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Disappearing Dollars: Texas public schools are missing millions
(Spectrum News 1) At a time when public schools across Texas battle huge budget deficits and drastic cuts, Spectrum News has uncovered millions of Texas public school tax dollars being diverted out of state. The man believed to be responsible is Houston Independent School District Superintendent Mike Miles, whose network of charter schools in Colorado is in need of cash.
Houston ISD superintendent accused of funneling tax dollars out of state
(Texas Tribune) A state lawmaker and Houston teachers are calling for Houston Independent School District Superintendent Mike Miles to be investigated after a Spectrum News report revealed that millions in Texas public school tax dollars may have been funneled to a failing school in his Colorado charter school system.
Calls for Superintendent Miles’ Resignation Over Alleged Charter School Money Transfers
(Houston Press) Houston’s Community Voice for Public Education is calling for a federal investigation into Houston ISD Mike Miles’ operation of his Third Future Schools charter operation, following a report from Spectrum News alleging he has spent millions of dollars in Texas taxpayer money to prop up his charter school operation in Colorado.
Op-ed: HISD’s Wild West of Dyad Electives
(Houston Press) The Dyad program promises to bring community members, Dyad consultants, who are experts in a given field to teach students enriching lessons simulating real-world experience. While some of the Dyad consultants are professionals with expertise, many are just people off the streets. Some of them are as young as 18 years old. Some don’t even know the skills they are supposed to be teaching.
A GOP Texas school board member campaigned against schools indoctrinating kids. Then she read the curriculum
(Texas Tribune) Courtney Gore, a Granbury ISD school board member, has disavowed the far-right platform she campaigned on. Her defiance has brought her backlash.
Help ProPublica and The Texas Tribune report on your community’s school board and bond elections
(Texas Tribune) We want to hear about how heated elections affect the people learning, teaching and living in districts across Texas.
Greg Abbott blames ‘ideological leanings’ for public school funding shortfall
(Houston Chronicle) Texas Gov. Greg Abbott will not take up Democratic House Members’ on their call for a special session to address school funding as districts across the state undergo significant budget cuts to make up massive deficits.
From a pandemic to protests, UT Austin president pleases GOP lawmakers while angering some students
(Houston Chronicle) Observers say Hartzell is in a difficult position balancing the needs of university students and employees with demands by state GOP leaders who control the budget and legislative agenda.
Texas university leaders say hundreds of positions, programs cut to comply with DEI ban
(AP) Texas universities eliminated or changed hundreds of jobs in recent months in response to one of the nation’s most sweeping bans on diversity programs on college campuses, school officials told lawmakers Tuesday.
Judge grants Timberview High School shooter relief on 2 new charges, court records show
(Fort Worth Star-Telegram) A district court judge has ruled that two counts of aggravated assault recently brought against convicted Timberview High School shooter Timothy Simpkins violate double jeopardy but upheld the third count, according to court documents and Simpkins’ lawyers.
Humble ISD trustees place Superintendent Elizabeth Fagen on paid administrative leave
(Community Impact) The decision to place Fagen on administrative leave is coming just one month after trustees voted to release a report detailing the findings of a Title IX investigation launched against former Humble ISD Athletic Director Troy Kite.
Santa Fe ISD ‘stands by’ police chief amid ‘torture’ claim
(The Daily News) Civil rights attorney Randall Kallinen argued the two officers “tortured” Taylor Rogers by holding her down in a pile of fire ants, causing her to get bitten more than 300 times — all because Rogers mistakenly drove the wrong way in the school drop-off line, Kallinen said at a Saturday news conference. Santa Fe Independent School District officials, however, argue that’s not exactly what happened.
2 Sulphur Springs ISD employees arrested for unlawful restraint
(Fox 4 KDFW) According to the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office, Kristy Williams and Marcie Stewart were both arrested Friday for unlawful restraint, which is a state jail felony.
Creekview Elementary staff removed after ‘unprofessional behavior toward students,’ Tomball ISD says
(KTRK) Some staff members at Creekview Elementary School are no longer employed after an investigation into reports of “unprofessional behavior toward students by teachers in Structured Learning Lab classrooms,” according to Tomball ISD.
Lufkin ISD board working to correct inaccurate tax rolls that excluded recent ceiling freezes
(KTRE) The Lufkin ISD board discussed a written order intended to correct the tax roll errors. KTRE’s Shaquiena Davis spoke with a local attorney on what mistakes were made and what it will mean for taxpayers.
Parents confront Denton ISD board members after adult attacks student in bullying incident
(NBC DFW) Denton Independent School Board members were unexpectedly addressed by students and parents with concerns about bullying during Tuesday’s regular meeting following a violent incident on a school bus last month.
Fort Bend ISD safety protocol questioned after in-class attack sends second-grader to hospital
(KTRK) A second-grade Fort Bend ISD student had to make a trip to the hospital after a boy in her class went on an attack with a laptop.
Klein ISD adopts resolution to strengthen security in wake of child trafficking arrest
(Houston Public Media) Klein ISD board members voted unanimously Monday to enhance safety and security measures following the recent arrest of a Klein High School teacher on charges of child trafficking and compelling prostitution of minors.
Socorro ISD anticipates $41 million deficit, no pay raises next school year
(El Paso Matters) The Socorro Independent School District is anticipating a $41 million deficit during the 2024-25 school year and is looking to cut costs by lowering its contributions to employee healthcare, reducing overtime, forgoing pay raises and closing its aquatic center.
Katy ISD trustees approves 3% midpoint raise for teachers, other staff
(Community Impact) Katy ISD staff and teachers will receive a 3% pay increase from the midpoint for the 2024-25 school year after trustees unanimously approved the decision at the May 13 school board meeting.
NBISD increases salaries by 4%, part of 2024-2025 compensation plan
(Community Impact) The New Braunfels ISD board of trustees approved a 2024-2025 compensation plan May 13, which includes a 4% raise and a $10 increase in the district’s contribution to employee health insurance.
Carroll ISD civil rights violation complaints upheld by DOE, community activists say
(Fox 4 KDFW) Community activists say the U.S. Department of Education upheld complaints of civil rights violations against Carroll ISD in Southlake. The district has not responded, but two community groups on Tuesday called on Carroll ISD to resolve discrimination complaints going back several years.
Greg Abbott says he’s not ‘responsible’ for public education budget shortfalls
(Houston Chronicle) If you don’t like the budget cuts at your child’s school — tough! It’s your school’s fault. That’s the message Governor Greg Abbott had for Texans as he addressed state education finances and said it is not up to him or the state to fix it. Instead, he cited it as school districts’ “consequence” for how they’ve handled their budgets as federal pandemic relief funds expire.
State rep who authored Texas book rating law wants it defended in U.S. Supreme Court
(Texas Public Radio) Texas Rep. Jared Patterson, R-Frisco, made the request to Attorney General Ken Paxton after the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals blocked enforcement of H.B. 900, which would require booksellers to rate books sold to schools.
Democrats call for special session in letter to Gov. Greg Abbott after drastic school budget cuts
(ABC 13) Houston ISD announced drastic cuts last week, but other districts are in financial trouble, too. It’s a statewide problem, and State Representative Jon Rosenthal said it needs a statewide solution.
Katy ISD teacher charged with 10 counts of child pornography, admits to producing images himself
(Fox 26 Houston) James Paul Stone was arrested on Monday, May 13th after Constable Ryan Gable’s Criminal Investigations Division, in conjunction with the Texas Department of Public Safety executed a search warrant at his home. Thousands of images of child pornography were recovered from the home, including several images that Stone admitted to producing himself. The images found include images he admitted to taking while on school grounds, at beaches, and local swimming pools around the Katy area.
Texas school principal’s husband is exposed as suspected pedophile ‘who produced child porn on school grounds, before distributing it on the dark web’
(Daily Mail) His wife Melinda Stone, the principal of Taylor High School, wrote two emails to the school community following his arrest and said she was cutting ties with her husband.
Teen who brought gun to DeSoto High School is not student in district, officials say
(Dallas Morning News) A teen was arrested last week after he allegedly brought a gun to a DeSoto ISD school campus that he does not attend, district officials say.
Kemp ISD teacher arrested for injury to a child
(Fox 4 KDFW) Kemp ISD said it learned about a concerning incident involving Kemp Primary School teacher Melissa McDaniels on May 1. The district didn’t elaborate on what happened but said McDaniels resigned the next day before administrators had the chance to fire her.
Frisco police take 4 Lebanon Trail students into custody after a large disturbance
(Dallas Morning News) Frisco police took four Lebanon Trail High School students into custody on Thursday after responding to a disturbance involving a large group of students. A video shared on X claims an assistant principal was knocked unconscious, but school officials say that is false.
Denton ISD Admins Delay Criminal Electioneering Cases
(Texas Scorecard) Two Denton Independent School District administrators facing criminal electioneering charges delayed court appearances set for Monday. Their hearings were rescheduled to June 18, according to a court officer.
Texas school trustees begin ideological purge with Christian nationalist backing | Opinion
(Houston Chronicle) Homebuyers and CEOs looking to relocate always ask the same thing: “How are the schools?” Christian nationalist trustees at Cypress-Fairbanks ISD, Texas’ third-largest public school district, just made answering that question awkward and embarrassing.
North Texas Schools Navigating Conflicting Title IX Guidance From Biden, Abbott
(Dallas Observer) Frisco ISD and Carroll ISD are among the few Texas school districts that have responded to the conflicting Title IX instructions.
Hundreds of angry HISD parents, students protest at schools impacted by job cuts
(KHOU-TV) Hundreds of Houston ISD parents are fighting back after job cuts at their children’s schools that apparently include two 2023 Principals of the Year.
Spot Checks on HISD Teachers and Principals A Large Part of Non-Renewals Going on This Week
(Houston Press) Even though Houston ISD Superintendent Mike Miles said Thursday that end-of-the-year evaluations are still to be done, a discouraging number of HISD teachers, principals and support staff received notices this week that indicate their time with the district is up.
Montgomery ISD trustees approve $650 teacher raises amidst $4.3M budget gap
(Community Impact) Montgomery ISD teachers will receive a $650 annual salary raise in the upcoming school year as the district is expected to face an estimated $4.3 million shortfall for the fiscal year 2024-25 budget.
How SAISD got caught off-guard by widespread HVAC failures in January meltdown
(San Antonio Report) The Board of Trustees unanimously approved the findings in the report, and the dozens of included recommendations after a brief discussion at a board meeting Monday night.
Jeff Bezos opening more tuition-free Bezos Academy preschools in Texas. Here’s where
(Austin American-Statesman) Bezos has opened several Montessori-inspired preschools in the U.S. and is expanding in Texas. According to USA TODAY, Bezos Academy is free for children who are accepted.
Third person pleads guilty in Cuellar bribery investigation
(Texas Public Radio) During a hearing closed to the public on May 1, the same day Henry and Imelda Cuellar were indicted, the San Antonio Express-News reported that 67 year old Irada Akhoundova secretly entered a guilty plea to a charge of failing to register as a foreign agent for the country of Azerbaijan.
‘The Ranger’ reborn as ‘The Sundial,’ San Antonio College’s student newspaper
(Texas Public Radio) Nearly a year after the relaunch of the journalism program at San Antonio College, the digital newspaper where student journalists publish their work has been named The Sundial.
Texas Tech regents OK college name change, TTUHSC master plan and more
(Lubbock Avalanche-Journal) From renaming a founding college at its flagship school to approving a potential billion-dollar master plan, the Texas Tech University System Board of Regents approved several big items during its regular meeting last week in Lubbock.
Stampede3 Supercomputer Enters Full Production, Modernizes To Meet Computational Needs
(TACC) A powerful new supercomputer that will enable dynamic open science research projects in the U.S. is in full production at the Texas Advanced Computing Center (TACC) at The University of Texas at Austin.
UT to add 576 beds with new graduate student housing complex, boost housing scholarships
(Austin American-Statesman) The University of Texas will move forward with a graduate student housing project that will bring 576 beds along with entertainment, dining and grocery options.
North Texas 16-year-old becomes youngest Texas Woman’s University graduate
(Fox 4 KDFW) Hana Taylor Schlitz walked across the stage Friday afternoon earning a degree in sociology. But her education won’t end there. She recently got accepted to TWU’s PhD program in sociology.
Opal Lee, ‘Grandmother of Juneteenth,’ receives honorary degree from SMU
(Austin American-Statesman) Longtime civil rights activist and “Grandmother of Juneteenth,” Opal Lee, received an honorary doctorate degree from Southern Methodist University at its spring semester commencement over the weekend.
Who is Reginald DesRoches? Here’s what to know about Rice University’s president
(Houston Chronicle) DesRoches was a historic pick when he took the helm in 2022. Many noted the significance, especially because of Rice’s racial history: A slaveowner chartered the university for white inhabitants only, and the campus did not accept its first Black undergraduate student until 1965.
Rice University breaks ground on 112,000-square-foot business school building
(Community Impact) Officials said the building addition is set to be completed in 2026. Per a May 10 news release, its features are meant to meet the demands of evolving modes of teaching and learning, as well as promote collaboration among students, faculty and visiting professionals.
Indictments: 2 Socorro ISD board members targeted district employees
(El Paso Matters) Socorro Independent School District trustees Pablo Barrera and Ricardo “Richard’ Castellano, and his wife Gabriela Castellano, allegedly targeted district employees at schools where they had personal connections, according to indictments released Friday.
Mixed reactions after Cy-Fair ISD board votes to remove controversial topics from several textbooks
(KHOU-TV) Here’s a list of the books and chapters they’re asking to be removed:
Arizona is a cautionary tale for school vouchers as a wave of states are giving parents cash to send their kids to private school
(Business Insider) The prominence of school vouchers continues to surge across the country — but they might not benefit the families who need them the most.
Students may have stopped shooting at school, after alerting officers to gunman who snuck through side door
(NBC DFW) Students saw the student letting in the gunman and alerted police on campus.
DeSoto ISD increases security measures after a teen who was not a student brings a gun in the school
(WFAA) DeSoto ISD said an argument between two students on Thursday spilled onto campus. Later, a student let a 17-year-old male who did not attend DeSoto ISD enter the school through an unauthorized entrance. Students normally wear uniforms, but it was a free dress day.
Police: Dispute leads to multiple assaults, alleged firearm discharge at Manor football stadium
(KXAN) Police are investigating multiple assaults and a possible firearm discharge that happened after a dispute between adult teams at a Manor ISD football stadium.
HISD fires last year’s Principal of the Year amid upheaval
(Houston Chronicle) Last year’s Houston ISD Principal of the Year has been asked to resign, amid Superintendent Mike Miles’ firing frenzy.
Fort Worth ISD sends more students to alternative education following vaping bill
(Fort Worth Report) Some Texas school districts — including Fort Worth ISD — are seeing sharp increases in the number of students removed from class as a result of a new law requiring students caught with vaping devices be placed in disciplinary alternative schools.
Stop teens from vaping? Yes. Pull them out of their classes over it? Hold on a minute | Opinion
(Fort Worth Star-Telegram) It’s a classic case of sloppy legislating with unintended consequences. Sending schoolchildren to a disciplinary alternative education program removes them from their regular classwork, and districts such as Fort Worth that are struggling to bolster student achievement don’t need another impediment to learning. Such discipline separates them from friends, which may seem trivial but can be crucial for reducing risk of high schoolers dropping out.
The unexpected Texas election this month that confused almost everybody
(Dallas Morning News) Texans have never voted for appraisal district leaders. No surprise that this election had its share of Texas weirdness.
Texas congresswoman files bill to deport foreigners committing crimes at college protests
(Fox 4 KDFW) North Texas Congresswoman Beth Van Duyne (R-Irving) has a bill that would make it a revocable offense for anyone arrested and charged who is not from the U.S. in one of these protests. The bill calls for a change in the immigration law that would deport foreign nationals found guilty of a crime at “pro-terrorism or antisemitic rallies” in the United States.
UT commencement ceremony goes off without a hitch, but protesters rally after event
(Austin American-Statesman) The University of Texas’ 141st commencement Saturday evening was followed by a pro-Palestinian protest of students, faculty and supporters in red gloves demanding that the university divest from businesses and weapons manufacturers that contribute to Israel because of its war against Hamas in Gaza.
UT-Austin lecturer arrested and fired after confrontation with police at pro-Palestinian demonstration
(Texas Tribune) Richard Heyman, who has taught at UT for 18 years in the College of Liberal Arts, was arrested Wednesday by the Texas Department of Public Safety and charged with interfering with public duties, a Class B misdemeanor.
Texas’ DEI ban almost ended cultural graduations. Latina students at UT-Austin fought to keep theirs
(Texas Tribune) Graduating students raised funds and took the lead organizing smaller ceremonies meant to highlight their identities and cultural heritage.
McKinney family mourning loss of son to Fentanyl has a message for North Texas families
(WFAA) “He wasn’t just another drug addict. He was amazing and drugs took over,” said Lindsay of her son, 17-year-old Mitchel.
Northwest ISD deploys counseling ‘flight teams’ in wake of recent student threat
(Community Impact) Jamie Farber, director of guidance and counseling, said via email that regardless of their home campus, counselors voluntarily serve other NISD campuses in times of greater crisis.
Friends graduate nursing school after earning degrees before their high school diplomas
(KVIA) Graduation season is a special time for graduates, and it’s an even more special occasion for three nursing students graduating together.
TCU student to become youngest doctorate recipient in university history
(Fox 4 KDFW) 21-year-old Carson Huey-You started going to school at TCU when he was just 11 years old. At 14, he became the youngest TCU student to earn a bachelor’s degree in physics. Two years later, he walked the stage after earning his Master’s degree.
Special Needs Aide in Alvin ISD Accused of ‘Inappropriate Behavior’ with Student
(Texas Scorecard) Chason Bailey was an educational aide who worked with special needs students at EC Mason Elementary School.
UTRGV’s railway safety center has inspired students for 10 years
(myRGV) For over a decade, the UTRGV University Transportation Center for Railway Safety (UTCRS) has been at the forefront of safety in the industry all while giving students interested in engineering hands-on and real world experience.
Socorro ISD board members Barrera, Castellano arrested, along with Castellano’s wife
(El Paso Matters) The nature of the charges appear to be related to official duties.
Arizona school district rescinds Nate Carman’s superintendent contract
(El Paso Matters) Former Socorro Independent School District Superintendent Nate Carman will no longer take over as leader of an Arizona school district after the school board there rescinded the offer on Wednesday.
Houston ISD school board OKs ‘reduction in force’ for dozens of staff, teaching jobs by 2024-25 year
(Houston Chronicle) The board’s approval means HISD can proceed with cuts to any current campus-level jobs, including nurses; librarians; counselors; assistant principals; principals; reading, math and science teachers; fine arts and other elective instructors; speech therapists; magnet coordinators; and special education coordinators.
Houston Federation of Teachers vote ‘no confidence’ in Superintendent Mike Miles
(Houston Chronicle) The resolution, a rebuke to Miles’s leadership since his June 1 appointment, calls for his removal as superintendent and lays out the union’s grievances, including the dissolution of their exclusive consulting agreement with the district, rescinding teacher retention bonuses and widespread teacher turnover.
Column: When Librarians Can’t Be Data Pointed Do They Have a Chance of Survival in the New HISD?
(Houston Press) So what’s going to happen to those thousands of books and the thousands of dollars of taxpayer money attached to them, especially in buildings where Team Centers have replaced the libraries? We already know that librarians are going if not already gone.
Feds seek negotiations with Southlake schools over civil rights violations, lawyers say
(Dallas Morning News) The federal Department of Education wants to negotiate with Southlake’s school leaders over students’ civil rights complaints, according to lawyers who represent the families in Carroll ISD.
Where’s the line between church and state? In Texas charter schools, it’s fading
(Houston Chronicle) At Yellowstone Schools, the separation of church and state is a staircase.
Tax Exemption Could Be a Winning School Choice Plan for Texas
(Texas Scorecard) Former State Board of Education member Cynthia Dunbar is proposing the Education Emancipation Act, a tax exemption plan for school choice that she says should unite conservatives because it avoids state appropriations of funds, thus the threat of government regulations tied to such funds.
Denton woman charged with attacking 13-year-old on school bus
(Fox 4 KDFW) 21-year-old Traveonna Mays allegedly boarded a school bus, along with her minor sister, and assaulted a 13-year-old on April 23.
Trial for civil lawsuit filed by victims of Santa Fe High School shooting rescheduled for July
(Houston Public Media) Survivors of the 2018 mass shooting near Houston, and the relatives of the 10 people who died, are seeking to hold the shooter’s parents responsible in a lawsuit seeking more than $1 million in damages. The criminal case is indefinitely on hold because the accused shooter is not mentally competent to stand trial.
Plano ISD adopts policy on process for closing, consolidating schools
(Community Impact) As Plano ISD staff nears the end of the long-range facility planning process, which could result in school closures, the district’s board has adopted a policy on best practices for undergoing the same process in the future.
Former teacher sues Humble ISD alleging board elections disadvantaged Latino voters
(Houston Landing) A former Humble ISD Spanish teacher is suing the Humble Independent School District, alleging its election system violates the Voting Rights Act by preventing Hispanic voters from electing their preferred school board candidates.
UT System Chairman Kevin Eltife on pro-Palestine protests: ‘Divestment is not an option’
(Austin American-Statesman) University of Texas System Board of Regents Chairman Kevin Eltife in addressing the pro-Palestinian demonstrations being held at schools across the system said that divestment from weapons manufacturers that contribute to Israel — as demanded by those protesting — will not happen at UT System institutions.
A Lawsuit 30 Years Ago Affirmed Free Speech on Texas College Campuses
(Texas Observer) The University of Texas’ fixation on protesters “not affiliated with UT” calls to mind when Southwest Texas State University tried to ban an independent newspaper.
Former aide and consultant close to U.S. Rep. Cuellar plead guilty and agree to aid investigation
(AP) A top former aide to U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar and a political and business consultant have agreed to plead guilty to conspiring to help the Democrat congressman from Texas launder more than $200,000 in bribes and to assist prosecutors in a federal criminal investigation, according to court documents unsealed this week.
GOP leaders snubbed Katrina Pierson in her House primary. Now they need her to pass school vouchers
(Texas Tribune) Pierson, a onetime Abbott critic who worked to drive him from office just two years ago, now counts the governor among her key allies as she vies to unseat Holland in the May 28 overtime round for House District 33.
Why Abbott joined all US governors in opposing Air Force proposal to move some Guard troops
(Austin American-Statesman) Texas Gov. Greg Abbott this week joined his counterparts from the other 49 states and five U.S. territories in calling on President Joe Biden and the Pentagon’s top brass to scuttle the policy known as Air Force Legislative Proposal 480 that would apply to about 1,000 air guard members in units with space duties in seven states: Alaska, California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, New York and Ohio.
Foreclosures on commercial properties jump in Texas
(Dallas Morning News) Attom Data Solutions found that commercial foreclosures across the state jumped by 129% year over year.
UTEP launches national search for new Aerospace Center leader
(El Paso Matters) The University of Texas at El Paso confirmed Wednesday that it has started a national search for a new leader of its Aerospace Center, a few days after the National Science Foundation suspended its grant that could have meant up to $160 million for the region.
Following 3 recent suicides, Keller ISD prioritizes student well-being
(Community Impact) In the aftermath of three school-aged children committing suicide in one week, Keller ISD officials said they are providing additional counseling support and prioritizing mental health programming.
Van ISD’s STEAM bus brings interactive learning to schools across Texas
(KETK) For the first time, the STEAM bus will be hitting the roads this summer, all across the Lone Star State.
SCUCISD trustees approve resolution supporting interlocal agreement for school resource officers
(Community Impact) The Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD board of trustees approved a resolution in support of the school resource officer program May 8. This resolution was approved following discussion from Cibolo City Council regarding the cost of returning five SRO positions to the Cibolo Police Department Patrol Division.
4A schools can’t hold spring football camp, but some coaches want UIL to change that
(Dallas Morning News) “The UIL has not allowed 4A and below to do padded practices,” said Clint Surratt, whose Panther Creek team competes in Class 4A Division I. “We can do skills. … We’re just not allowed to wear the helmets and shoulder pads yet.” Surratt wrote a proposal to the UIL that would allow 4A Division I programs to hold spring practices and said coaches in his region would like to have the option.
Northside ISD instructional assistant arrested for allegedly assaulting middle school autistic student
(KSAT) According to an arrest warrant affidavit, Jacob Hallam, who was employed at Connally Middle School, was caught on camera slapping a special education student several times in late January. The video also showed Hallam grabbing the student’s face and forcing her to swallow her food in the cafeteria. He then punched the student in the face and stomach, the affidavit stated.
Forney ISD Staff Member Placed On Administrative Leave After Report Was Made
(in Forney) According to a release from the district, a report was promptly filed at Forney High School about a staff member making unwanted contact with a student during class. This staff member has been swiftly placed on administrative leave pending investigation by Forney ISD police.
Fredericksburg homeowners named ‘losers’ for Texas house valuation drop
(MySA) Austin and San Antonio also suffer from drop in home values.
Texas AG Paxton launches compensation program for landowners affected by border crime
(Fox 7 Austin) Landowners with property damage can be reimbursed for repair costs not covered by other sources for up to $75,000 in damages.
AlamoU allows students to get four-year degrees from local community colleges
(San Antonio Report) Alamo Colleges District has formalized its AlamoU program, offering four-year bachelor’s degrees.
Texas group reports uptick of anti-LGBTQ+ incidents in 2023
(KXAN) Among those cases, Goodman said there’s been a strong concentration of them involving Texas schools. Some incidents relate to targets against educators, while others include students dealing with varying degrees of harassment or bullying at school.
Texas high school track and field: 12 best girls sprinters in 2023-24
(Highschool AthlonSports) State meet records fell and like many years, many of the fastest 100, 200, 100 hurdles and 300 hurdles times came from the Lone Star State in 2023-24.
County moves to turn section of historic West Side conjunto nightclub into high-tech digital library
(San Antonio Report) County commissioners approved a $1.4 million contract to turn a section of the Lerma’s Nite Club building into its newest BiblioTech branch.
UT Arlington completes $2.5M project to renovate bridges over Cooper Street
(KERA) The University of Texas at Arlington’s north and south bridges, which span Cooper Street to connect two sides of the campus, are seen by thousands of drivers every day. But many drivers wouldn’t know they’re passing by one of Texas’ largest universities. Now, the bridges have the UTA logo and horses — the university’s mascot — on the exterior traffic-facing signs.
UT Health San Antonio to lead $11 million, NIH-funded study of a first-ever oral chlamydia vaccine
(CISION) The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UT Health San Antonio) will direct a team of researchers to investigate a novel oral vaccine for chlamydia, the most reported sexually transmitted disease, with funding from the National Institutes of Health.
Texas couple sparks debate after charging 19-year-old daughter $200 a month in rent
(Upworthy) A couple in Gatesville, Texas, have started an interesting debate on TikTok over whether it’s right for them to charge their 19-year-old daughter rent to live with them after graduating high school.
Cy-Fair ISD board votes to remove chapters teaching vaccines and cultural diversity from textbooks
(Houston Chronicle) More than a dozen chapters including content on vaccines, cultural diversity, climate change, depopulation and other topics deemed controversial by conservative Cypress-Fairbanks ISD trustees will be removed from textbooks in the state’s third largest school system for the 2024-2025 school year. The classes that will be impacted include biology, environmental science, earth systems, education and health science.
Katy ISD trustee proposes asking state’s permission to track student immigration status
(Community Impact) At a May 6 KISD work study meeting, trustee Morgan Calhoun, who was elected in May 2023, asked Chief Financial Officer Christopher Smith and other district leaders if they could know how many undocumented students were attending KISD schools.
Community reacts after Katy ISD board member calls for legislation to allow tracking of student immigration status
(KHOU) Katy ISD is facing backlash after Board Trustee Morgan Calhoun asked if the district had any way of tracking the number of children of illegal immigrants who are students in the district.
Dade Phelan directs House leaders to revisit vouchers, property taxes in the next legislative session
(Texas Tribune) House Speaker Dade Phelan directed his committee leaders to examine the use of school voucher-like programs in other states and consider new ways to further drive down property taxes for homeowners.
Gov. Abbott directs Texas colleges, universities to ignore Title IX changes
(KXAN) Texas Gov. Greg Abbott sent a letter Wednesday to the state’s higher education leaders instructing them to ignore revisions to a federal anti-discrimination law that would extend protections to LGBTQ+ students.
Drug dog searches find 30 firearms, make 1500 drug seizures in DFW schools this year
(NBC DFW) A company using trained dogs to search DFW schools says they’ve found up to 30 guns on local campuses this school year.
Clear Creek High School bomb scare: Details emerge on 13-year-old’s arrest
(Fox 26 Houston) Galveston County Sheriffs School Liaison Officers (SLOs), alongside the League City Police Department (LCPD) and the Department of Public Safety, quickly moved to secure the school grounds. With the assistance of a newly acquired bomb-sniffing K-9 unit and LCPD Bomb Technicians, a thorough search of the premises ensued to ensure the safety of everyone inside.
Eanes ISD police chief provides update on active shooter preparedness
(Community Impact) Greer said changes to police tactics came after the Columbine High School shooting in 1999. First responders are now instructed to go toward the violent disorder—bypassing injured victims if necessary—without waiting for backup from tactical teams.
Texas universities’ graduation ceremonies will go on as planned
(Fox 4 KDFW) While some major universities are canceling graduation commencements or scaling them back, Texas universities plan to go on with graduation as planned.
A teacher spoke out against offering ‘opposing’ views on the Holocaust. It derailed her career
(NBC News) Christina McGuirk, a teacher in Southlake’s Carroll Independent School District, said she couldn’t remain silent about new guidelines limiting books available to children.
Manor ISD offers mental health days to teachers and staff
(CBS Austin) Mental health days are getting a show of support in one Central Texas school district. Manor ISD is allowing teachers and staff to have one mental health day each semester. It is an extra break teachers say they have needed for a long time.
A Look Inside a High School Devoted to Training the Next Generation of Educators
(Education Week) Two years ago, a magnet high school for students pursuing careers in education opened in San Antonio, Texas.
Protests ensue at jail after 2 students arrested at UH pro-Palestine encampment
(Click 2 Houston) A group of around 50 protesters have gathered near the Harris County Sheriff’s Inmate Processing Center on Commerce Street after two students were arrested at a pro-Palestine protest at the University of Houston.
War of Words: Did UTSA violate pro-Palestinian protesters’ First Amendment rights?
(San Antonio Current) Students and organizers accuse UTSA of banning the use of certain words, including ‘Israel.’ School administrators dispute those claims.
Jewish students call on UTD to condemn antisemitism, say they feel unsafe on campus
(Dallas Morning News) Harassment and safety concerns are distracting Jewish students at the University of Texas at Dallas, particularly on days when pro-Palestinian rallies are happening, two students said.
UT Board of Regents respond to DPS presence at campus protests
(KXAN) Following law enforcement responses at recent protests on University of Texas campuses, the Board of Regents removed all doubt today about the lead up to those events.
How a pop-up ticket vendor with financial troubles aided in a surefire Texas lotto win
(Houston Chronicle) To guarantee itself a $95 million Lotto Texas jackpot last spring, a mysterious New Jersey company called Rook TX had three days to accumulate more than 25 million lottery tickets representing every possible winning combination. Nearly all those tickets were sold by only four outlets, raising questions about how the stores on short notice could process and print — as required by Texas law — the sheer volume needed to pull off the operation.
Librarians Under Siege in Montgomery County?
(Houston Press) Montgomery County Judge Mark Keough made the initial proposal for the new citizen’s review policy.
Duncanville smashes national high school record in 4×200-meter relay
(Fox 4 KDFW) Duncanville’s Brayden Williams, Caden Durham, Ayson Theus and Dakorien Moore ran a 1:22:25, beating the USA High School National record by a full second.
Texas A&M regents OK land swap to help bring mental health hospital to Amarillo
(Amarillo Globe-News) Texas A&M regents voted unanimously during their meeting Tuesday to approve a land deal in Amarillo that will go toward building a mental health facility in the Texas Panhandle, earmarked by the state legislature as a priority last year.
Ascension Seton Hospital’s operations disrupted due to cyber security incident
(CBS Austin) Unusual activity was found on some of Ascension’s network systems, which caused the hospital to initiate an investigation and activate remediation efforts.
‘Extremely concerned’: El Paso leaders rip UTEP President Heather Wilson over NSF grant fallout
(El Paso Matters) El Paso’s top elected officials criticized UTEP President Heather Wilson in a letter Wednesday, saying her actions this week involving the university’s Aerospace Center “will impact the economic future of our entire region and jeopardize a once-in-a-generation opportunity.”
Texas Tech University’s MedFuture program helps high school students go to medical school in state, aims to relieve statewide doctor shortage
(Cronkite News) The program offers students mentorship and guidance throughout their undergraduate years to prepare them for medical school admission, including MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) preparation, internship opportunities and volunteer activities.
Over $5 million in federal funding will go to Harris County Public Health to expand Maternal and Child Health Program
(Houston Public Media) The money will be spread over five years and will be used to expand the county’s current Maternal and Child Health program.
Local Military Child of the Year marches to the beat of her own drum after tragic loss
(San Antonio Report) Noelani Martinez plays Paramore and early Panic! at the Disco songs before going on a 20-minute run to mentally separate school from home.
Houston Community College Brings Couture to Comicpalooza
(Texas Signal) The line between a superhero costume and a fashion statement is razor thin and, at Houston’s Comicpalooza, it will disappear entirely thanks to a joint venture between Houston First and Houston Community College. Comic Couture is a competition between HCC design students for an opportunity to showcase their talents
Lewisville HS senior earns full-ride scholarship to college after immigrating to DFW
(NBC DFW) Jesus Barrios immigrated to the US just six years ago and didn’t speak English. He’s now the first Lewisville ISD student to be named a Stamps Scholar.
Gatesville ISD Teacher Arrested for Sending Nude Photos to 15-year-old Student
(Texss Scorecard) Christine Cockrell allegedly sent sexually explicit messages to an eighth-grade boy at Gatesville Junior High.
3rd student charged in connection to ‘violent’ attack plan at North Texas middle school
(Fort Worth Star-Telegram) A third student at a far north Fort Worth middle school has been charged in connection with creating and editing an online document that detailed a planned attack against students and staff, Northwest Independent School District officials said.
Aledo ISD, OAG reach agreement after district accused of illegal electioneering
(Weatherford Democrat) “The order essentially states that Aledo ISD will continue to follow state laws related to electioneering; therefore, Aledo ISD will continue to do what we do: communicate transparently, provide factual information to our community and staff, and encourage all Bearcats to vote in every national, state and local election.”
Carroll ISD Rejects Biden Administration’s Title IX Rewrite
(Texas Scorecard) “The CISD Board of Trustees denounces the recent changes to Title IX regulations proposed by the Biden administration, expressing deep concern over the potential negative impact on our students and community,” reads the resolution.
Feds investigate another Texas school district for its gender identity mandate
(Texas Tribune) The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights opened an investigation Monday into Katy Independent School District’s gender identity policy on the basis of gender harassment under Title IX. The investigation came nine months after the district adopted a policy that notifies parents if their child requests to use a different name or pronouns at school.
Bipartisan Texas Reps Urge TEA To Aid Struggling Cy-Fair ISD
(ReformAustin) In a joint effort reflecting bipartisan concern, members of the Texas House representing Cy-Fair ISD have made a fervent plea to the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to address a pressing budgetary shortfall.
Prosper ISD Superintendent Holly Ferguson Under Investigation by Texas Education Agency
(Texas Scorecard) Two years after hushing up a bus driver’s sexual abuse of two elementary school girls, Prosper Independent School District Superintendent Holly Ferguson is under investigation by the Texas Education Agency.
Cy-Fair ISD superintendent responds to growing community concern over librarian cuts
(Houston Chronicle) Superintendent Douglas Killian assured concerned parents on Monday that he is working to increase some lesser-known funding avenues in an attempt to close the $138 million deficit that forced Cypress-Fairbanks ISD to cut hundreds of staff positions, including half of the district’s librarian, from its 2024-25 budget proposal.
Northside ISD faces $83M shortfall while weighing possible pay hike for FY 2024-25
(Community Impact) Facing an $83 million budget shortfall preparing for fiscal year 2024-25, Northside ISD officials said that shortfall could possibly grow to nearly $100 million if school district leaders adopt a 2% general pay hike.
Cy-Fair ISD officials propose revised budget reduction of $58M
(Community Impact) Based on feedback from the board, CFISD Chief Financial Officer Karen Smith presented a revised plan for $58.6 million in budget reductions, down from the initial proposal of $68 million. The district’s fund balance will cover the remaining shortfall, she said.
Canutillo board votes against closing schools, with minimal public notice
(El Paso Matters) The Canutillo school board may have violated open meetings laws on Tuesday when they voted on school consolidations and closures – items not clearly listed on the meeting agenda, a leading expert on Texas government transparency law said. Canutillo Independent School District Communications Director Gustavo Reveles told El Paso Matters the district believes the agenda is proper because the process has been discussed during previous board meetings.
School programs step up to fight summer hunger in Laredo
(KGNS) No Kid Hungry, with the goal of improving access to school meals in Texas, has allocated over $90,000 to seven school districts this year, including Laredo Independent School District (LISD).
Irving-Based Boy Scouts of America To Rebrand as Scouting America
(Dallas Innovates) As the Boy Scouts of America navigates a $2.46 billion bankruptcy plan, it’s rebranding to Scouting America, a move that underscores its commitment to inclusivity while aiming to keep much of its core, 114-year-old mission intact.
What My Students and I Learned in Jail After Protesting on the UTD Campus
(D Magazine) Ben Wright, a history professor at the University of Texas at Dallas, reflects on the arrests following an on-campus demonstration against the war in Gaza.
UT Dallas Closes new ‘support’ office to comply with DEI ban
(The College Fix) The University of Texas at Dallas just closed a new office to comply with a state ban on “diversity, equity, and inclusion” programming after opening it a few months ago to adhere to the law.
‘I feel so much more prepared’: How a new Texas program could help with teacher retention
(Austin American-Statesman) Texas education officials hope a newly approved certificate for aspiring teachers who complete a residency program will encourage more potential educators to complete the rigorous program and enter the field better prepared.
Legislative committee to study securing Texas ‘from hostile foreign organizations’
(Center Square) The new House Select Committee on Securing Texas from Hostile Foreign Organizations will be tasked with identifying potential threats to the state’s economy, security and more and make policy recommendations.
Will Texas lawmakers tackle the childcare crisis in Texas?
(WFAA) Researchers say it will be one of the “paramount policy issues” facing the Texas Legislature in January 2025.
From AI integration to equity: reflections on SXSW EDU 2024
(Training Journal) AI is here to stay. The discussion was inescapable. Whether in elementary, high school or continuing education – this was the big topic of 2024. From the numerous panels, keynotes and workshops, the consensus seemed to be that educators and institutions cannot afford to sit on the side lines.
90 Texas school districts have moved to four-day weeks, affecting more than 106,000 students
(KXAN) At least 90 school districts across Texas have now switched to four-day school weeks, often in a bid to prevent teacher turnover. At least 17 other districts offer a hybrid schedule, with four-day weeks for part of the year.
Austin fixes 10% of barriers to safe routes to school after 8 years of work
(KXAN) The city is hosting a bike-to-school event for Cowan Elementary students, as the Safe Routes to School program infrastructure manager says it is seeing an increase in the number of kids walking or biking to school in Austin.
Energy drinks show ‘damaging’ effects on young adults, multiple studies show
(KXAN) Energy drinks are increasingly becoming the go-to solution for college students seeking a boost as the end of the semester draws near, according to Brittany Krim, a registered dietitian and University of Texas kinesiology professor. However, these beverages could pose more harm than aid to students’ well-being, according to several studies.
New app for substance abuse treatment developed in San Antonio
(Texas Public Radio) UT Health San Antonio is studying an app that it hopes will improve outcomes for people being treated for substance use disorders. The app is called KIOS, and Dr. Jennifer Sharpe Potter described it as a prescription digital therapeutic.
Extreme weather will be focus on new undergrad program at University of Texas
(KXAN) Starting in the fall, UT’s Jackson School of Geosciences will offer a program in climate sciences.
Carter Foundation awards $10.75M to Texas A&M’s downtown Fort Worth campus
(Fort Worth Report) The new Texas A&M-Fort Worth campus currently under construction has been called a “game changer” by city leaders.
A “Times of Palestine” Yearbook Page Causes Uproar in Bellaire High [UPDATED]
(Houston Press) Bellaire Principal Michael R. Niggli has issued a statement acknowledging that many in the school’s community were disappointed to see only one side reflected in what he called a complex issue. “I deeply regret that this created a circumstance where some of our students didn’t feel safe and supported in our school. We will work to prevent this from happening again.”
Over 200 agencies responding to catastrophic storms, floods in Southeast Texas
(Center Square) Gov. Greg Abbott on Monday met with many leaders of these agencies to give an update on the state and local response to assist residents pummeled by rain and floodwaters devastating communities and wiping out homes and businesses.
After a Texas dairy worker was infected last month with bird flu — the first known case of a person catching the virus from a cow — should North Texans be concerned?
(Dallas Morning News) The short answer is no, said Dr. Varun Shetty, chief state epidemiologist for the Texas Department of State Health Services, and Dr. Julie Trivedi, an associate professor in the Department of Internal Medicine at UT Southwestern Medical Center.
Texas A&M to Implement Biden’s Controversial Title IX Rewrite
(Texas Scorecard) Despite Gov. Greg Abbott saying Texas would ignore changes to Title IX that would threaten female students and athletes, Texas A&M University is reportedly “scrambling” to comply.”
Exclusive: Federal officials investigating whether Katy ISD’s gender policy is discriminatory
(Houston Landing) The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights opened an investigation Monday into Katy Independent School District to determine if its controversial gender identity policy discriminates against students, according to records obtained by the Houston Landing.
Houston ISD confirms cuts to wraparound specialists, expands telehealth offerings
(Community Impact) Houston ISD officials confirmed plans to cut an undetermined number of employees providing wraparound support services to students on issues related to housing insecurity, clothing and food scarcity.
Layoffs hit School of Science and Technology as budget tightens
(San Antonio Report) The School of Science and Technology is the latest San Antonio school system to announce job cuts as federal COVID-19 funds run dry and attendance suffers.
HISD’s Black, Hispanic students underrepresented in GT program in 2022-23 year, report finds
(Houston Chronicle) Houston ISD’s Black, Hispanic and low-income students remain underrepresented in the district’s gifted-and-talented program, an issue that administrators hope is being partly addressed by new fifth-grade testing that is poised to give HISD a record number of GT middle schoolers next year.
Carroll ISD staff to receive additional raises
(Community Impact) The pay grade adjustments will impact around 300 employees districtwide in the 2024-25 school year.
FWISD students see academic growth, but remain behind national averages, below grade level
(Fort Worth Report) Fort Worth ISD leaders presented an encouraging trend to the school board and City Council: Students in kindergarten through eighth grade showed academic growth on a midyear test.
Grapevine-Colleyville ISD issues clarification regarding HOPE Squad and middle school student advocates
(Community Impact) Grapevine-Colleyville ISD issued a statement May 2 that an adjustment would be made at the middle school level to restructure the student advocate position. The statement also addressed false rumors that the district was eliminating the HOPE Squad program at the middle school level.
Former Krum ISD band director arrested on 11 counts of indecency with a child, sexual assault
(KERA) Carol Turner, a fine arts consultant and former band director with Krum ISD, was booked into the Denton County Jail Friday on 11 felony charges of indecency with a child and sexual assault.
NSF suspends UTEP aerospace grant pending review
(El Paso Matters) The National Science Foundation has suspended a grant that could have meant $160 million for El Paso’s regional economy because of some “incorrect statements” in the proposal, according to the University of Texas at El Paso.
Small-Town Politics, National Consequences
(Texas Observer) The Supreme Court takes up a Texas power struggle involving allegedly retaliatory arrests of two councilwomen.
Whataburger Thanks Educators with Free Breakfast and $63,000 in Grants
(Press Release) Whataburger knows educating the minds of the future requires early mornings and the right fuel! During National Teacher Appreciation Week, the brand is rewarding the hard work of all school employees across its 15-state footprint when they show their school ID from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m., May 6 – 10.
Houston-area school districts cancel classes Monday after flooding in parts of southeast Texas
(Houston Chronicle) Some Houston area school districts canceled classes Monday after flooding from last week’s storms devastated several communities in southeast Texas
Texas high school yearbook features ‘Palestine’ page dismissing terror attack as ‘what happened happened’
(New York Post) A Texas public high school with a large population of Jewish students has caused uproar by publishing a ‘Times of Palestine’ page in its yearbook.
Pro-Palestinian, labor rights groups hold May Day protest Sunday at UT Tower
(Austin American-Statesman) Pro-Palestinian protesters, including families, children, students, staff and community members, started trickling in about 10 minutes before noon to the South Mall for a planned protest for May Day to call on UT to divest from weapons manufacturing companies that contribute to Israel.
The ADL released a new Campus Antisemitism Report Card. This Texas school failed.
(Houston Chronicle) The University of Texas at Austin, which recently made headlines after the university administration called state troopers on pro-Palestinian protests, received a “B” grade, or “Better Than Most.” Rice University, another Texas school lauded as one of Forbes’ “New Ivies,” received a “D” grade for “Deficient Approach.”
Rep. Henry Cuellar and his wife allegedly took nearly $600,000 in bribes, indictment says
(CNN) Democratic Rep. Henry Cuellar of Texas and his wife have been charged with accepting nearly $600,000 in bribes from two foreign entities, according to an indictment in federal court in Texas.
Why Texas schools are underfunded
(Axios) More than 9 in 10 Texas students attend inadequately funded schools, per a report that analyzes public school funding nationwide.
HISD Superintendent Miles says cuts on the horizon as district must make up $450 million gap
(Houston Chronicle) Houston ISD’s state-appointed Superintendent Mike Miles said Friday afternoon that the school district is facing an estimated $450 million gap in funding that will largely be made up by staff reductions as federal pandemic relief money expires and student enrollment continues to decline.
Teachers, Try This: A Method for Navigating Political Debates in Social Studies
(EdWeek) Emily Glankler, a Texas educator with a popular TikTok account, teaches the general public the history she feels they need to know. She uses that same insight to inform what and how she teaches U.S. History to her high school students.
Texas Attracted California Techies. Now It’s losing Thousands of Them
(Texas Monthly) The “Texas Miracle” loses some of its magic as Oracle announces its moving its new HQ out of Austin and Tesla lays off nearly 2,700 workers.
‘I’m Still in Denial’: Tesla Layoffs Leave Interns High and Dry
(Daily Beast) “After a single phone call of less than two minutes,” one student wrote on LinkedIn, “my entire plan for this summer had vanished as if it had never even existed.”
Port SA spends big to sell its high-tech jobs to kids on San Antonio’s South, West sides
(San Antonio Report) In addition to its internship program, which draws students from South San Antonio and Edgewood high schools, Port San Antonio supports the Kelly Heritage Foundation. Through the Boeing Center at Tech Port Arena, the foundation turns what Perschbach joked are “the world’s most outrageously expensive beers” sold at the venue into funding for educational and career opportunities for local students.
More than 2 million Texans have been dropped from Medicaid, leading the nation
(Dallas Morning News) More than 2 million Texans were booted from Medicaid in the last 13 months, while another 2.1 million Medicaid recipients had their insurance renewed, according to the most recent KFF data.
Texas A&M at Qatar graduates 144 engineers
(The Peninsula) The Class of 2024 includes 136 students who graduated with bachelor’s degrees in chemical engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering and petroleum engineering, and eight students who graduated with master’s degrees in chemical engineering.
UTEP tenure policies a major sore point, faculty survey shows
(El Paso Matters) Full-time faculty at the University of Texas at El Paso are unhappy with several aspects of their work life, especially tenure processes, compensation, facilities and resources, according to the results of a faculty survey performed last spring.
Comal ISD to install $11.6M interactive flat panels to ‘enhance the learning experience’
(Community Impact) The budget was allocated within the framework of the 2023 bond, CISD Chief Information Officer Scott Monroe said.
Decayed power pole sparked the largest wildfire in state history, Texas House committee confirms
(Texas Tribune) A decayed utility pole that broke, causing power wires to fall on dry grass in the Texas Panhandle, sparked the state’s largest wildfire in history, a Texas House committee confirmed Wednesday.
Two Texas Colleges Win Grants to Train 660 CDL Students
(Transport Topics) Texas has awarded a total of $617,490 to two Texas colleges to train some 660 students to become heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers, Gov. Greg Abbott announced recently when awarding $2.1 million in workforce development grants.
Royse City High School student accused of making threatening post
(NBC DFW) A Royse City High School student is facing a misdemeanor after police say they posted a “credible threat” directed at the school on social media.
Standing Up for All Texans’ Stories
(Texas Observer) The new Alliance for Texas History calls for working everyone’s stories “into the fabric of Texas history.”
DOJ sues Texas Department of Criminal Justice for alleged religious discrimination
(Texas Public Radio) The Biden administration sued the Texas Department of Criminal Justice on Friday, alleging the state agency discriminated against an employee after refusing to allow her to wear a head covering as part of her religious practice.
Abell Coach no longer employed after incident at sports banquet
(CBS 7) Derek Doss, listed on McAllen ISD’s website as the Abell Athletic Coordinator and Coach, was arrested for public intoxication on Wednesday night.
Keller High School softball team has equipment stolen, wins playoff game anyway
(Fox 4 KDFW) Keller was in Midland to play El Paso Eastwood.
Austin ISD increases public comment sign-up time
(Community Impact) “These proposed changes would provide greater opportunity for the [AISD] community to participate in deliberations,” Becker Elementary School teacher Ross Irons said. “Elementary school teachers face undue obstacles to signing up to provide testimony and contribute our perspectives and concerns.”
Elgin parents sue CPS employees, Ascension Health: ‘These agents literally lied’
(KXAN) Two parents are suing Ascension Health, a doctor and several then-agents of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) after their child’s misdiagnosed health condition led to a 2015 custody battle.
Midland Christian School’s future plans with their brand new land
(CBS 7) Midland Christian School recently unveiled new plans for their athletic department, marking a significant expansion for the institution. The school has acquired over 40 acres of land, a milestone they’ve been aiming for, and it’s now a reality.
Valley school districts receive grant to boost social studies education
(myRGV) Over the next three years, the $3 million National Activities Grant aims to increase educator effectiveness within the areas of American history, civics, geography, government and digital citizenship.
Two Texas schools make ‘New Ivy League’ colleges list
(Fox 4 KDFW) The University of Texas at Austin made the list of the ten “Public Ivies” that “attract high-achievers and turn out hard-working, highly-regarded employees.”On the list of “New Private Ivies” – known for “attracting the smartest students and plaudits from employers” – is Rice University in Houston.
2 minors arrested and accused of plotting attacks on Northwest ISD students, staffers
(Dallas Morning News) In a Thursday email to parents of district students, Northwest ISD officials said they learned of a document describing plans to attack 32 people — 25 students and seven staff members — at Truett Wilson Middle School.
$4 million bail for Houston-area teen accused of shooting schoolchildren with pellet gun
(Houston Public Media) A Houston-area teenager is being held in jail on bonds totaling $4 million after allegedly shooting three other teenagers and a 12-year-old with a pellet gun as they were walking home from school earlier this month in northwest Harris County.
Adults attack 13-year-old student on Denton ISD school bus, investigation underway
(CBS Dallas) The bus was leaving Bettye Myers Middle School last week when the 8th-grade girl says she was attacked by someone she says she didn’t really know.
Austin school district officer honored as hero after intercepting deadly shooting spree
(CBS Austin) At the 100 Club of Central Texas’ Outstanding First Responders Awards Ceremony, AISD PD Sgt. Barnes received the Director’s Award and was honored as a hero.
UT-Austin’s Jay Hartzell praised by GOP leaders as university presidents nationwide take heat over protest response
(Texas Tribune) Hartzell’s protest response has also resulted in condemnations from students and faculty.
‘Our Voices Are Being Heard’: How Student Arrests Inspired UTD Protesters
(Dallas Observer) One North Texas professor believes police responses to other campus protests may be “encouraging” students to join a Pro-Palestinian movement.
Protesters dispute UT claims about weapons, say they’ve been searched
(Texas Public Radio) “That’s not what’s happening,” said one of the protesters who was chosen to speak for the group. “And even if it was happening, UT is a concealed carry campus, so we were in our legal rights.”
HISD will cut about 170 employees who specialize in support services due to budget constraints
(Houston Chronicle) Houston ISD plans to eliminate several campus-level wraparound resource specialists in the 2024-25 academic year due to budget constraints.
Dozens of Cy-Fair ISD librarians lose jobs via email, prompting parent protests
(Houston Chronicle) “Thank you for your service as a campus librarian. This email is to share that you have not been selected as a CFISD district librarian,” wrote Assistant Superintendent Linda Macias in an email sent at 11:36 p.m. Tuesday.
Cy-Fair ISD superintendent says budget crisis could continue for several years
(Houston Public Media) Cy-Fair ISD superintendent Doug Killian is warning if the district does not receive or generate additional revenues, it will face an even larger deficit in the next school year and require twice as many staff reductions.
Cy-Fair ISD community in an uproar over superintendent’s plan to cut librarians amid budget crunch
(Houston Landing) The move to cut librarians is the first decision that has prompted widespread backlash in the Houston-area’s second-largest school district since it experienced a major leadership shakeup late last year.
See which Houston-area schools are closed May 3 due to flooding
(Community Impact) Amid flash flooding in Montgomery County and parts of Harris County, school districts across the north Houston area have canceled after-school activities and announced closures for May 3. This list may be updated.
Appeals court considers whether West Texas A&M drag show was unconstitutionally banned
(Texas Tribune) A federal appeals court considering whether West Texas A&M University’s president violated the First Amendment when he canceled a campus drag show last year focused many of their questions Monday on a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that upheld campus non-discrimination policies.
Boerne High School receives $15,000 in band instruments from rock band Metallica
(KSAT) Boerne was a winner in the band’s “For Whom The Band Tolls” contest.
Not only an MLB issue: High school pitchers also deal with injury, Tommy John epidemic
(Dallas Morning News) As the UIL baseball playoffs start this week, high school coaches in the Dallas area are being proactive to protect their pitchers. But they say some coaches still prioritize wins over safety, and they worry that with youth baseball having become a year-round sport, pitchers aren’t getting proper rest and overuse injuries are becoming more frequent.
UIL state track and field 2024: Every returning Texas high school 6A boys, girls champion
(Highschool AthlonSports) Texas high school track and field championship week is here and the best of the best across the Lone Star State will be on display at Mike A. Myers Stadium at the University of Texas in Austin.
Fort Worth’s Latino community faces low reading rates. This event offers solutions
(Fort Worth Report) To combat the issue, Hola Texas magazine, the League of United Latin American Citizens Council 4568 and Amigos-N-Progress are hosting their annual Fiesta de Libros y Más event May 5 at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History.
Texas AG to Austin city personnel: follow state law or get sued
(Center Square) On Tuesday, Austin City Council members passed a resolution directing city personnel to not comply with a new state law that criminalizes gender-related services for children.
Biologically-male Athlete Set to Compete Against Texas Women’s Teams
(Texas Scorecard) The “transgender” athlete will be competing at the National Women’s Water Polo Championship held at Texas A&M University.
Ukrainian Sentenced to Prison in Texas for Ransomware Attacks Demanding Over $700 Million
(Knewz) A Ukrainian national was sentenced in Texas on Wednesday, May 1 to nearly 14 years in prison for conducting thousands of ransomware attacks demanding more than $700 million in ransom, officials said.
Shepherd High School student dies during gym practice
(Houston Chronicle) District officials announced that a Shepherd High School student had a sudden cardiac episode and died during an open gym practice. They did not identify the name or grade of the student.
Fort Worth police investigating “planned attack” at Northwest ISD middle school
(CBS Dallas) Two Northwest ISD students have been arrested after a document referring to a planned attack was found online.
Sherman ISD removes suspended superintendent following ‘Oklahoma!’ controversy
(KERA) Sherman ISD on Wednesday voted unanimously to remove its superintendent, who was suspended after a transgender student was removed from a production of “Oklahoma!”
Fact check: What is ‘The Uvalde Foundation For Kids’?
(WSMV 4) WSMV4 Investigates found the foundation is out of Temple, Texas, which is about four hours away from Uvalde. It is unclear if Chapin has any personal connection to the school. His LinkedIn page does not list any experience other than his current role as founder.
HISD union leaders vote ‘no confidence’ in Superintendent Miles, demanding his removal
(Houston Chronicle) The union’s resolution calls for Miles’ removal as superintendent and lays out numerous grievances that have surfaced repeatedly over the course of his 11-month tenure. It now heads to the Houston Federation of Teachers’ 6,000-plus members for ratification, with results of the vote expected next week.
School District claims email key evidence in big billing dispute with AT&T
(News 4 SA) The phone company originally fined the district $2.2 million after allegedly failing to disconnect their headquarter’s phone service.
Hillcrest High working with Holocaust museum after antisemitism complaint, DISD says
(Dallas Morning News) In early April, a Hillcrest student submitted a complaint to the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights in which the teen said he faced antisemitic bullying and that district officials failed to adequately respond.
‘I was lying on the ground beside a wall of cops’: student photographers’ best images of the campus protests
(The Guardian) As protests in support of Palestine sweep university campuses across the US, student journalists from New York to Texas have documented the reality inside the encampments.
17 pro-Palestinian demonstrators arrested at UT-Dallas as police break up encampment
(Texas Tribune) Police officers arrested 17 people, broke up pro-Palestinian protests and tore down tents at the University of Texas at Dallas in Richardson on Wednesday, 12 hours after students set up an encampment to demand university divestment from U.S. corporations that have ties to Israel’s war in Gaza.
In Texas, here’s when police can remove protesters, encampments from public universities
(Austin American-Statesman) The Statesman spoke with five First Amendment experts to learn what legal dynamics are at play on campus and how they might apply to the UT-Austin protests.
SB 17’s DEI cuts defunded UT-Austin’s cultural graduations. Students have preserved them.
(Austin American-Statesman) Ceremonies this year will move off campus and operate on tighter budgets, but they’ll keep their traditions. With no return to DEI funding in sight, this year’s rescue efforts could be an example of what student-led efforts will look like in the years to come.
Here’s how Tarrant County school districts responded to Texas chaplain bill
(Fort Worth Report) A majority of districts voted to not hire chaplains, but said they could volunteer like anyone else.
Bexar County keeps getting sued for breaking Texas law. Election official says it’s necessary
(San Antonio Report) Voting rights advocates, who have already successfully sued twice over violations of Texas law by Bexar County’s elections department, say the elections administrator shares the blame for low turnout — and has once again flouted state law.
FAFSA glitches persist, locking out Arlington students from completing their financial aid
(Open Campus) “This is the biggest change in federal financial aid awarding in 30 years,” said Karen Krause, executive director of financial aid and scholarships at UTA. Krause has worked in the university’s financial aid office for more than two decades.
EPISD plans school closures, consolidations amid sharply declining enrollment
(El Paso Matters) The El Paso Independent School District is planning to close or consolidate schools — which the district calls “sunsetting campuses” — by the 2025-26 school year as it braces for continued declining enrollment.
Former students of the for-profit Art Institutes are approved for $6 billion in student loan cancellation
(AP) The Biden administration on Wednesday said it will cancel $6 billion in student loans for people who attended the Art Institutes, a system of for-profit colleges that closed the last of its campuses in 2023 amid accusations of fraud.
Arlington ISD maximizes benefits for increasing numbers of special education students
(Arlington Report) Ashley Haddad noticed her sixth grade student rocking in his chair — a sign that he was losing focus.
‘Sparks happening’: Racial justice focus of new UTSA artist-in-residence program
(San Antonio Report) In late February, 10 San Antonio artists selected by UTSA’s Democratizing Racial Justice research program gathered on campus to kick off a yearlong residency aiming to further their social justice-themed work.
Who Are the Book Banners on Saturday’s North Texas School Board Ballots?
(Dallas Observer) Library books and censorship are among the hottest topics in education, especially when it comes to local elections.
Ken Paxton seeks to block ‘gun show loophole’ closure — days before Allen shooting anniversary
(Texas Public Radio) Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and announces that he is suing the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms for federal overreach during a press conference Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at Frisco Gun Club.
Housing authority board ‘shocked’ and ‘horrified’ by rollout of notices to vacate
(San Antonio Report) Those notices were issued to all local housing authority tenants who had been delinquent for 12 months or more — whether they owed $1 or more than $10,000.
New rules allow for the use of technology in Texas high school football games
(USA Today) Technology is coming to Texas high school football…just not anywhere near the sidelines.
Gaming company sponsors new $30K esports lab at Westfield High School
(Community Impact) Spring ISD students will be able to enjoy a new esports lab in the 2024-25 school year thanks to a $30,395 donation from a global gaming company, according to an April 29 news release.
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi launches public health degrees
(Corpus Christi Caller-Times) The university will offer bachelor of science and master of public health degrees starting in August 2024.
East Texas student athletes get annual life-saving physical screening
(KLTV) Thousands of student athletes from districts across Northeast Texas received free physical screenings on Wednesday to make sure they are in good health for the upcoming sports seasons in the 2024-25 school year.
Friona partners with Texas Tech Veterinary School to address feral cat population
(KFDA) The City of Friona has partnered with Texas Tech Veterinary School to implement the Feral Cat Program to manage overpopulation in the city.
Supreme Court leaves in place a Texas law requiring pornographic websites to verify users’ ages
(AP) The Supreme Court on Tuesday refused to block a Texas law requiring pornographic websites to verify the age of their users.
79 arrested amid second crackdown on UT-Austin campus
(Texas Tribune) Authorities and protesters clashed during the latest pro-Palestinian demonstration at the university on Monday.
A recent court case could have big implications for Texas protesters
(Houston Public Media) Last year the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that public protest organizers can be held financially liable for any illegal act committed by a single protester. Earlier this month, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to review that decision. But it’s more complicated than that.
After 79 more arrests, Travis County attorney says continuing to charge protesters is ‘unsustainable’
(Texas Public Radio) Travis County Attorney Delia Garza said Tuesday those cases have overwhelmed her office, which handles misdemeanors.
UNT students join growing number of pro-Palestinian demonstrations at US colleges
(NBC DFW) Students at the University of North Texas walked out of class Tuesday to take part in a pro-Palestinian demonstration.
Arlington student shoots Sam Houston HS employee with toy Orbeez gun, no charges filed after
(NBC DFW) According to APD, the school administration will handle any disciplinary actions. The employee was not seriously hurt and did not want to press any criminal charges against the student. School was already out for the day when this occurred so officers determined the school did not need to be placed on lockdown.
Multiple dead in ‘largest opioid overdose outbreak’ seen in years in Austin
(KVUE ) In an update Tuesday, officials said it was apparent that a “deadly batch” of narcotics is circulating Austin.
More Republican states challenge new Title IX rules protecting LGBTQ+ students
(AP) A federal lawsuit, led by Tennessee and West Virginia, on Tuesday asks a judge to halt and overturn the new policy. The suit is joined by Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana and Virginia. It follows other legal challenges filed by Monday by nine other states including Alabama, Louisiana and Texas.
Fort Worth ISD to Return Potentially Inappropriate Books to Library Shelves
(Texas Scorecard) After the Fort Worth Independent School District removed over 100 books for further review over concerns of inappropriate content, the district is now planning to return some books back to the library shelves.
Failed legislation, poor attendance affect school budgets
(KVEO Brownsville) Attendance numbers have dropped for schools across the Valley coming out of the pandemic. Students are getting less class time and districts are getting less money due to school funding being tied to attendance and not the number of students registered.
Arlington ISD trustees outline challenges to keep budget balanced for 2024-25 academic year
(Arlington Report) “Until the state gives us more money, it’s been very, very difficult to keep our budget and keep things going,” board President Melody Fowler told the Arlington Report.
HISD abruptly moves end-of-year testing dates, leaving some schools scrambling to make changes
(Houston Chronicle) Houston ISD is pushing back its end-of-year Measures of Academic Progress Growth assessment dates two weeks to May 28-30, forcing some schools to scramble to reschedule field trips and other activities planned for those dates.
Edinburg North band director’s inspiration will live long after his passing
(myRGV) Chad Dempsey, a beloved music educator, father, husband and friend will be forever remembered for his passion and dedication to inspire everyone around him, even while fighting cancer.
First-grader becomes State Fair of Texas’ youngest qualifier, beating out adult bakers
(Dallas Morning News ) The first time 7-year-old Allen Gage baked a blueberry pie with his grandma, he won $750 at the Kaufman County fair. The second time he baked that same pie, he won first place at the State Fair of Texas’ Battle for the Blue Ribbons. Now, he’s the youngest person ever to qualify for the State Fair’s “best of show” award in October 2024.
Man high on meth passed school bus picking up children, led deputies on pursuit in stolen vehicle: Coryell sheriff
(KWTX) Scott Dean Ross, 45, of Gatesville, is facing multiple charges after he drove around a school bus picking up children and led deputies on a pursuit in a stolen vehicle while he was high on meth, the Coryell County Sheriff’s Office wrote in a social media post.
Lone Star College-Tomball to launch handbell musical program at Tomball ISD
(Community Impact) Lone Star College-Tomball’s handbell program will be creating an ensemble at Tomball ISD, according to an April 24 news release
