Learning materials, commissioner’s comments, ISD board trainers, legislative priorities.
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Adopted TEA Rule: School Employee Mental Health Training
Adopted TEA rule: Mental health training for school personnel.
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LBB Issues Wharton ISD Performance Review
The Legislative Budget Board (LBB) has just released a 125-page school performance review for Wharton…
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$1.92M TEA Grant: “Texas Strategic Staffing for Sustainable, Paid Teacher Residency Programs”
This is a two-year TEA state-funded grant for districts and charters, designed to provide direct…
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Ex-Valentine ISD Business Manager Admits to Stealing $300,000 in District Funds
Former Valentine ISD business manager/tax assessor Eddie Villarreal Jr., pleaded guilty related to his scheme…
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TASB/TASA Survey: Median Texas ISD Superintendent Pay = $153,176 for This School Year
The median salary for a Texas school superintendent for SY 2024-25 is $153,176, an increase…
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New State Appeals Court Upholds Commissioner’s Reversal of Crowley ISD Teacher’s Firing Over Force Used Against “Unexplainably Aggressive” Ninth Grader
Texas Fifteenth Court of AppealsRuling: The education commissioner properly ruled that a teacher should not…
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The SBOE — by a One-Vote Margin — Tentatively Approves Grades K-5 Reading Curriculum that Includes Bible Stories
The State Board of Education (SBOE), by a one-vote margin on Tuesday, greenlighted sending the…
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DSHS Posts Proposed School Related Asthma Medication Rule Revisions for Public Comment
The Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has posted a proposed rule revision (for public…
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Trump Supporting Ex-Student’s Civil Rights Lawsuit Against Austin ISD Stays Dismissed — Thanks to “Evenly Divided” U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals
Ruling: Prior federal rulings dismissing a lawsuit claiming that a now former student was verbally and physically bullied by students — and verbally harassed by school staff — due to his being a fervent White/Christian/Trump/MAGA supporter are affirmed due to the Fifth Circuit’s 9-9 tie vote on the student’s appeal.
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Gov. Abbott Prohibits Texas Public College Tuition and Fee Increases for Upcoming Biennium
Gov. Greg. Abbott announced today that he sent a letter to Texas public colleges and…
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DSHS Issues Pertussis Alert Amid State and National Surges
The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) reported today that the state is mirroring…
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Grades K-to-5 “Take Care of Texas” Art Contest (Save the Date)
Laptops and iPads await top winners, and a teacher will receive an iPad or an equivalent value gift card.
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Commissioner: Port Arthur ISD Properly Nonrenewed ESSER Funded Administrator When Funding Ceased
Ruling: An ISD did not have to follow the steps required under its reduction in force (RIF) policy when nonrenewing the term contract of a grant-funded administrator when the grant funding the position ran out.
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Former Texas Counseling Association President Sentenced to 28 Years for Sexually Exploiting Children
A San Antonio man, who had served as the president of the Texas Counseling Association…
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TEA Issues Final 2023-24 School Fiscal Ratings
The TEA announced today that the final 2023-24 school district fiscal accountability ratings (following appeals) have been posted.
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Edgewood ISD Trustee’s Mom Fails to Convince Commissioner to Revise School Board’s Censure of her Son
Ruling: The education commissioner lacks the legal authority to consider complaints about school boards’ censure resolutions that do not violate Texas school laws, and he cannot require that school boards reprimand school employees.
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Adopted TEA and SBOE Rules: Instructional Materials, Innovative Courses, Tased Students, Special Ed, Opioids
The following rule adoptions were posted in the Friday, Nov. 1, Texas Register:
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Guilty Plea Exposes Plot to Commit “Mass Murder Attacks” at Two New Braunfels Area High Schools and a Buc-ee’s
Details of a plot to attack two New Braunfels area high schools and a Buc-ee’s were revealed as a 20-year-old man pleaded guilty late last week to federal charges.
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Gov. Abbott Appoints Leslie Recine to State Board Of Education
Gov. Abbott late Friday afternoon appointed Leslie Recine, R-Pantego, to the State Board of Education Dist. 13 to temporally fill the board seat vacated by the resignation of Aicha Davis, D-Dallas.
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$ / Associations / SBOE / School Boards
TASB Responds to SBOE’s Proposed Local ISD Board Training Rule Revisions
The Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) on Friday submitted its official public comments on…
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TEA Seeks “School Law Bulletin” Publisher for the Next Two Legislative Sessions
The TEA is seeking to contract with a single organization/publisher to print/distribute both the
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Biennial Report Documents TRS’ “Texas Sized” Impact on State’s Economy
The TRS on Thursday released its 2024 TRS Value Report: A Texas Sized Impact publication that summarizes the economic impact the retirement system has on the state’s economy.
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Abbott Appointed Justices Set Oral Arguments for Nov. 18 on TEA’s Blocked 2023 A-F Accountability Ratings Release
A panel of three justices appointed by Gov. Abbott scheduled oral arguments for Monday, Nov….
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DPS: iWatchTexas Program Received Record Number of School Safety Reports in September
The Texas Department of Public Safety’s (DPS) announced that its iWatchTexas program received a record number of school safety related reports during the month of September – more than double previous years.
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OSHA Seeks $257,183 in Fines from Texas School Furnishings Manufacturer/Designer Artco-Bell
The Occupational Safety Health Administration (OSHA) recently issued citations for 24 serious health and safety violations — and assessed $257,183 in proposed penalties — against Artco-Bell Corp., a Temple, TX-based school furnishings design and manufacturing company employing more than 250 people.
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Five Charged in Houston ISD Centered $1 Million Teacher Certification Cheating Scheme
Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg announced on Monday that five people — including three Houston ISD (HISD) employees — have been criminally charged in a teacher certification cheating ring.
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Lubbock ISD Loses Legal Battle in its $100M+ Dispute with Insurers Over Storm Damage Claims
Texas Supreme Court: Because an ISD submitted an “inadequate” state-law required “pre-suit” notice to the numerous insurance companies the district is suing over property damage claims arising from two storms, the companies are entitled to have the litigation “abated” by the trial judge until 60 days after the district submits the proper notice to the companies.
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TEA Rule Update: DAEPs
Adopted: Defining violent conduct for the purpose of DAEP placement when the program is at capacity.
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TEA Seeks Applicants for Monitors and Conservators
The TEA is looking to grow its pool of qualified monitors and conservators to help the state’s school districts and charter networks remedy issues related to accreditation, academic performance, financial accountability, or other special investigations.
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TASA Anounces 2025 Texas Teachers of the Year
Congratulations to the 2025 Texas Teachers of the Year announced today by the Texas Association of School Administrators.
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UIL State Executive Committee Punishes Westwood ISD Football Coach and I.T. Employee without Ordering Game Forfeitures
What started with cell phone video taken from the stands at a football game ended this morning with the UIL State Executive Committee (SEC) ordering:
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UT Southwestern Medical Center to Pay $900K to Resolve Alleged Systemic Racial Hiring Discrimination
The U.S. Department of Labor today announced that the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center has agreed to pay $900,000 in back wages and interest to resolve alleged systemic racial hiring discrimination affecting 6,123 Black applicants at the center’s Dallas facility.
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$2,000 Texas History Research Fellowship
The Texas State Library and Archives Commission is accepting applications for its 2025 Research Fellowship in Texas History.
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TEA Rules Update
Proposed amendment to the Local Accountability System timeline.
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TEA Conducts Special-Ed Related Survey
The TEA is requesting responses from educators and others to a survey about a statewide individualized education program (IEP) digital platform that the TEA is considering implementing.
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New Analysis: 78% of Tested Texas Schools, Daycares Found Lead in Drinking Water
An analysis released today (press release) of Environment Texas Research and Policy Center water testing…
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TEA Releases Updated Open Source “Bluebonnet Learning” Instructional Materials
The TEA on Wednesday announced updates and a new brand for Texas’ state-owned textbooks, now…
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$ / Courts / Employees / School Boards
Fifth Circuit Dismisses Fired Grapeland ISD Administrator’s “Shotgun” Federal Employment Discrimination Lawsuit
Ruling: An ISD employee who was fired after contesting his “surprise” demotion from dean of students to truant officer failed to show that his firing resulted from employment discrimination.
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Oct. 13-14 UIL Legislative Council Meeting Results
UT Austin could name a successor to retiring UIL Executive Director Charles Breithaupt by March…
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New Tool Launched to Streamline Texas Public University Application Process
Gov. Greg Abbott and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) today launched (press release)…
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$ / SBOE / School Boards / TEA Rules
Proposed SBOE/TEA Rules Include Major School Board Trainer Revisions
These State Board of Education (SBOE) and TEA rules were posted for public comment in today’s Texas Register.
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Commissioner Turns to Dictionary in Upholding Firing of Galveston ISD Probationary Teacher
Ruling: An ISD timely informed a teacher that her school board had voted to terminate her probationary contract.
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Commissioner Affirms Decisions by Lewisville and Frisco ISD Boards to Reject Annexation/Detachment Petitions
An appeal to the education commissioner by several families seeking to overturn the decisions by two school boards to reject their annexation/detachment petitions is dismissed.
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TDA Launches 2024’s “Texas Farm Fresh Challenge” for Schools
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller this week kicked off the Texas Department of Agriculture’s (TDA)…
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Anti-Fentanyl Video to Play at Texas High School Football Games this Month
Gov. Abbott this morning unveiled a new One Pill Kills video that will play at high school football games throughout October.
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Texas AG Issues Opinion on “Boilerplate” Executive Session Agenda Language
“Boilerplate language” that a public governing body may routinely place on its meeting agenda is “insufficient by itself” to comply with Open Meetings Act (OMA) requirements to alert the public about the subject to be considered during the closed (executive session) portion of the meeting.
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TMA’s $62,000 K-12 “Excellence in Science Teaching” Awards Program
The Texas Medical Association (TMA) is accepting nominations and applications for its annual Ernest and…
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Texas “Healthcare Workforce Task Force” Final Report Includes CTE Recommendations
Gov. Abbott on Tuesday announced the release of final recommendations by the Healthcare Workforce Task…
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$ / Charter Schools / School Finance / TEA Rules / Teachers
TEA Rules Update
A complete rewrite of charter school rules, plus changes to the Student Attendance Accounting Handbook and the Local Optional Teacher Designation System.
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EPA Opens Fourth Funding Opportunity for Clean School Bus Program Rebates
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is once again providing a funding opportunity to replace diesel…
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UIL Starts Posting Proposed Rule Changes
The UIL has begun posting proposed contest rule changes to be considered at the league’s Oct. 13-14 Legislative Council meeting.
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Texas Fish Art Contest for Students in Grades K to 12
The Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center is now open for entries for the Texas component of Wildlife Forever’s national 2025 Fish Art Contest for students in grades K to 12.
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Top TASB/TASA Convention Awards
State’s top superintendent, school board and key communicator recognized at this year’s convention.
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October Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Month Resources
TEA and HHS resources for October Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Month campaigns.
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$ / Employees / Health / Reports & Research
Survey: Texas School Nurses List Workloads and Lack of Understanding of their Roles by Parents/Administrators as Top Concerns
The most pressing issues reported by thousands of Texas school nurses in a state-conducted survey…
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New Youth Resource Map Connects Texas Homeless Youth with Essential Services
The Texas Appleseed nonprofit advocacy group today launched a new online tool — the Texas…
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DPS Highlights iWatchTexas Program Ahead of Wednesday’s “If You See Something, Say Something” Awareness Day
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is reminding Texans this week of the iWatchTexas program—…
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Walk Across Texas! Youth
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension is promoting Walk Across Texas! Youth, a free 8-week walking challenge designed to help Texas youth be more active and create a routine of regular physical activity.
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Anti-TikTok/China Surveillance Tech Ban Model Policy Posted for State and Local Governments
The Texas Department of Information Resources on Friday posted a Model Covered Applications and Prohibited Technology Policy that state and local governments can approve or modify to meet the state-law requirement to adopt their own policy by Nov. 20, 2024.
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Settlement Ends (for now) SBEC’s Quest to Shutter State’s Largest Ed-Prep Program
The TEA late Friday afternoon released a copy of the settlement agreement approved by SBEC’s…
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Free Artificial Intelligence “Bootcamps” for D/FW and Houston Area Teens
The Mark Cuban Foundation (MCF) is accepting applications from students in grades 9 to 12…
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LBB Issues Vernon ISD School Management/Performance Report
The Legislative Budget Board (LBB) this morning released a 114-page Management and Performance Review on…
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$ / Libraries / SBOE / School Boards
Morath to SBOE: TEA Won’t Intervene in School Library Book Disputes
Anybody expecting the education commissioner or the TEA to get involved in local school board disputes about library books will likely be disappointed.
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Analysis: 424 Cleaner Electric School Buses Committed to Texas
A total of 424 clean electric school buses are committed, on their way or operating…
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TEA Launches New Fast-Track Approval Pathway for “High-Performing” Charter Applicants
SBOE members could find themselves voting on vetoing some of the applicants for new charters as soon as their January and April 2025 meetings, instead of having to wait until their traditional June 2025 meeting to do so.
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TEA Rules Update
Adopted TEA rule on special-ed related investigations.
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SMU’s Free Short Graphic Novel Helps K-12 Educators See Homelessness Through their Students’ Eyes
Southern Methodist University (SMU) education researchers on Tuesday launched a free 16-page graphic novel —…
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UIL Medical Advisory Committee Focuses on Hot Weather Rules and Football Helmets
The UIL Medical Advisory Committee (MAC) on Sunday agreed that there won’t be any changes…
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“Take Care of Texas” Student Video Contest
Scholarships and gift cards await winners.
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TEA Opens “Generation 30” Charter Application Season
The TEA, via today’s Texas Register, opened the latest (Generation 30) application season that will…
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Beaumont ISD Loses Appeal Over Being Sued in Hurricane Harvey Insurance Related Dispute
The Texas Supreme Court (TSC) — without comment — today rejected Beaumont ISD’s appeal seeking…
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State’s Robotics Education Programs get Major Boosts from UT Austin and TWC
There were two major announcements in Austin on the state’s robotics education front this week.
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TASA Names Six 2025 Texas Teacher of the Year Finalists
The Texas Association of School Administrators on Wednesday announced these six 2025 Texas Teacher of the Year finalists:
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El Paso Produced Video Warns: “School Threats are No Joke”
El Paso County District Attorney Bill D. Hicks held a press conference this week to…
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$ / Charter Schools / Courts
Wayside Schools Can’t Block Ex-CFO’s Federal Whistleblower Lawsuit
Fifth Circuit: Although a former charter district’s chief financial officer failed to show he was discriminated against due to his race, he can still pursue his whistleblower retaliation claim against the district.
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Texas AFT Pushes Legislators to Pass “Educator’s Bill of Rights”
The Texas American Federation of Teachers (Texas AFT) held a virtual news conference on Tuesday…
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Katy ISD Not Liable in Ex-Quarterback’s Breach-of-Settlement Lawsuit
Texas Appeals Court: Katy ISD has legal immunity against being sued over claims that it breached a settlement agreement with a now-former student.
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Texas Law Enforcement Online Licensure Lookup Service Launches
The Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) this morning launched a new online service allowing…
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2025 H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards
Nominations are being accepted for this recognition program that has — since 2002 — awarded…
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$ / Accountability / School Finance / TEA
TEA Issues “Updated” Preliminary 2023-24 School Fiscal Ratings
The TEA has recalculated some of the underlying data used to derive the preliminary school district fiscal accountability ratings that were posted earlier this month.
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Tenants Displaced when Alamo Heights ISD Bought an Apartment Building for Demolition Lose Claim for “Relocation Expenses”
An ISD that bypassed the eminent domain process to surreptitiously (via an “arms length” process) purchase, and then demolish, a small apartment building doesn’t have to pay the relocation expenses of the building’s former tenants.
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TASB Names Five Finalists for State’s Top Superintendent Award
The Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) this week announced the five finalists for its…
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Abbott-Appointed Justices to State’s Newest Appeals Court to Decide Fate of 2023 A-F Accountability Ratings
The more than a year-long legal battle over if and when the 2023 A-F school…
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Poor Job Performance — not Discrimination — Justified Spring ISD’s Reassignment of Math Teacher
U.S. Fifth Circuit: An ISD transferred a middle school math teacher from the classroom to support positions due to his poor job performance, and not because of his advanced age or for any other discriminatory reason.
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“Young Ambassadors” Sought to Share Health Related Info with Texas Youth with Disabilities
Four chosen TCDD Youth Ambassadors for Choice-Making in Health Care will receive up to $325 each for their participation.
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City Policeman Not Liable Over “Problematic” Campus Arrest of Roma ISD Middle Schooler
Fifth Circuit: A city police officer has qualified immunity from being sued over the “problematic” arrest of a middle school student on his campus.
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TEA Rules Update
The TEA rule actions posted in the Aug. 16, 2024, Texas Register.
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TEA Asks High School Principals to Nominate Outstanding Students for Two Upcoming National Programs
The TEA is asking high school principals to nominate outstanding students for two programs related to the federal government.
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$ / Charter Schools / Courts
TEA’s Legal Misstep Keeps Revoked Charter’s Lawsuit Against Agency Over Seized Campuses Alive
Ruling: A missed legal deadline by the TEA’s attorneys means that officials of a revoked charter can continue to litigate claims that the state illegally seized its two campuses and related property.
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$ / School Finance / TRS
State Auditor: TRS’ CIO earned $773,568 in Incentive Pay for the 2023 “Plan Year”
State auditor’s latest report on employee incentive compensation for TRS, PSF and ERS.
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Texas A&M AgriLife’s Teen Alcohol & Drug Awareness Program
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, through a grant from the Texas Department of Transportation, has…
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UIL: 44 ISDs and Charters Will Allow Home Schoolers to Participate in their School Year 2024-25 League Activities
The UIL this week posted a list (see below) of the 44 public school districts…
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Texas ACLU Launches Redesigned K-12 Focused “Students’ Rights Hub”
The Texas ACLU today launched its redesigned Students’ Rights Hub to address what the organization…
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$ / School Safety / TEA
TEA: 87% of Public School Campuses Passed their “Intruder Detection Audit” in School Year 2023-24
School facility security audits found no problems with 7,293 (87 percent) of the state’s 8,382…
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$ / Courts / School Boards
Edcouch-Elsa ISD Doesn’t have to Pay Consultants who Helped in Securing Grants Totaling about $8 Million
Ruling: A superintendent’s misstep means that an ISD that was awarded grants totaling about $8 million doesn’t have to pay the consultants who helped the district secure the grants.
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TASA Announces Five Texas Honor Boards for 2024
The Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA) announced today that the Burkburnett, Corpus Christi, Donna,…
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Survey: 65 Percent of TSTA’s Teacher Members Considered Quitting as School Year 2023-24 Drew to an End
Nearly two-thirds (65 percent) of Texas State Teachers Association (TSTA) teacher members responding to the…
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TEA Rules Update
New rural schools initiative and safe/secure school facilities.
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Appeals Court Dismisses Property Tax Lawsuit Lyford CISD and 16 Taxpayers Filed Against South Texas ISD
Ruling: Property owners in a three-county area must continue to pay ad valorem taxes to both their “home” school districts and to South Texas ISD.
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TEA: State Law Requiring Prior Written Parental Consent for Sex Education Instruction Expired Aug. 1
The TEA this afternoon issued this advisory to districts that a provision contained in a…
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“The Texas Way” Initiative Seeks to Improve Sportsmanship Behaviors at UIL Athletic Events
A new initiative seeks to curtail the rising problem of ejections and other incidents of…
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Facebook’s Parent Company to Pay Texas $1.4 Billion for Using Facial Recognition Without Users’ Permission
A settlement agreement announced this morning by state Attorney General Ken Paxton requires Meta —…
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TEA Rules Update — Special-Ed
Special-ed student evaluation and IEP facilitation rules.
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Texas AG Asked if Districts are “Skirting” State Law on Chaplains in Schools
Whether school boards did not fully comply with 2023’s SB763 mandate requiring them to vote…
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New TEA Rule Financially Incentivizes Public Schools to Allow Home Schoolers to Participate in their UIL Activities
This newly adopted TEA rule will result in public school districts receiving $1,500 per “non-enrolled” (home-school) student that the district allows to participate in the district’s UIL activities.
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Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities to Award Two Grants
The Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities is accepting applications for these two grant opportunities:
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Governor / School Safety / TEA
Gov. Abbott Announces New “Sentinel” Texas School Safety System
Gov. Abbott this morning announced the launch of Sentinel, which he described as “an innovative…
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Survey: Stopped Texas School Buses Were Illegally Passed an Average of 1.3 Times on a Single Day in April 2024
A total of 6,699 individual Texas school bus drivers reported that — on Wednesday, April…
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TEA Rules Update
Special-ed, DAEP/safe schools, employee mental health training.
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TRS Board Approves Health Plan Changes to Benefit Retirees
The TRS board — during its July 18-19 meeting — approved agenda items that will…
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Austin Company’s Global Tech Outage Leaves TRS “Limping a Little Bit”
Today’s global tech outage left TRS “operational but limping a little bit,” TRS Executive Director Brian Guthrie said at the start of this morning’s TRS board meeting.
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TRS Welcomes New Board Chair and a New Board Member
Next week’s July 18-19 TRS meeting will be gaveled into session by a new board…
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Texas AG Answers an ISD Property Tax Homestead Exemption Question
No. KP-0470: Clarifying state law governing the ceiling on property taxes a school district may impose on individuals qualifying for a homestead property tax exemption as a disabled person or a person 65 years or older.
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June 25-28 SBOE Meeting Highlights (Part 2 of 2)
Morath on STAAR results; local school board training changes eyed, g/t rules adopted, and more
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June 25-28 SBOE Meeting Highlights (Part 1)
Four charters approved, esports course rejected, innovative courses, controversial Fort Sam Houston ISD school board appointment approved.
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TSTA Announces Passing of Executive Director Richard Kouri
The Texas State Teachers Association (TSTA) on Monday announced the passing of Richard Kouri, the…
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TEA Seeks Applicants for Listing in First-Ever School Safety Vendor Technology Directory
The TEA has begun accepting applications from vendors seeking to be listed in the first…
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2024 “Dyslexia Handbook” Update and Revised Rules Become Effective June 30
The TEA issued an advisory today to announce that the 2024 update to the Dyslexia…
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Texas 4-H Foundation Launches $4 Million Fundraising Campaign
The Texas 4-H Foundation, with the support of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, has…
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Feds Arrest Ex-Business Manager of 24-Student Valentine ISD on Theft Charges
Federal authorities announced this week that a former Valentine ISD employee was arrested on criminal…
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$ / Charter Schools / Courts
Charter Services Provider Loses Quest to Sue Jubilee Academies for “Lost Profits”
Ruling: An entity that provided student-related services for a charter district’s campuses can only sue the charter for breach of contract for nonpayment for services that the entity actually rendered for the charter — and not for lost profits that the entity expected to receive under agreements that the charter no longer honored.
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Allen ISD Rebuffs Injury-to-Child Federal Lawsuit
Ruling: An ISD and its employees are immune from being sued over claims that a middle school student sustained serious injuries due to being physically restrained by district employees during a discipline related incident.
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ATPE Data Breach Potentially Exposed Personal info of 426,280 Individuals
The Association of Texas Professional Educators (ATPE) says — in recent filings made to various…
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U.S. Supreme Court Rejects Appeal by Ex-Katy ISD Student Over Being Repeatedly Tased by School Resources Officer
The U.S. Supreme Court, without comment, this week declined to consider the appeal filed by…
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AG Paxton Warns Texas Schools Against Complying with Federal Guidance to Protect LGBTQ+ Students from Discrimination
Citing a federal judge’s recent order, state Attorney General Ken Paxton issued an advisory to Texas schools on Tuesday warning them that they must not comply with guidance issued by the Biden administration to extend federal anti-discrimination protections to LGBTQ+ students.
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Lubbock ISD’s Voiding of an Administrator’s Contract Upheld
Ruling: The education commissioner can’t overturn a school board decision to void an employment contract…
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Commissioner Dismisses Fredericksburg ISD Parent’s Challenge to About 48 “Restricted” School Library Books
Ruling: A parent’s appeal asking that the education commissioner order an ISD to entirely remove…
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Take Care of Texas Ambassador Program for Teachers
Are you a grade K- to-12 Texas teacher who cares about conserving Texas’ natural resources? If so, please consider applying for the 2024-25 Take Care of Texas (TCOT) Ambassador Program.
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TDA to Transition from “TX-UNPS” to “TANS” Web Portal for Nutrition Program Providers
The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) will soon launch its new Texas Automated Nutrition System…
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2024 Elementary/Middle School STAAR Results
The TEA today released the spring 2024 STAAR results for elementary and middle school students….
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June 11 UIL Legislative Council Meeting Highlights
Charles Breithaupt announces retirement plans, playoff rule change, 2024-25 budget adopted.
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Fifth Circuit Partially Revives Ex-Dallas ISD Administrator’s Employment Discrimination Lawsuit
Ruling: A federal judge acted too hastily in dismissing an age discrimination lawsuit a former ISD administrator filed against the district.
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Registered “Low Risk” Sex Offender Parent Loses Appeal Over Odem-Edroy ISD’s School Entry Restrictions
Ruling: A parent’s claim of being a “low risk” registered sex offender doesn’t exempt him…
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Ex-Houston ISD Teacher’s Termination Appeal Came 22 Years Too Late
Ruling: A teacher waited too long to challenge the termination of her probationary contract 22 years ago.
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$ / Charter Schools / Courts / Employees
Fired Charter School Teacher Loses Appeal
A charter school has legal immunity over being sued by a teacher who was fired on a finding that he had used excessive force against a student with a disability while trying to break up a fight between that student and another student.
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New Grant Program Seeks to Boost Number of Qualified Workers in High-Demand Texas Jobs
Junior colleges, technical colleges and nonprofit organizations may now apply for the Texas Workforce Commission’s…
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May 1-15, 2024
Reported Elsewhere Where possible, these headlines link to no-paywall or soft paywall articles, or to…
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Earliest May 16 2024 Elsewhere Accordian
Reported Elsewhere Where possible, these headlines link to no-paywall or soft paywall articles, or to…
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May 16-31 2024 Elsewhere Accordion
Reported Elsewhere Where possible, these headlines link to no-paywall or soft paywall articles, or to…
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Grants for Heavy-Duty Vehicles and Equipment
State and local governments, corporations, individuals and any other legal entity that meet specified criteria…
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Nominations Open for “Public School District” TRS Board Member Position
Nominations are being accepted (through Jan. 27, 2025) to fill a TRS board seat reserved…
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Lufkin ISD Didn’t Racially Discriminate Against Rejected School Resource Officer Job Applicant
A Black applicant for a ISD school resource officer job wasn’t discriminated against when the district chose a Hispanic applicant who had less law enforcement experience and was friends with several of the ISD’s police officers.
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Ex-Lancaster ISD Superintendent Loses Appeal to Reinstate Voided $2 Million+ Severance Agreement
An ex-superintendent lacked the required legal reasons to appeal the school board’s voiding of his $2+ million severance agreement to the education commissioner without first pursuing his complaints through the school district’s grievance process.
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Public Feedback Sought on First Instructional Materials to Be Approved Under HB1605
The State Board of Education (SBOE) and TEA today separately announced (here and here) details…
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Final November SBOE Races Set with Tuesday’s Republican Primary Run-Off Wins by Tom Maynard and Pam Little
State Board of Education members Tom Maynard and Pam Little won their respective Republican party primary run-offs on Tuesday, thus finalizing the list of candidates who will be on the Nov. 5, 2024, general election ballots to fill seven expiring SBOE seats.
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Education Commissioner Picks Five Finalist Charter Applicants
The TEA today posted the names of the five finalist charter applicants selected by the…
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TWC’s Annual Program Connects Students with Disabilities to Meaningful Summer Employment
The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) has launched this year’s Summer Earn and Learn (SEAL) program…
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Ex-Conroe ISD Custodian Loses Appeal Over Worker’s Comp Retaliatory Firing Claim
Ruling: Texas public school districts have legal immunity from being sued over claims by their employees that they were retaliated against for having filed a workers’ comp claim against the district.
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Voters Approved $7.6 Billion in School Bonds on May 4
A Texas Education News analysis of this Texas Bond Review Board (BRB) database (and of…
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“Junior Master Gardener” Educator Training
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and the Junior Master Gardener program are hosting educator training sessions…
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School Safety Resources and Grants Finder Tool
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Department of Education, U.S. Department of Justice, and…
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Dallas ISD Properly Fired Teacher for Refusing to Return to In-Person Instruction after COVID’s Shutdown of Schools Ended
Ruling: A teacher failed to show that his ISD discriminated against him by firing him when he refused to return to in-person teaching after schools that had closed (due to COVID) reopened.
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Proposed UIL Rule Would Change Playoff Structure in Five Sports to Mirror Football Postseason Split Divisions
The UIL has posted a proposed rule change that — if adopted this summer —…
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2024 “Texas Great Read” Youth and Adult Selections Announced
The Texas Center for the Book at the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC)…
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TEA Posts RFQ for Law Firms to Assist in Compliance/Investigations
The TEA today issued request for qualifications (RFQ) No. 701-24-018 from qualified law firms to…
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TRS Hires New Deputy Director
The TRS announced (May 7) that Caasi Lamb has been hired as the retirement system’s…
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Charter Schools / SBOE / TEA
TEA Posts “Generation 29” Charter Applicant Interview Schedule
The TEA has posted the schedule for the eight remaining charter applicants seeking to open…
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2024 H-E-B Excellence in Education Award Winners Announced
Statewide winners in the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards program were announced during a May…
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TRS Sets 2024-25 ActiveCare Health Plan Rates
The TRS board during its May 2-3 meeting set TRS-ActiveCare health plan rates for school…
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Texas Supreme Court: No “Whistleblower” Protections for Public Workers Reporting Law Violations by a Board/Council Member
Ruling: Governmental employees generally have no Whistleblower protections against retaliation for reporting alleged violations of law committed by an unpaid member of the employee’s governing board.
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April SBEC Board Meeting Highlights
A+ Texas Teachers settlement discussions, and more!
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Take the “TEA Customer Satisfaction Survey 2024”
The TEA has posted a customer satisfaction survey to help the agency better understand the…
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SBOE Seeks “Heroes for Children” Nominations
The State Board of Education (SBOE) is accepting nominations for the 2024 Heroes for Children…
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NEA/TSTA: Texas Teacher Pay Averages $9,236 Less than National Average
The Texas State Teachers Association (TSTA) — citing newly released National Education Association (NEA) data — reported on Tuesday that:
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Summer Camps for Young Texas Historians
The Texas Historical Commission has posted a list of its youth camps for young historians…
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New UIL Hot Weather Rules for Outdoor Marching Band and Athletic Activities Include “Cold Water Immersion” Requirement
The UIL Medical Advisory Committee (MAC) on April 21 unanimously voted to recommend policy changes…
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TEA Data: SY 2023-24 Charter District Superintendent Base Pay Rankings
Seventh (and final) in a series.
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TEA Settles Federal Disability Discrimination Complaint Over “Science of Teaching Reading” Certification Exam
A settlement agreement stemming from a federal complaint lodged against the TEA has resulted in…
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$ / Charter Schools / SBOE / TEA
Nine Charter Applicants Advance to Semifinalist Stage
The TEA has posted the names of the nine applicants that will advance to the…
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April 9-12 SBOE Meeting Highlights
Highlights from the latest SBOE meeting.
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$ / Reports & Research / TEA
TEA Data: SY 2023-24 ISD Superintendent Base Pay Rankings
Sixth in a series.
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TEA Seeks Applicants for SBOE Parliamentarian
The TEA has issued a request for proposals (RFP 701-24-013) in a quest to contract…
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TEA: Financial Aid Application Submission Mandate for High School Seniors Remains Unchanged
The TEA announced today that the requirement for Texas public high school seniors to complete…
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Ex-Northside ISD Cheerleader’s Federal Lawsuit Over Coach’s “Frog Jump” Punishment Dismissed
The alleged injuries that a high school cheerleader sustained due to the repetitive exercise her coach forced her — and the other cheerleaders — to complete for her being late to practice did not violate her constitutional due process rights and federal anti-discrimination laws.
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TEA: Charters Collected Nearly $7.2 Million in Fees in SY 2021-22
TEA reports SY 2021-22 charter fee collections and charter student “leaver” data
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UIL Gets New Home on UT Austin’s Organizational Chart — Thanks to State’s DEI Ban
The state-law ban on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives at public higher-ed entities has…
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The TEA’s 2024 Texas School Law Bulletin
Orders are now being accepted for the 2024 edition of the TEA’s Texas School Law Bulletin.
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$ / Charter Schools / Courts
“The Gathering Place” Charter has Legal Immunity Over Law Firm’s $19,378.28 Unpaid Invoice Claim
A charter school doesn’t have to pay a bill submitted by a law firm that provided legal services for the charter — under a contract signed by the charter’s two co-CEOs — because the charter’s governing board never approved the contract
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Career and Technical Education Grants
The Texas Workforce Commission is accepting applications from ISDs, charter schools — and public higher-ed…
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$ / Reports & Research / TEA
TEA Data: SY 2023-24 ISD and Charter Enrollment Rankings
Third in a series.
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UT Austin Reinstates Standardized Test Score Requirement for Undergraduate Admissions
UT Austin announced today that — starting with the fall 2025 semester — the university…
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Texas AG Paxton Issues School Safety Guidance — and Makes School Resource Officer Training Available
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton today jointly announced (press release): “Advisory on School Safety for…
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Women in Public Finance — Texas Chapter Scholarship Program
This annual scholarship program seeks to encourage young women to consider public finance related careers…
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Deadline for Completing Next Legal Step in “A-F” Accountability Ratings Lawsuit Extended to April 15
A state appeals court panel this week agreed to extend — from as early as…
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Longtime SBOE member Pat Hardy Loses Republican Primary Re-Election Bid
March 5 SBOE major party primary election results.
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Abstinence Education Grants
ISDs, charters and education service centers are among eligible entities that may apply to the…
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Newly Appointed State Panel Will Study How State Agencies Use Artificial Intelligence
Final appointments were made this week to the new seven-member Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council to…
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Texas AFT Member Poll: Most are Burned Out and are Considering Quitting
Results of the Texas American Federation of Teachers (Texas AFT) member-only annual survey released Tuesday…
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February TRS Board Meeting Highlights
TRS board discussed Active-Care affordability and tentatively adopted rules for new retiree optional visual/dental plans.
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Deadline for Completing Next Legal Step in “A-F” Accountability Ratings Lawsuit Extended to March 1
A state appeals court on Wednesday granted a motion that extends — from Feb. 9…
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Nominate a 2024 SBOE “Student Hero”
The State Board of Education (SBOE) this morning began accepting nominations for the 2024 SBOE…
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Texas Supreme Court Nullifies Lampasas ISD’s “Stonewalling” Tactic in Detachment Dispute with Education Commissioner & Copperas Cove ISD
Ruling: An ISD can’t block the education commissioner from considering the possible annexation/detachment of school…
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DSHS Survey: Texas School Nurses’ Job Satisfaction Ranks High Amid Concerns Over Working Conditions and Pay
Preliminary results of the first state sponsored survey of Texas public school nurses has found…
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Texas Clean School Bus Program Grants
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) this afternoon began accepting applications for 2024 Texas…
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TEA to Transition Marlin ISD Back to Elected School Board
The TEA announced this afternoon that it will begin transitioning Marlin ISD from a five-member…
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Baylor College of Medicine Suffers Appeals Court Loss in COVID Business Interruption Insurance Claim Denial
Ruling: COVID related expenses incurred by Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) in dealing with the…
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Jan. 30-Feb. 2 SBOE Meeting Highlights
A comprehensive summary of what happened at the latest SBOE meeting.
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Local Government Retention Schedules 101
Providing guidance to local governmental employees — especially those who are new to their jobs…
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TEA Teacher Leadership Fellowships
The TEA today posted info about the agency’s Teacher Leadership Fellowship (TLF) program — described…
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TEA “Grow Your Own” Program Grants
The TEA today began accepting applications from ISDs and charters for the latest round of…
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Education Commissioner Replaces La Joya ISD’s Superintendent and School Board
Education Commissioner Mike Morath appointed a seven-member board of managers and a new superintendent to…
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TEA Autism Related Grants
ISDs and charters can apply soon for TEA administered grants that seek to increase the…
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TEA Releases 2023 Annual Report
The TEA has just released its 15-page 2023 Annual Report that provides high level summaries…
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$ / Reports & Research / School Finance / TEA
TEA: 467 ISDs and Charters Failed to Spend State-Law Required Special Allotment Minimums
The TEA sent notices to 467 ISDs and charters during Fiscal Year 2023 — that…
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$ / Courts / School Boards
Garland ISD Can’t Block Building Contractor’s $1.1M Breach-of-Contract Lawsuit
Ruling: An ISD lacks legal immunity protections from being sued for breach of contract by…
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Texas Mental Health Creative Arts Contest Seeks Entries from All Age Groups
The 2024 Texas Mental Health Creative Arts Contest is accepting entries from all age groups…
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Texas Leadership Scholars Program Offers “Full-Ride” College Scholarships
The Texas Leadership Scholars program is seeking applicants for its Fall 2024 cohort. The application…
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Texas Launches New Respiratory Virus Online Info Tools
The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) this week launched new online tools to…
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“Anti-Vax” Texas Parents Can’t Sue Feds Over Allowing Children to be Vaccinated Against COVID
Ruling: Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) emergency decisions that children as young as 6…
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Texas Alternative Fueling Facilities Program Grants
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) announced today that applications for Alternative Fueling Facilities…
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Texas AG Answers a Question about School Marshals
Opinion No. KP-0454: A court would likely conclude that a school board could adopt regulations to authorize uniformed school marshals to “duty belt carry” a handgun.
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State to Award $8.4 Million to Local Governmental Entities for Cybersecurity Projects
A total of $8.4 million will be awarded to local governmental entities to fund cybersecurity…
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Feds Say Law Enforcement’s “Cascading Failures” During and After Robb Elementary Mass Shooting Cost Lives
The U.S. Justice Department this morning issued a scathing 575-page report detailing the numerous failures…
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Fifth Circuit Panel Reinstates Injunction Blocking Texas From Enforcing School Library Book Ratings Law
Texas, for now, can’t enforce the part of a controversial new law that calls for…
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School Health Program Website Updates
School health related announcements by the Department of State Health Services and Texas Health and Human Services.
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TASB 2023-24 Teacher Salary Survey Highlights
A total of 543 (53 percent) of 1,019 ISDs that are Texas Association of School…
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TWC Launches “MyTxCareer” App to Connect Texans with Career Pathways
The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) just launched a new mobile app to help Texans explore…
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Texas Students Encouraged to Enter National Geographic’s “Slingshot Challenge” Video Contest
Texas A&M Agrilife and its affiliated Texas Water Resources Institute (TWRI) invite Texas students and…
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“Take Care of Texas” Kids Art Contest
“Recycling” is the theme of this year’s Take Care of Texas Kids Art Contest sponsored…
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EPA Awards $379M to 19 Texas ISDs for 164 Electric School Buses
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) this week announced (via this web page) that 19 Texas…
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Caribbean Cruises Among Prizes in K-to-6 “Texas Coast Children’s Art Contest”
The grand prize winner in this annual General Land Office (GLO) contest will receive, in…
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Deadline for Completing Next Legal Step in “A-F” Ratings Lawsuit Pushed to Feb. 9
A state appeals court has granted an “unopposed” motion that extends — from Jan. 9…
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Texas AG Asked to Clarify “Over 65/Disabled” Property Tax Exemption Provision
Asking the state attorney general (AG) to clarify how the maximum taxable values for Texans with “over 65/disabled” homestead exemptions are to be calculated.
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