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Oct. 23, 2025
Shutdown impact: 3.2 million Texans may lose SNAP benefits, straining local resources
(News4SA) As the federal government shutdown drags on, the U.S. Department of Agriculture warns it may not have enough money to pay out SNAP benefits next month, a move that could leave millions of families without help to buy groceries. In Texas, about 3.2 million people rely on SNAP benefits, according to USA Facts — about 10% of the state’s population. Many of them are families with children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities.
Proposed federal special education cuts could create long-term issues
(Austin American-Statesman) Texas advocates worry that there will be long-term effects if proposed cuts to federal employees who handle special education oversight go forward at the U.S. Department of Education.
Top Houston ISD high schools now eligible for partnerships for ‘more autonomy’
(Houston Public Media) On its YouTube channel, HISD said this will give some high schools increased principal autonomy over instruction and operations. Related:
- Houston ISD faces another top departure with resignation of special education chief (Houston Chronicle)
- TEA’s Mike Morath talks Houston ISD’s ‘bumpy ride’, teacher turnover and more (Houston Chronicle)
San Antonio ISD has over 20 in-district charter schools. Officials say at least one partnership is ending
(San Antonio Report) After a yearly review of its in-district charter schools, San Antonio Independent School District officials are considering placing two schools on probation and revoking the in-district charter status of another.
Lamar CISD’s ‘Bring Your Own Laptop’ pilot expands technology access to nearly 2,000 students
(Community Impact) Launched in September, Lamar CISD’s Bring Your Own Laptop pilot initiative aims to support high school students enrolled in Advanced Placement, dual credit and dual enrollment courses amid a statewide personal device ban on campus grounds. So far, 1,604 students have been authorized to use their personal laptops, said Monica Baines, director of advanced academics and college and career readiness.
Conroe ISD updates policies based on Texas laws, making some even more restrictive
(Houston Chronicle) After several months of discussion, members of the Conroe ISD Board of Trustees approved changes to several district policies to comply with new legislation, but went a step further than some of those Texas laws. Some changes are due to new legislation, while others are clarifications of existing district policies. In November, the board will adopt 12 more new or updated policies, Superintendent David Vinson said.
Groveton ISD responds to KBTX reporting of Centerville ISD investigation
(KBTX) In our reporting, KBTX confirmed Centerville ISD Superintendent Carole Dickey was indicted by a Leon County grand jury this month on a charge of failing to notify the Texas Education Agency of an educator accused of having a romantic relationship with a student. The staff member who resigned has since been employed by Groveton ISD, but has not been charged with any crime. Groveton ISD Superintendent Jim Dillard said in the statement that there is currently no evidence to suggest that the employee in question had an improper relationship with a student. “However, should formal charges be filed against the employee, Groveton ISD will promptly evaluate the situation to determine whether suspension or termination is appropriate under district policy,” said Dillard. Centerville ISD’s school board is scheduled to meet on Thursday, and Dickey’s status with the district is on the agenda.
Opinion: Pursuing a teaching career in a deteriorating system
(Daily Texan) Wanting to go into education, specifically a career in teaching, has been the hardest journey of my senior year at UT Austin. While it’s something I’m passionate about and the impact the profession has on the local community and its students is clear, the state of the public education system is more glaring now than ever.
Victims sue Celina ISD, claiming district hid coach’s history of sexual misconduct
(Fox 4 KDFW) A new lawsuit claims Celina ISD covered up allegations that coach Caleb Elliott was a sexual predator even before his recent arrest. The lawsuit notes that Elliott’s father, Bill Elliott, is the district’s athletic director and head high school football coach. At a special school board meeting last week, Bill Elliott addressed upset parents, saying the blame lies with one person, his son. Celina ISD has stated it is currently conducting a third-party investigation into the internal matters associated with the coach’s arrest. Celina police detectives found 12 images of groups of naked or half-naked students on Elliott’s phone, according to an arrest warrant.
Affidavit: Former Bullard ISD custodian’s attempted sex crime occurred in school restroom
(KLTV) A former Bullard ISD custodian at the intermediate campus has been arrested in connection with an attempted child sex crime. An arrest affidavit states Bryan Alan Taylor, 31, of Frankston, confronted a girl in a restroom at the intermediate campus. The girl said she tried to leave the restroom and Taylor would not let her leave until the girl asked a third time. Taylor is charged with unlawful restraint and attempted sexual performance of a child.
Double security threat at Richardson ISD’s Lake Highlands High: Stabbing, firearm found on same day
(Fox 4 KDFW) Two separate, violent incidents occurred at Lake Highlands High School on Wednesday, leading to two student arrests. In the first incident, a student was stabbed in the neck with a paring knife during a school bus fight, and the victim is hospitalized but expected to recover. In the second incident, police found a firearm inside a student’s backpack on campus.
UT Arlington lecturer on leave following possession of child pornography charge
(Fort Wort Star-Telegram) A math lecturer at the University of Texas at Arlington is on leave after he was arrested on a possession of child pornography charge in Euless earlier this month.
Paul William Leafgreen was booked into the Tarrant County Jail on Oct. 2 but later bonded out. The 49-year-old has been accused of possessing between 100 and 500 images depicting the sexual abuse of children under the age of 18, according to the criminal complaint filed in Tarrant County district court on Oct. 8.
Killeen runaway who witnessed deadly stabbing at school sparks conversation about mental health
(KWTX) A Killeen ISD middle schooler is back home with his family after he went missing for six days. His mom says this is a direct result of losing his friend after the stabbing at his school earlier this year, and that her formerly zealous and happy teenage son has become a shell of what he was after witnessing the tragic event.
Texas elementary schools are selling ice cream in competition with school lunches (OK, USDA-approved, but still)
(Food Politics) A reader in Texas, Jennifer Windh, wrote me about food practices in her kid’s suburban Houston elementary school. She reports: Many elementary school cafeterias are selling students ice cream and other junk food for lunch. This is happening in my school district and several nearby, and I suspect it’s fairly widespread. This is particularly ironic given RFK Jr’s recent visit to the state to celebrate the passage of “Make Texas Healthy Again” legislation — a core aspect of which was student nutrition and physical education!
Southwest Austin families fight Austin ISD school consolidation amid commute and safety concerns
(CBS Austin) Families in a Southwest Austin neighborhood are pushing back against Austin ISD’s proposed consolidation plan, saying it would mean longer commutes and increased safety risks for their children. The district says the plan, which could close 13 schools, would help address a multi-million-dollar budget deficit, and balance enrollment across the district.
Flour Bluff ISD to receive major financial relief to repay windstorm insurance
(KIII) During the district’s first-ever State of the District event, Flour Bluff ISD Superintendent Chris Steinbruck highlighted student success and a long-awaited financial victory made possible by House Bill 2. The legislation allocated $100 million to reimburse school districts across 14 coastal counties for windstorm property and casualty insurance costs. “Because he worked hard for the 14 coastal counties to get that $100 million for windstorm property casualty relief,” said Steinbruck, thanking State Representative Todd Hunter for his efforts.
Argyle ISD approves incentive pay plan for bus drivers
(Community Impact) The Argyle ISD board of trustees unanimously approved an incentive pay plan for bus drivers at an Oct. 20 meeting. The proposed incentives and pay plan will cost the district $30,000 from the general operating fund, according to district documents. Executive Director of District Operations Thomas Ledford said the district is currently five bus drivers short, and he thinks the incentives will help fill that gap.
Which Texas High Schools Have Funneled the Most Talent into the NBA?
(Sports Illustrated) A look at the 29 high school graduates—plus 6 transfers—from Texas on 2025-26 opening night rosters.
Austin ISD’s McCallum High football curtailing concussions by using hit-softening Guardian Caps on helmets
(Austin American-Statesman) The McCallum football team has chosen safety over style. That was the case when the Knights were introduced to a layer of soft padding outside their helmets in the spring. Not exactly a fashion statement for players who enjoys the swagger of wearing traditional hard, shiny headgear.
Texas Republicans are redefining higher ed. It’s creating confusion about free speech on campuses
(Texas Tribune) Some students and professors say recent changes and scandals chill speech at universities. Others argue that conservative opinions can now be shared more freely.
‘Our greatest days are ahead of us’: UT Austin President Jim Davis inaugurated, announces future plans
(Daily Texan) Jim Davis was inaugurated as the 31st UT president on Wednesday at the Hogg Memorial Auditorium and delivered a speech outlining his plans for the University. Davis, who became the University’s president after the UT System Board of Regents confirmed his position in August, laid out his vision for UT’s future. Davis listed five goals: rebuild trust in higher institutions, prepare students for a complex future, invest in research, expand UT’s reach in academic medicine and restore the Tower. Related:
‘Potential noncitizens’ on North Texas voter rolls make up small fraction of registered voters
(KERA) North Texas counties say they’re looking into hundreds of registered voters who may not be U.S. citizens — a tiny proportion of all people on the local voter rolls, according to state data.
Texas Christian University to end stand-alone departments focused on women and gender, race and ethnic studies
(Fort Worth Report) TCU will close its women and gender studies department and comparative race and ethnic studies department after this school year, with plans to fold instruction of the subjects into the English department. The move was announced Friday in a meeting and email to Texas Christian University faculty, citing low enrollment as among the reasons. Faculty members said the merger follows a lack of support for the departments amid political challenges.
University of Houston Cancels ‘Confronting Oppression & Injustice’ Course
(Inside Higher Ed) The University of Houston has scrapped a previously required class that teaches master of social work students about societal power imbalances, racial prejudice and social justice. The decision was made without any faculty input, sources told Inside Higher Ed. The course’s axing is yet another example of curricular censorship at Texas public universities.
UT El Paso ended Title IX probes into former Vice President Jake Logan after his June resignation
(El Paso Matters) Memos show UT El Paso would have pursued two Title IX complaints against Jake Logan had he not stepped down.
Uvalde parent calls Abilene mural featuring Charlie Kirk ‘disrespectful’ to victims
(KTXS) A mural on South Treadway in Abilene, intended as a memorial tribute, has sparked controversy after being labeled “disrespectful” by Brett Cross, a parent of one of the Uvalde shooting victims. The mural features a large image of Charlie Kirk alongside children who were killed in the Uvalde shooting on May 24, 2022. Cross, whose son, Uziyah “Uzi” Garcia, was among the 19 children and two adults killed at Robb Elementary, expressed his disapproval of the mural. “It’s just disrespectful on multiple fronts,” Cross said. “If you wanted to do a mural about Charlie, do it. I don’t care. But don’t disrespect the victims of gun violence by putting him with it.”
How fixing child care could boost Tarrant County’s economy
(Fort Worth Report) Tarrant County needs about 2,000 more early childhood educators to fully staff existing child care centers. That shortage makes it harder for parents — especially mothers — to work, according to a new study analyzing North Texas’ child care workforce released Wednesday. Child Care Associates and the Prenatal-to-3 Policy Impact Center’s study examined how early educators are key to strengthening North Texas’ economy and what is contributing to the shortage of such teachers in an industry long languishing with low wages and high costs.
Trump taps Texas State Sen. Brian Birdwell for assistant secretary of defense
(Texas Tribune) The Granbury Republican previously announced he would not seek another Texas Senate term.
Oct. 22, 2025
Education Department ‘exploring’ ways to move special education elsewhere
(K-12 Dive) While no official plan is in place yet, it’s Education Secretary Linda McMahon’s goal to shut down the department, said an agency spokesperson.
Texas flags more than 2,700 ‘potential noncitizens’ on voter rolls
(Houston Public Media) The Secretary of State’s Office has sent the names of potential noncitizens to county officials, who must now verify each voter’s eligibility.
School Bus Wi-Fi Solution Now Available for Districts Left in E-Rate Cold
(School Transportation News) Mission Telecom threw a lifeline to school bus Wi-Fi when the nonprofit broadband provider announced it is honoring the cost share of E-Rate for lines of service. Last week’s announcement comes after the Federal Communications Commission last month retroactively ended school bus Wi-Fi and external hotspot eligibility under the federal discount program for school districts, libraries and health providers.
TEA’s Mike Morath visits Lake Worth ISD, weighs another takeover in Tarrant County
(Fort Worth Star-Telegram) Texas Commissioner of Education Mike Morath visited a second Tarrant County school district that’s at risk of a state takeover due to consecutive years of low academic performance. Morath on Tuesday said a decision on Lake Worth ISD is coming “in a few months.” He’s also expected to make a decision on Fort Worth ISD by the end of the calendar year after visiting the district in late August. Related:
Feds slash the budget for program that helped 65,000 Texans enroll for health insurance
(Texas Tribune) With the Affordable Care Act navigator budget cut by 90%, nonprofits are seeking ways to fund their efforts to bring more of the state’s uninsured into regular health care.
What do Houston ISD families think of their schools? Results show sharp racial divide
(Houston Chronicle) Houston ISD publicly touted rising family confidence this fall, but internal survey data obtained by the Houston Chronicle reveals a stark racial divide in views. While the majority of Hispanic families surveyed said their schools were improving, most Black, white and Asian families reported the opposite, according to recently released survey data. Related:
- Here’s which Houston ISD schools saw annual staff cuts, reassignments (Houston Chronicle)
Special ed evaluation shows inconsistencies in Sharyland ISD program
(Progress Times) An independent evaluation of Sharyland ISD’s special education program revealed inconsistencies and contradictory practices among its campuses, highlighting a need for district-wide alignment. Stetson & Associates Inc. conducted their assessment in spring 2025 through parent and staff interviews, surveys, classroom observations, focus groups and data review. The consulting firm determined that Sharyland ISD needs to develop a clear vision and implement a consistent multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS), quality inclusive practices and specially designed instruction in all settings.
Reports: IDEA charter school assistant principal on administrative leave after ‘driving around naked’ in Brownsville
(ValleyCentral) An IDEA Frontier charter school employee has been placed on administrative leave after police say he was allegedly driving around naked in Brownsville. Police arrested Luis Rodolfo Larrazolo, 44, after a concerned citizen reported a man “driving around naked in his vehicle” on Oct. 17, according to a news release from the Brownsville Police Department. Larrazolo allegedly lowered his car window and exposed himself to the person who reported him to police. Larrazolo was also reportedly seen engaging in lewd behavior, police say. IDEA Frontier confirmed to ValleyCentral that Larrazolo was the assistant principal at the K-12 charter campus.
Alvarado ISD teacher’s death leaves community in disbelief amid husband’s arrest
(WFAA) Police say Alvarado teacher Chelsea Spillers died from blunt-force trauma. Her husband, Brandon Ashley, was arrested days later, more than 100 miles away.
Lancaster ISD Assistant Band Director Accused of Child Sex Crime
(Texas Scorecard) A Lancaster High School music teacher is on administrative leave after being accused of sexually touching a minor. Assistant Band Director DeShawn Darrell Parks, 39, was arrested on October 10 and charged with indecency with a child by sexual contact, a second-degree felony punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison.
North Texas school districts rescheduling Friday high school football games due to expected storms
(WFAA) Heavy rain and lightning is possible Friday night, prompting districts to reschedule.
$3,400 worth of personal items stolen from Northside ISD Holmes High locker room during football game
(News4SA) Northside Independent School District officials are investigating after nearly $3,400 worth of personal items were stolen from a student locker room during a football game. The Holmes football team was just down the road from the school at Gustafson Stadium. They came back to the school locker room to find broken locks and thousands of dollars of items stolen. Parents we spoke to said this isn’t the first time and they’re afraid it’s getting worse. Now they’re trying to track down answers to a more than $3,000 question.
Northside ISD middle school student charged after violent assault caught on video
(News4SA) A Northside Independent School District middle school student is facing charges following a violent assault at Zachry Middle School, which was captured on video. The footage shows 14-year-old Nevaeh Glen being dragged by her hair and repeatedly punched while other students watched. Teachers eventually intervened, but Nevaeh’s parents claim that warning signs were ignored.
Changes made since manhunt ended block away from Austin ISD elementary school
(KXAN) Austin ISD police have made policy changes since the September 10 shooting that ended with police arresting a gunman a block away from Barton Hills Elementary School around drop-off time. Related:
Sweetwater ISD schools cancel classes Wednesday due to water main break
(KTXS) Sweetwater Independent School District has announced the cancellation of all classes on Wednesday, Oct. 22, following a water main break Tuesday evening.
Centerville ISD employee under investigation for alleged ‘unprofessional’ conduct with student
(KBTX) This is a separate incident from the one that led to the indictment of the Centerville superintendent last week.
‘He just feels marginalized.’ Fort Worth ISD board rules against family in bullying case
(Fort Worth Star-Telegram) Chris and Tuyen Kamo, the parents of an autistic student at McLean Middle School, brought a bullying grievance before the board after they say another student punched their son repeatedly, causing bruising that lasted for weeks. The board voted 6-0 to uphold a previous decision from district administrators that the incident was inappropriate and required intervention, but didn’t meet the definition of bullying.
Several incidents cited as reasons Cedar Hill ISD athletic director was reassigned
(Dallas Morning News) Cedar Hill ISD has not offered an explanation for removing Melanie Benjamin as Cedar Hill ISD athletic director and declined to comment for this story. She was placed on leave Aug. 5 and reassigned to the role of instructional coordinator when she returned to work Sept. 19.
Victoria parent group celebrates reported public library book removals
(CrossroadsToday) The Victoria Parents’ Book Coalition is celebrating a reported victory for their cause with a list of book removals from the Victoria Public Library. VPBC representative Mackenzie Baca said during a city council meeting that a letter from the Victoria Public Library confirmed the removal of several books related to LGBTQ+ ideology and Critical Race Theory from the juvenile and children’s section of the library.
Students, faculty explore new cafeteria options at Region 7 food service show in Longview
(KLTV) The Region 7 food service show took place in Longview Tuesday, giving students and faculty the chance to try new options that could be coming to their school cafeteria.
SEC fines Texas A&M $50,000 for faking an injury during win over Arkansas
(Spectrum News) The Southeastern Conference has fined No. 3 Texas A&M $50,000 for violating its policy on faking injuries during games, the conference announced on Tuesday. The league also reprimanded coach Mike Elko for allowing cornerback Tyreek Chappell to feign an injury during the Aggies’ 45-42 win at Arkansas on Saturday.
Five years in, AlamoPROMISE shows success in boosting Bexar County college-going rate
(Texas Public Radio) Reports on Alamo Colleges’ tuition-free program show the AlamoPROMISE has driven enrollment growth at the community college system since it started five years ago.
University of Arkansas chancellor dispels myth of most students being from Texas at Little Rock Rotary meeting
(Northwest Arkansas Democrat Gazette) The chancellor of the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville went out of his way Tuesday to dispel a myth about his school’s campus during the weekly meeting of the Little Rock Rotary Club at The Clinton Center. Contrary to a growing popular belief in Northwest Arkansas and despite a perceived increase in Texas license plates seen around Fayetteville, he said there are not more Texans on campus than Arkansans.
Daycare workers indicted in death of 4-year-old boy left in Brownsville hot van
(ValleyCentral) Two women accused in the death of a 4-year-old boy found inside a hot daycare van have been indicted, Cameron County court records indicate. Karen Silva and Sendy Ruiz were formally charged with injury to a child, elderly or disabled individual with reckless serious bodily injury and mental impairment. The women are accused in connection to the death of 4-year-old Logan Urbina, who was found inside a daycare van during the summer following a field trip, according to a previous ValleyCentral report.
Affidavit: Copperas Cove mom moved out of apartment while 12-year-old son was at school, left him behind
(KWTX) A woman and her boyfriend are behind bars accused of moving out of her apartment and leaving her 12-year-old son behind to fend for himself, an arrest warrant affidavit states. Erica Renee Sanders and Keven Dwayne Adams are charged with abandoning and endangering a child without intent to return, according to the court document obtained by KWTX. The boy reportedly returned home to find it empty of all furniture and household items.
Full-circle moment: Alvin ISD alum works to wipe out student lunch debt
(KHOU) Former Alvin ISD student Kelechi Iroegbu launched a GoFundMe to erase $17,000 in student lunch debt across the district.
Oct. 21, 2025
Half of new Texas teachers aren’t certified. State legislation tries to change that
(KERA) Texas’ new state education funding bill includes money to certify more teachers, but experts say it will take time to fix the growing problem.
A new study confirms a hunch: School cell phone bans can boost test scores
(Chalkbeat) A study by RAND Corp. researchers examined a countywide Florida school district that adopted a bell-to-bell ban. The study, released Monday, found modest improvements in test scores in the second year of the ban. But the gains came with tradeoffs. Suspensions went up in the first year of the ban, the study found, especially for Black boys.
Houston ISD pauses plan for ‘synchronous learning’ this year
(Houston Chronicle) Houston ISD has paused plans for what state-appointed Superintendent Mike Miles called synchronous learning, a setup where students would learn remotely from another teacher while their own teacher attended professional development. Miles said no middle schools volunteered to try the experiment, and HISD would “not offer this strategy this year,” according to a Sept. 30 email to school leaders. HISD plans to gauge interest again for it in the spring.
Inside Spring ISD’s bid to turn around one high school and avoid a takeover
(Houston Chronicle) One more failing grade at Dekaney High School would give the Texas education commissioner the power to oust the Spring ISD superintendent and elected school board and install a state-appointed administrator and board of managers to oversee the 33,500-student district in north Harris County.
Frisco ISD to close Staley Middle School
(Community Impact) Frisco ISD’s Staley Middle School will be closed after the 2025-26 school year. District leaders discussed the campus closure during an Oct. 20 board meeting. The board of trustees moved to close the campus in a unanimous vote. The need for the closure comes after a failed bond program, which voters denied in November 2024, and declining enrollment. District officials earmarked $102.3 million to rebuild Staley Middle in Proposition B of the $1.08 billion bond, which 52.09% of voters denied during the election.
Students with hardships, special needs getting to school by alternative approach
(Fox 26 Houston) EverDriven describes itself as a modernized transportation solution in 36 states serving some 800 districts. It works with most school districts in the greater Houston area.
Centerville ISD school board will discuss superintendent’s future this week
(KBTX) The Centerville school board is set to meet Thursday for the first time since the school district’s leader was booked into the Leon County jail and charged with a crime. On the agenda: Consider and take possible action to place superintendent Carole Dickey on administrative leave with pay. Consider and take possible action regarding the appointment of interim superintendent Dottie Sullivan.
Cedar Hill ISD board of trustees deny grievance, won’t return Melanie Benjamin to AD role
(Dallas Morning News) Cedar Hill ISD board of trustees emerged from closed session past midnight to vote to deny a Level III grievance filed against the school district on behalf of former CHISD athletic director Melanie Benjamin. The decision came one month and one day after Benjamin was reassigned to the role of CHISD instructional coordinator. The district has never said what the allegations were against Benjamin or why she was removed as athletic director, only providing a statement that said “under any administrator or teacher contract, any employee can be reassigned to any other position for which they are certified.”
Groesbeck ISD investigates racist threats against student
(KWTX) Groesbeck ISD is investigating after high school students made racist remarks and death threats over social media. The mother said this happened on Friday when her daughter made a comment about the high school football team. She is now pulling her tenth grader out of the district.
Affidavit: Waco ISD teacher’s aide charged after injuring non-verbal boy
(KWTX) A Waco ISD employee was arrested on Oct. 20 after a non-verbal 5-year-old boy suffered an injury when the employee forcibly shoved him to the ground and then picked him up by an arm, a criminal complaint affidavit states. Latoya Amanda Jackson, 30, is charged with injury to a child, a state jail felony, according to the court document and online jail records.
Former Hays CISD teacher sentenced to life for continuous child sexual abuse
(CBS Austin) A former Hays CISD teacher, Andrew Palmore, 53, has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for continuous sexual abuse of children. The Hays County jury delivered the verdict on Thursday, Oct. 16, following a trial that revealed Palmore’s decades-long abuse of multiple children. Evidence presented during the trial included testimonies from six children and two adult women, all victims of Palmore’s abuse during his tenure at Casey Elementary School in Austin ISD, and Hays CISD’s Blanco Vista Elementary School.
Warrant: Houston police investigating claims charter school teacher touched 13-year-old student in class
(KTRK) A former charter school teacher is under investigation after a 13-year-old student claimed he touched her inappropriately in class and sent her suggestive messages, according to a search warrant. ABC13 is not naming the 28-year-old teacher because he hasn’t been charged. The educator worked at IDEA Hardy school until June, according to a school spokesperson, who said the teacher was terminated for unrelated reasons.
Trans Texas college students bearing more hostility as officials push binary gender definitions
(Texas Tribune) Once considered a safe haven to explore identity, Texas campuses are invalidating and alienating trans people, students say.
Texas Cyber Command launches at UT San Antonio
(Texas Public Radio) The nation’s largest state-run cybersecurity agency launched Monday evening at the University of Texas at San Antonio. Texas Cyber Command, created earlier this year by state law and $135 million in state funding, is led by Retired U.S. Navy Vice Admiral Timothy James White.
UT Austin report: Growing the nuclear talent in Texas
(Nuclear Newswire) The University of Texas–Austin has released a report, Cultivating Homegrown Nuclear Talent in Texas: Workforce Development Recommendations for Advanced Nuclear Development, which emphasizes general actions needed for the state to meet the near-term demand for workers in the nuclear industry.
UT Austin Blocks Grad Student Assembly Political Speech
(Inside Higher Ed) Officials at the University of Texas at Austin blocked the Graduate Student Assembly from considering two resolutions against Texas state laws last week, arguing that the student-run body must follow institutional neutrality policies.
Columbus Day debate was last straw at Alamo for land commissioner
(San Antonio Express-News) The $550 million makeover of the Alamo had been progressing quietly for 18 months. Then came the second Monday in October – Columbus Day or Indigenous People’s Day, depending on who you ask. It’s the first controversy to surface in 18 months over an Alamo visitor center and museum.
DACA changes could leave tens of thousands of Texans ineligible to work
(Fort Worth Star-Telegram) An impending federal ruling is expected to strip Texas Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients of their work authorizations, impacting tens of thousands of people in the state.
New Tarrant County College faculty senate to comply with Texas law overhauling such groups
(Fort Worth Report) Tarrant County College’s faculty senate will soon be up and running again — under new rules. Trustees approved a policy change reestablishing the faculty senate in a manner that complies with a Texas law passed earlier this year that introduced restrictions on such representative bodies.
Texas Tech ends 30-year tortilla-throwing tradition at football games
(KRLD) Texas Tech University is cracking down on its long-running game-day tradition of fans tossing tortillas onto the field, warning that future tosses could bring penalties or fines. The announcement comes as part of updated Big 12 Conference rules that hold schools accountable for fan behavior and field disruptions.
Oct. 20, 2025
Abbott: ‘Texas is targeting professors’ over ‘leftist ideologies’
(The Hill) Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) said Sunday that his state is targeting professors pushing “leftist ideologies” as he shared news of the latest college educator allegedly fired over their beliefs. In a post on social media, Abbott shared an Axios article about a University of Texas at Austin professor, Art Markman, who said the school’s leadership dismissed him from his administrative role in September “due to ideological differences.” “Texas is targeting professors who are more focused on pushing leftist ideologies rather than preparing students to lead our nation,” he continued. “We must end indoctrination and return to education fundamentals at all levels of education.” Related:
- Gov. Greg Abbott names head of new office to investigate higher ed complaints (Texas Tribune)
- ‘Inflection point’: leadership shakeups continue at UT Austin’s top levels (Austin American-Statesman)
Charlie Kirk Died 5 Weeks Ago, But His Presence In Texas Schools Has Doubled
(Dallas Observer) New Turning Point chapters have opened in droves since Kirk’s death, and more are on the way.
3.5 million Texans will see food assistance halted if government shutdown continues
(Texas Tribune) Texas officials began notifying the state’s poorest residents on Friday that their food benefits via the Supplemental Food Assistance and Nutrition Program, or SNAP, will be cut off in November if the federal shutdown continues past Oct. 27. In Texas, that would mean a halt to more than $614 million to the 3.5 million who rely each month on SNAP, also known as food stamps. Of those who could be impacted, 1.7 million are children.
Lubbock ISD Superintendent Dr. Kathy Rollo cleared by TEA investigation
(KLBK) Lubbock Independent School District Superintendent Dr. Kathy Rollo has been fully exonerated after the Texas Education Agency Educator Investigations Division said they found no evidence of wrongdoing in relation to a complaint filed with the agency earlier this year, according to a press release. The statement said Dr. Rollo received notice of the conclusion of the investigation on Friday Oct. 17, with the agency stating that the allegations presented in the complaint were without merit. The TEA has closed the investigation, and the warning has been removed from Dr. Rollo’s educator certificate.
Teachers say classrooms are “Out of Control” at Kingsville ISD’s Gillette Middle School
(KRIS) Teachers at Gillette Middle School in Kingsville ISD say classrooms are becoming increasingly difficult to manage — and educators like longtime teacher Roberta Bliss say they’ve reached their breaking point. “I have had kids climbing on tables, falling out of their seat, making noises, tapping… mostly it’s the talking — the nonstop talking,” said Bliss, a sixth-grade English Language Arts teacher. Bliss, who has taught for nearly 18 years, says the stress and constant disruptions have become too much to handle.
More teachers use AI in the classroom. Texas school leaders say they need a plan
(Fort Worth Star-Telegram) More than half of Texas teachers use AI in the classroom, a new report shows. But they often don’t have any training on how to use it well.
From integration to gentrification: Why some Austin ISD schools face a reckoning
(Austin American-Statesman) Austin’s most popular dual language programs have grown whiter and more affluent. The district says its plan will move them farther east and north, towards Spanish-speaking families.
Complaints detail alleged assault by two Del Mar Dual-Credit instructors in Falfurrias
(KIII) New court filings reveal what allegedly happened inside a Falfurrias ISD High School classroom, and why two instructors are now facing assault charges.
Family sues El Paso ISD, former teachers over alleged abuse of special needs students
(KFOX) A family filed a lawsuit against the El Paso School District, a former special education teacher, a paraprofessional and principal, that alleges physical abuse against special needs students. The lawsuit was filed on Sept. 30 by a family who claims their special needs son, who was three years old at the time, was part of a group of kids who endured physical abuse by Rachel Lucas and David Gonzales. Lucas and Gonzales were both arrested in July, charged with bodily injury to a child, for a separate case involving a four-year-old student.
Garland ISD hit with special ed abuse lawsuit for second time in months
(Fox 4 KDFW) A Garland family is suing Garland ISD, alleging a teacher assaulted their 6-year-old special needs son. The lawsuit claims school video shows the teacher pushing the boy’s head against a chair and slamming him into a wall. It’s the second recent lawsuit against the district involving alleged abuse of special education students.
Fort Bend ISD to include new instructional materials in Houston Community College dual credit courses
(Community Impact) School districts are responsible for covering the cost of instructional materials not included on the state’s online, free repository, which Fort Bend ISD Chief Academic Officer Adam Stephens said has created challenges for courses like biology and chemistry labs that require physical textbooks and materials that are difficult to replace with digital alternatives.
First responders, students team up for Silsbee ISD bus rollover training
(KBMT) Officials say training like this is crucial to improving response times and ensuring student safety in the event of a real emergency.
Donna ISD: Bus driver charged with robbery no longer employed with district
(ValleyCentral) Former Donna Independent School District bus driver Apolinar Rodriguez, 53, was taken into custody on a robbery charge, the Donna Police Department confirmed Friday. Rodriguez allegedly assaulted a woman during an altercation and forcibly took her property before fleeing the area, the department said in a news release. In a statement, the district said Rodriguez is no longer employed with Donna ISD.
How a painting sold in the ‘80s still funds scholarships for Fort Worth students
(Fort Worth Star-Telegram) Mauro Serrano, former principal of Fort Worth ISD’s North Side High School, recalled his registrar Claudie Colley in 1981 asking if they should pay the $500 insurance on the painting by Oscar E. Berninghaus called October-Taos hanging in the library. The painting ultimately sold at auction for $151,500 and funded the Perpetual North Side High School Scholarship in 1982.
US Microreactor Company Announces Plans For Pilot Nuclear Project At Texas A&M
(NucNet) US microreactor developer Last Energy and the Texas A&M University System have announced plans for a microreactor pilot project at Texas A&M-Rellis, an applied research and advanced technology campus.
All about the logo: Colleges adding corporate gridiron ads to level revenue-sharing playing field
(AP) The University of Texas broke tradition by adding corporate logos to its football field, a year after athletic director Chris Del Conte said he wasn’t considering it. “Revenue is a component, but we don’t need it,” Del Conte said. The size of the deal, which is at least the sixth in the Southeastern Conference and involves all 20 Longhorns sports programs, was not disclosed. The 2025 season has seen an uptick of corporate field logos after a multibillion-dollar lawsuit settlement allowed each school to share up to $20.5 million in revenue directly with its athletes this school year while doling out millions more in scholarships.
Texas State Technical College looks to voters to fund upgrades for old buildings and tools
(Texas Tribune) Proposition 1 would create an $850 million endowment for the college system and its 11 campuses, which are struggling to accommodate a growing student population.
Beaumont unveils mobile library to boost literacy among students
(KFDM) The City of Beaumont and Beaumont ISD have launched the Beaumont Reads Literacy Bus, a mobile library initiative aimed at improving literacy outcomes for students. The bus, a converted school bus, can accommodate up to 10 students at a time and will travel to neighborhoods across Beaumont. Students will have the opportunity to pick a free book and receive a reading activity packet to complete at home with their parents.
Pearland ISD to partner with HCA Houston-Pearland for student program
(Community Impact) Students at Robert Turner College and Career High School studying health science could have an opportunity for hands-on learning after Pearland ISD’s board of trustees approved a partnership with HCA Houston-Pearland, a 49-bed acute care hospital. The partnership allows students to complete clinical rotations at the HCA facility for the district’s health science course and patient care technician program, according to board agenda documents.
To solve its open records problem, Bexar County seeks to rein in ‘zealous’ requesters
(San Antonio Report) Bexar County is putting new guardrails on how much time county employees can spend responding to open records inquiries from a single requester before labor costs are billed. County officials say the move is a response to overwhelmingly large requests from a small number of individuals who’ve slowed response times for everyone else. But the new policy comes as a group of government accountability activists has been calling attention to Bexar County’s spotty compliance with open records laws — and now oppose a solution they say punishes requesters to try to solve the problem.
North Texas must equip residents with hirable skills, Dallas College chancellor says
(Dallas Morning News) A YMCA event spotlighted Texas’ workforce development gaps and solutions.
Houston music teachers say they’re owed thousands in back wages after Vivaldi Music Academy’s sudden closure
(KTRK) Dozens of former music teachers at one of Houston’s largest private music schools said they are owed thousands of dollars in back wages, and worry they’ll never get any of the money after the school suddenly closed its doors on Thursday.
Oct. 17, 2025
Centerville ISD school board continues to support indicted superintendent
(KBTX) Court records reflect Centerville ISD Superintendent Carole Dickey was indicted this week on an accusation of failing to notify the Texas Education Agency of an educator accused of having a romantic relationship with a student. Prosecutors said Dickey intentionally failed to report his resignation, with the intent to conceal alleged misconduct. The school district confirmed Friday that Dickey remains employed by Centerville ISD and continues to use taxpayer dollars (authorized by the board last summer) to pay for her legal fees up to $30,000. But if she’s found guilty or enters a plea deal in the case, she’ll have to reimburse the district. Said Board President Charles in a statement to KBTX on Friday: “The board was previously made aware of the allegations of wrongdoing that form the basis of this charge, and based on the information available to the board as of today, the board believes the charge to be unsubstantiated.”
Former Dublin ISD IT Director arrested over alleged $1M theft
(Dublin Citizen) Craig Parks, former Dublin ISD Information and Technology Director, has been arrested on three First Degree felony charges allegedly stemming from financial crimes totaling over $1 million. Parks, who resigned from DISD in July 2025 after being hired for a position with Glen Rose ISD, was arrested on charges of Theft by a Public Servant, Money Laundering and False Statement to obtain credit. He had served as the district’s IT Director since 2013.
Conservative advocacy groups at odds over parental rights constitutional amendment
(Center Square) Conservative advocacy groups are at odds over a parental rights constitutional amendment on the Texas ballot next month. The Parental Rights Foundation, Texas Home School Coalition and others support the amendment. The conservative group Accountability Matters disagrees and is calling on voters to oppose Proposition 15.
Catholic schools in San Antonio will participate in state’s school voucher program
(San Antonio Report) The Archdiocese of San Antonio said it will opt into the state’s new education savings account program, which sets aside $1 billion for qualifying families to pay for private school tuition, homeschool and other education-related costs.
State’s $8.5B education budget boost still leaves Dallas ISD short of pre-COVID funding
(KERA) Dallas ISD board member Ben Mackey said Thursday that state lawmakers’ massive $8.5 billion funding package passed in the recent session falls short of funding in place before COVID 19. Thanks to well managed reserves, Mackey said the district is OK — but that may not last, as trustees and the administration may eventually need to cut some programs.
Texas teens, student group sue over new app age-verification law
(KERA) A Texas student group and two high schoolers are suing to block a new state law that would require everyone — adults and minors alike — to verify their age before downloading or making in-app purchases. The lawsuit, filed Thursday in federal court by Students Engaged in Advancing Texas (SEAT) and two minors, argues the App Store Accountability Act violates the First Amendment by restricting access to protected speech. The law is set to take effect in January 2026. Related:
Big Tech is paying millions to train teachers on AI, in a push to bring chatbots into classrooms
(AP) On a scorching hot Saturday in San Antonio, dozens of teachers traded a day off for a glimpse of the future. The topic of the day’s workshop: enhancing instruction with artificial intelligence.
PowerSchool hacker sentenced. What can schools take away from the incident?
(K-12 Dive) After pleading guilty to hacking and extorting from ed tech giant PowerSchool, 19-year-old Massachusetts college student Matthew Lane was sentenced Tuesday to four years in prison and nearly $14.1 million in restitution. Lane was accused of using an employee’s credentials to gain unauthorized access to the cloud-based K-12 software provider’s network in September 2024 and extorting $2.85 million in Bitcoin from the company in December 2024. PowerSchool is still facing multiple lawsuits that claim the company was negligent during the cyberattack and failed to provide timely notice to impacted users.
Opinion: ‘I feel like a spy.’ In Miles’ Houston ISD, reading books is rebellion
(Houston Chronicle) First HISD took the libraries. Now teachers say the district’s curriculum leaves no room for storybooks and some are secretly reading to students anyway. Related:
- Houston ISD official described flight attendant who confronted Mike Miles as ‘belligerent’ in complaint (Houston Chronicle)
- New Houston ISD initiative pairs businesses and nonprofits with lower-rated schools (Houston Public Media)
- Houston ISD’s Westside High School principal resigns to join another area school district (Houston Chronicle)
Katy ISD board spends most of its meetings focused on conflict, not classroom outcomes, study shows
(Houston Chronicle) The Katy ISD board spends less than one-third of its meeting time discussing student outcomes, and the Texas Association of School Boards is urging the board to reset its priorities and rebuild trust after years of internal tension. The findings came during a recent governance workshop led by TASB facilitator Robert Long and consultant Jason Burdine, who analyzed the board’s 2024–25 meetings and offered training on collaboration and communication.
Beaumont ISD approves school improvement plans to boost academic performance
(KFDM) Beaumont ISD has approved new school improvement turnaround plans aimed at addressing failing or low-performing campuses. The plans include a needs assessment and student outcome goals. Related:
Police: Multiple reports of sewing pins found in candy at homecoming parade in Santa Fe, TX
(KHOU) Santa Fe, TX, police are urging residents to check any candy collected during Santa Fe’s homecoming parade Thursday night after multiple reports of sewing pins found embedded inside pieces of candy.
School bus evacuated safely as truck fire erupts in Round Rock
(KVUE) A Round Rock Independent School District (RRISD) school bus was involved in a crash that sparked a vehicle fire Thursday morning. Round Rock Fire Department crews responded to the scene at 8:19 a.m. and arrived three minutes later to find a wreck between a school bus and a truck, with the truck engulfed in flames. School officials said all eight students on the bus were safely evacuated by the bus driver. The fire was extinguished by 8:28 a.m. One adult from the truck was transported to a local hospital and is expected to recover.
8 students taken to hospital after Montgomery ISD school bus involved in ‘major accident,’ district says
(Houston Chronicle) A crash involving a Montgomery ISD school bus at FM 2854 and Mail Rt. Road near Montgomery sent eight students to the hospital Thursday morning.
Valley View ISD Celebrates Deployment of First Electric School Bus Fleet in South Texas
(PR Newswire) Valley View Independent School District, in partnership with Highland Electric Fleets, will host a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the launch of the district’s first fleet of electric school buses. The new fleet includes eight Thomas Built Type-C electric school buses and eight Tellus 30kW chargers, marking Highland’s first fleet electrification project in South Texas.
Celina ISD coach arrested, accused of taking explicit photos of students in locker room
(KRLD) A now-former Celina ISD middle school coach, Caleb Elliott, is under arrest, accused of secretly recording students in the locker room and facing felony child-pornography charges. Police say investigators found explicit images of students on Elliott’s phone after reports of suspicious behavior from student athletes. He was initially charged with invasive visual recording, but authorities later upgraded charges to possession or promotion of child pornography, a second-degree felony. His father, Bill Elliott — who is Celina’s athletic director and head football coach — addressed parents in a school board meeting, saying he’s devastated but insists he wants justice while continuing to love his son unconditionally.
Court documents: Former Leander ISD bus monitor admitted to inappropriately touching child
(KVUE) Former Leander Independent School District bus monitor Steven Wade Lackey, 70, allegedly admitted to inappropriately touching a child, according to court documents obtained by KVUE. The affidavit states that during an interview with Cedar Park police, Lackey admitted to touching one of the students over her clothes. Lackey allegedly told investigators he was aware of the bus cameras and said “a sick pervert thought” came over him.
San Antonio Police arrest former Holy Cross Catholic school coach for a second time on another charge of invasive visual recording
(KENS) A former Holy Cross coach arrested one week ago was booked into Bexar County jail again where he faces another charge of invasive visual recording, allegedly involving an underage girl. The first charge against 34-year-old Armando Flores was in relation to an alarm clock-styled camera that authorities indicated captured another coach undressing in his office.
Ex-Levelland ISD teacher’s aide pleads guilty to federal child sex abuse crime
(KLBK) Camilo Reyes Castillo, a former teacher’s aide at Levelland Middle School, agreed to plead guilty on Thursday to a federal charge of Production of Child Pornography, according to court documents. When agents searched Castillo’s home in June, he admitted to having sexual contact with two boys, and said he recorded one of the children showering. Authorities discovered multiple videos of Castillo sexually abusing the children at his Levelland home. Many details in court documents were too graphic to be published. Court records did not indicate any of the abuse took place at school. Levelland ISD previously said the victims were not students.
Floresville man struggles to report suspected child abuse due to non-anonymity law
(News4SA) A man says he’s at his wit’s end trying to save a young boy’s life in Floresville. The man says the non-verbal 7-year-old boy with autism is being abused and that he’s being met with obstacles at every turn trying to report the abuse. The man says he was stunned to find CPS would not take his report unless he gave his information. He says he wants to remain anonymous because the child’s parents are prison guards.
Two Del Mar College dual credit instructors arrested, accused of inappropriately touching students
(KRIS) Two Del Mar College dual credit instructors, Jose Uribe and Martin Fonseca, are facing charges after being accused of assaulting and inappropriately touching students at Falfurrias High School. As part of a partnership with Del Mar College and the Rural Schools Innovation Zone, Uribe and Fonseca taught welding classes at Falfurrias High School.
Resident requests Turning Point USA conversation at Victoria ISD school board meeting
(Crossroads Today) Thousands of schools have requested Turning Point USA chapters since the assassination of Charlie Kirk. One Victoria ISD parent, Adam J. Daughtrey, is hoping the school board considers including a local chapter in their schools. He says the organization isn’t necessarily looking to push a political agenda, but it provides a safe place for students to express their opinions. Daughtrey says the organization provides an opportunity for students to exercise their first amendment rights. The board could not respond to his presentation, as it came during the public comments portion of the meeting.
Paxton launches investigation into University of North Texas, citing ‘abysmal’ and ‘nonexistent’ actions in response to students’ dispute over Charlie Kirk
(KERA) Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced Thursday that his office will investigate the University of North Texas. In an official statement, Paxton’s office said the university has failed to appropriately respond to local reactions to the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk in September.
UT Austin announces faculty task forces to revise core curriculum, define academic stances
(Daily Texan) A new task force made up of University-selected faculty will review and revise the University’s core curriculum, UT Austin President Jim Davis announced Thursday. The Core Curriculum Task Force’s proposals will outline inconsistencies and flaws of the academic opportunities for students.
Texas Southern University opens institute to advance health equity in Houston’s Third Ward
(Houston Chronicle) With a ribbon-cutting and renewed call for community investment, Texas Southern University this week launched its new Institute for Urban Public Health and Housing to research and advance health outcomes in Houston’s Third Ward, a project years in the making and partly driven by the late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. Before she died, the Houston Democrat secured a $2 million grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration.
Anti-censorship groups ask U.S. Supreme Court to take on Llano County library case
(Texas Public Radio) Seven groups representing authors, libraries, book publishers, and First Amendment supporters are asking the U.S. Supreme Court to take up the case of book removals in Llano County.
Popular San Antonio spot Elsewhere Too asks parents to rein in their kids
(San Antonio Current) In a social media post, the owners of the beer garden, Elsewhere Too, which features a 52-foot Ferris wheel, asked parents to help keep their kids from destroying the property. Since the spot’s early-October debut, children have ripped apart its lights, thrown rocks, destroyed plants and even tossed items from the Ferris wheel, the post said.
No more rolling blackouts? This tech is changing Texas forever
(KIII) Big battery farms are redefining grid stability across the state.
Oct. 16, 2025
Houston ISD raises property tax rate to cover Hurricane Beryl costs
(Houston Chronicle) Houston ISD raised its 2025 tax rate on Wednesday by nearly 3 cents per $100 of taxable value. The district used what’s called “disaster pennies” that under Texas law helps school districts recover from disasters without voter approval. HISD incurred costs to respond to Hurricane Beryl damage last year, according to the appointed Board of Managers’ meeting agenda. Related:
Kerrville ISD bus drivers honored with Courage Project Award for heroic flood rescue
(News4SA) The group of Kerrville ISD bus drivers who rescued hundreds of campers during the July 4th floods are being recognized nationally. Risking their own safety, the drivers navigated damaged roads and rushing water to evacuate children from Camps La Junta, Mystic, and Waldemar. Many of the campers were still in pajamas and barefoot, clinging to each other in fear, while drivers kept them calm during the journey to safety. The 14 drivers and coaches were awarded the Courage Project Award. Related:
Governor Abbott’s office to undergo $2.58 million federally funded renovation
(News4SA) A recent filing with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation reveals that the Office of Governor Greg Abbott will undergo a major $2.58 million renovation. The project, described as “federally funded,” will focus on the interior renovation of the existing 53,012-square-foot office space. The Governor’s office encompasses four suites located at 400 W. 15th St., Austin. Details on the scope of the renovation have not been fully disclosed, but the filing indicates the work will modernize and update the workspace while maintaining functionality for executive operations.
New Oklahoma schools superintendent rescinds mandate for Bible instruction in schools
(AP) Oklahoma’s new public schools superintendent announced Wednesday he is rescinding a mandate from his predecessor that forced schools to place Bibles in classrooms and incorporate the book into lesson plans for students. Superintendent Lindel Fields said in a statement he has “no plans to distribute Bibles or a Biblical character education curriculum in classrooms.”
The 29 North Texas Schools and Districts Cashing A Check For Teaching The Bible
(Dallas Observer) The controversial Bluebonnet Learning materials carry a large financial incentive. Here’s what local districts and schools are roughly set to make.
State says these San Antonio schools need ‘turnaround plans’ for consistently failing campuses
(San Antonio Report) San Antonio Independent School District, Edgewood ISD, Northside ISD, Judson ISD all have multiple campuses that require a “turnaround” plan. Harlandale ISD has one.
Harlingen CISD school officials respond to last year’s audit findings
(myRGV) School officials are confident new internal controls are helping them monitor finances as they prepare for the district’s annual audit. Next month, an auditing firm is set to review the district’s finances, planning to examine whether proper controls are in place in response to recommendations made after former Superintendent J.A. Gonzalez’s administration withdrew $23.2 million from a $40 million fund balance, plunging cash reserves to $17.2 million.
Connally ISD High School student who injured a teacher gets deferred probation
(KWTX) A former Connally High School student who injured a teacher in March 2024 was placed on deferred probation Wednesday. Keyana Alexa McKinney, 20, pleaded guilty July 25 to injury to an elderly individual, a third-degree felony, in exchange for McLennan County prosecutors recommending that 19th State District Judge Thomas West place her on deferred probation for five years. Arrest records reflect that McKinney became angry with a teacher, who police say was older than 65, and pushed her. The force of the assault caused the teacher to strike a filing cabinet before falling to the ground. She injured her head in the incident, an arrest affidavit alleged. McKinney fled the classroom after the assault and was arrested by police.
Middle school matters more than you think for college prep, Crowley ISD says
(Fort Worth Report) Crowley ISD argues that middle school performance and preparation are crucial predictors of later college readiness, and that interventions should begin earlier rather than waiting until high school. The district is partnering with Paul Quinn College under a Texas Innovation Partnership (enabled by SB 1882) to transform its middle schools, aiming to increase rigor, supports, and alignment with postsecondary goals. The shift reflects a broader belief that building strong foundations in grades 6–8 is essential to closing opportunity gaps in higher education.
Man killed in Gregg County I-20 wreck involving Forney ISD school bus
(KLTV) One person is dead following a four-vehicle wreck that also involved a school bus Tuesday on I-20 just before 9:25 a.m. During the investigation, DPS found all four vehicles were driving west when a box van collided into the back of a truck tractor-semi trailer, the release said. The box van then became ‘disabled’ in the roadway and was hit by a second truck tractor-semi trailer. This pushed the box van into the path of a Forney ISD school bus, damaging its side. The school bus was occupied, but no injuries were reported among the passengers, DPS said.
How the courts could leave Texas with as few as 3 Democratic seats in Congress
(Houston Chronicle) As bad as the congressional redistricting map is in Texas for Democrats, it could be about to get a lot worse based on a Louisiana case that the U.S. Supreme Court heard Wednesday. Related:
- U.S. Supreme Court decision could impact Voting Rights Act lawsuit against Spring Branch ISD (Houston Public Media)
Austin ISD teacher detained by ICE, letter says
(KXAN) U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detained an Austin Independent School District elementary school teacher, according to a letter from the district sent to families in September. AISD identified the teacher as Roberto López Falcón. López Falcón worked at Hart Elementary School. The letter doesn’t state why the teacher was detained. AISD said it’s placed a long-term substitute teacher in the class along with a fifth-grade “core content interventionist to ensure a smooth and consistent learning environment.”
Will UT Austin sign Trump’s ‘compact’ for funding? Why Texas educators hope not
(Fort Worth Star-Telegram) Kevin P. Eltife, the chairman of the UT System Board of Regents, said in a statement to the Star-Telegram the system is honored UT Austin was one of only nine institutions selected by the Trump administration. Pauline Strong, president of the UT Austin chapter of the American Association of University Professors, told the Star-Telegram she and her colleagues at AAUP feel this is another attack on higher education. Related:
Get to know the Bryan and College Station ISD school board candidates through speed dating
(KBTX) The League of Women Voters of the Brazos Valley is giving the community a chance to get to know the candidates for the Bryan and College Station ISD school boards in a different sort of way. Each candidate will be at a separate table to allow voters to move separately and ask whatever questions they are interested in hearing about from each candidate. Candidates will have a limited time to speak, however. They will not be giving long speeches.
Former Texas High School Basketball Standout Faces Life Sentence or Death in Indonesia
(Sports Illustrated) Arrested in May in Jakarta, Indonesia, Jarred Shaw could receive a life sentence or even the death penalty if convicted of possessing cannabis edibles. Shaw is Dallas native and former four-star prospect as a Top 125 recruit back in 2009 out of Dallas ISD’s Carter High School.
Former Edinburg athlete who tackled referree in 2020 arrested on DWI charge
(ValleyCentral) Emmanuel Duron, the former Edinburg High School football player who tackled a referee during a playoff game, was arrested on a DWI charge on Sunday. In 2024, a judge ordered Duron to serve a year of supervised community supervision on an assault charge for tackling a referee during the football game in 2020. Records reflect that Duron has also been previously arrested on drug related charges and on an accusaton of assaulting a romantic partner.
Irving ISD Becomes First School District in Texas to Launch Outdoor Fitness Court
(Irving ISD Insider) Irving ISD has made history as the first school district in Texas to launch a new Fitness Court® at Nimitz High School with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Tuesday. The project was made possible through a partnership between Irving ISD, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) and the National Fitness Campaign (NFC). The Fitness Court is a state-of-the-art outdoor gym that allows users to leverage their body weight for a full workout across seven exercise stations. Open to students, staff and community members ages 14 and up, the space promotes accessible and high-quality fitness opportunities for all.
Calvin Walker returns to court with ultimatum to turn over assets to Beaumont ISD or face jail sentence
(KFDM) Judge John Stevens has ordered Calvin Walker to sign over assets to BISD to help pay more than $1 million he owes the school district. In 2019, a jury convicted the former BISD electrician of stealing the money from the district by overcharging for services and equipment. Judge Stevens revoked his probation in a May hearing, but allowed Walker to remain out of jail so he could start paying back some of the money. Walker was in court Wednesday afternoon for another hearing. “You can see what this court is inclined to do, unless a miracle happens,” said Stevens, indicating he could send Walker to jail. “This has taken far too long.”
Former Grape Creek ISD janitor arrested for child pornography, child sex crimes
(KTXS) A former Grape Creek ISD janitor has been arrested after thousands of child pornography images and videos were found in his possession. Sammy Ray Soto is accused of committing multiple felony child sex crimes during the early 2000s.
South Texas ISD employee held without bond in child porn case
(ValleyCentral) A South Texas Independent School District employee who was arrested in a child porn investigation appeared in court Tuesday afternoon. A hearing was held for Roel Flores Jr., who was arrested after a criminal complaint revealed that thousands of files of child porn were downloaded from an IP address associated with his home. The court found probable cause that Flores should remain in federal custody without bond, with reasons including that he “poses serious danger to any person or the community,” a detention document states.
2 Falfurrias HS educators no longer working for district following misconduct report
(KIII) Brooks County Independent School District placed two instructors on leave pending an investigation due to allegations of misconduct at Falfurrias High School. In a press release to parents on Wednesday, BCISD said it received reports of the incident on September 11. Upon learning of the allegations, the district reported to local law enforcement, Child Protective Services, and the State Board of Educator Certification. Both former staff members are no longer employed with Brooks County ISD.
Brownsville ISD: Suspect expected to be charged after social media threat
(ValleyCentral) A suspect is expected to be charged after a social media threat was made against a Brownsville Independent School District campus. A spokesperson with Brownsville ISD says the threat was shared on Tuesday night on social media.
Texans could begin applying for school vouchers in February
(Texas Tribune) Texas families wanting to participate in the state’s upcoming school voucher program could apply as soon as February, while the application process for private schools hoping to join is set to launch before the end of the year. Those details were revealed in the state’s $52 million contract with New York-based finance and technology company Odyssey, which Texas’ chief financial officer recently hired to help design and manage the voucher program. The Texas Tribune and ProPublica reviewed the contract after filing an open records request following Odyssey’s appointment.
The Alamo removed this social media post. A Texas official called it woke
(San Antonio Express-News) There’s trouble at the Alamo again, this time on social media. Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham applauded the removal of a post celebrating “Indigenous Peoples” from the Alamo’s official Facebook and X, formerly known as Twitter, pages. “Woke has no place at the Alamo,” Buckingham said in an X post Tuesday, adding her staff is investigating “how the Alamo Trust reviews and approves content for social media posts to official Alamo accounts.”
North Texas School Librarians Who Faced Criminal Investigation Speak Out
(Dallas Observer) A new documentary follows the local librarians who were targeted for – get this – lending books to schoolchildren.
New Braunfels ISD closes middle school, high school libraries to review collection
(Texas Public Radio) Students in sixth through 12th grade in the New Braunfels Independent School District are currently unable to visit their school libraries or check out books. According to district officials, the New Braunfels school board voted Monday evening to “temporarily suspend student access to all secondary libraries and all secondary library materials effective immediately while the district ensures compliance with Senate Bill 13.”
After federal layoffs, Fort Worth families worry about special education rights
(Fort Worth Star-Telegram) The news of the gutting of the U.S. Department of Education’s special education office is creating concern for families of students with disabilities in Fort Worth and across the country.
Judge bars 11-year-old who confessed to 2022 murder from going to Gonzales ISD campuses amid safety concerns
(KENS) After a hearing Tuesday, a judge granted Gonzales ISD’s request for a temporary restraining order and injunction to ensure the child is kept out of classrooms.
‘It’s shocking’: Parents react as data show assaults of educators across El Paso districts
(KFOX) New data obtained by KFOX14/CBS4 reveals the amount of alleged assaults on teachers and educators across El Paso’s largest school districts, raising safety concerns among parents. Over the past five years, El Paso ISD reported the highest number of incidents, followed by Ysleta ISD, with Socorro ISD reporting the fewest. In the current school year, El Paso ISD has already seen 17 assaults on teachers so far, compared to 44 in 2024-25, and 28 in 2023-24.
Caldwell County Commissioners approve law enforcement substation at Prairie Lea ISD
(Lockhart Post-Register) The Caldwell County Commissioners Court has officially approved an agreement to establish a new law enforcement substation at Prairie Lea Independent School District, marking a significant step forward in local school safety efforts. Under the new agreement, the PLISD campus will host dedicated office space serving as a substation for Precinct 2 Deputy Constables, as well as deputies from the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office, Texas Highway Patrol Troopers, and DPS Commercial Vehicle Enforcement (CVE) Troopers.
Northwest ISD overhauls how it teaches students with dyslexia. Here’s what changed
(Fort Worth Report) The north Fort Worth district says it is meeting new state rules via comprehensive screening and training, which is helping students make reading gains.
Clear Creek ISD launches enrollment campaign
(Community Impact) Clear Creek ISD officials have launched an enrollment campaign to address declining student enrollment across the district. The campaign, which focuses on the district’s open enrollment program, was presented to the board of trustees at its Oct. 13 workshop. With the open enrollment program in full fledge, the district will launch a campaign named Discover CCISD.
Itasca ISD Forfeiting Remaining 2A Football Varsity Schedule
(Dave Campbell’s Texas Football) The Itasca ISD Wampus Cats are forfeiting the final four varsity football games of the 2025 season due to an overwhelming amount of players out with injury. Itasca head coach Matt Fonville confirmed with Dave Campbell’s Texas Football and also noted that they’d play a sub-varsity schedule for the rest of the season.
At Texas School for the Deaf, girls volleyball team fights a range of challenges
(Austin American-Statesman) As high school volleyball numbers explode across the country, the Texas School for the Deaf Rangers have their own challenges and obstacles as they eye their place nationally.
Snyder ISD employees get probation for abusing disabled student
(KTAB/KRBC) Former Snyder ISD employees Lexi Loveall and Rhonda Dacus both pleaded guilty to Assault of a Disabled Person on Tuesday in connection with the allegations, which took place at Snyder ISD in August 2024. They then received a 1-year probation sentence each. As a part of their probation agreement, they are each barred from teaching in the State of Texas for the next 3 years, and they also cannot work or volunteer in any roles associated with a school, childcare facility, in-home child care setting, or a church-based childcare program for the next 3 years. Court documents say Loveall is accused of kicking a disabled student in the back, and Dacus is accused of “placing ice in [her] mouth, utilizing a straw to spit ice and saliva” at the same disabled student.
Former North Texas private school coach sentenced to 40 years for child exploitation involving over 100 minors, authorities say
(CBS Texas) In addition to 480 months in prison, Michael Bo Peacock, 50, of Denton, must also serve 20 years of supervised release and pay a $50,000 fine. Peacock, a former assistant girls basketball coach at Grapevine Faith Christian School, was charged with conspiracy to produce child pornography and enticement of a minor to engage in criminal sexual activity. His co-defendant, Daniel Perryman Collins, 35, of Pineville, La, was previously sentenced to 27 years and one month. Prosecutors say the pair used the dark web and social media to contact and coerce minors, employing threats and blackmail to force victims to produce sexually explicit content. They operated separately — Peacock in Dallas and Collins in Pineville, authorities said.
Princeton registered sex offender gets life in prison for sexually assaulting child at school bus stop
(Fox 4 KDFW) A Princeton man, David Sanchez, was sentenced to life in prison after being convicted of indecency with a child sexual contact. Sanchez, a registered sex offender, was found guilty in Collin County District Court for an incident involving an 11-year-old girl waiting for her school bus. The conviction and maximum sentence came after a three-day trial, following an investigation launched in September 2024.
Leander ISD employee arrested, charged with indecency with a child
(Fox 7 Austin) Cedar Park police said on Oct. 8, officers received a report from Leander ISD regarding allegations of indecency with a child involving an employee with the district’s transportation department. On Oct. 14, 70-year-old Steven Lackey was arrested. He is being charged with two counts of indecency with a child.
Girls Groomed by Plano Private School Teacher Sue School
(Texas Scorecard) A mom whose daughter was sexually groomed by a teacher at Great Lakes Academy filed a civil lawsuit against the Plano private school for negligently allowing its employee to abuse the girl. The victim’s mom, Brittany Halley, is also suing the teacher — who has confessed to preying on his then 15-year-old student — and the school’s principal.
Court stops University of Texas system from enforcing new campus free speech limits
(Austin American-Statesman) A district court granted an injunction against the UT System’s enforcement of the Campus Protection Act, siding with students who say its limits are too broad.
A Complicated Trajectory For DACA In Texas
(Texas Signal Media) In the next few weeks, thousands of Texans with DACA will be waiting to hear the latest legal move from a District Court for the Southern District of Texas. Because Judge Andrew Hanen will be issuing a ruling that has the potential to create a Texas-sized hole in DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) protections – and up to 90,000 Texans could be impacted.
The feds are cutting off public money for all Planned Parenthoods, following a playbook that began in Texas
(Texas Tribune) Texas’ Planned Parenthood has lost half its clinics, but they continue to see thousands of patients a year.
U.S. Supreme Court rejects Alex Jones’ appeal of Sandy Hook shooting defamation judgment
(AP) The Supreme Court on Tuesday rejected an appeal from Austin-based conspiracy theorist Alex Jones and left in place the $1.4 billion judgment against him over his description of the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting as a hoax staged by crisis actors.
Why UT Austin Students Are Reviving an Underground 1960s Newspaper
(Texas Monthly) “Instead of stalking our ex-boyfriends online, we started a newspaper.”
These are the changes going into effect for Texas Southern University’s homecoming in wake of violence at other schools’ homecoming events
(KHOU) Texas Southern University is putting stricter safety measures in place for this year’s homecoming weekend, including a 7 p.m. curfew for Saturday’s tailgate festivities, which is three hours earlier than previous years. The changes come after recent violence at other HBCU events across the country.
UT Austin professor, students develop ‘game changer’ AI tutoring tool for first-year engineering students
(Daily Texan) First-year engineering students struggling to understand concepts like computer programming and hardware can now ask an artificial intelligence tutor for help after a UT engineering professor and two students developed an AI tutoring tool for a freshman course. The AI tool mimics a tutoring session with a real person, and it offers follow-up questions to deepen the student’s understanding.
Texas Tech esports program seeking support as teams compete at tournament level
(KCBD) Texas Tech University’s esports program is gaining momentum as two teams recently represented the Red Raiders at the tournament level, but the student organization needs additional financial support to sustain its growth.
Oct. 14, 2025
Parental rights law leaves families, school nurses confused
(KERA) Texas’ new public education law, Senate Bill 12, requires parental permission before any physical or mental health care can be rendered to a student. As a result, parents now worry about their children, and nurses are worried about breaking the law.
As Texas schools ramp up college and career preparatory programs, Kinder Institute finds persistent gaps
(Rice University) A new assessment of the Texas public school system’s approach to career and college readiness over the past 10 years has found that despite some impressive gains for some students, it has failed to close the achievement gap for economically disadvantaged students.
Harrison vs. higher ed: How one lawmaker is weaponizing social media to eradicate LGBTQ+ curriculum
(Texas Tribune) State Rep. Brian Harrison has been on a crusade against Texas universities, scouring course catalogs and university websites for examples of “gender ideology” or LGBTQ+ curriculum, and riling up his X followers about “liberal indoctrination” on campuses. Related:
Texas State University upholds termination of professor after controversial comments
(CBS Austin) Texas State University has upheld the termination of a tenured professor who was fired last month for comments made at a socialist conference, the professor’s attorney said Monday. University President Kelly Damphousse determined Oct. 13 that Dr. Thomas Alter II’s summary dismissal would proceed following a hearing, according to a statement released by Alter’s attorney. In his statement, Alter called the termination “part of a broader political attack being carried out by the authoritarian far-right to crush democracy and democratic institutions.”
Austin leader calls the state’s hiring of a school choice manager unnecessary
(Fox 7 Austin) An Austin lawmaker is raising questions about the selection of a New York-based company that has been hired to run the state’s new school choice program.
Moms and kids could lose federal food aid if the shutdown drags on, food advocates say
(KERA) The government shutdown is creating uncertainty about whether a federal food benefit program that helps support pregnant people and young children will run out of money.
New legislative panels will investigate “facts and circumstances” of deadly Central Texas floods
(Texas Tribune) Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said Camp Mystic leaders would be invited to testify before the committees, as part of what Speaker Dustin Burrows said would be a “comprehensive and thorough review.”
Anna ISD teacher arrested, charged with felony child injury after classroom incident
(Fox 4 KDFW) An Anna ISD kindergarten teacher, Mikaela Beth Priest, has been arrested and charged with injury to a child, a third-degree felony. The charge stems from an alleged incident where the teacher grabbed a 5-year-old girl, leaving visible marks on her arm. The teacher was immediately removed from Hendricks Elementary School and is no longer employed by the district.
‘Your clock is ticking’: Judson ISD board approves academic improvement plan
(San Antono Express-News) After receiving two D grades in the past three years from the state, the Judson Independent School District board unanimously approved an academic improvement plan Wednesday night focused on professional development, data-driven instruction and curriculum changes.
Houston ISD reported more than 2,200 HVAC complaints in August. Here’s which schools had the most
(Houston Chronicle) Houston ISD reported more than 2,200 heating, ventilation and air conditioning problems at schools and other district buildings in August, according to district data. Related:
Classrooms in these Fort Worth-area districts exceed Texas’ class-size cap
(Fort Worth Report) Here’s how many class-size waivers each district sought in the Fort Worth, Crowley and Aledo districts. Steven Poole, executive director of the United Educators Association, told Fort Worth ISD trustees that crowded classes have a profound effect on students and teachers.
What is a charter school? 6 things to know about El Paso’s privately run public schools
(El Paso Matters) Over 14,500 students in El Paso County are enrolled in a charter school. Here’s how those schools are created, funded and regulated.
Lexington ISD running back shows recovery after devastating football injury
(KBTX) A week after suffering a serious injury during a football game in Caldwell, Lexington ISD High School running back Jurian “Juju” Moore is walking, talking, and sharing his story of faith and recovery. From his hospital room at Dell Children’s Medical Center in Austin, the 16-year-old said he’s grateful for how far he’s come since the devastating hit that left him unable to speak or move.
Klein ISD notifies parents after students were contacted by 30-year-old man on parole, police say
(KTRK) A 30-year-old man in Spring is accused of trying to entice a 12-year-old girl by sending messages to her school-issued laptop. Shamone Sanford has been charged with the felony of enticing a child. The girl’s parents reportedly first alerted Klein ISD Police when they noticed messages from an adult to their daughter on the school-issued Chromebook. The disturbing messages laid out in court documents show Sanford allegedly asking to meet up with the girl at her school bus stop and other locations. Investigators also believe this is not the first time Sanford has tried to entice young girls.
Community members push back against Katy ISD’s celebration of ‘Columbus Day’
(Houston Chronicle) Katy ISD is in hot water with some community members over a post celebrating “Columbus Day.” The post drew immediate attention for its use of “Columbus Day” instead of “Indigenous Peoples Day,” the name change of the national holiday implemented under the Biden Administration. However, Trump, last week, declared “Indigenous Peoples’ Day” would be no more. “We’re calling it Columbus Day,” Trump said.
‘She is worth sticking up for’: Killeen ISD teacher disputes ICE claim about detained co-worker
(KDH News) A Harker Heights High School teacher is disputing the account of an Immigration Customs and Enforcement representative, who claimed that a custodian at the Killeen ISD school is a “criminal” and a potential danger to children.
Wichita Falls Board votes Third Future partnership for two elementary schools
(KFDX/KJTL) The Wichita Falls ISD Board of Trustees has voted to expand the partnership between the district and Third Future Schools — the organization tasked with the turnaround of Hirschi Middle School — to Booker T. Washington Elementary and Southern Hills Elementary. These two district campuses have struggled in recent years with academic accountability scores from the Texas Education Agency, with both schools rating a “D” or an “F” at various times over the last three years.
Central Texas high school seniors sound off on cell phone ban: ‘There’s a lot more conversation in class’
(KWTX) A high school senior says it’s not just his concentration that’s improving, but also the collaboration between other students, too.
East Texas middle schoolers kick off 2-day Esports competition in Kilgore
(KLTV) Around 12 districts and 120 middle school students took part in the two-day eSports competition at Region 7 Education Service Center.
New rankings reveal which Texas colleges give you the biggest bang for your buck
(Houston Chronicle) When tuition and room and board cost $25,000 to nearly $60,000 a year, Texas students and families are asking one question: Which schools give the best return on your investment? WalletHub’s 2026 Best Colleges & Universities report breaks it down, ranking nearly 800 U.S. institutions on 30 metrics like graduation rates, post-college salaries, student-faculty ratios, and overall cost. Rice University in Houston tops WalletHub’s 2026 Texas rankings for value, small class sizes, diversity, and post-graduation earning potential.
Leaked documents reveal scope of St. Thomas exposure during massive data breach
(Houston Chronicle) A cyberattack that downed University of St. Thomas’ servers at the beginning of the semester also compromised a trove of student, faculty and staff records, though administrators have not shared the extent of the breach with those on campus. A ransomware company claimed credit for the hack that reportedly took 1.8 terabytes of data – an amount that could theoretically hold several million documents. The university enrolled more than 4,300 students in fall 2024 and counts more than 21,000 alumni on LinkedIn.
As Trinity University Press prepares to shut down, authors are left with questions
(San Antonio Express-News) Trinity University announced in September that it plans to cease operations of the university’s press in December 2026.
More than 21,000 Harris County voter registration applications are still pending ahead of November election
(Houston Public Media) The county isn’t alone in having a voter registration backlog this year. Fort Bend County reported having a similar backlog of roughly 22,000 applications, just last week.
Oct. 13, 2025
More Texas kindergarteners are coming to school without measles vaccination proof or exemptions
(Texas Tribune) In school districts and charter networks with the most vaccine delinquencies, as many as 44% of kindergarteners were not complying with state requirements.
Sources: Special education staff decimated after Trump administration shutdown firings
(ABC News) The nation’s special education services have been significantly impacted after Friday’s mass layoffs within the Department of Education and it could have an immediate impact on children with disabilities, education department sources told ABC News. One education department leader told ABC News: “Do people realize that this is happening to this population of vulnerable students?”
As Trump imposes hefty H-1B visa fee, how many districts rely on them?
(K-12 Dive) President Donald Trump’s recently announced $100,000 fee for new H-1B visa applicants has raised concerns about school districts’ ability to hire international teachers — and sparked this question: How many of these educators do schools employ? Compared to other states, the National Education Association found that Texas employed the largest number of H-1B educators — 271 — followed by North Carolina (213) and California (195) in FY 25. Other states with over 100 H-1B visa holders included Alaska, Arizona, Georgia and Minnesota.
Uvalde opens new elementary school honoring shooting victims 3 years after tragedy
(ABC News) Three and a half years after the mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, the community honored the 21 victims killed in the tragedy at the “bittersweet” opening of a new school. “Today, as we open the doors of this beautiful elementary school, we do so with reverence for the precious lives lost and with resolute confidence in the legacy we will build within it,” Ashley Chohlis, the superintendent for the Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District, said during the ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday.
Documentary Shows Texas Librarians Fighting From The Front Line
(Texas Signal Media Foundation) Kim A. Snyder, an Academy Award nominated director and producer, came to Texas in 2021 to figure out what the heck was going on. Her documentary explores the ways in which librarians became front-line workers in the battle for democracy and the First Amendment. Related:
Midland ISD board president asks state to investigate special education department
(KMID/KPEJ) Midland ISD Board President Brandon W. Hodges has called on state officials to launch an independent investigation and audit of the district’s Special Education Department, a move he says is necessary after weeks of allegations of abuse inside South Elementary School’s life skills program.
Houston ISD expects to exit state corrective action plan as graduation committee use hits decade low
(Houston Chronicle) Houston ISD expects that it will soon exit a state-mandated corrective action plan to reduce its abuse of committees to award high school diplomas to students who failed state exams, state-appointed Superintendent Mike Miles said Thursday. Related:
The Ins and Outs of Texas Increasingly Using Uncertified Teachers
(Houston Press) Statewide, about 42,103, or 12 percent, of public school teachers are uncertified.
Self-Funded Health Plan: Texas School District Wins Hide And Go Seek Contest
(RiskManagers.us) A school district in deep South Texas was paying their benefits consultant an additional $614,000 per year but didn’t know it.
Texas GOP censures five, clears five but rejects banning anyone from the primary ballot
(KVUE) The Texas GOP has voted to censure five of its own in the Texas House yet stopped short of banning them from the 2026 primary ballot, rejecting an untested provision that some House members say would have violated their constitutional right to appear on the ballot.
Harmony Charter School El Paso’s Class of 2025 sees record class size decline from eighth-grade cohort
(El Paso Matters) An El Paso charter school system’s most recent graduating class lost nearly a third of its students between middle school and their senior year.
Rio Vista vs. Axtell high school football game canceled after reported shooting threat, officials say
(CBS Texas) A Class 2A district football game between Rio Vista and Axtell was canceled Friday night after a phone call to the McLennan County Sheriff’s Office reported a potential shooting threat, according to officials. Dr. Chris Chappotin, superintendent of Rio Vista ISD, said the game had been scheduled to take place at his district’s football stadium before the cancellation. The cancellation comes weeks after Rio Vista was banned from the 2025 UIL playoffs due to alleged recruitment violations.
Minor injuries reported after shot fired in parking lot following Cypress Creek vs. Cypress Ridge game, says principal
(KHOU) Creek Principal Martin L. Drayton said no one was hurt by the gunfire, but several people were injured trying to get out of the area.
Sunray High School receives $25K to rebuild football stadium damaged by 100 mph winds
(ABC 7 Amarillo) Sunray High School received a $25,000 check Friday night to help rebuild the football stadium that was damaged by straight line winds reaching 100 mph in August. The school was named one of the 25 finalists in T-Mobile’s Friday Night 5G Lights contest. The Bobcats remain in the running for the $1 million field upgrade prize that will be awarded to the school with the most votes for the T-Mobile makeover.
‘Might as well kill her’: Man arrested for terroristic threats near Waco ISD’s Tennyson Middle School, police say
(KWTX) A 20-year-old man was arrested after allegedly threatening two women near Tennyson Middle School while claiming to have a gun, according to an affidavit.
Man charged with murder after road rage shooting in Frisco High School parking lot
(Fox 4 KDFW) A man was charged with murder after an alleged road rage shooting near Frisco High School on Thursday night. Frisco police said the shooting happened around 8:30 p.m. in the Frisco High School parking lot on Parkwood Boulevard. Investigators believe two drivers got into a road rage confrontation.
Sources: Marine veteran who threatened to shoot up Texas high school and zoo arrested after car chase
(KTRK) A Marine Corps veteran was arrested after allegedly threatening to open fire on a Texas high school and zoo after leading police on a high-speed chase, officials said.
Want to apply to college in Texas for free? Here’s how to save money this week
(Houston Chronicle) Texas residents will be able to apply for free to any public college or university in the state from Monday until Oct. 19 as part of the state’s first-ever “Free College Application Week.”
UT Austin cancels program for tracking ‘durable skills’ in courses
(Daily Texan) The University discontinued the Comprehensive Learner’s Record initiative, according to a Sept. 25 email obtained by the Daily Texan. The CLR was a new model of assessing career readiness which the University had been working on for years before it eliminated the flag system course requirements in April. The CLR was designed for students to track which “durable skills” they gain throughout their academic careers, according to a February draft of the plan. The program was set to be implemented across all courses in fall 2026. Related:
- Opinion: After 35 years at UT Austin, I hardly recognize my university (Austin American-Statesman)
- Saint Louis University’s Catholic Studies program collaborates with UT Austin (America)
City of El Paso moves to rescue stalled $40 million federal grant for aerospace manufacturing
(El Paso Matters) In an effort to prevent another failure with a massive federal grant to El Paso, the City Council will consider a plan Tuesday for the city government to take over administration of a $40 million award from 2022 meant to expand the region’s aerospace manufacturing sector.
After losing federal grant for on-campus child care, San Antonio’s Palo Alto College secured a deal with Head Start
(San Antonio Report) Palo Alto College nearly lost its on-campus child care services after a federal grant ended, but staff successfully secured funding through a Head Start partnership with AVANCE-San Antonio to reopen three classrooms at the Ray Ellison Family Center. The new “Kids on Campus” Head Start program is the first of its kind in Texas and serves children from 18 months to 4 years old in age-divided classrooms. While the program restores access for many student parents, strict federal eligibility rules mean not all former users qualify under Head Start, and staffing remains a challenge.
Cuts to Hispanic Serving Institution funds threaten support for Austin colleges
(Austin American-Statesman) The now voided St. Edward’s University and Concordia University Texas’ Hispanic Serving Institution status had allowed them access to grants that boosted student support.
Lawsuit accuses new UTHealth Houston president of retaliation, negligent hiring at former job
(Houston Chronicle) The new president of the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston was named as a defendant in a lawsuit that accuses her of negligent hiring practices and retaliating against doctors during her tenure at the University of Virginia.
University of North Texas Health Fort Worth to offer master’s in clinical nutrition next fall
(Fort Worth Report) The 22-month program will include time at the campus simulation lab and prepare students to sit for the registered dietitian nutritionist exam.
San Antonio school for adults with learning disabilities opens Rising Stars Coffee truck
(San Antonio Report) Officially launching on a sunny morning Sept. 24, the coffee truck is part of the San Antonio Life Academy’s career development program, offering students training for potential job opportunities. Working at the coffee truck is kind of like an internship for students.
Texas youth camps say cost of implementing new safety requirements will force them to close
(Texas Public Radio) Texas camp owners on Friday urged the state health agency to give them more time and flexibility on costly new safety requirements, saying they could be forced to close by next summer.
In Harris County, Texas, a Diverse Approach to Cybersecurity
(Government Technology) IT leaders in the state’s most populous county said they will utilize new Texas Cyber Command services after a shift in national support, while building their own cybersecurity teams and training programs.
Some City of Sugar Land services impacted by ‘cyber-event’
(KHOU) The City of Sugar Land Thursday evening announced a breach of its internal network infrastructure is impacting some city services. The city said local police are working with state and federal authorities to investigate the “cyber-event.” While services like bill pay are down, the city said critical infrastructure, like 911, is still working.
Oct. 10, 2025
Texas Education Agency clarifies Lubbock ISD’s claim about superintendent investigation
(Lubbock Avalanche-Journal) The Texas Education Agency is refuting the Lubbock ISD trustee president’s claims about a new policy when it comes to investigating educators — specifically the investigation into the district’s superintendent for alleged misconduct.
Confusion Ensues as TEA Ties DFW Schools to Charlie Kirk Social Media Probe
(Dallas Observer) Several districts listed as under investigation say they haven’t been contacted. One local district admits to putting some employees on leave.
Houston ISD Board of Managers terminates union leader
(Houston Chronicle) Houston ISD’s Board of Managers terminated a teachers’ union president Thursday – an action the labor leader has characterized as retaliation. This is the second time Houston Education Association President Michelle Williams, a 26-year teaching veteran, faced disciplinary action under state-appointed Superintendent Mike Miles. HISD hired Williams back in 2024 after an independent hearing examiner ruled in her favor and found that the district violated the Texas Open Meetings Act. Related:
- Superintendent Mike Miles says Houston ISD is retaining its higher-rated teachers (Houston Chronicle)
- Commission hears Houston ISD teachers’ experiences of ‘trauma’ during state takeover (Houston Chronicle)
- Several HISD trustee positions are on the November ballot, but how much power will they hold? (KTRK)
Falling birth rates, growing school choice: Why Houston’s urban public schools are losing students
(Houston Chronicle) Declining birth rates have contributed to drops in enrollment in major urban school districts across the country. That, combined with the growing school choice movement and a population boom in the Houston suburbs, means Houston’s innermost districts are waging an uphill battle in the fight to attract students – and the funding that follows them.
Harris County officials urge residents to visit public libraries amid growing book bans at schools
(Houston Chronicle) In Harris County, all public libraries are designated as book sanctuaries, aiming to collect and provide access to books that have been banned or challenged. “State extremists in Texas are altering school curriculums to minimize the brutal truths of slavery, racial injustice and police brutality,” Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis said. “They are disproportionately purging books by LGBTQIA authors, women and authors of color.”
Texas loosened teacher training rules 20 years ago. Here’s what happened
(Texas Standard) A new paper looked at the impact of the changes – both on the education labor market and on students.
Texas school closures raise tough questions
(Texas Standard) Austin ISD plans to shutter 13 campuses next year, joining districts in San Antonio, Fort Worth and beyond in a wave of closures. What’s driving the trend, and what does it mean for students and communities?
Want to name an Austin ISD facility? District offers up naming rights
(Austin American-Statesman) As the Austin school district faces a $19.7 million budget gap, the district and Austin Ed Fund are seeking to raise funds by offering up the naming rights of six sports or activity facilities. The Ed Fund, a nonprofit that raises money on behalf of the Austin school district, announced last week that the district would sell the naming rights at the Performing Arts Center, House Park Field, Nelson Field, Burger Activity Center, Delco Activity Center and Noack Sports Complex. District campuses share use of these facilities. Related:
Growing Safely: How Royse City ISD Protects Special Needs Riders
(School Transportation News) Safety has always been the top priority in student transportation, but for special education, it carries added weight. These buses serve students who require closer supervision and stronger family communication, making safety more important. Radios and reports still help, but new technologies are giving transportation leaders the ability to act in real time. At Royse City ISD (RCISD) in Texas, that shift has meant embracing AI-powered cameras and live video to provide the extra layer of support their riders with disabilities need.
Manor ISD tackles bus driver shortage with new ideas
(KXAN) The Manor Independent School District is putting out the call for more drivers while also being creative to get people to apply.
Fort Worth’s generosity helps Uvalde open new elementary school
(Fort Worth Report) A new elementary school is scheduled to open Friday in Uvalde more than three years after 19 elementary students and two teachers were killed in the deadliest school shooting in Texas history. Fort Worth philanthropic leaders jump-started a more than $60 million fundraising effort to build the campus that replaces Robb Elementary.
Arlington ISD weighs $10.4M plan to build child care centers for employees
(Arlington Report) The proposal would see new facilities and classes built onto existing schools in order to care for employees’ children during the workday.
Plano ISD’s Middle School principal says campus to reopen for students after environmental remediation
(WFAA) Murphy Middle School has been closed since Monday, Oct. 6 after air quality assessments led to environmental remediation. Students are studying online this week. With Fall Break scheduled next week, Principal Dr. Tramy Tran plans to resume in-person instruction Oct. 20 at Murphy Middle School. She said they are filing a waiver with the Texas Education Agency and does not believe makeup days will be needed. For students who need breakfast or lunch, food is being provided at McMillan High School across the street from Murphy Middle School. In-person academic support is also being offered at the McMillan library.
Abilene ISD plans to bolster campus security after audit reveals door issues
(Fox West Texas) Abilene ISD says a recent security audit revealed equipment failures that it plans to address. The audit, part of a statewide effort to improve campus security, uncovered two instances of equipment failure during door checks at Abilene ISD campuses.
Southeast Texas Food Bank partners with Jasper ISD to meet students’ needs
(KTRE) The Southeast Texas Food Bank has partnered with Jasper ISD to meet students’ needs through Food Lockers. Food Lockers are on both the high school and junior high campuses. They are just as they sound – lockers with food for a day or a week, and hygiene items.
Frenship ISD 6th grader finding new normal after collapse at school reveals heart condition
(KCBD) A Frenship Middle School 6th grader and her family are navigating a “new normal” after she collapsed while running at school last month. The emergency led to a life-saving response and the discovery of a rare heart condition. Allie passed out while running on the track during athletics class at Frenship Middle School. The coach immediately activated the school’s response team, while another coach grabbed the Automated External Defibrillator (AED). Within minutes, administrators and the school nurse were delivering shocks and performing lifesaving CPR on the unconscious student.
Therapy dog joins Harlingen CISD counseling team
(ValleyCentral) Johnny Cash, an 11-month-old Australian Shepherd-Catahoula mix, joins a team of trained mental health professionals, providing counseling, emotional, and mental support services to students and staff.
“My child was screaming like crazy:” West Texas parents outraged over alleged abuse of kids
(Texas Tribune) The Midland school district has said it has followed the law. Six teachers and the school principal have either resigned or been fired over the alleged abuse of special needs students.
‘Anger, frustration, and betrayal’ — North Texas family says school improperly restrained autistic son
(WFAA) A North Texas family says their 8-year-old autistic son was improperly restrained at his elementary school last year, an incident they didn’t learn about until four months later. Cell phone video of the incident shows a Weatherford ISD educator using their legs to restrain a child on the playground. A Weatherford ISD spokesperson said the educator in question is no longer with the district and sent this statement:
Family sues San Marcos CISD, claiming sexual assault accusations were not taken seriously
(Fox 7 Austin) A family who lives in San Marcos is suing the school district after they claim coaches and administrators didn’t take a sexual assault accusation seriously and then retaliated against them. The district denies all the allegations.
Gun recovered in LEE High School student’s backpack, North East ISD official says
(KSAT) North East ISD police discovered a firearm in an 18-year-old student’s backpack Thursday morning, adding to the rise in gun-related incidents at Bexar County schools since the pandemic. The student is facing criminal charges.
Two Brownwood ISD students removed after list of names found in personal journal
(Fox West Texas) Two students from Brownwood ISD have been removed from campus and placed in a disciplinary alternative education program after a list of names was discovered in a personal journal. According to Brownwood ISD, the list was written by the students and found last week by a peer who later shared a photo of it. Officials have not disclosed the intent behind the list.
Student in custody after threat to ‘shoot up’ Medina Valley ISD elementary school, officials say
(KSAT) A 10-year-old student accused of threatening to “shoot up” LaCoste Elementary School has been taken into custody, according to a letter from the school principal.
Investigation leads to second arrest of Celina ISD teacher on child pornography charge
(Fox 4 KDFW) The Celina Police Department Thursday announced an update on the investigation of a Celina ISD teacher/coach who was first taken into custody on Friday, October 3, 2025, on a charge of invasive visual recording. William Caleb Elliott, now faces a new, more serious felony charge: possession or promotion of child pornography. Elliott is the son of Celina High School head football coach Bill Elliott.
3 more charges filed against ex-Lubbock high coach accused of child sex abuse
(EverythingLubbock) Court documents obtained by EverythingLubbock.com on Thursday revealed additional charges were brought against former Lubbock High School coach Jeremy Maxfield, 41, after he was previously accused of sexually abusing students. An additional charge of sexual assault to a child was added after police urged more victims to come forward. Court documents said a victim told investigators she was in a “sexual relationship” with Maxfield when she was 15 and he was 21. The victim advised Maxfield was her youth pastor at a church in Amherst at the time. Court records said that was in 2006.
1 critically injured in road rage shooting in parking lot at Frisco ISD High School, police say
(WFAA) According to police, no students were involved in the Thursday night shooting.
Two Victoria ISD students arrested after false threat report
(Crossroads Today) Authorities say the investigation determined the 13-year-olds knowingly made false bomb and gun threats against Victoria ISD’s Howell Middle School.
‘What happened to my baby?’ — Guard charged after reported attack at Dallas Co. juvenile justice center
(WFAA) A Dallas County juvenile detention officer was arrested after deputies alleged he assaulted a 15-year-old in custody late last month, leaving the youth with a broken nose, fractured bones, and visible shoe print marks on his face, court records showed. Stephen Puzio, 35, faces a felony aggravated assault by a public servant charge for the September 21 incident, where deputies said he put the teenager into a chokehold for 12 seconds, then stepped on his face after his unconscious body fell to the ground.
UT Austin discontinues successor to flags system
(Daily Texan) The University discontinued the Comprehensive Learner’s Record initiative, which was set to be an alternative model to the Skills and Experience Flags (“flags”) system, according to a Sept. 25 email obtained by the Daily Texan. The University eliminated the flags system in April following concerns from Texas lawmakers, students and staff that the flags did not adequately prepare students for the workplace, according to previous Daily Texan coverage. The flag system required students to take at least one course in each of the six flag areas: writing, ethics, cultural diversity in the United States, global cultures, quantitative reasoning and independent inquiry.
Anonymous family donates $1.8M to cover tuition for fourth-year Texas Christian University medical students
(KERA) Students in the May graduating class of Texas Christian University’s medical school will have tuition covered for their final semester thanks to an anonymous donor family. The $1.8 million donation will allow the students to concentrate on picking a specialty, said Dr. Stuart Flynn, dean of TCU’s Anne Burnett Marion School of Medicine, in a news release.
Texas State University teaches students to design spaces for individuals living with mental illnesses
(Texas Public Radio) Texas State University has introduced “Introduction to Architectural Psychopathology,” a first-of-its-kind interior design course that guides designers on how to create spaces for individuals who live with autism, dementia, depression, schizophrenia and anxiety disorders. Students taking the course are trained to create interior spaces that actively support these individuals.
After 3 years, UT Rio Grande Valley marks opening of Valley’s first-of-its-kind cancer center
(myRGV) The $151 million state-of-the-art facility UT Health RGV Cancer and Surgery Center in McAllen will offer several oncology services, such as diagnostic imaging, infusion therapy and outpatient cancer care. The center held its grand opening on Wednesday.
From Student to Teacher: Corpus Christi ISD alum finds her calling through associate program
(KIII) The associate teacher program gives Corpus Christi ISD paraprofessionals the opportunity to become a certified teacher.
About 4,000 Tarrant County properties to lose homestead exemption, appraisal district says
(Fort Worth Report) About 4,000 Tarrant County homes are expected to lose a homestead exemption because they lost eligibility this year, according to an Oct. 2 statement from Tarrant Appraisal District officials. Most are because the owner died, multiple homesteads were claimed, or the properties were vacant longer than two years, Chief Appraiser Joe Don Bobbitt said in an email. TAD issued the statement to correct reporting that county officials revoked thousands more homestead exemptions than they had.
Oct. 9, 2025
No more rainbow crosswalks? Texas Gov. orders removal of ‘political ideologies’ from roads
(News4SA) On Wednesday, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott ordered the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to ‘ensure counties and cities are in compliance with federal and state guidelines,’ which may impact any crosswalks and roadway markers with ‘political ideology.’ TxDOT has released a statement, announcing that they intend to follow Gov. Abbott’s new directive and remove rainbow crosswalks across Texas. The release cites federal and state guidelines, which say that any non-standard road surface markings, signage, and signals are strictly prohibited.
Donors to Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s PAC have pulled in $1 billion in no-bid state contracts
(San Antonio Current) A new study highlights how some of the governor’s deep-pocketed donors landed lucrative state contracts during disaster declarations.
Father of slain middle schooler Serenity Baker files lawsuit against Killeen ISD, maker of weapons detection system
(KWTX) The father of Serenity Baker, the Killeen teenager who was stabbed and killed at school, has filed a lawsuit against Killeen ISD and Evolv Technologies Inc., the company that produces and provides the district’s weapons detection system. The lawsuit states that Serenity Baker’s death was a result of the Defendants’ negligence and wrongful conduct. Serenity Baker was 14 years old when she was stabbed and killed by a fellow classmate in the hallway of Roy J. Smith Middle School on March 20.
River Road ISD teacher resigns over controversial social media post about Charlie Kirk
(KVII) A River Road ISD teacher resigned over his controversial comment after the assassination of political activist Charlie Kirk. “I’m sorry Charlie Kirk led such a miserable short life that people are breathing a sigh of relief he is gone,” Michael Newman wrote on social media. According to Superintendent Richard Kelley, Newman, who taught theater, argued he was “exercising his right to free speech by voicing his opinion on a matter of public concern on his personal social media account.” Kelley said Newman was reported to the State Board of Educator Certification in compliance with Morath’s direction. The TEA’s website shows his teaching certificate is still valid.
Carthage ISD band director resigns, citing new law requiring Ten Commandments in classroom
(CBS19) On Monday, Johnnie Cotton resigned from his role at Carthage ISD. He said the decision came after he was asked to install the Ten Commandments in his classroom. Cotton said he has been working in education for 42 years. “I believe very strongly that politics and religion have no place in the public schools,” Cotton said on social media. “…Seeing this as a line I refused to cross, I resigned.”
Grapevine-Colleyville ISD Confronts Grapevine City Council And Mayor Tate’s Alleged Threats, Misinformation
(Dallas Express) The Grapevine-Colleyville Independent School District has publicly pushed back against Mayor William D. Tate and the Grapevine City Council, calling their recent claims about the district’s finances “factually incorrect.” The district encouraged city officials on Wednesday to base their discussions on “accurate, factual information,” especially as it confronts significant budget challenges and potential school consolidations.
Leander ISD returns dozens of books to classrooms after review of compliance with new state law
(KVUE) The district said it reinstated 36 of the 40 books it pulled from classrooms with “revisions to curriculum materials.”
Houston ISD plans to spend $2 million in 2025-26 on its promotional show ‘HISD NOW’
(Houston Chronicle) Houston ISD earmarked $2 million for its promotional show “HISD NOW,” according to a proposal from prior to the February start of the show. The show highlights school programs, academic successes, philanthropic initiatives, and athletic accomplishments. The district planned to raise philanthropic funds to cover additional costs. It is unclear whether those outside funds are being raised and for what purposes.
Almost $300 million in public property is at stake as Austin ISD looks to close 13 schools
(KUT) Campuses slated for closure were also set to receive millions of dollars in upgrades under the largest bond in Austin ISD history, approved by voters in a landslide 2022 election.
Valley school districts, officials address new THC vape pen law
(myRGV) School districts throughout the Valley are weighing in on how this new legislation — Senate Bill 2024 — affects their operations.
Five Houston ISD middle school students hospitalized for heat illnesses following evacuation for reported gas leak
(Fox 26 Houston) According to Houston Fire officials, a gas leak was reported at about 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at McReynolds Middle School. The school was evacuated while natural gas service utility CenterPoint Energy was working on the leak. Some students reportedly experienced heat-related illnesses while they were outside. Five students were treated and released from a hospital. HISD clarified that the illnesses were not related to the gas leak. The evacuation lasted about 1.5 hours before classes resumed.
Taste test: See what Houston-area kids thought about new cafeteria options
(Houston Chronicle) More than 250 students from all over Harris County took to the Humble Civic Center Wednesday morning to sample hundreds of dishes and give feedback on what kinds of food they want to see in cafeterias. The student taste testing was part of an annual event held by the Harris County Department of Education and its national purchasing cooperative, Choice Partners, which helps purchase and supply lunches for school districts.
How Southlake Carroll boosters fund one of Texas’ premier athletic programs
(Fort Worth Star-Telegram) Southlake is the seventh-wealthiest suburb in the nation, according to a study by GoBankingRates. That wealth, however, doesn’t necessarily mean Carroll ISD’s athletic facilities are fully funded by local tax dollars. Because of the state recapture policy, the school district must share property tax revenues with less affluent districts across Texas. Seeking to maintain the district’s athletic edge, Ron Slavin, along with Robert Clayton, Bill Webb and Trevor Tacker, founded the Dragon Touchdown Club in 2022. The nonprofit is dedicated to supporting and enhancing high school athletics in the Southlake community.
South Texas students have a new chance to taste the race for space
(Texas Tribune) In the shadow of SpaceX, Rio Grande Valley students will have a chance to build their own rockets and launch them 11,000 feet in the air, under a program that hopes to spark interest in aerospace jobs.
Corpus Christi ISD sees sharp growth in pre-K enrollment, early learning readiness
(KIII) The Corpus Christi Independent School District is seeing high growth in pre-K enrollment — and with that, increased readiness in reading and math. District leaders say pre-K enrollment has jumped 214 percent over the last four years. They credit new legislation offering free enrollment to district employees and say while those spots are filling up fast and the numbers all sound positive, they’re still not where they want to be.
‘Mission Possible:’ Fort Bend ISD implements instructional guidance at 3 middle schools
(Community Impact) Fort Bend ISD officials have launched small instructional teams at Olympia, McAuliffe and Missouri City middle schools to provide instructional and academic support to campus staff at the start of the school year. The teams come after the schools received a failing state accountability score for either the 2023-24 or 2024-25 school year.
‘Broad’ coalition asks appeals court to protect the Texas Dream Act
(Texas Public Radio) A coalition of nearly 30 Texas organizations have banded together in support of, at the very least, giving the Texas Dream Act a day in court. The coalition recently filed an amicus brief with the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals asking the court to overturn a June court order ending in-state tuition for many undocumented Texas residents. IDRA, the Intercultural Research Development Association, filed the brief on behalf of 29 people and groups that IDRA chief legal analyst Paige Duggins-Clay said represent broad, bipartisan support for the Dream Act.
Some Texas community colleges remove course materials amid broader push to limit gender identity discussions
(Texas Tribune) At least two community colleges, Alvin and Blinn, are also considering what they can and can’t teach to high schoolers enrolled in their fast-growing dual credit courses.
Republicans Continue to Batter UT Austin
(Austin Chronicle) Texas leaders are “enthusiastic” about silencing dissent and marginalizing LGBTQ students.
Former UT lecturer’s lingering charges from pro-Palestinian protest dismissed
(KUT) The Travis County Attorney’s office has formally dismissed all charges against a former UT faculty member who was arrested after pro-Palestinian demonstrations in 2024. Rich Heyman, a former lecturer at UT, was in an altercation with state police during a student-led protest in April 2024, and was fired the same day.
‘AI is useful, right?’: UT Austin professor uses artificial intelligence to assist in research
(Daily Texan) For 20 years, a computational complexity theory researcher has posted updates about his work on his blog, Shtetl-Optimized. Last week, a Sept. 27 blog post he made about his recent findings began circulating among an audience of students, researchers and colleagues, largely due to its inclusion of a single word — “AI.”
Tyler Junior College to begin first-of-its-kind forklift technician training program
(KLTV) From forklift operation, to forklift maintenance, Tyler Junior College is expanding to add a first of its kind program. “Our responsibility to ensure that we are investing in them and providing as many courses and as many offerings as available that lead to workforce outcomes,” said Adam Palacios, the Dean of TJC North.
Northwest Vista College buys nearby San Antonio office complex for its new bachelor’s degree program
(San Antonio Report) Alamo Colleges District is expanding Northwest Vista College’s footprint with the recent purchase of a nearly 200,000 square-foot office complex in the city’s innovation and corporate corridor in Westover Hills. The property is located at 10,000 Rogers Run, about a mile away from the Northwest Vista College campus, and is expected to serve as an extension to house the college’s newly-approved Bachelor of Applied Technology in Cloud Computing and related technology programs.
Union Grove ISD student charged in school bathroom recording incident
(CBS 19) Preston Grant Travis was indicted Oct. 3 by a grand jury in Upshur County on a charge of invasive visual recording. According to the indictment, he photographed the victim, a fellow Union Grove High School student, in a school bathroom without the victim’s consent on or about April 1.
Affidavit: Holy Cross Catholic High School coach charged with invasive recording had ‘many images’ of victim undressing
(KSAT) A former Holy Cross High School coach accused of making invasive recordings on a hidden camera in his office had “many images” of a victim undressing, according to an arrest affidavit. The affidavit states that a part-time employee at Holy Cross High School used an office she shared with Flores as a changing room. Her part-time status prevented her from accessing a locker room. On Oct. 6, after SAPD applied for a search warrant on the SD card, it was determined that images and videos had been remotely deleted over Wi-Fi, according to the affidavit.
Parents voice concern after Brownwood ISD students create ‘death list’
(KTAB/KRBC) Last week, several Brownwood Independent School District parents received a notice stating that their child’s name appeared on a so-called “death list.” The list, allegedly created by two students, was later shared on social media. Now, parents are voicing concerns about their children’s safety and questioning how the district responded to the situation.
AFFIDAVIT: Former Academy ISD bus driver caught on video surveillance touching student on school bus
(KXXV) Three separate arrest affidavits obtained by 25 News detail the charges against William Blackburn, the former Academy ISD staff member arrested for sexual assault against a student.
Minor taken into custody after Edgewood ISD (Van Zandt County) finds ‘troubling’ online threat
(KLTV) A student was taken into custody Tuesday after Edgewood ISD (Van Zandt County) staff found an “unspecific, yet troubling” online threat against other students. In a Wednesday release, Edgewood ISD said the threat, that also referenced Canton High School, was first discovered on Friday.
Stratford ISD High School student accused of threatening to ‘come shoot up the school’
(KVII) A Stratford ISD High School student is accused of threatening to “come shoot up the school.” Police Chief Richard Coborn said he was notified around 7:20 a.m. by Superintendent Dr. Paul Uttley that a student posted a threat on social media. Law enforcement officers then tracked down the student at a friend’s house about two blocks from campus.
Arlington ISD elementary student arrested after bringing unloaded gun to school, making threats, police say
(WFAA) A student at McNutt Elementary in Arlington was arrested Monday after bringing an unloaded gun to school and making verbal threats, police said. According to a news release from the Arlington Police Department, officers responded to the school after staff notified them that they had found an unloaded gun in a student’s backpack. During the investigation, police said officers learned that the student had made verbal threats to others at the school.
Ex-YMCA program employee operating at Belton ISD school charged with sexual assault of a child
(KWTX) Eloy Fabela, 23, of Harker Heights, was charged with aggravated sexual assault of a child on Oct. 8. The alleged sexual assault occurred after school hours at the Chisholm Trail Elementary campus, police said. Fabela was an employee of the Armed Services YMCA, not Belton Independent School District, police said.
Killeen ISD employee arrested on federal warrant for falsifying employment paperwork
(KXXV) A Killeen Independent School District employee was arrested Oct. 3 on a federal felony warrant related to falsifying employment paperwork, according to a press release from the district. The district said the matter is not related to student or staff safety and that KISD police assisted federal authorities in executing the warrant “as legally required.”
Police: Viral fake home invasion trend causing ‘misuse of emergency services’
(Fox 7 Austin) A viral social media trend where teens are staging fake home invasions has reached Central Texas, according to the Round Rock Police Department. The trend involves teens staging home invasions and scaring their parents with alarming texts and AI-generated images, which are designed to appear realistic and often depict a homeless person sitting on a coach, standing in the kitchen, or eating food inside the home. RRPD says the trend has been circulating on social media platforms like TikTok and is intended to create fear and panic, leading to parents calling 911.
Young athletes hit hard: $1K lost in youth league robbery in Robstown
(KIII) Thieves stole items from a park concession stand and vandalized it, affecting Robstown PONY League and leaving them nearly $1K in the hole.
Oct. 8, 2025
Fewer teachers are considering leaving the classroom, new poll finds. Most are still thinking about it
(Houston Public Media) Fewer Texas teachers say they’re considering leaving the classroom, according to recent polling from the Charles Butt Foundation; however, two out of every three reported they were still thinking about changing careers. That figure is down year-over-year, with three out of four teachers considering it last year, according to the poll. The most recent data is the lowest reported figure since 2020.
Plano ISD launches internal probe amid antisemitism allegations from AG Ken Paxton
(KERA) Plano Independent School District said it’s conducting an internal investigation in response to antisemitism allegations, the district announced Friday. The district said the independent probe will examine complaints, training programs, reporting procedures, response protocols and ways to improve how the district addresses antisemitic incidents.
AG Ken Paxton announces undercover operations of ‘leftist terror cells’
(KERA) Attorney General Ken Paxton is launching undercover investigations of “left-wing political violence” in Texas.
Texas Supreme Court considers Ken Paxton’s demand for PFLAG records on transgender youth care
(KERA) Texas Supreme Court justices will decide how much information PFLAG will have to give Attorney General Ken Paxton’s office for his investigation into medical providers allegedly violating the state’s ban on gender-affirming care for minors — a request the LGBTQ rights organization says is unconstitutional.
Trials delayed for 2 Uvalde school police officers, 1 to be moved to Corpus Christi
(AP) Former Uvalde schools police chief Pete Arredondo and officer Adrian Gonzales have pleaded not guilty to dozens of counts of child endangerment and abandonment in connection with the massacre at Robb Elementary School. Both men were set to stand trial on Oct. 20. Gonzales’ trial will be moved to a January start in Corpus Christi, attorney Nico LaHood said Tuesday. Arredondo’s trial is also on hold because of a pending federal lawsuit.
Lubbock ISD responds as superintendent’s teaching certificate under review by TEA
(Lubbock Avalanche-Journal) According to the TEA, Lubbock Independent School District Superintendent Kathryn Rollo’s teaching certification has been flagged under review by the TEA Educator Investigations Division. However, TEA notes that a certificate with this “notation remains valid because no formal determination has been made.” On Tuesday, Oct. 7, the school district released a letter from LISD Trustee President Ryan Curry addressing the public’s concerns.
Houston ISD board will consider terminating teacher union leader at upcoming meeting
(Houston Chronicle) Houston ISD’s Board of Managers will consider terminating a teachers’ union president at its meeting Thursday, the second attempt to remove her from the district. Houston Education Association President Michelle Williams was reassigned to “home duty” with pay after an alleged “failure to follow campus protocols” and “repeated refusal to implement the HISD Curriculum and Instructional Model,” according to August documents. Williams believes her case is retaliation, and she said she has filed complaints pertaining to HISD with agencies, including the Texas Education Agency and the U.S. Copyright office. Related:
Mart ISD asks fans to practice decorum in the stands
(KXXV) In a message shared Monday on social media, Mart ISD asks those attending athletic events to be mindful of their words and actions in the stands. The message does not discuss a specific instance or event, but mentions Friday night lights. Recent changes to Texas law also gives officials more options for taking action against unruly fans.
Collin County school district takes closer look at security, new policies after another high school lockdown
(CBS Texas) The Community Independent School District in Collin County is taking a closer look at campus safety after another lockdown at Community High School.
Abilene ISD school board leaders push back on ‘book ban’ label
(KTXS) The second week of October is annual ‘Book Ban Week’ according to the American Library Association, and school districts across the Big Country have become a focal point for local debate. According to Abilene Independent School District Board Member, Blair Schroeder, the new law establishes a formal process for districts to work with parents and community members to review books and determine what’s appropriate for students. “I would argue that Senate Bill 13 is by no means a broad ban,” said Schroeder. “I think it’s important that as a community, we have a good faith dialog, and the best way to do that is to go through the appropriate channels.” Related:
Texarkana Police release video of drivers ignoring school bus stop sign
(KTAL) A shocking video captured in Texarkana, TX., shows multiple vehicles illegally passing a school bus and ignoring its stop sign. The video was shared on the Facebook page of the Texarkana, Texas Police Department (TTPD). The footage shows several cars driving through the area on both sides of the road, despite the school bus having its stop sign extended. The video has been shared over 500 times since its release.
Central Texas School District Confirms ‘Alphabet Soup’ Club on Hold Pending Review
(Texas Scorecard) Following questions about a middle school club, New Braunfels Independent School District confirmed that the “Alphabet Soup” club was “paused” while all district clubs undergo an “extensive review process to ensure compliance” with Senate Bill 12. A concerned resident reached out to Texas Scorecard over concerns that the “Alphabet Soup” club was in violation of the new law, as it appeared to be an LGBT-focused group.
Students removed from Brownwood ISD after list of names prompts investigation
(KTXS) Two students were removed from Brownwood ISD and placed in a disciplinary alternative education program after a list of names were found in a journal. According to Superintendent Dr. Joe Young, two students wrote a list of names in a private journal last week and another student found it and shared a photo of the list.
San Antonio police arrests former Holy Cross Catholic HS coach accused of invasive visual recording
(KENS) San Antonio police arrested former Holy Cross Catholic HS coach Armando Flores Tuesday night for invasive visual recording with a camera that police say was disguised as an alarm clock. Police initially said the hidden camera contained footage of the suspect having sex with another adult, as well as recordings of at least three students changing into gym clothes inside the office. However, when asked about both of these instances, SAPD said that they couldn’t confirm this and that the footage was still under investigation.
Parents speak out amid lawsuit against Central Catholic HS over alleged hazing, assault of son
(KENS) Two parents are speaking up as part of Anti-Bullying Month amid their lawsuit alleging their son was hazed and sexually harassed at Central Catholic High School. Since the lawsuit was filed, five students were disciplined, including one senior who was not allowed to walk across the stage at graduation and another student who was expelled.
Texas A&M Sports Textbook Promotes Critical Race Theory and the LGBT Agenda
(Texas Scorecard) The university’s Center for Sport Management Research and Education is the publisher.
Humble ISD’s drone program teaches kids how to fly and get certified
(Houston Chronicle) Founded by career-and-technical education teacher Joe Paneitz in 2022, the program was made to prepare students for potential drone-related careers, as well as to give them a skill they can use to get side jobs and earn money while in school. In the Houston area, districts Sheldon ISD and Tomball ISD also use the Iconic Drone Education program.
Palo Alto College invests $1M into popular welding program
(San Antonio Report) The Palo Alto College welding program in San Antonio doubled in size over the summer after an investment of over $1 million that added 20 new welding booths, fully equipped for the hands-on program, for a total of 46 booths.
Houston Announces New $16 Million Low-Barrier Homeless ‘Super Hub’
(Texas Scorecard) The City of Houston is spending $16 million to turn a former migrant shelter into a homeless “super hub”—a facility officials say will streamline access to services, but critics warn will damage the city’s image ahead of international events.
This Texas Christian University school serves young kids with Down syndrome. It’s hoping to expand
(Fort Worth Star-Telegram) A laboratory school in Fort Worth that primarily serves children with Down syndrome calls itself “a hidden gem,” although it doesn’t want to remain hidden. KinderFrogs, founded in 2000, is the only school of its kind in the area. After 25 years, Director and Jean W. Roach Chair of Laboratory Schools Damian Patton says there are plans to expand the program to serve more children in alignment with TCU’s Campus Master Plan, which proposes moving the school to a bigger location on campus. Physical space has been the main obstacle limiting the number of students who can be enrolled.
Bexar County Elections Department falls short on plan to clear 80% of voter application backlog
(San Antonio Current) An anonymous staffer also reported stressful conditions inside the department, including 12-hour shifts and seven-day work weeks.
Dallas Appraisal District challenges tax exemptions on affordable housing projects
(Center Square) The Dallas Central Appraisal District is challenging the tax-exempt status of more than 100 affordable housing projects across North Texas, escalating a legal and political fight over House Bill 21. Last week, DCAD sent notices to Housing Finance Corporations that operate outside their home counties. The district now claims those corporations were never allowed to own property outside their local areas, reversing years of established practice.
Texas Tech Unveils New Logo – And College Football Fans Aren’t Happy
(Spun) To say that fans don’t appreciate the change might be putting it mildly. Many fans quickly took to social media to blast the university for the change.
Ex-purchasing director says he resigned after ignored warnings of Texas A&M–San Antonio credit card use
(KSAT) The former director of purchasing at Texas A&M University-San Antonio said he repeatedly warned superiors that employees were improperly using school credit cards. “Fine dining, purchase of alcohol. Exceeding the per diem rates,” said Daniel Garza, who also served as the university’s director of auxiliary services before stepping down several years ago.
Oct. 7, 2025
Texas selects company that will help develop its school voucher program
(Texas Tribune) Finance and technology company Odyssey will help design the application process, manage payments and review complaints for the state’s education savings accounts. Odyssey will also develop a system for those families to shop for educational products and pay tuition. Applications for Texans to participate in the program are expected to open at some point early next year.
Classes at new Uvalde elementary school to begin this month, foundation says
(KENS) A Friday ribbon-cutting will mark the end of 20 months of construction at Legacy Elementary School, the district’s first new school since 1985. Legacy Elementary School will welcome its first cohort of Uvalde CISD students and teachers in just two weeks, marking a major step for a community still mourning in the aftermath of the May 24, 2022, mass shooting at another district school.
Did your school district order Texas’ Bible-infused lessons? Search our list
(Houston Chronicle) Note: Full list posted here (may be paywall). Just under one-third of all Texas school districts have ordered the controversial Bible-infused Bluebonnet materials, according to the Texas Education Agency. Twenty of those 367 districts are in the Houston area, and 30 more are in the Huntsville and Beaumont area, although the majority of the districts that ordered the materials are located in the Tyler area, with 35 districts in that area opting in. Amarillo and Victoria were next after Kilgore. In the Dallas-Fort Worth region, however, only 10 traditional and charter districts purchased the materials. While not included on the list for this year, Fort Worth ISD’s board recently voted to approve the reading materials for use next school year, according to news reports.
Keller, Northwest school trustees vote on voluntary prayer in public classrooms
(Fort Worth Report) Keller students soon will have time set aside each day to pray or read any religious text on campus — a change approved by trustees during a narrow vote Sept. 24. A night earlier, Northwest ISD’s board voted unanimously against doing the same. They are the first two districts in Fort Worth weighing a new state law requiring every school board to publicly decide by March 1 whether to create the designated period for voluntary prayer and religious reading.
Midland ISD School Board fires principal over child abuse case
(KMID/KPEJ) In a special board meeting held Monday, the Midland Independent School Board of Trustees voted to terminate South Elementary Principal Cynthia Rodriguez. The board voted 4-0 to terminate Rodriguez amid allegations of child abuse that occurred in a classroom with special needs students. Back in mid-September, MISD announced that six employees from South Elementary had resigned amid the investigation. In addition, two more employees were put on administrative leave.
See Houston ISD’s goals and ‘key actions’ in newly released improvement plan
(Houston Chronicle) Houston ISD shared a draft of its district improvement plan for the 2025-26 academic year, which outlines eight goals and six key actions the school system is aiming to achieve. Related:
- Houston ISD plans to shut out outside media, hire its own news crew (Houston Chronicle)
Voters approved a $2.4 billion Austin ISD bond in 2022. What happens if 13 schools close?
(CBS Austin) As Austin ISD sends a plan to its board of trustees to close 13 schools across the city, some families are wondering what happens to the money promised to their schools from the 2022 bond. Bond project timelines from the district show that at least eight of the 13 are in or beyond the early stages of their bond projects. According to the district’s consolidation plan, some bond money will not be able to be recovered. Related:
Coppell ISD delays vote to close Town Center Elementary, weighs other options
(NBC DFW) A brief win for some parents in Coppell ISD after the district delayed a final decision on closing one of its elementary schools, Town Center Elementary. Parents showed up pleading for another option and a second look, and they got it. Board members questioned whether another school should be closed instead, or if enrollment could be increased to avoid shutting down Town Center.
‘It doesn’t say you violated it’ — North East ISD board stands by cell phone policy despite TEA warning
(KENS) In September, NEISD adopted a policy that allows students to use their phones before and after school, during lunch, and in passing periods. But on Sept. 24, the TEA sent the district a letter alleging a notice of violation to the cell phone ban law.
Students at Killeen ISD’s Shoemaker High become ill after consuming substance believed to be THC edibles
(KBTX) Several students at Shoemaker High School become ill on Oct. 6 after consuming a substance believed to be THC edibles, said Principal Mary Lynn Gawryszewski. “We hope they make a full and speedy recovery. The situation will be handled in accordance with Killeen ISD’s Student Code of Conduct and district policy,” Gawryszewski further said.
Staff Member Sustains Minor Injuries in Hazmat Incident at Goose Creek CISD’s Lee High School in Baytown, School Evacuated
(Hoodline) A hazmat situation at Baytown’s Lee High School resulted in minor injuries to a staff member and prompted a significant response from emergency crews, including the Baytown Fire Department, on Monday.
Anonymous donor pays to cover all Taylor ISD lunch debt
(CBS Austin) The generous Taylor resident covered all negative lunch balances as of Oct. 2, according to a letter from TISD Child Nutrition Services sent to families. The donation allows students who owed money to receive school meals without restriction when they returned to class Monday. District officials did not disclose the amount of debt that was cleared or how many students were affected. The donor requested to remain anonymous.
Texas Tech system’s vague guidelines on gender identity spur more questions than answers
(Texas Tribune) Faculty have spent weeks seeking clarity on new restrictions, which have often been issued by word of mouth. A written Q&A was rescinded.
Texas higher ed leader praises El Paso progress, says challenges remain
(El Paso Matters) El Paso has done a great job aligning K-12 and higher education to give students the best opportunities to succeed in the workplace, but there is more work to do, the leader of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board said Thursday morning. Wynn Rosser, who took the job as THECB commissioner in January, shared his positive message with more than 100 instructors, education administrators, elected officials and business leaders who gathered for the second annual Education Matters Summit.
Texas State to decide fate of previously terminated professor by end of week
(CBS Austin) Dr. Thomas Alter, a tenured professor at Texas State University, is awaiting a decision that will determine his future with the institution. Alter, who was fired last month for comments made at a socialist conference, met with university President Kelly Damphousse and other staff on Monday afternoon to discuss the possibility of being fully reinstated. Alter was not representing the university during the conference. “A decision on whether I remain here at Texas State will be made later this week,” Alter said.
H-1B visa lawsuit alleges $100K fee will worsen teacher shortages
(K-12 Dive) School systems in several states cited in the suit say the fee would create unsustainable costs and hinder hiring ability.
They Thought DACA Kept Them Safe From Arrest. They Were Wrong
(Texas Monthly) For over a decade, “Dreamers” have lived and worked in the U.S. without fear of detention. More than a dozen have been swept up in this year’s immigration crackdowns. Related:
‘No remorse’ — Gonzales ISD sues to keep 11-year-old boy who confessed to 2022 murder out of school
(KENS) Gonzales Independent School District is taking legal action against an 11-year-old boy who confessed to murdering a man he didn’t know in 2022, arguing having the child in the classroom would endanger others.
Man accused of kidnapping teen near Aldine HS, injecting him with substance
(Fox 26 Houston) Ted Fleming is charged with kidnapping. He is accused of injecting a teen with an unknown substance near Aldine High School. The alleged incident occurred on Oct. 1 across the street from Aldine High School. Law enforcement reportedly responded to a report of a “student being pulled away while walking with a suspicious male.” Court documents say that the student was found nearby and stated that “he had been injected with a substance” and collapsed. He was given Narcan and chest compressions and revived, court documents state.
Affidavits: Central Texas school bus driver had been sexually assaulting girl for 10 months
(KWTX) Central Texas school district employee charged in the sexual assault of a child had been abusing the girl for 10 months beginning when she was 13 years old, arrest affidavits obtained by KWTX state. Last week, deputies arrested William “Will” Anthony Blackburn Sr., a bus driver and maintenance worker for the Academy Independent School District. Blackburn, 47, was charged with aggravated sexual assault of a child, indecency with a child by contact, indecency with a child by exposure and displaying harmful material to a minor, according to court documents.
San Antonio Police: Holy Cross Catholic High School employee secretly recorded students undressing, himself having sex with another adult
(KSAT) The unnamed employee was terminated on Oct. 3, according to a letter sent to parents.
Clifton ISD student identified as suspect in TikTok bomb threat investigation
(KXXV) Police say the student posted the threatening video “as a joke”; the FBI assisted in tracing the account.
Texas physicians group is undermining federal COVID vaccine recommendations, Paxton says
(Texas Tribune) Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton on Monday accused the Texas Medical Association (TMA), the state’s leading physician organization, of skirting new federal recommendations that now state childhood COVID-19 vaccinations are no longer needed. The TMA has nudged physicians to consider COVID vaccine recommendations from other medical groups.
UT El Paso students answer citizenship exam questions; 1/3 of Americans pass test study says
(KFOX) Some students in El Paso were asked questions from the American Citizenship exam. UTEP students responded to some questions.
UT Austin students say ‘Campus Protection Act’ continues to limit free speech
(KUT) Members of the University Democrats said the new state law disrupts their ability to invite guest speakers and volunteer voter registrars to campus.
University of Houston to offer new pathways for transfer student success
(Community Impact) The University of Houston is launching UH Next, a new transfer program designed to help community college students more easily and affordably complete their bachelor’s degrees, starting in spring 2026. Housed in the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, or CLASS, the pilot will streamline transfers after students complete associate degrees at one of five Houston-area community colleges, reducing the cost of a four-year degree.
O’Donnell Foundation’s $50M Gift Fuels Postsecondary Success in Dallas County
(Commit Partnership) The Commit Partnership and Dallas College announced that the O’Donnell Foundation has made a second transformative $50 million investment in North Texas higher education institutions to expand opportunity and improve degree completion for Dallas County students. Along with the Foundation’s investment of $60 million late last year to the Dallas County Promise, this collectively represents one of the largest philanthropic investments to grow postsecondary success in the history of our region. The grants will be awarded to the Dallas College Foundation ($20M), University of North Texas at Dallas ($17M), The University of Texas at Dallas ($8M) and Southern Methodist University ($5M).
New Dallas College program offers path to Master’s degree in Nursing in 4 Years
(Fox 4 KDFW) Dallas College is launching a new dual degree track in partnership with the American College of Education, allowing nursing students to earn a Bachelor’s and Master’s of Science degree in as little as four years for an estimated $3,000 for local residents.
DeSoto coach devoted to making tennis accessible has new players falling in love with the game
(Dallas Morning News) Jamel Madison founded his own racquet sports organization in 2023. Now Madison Ace Racquet Sports in DeSoto has over 200 student players, six coaches, and several classes conducted each week. Madison, 34, left the corporate world about three and a half years ago and started coaching full-time. He is now on a mission to make what can be an expensive sport more accessible and build community.
Oct. 6, 2025
TEA lists 127 districts under probe for employee’s posts related to Charlie Kirk’s death
(News4SA) News 4 San Antonio/Fox SA submitted an open records request to the TEA last month, requesting the list of the 281 teacher complaints and schools being investigated. On Friday, the TEA released a partial list of 127 school districts that were investigated.
Texas Teachers, Parents Fear STAAR Overhaul Doesn’t Do Enough
(The74) Skeptics of the replacement, which requires three exams throughout the year, want to see less restrictions on testing day and more teacher input.
The 5 Dumbest Additions to Texas’ Banned Books List
(Dallas Observer) Some of the banned choices left us scratching our heads, and some were just straight-up ironic. Related:
The Fight to Christianize Texas Public Schools Just Escalated
(Texas Monthly) David Barton calls church-state separation a myth. He’s now an adviser on state social studies curricula.
Opinion: Scholars Lost the Culture War over Texas History: And how they could still start winning it.
(Texas Observer) Rather than desonstruct it in a way that would educate its casual enthusiasts, scholars mostly ignored traditional history outside of revisionist and whiteness studies.
Austin ISD releases consolidation, boundary change plan; 13 schools on chopping block
(Fox 7 Austin) Austin ISD has released its draft consolidation, boundary change plan for the next school year. Most notable in the plan are 13 building closures: 11 elementary schools and 2 middle schools. A board vote is expected on Nov. 20.
Investigation into Humble ISD superintendent after lynching remark finds no policy violation
(Houston Chronicle) An investigation into Humble ISD Superintendent Roger Brown found that no policies were violated after he allegedly said he wanted to “lynch the mayor” for being without power during Hurricane Beryl.
Trump administration to offer undocumented minors $2,500 to voluntarily return home
(Texas Tribune) The administration said an immigration judge must sign off first and the payment would be sent only after immigrants are back in their home countries.
Paxton orders localities to halt property tax hikes, launches investigation
(Center Square) The Office of Attorney General has launched an investigation into the mayors and city council members of La Marque, Odessa, Tom Bean and Whitesboro, claiming tax hikes they approved may be illegal. They were also directed to provide a range of information and documents in compliance with the investigation.
Hazmat incident at Goose Creek ISD’s Lee High School in Baytown leaves 1 injured, fire officials say
(Fox 26 Houston) According to the Baytown Fire Department, there was a hazmat incident at Lee High School on Monday morning. The fire department says a school staff member was taken to the hospital with minor injuries. The fire department says the incident is contained and there is no further threat to students or the public. It’s unclear exactly what kind of hazmat incident occurred.
Plano ISD temporarily closes middle school for remediation
(Fox 4 KDFW) Murphy Middle School will close for one week (Oct. 6-10) for environmental cleanup, including HVAC cleaning and carpet replacement. The closure is “out of an abundance of caution” following air quality assessments that found issues with high humidity. The district confirmed that neither study detected black mold; an alternate learning plan for students begins Oct. 7.
Against a school district’s wishes, San Antonio’s South Side is getting a new cemetery
(San Antonio Report) The San Antonio City Council approved a Houston-based developer’s request to rezone an 80-acre parcel of land to build Funeraria del Angel, a funeral home and cemetery, during a zoning meeting on Thursday. The 80-acre parcel is inside the boundaries of Southside Independent School District, who took an official stand against Service Corporation International’s rezoning request in September.
Opinion: Taxpayers Should Pay Attention to Key Red Flags in Eagle Pass ISD’s Recent Financial Audits
(Maverick Times) The Eagle Pass Independent School District’s (EPISD) annual financial audits for fiscal years 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2024 show several financial trends that should draw public attention and raise questions about how the district is managing taxpayer dollars. While school finances can be complex, several changes stand out that may have long-term implications for classroom funding, future projects, and overall fiscal stability.
Custodial Roles At Dallas ISD Are Evolving, Blending Technology With Traditional Duties
(Dallas Express) When Silvia Fields started her custodial job at Dallas ISD 14 years ago at what’s now the Henry W. Longfellow Career Exploration Academy, everything ran differently. Today, the veteran custodian navigates touch screens and computerized systems that control the newly opened school’s operations.
Collin County coach, teacher arrested on charges of invasive visual recording
(KXII) A North Texas middle school coach and teacher has been arrested on charges of invasive visual recording. William Caleb Elliott, 26, was arrested on Friday night by the Celina Police Department and booked into the Collin County Jail. Elliott teaches and coaches at Moore Middle School in Celina ISD. He is also the son of Celina High School Head Football Coach Bill Elliott.
Stephen Furr sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for threatening to shoot up Lubbock elementary school
(KCBD) The man who threatened to commit a mass shooting at a Lubbock elementary school will now spend a year and a half in federal prison. Stephen Furr pleaded guilty to interstate threatening communications back in June, after making posts online threatening to shoot up an elementary school near his home. He wrote a post fantasizing about the crime, saying things like, “I can already smell the blood.” He was arrested after a standoff at his home.
Wylie Police Arrest Substitute Teacher for Sexually Abusing a Child
(Texas Scorecard) Wylie ISD said the suspect, identified by police as Arthur Bass, has been fired and his female victim was not a student he “met through our schools.”
Man taking photos outside Belton, Texas school arrested after foot pursuit
(KWTX) A man was arrested on multiple charges following an incident at two school campuses in Belton on Friday morning. Joelson Terrazas, 32, was charged with criminal trespass, as well as evading and resisting arrest after he led police on a foot chase from the Leon Heights neighborhood to the front of New Tech High School.
Corrigan-Camden School District mourns student athlete tragic passing
(KFDM) The Corrigan-Camden School District in Polk County is mourning the loss of Daniel Rivera, a student and athlete who died following a medical emergency at a football game on Sept. 25. Rivera, who was not playing in the game, underwent emergency surgery but later died at the hospital.
Texas private boys school establishes policy to destroy smartphones
(Catholic News Agency) After years of boys (and their parents) repeatedly ignoring the rules, Western Academy — a private grades 3 to 8 boys school in Houston — is taking a novel approach to its smartphone and digital device policy: Bring it to school or at a school-sponsored event, and “we will destroy it.” Under the new policy, laid out in a letter to parents, after the device is discovered and destroyed, the boy will be suspended. If it happens again, the boy will be automatically expelled.
Inside the $40,000 a year Austin school where AI shapes every lesson, without teachers
(CBS News) Fourth and fifth graders at Alpha School in Austin, Texas, aren’t just learning — they’re pioneering education’s new frontier. Every click and every keystroke is guided by artificial intelligence.
US Capitol trip for star North Texas students halted by government shutdown
(Fox 4 KDFW) ROTC members and other students at the International Leadership Academy charter school are known for their excellence, and are held to high standards. The federal government shutdown has canceled their trip to the nation’s capitol; a trip reserved for select students among the district’s top 3 percent.
Holy Cross of San Antonio employee terminated after alleged misconduct report, school officials say
(KSAT) Details about the misconduct have not been disclosed.
‘I felt like I needed to do the right thing’: Suspect in San Antono ISD student’s murder surrenders
(News4SA) A 17-year-old suspect in the murder of another teen is now in custody after turning himself in to police on Sunday. Andrew Cantu was named a suspect in the murder of 14-year-old Simon Cuevas last month. On April 16, Cuevas was walking home from Brewer Academy when police say he was beaten and shot by a group of teens. He was pronounced deceased at the hospital. Three other suspects have also been arrested, including 18-year-old Fernando Flores. A 14 and 16-year old are also in custody, and recently had their capital murder charges downgraded to assault bodily injury.
“It’s Trash”: Harrison Blasts UT-Austin Over ‘Transgender’ Teachings As Gender Studies Audit Begins
(Dallas Express) State Rep. Brian Harrison (R-Midlothian) has renewed his campaign against the University of Texas at Austin, resurfacing materials he first exposed last spring and calling them “trash.” Harrison said the material he documented on campus — including classroom displays and a “Non-Medical Transition Resource Guide” — showed UT was using public funds to promote radical ideology.
A&M students, faculty face uncertainty after Trump tacks on $100,000 fee to new H-1B visas
(Battalion) International students, faculty left wondering what future will hold. Related:
San Antonio’s Hispanic-serving colleges see millions in federal grants stripped away
(San Antonio Report) A dozen of San Antonio’s colleges and universities are bracing for the loss of millions of dollars in federal grants after the U.S. Department of Education halted the disbursement of about $350 million intended for Hispanic Serving Institutions.
UT San Antonio celebrates $575M raised in largest campaign ever
(San Antonio Report) To the tune of the University of Texas at San Antonio’s fight song performed by the Spirit of San Antonio Marching Band, university officials, supporters and students celebrated the culmination of its largest fundraising campaign yet — $575 million.
UT Austin launches graduate coursework, research program in quantum science
(Daily Texan) A new program will allow graduate and doctoral students to get a leg up in the world of quantum science and technology, according to a news release by the Cockrell School of Engineering.
Texas judge rules it’s unconstitutional to ban guns at post offices
(Houston Chronicle) Reed O’Connor, a U.S. District Court judge for the Northern District of Texas, agreed on Sept. 30 with two Texas plaintiffs and two nonprofit organizations that it was unconstitutional under the Second Amendment to ban the “possession and carrying of firearms inside of an ordinary United States Post Office or the surrounding Post office property.”
Spurs and rodeo gear forbidden at Bexar County voting locations
(News4SA) With the downtown San Antonio arena on the ballot, this means no Spurs shirts, hats, and similar items at Bexar County voting locations. The ballot also includes a measure regarding improvements to the rodeo grounds, so the elections department says rodeo gear is prohibited as well.
Oct. 3, 2025
UPDATED: Every Texas School District Book Ban
(Dallas Observer) Here’s a look at the books banned by various school districts across Texas, according to PEN America.
UT Austin among nine universities asked to sign new ‘compact’ by Trump White House
(KUT) UT Austin is one of nine universities the Trump administration has asked to sign an agreement in order to receive an advantage in accessing federal funds. The letters from the White House came with a 10-point contract titled “Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education,” as first reported by The Wall Street Journal. Related:
Hiring foreign teachers? What to look out for as Trump targets H-1B visas
(K-12 Dive) A $100,000 fee and a DHS proposed rule may make it more difficult for districts to hire teachers from other countries to address shortages.
Documents: Student with autism injured by Socorro ISD Hueco Elementary School principal
(KTSM) A five-year-old student with autism from Socorro ISD’s Hueco Elementary School was injured by the principal after having an “emotional episode,” according to court documents obtained by KTSM. Greg Hatch was arrested by Socorro ISD Police and booked into the El Paso County Jail on Tuesday, Sept. 30, for injury to a child/elderly/disabled person with reckless bodily injury/mental, according to jail records.
Eanes ISD assures integrous superintendent search after scrutiny of search firm
(KXAN) Eanes hired JG Consulting in August to find its new superintendent, a firm that was previously involved in the hiring of Ian Roberts to the superintendent position of Des Moines Public Schools in Iowa, a news release from the district said Thursday. The now-terminated Roberts allegedly lied about his citizenship status, and he was detained by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) last week, according to The Associated Press. Further investigation in Des Moines alleges that Roberts has also lied about his credentials in Pennsylvania and across the country, according to the AP.
San Antonio ISD schools warn families of potential armed protest on October 7
(News4SA) San Antonio Independent School District is alerting families about a potential student protest planned for Tuesday, after receiving credible information that participants may be armed. The district says it does not know the identities of local organizers but that law enforcement has reported that some individuals have impersonated a school organization. SAISD has requested monitoring from the Southwest Texas Fusion Center, an inter-agency law enforcement center, to ensure safety.
Houston ISD’s Las Americas Newcomer School students reassigned to Jane Long Academy due to immigration crackdown
(Houston Chronicle) Houston ISD announced Thursday that it moved the entire student body of Las Americas Newcomer School into the adjacent Jane Long Academy due to plummeting enrollment. Enrollment at the school dropped to just 21 students this year from 70 last school year, due to “what’s happening in our country on a federal level,” Lana Hill, the district’s director of communications, said. State-appointed Superintendent Mike Miles told City Council members in September that an ongoing federal crackdown on immigration was leading to dropping school enrollment in the region and in major urban districts across the country.
Substitute bus driver stops Spring ISD bus, calls police after student distractions
(KHOU) A Spring Independent School District substitute bus driver stopped a route Tuesday evening and called police for assistance, citing student distractions that made it unsafe to continue driving, according to district officials. A parent told KHOU 11 their middle schooler was stranded miles from home for hours, with some students not arriving home until around 8 p.m. Spring ISD says they’re reviewing what happened to determine if any changes are needed.
Edinburg CISD school employees sued over 2024 nude exercise incident
(Progress Times) The father of a student at Robert Vela High School sued three Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District employees this month on behalf of his minor son, alleging the school’s head football coach forced his son to exercise naked last year and that administrators at the district failed to hold that coach accountable. The district issued a statement saying it was conducting an investigation.
How much do booster clubs in North Texas spend on football, and how much is enough?
(Dallas Morning News) Football teams in wealthy communities, such as Southlake and Highland Park, reap the benefits of clubs that generate six- and seven-figure revenue year over year, according to financial information The Dallas Morning News compiled, while teams that lack booster clubs or have trouble raising money often feel the impact on the field.
Kingsville Athletic Booster Club disbands after volleyball coaches’ removal
(KRIS) Kingsville ISD is facing a major shakeup after the district confirmed two volleyball coaches were removed from their positions. The decision has prompted the Kingsville Athletic Booster Club to dissolve, raising questions about the future of support for student-athletes.
London ISD JV football player expected to be ok after injury, air ambulance flight
(KIII) London Varsity Coach Andy Smith said the player is in stable condition and alert. Shannon Garcia, Director of Marketing for South Texas nonprofit air ambulance service HALO-Flight, said they have seen an increase in activity this season. “There have been several football related injuries lately that we’ve had to launch for,” she said.
Cy-Fair ISD families upset after beloved high school tradition suddenly changes
(KHOU) Two best friends with special needs spent all year looking forward to their senior season running flags at football games. Then the school made a change.
Abilene schools partner with local ministry to aid Dyess families amid government shutdown
(KTXS) Abilene Independent School District launched an initiative to support Dyess Air Force Base families that are being impacted by the government shutdown. The district is partnering with Love and Care Ministries to provide food and support to service families who may soon go without pay.
S&P downgrades Baird ISD debt rating; superintendent says minimal taxpayer impact
(KTXS) S&P Global Rating lowered, from A+ to an A, its General Obligation Debt Rating for Baird ISD. S&P cited several years of deficits as a reason behind the downgrade, meaning BISD spent more money than it took in some of those years. However, Superintendent Tim Little said those deficits aren’t from daily operations. Instead, the district chose to dip into their fund balance to help pay for projects.
OneGoal Expands Footprint in Texas: Ten New Districts Join Statewide Push to Strengthen College and Career Readiness
(Globe Newswire) OneGoal, an education nonprofit dedicated to transforming postsecondary advising and support, today announced that ten Texas school districts are joining the OneGoal Leadership Network, a statewide initiative to build stronger and more sustainable postsecondary pathways. With this expansion, OneGoal will partner with districts across Texas to strengthen advising systems that help students navigate the often-complex path to college and career.
Here are the best private schools in Texas, according to Niche
(Houston Chronicle) Almost half of the best private schools in Texas are located in the Greater Houston area. See which campuses made the cut, per recently released Niche rankings.
Prairie View A&M student arrested for making threat
(KBTX) The university said campus police received a tip from a member of the university community about a “potential safety threat.” That threat was investigated, and a student was taken into custody. PVAMU did not specify what the threat was about, nor was the student’s identity released. The university experienced a bomb threat at the library earlier this week.
Aldine ISD student hospitalized after being hit by car in north Harris County, district says
(KTRK) The district said that the auto-pedestrian accident occurred Thursday evening, after the student had been safely dropped off by a school bus.
2 Quitman ISD Elementary staff members removed for keeping student in bathroom
(KLTV) Two teachers were removed from the classroom at Quitman Elementary for allegedly keeping a student in the bathroom and holding the door shut as punishment.
El Paso ISD addresses safety issues after student’s death
(KTSM) El Paso Independent School District Interim Superintendent Martha Aguirre released a statement addressing recent events of child safety and well-being, after the death of a student with autism who died after fleeing from campus.
Sex assault charges added against Academy ISD employee
(KWKT) New charges of aggravated sexual assault and indecency have been added against a former Academy ISD employee. William “Will” Anthony Blackburn, Sr, age 47, had previously been held on charges of display of harmful material to a minor.
Winnsboro teacher accused of striking student resigns
(CBS 19) According to the district, the incident was reported on Sept. 26, wherein a teacher allegedly used her hand to strike a student in the back of the head.
Parents demand action after gun incident triggers another lockdown at Collin County school
(CBS Texas) A Collin County school district is facing mounting pressure from parents after a series of lockdowns at Community High School — including one this week that led to panic inside classrooms. The latest incident involved a 15-year-old student who was arrested for bringing a gun to school. According to Community ISD, the lockdown began after an anonymous tip led police to search the student inside the building.
Ex-speech therapist sentenced to 30 years for possessing child pornography
(News4SA) Former speech therapist Lynn Wayne Morren received the maximum sentence — 30 years behind bars — for possession of a large volume of child pornography, according to the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office. Investigators seized devices containing more than 800 illegal images, with an estimated total of 1,200 images, many involving children younger than ten years old. They also discovered a book about the sexual exploitation of children signed by the author with a personalized note to Morren. Before retiring, Morren was a trusted speech therapist who worked with patients, including children.
El Paso cheer coach re-arrested with 5 more charges after hidden camera recording incident
(KFOX) An El Paso cheer coach for the Texas Bandits All-Stars, who was arrested for allegedly recording children without their consent, was re-arrested on Thursday.
Fired: Hardin County terminates employee after disparaging Charlie Kirk social media post
(KFDM) Hardin County Sheriff Mark Davis tells KFDM/Fox 4 that a dispatcher who made a controversial social media post following the assassination of conservative activist has been fired.
Property tax hike for Odessa? AG says not so fast
(KMID/KPEJ) The City of Odessa has emailed a response to Attorney General Ken Paxton’s letter detailing complaints that he’s received from community members on property tax increases.
Fort Worth ISD Dunbar High’s first Black woman principal’s legacy enshrined in Fort Worth
(Fort Worth Report) Fort Worth city officials, church members and Dunbar school gathered Oct. 2 to honor Shirley Knox Benton’s impact in Fort Worth.
Oct. 2, 2025
North East ISD may revise cellphone ban policy after TEA investigation and legislative pressure
(KSAT) This comes after the district approved their own policy in August. The school district’s board is expected to discuss its device policy at its regular board meeting on Oct. 6.
Teachers’ free speech rights tested as Texas investigates 351 complaints
(Fort Worth Report) A prominent Fort Worth case illustrates murky boundaries of free speech as educators fear discipline for social media posts.
Texas banned more than 1,700 books in the 2024-25 school year, report finds
(Houston Chronicle) A trio of Houston-area school districts accounted for nearly half of the 1,781 books banned in Texas over the 2024-2025 school year, making the Lone Star State second only to Florida for the most book bans in the nation, according to an annual report from a free speech nonprofit. Almost 25% of the book bans nationwide – or 6,870 – came from seven Texas school districts, according to PEN America, an organization that tracks banned books by reviewing district websites, news reports and school board minutes. The organization only counts a book as banned when a district takes it off a library shelf. Related:
- Just 3 states are responsible for 80% of known school book bans (Fox 4 KDFW)
- Public schools in Leander, Texas pre-emptively remove classic works of literature from school curriculum without review (National Coalition Against Censorship)
- Stephen King is the most banned author in U.S. schools, PEN report says (PBS)
‘Radical Left’ can’t prevent Ten Commandments in Texas classrooms, AG Paxton says
(Fox 7 Austin) Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a formal legal advisory to Texas schools in the wake of a judge’s ruling against the Ten Commandments bill. The AG says he’ll defend schools from “the radical Left” if they comply with Senate Bill 10, which mandates the Christian rules be displayed in every public classroom in Texas.
Texas Yass Prize awards $4 million to 11 school choice education providers
(Center Square) Eleven education providers from eight states received $4 million in funding through a new awards program created after Texas implemented a new school choice program this year. They received recognition and funds through an inaugural Texas Yass Prize Education Freedom Award at an event in Austin Tuesday night headlined by Gov. Greg Abbott. The award is named after Pennsylvania billionaire Jeff Yass who donated $6 million to Abbott’s campaign in 2023, which his campaign said was the “largest single donation in Texas history.”
How the federal government shutdown affects K-12
(K-12 Dive) Grant-making activities and OCR investigations will cease during the shutdown, but school systems will still be able to draw down most funds.
‘Absolutely devastating’: Rural schools say $100K visa fee could make it hard to hire teachers
(ChalkBeat) Trump’s new $100,000 fee on H1B visas would close a door for rural schools that have turned to foreign teachers for special education, high school math, and more.
Houston ISD starts 2025-26 school year with 1 in 4 teachers uncertified
(Houston Chronicle) Houston ISD began the 2025-26 school year with about 1 in 4 teachers uncertified, an increase from the previous year, district records show. Nearly 2,500 out of HISD’s 10,200 teachers were uncertified as of Aug. 12. One in 5 teachers – about 2,090 out of 10,550 – lacked certification on the same day in 2024.
Uvalde CISD releases 2,100 files from Robb shooting, including Pete Arredondo termination paperwork
(KSAT) The Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District on Wednesday released more than 2,100 files related to the Robb Elementary School shooting, including termination paperwork for former district police Chief Pete Arredondo.
Edgewood ISD’s youngest trustee accuses board president of sexual harassment
(San Antonio Express-News) Edgewood ISD trustee Michael Valdez has accused board president James Hernandez of sexually harassing him when he was 19 years old. Hernandez said the allegations are “meritless” and “complete lies.”
Arlington ISD school board sets goals and expectations for new school year
(Arlington Report) The new district improvement plan includes goals for STAAR results, the use of AI, marketing initiatives and the district’s budget.
Judson ISD sees fourth CFO depart in three years amid financial crisis
(San Antonio Express-News) Judson Independent School District, already burdened by a $40 million budget deficit, is now dealing with the loss of its fourth chief financial officer in three years.
From Fort Worth to the Pacific Northwest, California to Texas: High School Teams Log 1,000+ Miles for Matchup
(Sports Illustrated) Texas High School football teams are very accustomed to playing teams from out of state.
18,000 Tarrant County homeowners incorrectly flagged over tax exemption
(Fort Worth Star-Telegram) Chicago-based TrueRoll developed a system that scrapes thousands of datasets to ensure each homestead exemption is aptly granted. Homestead exemptions remove a portion of the taxable value of a home and result in tax breaks for people who live in their homes. Other exemptions are available for disabled veterans, seniors or first responders’ widows. In the first year of use, the system flagged 27,000 of 424,000 homesteads, according to Tarrant Appraisal District (TAD) Chief Appraiser Joe Don Bobbitt. Only a third of those flagged exemptions were accurate. Bobbitt said TAD is still learning how much it can trust the flags from TrueRoll.
Southlake mom, ex-substitute teacher faces arraignment in New York sex dungeon case
(NBC DFW) A Southlake mother and former Carroll ISD substitute teacher is accused of helping manage a New York sex dungeon for her millionaire boss. Jennifer Powers, 45, left the federal courthouse in Fort Worth on Monday wearing an ankle monitor, a requirement for her release after three days in custody. In a statement, Carroll ISD said Powers is no longer affiliated with the district and emphasized there is no connection between the allegations and any activity within CISD.
Former Lubbock ISD teacher accused of sexually assaulting 3-year-old boy during nap time
(KCBD) A Lubbock mother claims her 3-year-old son’s teacher sexually assaulted him multiple times in the classroom, and that Lubbock ISD did not do enough to prevent it. The district says it has not received notice of the lawsuit as of Wednesday evening, but they say they took swift and appropriate action and communicated with parents after parents voiced concern last week. LISD confirmed the teacher involved is no longer employed by the district.
La Pryor ISD student allegedly created ‘kill list,’ suspended pending investigation
(News4SA) A local school district is investigating after a student allegedly created a ‘kill list.’ La Pryor Independent School District officials have taken immediate action after discovering a “kill list” created by a student, according to a letter from Superintendent Dr. Cody Miller. The student responsible has been suspended and is barred from school grounds pending an investigation. Local law enforcement is conducting a formal inquiry into the incident.
Unloaded gun found in student’s backpack at East Central ISD High School
(News4SA) East Central High School was briefly placed on a Hold Alert late Wednesday morning after officials received a report of a possible weapon on campus, according to East Central ISD. The alert went into effect at 11:33 a.m. School administrators and East Central police officers quickly investigated, searched a student, and recovered an unloaded pistol inside the student’s backpack.
Fort Worth ISD substitute accused of ‘inappropriate’ contact, removed from school
(Fort Worth Star-Telegram) A substitute teacher at Fort Worth ISD’s Benbrook Middle-High School was removed from campus Tuesday after “engaging in unacceptable conduct” toward students, school district officials said. The incident was handled immediately and the substitute will not return, according to the email. The incident was referred to appropriate internal and external authorities.
Former Calallen ISD substitute sentenced to 20 years in prison for sex crimes involving minors
(KIII) In the trial, jurors heard testimony about deleted messages, dating apps of victims younger than 17. Anthony Schultz will be eligible for parole in 10 years.
Federal government cuts grant funds for UT Arlington graduate student resource center in anti-DEI push
(Fort Worth Report) The $3 million grant, $1.8 million of which has already been paid out, supported resources and career coaching for graduate students at UTA.
Texas AG Paxton to investigate Texas Christian University over Turning Point event school says was not booked
(Fort Worth Report) Chloe Cole claims the private university canceled an event because of her conservative viewpoints. Chloe Cole, 21, wrote on X that Texas Christian University canceled an event by the school’s Turning Point USA chapter where she was scheduled to speak. However, school officials said the Oct. 7 event was never canceled because it was not booked in the first place.
Union Advises Texas A&M Faculty To ‘Resist’ Reform and Accountability
(Texas Scorecard) A self-identified professors’ union has advised Texas A&M faculty to “resist” their employers’ efforts to hold them accountable for classroom instruction. In a letter, the organization outlines strategies such as documenting interactions with supervisors while obscuring faculty communications.
Former U.S. Secretary of State, alum donates $16 million to UT Austin
(Daily Texan) Rex Tillerson, former U.S. Secretary of State and UT Austin alumnus, pledged $16 million to UT, supporting the School of Civic Leadership, Cockrell School of Engineering and Longhorn Band, according to a Sept. 17 UT news release.
GOP groups invoke parental rights in new push to save Robert Roberson
(San Antonio Express-News) Texas Republicans working to convince the state’s top court to grant death row inmate Robert Roberson a new trial before his Oct. 16 execution date are trying a new approach: emphasizing the case’s importance to parental rights. At a press conference Wednesday, several conservative advocacy groups that had never before weighed in on Roberson’s case, including Texas Right to Life and Crime Stoppers of Houston, said the conviction raises concerns about medical consent and false allegations of child abuse.
Former A&M athletic recruiter examines backslide in school integration through the lens of football
(Texas Standard) During the fight for school integration in the 1960s and ’70s, high school football teams were often caught in the crossfire. But Don Albrecht, a former Texas A&M athletic recruiter, argues that many of the strides made in integration around high school have faltered over the past three decades. He explores this in his new book, “Blinded by the Lights: Texas High School Football and the Myth of Integration.”
Oct. 1, 2025
Texans ask for eligibility fixes, stronger accountability in school voucher program
(Texas Tribune) For the first time since Texas authorized the program, the state heard public testimony from people concerned about pre-K funding, special education provisions and data reporting.
FCC removes school bus Wi-Fi, hotspots from E-rate
(K-12 Dive) The Federal Communications Commission voted 2-1 Tuesday to remove both school bus Wi-Fi and internet hotspot services from eligibility for federal E-rate funds. The move means schools and libraries will no longer be able to receive discounts on these services, as allowed under an E-rate expansion approved under the Biden administration. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr called for the vote to reverse the expansion earlier this month.
Texas schools could face challenges due to government shutdown. Here’s why
(Fort Worth Star-Telegram) Schools in Texas and nationwide could see dire consequences if the shutdown of the federal government stretches beyond a few days, education policy experts warn.
With most federal spending halted and most federal workers on unpaid leave until the shutdown ends, school districts across the country could see payments disrupted and low-income families losing food assistance if the impasse isn’t resolved quickly. Related:
U.S. Education Department can cut half of Office of Civil Rights staff for now, appeals court rules
(K-12 Dive) The order comes as the agency was complying with a prior court order to return laid-off Office for Civil Rights staffers back to work.
SEC approves Texas Stock Exchange, first new U.S. fully integrated exchange in decades
(CBS Texas) The Securities and Exchange Commission approved Tuesday the Texas Stock Exchange (TXSE) as a national securities exchange, paving the way for the first new, fully integrated U.S. stock exchange in decades — and the only one based in Texas.
Katy ISD plans AI integration to boost ‘outnumbered’ support staff efficiency
(Community Impact) Katy ISD officials seek to further their implementation of artificial intelligence to handle at least 30% of administrative inquiries, providing 24/7 bilingual support and easing administrative workloads. Chief Information Officer John Alawneh said AI assistance will enhance efficiency and administrative support without cutting jobs, helping “outnumbered” staff while maintaining in-person services and improving completion rates.
Beaumont ISD’s future uncertain after Texas Education Agency Commissioner’s visit
(KBMT) The future of Beaumont ISD remains unclear after Texas Education Agency Commissioner Mike Morath toured campuses in the district Tuesday as part of an ongoing review that could result in a state takeover.
The top high schools in Houston and Texas for 2025, according to a new ranking
(Houston Chronicle) Nearly half of the top public high schools in Texas are in the Houston area, according to recently released school rankings from Niche.
These are the worst school districts in the Houston area, new rankings show
(Houston Chronicle) While top school districts like Katy, Friendswood and Tomball are being celebrated for their academic excellence, a new report from Niche highlights a stark contrast: several Houston-area school districts struggling at the bottom of the list—including Houston ISD, which failed to break into the top half of the metro’s rankings.
‘Barstool’ accounts spark concerns of cyberbullying crisis in Central Texas schools
(KCEN) Anonymous social media accounts claiming to represent local high schools and using the likeness of “Barstool Sports” are raising serious concerns among parents, educators and lawmakers across Central Texas, including in Belton ISD.
13-year-old girl hospitalized after being struck by vehicle on Overton ISD campus, 1 arrested
(CBS 19) According to Overton PD, one woman took control of the vehicle and, in an attempt to dislodge the 13-year-old child, “intentionally drove over her a second time.”
What can Texas public schools do to improve college and career outcomes for recent grads?
(Texas Standard) Dallas ISD is a model in many ways for how to run successful career readiness programs.
Austin ISD hoping to generate millions with new naming rights partnership
(KVUE) Austin ISD is partnering with nonprofit Austin Ed Fund to sell naming rights for several district facilities, to address the nearly $100 million budget deficit.
Why the stadium arms race in North Texas has cooled drastically
(Dallas Morning News) The Dallas area had 28 new high school stadiums open from 2000 to 2019 but only four from 2020 to 2024.
The highest-earning football coaches in D-FW are at schools that excel in the classroom
(Dallas Morning News) It’s a common theme across North Texas, where many local school districts excel academically and pay their teachers close to the top of the statewide salary range while also paying their coaches well. Related:
- Salary tracker: See how much North Texas football coaches make and their tenure (Dallas Morning News)
Shortage of referees impacting some Central Texas high school football teams
(KWTX) On Friday, Sept. 26, Bishop Reicher Academy’s varsity team had to reschedule its game to Saturday simply because they didn’t have enough referees. According to Jimmy Clark, a game assigner for the Texas Association of Sports Officials Central Texas chapter, this is unfortunately becoming more common.
Petition grows to reinstate Kingsville ISD volleyball coaches
(KIII) An online petition calling for the reinstatement of two Kingsville Independent School District volleyball coaches has gained more than 660 signatures, as backlash grows over their removal.
Midland ISD: Principal termination proposed, assistant South Elementary principal retires
(KMID/KPEJ) Midland ISD has announced new leadership changes at South Elementary as investigations into alleged abuse in the school’s life skills program continue.
Winnsboro ISD teacher accused of striking student suspended
(CBS 19) According to the district, the incident was reported on Sept. 26, wherein a teacher allegedly used her hand to strike a student in the back of the head.
Plano private school teacher to spend 20 years in prison for grooming a student now faces lawsuit from student’s mother
(CBS Texas) A Plano private school teacher who was recently sentenced to 20 years in prison for grooming a student is now being sued by the student’s mother. The lawsuit named the teacher, Jacob Allred, the school, Great Lakes Academy and the principal, Matthew Jason Campbell. Great Lakes Academy is a private school that specializes in educating students with learning disabilities.
Student arrested for bomb, shooting threats at Brownsville IDEA school
(ValleyCentral) A student was taken into custody for allegedly making bomb and shooting threats at an IDEA school, the Brownsville Police Department announced. During the course of the investigation, authorities learned that a student had threatened to bomb the school and later threatened to shoot classmates, according to a news release from Brownsville PD.
Socorro ISD Eastlake High School football coach arrested for domestic violence
(KFOX) Eastlake High School football coach Ruben Rodriguez was arrested Sunday on charges of domestic violence, according to jail records.
UT System audits gender in courses as GOP targets ‘LGBTQ ideology’
(Austin American-Statesman) The moves come as lawmakers expand regents’ power over curriculum and free speech experts warn of political interference in classrooms.
Midwestern State University sees record enrollment for first-time, full-time students
(KAUZ) Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls has set new records for enrollment of first-time and full-time students for the fall 2025 semester. This marks the second year in a row that MSU has seen an increase in both categories, following a post-pandemic lull in enrollment.
El Paso Community College receives $3.7 million TRIO grant as federal freeze disrupts student support nationwide
(El Paso Matters) El Paso Community College secured $3.7 million to continue its TRIO program, providing tutoring and support for low-income, first-generation students, while other colleges nationwide face uncertainty from a federal freeze.
Baylor’s Jon Singletary to step down as Social Work Dean following grant controversy
(KCEN) Baylor’s Dr. Jon Singletary steps down as School of Social Work dean after nearly 10 years. His departure comes amid controversy over a rescinded research grant.
These UT Arlington students hope to break decades-old homicide investigations with Arlington police
(KERA) Students in Professor Pat Eddings’ class typically show up hours early and leave hours after class has ended, working with Arlington homicide detectives to help solve actual cold cases.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tarrant County addresses shortage of male mentors
(Fort Worth Report) Boys, who outnumber the girls seeking mentors, wait about a year longer for assignment, according to the Arlington-based group.
