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Feb. 28, 2025
Legislative News
Gov. Greg Abbott steps up online attacks as support builds for school vouchers

(Houston Chronicle) The approach, which echoes the kinds of online attacks President Donald Trump is known for making, underscores the stakes for Abbott after months of pressuring lawmakers to pass private school vouchers. The governor spent last year campaigning against House Republicans who opposed a voucher bill in 2023, an unprecedented drive against members of his own party.

Texas Senate passes ban on lottery sales through courier services

(Texas Tribune) Unanimous passage in the Senate comes after top Texas officials say the third-party services undermine trust in the lottery.

Texas Legislature proposes $400 million cut to higher ed as Dan Patrick threatens university budgets over DEI

(Texas Tribune) At a public event last week, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said higher ed would get less funding if they don’t “kick DEI out of their schools,” a few weeks after lawmakers proposed a massive cut to public universities.

Houston ISD expects teacher pay bill to bring in an estimated $38 million

(Houston Chronicle) The Legislature is expected to approve a teacher pay increase that would bring an estimated $38 million to Houston ISD — and non-New Education System schools would get most of the increase, state-appointed Superintendent Mike Miles said Thursday. Senate Bill 26, authored by Houston-area Sen. Brandon Creighton, passed Wednesday and heads to the House.

Proposed NIL bill paves way for House settlement at Texas universities

(KBTX) Revenue sharing with college athletes is on the horizon pending the approval of the House versus NCAA antitrust settlement, and current Texas law would prevent universities in the state from engaging in direct payments to athletes. Monday, Lubbock Representative Carl Tepper (R-District 84) filed House Bill 3220, which aims to update the state’s name, image and likeness (NIL) law to conform with portions of the House settlement.

Also Reported:
Texas leaders quiet amid the biggest measles outbreak in decades

(Texas Tribune) Declining vaccination rates, decreasing trust in government and a political unwillingness to endorse vaccines is shaping Texas’ measles response. Related:

Houston ISD considering shutting down schools amid declining enrollment

(Houston Chronicle) The Houston Independent School District may close schools for the 2026-2027 school year as enrollment in the district continues to decline, according to the district’s budget plans. The district did not identify how many schools may close down. No schools will be closed for the 2025-2026 academic year, but HISD plans to move forward with budget development and workshopping in the coming months and bring a proposal to the school board for consideration in the fall.

Austin ISD executive charged with tampering with government records

(KXAN) An Austin Independent School District executive was arrested Wednesday and accused of “intentionally manipulating” records related to a suspected theft of thousands of dollars worth of district gift cards, according to court records. Amie Ortiz, 40, AISD’s executive director of talent strategy, is accused of deleting data police requested – an accusation her attorney pushed back on when reached for comment.

Keller ISD addresses $9.4M shortfall, budget cuts for fiscal year 2025-26

(Community Impact) Keller ISD discussed budget cuts to the 2025-26 fiscal year to deal with an anticipated $9.4 million shortfall at the Feb. 27 board meeting. Chief Operations Officer John Allison detailed what expenses the district could cut to prepare for the shortfall and gave their projected savings.

TEA appointed South San Antonio ISD superintendent outlines $3 million plan for new buses, teacher bonuses

(KSAT) The money became available after cuts to the district’s central office.

Fort Worth ISD seeks balance between community voice, data in school closure plan

(Fort Worth Report) FWISD leaders discussed their still-fluid school closure plan in front of more than 500 people at Diamond Hill-Jarvis High School.

How Alvin, Pearland ISDs get students college, career, military ready

(Community Impact) For years, college, career and military readiness has been a part of the Texas Education Agency accountability system. However, local school districts have found it difficult to adjust to the requirements from the accountability system, as requirements change on a yearly basis.

More than 25% of Dallas students missed school during ‘Day Without Immigrants’ protest

(Dallas Morning News) More than 25% of Dallas students missed school during the nationwide ”Day Without Immigrants” protest, according to district data. Dallas ISD’s attendance rate on Feb. 3 was 73%, prompting district officials to seek a waiver from the state to exclude the day from their average daily attendance calculations. Texas schools are funded based on how many students come to class.

Why the STAAR ‘opt-out’ movement stills exists today, 10 years after starting in Houston

(Houston Chronicle) Facebook group Texans Take Action Against STAAR has more than 83,000 members as of Febuary 2025. Members of the movement span across districts, lifestyles and political affiliations, Community Voices for Public Education co-founder Ruth Kravetz said. Some worry about their students’ testing anxiety, or how test scores could be used to evaluate teacher performance or assign schools “A-F” ratings. To Kravetz, the state accountability system punishes schools with more economically disadvantaged student bodies and ignores larger historical and societal issues that affect students’ performance.

Harris County courts say new juvenile district court is ‘crucial’ with crime rising among youth

(KTRK) Violent crimes among juveniles are on the rise, and Harris County court administrators are ringing the alarm that they need help. Court leaders are now pushing for an additional juvenile district court.

Teachers suspended after students allegedly applied tattoos using same needle at Greenville school

(CBS News) Teachers assigned to classrooms where students allegedly applied tattoos using temporary ink and the same needle at a Greenville school have been suspended pending the results of an investigation, officials announced Thursday.

UT Austin athletic director projects $30 million cost increase for athletics

(Houston Chronicle) The university will add 200 athletic scholarships and raise season ticket prices ahead of NCAA vs. House settlement.

University of North Texas commits to 60% plant-based dining, the most ambitious of any U.S. university

(KCEN) The University of North Texas pledged to make 60% of its campus dining options plant-based by 2027, according to Humane World for Animals. The 60% goal is the most ambitious ever adopted by a higher education institution, according to the nonprofit. The university’s existing all-vegan dining hall, Mean Greens Café, is a cornerstone of the plant-based protein initiative, Humane World for Animals said in a press release. The dining hall has been open since 2011 and serves 11,000 students and staff every day.

Inter-district transfer on the horizon for Richardson ISD

(Community Impact) Richardson ISD may soon allow students from outside the district’s boundaries to enroll under an expanded open enrollment policy. The board of trustees directed RISD staff to move forward with changes to the inter-district transfer, also called open enrollment, policy during the Feb. 20 meeting.

Nacogdoches ISD board approves State’s Bluebonnet curriculum

(KLTV) Officials say it will be used for grades kindergarten through fifth grade in math and language arts. Detractors of the curriculum say it focuses too much on Bible teaching, which could be troublesome for those who are not of the Christian faith.

Bastrop ISD will equip all buses with seat belts for the 2025-26 school year

(KVUE) Over the next two years, Bastrop ISD plans to add seat belts to all school buses and give drivers a 3% pay raise.

Former Arlington ISD student credits PE teacher for CPR skills that saved dad’s life 7 years later

(Fox 4 KDFW) Starla Smith, a former Arlington ISD junior high coach, taught 12-year-old Stacy Stephens and her 7th-grade class CPR in 2017. Seven years later on Christmas Eve 2024, Stacy’s father, John Stephens, suffered a heart attack. Stacy remembered her CPR training and jumped into action. Now, at 19 years old, Stacy credits Smith, her middle school PE coach, for giving her the tool that saved her dad’s life.

Vandegrift High School students stage walkout after Leander ISD budget cuts eliminate IB program

(KXAN) A group of students walked out of Vandegrift High School on Thursday morning holding signs that read things like, “empower students, empower the future,” and “our education is our future, not a budget line,” while chanting messages they want school district leaders to hear. Earlier this month, Leander Independent School District Superintendent Bruce Gearing announced budget cuts equating to nearly $17 million as the district faces a higher-than-approved deficit in its budget this school year.

Houston’s historic San Jacinto Monument getting a $142M transformation

(Houston Chronicle) The San Jacinto Monument site is currently planning a significant upgrade that will enhance the historic location for generations of Texans to come. While only in the design phase, the overall plan is already funded thanks to an appropriation from the Texas Legislature.

Industry leaders envision future of new Texas A&M-Fort Worth campus at downtown summit

(Fort Worth Report) The meeting of 100-plus officials came as state legislators proposed cutting about $50M from Texas A&M’s budget over the next two years.

Texas A&M University to Buy $45M Supercomputer

(Government Technology) The Texas A&M University System is set to acquire one of the highest-performing AI supercomputers for $45 million. The purchase is expected to triple the university’s supercomputing capacity, Texas A&M said in a press release. It will put the Texas school on the map as the holder of one of the highest-operating AI supercomputers of any university in North America, according to the press release.

A look at the Black Gospel Archive at Baylor University

(CBS News) Did you know that the largest register of Black gospel music and preaching in the world is located outside Dallas-Fort Worth? Housed at Baylor University, the Black Gospel Archive is dedicated to collecting, preserving and making thousands of Black gospel recordings available.

US Marine leader brings recruitment experience to 47th A&M Corps of Cadets Commandant position

(KBTX) After months of searching for the right fit, Texas A&M named its 47th Commandant for the Corps of Cadets on Wednesday. General Mark Welsh, president of Texas A&M University, named Marine Corps leader Lieutenant General James W. Bierman as the 47th commandant for the Corps of Cadets. After he retires from active duty in the United States Marine Corps in August, he’ll shift into the position leading the university’s military-style organization.

Former Barbers Hill High School teacher re-arrested for charges related to having sex with student

(KPRC) Former Barbers Hill High School teacher Molly Colleen Spears is back behind bars after facing new charges related to having sex with a student back in 2023.

Former Aldine ISD substitute charged with improper relationship with student, court documents say

(KTRK) A substitute teacher formerly employed at an Aldine Independent School District campus has been charged with an improper relationship with a student, according to court documents. Court documents read that Nimitz Senior High School administrators learned of the relationship between the student and the teacher, identified as 25-year-old Chasity Houston, last month after the now-18-year-old student reported the encounter to another teacher, who told administrators. Documents state that the student said Houston picked him up and drove him to an Aldine ISD middle school parking lot, where they had a sexual encounter before dropping him off at home.

Who is Marcell Lett? Two pictures emerge of JROTC instructor linked to deadly Bandido turf war

(Houston Chronicle) A judge allowed a Marine veteran and Fort Bend ISD JROTC instructor accused of participating in murderous conspiracy with members of the Bandidos biker gang to be released on bond Thursday pending a trial in the RICO case. In an hourslong hearing before his decision to grant Marcell Lett’s release, U.S. magistrate Judge Richard Bennett heard arguments describing him in two extremely different ways. To prosecutors seeking to keep him in custody, Lett was a longtime leader of a Bandidos-affiliated group, who was striving to be a full-fledged member of the notorious gang.

Pershing Middle School students arrested after altercation, Houston ISD confirms

(KHOU) An altercation at Pershing Middle School led to the arrests of several students by HISD police. No other details were released.

San Antonio Animal Care Services employees investigated for mocking Uvalde massacre

(San Antonio Current) Records obtained by the Current show the city’s human resources department looked into allegations ACS employees on April 27, 2023, cracked jokes about the Robb Elementary School massacre as they drove past victims’ families tending to a memorial at the campus. The ACS workers were in Uvalde for a training course, documents show. Two employees have since resigned, however the driver of the vehicle remains employed by the city department.

Documents reveal second arrest in Austin elementary school threat

(KXAN) Angela Jacuinde, 18, faces a charge of conspiracy to commit Capital Murder in connection to a 2024 threat made against Graham Elementary School in northeast Austin. Her indictment states a grand jury believes she worked with Giana Castillo, 17, to plan the killing of multiple people at Graham Elementary School. Jacuinde’s court records show she was extradited from Fresno, Calif. as part of her arrest.

Grand jury indicts Waco attorney accused of trying to run over Baylor students in a drunken rage

(KWTX) A McLennan County grand jury on Feb. 27 indicted a Waco attorney and former assistant district attorney on 16 charges in the attack on a group of Baylor University students during a drunken rage outside a party, according to court documents.

Feb. 27, 2025
Legislative News
Thin majority of Texas House signs on to support voucher bill

(Texas Tribune) A narrow majority of the Texas House signed on in support of the chamber’s school voucher bill on Wednesday, signaling that Gov. Greg Abbott’s top priority is on track to clear the lower chamber. Related:

Is TEA The Next Education Agency To Go?

(Dallas Express) Activists on both sides of the school choice issue seem to agree on the need to eliminate the TEA. A state representative has filed bills to eliminate the TEA and the STAAR.

Can Texas lawmakers close the ‘floodgates’ of uncertified teachers that they opened?

(Dallas Morning News) The explosion of uncertified teachers is a problem — that’s the message Texas’ education chief brought to lawmakers this week. More than half of brand-new educators last year lacked a state certification, meaning it was impossible to know what kind of training they received. “We are setting these folks up for a very rough ride,” Education Commissioner Mike Morath told lawmakers during a recent House committee hearing.

Texas Legislature proposes $400 million cut to higher ed as Dan Patrick threatens university budgets over DEI

(Texas Tribune) At a public event last week, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said higher ed would get less funding if they don’t “kick DEI out of their schools,” a few weeks after lawmakers proposed a massive cut to public universities.

Texas lawmaker is targeting publicly funded lobbying. Will restrictions pass this session?

(Austin American-Statesman) Sen. Mayes Middleton, R-Galveston, filed Senate Bill 19, which would prevent local governments, such as school districts and cities, from hiring lobbyists with public money or paying dues to organizations that lobby on their behalf. One such organization is the Texas Association of School Boards, a named target of Middleton’s legislation, which drew the ire of some Republican lawmakers last session for its opposition to school vouchers. The movement could see renewed momentum in the 89th Legislature with newly elected Speaker Dustin Burrows at the helm of the House. The bill was also designated as priority legislation this session by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, the third-term Republican who presides over the Senate.

Opinion: Texas lawmakers want to gut free speech protections and encourage more lawsuits

(Houston Chronicle) Three Texas lawmakers want to make free speech a whole lot more expensive by passing a law making it easier for the rich and powerful to silence their critics through lawsuits. If any of these bills pass, Texans who speak up for themselves could end up with $100,000 or more in legal bills even after they win their cases. The lawmakers’ goal is to gut one of the strongest free speech laws in the nation, not just for the media, but for any Texan who says something when they see something wrong.

New Texas Supreme Court chief justice calls for judicial raises, changes to bail laws

(Texas Tribune) Chief Justice Jimmy Blacklock embraced constitutional originalism, a judicial philosophy tied to conservatism, in addressing the Legislature.

Investigations into the Texas Lottery grow after courier controversy

(Texas Tribune) AG Ken Paxton’s office joins two other investigations by state officials into the commission as one service suspends operations due to the agency’s ban.

Also Reported:
A Texas child who was not vaccinated has died of measles, a first for the US in a decade

(AP) A child who wasn’t vaccinated died in a measles outbreak in rural West Texas, state officials said Wednesday, the first U.S. death from the highly contagious — but preventable — respiratory disease since 2015. The school-aged child had been hospitalized and died Tuesday night amid the widespread outbreak, Texas’ largest in nearly 30 years. The child wasn’t identified but was treated at Covenant Children’s Hospital in Lubbock, though the facility noted the patient didn’t live in Lubbock County. Since it began last month, a rash of 124 cases has erupted across nine counties. Related:

KTRK Investigates: 9% of Houston ISD’s uncertified teachers left during the school year

(KTRK) About 16% of Houston ISD’s 13,000 teachers are uncertified. A handful of HISD’s 2,100 uncertified teachers had no experience in the classroom, including a restaurant server who became a reading teacher, a probation officer hired to teach middle school history, and a marketing manager who turned into a math teacher, according to job applications the KTRK team reviewed. We spoke with uncertified teachers who left just months into the job. They told us they left because expectations were constantly changing, leaving them feeling unprepared.

Trump administration pauses grant for Austin ISD staff that helps settle refugee students

(Austin American-Statesman) Austin ISD administrators are working to reassign eight employees tasked with helping students who are new to the U.S. acclimate to the district and their new community after the Trump administration earlier this month froze federal funding for those positions, district officials told the American-Statesman. The employees salaries are paid with part of a now-frozen $1.1 million federal grant.

More Texas children are being identified with dyslexia than ever before — and so are their parents

(Houston Chronicle) Several parents who found out about their disability in adulthood and who have dyslexic children recounted their feelings as young students with reading difficulties: embarrassment, isolation, low self-esteem, frustration and either hatred of school or working overtime to succeed. Related:

Tarrant Appraisal District to discuss reappraisal plan in March amid school district outcry

(Fort Worth Report) Months after passing sweeping changes to its reappraisal plan, the Tarrant Appraisal District board will meet March 12 to discuss whether some of those changes should be walked back. The meeting follows outcry from school district leaders who say the policies could lead to funding cuts. 

Gainesville ISD releases report on bullying investigation after 11-year-old’s death by suicide

(NBC DFW) The Gainesville Independent School District released a timeline and “summary of findings” from its investigation into allegations that bullying at school led to the death of 11-year-old Jocelynn Rojo Carranza who died by suicide earlier this month.

Carroll ISD board approves employee childcare program, lists possible student benefits

(Community Impact) Members of the Carroll ISD board of trustees unanimously approved providing childcare for district employees during their regular meeting Feb. 24. The program, which is slated to be available for the 2025-26 school year, would include after-school care. According to district documents, the program would utilize space in the CISD administration building for childcare of children ages infant to 2 years old. The after-school program would be established on elementary school campuses for staff and potentially CISD families.

Fort Bend ISD task force makes progress on teacher retention, recruitment

(Community Impact) A task force launched last summer in Fort Bend ISD has made strides to fill vacancies amid a nationwide teacher shortage, district officials said. FBISD has 75 teacher vacancies versus 182 vacancies at this time last year, Chief Human Resources Officer Glenda Johnson said at the Feb. 24 board meeting. To continue addressing those vacancies, the Teacher Recruitment, Retention and Recovery Task Force presented their strategies to reduce turnover and increase engagement among those hired.

Houston nonprofit seeks to make change the way students receive punishments in schools

(KTRK) Restorative Houston, a nonprofit organization, seeks to change how students receive punishments in school. However, its effectiveness is difficult to measure, and the practice has been controversial, especially in recent years, as education leaders have struggled to address violence in schools. At Fort Bend ISD, an effort to add restorative justice principles to the district’s code of conduct was recently shot down, with trustees calling the approach too soft and the implementation process too demanding for teachers.

Richardson girl pushes for girls flag football to become a UIL-sanctioned sport

(Fox 4 KDFW) Emme Dudley is a fifth grader at Canyon Creek Elementary School in Richardson. She hopes this advances the push in Texas even further to make girls flag football a UIL-sanctioned sport. This Saturday, girls at 32 North Texas high schools will receive their jerseys to compete in the Dallas Cowboys’ first high school girls flag football league this spring. A total of 54 high schools are participating. Richardson ISD is not one of the 32 high schools, but a spokesperson said they are considering participating. They said the longer-term issue is the lack of UIL sanctioning.

Bats are unwanted addition in walls of Buna High School math wing

(KFDM) The Buna ISD superintendent is revealing to parents and patrons the discovery of more bats, a problem the district has been dealing with, off and on, since the Christmas season. The superintendent posted a note on the district’s Facebook page, telling families that there were more bats discovered in Buna High School in the walls of specific classrooms in the math wing. “They are isolated and contained to this area of the building only,” wrote Dr. Julie Motomura. “Beginning tomorrow, those classrooms are being sealed off, and students in those classes will be relocated to other parts of the building until the issue is resolved. Please know we are following all the appropriate steps to ensure our students are safe and doing our very best to remedy this continuing issue. I will keep you updated.”

Rosebud-Lott school to enact new phone policy Thursday

(KXXV) Rosebud-Lott Middle and High School will begin a new technology policy on Thursday, requiring students in grades 6-12 to show staff members their phones and other non-school technology in their Yondr pouch. Students cannot leave their phones in their cars.

Texas State Technical College’s Fort Bend County Campus opens food market to aid food-insecure students

(Community Impact) In collaboration with the Houston Food Bank, Texas State Technical College’s campus in Fort Bend County opened the doors for its Food Market in late February. The food market provides nutrition and essentials for students at the Rosenberg campus. The market receives most of its foods and supplies, including meat, fruit, vegetables and hygiene products, through the food bank’s Food for Change food scholarship initiative.

UT Dallas unveils ‘brain recharge station.’ How might it help students?

(Dallas Morning News) The room – a brain recharging station – was unveiled Monday as part of the University of Texas at Dallas’ third annual Brain Health Week. The events are a bid to enhance understanding and promote practices for better brain health across the North Texas community.

Spring ISD bus involved in hit-and-run crash with 12 students on board

(Fox 26 Houston) A Jeep Cherokee left the scene of a crash with a Spring ISD school bus that had students on board Thursday morning. The suspect was later found and detained for their alleged involvement in the hit-and-run. No students were reported injured in the crash.

National Park Service fires hundreds of park rangers, which cuts deep at the San Antonio Missions

(Texas Public Radio) The Trump administration’s DOGE program has fired hundreds of park rangers across the United States, and that painful process has also affected staffers at the San Antonio Missions National Park.

Former Eanes ISD music teacher arrested in connection with online crimes against children

(KXAN) Former Eanes ISD elementary music teacher Zachary Barnett was arrested on Feb. 26 in connection with online crimes against children, Eanes ISD Superintendent Dr. Jeff Arnett said in a disrict letter Wednesday. Barnett previously worked as a music teacher at Cedar Creek Elementary and was employed with Eanes ISD for three years. The Texas Department of Public Safety’s Computer Information Technology and Electronic Crime Unit conducted the investigation that led to his arrest and apprehension, the district said.

Why the University of Texas System is offering microcredentials to students — for free

(Higher Ed Dive) The University of Texas System expanded its partnership with Coursera late last year to provide some 15,000 students across its five health campuses with free access to the online learning platform’s microcredentials. Through the partnership, students, faculty, staff, and alumni have access to Coursera’s Career Academy, which offers some 50 professional certificate programs with companies like Google and Microsoft. 

TCU gives a glimpse of its $83 million campus expansion plan

(Fox 4 KDFW) The university’s devised master plan includes a major revamp of the West Berry Street corridor to expand the campus footprint. Part of the $83 million expansion project includes two newly constructed dormitories, complete with convertible indoor and outdoor features, that will be connected by a massive open dining facility. The university will continue to roll out more details of the campus expansion and its master plan in the coming weeks.

Feb. 26, 2025
Legislative News
Would Texas football suffer because of school choice? Gov. Abbott, coaches clash over ESAs

(Dallas Morning News) Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said plans for a school voucher-style program won’t have a negative impact on one of the state’s most cherished institutions — football. Coaches disagree.

Basically everyone agrees Texas teachers need a raise. The question is how to do it

(KUT) When Gov. Greg Abbott announced his shortlist of priorities for the Legislature during his State of the State address in early February, raising teacher pay made the cut. Now, just a few weeks after the governor’s address, proposals to raise teacher salaries are taking shape. Related:

$113K Funneled Into Legislator’s Pocket Via Taxpayer-funded Lobbying Payouts?

(Texas Scorecard) Democrat State Rep. Mary Gonzalez is the executive director of the School Board Members for Latino Equity, which is reportedly funded with taxpayer dollars from the Texas Association of School Boards. Related:

Also Reported:
First measles death reported in West Texas outbreak

(Texas Tribune) Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center spokesperson Melissa Whitfield confirmed the death Wednesday. It wasn’t clear the age of the patient, who died overnight. More than 120 people across nine counties have been infected during the largest Texas outbreak in 30 years. Related:

Texas’ has the highest rate of uninsured children, and it’s getting worse

(Texas Tribune) Issues with Medicaid coverage, including long wait times, abrupt loss of coverage and lack of political will to expand it, have contributed to Texas’ high uninsured rate for children.

Cleveland ISD says schools unaffected by Colony Ridge raids, reaffirms support for all students

(Houston Chronicle) Cleveland ISD officials said that immigration officers have not visited any CISD schools one day after state and federal agents descended upon Colony Ridge for the first large-scale immigration crackdown in the Houston area under President Donald Trump. Related:

Aldine ISD board votes to close 6 elementary schools

(KHOU) Aldine Independent School District board members voted Tuesday night to close six elementary schools, a decision that follows a decline in enrollment according to district officials. The closure was expected to save the district $25 million.

Mexia ISD moves to 4-day school week for 2025-2026 school year

(KBTX) Mexia ISD announced that the district is moving to a 4-day school week for the 2025-2026 school year following a 5-2 vote during the Monday night meeting on Feb. 24. The board considered three calendar options: a traditional five-day week, a four-day week with Fridays off, and the approved “Monday 2” schedule.

Houston ISD lost nearly 7,400 students in 2024-25 academic year, new enrollment data shows

(Houston Chronicle) Houston ISD has lost nearly 7,400 students — or about 4% of the student body — since the 2023-24 academic year, according to district enrollment data released Tuesday. The state’s largest school district reported that its student enrollment was down to 176,731 on Oct. 25, which is the official “snapshot” date when Texas school districts are required to report enrollment to the state. Related:

‘One of the most unknown seasons’: Round Rock ISD shares outlook for FY 2025-26

(Community Impact) The upcoming budget season is one filled with uncertainty, Round Rock ISD administrators shared in February. Among concerns about the growth in homeschool and charter school growth as well as ongoing discussions around funding at the Legislature, RRISD administrators are still working toward a balanced budget for the next financial year. Related:

Clear Creek ISD trustees approve expanding limited open enrollment program

(Community Impact) More families could qualify to attend Clear Creek ISD after the board of trustees approved expanding the district’s limited open enrollment program. The expanded policy will give the superintendent authority to accept or reject out-of-district transfer requests, subject to policy and administrative regulations, according to district agenda documents.

Carroll ISD superintendent presents 5-year budget savings plan to board

(Community Impact) During Carroll ISD’s regular board meeting Feb. 24, Superintendent Jeremy Glenn presented the findings of the district’s budget reduction advisory committee to the board of trustees. The plan outlines what the district needs to do over a five-year period to stay fiscally responsible in light of on-going financial issues such as recapture and declining enrollment.

Katy ISD special education enrollment grows to 18.5%

(Community Impact) Just under 18,000 students, or 18.5% of students, are utilizing special education services in the 2024-25 school year, said Gwen Coffey, assistant superintendent for special education, at the Feb. 24 board of trustees meeting. This rise in special education enrollment follows a regional trend across the Houston area, including in Spring, Klein, Fort Bend, Alvin, Friendswood and Pearland ISDs, Community Impact reported. Related:

Frisco ISD joins litigation for youth protection on social media platforms

(Community Impact) Frisco ISD has joined a multi-district lawsuit that will help school districts recover additional expenses from addressing student mental health. The lawsuit intends to recover damages that have been incurred as a result of the mental health harms caused to children on social media, said Esther Kolni, the district’s legal counsel. Related:

Data challenges make it tough to see full scope of educator injury issues in Bexar County

(KSAT) KSAT Investigates found more than 4,000 injuries reported by Bexar County educators in the last two school years. “That’s a very low figure,” said Bexar County Federation of Teachers President Tom Cummins. “In truth, there are many, many, many teachers who do not report their injuries.” KSAT Investigates found several local districts don’t keep that data readily available in the long term.

PowerSchool faces more scrutiny following widespread data breach

(K-12 Dive) Government officials in the U.S. and beyond have announced investigations after a threat actor gained access to troves of student and staff data.

Education Department approves more ARP spending extensions for districts

(K-12 Dive) School systems in 41 states (including Texas) now have 14 more months to spend down federal COVID-19 emergency funding under the American Rescue Plan.

Millions face uncertainty as court stalls Biden-era student loan plan

(Texas Standard) Last week, a federal court blocked a Biden-era initiative aimed at lowering – and in some cases, erasing – student loan debt for millions of borrowers across the United States. This policy was called the SAVE plan and lowered monthly payments for nearly everybody who took out a federal student loan to pay for school. 

Lockhart ISD makes changes to backpack policy after student arrested for bringing a gun on campus

(KVUE) Officials said the change will only impact one campus as it works toward a future district-wide policy.

Electrical workers’ union, Corpus Christi ISD look to resolve lawsuit accusing the district of underpaying

(KIII) Corpus Christi Independent School District is facing scrutiny after the local chapter of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers filed a lawsuit nearly three years ago claiming they were underpaid for work. Nearly three years after filing that lawsuit, the union is still fighting for greater transparency in the bidding process and fair pay. Lawsuit plaintiff David Carranco said CCISD has asked his union to draft a proposed settlement by the next school board meeting, which is on Monday, March 24th. CCISD chose to not comment, because the lawsuit is ongoing.

National power, Texas 6A state championship contender Mansfield Lake Ridge forfeits, booted over ineligible player

(Sports Illustrated) The UIL boys 6A Division I state basketball tournament suffered a big shakeup Tuesday morning. In a shocking bit of news, and to their credit, the Lake Ridge boys basketball team on Tuesday morning reportedly learned it had used an ineligible player during its area championship game on Friday, Feb. 21 – a 71-35 win over El Paso Eastlake. Both Mansfield ISD and UIL released statements confirming the events to WFAA.com, but neither specifically mentioned the player or what triggered the violation.

How Central Texas universities and school districts are now bringing AI into the classroom

(KWTX) Although you may not realize it, artificial intelligence, or AI, has quickly become a part of everyday life. But despite some of the skepticism around it, more Central Texas universities and schools are now bringing it into the classroom to help their students.

Texas A&M International University’s $374M impact: University boosts Webb County’s economy

(Laredo Morning Times) A recently released report on the economic impact of Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) on Webb County during fiscal year 2024 revealed that the university generated $374 million in economic impact on Webb County’s economy and supported nearly 6,300 jobs during fiscal year 2024. The Texas Center for Border Economic and Enterprise Development at TAMIU conducted the study.

Affidavit: Teen recorded two students performing sex acts in Waco High bathroom, distributed video to others

(KWTX) A teen recorded a video of two male students performing oral sex on each other in a Waco High School bathroom and then shared the video with other students, an arrest warrant affidavit states. Jamal Dudley Johnson, 17, of Waco, is charged with intentionally and knowingly displaying harmful material to a minor and recording an invasive recording in a bathroom, the warrant states.

Allen ISD middle school custodian arrested for online solicitation of a minor, police say

(WFAA) According to the sheriff’s office, 47-year-old Jason James Giuliani believed he was communicating with a 15-year-old girl. However, he was communicating with authorities, who were conducting an undercover operation. During the investigation, investigators determined Giuliani worked as a custodian at Curtis Middle School, a school within Allen ISD. Deputies with the Denton County Sheriff’s Office Human Trafficking Unit arrested Giuliani on Monday at the school.

Feb. 25, 2025
Legislative News
Texas House unveils plan to cut property taxes, setting up fight with Senate

(Texas Tribune) Texas House lawmakers unveiled a business-friendly package of property tax cuts Monday, setting up a fight with the Senate over how to bring down the state’s high property taxes.

Republican lawmaker files bills to ban DEI in Texas K-12 public schools

(Texas Tribune) Sen. Brandon Creighton has filed bills that would ban diversity, equity and inclusion policies related to hiring and programming, while creating ways for parents to complain about violations to the DEI ban.

Opinion: School vouchers could do real harm to Texas high school football

(Dave Campbell’s Texas Football) The school voucher program could do real harm to Texas high school football. I don’t mean to sound alarmist, but there’s no other way to put it.

Abbott directs Texas Rangers to investigate 2 lottery jackpots for ‘potential wrongdoing’

(Dallas Morning News) The Texas Rangers are opening an investigation into the Texas Lottery, specifically its courier system. Governor Greg Abbott ordered them to investigate two incidents, including a recent 83 million-dollar win in Austin through a courier service. Related:

Texas’ New Ban The Box Bill: What Employers Need To Know About HB 2466

(Forbes) Employers in Texas may soon need to rethink how they approach criminal history in hiring decisions. If passed, House Bill 2466, slated to take effect on September 1, 2025, introduces a statewide Ban the Box requirement that delays when employers can ask about an applicant’s criminal record. While the bill aligns with the broader national movement toward fair chance hiring, it leaves several unanswered questions regarding compliance.

Also Reported:
“We’re in competition”: An East Texas school district faces hard choices as education options grow

(Texas Tribune) The Lufkin school district says it must do a better job of promoting itself amid growing competition from charter schools and homeschooling.

Why is Socorro ISD in financial crisis? Because it’s been spending a lot more money than it takes in

(El Paso Matters) About 300 Socorro ISD employees will be laid off in the coming weeks, the starkest of a number of actions the school board approved Wednesday to cut $38 million from next year’s budget. Socorro’s dire financial situation – officials said the district would be insolvent next year without the steep cuts – has a number of causes. But the primary cause is simple: The district has been spending more money than it takes in for a decade. And each year in that time, the Socorro ISD board voted to knowingly spend more than it was taking in, according to a presentation the school board received during the meeting.

Fort Worth ISD considering closing several schools due to budget deficit

(KRLD) Fort Worth ISD is stretching to cover a $17 million budget shortfall. Trustees met with the community to discuss the possibility of shutting down up to 21 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, and Western Hills High School as well as a proposal to build new schools and repurpose existing campuses.

Did Mike Miles’ Former Charter School Network Fail to Provide Required Classes?

(Texas Observer) A Third Future Schools-Texas elementary school in Midland has been accused of neglecting social studies and physical education. Related:

TEA reviewing state truancy data following KPRC 2 investigation

(KPRC) The Texas Education Agency is reviewing truancy data submitted by school districts over the last four years. The review was prompted by questions from the KPRC 2 Investigates team about truancy prevention efforts in Texas.

How does high school math impact Texas students’ college and career preparedness?

(Dallas Morning News) Bolstering math teaching — and funding for the subject — ensures students are prepared for the workforce, advocates say.

Texas has shortchanged students with dyslexia for decades. Will a new law fix the broken system?

(Houston Chronicle) For decades, Texas public schools have systematically robbed students with dyslexia of the protections that federal law entitles them to. Under a bill enacted in 2023, districts have until this summer to move students receiving special instruction for dyslexia onto full special education plans, including conducting comprehensive assessments that could catch other learning disabilities that were overlooked in the past. The changes have been applauded as long-needed and providing important protections for students with dyslexia, however, they come at a time of extraordinary strain and upheaval for public school districts and introduce requirements that compound those struggles. Related:

More than 100 UTEP students file reports with FBI on loan scam

(El Paso Matters) Alejandra Velez is among the many University of Texas at El Paso students who somehow did not receive their federal loans since August. UTEP claims that the students were victims of phishing schemes that redirected their funds into scammers’ accounts, but some students blame the institution’s lax security. According to the university, cybercriminals were able to get account login credentials from students and use that information to change bank account deposit information so the money went into the crooks’ bank accounts. UTEP stated that it is working to help students who were victims of the attack, but Velez said that the university needs to do a better job.

University of Houston approves funds to expedite $18M campus lighting and security project

(KTRK) The security upgrades come as the campus deals with a string of crimes — most notably, a young woman who was sexually assaulted at knifepoint in the Welcome Center Student Parking Garage on Feb. 7. Once completed, the initiative will add more than 400 new lights, 195 surveillance cameras, and 42 emergency call stations and security kiosks on campus.

Texas Home School Coalition Warns Lobbying Law Threatens Political Speech

(Texas Scorecard) The Texas Home School Coalition has filed an amicus brief urging the U.S. Supreme Court to take up Michael Quinn Sullivan’s case against the Texas Ethics Commission, arguing that Texas’ lobbying registration law threatens grassroots advocacy and political speech.

UT Austin to block Tiktok, other ByteDance-owned apps on devices used for University-related operations

(Daily Texan) The University will block all “prohibited technologies,” including apps owned or created by ByteDance Limited, like TikTok, on personal devices used for University business beginning Feb. 27, University Risk and Compliance Services announced in an email Monday. 

UT Austin students grapple with possible visa law changes

(Daily Texan) UT’s over 6,600 international students could face changes in the visa process after President Donald Trump sent out an executive order to review the programs on Jan. 20. 

Judson ISD shelves plan to convert elementary school into disciplinary program

(News4SA) Judson Independent School District has decided against converting Coronado Village Elementary School into a Disciplinary Alternative Education Program (DAEP) following community feedback.

Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD’s nature-infused admin building wins statewide award

(Fort Worth Report) The administration building in northwest Fort Worth near Marine Creek Lake won recognition for how its architecture invites nature inside.

Wells ISD teacher, boyfriend arrested after child porn investigation

(KTRE) Two people, including a teacher for Wells ISD, have been arrested on charges related to possession of child pornography. One of them is also facing a bestiality charge. According to an affidavit KLTV obtained through an open records request, Angelina County deputies responded early Saturday morning to a call related to a man who was suicidal. The affidavit indicates a man and woman were arguing, and in the course of that argument, the subject of pornographic images involving a child and a dog came up with law enforcement. Authorities received consent to search the man’s cell phone, and found related evidence. The affidavit says the man also reported the two had used cocaine which influenced their choices.

Orangefield ISD board member resigns following second DWI arrest in two years

(KFDM) KFDM/Fox 4 News has learned an Orangefield ISD board member who faced a possible censure at Monday night’s meeting for his Valentine’s Day DWI arrest, his second in two years, has resigned with more than a year left in his term. The school board president said Marcus Daniel Wernig, 55, submitted a letter of resignation to the district Monday morning.

Austin private school NextGen Academy uses esports, artificial intelligence to provide accelerated learning opportunities

(Community Impact) At NextGen Academy, fifth through eighth grade students participate in esports and AI-driven learning alongside guides to develop academic and life skills. Students complete their academic instruction using an artificial intelligence platform, known as 2 Hour Learning, and learn life skills by competing in esports and developing video games.

8-year-old died after being hit by car while running from school bus stop in SW Houston, HPD says

(KTRK) Investigators said surveillance video shows the girl run out into the street after the Alief ISD bus had dropped her off, and an oncoming driver didn’t have time to stop. Police said the driver didn’t show signs of intoxication and stopped to render aid.

United ISD bus driver cited for crash on Loop 20

(Laredo Morning Times) Authorities said that the driver was cited for failure to control speed. The bus was traveling north on Bob Bullock Loop Friday morning when it rear-ended a pickup at about 7 a.m. Review of evidence on the bus showed that the driver was not distracted at the time of the crash, according to police. There were 20 students on the bus. A 9-year-old child had a busted lip. The rest were released to their parents at the scene.

TSTC continues to grow in Fort Bend County

(Fort Bend Star) Many programs at Texas State Technical College’s Fort Bend County campus have seen high amounts of growth including the Precision Machining Technology program.

Tarrant County needs more skilled auto technicians. A new scholarship program will help

(Fort Worth Report) Autobahn’s $5K scholarships for Tarrant County College students will help an industry that needs to recruit more workers.

Thousands of dollars in wages sought by former teachers at shuttered Plano daycare

(Dallas Morning News) Just three months after a private Christian school in Plano abruptly closed its doors, the nonprofit’s daycare has similarly shuttered, once again leaving former staff saying they are short thousands of dollars.

South Dallas parochial school plans housing projects, business hub to encourage community investment

(Dallas Free Press) The new Business Hub recently opened with the help of St. Philip’s Community School along MLK Jr. Boulevard to encourage entrepreneurs to develop businesses in the area.

Feb. 24, 2025
Legislative News
Over 1,000 call for more funding in public schools at Texas Capitol

(CBS Austin) Over 1,100 Texans gathered in a protest organized by Save Texas Schools, demanding increased funding for public education. The demonstrators, including public school officials, educators, and parents, called for better resources to support public schools across the state. Related:

Scaling back STAAR, boosting public school funding and teacher quality focus of Texas bills

(Dallas Morning News) A flurry of bills filed in the Texas House on Thursday tackle public school funding, STAAR tests, teacher quality and a voucher-style program to funnel public money toward private school tuition. The slate of bills came amid a tense legislative session in which education is a central theme.

Texas Lottery Commissioner Resigns as Commission Faces Scrutiny

(Texas Tribune) Clark Smith, one of five members of the commission, stepped down Friday as lawmakers have raised questions about the role of lottery couriers and agency governance. Related:

Texas Southern University Requests $6.6M for AI Initiative

(Government Technology) The university is hoping to streamline administrative operations, improve AI literacy and enhance recruitment efforts. It has also requested millions more from the legislature for other tech-related initiatives.

Also Reported:
Texas measles outbreak nears 100 cases, raising concerns about undetected spread

(News Medical) Since the outbreak emerged three weeks ago, the Texas health department has confirmed 90 cases with 16 hospitalizations, as of Feb. 21. Most of those infected are under age 18. Officials suspect that nine additional measles cases reported in New Mexico, across the border from the epicenter of the Texas outbreak in Gaines, are linked to the Texas outbreak. Ongoing investigations seek to confirm that connection. Some private schools have shut down because of a rapidly escalating measles outbreak in West Texas. Local health departments are overstretched, pausing other important work as they race to limit the spread of this highly contagious virus. Related:

U.S. Rep. Vasquez: Border Patrol boards bus, ‘harasses’ New Mexico HS students

(KTSM) U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez, D-New Mexico, says he wants answers after his office received reports that U.S. Border Patrol agents boarded a bus of Las Cruces High School students and “harassed” them Friday, Feb. 21 when they were on their way to a swim meet in Albuquerque. Vasquez’s office says they were told that students and coaches were aboard a charter bus on Friday when they were stopped at a Border Patrol checkpoint. “The situation escalated after agents questioned the driver, who was unable to respond in English. Rather than de-escalating, an agent proceeded to board the bus, ignored attempts by coaches to explain the situation, and demanded information from the students, leaving them rattled and shaken,” Vasquez’s office said.

Lake Travis ISD anticipates budget cuts amid nearly $7.5M projected budget shortfall

(Community Impact) Lake Travis ISD is expecting to make budget cuts going into next fiscal year amid a nearly $7.5 million projected budget shortfall. The change in the district’s budget follows a projected 5.5% decline in property values in the area, resulting in a $3.5 million loss in revenue, said Pam Sanchez, assistant superintendent for business services and acting superintendent for LTISD, at a Feb. 19 board of trustees meeting.

Canutillo ISD faces potential budget cuts

(KFOX) The Canutillo Independent School District is grappling with a severe budget deficit that could lead to bankruptcy, according to Superintendent Dr. Pedro Galaviz. In a message shared on social media, Galaviz warned of “a serious financial challenge” facing the district, necessitating further cuts to address the shortfall. Galaviz said, “CISD is evaluating every possible cost-saving measure,” including optimizing operational expenses, assessing program efficiencies, and analyzing staffing needs. He also criticized state funding decisions, attributing some of the district’s financial woes to the governor’s school voucher plans and the influence of special interest groups and political agendas.

Hundreds mourn 11-year-old Texas girl who died by suicide after being bullied at school

(Dallas Morning News) Hundreds gathered in downtown Gainesville Saturday to mourn the life of a Texas girl who died by suicide. Her family said classmates bullied her by threatening to call immigration agents on her parents. Dozens carried candles and signs asking for justice for Jocelynn Rojo Carranza.

Ponder ISD adopts four-day school week to attract and retain teachers

(KRLD) The Ponder ISD school board has voted for a four-day school week starting in 2025-26. This move has already sparked interest, with many teachers inquiring about open positions.

Houston ISD failed to report truancy prevention to TEA over 4 years despite absences, data shows

(KPRC) An HISD spokesperson sent us the following statement: “The previous compliance team did not properly upload all truancy-related data to the TEA portal. HISD is aware of this issue. This year, a new team is in charge of this data submission requirement and will ensure that our team submits truancy-related data properly to the TEA.” Related:

Fort Worth ISD could join hundreds of districts suing 4 social media giants. Here’s why

(Fort Worth Star-Telegram) The Fort Worth Independent School District is taking steps to join hundreds of other school districts nationwide in suing the four big social media companies, alleging the platforms they run contributed to a mental health crisis among students. After a closed-door discussion, the district’s school board voted Tuesday, Feb. 18, to approve contracts with two Texas-based law firms to represent the district in the case. In the complaint, school districts allege the social media platforms “have rewired how adolescents think, learn, feel, and behave,” leaving school leaders to deal with the mental health ramifications.

U.S. Supreme Court decision safeguards schools’ E-rate discount

(K-12 Dive) In a unanimous ruling, justices found that reimbursement requests under the federal broadband discount program are subject to the False Claims Act. The Schools, Health and Libraries Broadband Coalition hailed the ruling as helping to strengthen enforcement measures and safeguard broadband funding.

Backlash leads Republican attorneys general to declare support for a landmark disability rights law

(AP) Republican state attorneys general are declaring their continued support for a landmark federal law protecting disabled people’s rights, after parents expressed fears of losing services for their disabled children because of a GOP lawsuit opposing transgender rights. The attorneys general of 17 states, led by Texas, told a federal judge this week that a lawsuit they filed in September targets only a rule imposed last year by then-President Joe Biden’s administration declaring that transgender Americans are protected by a 1973 law barring discrimination against disabled people. The state officials said they are not attacking — and have never attacked — the law itself, which requires institutions receiving federal funds to make accommodations for disabled people.

UT Austin Cancels Federal Grant Agreement With Planned Parenthood of Illinois

(Texas Scorecard) A federal grant sub-award agreement between the University of Texas at Austin and Planned Parenthood of Illinois has been terminated, according to documents obtained by Texas Scorecard through an open records request. Congressman Chip Roy questioned the university about the funding agreement last month.

UT approves $60M projects for UTRGV in Brownsville, Port Isabel

(myRGV) Regents approved $39 million for the repair and renovation of the Brownsville Visual Arts Complex, formerly Longoria Elementary School, to accommodate the university’s School of Art and Design, and another $21.5 million to build a new Port Isabel Marine Ecosystems Research Facility. Both projects, are aimed at “fostering regional growth,” according to the university, and are expected to be completed sometime in 2026.

Companies are coming to Texas to develop a new generation of nuclear reactors

(Texas Tribune) “A company and school no one has heard of has gotten to the forefront of advanced nuclear,” said Rusty Towell, a nuclear physicist at Abilene Christian University and lead developer of Natura’s reactor. “This is going to bless the world.”

Several Killeen, Texas middle school students, staff injured after ‘incident’ Friday morning, KISD says

(KWTX) Christina Harris, Principal of Robert E. Patterson Middle School in Killeen, Texas says an incident occurred on campus Friday morning where a student acted aggressively, leaving several students and staff injured.

School supply company owner pleads guilty to defrauding Fort Worth ISD, feds say

(Fort Worth Star-Telegram) The owner of a school equipment company has pleaded guilty to federal charges of defrauding the Fort Worth Independent School District in a case that led to the firing of two principals.

East Texas teacher charged with bestiality, child porn possession

(CBS 19) An East Texas teacher and a man were arrested for alleged crimes against children. According to Angelina County jail records, Hillary Williams, 33, was arrested by the Angelina County Sheriff’s Office for possession with the intent to promote child pornography and bestiality. Her bond was set at $350,000. According to a statement from Wells ISD Superintendent Jimmy Friday Wright, Williams is a math teacher for grades seventh through 12th at the district.

Baylor Board of Regents approves tuition increase, scholarship initiative, 2 academic degrees

(Baylor Lariat) Baylor’s tuition and fees will increase by more than $5,000 for the 2025-2026 school year. Per the official news release, Baylor plans to increase scholarship funding by $5 million for returning students demonstrating “financial hardship.” Accompanying this, Baylor will extend some form of financial aid to over 90% of students and continue the Baylor Benefit Scholarship for students with an adjusted household income of $50,000 or less.

Higher education survey aims to identify college retention barriers in San Antonio

(San Antonio Report) San Antonio has seen a rise in college enrollment in recent years, but retention and graduation rates remain low in comparison, and the city wants to know why. Hoping to answer that question, the city’s Higher Education Student Advisory Board — comprised of one appointed college student representative for each city district — created a survey asking local college students what struggles they face in completing their education.

L. Clifford Davis, who helped desegregate Texas schools, dies at 100

(Washingon Post) L. Clifford Davis, who as a civil rights lawyer in the 1950s helped integrate Texas public schools that had resisted the landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision overturning the principle of “separate but equal,” died Feb. 15 at a nursing home in Fort Worth. He was 100.

UT Law continues honoring its first Black graduate

(KXAN) Virgil C. Lott’s family walked the halls of the University of Texas at Austin Law School, more than 70 years after he became the first Black student to graduate from there. Lott graduated from UT Law in 1953 on the heels of Heman Sweatt, who sued the university when he was initially denied admission because of his race.

San Antonio Zoo to close three habitats temporarily after possible bird flu exposure

“(KSAT) Zoo officials said a dead black vulture was found on the property. The bird tested ‘non-negative’ for H5 bird flu.

Feb. 21, 2025
Legislative News
Texas House unveils school voucher, $8B school finance bills: ‘One size does not fit all’

(Austin American-Statesman) Texas House lawmakers filed a sweep of education-related legislation Thursday including a school voucher proposal and a funding bill that would invest $8 billion in public education. The bills are the House’s answer to the Texas Senate’s swift action early this session to advance education legislation, including a $1 billion annual school voucher program and $2.3 billion annually for teacher pay raises. Related:

Bill to raise pay for Texas teachers advances in Senate; committee vote is unanimous

(Dallas Morning News) A Texas Senate committee gave unanimous approval Thursday to a bill giving across-the-board pay raises to public school teachers, the first step forward for a top goal of lawmakers in both political parties. SB 26, by Republican Sen. Brandon Creighton of Conroe, would give a $10,000 a year raise to educators with five or more years of experience who work in districts of fewer than 5,000 students. Experienced teachers in larger districts would get a $5,500 raise. Teachers in larger districts with three years of experience would get $2,500 a year more. Smaller raises would go to teachers with less time in the classroom.

Overhaul of schools’ STAAR test proposed by Texas House bill

(Texas Tribune) The bill would require the state to reduce the test’s length, prioritize post-secondary preparation and launch a revamped version by 2026.

House Records Reveal Lawmakers’ Taxpayer-Funded News Sources


(Texas Scorecard) Recent reports have exposed that millions in federal tax dollars have been funneled into national and international news organizations, raising concerns over journalistic independence and government influence. Now, newly obtained records from the House Business Office provide a closer look at the news sources Texas lawmakers are using taxpayer funds to subscribe to. Recent legislation filed by State Rep. Briscoe Cain (R–Deer Park) would prevent state agencies from using public funds to support news organizations.

Texas Lottery ticket sales to third-party services fuel controversy and questions about the agency’s future

(Texas Tribune) While the Lottery Commission says it can’t regulate sales to couriers, lawmakers want changes after two major jackpots were won using those services.

Also Reported:
Video purportedly showing San Antonio ISD skirting anti-trans sports ban far from a smoking gun

(San Antonio Current) Right-wing group Accuracy In Media said undercover clip shows a district employee bending state rules. It’s not clear he did.

Board member: Keller ISD “in utter chaos” after Superintendent resigns during district split proposal

(NBC DFW) After naming an interim superintendent late last month, the Keller ISD school board officially accepted the resignation of Superintendent Tracy Johnson during a special meeting Thursday morning. Two board members, Joni Smith and Chelsea Kelly, said Johnson’s resignation was forced. “While I don’t want to accept this resignation, there’s others I do want to accept. I’m broken hearted. This district is in utter chaos,” said Joni Smith, Keller ISD trustee.

Humble ISD trustees receive breakdown of $1.8M in legal fees related to Title IX investigations, superintendent’s firing

(Community Impact) Humble ISD trustees received a breakdown of the roughly $1.8 million the district has spent in legal fees related to former Superintendent Elizabeth Fagen’s firing and the Title IX investigation into her husband, former HISD Athletic Director Troy Kite.

Beaumont ISD superintendent says Third Future Schools still on hook for contract to operate three BISD campuses

(KBMT) The Beaumont Independent School District board convened Thursday night to address a request for early termination of its contract by Third Future Schools, the provider responsible for operating three charter campuses in the district. Third Future Schools remains contractually obligated to operate three Beaumont ISD charter campuses through next year, despite announcing plans to end its agreement early, superintendent Dr. Shannon Allen confirmed following a board meeting. The charter school network had requested an additional $3 million from the district to continue operations. Beaumont ISD’s board took no action to amend the existing contract.

Texas TV station removes clip showing Nazi book burning over Republican protests

(Independent) A Texas TV station removed a clip that showed footage of Nazi book burning in a report on a Cypress-Fairbanks ISD decision after outraged Republicans intervened.

Aldine ISD nixes proposal to close middle school, leaves 6 campuses at risk of shutting down

(Houston Landing) Aldine ISD leaders are no longer recommending the closure of Hoffman Middle School, leaving six campuses on the chopping block ahead of a vote Tuesday on whether to shutter schools across the district.

Lufkin ISD board approves closure of 2 campuses — and says no to Blue Bonnet Curriculum

(KTRE) Lufkin ISD Board President Kristi Gay said low enrollment is what made her create the Future Facilities Advisory Committee. Based on their findings, the committee recommended the district cut their losses, and close Coston Elementary and Kurth Primary School. The board also rejected approving the Blue Bonnet curriculum.

Fine Arts teacher reacts to Socorro ISD staff reduction approval

(KVIA) Ben Vincent has been a fine arts teacher with the Socorro Independent School District for about ten years. Last week he was called into a meeting with Interim Superintendent James Vasquez and told that his contract would not be renewed for next school year. He was told his last paycheck would be the end of July and his insurance would be up in June. Mr. Vincent was also told he could apply for other jobs in the district. “He (James Vasquez) told us that the fine arts specialists for art and music represent $2 million of that budget. Of the $38 million deficit, we represent a $2 million savings. They lumped it in with other figures to make it look like, oh, this is a lot of money,” said Vincent.

Bushland ISD school board votes to move to 4-day week

(KFDA) Bushland ISD is joining the thousands of school districts nationwide and making the move to four-day school weeks. To make up for the time students will be missing on Fridays, they will be extending school days by 55 minutes.

Conroe ISD trustees approve Bible-infused curriculum for elementary schools

(Houston Public Media) Conroe ISD has approved a controversial new curriculum that implements biblical references into reading and language arts lessons for elementary school students.

Education Department announces change to ESSER reimbursement process

(K-12 Dive) States will now be responsible for federal COVID-19 emergency payments before seeking reimbursement from the U.S. Department of Education, the agency said in updated guidance issued Wednesday. The agency cited transparency and accountability as reasons for the shift, although nearly all COVID-19 spending is complete.

Texas AG asks court to require NCAA to begin gender testing as part of new transgender policy

(AP) The Republican attorney general in Texas wants the NCAA to take its transgender policy a step further and require gender testing for athletes who compete in women’s sports.

Austin ISD to upgrade high school fields with new turf

(KXAN) Michael Mann, AISD’s executive director of construction management said those new fields, that were authorized by a 2022 bond election, will soon begin construction at 11 high schools. Mann said the new artificial turf fields will be much safer than the current fields, and it won’t cost as much to keep them up. The new fields will also include better lighting, along with new track and field space.

Harris County is the top destination for unaccompanied migrant children. They just lost funding for legal services

(Houston Landing) The Department of the Interior sent a memo Tuesday to nonprofit Acacia Center for Justice to pause services through its Unaccompanied Children program, including direct representation of clients and information sessions in shelters for migrant children to educate them about the court system and their rights.

Civil liberties groups demand Fort Worth police end child pornography investigation against museum

(Fort Worth Report) Weeks after Fort Worth police seized photographs featured in a Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth exhibit, a coalition of civil liberties groups is demanding the police department close its investigation into child pornography allegations, citing First Amendment protections. 

Houston Community College to settle suits alleging discrimination of Black employees

(Houston Chronicle) Houston Community College will settle three lawsuits alleging that top administrators racially discriminated against dozens of Black employees, shutting the door on a drawn-out legal battle that arrived around a contentious time for the college system in 2020. 

KLTV Investigates: 4th grade teacher on paid leave; accused of allowing sex offender fiancé on campus

(KLTV) A public information request made by KLTV details Kilgore ISD’s account of an incident where a teacher is accused of allowing a registered sex offender, her fiancé/husband, on campus and what followed. Fourth grade Kilgore Intermediate School teacher Katie Patterson is accused of bringing the offender onto campus on Dec. 4, 2024, for a wedding shower event in which other school employees were taking part. The school district acknowledges the situation became of such concern to parents, “numerous” parents either pulled their children out of her classroom or initiated transferring out of Kilgore ISD entirely. On Jan. 6, 2025, Patterson was put on notice via a memo from Principal Kim Slater that she was being placed on administrative leave with pay. Related:

Texas Banned Abortion. Then Sepsis Rates Soared

(ProPublica) Pregnancy became far more dangerous in Texas after the state banned abortion in 2021, ProPublica found in a first-of-its-kind data analysis. The rate of sepsis shot up more than 50% for women hospitalized when they lost their pregnancies in the second trimester, ProPublica found.

Feb. 20, 2025
Legislative News
Texas Teacher Retirement System leader says Senate voucher proposal would not harm retirement funds

(Texas Tribune) The head of Texas’ Teacher Retirement System on Wednesday sought to assure lawmakers that a Senate proposal to create a school voucher program would not harm the state’s teacher retirement fund as suggested in a recent legislative analysis.

National leaders mount pressure campaign on Texas House GOP to pass voucher bill

(Texas Tribune) Supporters of voucher-like education savings accounts are trying to press their advantage early and build a sense of inevitability. Related:

Lawmakers Propose Limits on School Superintendent Salaries

(Texas Scorecard) Two Texas lawmakers have proposed legislation to limit the salaries of school superintendents. House Bill 2562 by State Rep. Carrie Isaac (R–Wimberley) would limit the salaries of school superintendents to twice the amount of the highest annual salary paid to a classroom teacher in the district. House Bill 974 by State Rep. Ben Bumgarner (R–Flower Mound) would limit superintendents’ annual salaries to no more than the governor’s salary, currently $153,750.

Lt. Gov. says Texas Lottery will end if mobile lottery apps aren’t banned

(KXAN) “It is a hard line, couriers have to go,” Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said on Wednesday. The statement comes on the heels of an $83.5 million Lotto Texas jackpot, the fifth-highest in the game’s history, which was won through the app Jackpocket — a DraftKings subsidiary.

Also Reported:
Teen girls planned ‘mass casualty attack’ at Houston high school, FBI says

(KHOU) Police are investigating after two students were accused of threatening to place pipe bombs in a Houston high school and shoot peers, according to police. Evidence suggests the girls intended to place pipe bombs and shoot students at Memorial High School in Spring Branch ISD. School district police said the plans were extremely detailed and were deemed credible. Related:

An 11-year-old girl in Texas died by suicide after she was bullied about her family’s immigration status, her mother says

(CNN) A young girl’s death by suicide is being investigated by school police after her mother says she was bullied by other students who hurled insults at her, claiming her family was in the US illegally. Eleven-year-old Jocelynn Rojo Carranza died on February 8 – five days after her mother found her unresponsive at their home in Gainesville, Texas, according to an online obituary. Her funeral took place Wednesday morning. Jocelynn was bullied and taunted at school over her family’s immigration status, Carranza told CNN Wednesday. Jocelynn attended Gainesville Intermediate School, according to KUVN.

Houston ISD says nearly all teachers wish to return next year, according to its survey

(Houston Chronicle) Houston ISD said Wednesday that 95% of the teachers who responded to a survey administered this month indicated they plan to return to the district next year. Related:

Socorro ISD board approves plan to lay off about 300 employees

(El Paso Matters) An estimated 300 teachers and staff in the Socorro Independent School District will lose their jobs at the end of the year after the school board on Wednesday approved a plan to cut $38 million from next year’s budget. The board voted 3-2 to accept recommendations from Interim Superintendent James Vasquez to lay off employees, eliminate its elementary fine arts programs and increase class sizes. 

New South San ISD superintendent shares vision for district following TEA takeover

(KSAT) Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath appointed a seven-member board of managers to govern the district on Wednesday. Morath also appointed former Somerset ISD Superintendent Dr. Saul Hinojosa to lead the district. Hinojosa said he plans to meet with as many community members as possible, to begin developing a “strategic plan” for student achievement and look at how to bring in more staff. Morath said the now-replaced superintendent, Henry Yzaguirre, was not the cause of the state’s intervention and thanked him for his “efforts to stabilize the district and recalibrate the district’s focus on student academic outcomes.”

Parents rally to save Fort Worth ISD schools from closure

(CBS News) Fort Worth ISD is considering closing more than 20 schools to address a $17 million budget deficit. Parents at three local schools—North Hi Mount Elementary, South Hi Mount Elementary, and Stripling Middle School—came together Wednesday night to fight for their schools’ survival. The group is promoting its efforts on Instagram. Related:

Here’s why the Tarrant County government is stepping up to help boost reading rates

(Fort Worth Report) Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution underlining the county government’s support and issuing a call of action for all 20 school districts to introduce plans ensuring students can read at grade level.

Crisis in the Classroom: Educators examine intervention training processes after two Corsicana, Texas teachers injured by students at same school

(KWTX) More than half of our teachers say they’ve witnessed, or been the target of, physical violence at the hands of their students.

Conroe ISD reverses decision to consider ending dual language program

(Houston Chronicle) In an unexpected move on Tuesday night, Conroe ISD Superintendent Dr. Curtis Null pulled the administration’s recommendation to sunset the district’s dual language program. “Ultimately, everything that happens around here is my responsibility. I am not proud of our process,” Null said. “I am not proud of the way that it was handled.”

Federal judge vacates Title IX changes – already struck down – in Carroll ISD

(KERA) A federal judge on Wednesday sided with Carroll ISD in its lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Education over the Biden administration’s changes to Title IX. U.S. District Judge Reed O’Connor vacated the rule, which would have added gender identity to the definition of sex under the 1972 statute to protect against sex discrimination. While the LGBTQ+ youth advocacy organization GLSEN called the rule a “win for LGBTQ+ student safety and protection,” more than two dozen states — and Carroll ISD — rejected it.

La Pryor ISD appoints interim superintendent, district says, after most recent superintendent placed on leave

(KSAT) Harry Piles takes over the position after the most recent superintendent was placed on leave for allegedly assaulting a six-year-old girl.

Demographer estimates new charter school’s impact to Georgetown ISD this fall

(Community Impact) With a new charter school set to open in August, Georgetown ISD demographer Bob Templeton, of Zonda Education, provided an outlook for how it could impact enrollment this fall.

Federal order halts funding for El Paso nonprofit aiding migrant children

(KFOX) A local nonprofit that provides legal services to unaccompanied migrant children is facing a challenge. Estrella del Paso, formerly known as Diocesan Migrant and Refugee Services, has received a stop work order from the federal government, affecting funding for its unaccompanied minors program. The nonprofit offers legal representation to unaccompanied migrant children.

Seat belts or no seat belts? A look at the status of Houston-area school district buses

(KHOU) Here’s a look at Houston-area school districts and the status of their seat belts on buses.

‘This is not an unsafe environment’: University of Houston leaders address campus safety following student uproar over alleged sexual assault

(KHOU) For the first time, University of Houston leadership spoke on camera Wednesday about how officials are improving campus safety after a string of crimes, including an alleged sexual assault. Related:

UT System names Jim Davis as UT-Austin’s interim president

(Texas Tribune) The decision to name Davis, UT-Austin’s chief operating officer since 2023, ends President Jay Hartzell’s tenure months earlier than anticipated.

United ISD victim of alleged hazing speaks out

(KGNS) Reports of alleged hazing at United High School came to light back in October of 2024, and this past December, two students were taken into custody for those alleged charges. One of the alleged victim’s parents, Edward De La Garza, claims that it wasn’t until the issue became public that the district began to listen to their claims.

Former Beaumont ISD electrician has only paid $2K of $1.17M restitution for defrauding school district

(KBMT) Calvin Gary Walker, who was found guilty of felony fraud in September 2019, was ordered to serve 180 days in jail on weekends.

Three years after Russia’s invasion, A&M’s Ukrainian Club presses on

(Battalion) Ukrainian students and refugees balance supporting Ukrainian charities and awareness of the conflict with their own struggles.

Sam Houston State University to offer certificates in AI, paralegal studies and IT

(Houston Chronicle) Sam Houston State University will open its new polytechnic college this fall, starting with short term-certificate and associate’s degree programs in information technology, artificial intelligence and paralegal studies. The Huntsville-based university is launching its ninth academic college – called SamPoly – to address statewide learning gaps and job shortages in a quickly changing workforce. Students can enroll this summer for fall courses, which will be fully online.

Already know the answers? New San Jacinto College program lets students skip familiar lessons

(Houston Landing) San Jacinto College plans in March to launch its first “competency-based” education program, which will allow global logistics and supply chain management students to move through their online coursework at their own pace.

Future UT Tyler plans include new entrance, dorms and more as university grows

(CBS 19) UT Tyler President Dr. Julie V. Philley presented future plans for the university Wednesday to the UT System Board of Regents in Austin.

Little school on the prairie: How keeping school land wild can combat climate change

(Hechinger Report) An early learning center in Houston added wetlands and prairies to help it survive heat and floods. The new plans include a new entrance to the school featuring a bridge over University Blvd. Other plans include upgrades to the mobility and scenery of the campus, including a new lake, park and bridge for vehicles to cross.

Feb. 19, 2025
Legislative News
At San Antonio speech, Texas governor claims teachers forcing kids to change their genders

(San Antonio Current) During a Monday night speech in San Antonio to rally support for school vouchers, Gov. Greg Abbott claimed without offering any supporting evidence that Texas public school teachers were forcing a child to become transgender against their will. “A child was going to Bellaire High School … and teachers in that school were helping a child transition against their will and even withheld information from their own parents. That is wrong,” Abbott said, offering no further details to back up his assertion. It appears the governor may have been referring to an incident this week at a Houston-area school in which teachers allegedly referred to students by their preferred pronouns. However, there’s no mention in a Texas Tribune report of Bellaire High School teachers attempting to change a student’s gender. Related:

Texas Senate bill would give public school teachers free pre-K and raises based on experience and performance

(Texas Tribune) A Texas Senate bill filed on Tuesday would provide long-term pay raises to teachers based on years of experience, expand a state program that offers raises to instructors based on student performance and allow educators to enroll their children in pre-K free of charge. Senate Bill 26, authored by Sen. Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe, comes as Texas educators have left the teaching profession in droves and the state has increased its reliance on instructors who lack formal classroom training. Gov. Greg Abbott declared teacher pay an “emergency item” earlier this month, allowing lawmakers to fast-track any proposals on the topic during the legislative session that ends June 2.

Texas And The Conservative Pushback On School Vouchers

(Forbes) SB 2, the most recent version of Texas’s recurring voucher bill, offers more accountability measures than many voucher laws in other states, but that has drawn the ire of some conservatives.

Committee on Delivery of Government Efficiency: A Win for Limited Government Advocates

(Texas Policy Research) The Texas House of Representatives has established a new committee aimed at improving the effectiveness and efficiency of state government operations. Named the Committee on Delivery of Government Efficiency (DOGE), this 13-member panel—comprised of 8 Republicans and 5 Democrats—is tasked with tackling inefficiencies in government services, reviewing agency regulations, and overseeing cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies.

House Committee Unilaterally Raises Office Budgets, Gives Democrat Vice Chairs $3.6M in New Pay

(Texas Scorecard) The House Administration Committee unanimously approved increased office budgets, including a new stipend for Democrat vice chairs.

Texas Ag Commissioner calls for statewide ban on fluoride in drinking water

(KXAN) The Texas Agriculture Commissioner, Sid Miller, called on Gov. Greg Abbott and the State Legislature to institute a statewide ban on fluoride and other non-water additives. “Every American family can decide what’s good for them and what’s not,” Miller said about why he wants to ban the use of fluoride in water. “We don’t need the government telling us how to live our lives.”

Also Reported:
West Texas measles outbreak grows to 58 cases, including some people who said they were vaccinated

(CNN) The number of measles cases linked to an outbreak in West Texas has grown to 58, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services. Most of the cases are centered in Gaines County, which is reporting 45 cases. Other surrounding areas are seeing spread of the illness too, with 9 cases in Terry County, two in Yoakum County, one in Lubbock County. The cases are mostly in children ages 5 to 17. Although most of the cases are in unvaccinated people or those whose vaccination status is unknown, there were four cases of measles in people who said they had been vaccinated. Related:

Liberty Hill schools shift to hybrid schedule, hoping to retain staff amid budget cuts

(KVUE) Liberty Hill ISD board members voted unanimously to approve what they are calling a “hybrid schedule” for the next school year. That means some months they will have a regular five-day school week, and other months they will have four-day school weeks. They say this is the middle ground after hearing feedback from staff and parents for months. As of now, this new schedule will only add 10 minutes to the school day.

Socorro ISD employees see pay cuts under new health plan

(El Paso Matters) As Socorro Independent School District employees got their first check of the year, many noticed less take-home pay after the district’s new health insurance plan went into effect in January. “When I looked at my paycheck, I literally started crying,” an SISD teacher, who asked not to be identified for fear of retaliation, told El Paso Matters. “It was shocking because this is just maintaining the same level of medical care that I’ve always had.” This comes after the SISD school board voted in June 2024 to reduce the district’s employee health fund contribution by $20 a month in an effort to cut costs and address its financial woes. Later that month, the board adopted a $479.6 million budget with a $22 million deficit for the 2024-25 school year. Related:

Lufkin ISD trustees could approve closing two campuses due to low enrollment this week

(CBS 19) Lufkin ISD trustees will meet Thursday night to consider closing two of its campuses. Lufkin ISD Superintendent James Hockenberry said in a previous interview that the campuses could be closing due to a steady decline in enrollment. If approved, the schools would close at the end of the 2024-25 year. Hockenberry said the district has seen a decrease of 1,600 students over the past 15 years. Closing the schools could save the district $2 million annually, and those savings would go toward upgrading district facilities and increasing staff compensation.

‘We can’t get more money locally’: College Station ISD board talks budget concerns

(KBTX) Budgeting and the 89th Texas Legislature were high on the list of priorities at College Station ISD’s Board of Trustees meeting Tuesday. As the legislative session progresses, one of the district’s big concerns is the basic allotment not increasing. “We can’t get more money locally from our community the way the system’s set up. Not for our teachers, not for our classrooms,” Trustee Kimberly McAdams said.

Learning Curve: How charter school growth, declining birth rates are hitting Aldine ISD

(Houston Landing) The combination of charter school growth and declining birth rates have taken a toll on Aldine ISD’s enrollment, state and federal data show, contributing to the district’s proposal to close seven schools later this year. 

U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights tells schools to cease race-based programs

(K-12 Dive) While OCR specifically mentioned admissions and hiring practices, there’s confusion over what other programming in K-12 is affected.

Arlington charter school teacher, student engaged in inappropriate relationship for months, docs show

(Fox 4 KDFW) Authorities have released new details in the child abuse case at Newman International Academy, a charter middle and high school in North Arlington. Affidavits gave insight into alleged inappropriate relationships between multiple teachers and students at the school. Two teachers have been arrested and charged with misconduct, while the principal was arrested for allegedly tampering with evidence and covering up sexual assault cases.

Dozens of down boilers preceded San Antonio ISD’s decision to shutter schools last month, records show

(KSAT) San Antonio Independent School District Superintendent Dr. Jaime Aquino cited safety concerns for students walking to school or waiting at bus stops as the driving force behind the decision to keep campuses closed last month, even as other districts reopened. But internal records obtained Tuesday by KSAT Investigates tell a much different story, as SAISD continues to grapple with heating and cooling infrastructure woes. Records show 34 boilers at 21 SAISD campuses were offline or not operational the afternoon of Jan. 21, when the decision was made to keep campuses shuttered on Jan. 22.

‘It’s a gut punch:’ Muslim group calls on Houston ISD to reinstate Eid al-Fitr as school holiday

(Houston Public Media) Houston ISD’s 2025-26 calendar does not include a day off for Eid al-Fitr, one of two major holidays for Muslims. The district had implemented a school holiday for Eid in 2023. The Houston chapter for the Council on American-Islamic Relations, or CAIR-Houston, on Tuesday asked the district to restore Eid as an observed holiday. Related:

Study Says Texas Is One of the Least Educated States

(Dallas Observer) Texas has one of the highest dropout rates in the nation, according to a study from WalletHub. The Lone Star State ranks as one of the least educated states, coming in at 41st. Worse, the state ranks 49th in percentage of diploma holders in the U.S.

Amid explosive growth and first homecoming, Texas A&M-San Antonio breaks ground on sports complex

(San Antonio Report) During what is the university’s first-ever homecoming week, Texas A&M University-San Antonio leaders and local officials broke ground on a new athletics field at the rapidly growing college campus. Crews began site work in January, and continued work through a ceremony Tuesday, to upgrade a softball stadium and build a competition track and multipurpose field in view of an early childhood school and a new hospital also under construction. 

San Jacinto College to launch new bachelor’s degree

(Community Impact) San Jacinto College will launch its fourth bachelor’s degree in spring 2026 for students to earn a Bachelor of Applied Technology in global logistics and supply chain management, according to a news release from the college.

Lone Star College approves revisions to teacher certification program

(Community Impact) The Lone Star College board of trustees approved revisions to its Alternative Teacher Certification Program for the college’s Kingwood and University Park campuses.

Longtime Fort Worth ISD official Karen Molinar named lone finalist for district superintendent

(CBS News)  In a unanimous vote on Tuesday, the Fort Worth Independent School District board selected Karen Molinar as the lone finalist for the district’s next superintendent. Molinar, 50, has been serving as the interim superintendent since October, following the resignation of Superintendent Angélica Ramsey.

UT Austin to offer new sports production and broadcasting minor

(Daily Texan) UT Austin’s Moody College of Communication will offer a new sports production and broadcasting minor in collaboration with Texas Athletics starting Fall 2025, according to a Feb. 11 news release.

Dallas College Launches Bachelor’s in Software Development to Meet Growing Tech Demands

(Irving Weekly) Dallas College is set to launch its Bachelor of Applied Technology in Software Development this Fall, providing students with an affordable pathway to in-demand careers in tech. The program has received approval from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Texas official wants low-cost broadband requirements tied to federal dollars dropped

(Texas Tribune) Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar recommended federal officials change requirements for billions of dollars in broadband funding, including eliminating the low-cost requirement. Hegar suggested the change in a letter to U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, who is the chairman for the Senate committee that oversees the federal agency responsible for allocating federal broadband funds.

Interest in Houston Community College’s most popular degree is plummeting — and that’s by design

(Houston Landing) In recent years, thousands fewer HCC students have pursued general arts and sciences degrees, given to graduates who complete courses in a broad range of subjects. Instead, many of those students — at the urging of HCC advisors — are earning degrees more tailored to specific careers and fields, such as business, engineering and health sciences.

Former Rockdale, Texas teacher placed on felony probation for improper sexual relationship with student

(KWTX) A former teacher at Rockdale High School who had a child with a 17-year-old student was placed on felony probation Friday. Shawnee Nicole Despain, 26, pleaded guilty in November to improper relationship between educator and student, a second-degree felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison, and left her punishment up to 20th State District Judge John W. Youngblood. Youngblood placed Despain on felony probation for 10 years, fined her $3,000 and ordered her to forfeit her teaching license. He also ordered sex offender evaluation for her and any treatment recommended by probation officials. The offense for which she pleaded guilty does not require sex offender registration.

Mutual fight escalates; 4 arrested for assault at Laredo ISD’s Cigarroa High School

(Laredo Morning Times) Four Cigarroa High School students “jumped” another male after their friend fell during a mutual fight, according to an arrest affidavit. Webb County Jail records show that at least four students were served with arrest warrants on Feb. 4 charging them with assault, a Class A misdemeanor.

Spring Branch ISD family seeks accountability after son attacked as part of sports rivalry

(Houston Chronicle) Spring Branch ISD family is looking for answers after a group took a sports rivalry between Memorial and Stratford high schools too far. Parents Heidi and Rick Harris told the district’s board Tuesday that their son was struck on the head from behind after exiting the district’s Don Coleman Coliseum on Feb. 4 after a basketball game. Heidi Harris said the individual who hit their son was wearing a ski mask and allegedly a member of a group of Memorial students called the Swearing Sailors. She said her son was soon after attacked by a larger group of about 20 people. The student is recovering from a concussion while scheduled to take the SAT in a few weeks.

Feb. 18, 2025
Legislative News
Texas top officials predict lawmakers will pass school voucher bill: ‘The votes are there’

(Austin American-Statesman) Texas government leaders who gathered at San Antonio Christian School on Monday night predicted that the state House will pass a school voucher bill this legislative session. “I’m proud to say the votes are there to do this in the Texas House,” said Speaker Dustin Burrows, echoing comments he made to the American-Statesman earlier this month after the Senate passed its voucher proposal. Burrows spoke Monday at the private, non-denominational Christian school alongside Republican Gov. Greg Abbott; Rep. Brad Buckley, R-Salado, who chairs the House Committee on Public Education; and other House members as part of the governor’s statewide parent empowerment tour.

‘We’re running out of areas to cut.’ Fort Worth-area school districts brace for no state funding bump

(Fort Worth Report) Fort Worth-area school districts aren’t waiting on the Texas Legislature for more money. Here’s how they’re building their budgets. Related:

Can Texas chip away at its child care waitlist?

(Dallas Morning News) Child care significantly impacts the quality of life in Texas, so lawmakers must do more to expand access for more seats and ensure it’s affordable for working families, advocates say. Advocates stressed that message in Austin during a recent hearing when they urged legislators to funnel more money to a Texas Workforce Commission program that helps families pay for child care. Related:

Also Reported:
Measles outbreak in Texas rises to 48 cases and counting

(CBS News) A measles outbreak in Texas has grown to 48 confirmed cases, making it the state’s worst in nearly 30 years — and local health officials say additional cases are likely. At least 13 people have been hospitalized in the outbreak so far, Texas officials said. Related:

‘Very concerned’: Parents, disability advocates worry lawsuit could dismantle Section 504 protections

(KXAN) A growing number of parents and disability advocates are worried a lawsuit filed in September 2024 will dismantle a law that protects and helps people with disabilities. Seventeen state attorneys general joined a lawsuit to remove gender dysphoria from a list of disabilities protected under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act – a law designed to help people with disabilities in federally funded programs, such as schools or some hospitals and government programs. In the lawsuit, the attorneys general argue gender dysphoria should not be included in the list of protected disabilities, but, additionally, the lawsuit asks the court to declare the law unconstitutional.

Elon Musk’s downsizing plans could close as many as 450 Texas federal facilities

(San Antonio Current) Billionaire Elon Musk’s chainsaw diet for the U.S. government could shutter nearly 450 federal offices across Texas that do anything from assisting ailing veterans to answering questions about retirement and disability benefits, records show. Related:

First-year teachers making more than 10-year teachers across some DFW districts

(NBC DFW) A new survey of the top-paying school districts in DFW puts Mansfield ISD near the top, along with the districts in Arlington, Irving, and HEB. “Latest reports show close to 30% of all new hires in the school district are people who’ve moved from another,” said Steven Poole, of the United Educators Association. The group has been putting these numbers together for teachers for decades. This year, more than before, teachers are packing up and moving on.

Beaumont ISD plans for smooth transition after Third Future Schools pullout

(KBMT) Beaumont Independent School District is preparing to step in for Jones-Clark Elementary, Fehl-Price Elementary, and Smith Middle School for the 2025-2026 school year following the abrupt departure of Third Future Schools. The district had originally entered a three-year contract with Third Future Schools to improve ratings at the three campuses. However, on February 3, the charter school organization informed BISD that it would break the contract unless the district provided an additional $3 million for teacher and staff salaries.

Controversy over dual language program’s potential removal in Conroe ISD

(KPRC) Recently, rumors about the program’s possible removal began circulating when the Conroe ISD Board of Trustees published an agenda item mentioning the discontinuation of the program. Parents, like Maria, were alarmed when they found out through informal channels rather than direct communication from the school district. Related:

Fort Worth moves to rezone Keller ISD properties amid uncertainty over district split

(Fort Worth Report) City officials are seeking to rezone 23 Keller ISD properties to prevent further development of school sites without council approval. Related:

San Antonio’s Northside ISD votes to join class action lawsuit against social media companies

(San Antonio Current) Northside Independent School District’s board last week voted to join a national class action lawsuit alleging large social media companies are peddling material harmful to the minds of students, the Express-News reports. The suit, first filed by the San Mateo County Board of Education in California in March 2023, maintains that the San Mateo Office of Education documented “hard science demonstrating the claim that social media is fueling a mental health epidemic in school-aged children.”

San Benito school board hold back push to fire attorney

(myRGV) A school board majority has held back a push to fire a special attorney overseeing construction of a $40 million bond-funded project. During a meeting, board members Orlando Lopez, Israel Villarreal and Rudy Corona voted to terminate attorney Baltazar Salazar’s contract before four trustees declined to vote, holding off the push.

What happens when a small town faces a workplace immigration raid? Cactus, Texas, provides some answers

(Texas Standard) In 2006, 10% of the town of Cactus disappeared overnight when the local slaughterhouse was raided.

East Texans ask Tyler ISD to clarify possibility of ICE enforcement during board meeting

(KLTV) Several East Texans took to the podium at the Tyler ISD Board of Trustees meeting on Monday, calling for the district to issue a statement concerning the possibility of ICE enforcement. “I think our statement’s been made for the last five or six years because of how we’ve operated our schools,” said Tyler ISD Superintendent Dr. Marty Crawford. “You confirm what you do by your actions, and we’ve been keeping safe schools, and we’ve been following the law just like we’ll continue to do it in regard to our students that show up on our doorstep to be educated every day.” Other East Texas school districts have issued a statement regarding recent immigration concerns, including Longview ISD and Marshall ISD.

Lake Travis ISD projecting a budget surplus by changing its fiscal year start date

(KVUE) By changing the fiscal year, the district will receive a one-time gain of $10 million, moving it into a $3 million budget surplus.

Willis ISD approves $1K sign-on bonus for new bilingual teachers

(Community Impact) The Willis ISD board of trustees approved a $1,000 one-time sign-on bonus for newly hired bilingual teachers for the 2025-26 school year at its Feb. 12 meeting.

Campus intruders: Ector County ISD talks school safety after student is assaulted at Permian High

(KMID/KPEJ) Permian High School administrators and staff as well as district leaders have been on high-alert after a series of incidents involving intruders on campus.

Texas to become most populous state by 2045 as residents leave California

(Houston Chronicle) If you haven’t already noticed, Texas keeps growing. Now, a new report published by a real estate company that recently announced its own move to the Lone Star State, predicts that Texas will overtake California as the most populous state by 2045.

Austin school district spends $200,000 on TEA-appointed monitors, governance coach

(Austin American-Statesman [paywall version]) The Austin school district has spent about $200,000, as of the end of 2024, on outside governance coaching and to cover travel costs for state-appointed monitors as part of the district’s 2023 order by the Texas Education Agency to clear chronic backlogs of special education services requests, according to records obtained by the American-Statesman.

Second Northside ISD teacher placed on leave in ongoing TEA certification investigation

(News4SA) A second educator at Northside ISD has been placed on administrative leave as part of a TEA investigation. On Tuesday, Alin Edouard, a history teacher at Taft High School, was placed on administrative leave amid an ongoing investigation by the Texas Education Agency into hundreds of educators across the state who allegedly cheated, or acquired their teaching certification through fraudulent means. The instructor has been with the district for less than a year, having been hired by the district on August 12, 2024.

This Texas school district invested in a pre-K center that’s specifically designed for younger students

(Texas Tribune) Alief Independent School District is among a growing number of districts across the country to spend money on buildings tailored to 4- and 5-year-olds.

UT medical researchers concerned about new policies at National Institutes of Health

(Daily Texan) UT medical researchers have found the future of their research uncertain after new guidance from the National Institutes of Health implemented under the Trump administration attempts to reduce funding for administrative costs associated with medical research on Feb. 7 and initiated hiring and travel freezes on Jan. 22.

Facing thousands of unpaid citations, Austin ISD begins cracking down on drivers illegally passing school buses

(KVUE) The district said during the 2023-24 school year, more than 9,100 citations were issued to drivers who illegally passed school buses unloading students. The district’s school board recently approved a new contract with the vendor BusPatrol to install an additional 261 stop arm cameras on buses to crack down on people illegally passing them.

Union Pacific trains Houston ISD officers after facing scrutiny following student’s railroad death

(Houston Chronicle) Around 100 Houston ISD police officers attended a rail safety measures training at HISD’s High School for Law and Justice Friday, months after Milby High School student Sergio Rodriguez was struck and killed by a train.

United ISD South HS student arrested for unauthorized charges on coach’s cards

(Laredo Morning Times) A coach placed his wallet on the bleachers and forgot to get it back, according to an arrest affidavit. Surveillance cameras revealed that a group of students took the wallet. They used the card in the Coke machine four times successfully before it locked. There was also an unauthorized charge for $18.38 from Amazon. One suspect was identified as a 17-year-old male. On Feb. 3, he was served with an arrest warrant charging him with credit or debit card abuse, a state jail felony.

Feb. 17, 2025
Legislative News
In candy heart note, Texas House speaker promises Elon Musk ‘WE WILL’ pass school vouchers

(Austin American-Statesman) In a cheeky Valentine’s Day message on X, Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows doubled down on his commitment to pass school voucher legislation in the state, promising President Donald Trump adviser Elon Musk that the lower chamber will do its part to deliver public money for private schooling.

Many Texas superintendents say the Safe Schools Act is making classrooms dangerous

(WFAA) A statewide coalition of superintendents is asking lawmakers to amend the 30-year-old law that is now 140 pages long.

State of Texas: Lottery leaders accused of enabling illegal activity in Senate hearing

(KXAN) A routine budget hearing for the Texas Lottery Commission last week turned into a harsh warning from lawmakers. The Senate Finance Committee urged the commission to take action to ban courier services that allow players to buy lottery tickets through external sources. The committee accused the commission of turning a blind eye to money laundering and letting minors and out-of-state players participate in the Texas lottery system. 

Also Reported:
Gov. Abbott asks TEA to investigate Houston ISD’s Bellaire High School for allegedly socially ‘transitioning’ student

(Houston Chronicle) Gov. Greg Abbott has asked the Texas Education Agency to investigate after a local Moms for Liberty chapter alleged that teachers at Houston ISD’s Bellaire High School have been “socially transitioning” a student. Related:

Colleges, K-12 schools ordered by Trump administration to abolish DEI or face funding cuts

(Los Angeles Times) The U.S. Department of Education has given colleges and schools with race-specific programs — including financial aid and racially themed dormitory floors and graduation ceremonies — until the end of the month to abolish them or risk losing federal funding as educators scrambled over the holiday weekend to interpret the sweeping scope of new guidelines. Related:

Answer Key: What rights do Texas students living in the US illegally have at schools?

(Houston Landing) Here’s what to know about the educational rights afforded to Texas children living in the country illegally.

Newman International Academy Police Chief: Sex Abuse Investigation ‘Far From Done’

(Texas Scorecard) Newman International Academy Police Chief Matthew Antkowiak said the charter school “will not place reputation over the safety of students.” During a press conference Thursday afternoon, Antkowiak said his department is working with additional law enforcement, including federal agencies, and expects to issue more warrants “soon.” The three suspects arrested over the past week include the principal and two other employees at the district’s Gibbins campus, which serves 7th through 12th-grade students.

Fort Worth ISD could turn this struggling campus over to Texas Wesleyan. Here’s why

(Fort Worth Star-Telegram) Officials in the Fort Worth Independent School District are looking to turn over operations at a struggling middle school to Texas Wesleyan University as a part of an six-year-old partnership with the college. Fort Worth ISD’s board will consider a proposal to renew its partnership with the university to run the five campuses currently in the district’s Leadership Academy Network, and also to add Leonard Middle School to the network.

‘It Doesn’t Make Any Sense’: More D/FW Schools Proposed for Closure

(Dallas Observer) Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD is just the most recent district in the area to turn to school closures as a remedy for budget constraints and plummeting enrollment. Fort Worth ISD, the second largest district in North Texas, is debating the closure of as many as 25 campuses across the district. The district is projected to lose 10,000 students in the next decade. Coppell ISD, Richardson ISD, Irving ISD, Plano ISD and Lewisville ISD have also faced campus closures in the last year as North Texas’ population growth has crept northwards, into prospering Prosper and Celina. Some civil rights groups, like the Advancement Project and the Southern Poverty Law Center, warn that students of color are disproportionately bearing the brunt of campus closures.

Socorro ISD plans up to 300 layoffs, increased class sizes to deal with budget shortfall

(El Paso Matters) The Socorro Independent School District is planning to lay off employees, increase class sizes and cut programs in an effort to save itself from financial ruin. SISD employees late Friday received an email from Acting Superintendent James Vasquez informing them the district needs to reduce its budget by $38 million for the 2025-26 school year and will need to cut staff to do so. “We are currently working to identify exactly how many employees will be impacted. Once this has been determined, employees will be notified, and we will do everything we can to help them through this painful process,” Vasquez said in an email.

Which San Antonio school districts will use the new, state-developed Bluebonnet Learning curriculum?

(San Antonio Report) Six San Antonio-area school districts will adopt some portion of new state-developed instructional materials in classes this fall, and several more may yet decide to use it, according to public records and spokespeople for the districts.

3 Fort Bend ISD schools to gain improvement plans to combat low academic performance

(Community Impact) Three Fort Bend ISD schools were ranked as the bottom 5% for academic performance among Title I schools in the nation for three consecutive years, spurring the district to begin improvement plans. A review of lesson plans and staff interviews have found the low academic performances at the campuses are due to inconsistent implementation of curriculum, FBISD Chief of Schools Andria Schur said. At the upcoming Feb. 17 board meeting, FBISD trustees will vote to implement improvement plans that reinforce grade-level appropriate rigor.

10 things we learned in Texas high school wrestling championships

(Sports Illustrated) The two-day UIL Wrestling State Championship wrapped up on Saturday, Feb. 15 in Berry Center and the 2024-25 Texas high school wrestling season concluded in Cypress. There were plenty of takeaways from the final matches of the season.

High School Rodeo Qualifier brings hundreds of contestants to Lufkin

(KTRE) Each contestant that shot out of the gate at the Texas High School Rodeo Association’s qualifier had one thing in common: they kept their eyes on the prize.

Former Magnolia ISD high school teacher threatens to ‘burn down the school’

(KPRC) Investigators with Montgomery County Precinct 5 Constable’s Office shared a news release Sunday about Erik Taylor, 24, who worked at Magnolia West High School about some “disgruntled” social media posts he made. “Erik appeared to be very disgruntled, as seen on several social media posts, his statements concluded with a threat to burn down the school if his demand was not met,” investigators said. Officers reached out to Taylor and spoke to him at his home, where they later arrested him for “Terroristic Threat” after the Montgomery Co. District Attorney’s Office accepted the charges.

Belton ISD elementary teacher placed on leave after allegations of misconduct

(KCEN) Belton ISD said the teacher has been placed on leave and Temple Police are investigating. BISD said they cannot share specific details about the situation at this time, but said they want to be transparent about the process and their “commitment to taking appropriate action.”

Whitney parent removed from high school basketball game by Clifton police officers

(KXXV) Clifton Police Department’s Chief of Police Chris Blanton said there were multiple interruptions from Whitney fans at a Clifton vs Whitney basketball game at Clinton. The first incident took place seconds into the game and the night ended with a parent being handcuffed and removed from the game by police. Officers reportedly removed a parent from the game after some said he became aggressive with game officials and cursed at the chief of police. The parent even refused to leave the game.

Feb. 14, 2025
Legislative News:
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott says vouchers could lead to less funding for public schools

(Houston Chronicle) In his push for private school vouchers, Gov. Greg Abbott has repeatedly emphasized he has no intention of harming public schools. But the Texas Republican this week acknowledged that his priority policy would in fact result in public schools losing money. “The people ‘defunding’ public schools are PARENTS choosing a better option than what their assigned school provides,” Abbott wrote Wednesday in a post on X, referring to arguments that his voucher plan will defund public schools by offering parents state money to send their children elsewhere.

School voucher proponent picked to lead Texas House education committee

(KUT) Central Texas Republican Brad Buckley will once again helm the House Public Education Committee as the state Legislature contemplates whether to establish a school voucher program that would allow families to use taxpayer dollars to pay for private schools and homeschooling. Buckley, who attended Killeen ISD schools and whose wife is an assistant superintendent for that district, has said he supports increasing public school funding. While Buckley has expressed support for establishing a school voucher program, other Central Texans on the House Public Education Committee are staunch opponents. Related:

Opinion: Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick prove Texas Republicans are not united

(Houston Chronicle) Texas Republicans are moving quickly to pass their economic and social priorities through the Legislature, but the party is far from unified, and the best example of GOP factions is the uneasy relationship between Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick.

New bill would make part of Tarrant Appraisal District’s reappraisal plan illegal

(KERA) Last summer, the Tarrant Appraisal District’s board of directors passed a reappraisal plan that, among other steps, limited residential appraisals to once every two years. New legislation filed by State Rep. Chris Turner, D-Grand Prairie, would require annual appraisals — in effect making biannual schedules like Tarrant’s illegal. Turner filed the bills on the same day he officially became chair of the new Texas House subcommittee on property tax appraisals.

Also Reported:
Houston ISD board votes in favor of seeking legal action against social media platforms

(KTRK) Houston ISD leaders are moving forward with a plan that has the potential to crack down on the social media apps kids use in class. At Thursday night’s meeting, the board voted 9-0 in favor of hiring attorneys to go forward with a plan to sue social media companies. It’s unclear at this point which social media companies they are planning to sue, but the purpose of the legal action is to potentially recoup damages sustained by the district related to youth social media usage. Related:

Grapevine-Colleyville ISD receives $1 million stadium sponsorship from Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Grapevine

(Community Impact) The Mustang-Panther Stadium sponsorship will be paid to the district in $200,000 installments over a five year period.

Q&A: How a UTHealth Houston team supports sex ed in schools — and spans political divides

(Houston Landing) Belinda Hernandez’s team believes evidence-based sex education can thrive in schools, regardless of whether it’s abstinence-only or abstinence-plus.

3 takeaways from U.S. secretary of education nominee McMahon’s confirmation hearing

(K-12 Dive) U.S. education secretary nominee Linda McMahon told a Senate panel Thursday that, if confirmed, she would not defund public schools but would seek to reform the U.S. Department of Education by reducing federal bureaucracy and bringing schools back to the basics of reading and math. 

‘A lot of courageous conversations’ — Bartlett ISD holds town hall after second alleged improper teacher-student relationship

(KCEN) The public meeting, which the media was not permitted to attend, drew district parents and community members to the school cafeteria. “There was a demand from the parents for transparency and answers in the form of a town hall, and then we had an administration that took up that challenge,” said Rose Luna, CEO of the Texas Association Against Sexual Assault (TAASA). “There was a lot of courageous conversations.”

Austin ISD announces hiring freeze as budget deficit grows to $110 million

(KUT) Austin ISD will institute a districtwide hiring freeze on March 1 as the school district tries to claw its way out of a financial hole that has grown deeper since the 2024-25 budget was approved in June. Austin ISD’s budget deficit has grown to $110 million during the current fiscal year and administrators say that without more spending cuts the district’s savings account will get perilously low.

Harlingen school district fund balance climbs to $21.2 million

(myRGV) Harlingen CISD’s leaders’ steps to tighten their budget are helping boost the district’s fund balance from a low of about $17.2 million, with cash reserves climbing to $21.2 million.

Keller ISD Splitting Drama Is Far From Over

(Dallas Observer) Frustration is still building in Keller after a backroom deal plotting the split of Keller Independent School District. Now students, a Fort Worth homeowner’s association and legal hotshots have entered the battlefield. Meanwhile, shakeups within the school board see new leadership as the district attempts to solve budget shortcomings.

North Texas patients, researchers, institutions anxiously await end game of National Institutes of Health funding cuts

(WFAA) The National Institutes of Health proposal would limit indirect costs for research projects to 15 percent of grants.

‘No accountability, no concern’: North East ISD parent responds to video showing altercation in special education classroom

(KSAT) A North East Independent School District teacher resigned, and a special education student transferred schools following a classroom altercation in October 2024. The incident, captured on video, prompted an investigation by the Texas Education Agency. An NEISD spokesperson said the teacher is “no longer with the district. We reported the incident to all appropriate agencies at the time.”

What to know: UT Austin’s compliance with federal, state immigration enforcement operations 

(Daily Texan) As a public university, UT must comply with federal regulations and a Jan. 29 state directive requiring all Texas state agencies and local law enforcement to assist in federal immigration enforcement operations. However, this does not mean university campuses are now priorities for immigration enforcement, said Anita Gupta, managing attorney of legal programs and initiatives at the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, an organization convening university leaders to address immigration issues.

TCU professor facing family violence charge arrested after allegedly showing up to class drunk, court documents say

(WFAA) The professor was arrested after breaking his bond conditions from a previous family violence charge, according to a police report, jail logs and court documents.

United ISD South HS student charged with threatening security officer

(Laredo Morning Times) An 18-year-old United ISD student has been arrested for threatening to knock out a security officer, according to an arrest affidavit. The student was arrested and charged with terroristic threat, causing fear of imminent serious bodily injury, a Class B misdemeanor.

Southern Methodist U. club advocates for concealed carry on campus

(The College Fix) A conservative student group at Southern Methodist University is petitioning for concealed carry rights on campus, expressing hope the institution’s new president will be amenable to the change.

Former Houston teacher, church youth leader arrested for online solicitation of a minor

(Fox 26 Houston) A former teacher and church youth leader has been arrested for online solicitation of a minor. 42-year-old Lance Anthony Hoffpauir was arrested Thursday morning after a two-month long investigation. Hoffpauir has a Texas Teacher Certification with Texas Education Agency and told the undercover officer that he has worked as a junior high history teacher in the Houston Metropolitan area. Further, Hoffpauir told Investigators he volunteered as a church youth leader. Hoffpauir admitted to not only engaging online with the undercover officer, but also communicating with other minors online.

Feb. 13, 2025
Legislative News:
Texas lawmaker files bill to abolish the Texas Education Agency

(CBS News) Following the federal government’s potential overhaul of the U.S. Department of Education, State Representative Andy Hopper, R-District 64, filed HB 2657 to eliminate the Texas Education Agency and redistribute its authority to the elected State Board of Education and to transfer public school finance and fiscal management to the Comptroller. “President Trump has called upon every level of government to eliminate inefficiencies and waste. In Texas, there is perhaps no other agency that exemplifies rampant, unaccountable bureaucracy and bloat more than the Texas Education Agency,” Hopper said.

Majority of Texas school districts aren’t in compliance with armed security requirement

(KERA) House Bill 3 mandated armed security in each of the state’s more than 8,000 schools, but many districts say it didn’t come with enough funding. A January report by the Texas Senate Education Committee found the vast majority of districts are in compliance with aspects of HB3, but less than half — about 45% — have complied with the armed security requirement. To pay for armed security, HB3 provided districts $10 a student (increased from $9.72), and $15,000 per school. But in a large district like Dallas ISD, board officials told KERA in 2023 that qualified, armed security costs upwards of $85,000 a year, not $15,000. And with 240 schools, that security bill soars.

In quest to infuse more religion into Texas schools, advocates say courts are now on their side

(Texas Tribune) Past efforts to allow more religion in public schools have been hamstrung by legal challenges. Last week, the Texas Senate advanced a bill that would allow public taxpayer money to flow to private, religious schools via vouchers. And on Monday, Sens. Mayes Middleton of Galveston and Phil King of Weatherford filed bills, respectively, that would allow time for prayer in public schools and require classrooms to display the Ten Commandments — both of them priorities for Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and co-sponsored by all 20 Republican senators.

Lawmakers call for inquiry into $95M Texas Lottery jackpot as lawyer accuses state officials of fraud

(Houston Chronicle) The Texas Lottery Commission and its former director aided and benefited from a massive fraud on the people of Texas when they helped a single player win a guaranteed $95 million Lotto Texas jackpot in April 2023, according to written testimony given at a state legislative hearing Wednesday. Related:

Also Reported:
San Antonio charter school The Gathering Place will close at the end of the school year due to non-renewal from TEA

(Texas Public Radio) San Antonio charter school, The Gathering Place, announced Wednesday night it will close at the end of this academic school year. The Texas Education Agency had previously denied the charter’s renewal application. The loss of their charter means the school of about 600 elementary students will be required to permanently close at the end of the current school year.

Ysleta ISD considers loan to address revenue loss from declining enrollment

(KFOX) The Ysleta Independent School District is considering taking out a loan to address a budget shortfall exacerbated by declining student enrollment and the end of federal funding. The exact amount of the loan needed is still undetermined, and a financial report warns that financial recovery could take two to three years, potentially necessitating cuts in several areas.

Northwest ISD cuts student programs as $16M deficit forces staff reduction, larger classes

(Fort Worth Report) Faced with a budget deficit for the 2025-26 school year, Northwest ISD administrators say they had to move “big rocks” to close the gap. Now, some students and parents say those rocks are crashing down on them. Following a unanimous trustee decision in January to increase class sizes and reduce 101 staff positions, Northwest ISD will eliminate its Advancement Via Individual Determination, or AVID, and Reading Recovery programs for the 2025-26 school year as part of its effort to cover a $16 million budget deficit. The program cuts, confirmed in a letter to staff and families Feb. 11, ignited reactions from students and parents who credit these programs with their academic success.

Houston ISD board again gives itself low score for ‘advocacy and engagement’

(Houston Chronicle) Houston ISD’s state-appointed board sees room for improvement on advocacy and engagement, according to a self-evaluation document to be discussed Thursday. Related:

Almost 800K Texans impacted by school software data breach

(MySA) A California-based education technology company experienced a data breach last year that impacted nearly 800,000 Texans, according to the Texas Office of Attorney General’s website. The data exposure was added to the OAG’s data breach reporting website on January 29. According to the OAG’s office, the PowerSchool Group LLC data breach possibly exposed the names, addresses, social security numbers, date of birth and medical information of 790,362 Texans. The website states that notice has not been provided to impacted consumers, but the company shared more information on the cybersecurity breach on their website. 

Measles outbreak in Texas was “completely preventable,” infectious disease expert says

(CBS News) “It is troubling, because this was completely preventable,” Dr. Amesh Adalja, an infectious disease physician and senior scholar at Johns Hopkins, told CBS News on Wednesday. “What we’re seeing is, one of the places in Texas — it has the lowest vaccination rates, the highest school exemption rates from measles vaccination — having a measles outbreak, including hospitalizations of individuals who’ve been infected with measles.”

Whitney ISD moves to 4-day week as incentive to retain teachers

(KWTX) Whitney ISD announced it is officially moving to a four-day school week for the 2025-2026 school year after several weeks of discussion with its board of trustees. During a meeting on Monday, Feb. 10, the board approved a four-day instructional school week, with Monday as the “off day” for students. WISD Superintendent Todd Southard said the goals of this move are very simple, including recruiting the very best people to work with Whitney ISD students — and to allow teachers the time needed to prepare to instruct students.

UT El Paso leaders silent as Ted Cruz accuses researchers of using ‘woke DEI grants’

(El Paso Matters) UTEP officials announced a $7.2 million grant from the National Science Foundation in February 2023 that would research the ways the geosciences are perceived, taught and applied. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, has called this a “woke DEI grant.” Related:

3 Arlington charter school staff arrested in child grooming investigation, police say

(Dallas Morning News) Three staff members of an Arlington charter school have been arrested in a week amid ongoing criminal investigations into child grooming and inappropriate educator-student relationships, police said. The latest one involves Rick Adams, principal of Newman International Academy’s Gibbins campus that serves middle and high school students. He is facing charges of tampering with evidence, tampering with a witness and failure to report abuse, according to a Wednesday news release.

Beaumont ISD ‘takes no action’ amidst Third Future Schools request to increase compensation

(KBMT) The Beaumont Independent School District School Board says that “no action was taken” Wednesday night during a meeting to discuss a contact request by Third Future Schools. School board members partnered with Third Future Schools back in 2023 to help bring Texas Education Agency ratings up at Jones-Clark Elementary, Smith Middle School and Fehl-Price Elementary. Third Future is now asking that Beaumont ISD reconsider their original contract by adding 13% compensation. The district says that they still have one year left remaining on that contract according to BISD school board President Tilly Hickman.

Nonprofit supporting Keller ISD canceled its largest fundraising event amid potential district split

(WFAA) As talks of a potential split of the Keller Independent School District continue, there was new fallout on Wednesday. The Keller ISD Education Foundation, a nonprofit organization that is not governed by the district or board, announced it would forego its annual Rooted gala. Keller ISD Education Foundation CEO Amanda Migura said the split isn’t the main reason for the cancellation, but said the split has created a lot of uncertainty.

Former Northside ISD employee accused of striking student with autism ‘with a closed fist,’ affidavit says

(KSAT) A former NISD employee has been arrested after he allegedly struck a student with autism in the face “with a closed fist,” according to an arrest affidavit. The incident happened on Jan. 23 at Taft High School in far west Bexar County. While inside the high school’s gym, special education instructional assistant Adam Verastegui used his right hand to strike a student with autism, speech impairment and intellectual disability, the affidavit says. The student was evaluated for injuries and reportedly had “some redness” on his chin and expressed feeling pain in the area, the affidavit states. While investigating the incident, NISD authorities found surveillance video that showed Verastegui striking the student. Verastegui faces an injury to a child charge.

Police: Student arrested for ‘invasive incident’ with a phone on Bryan school campus

(KBTX) A student was arrested last week for an incident involving a cell phone on the campus of SFA Middle School, KBTX has confirmed. Due to the student’s age, details are limited. The young suspect was taken to the juvenile detention center and booked on a charge of Invasive Visual Recording.

University of Houston-Victoria to close Katy instructional site by fall 2026

(Communinty Impact) University of Houston-Victoria will no longer offer in-person courses at the Katy instructional site after summer 2026 as part of an effort to reduce its operating budget, college officials said.

Texas A&M, Aegis Aerospace to create flight facility for space research

(KBTX) After receiving approval from the Board of Regents last week, the Texas A&M University System will partner with a Houston-based aerospace company to bring Aggie research to a new frontier. Aegis Aerospace and Texas A&M have agreed to develop an external research facility on the International Space Station.

Texas county approves holding election to make SpaceX’s Starbase its own city

(AP) A Texas county on Wednesday approved holding an election sought by SpaceX that would let residents living around billionaire Elon Musk ‘s company decide whether to formally create a new city called Starbase. The election was set for May 3 and votes can only be cast by residents living near the launch site that is currently part of an unincorporated area of Cameron County, located along the U.S.-Mexico border.

Feb. 12, 2025
Legislative News:
Texas Senate panel votes to cut property taxes for homeowners

(Dallas Morning News) Proposals to cut property taxes by raising the Texas homestead exemption to $140,000 cleared a key hurdle Tuesday when a bipartisan committee voted unanimously to approve and send two bills to the full Senate. Senate Bill 4 and Senate Joint Resolution 2, proposing an amendment to the Texas Constitution allowing the higher exemption, are priorities of Republican Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who leads the Senate. Related:

Burrows, Patrick and Abbott: Texas’ Big 3 have big plans and a wary new dynamic

(Texas Tribune) The aggressive Republican agenda’s success depends on how well the three leaders harmonize their tactics and goals for the legislative session.

Also Reported:
State health officials report rise in measles cases in Gaines County, confirm cases in Terry County

(KFDA) In an update on Tuesday afternoon, state health officials now report 24 cases of measles in Gaines County within the last two weeks with nine being hospitalized. According to the state health department, all are unvaccinated residents with 16 being between the ages of 5-17 years old. Six cases were reported in children between 0-4 years of age and two cases in adults over the age of 18. Brownfield ISD says the health department confirmed cases in Terry County as well. A specific number was not reported in Brownfield ISD’s release from Tuesday.

Flu deaths may have surpassed COVID deaths nationwide for first time since start of pandemic, early CDC data suggests

(CBS News) For the first time since the beginning of the pandemic, more people in the U.S. died of influenza than from COVID-19 in the week ending on Jan. 25, according to weekly figures published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Texas foster home linked to boy’s death had history of fight clubs and sexual misconduct, report says

(Texas Tribune) The death of an 11-year-old at a Greenville residential treatment center is among 16 deaths reported in the Texas foster care system in the last 15 months. Related:

Cancellation of Education Department research contracts sparks concerns

(K-12 Dive) The U.S. Department of Education abruptly canceled about $881 million in multiyear research contracts on Monday, sparking a storm of protest from groups concerned about a loss of data accuracy and the dissemination of evidence-based practices.

Fort Worth ISD trustees discuss possibly closing as many as 25 schools to rightsize district

(Fort Worth Report) The school board received its first look at a resident-led committee’s proposal outlining up to 25 school closures plus other building changes during a Feb. 11 workshop meeting. The proposal is still a draft and faces a long road before any of its 48 options for adjusting school buildings are formally recommended to the school board. Related:

Exclusive: Houston ISD releases ‘confidential’ evaluation of Superintendent Mike Miles

(Houston Chronicle) State-appointed Houston ISD Superintendent Mike Miles lost several points in his annual performance evaluation from the board for failing to effectively communicate with community members and for not prioritizing a positive culture, according to recently released district records. Miles earned 66.7 of the 100 possible points on his evaluation, meaning he received a bonus of $126,730, or 66.7% of the maximum possible bonus of $190,000, according to the evaluation the Board of Managers approved in an 8-1 vote at the October meeting. HISD initially said in October that the results of the evaluation were confidential, but it released the full scores to the Chronicle in response to an open records request. 

ACLU of Texas sends letter urging Houston ISD to repeal suspensions of Northside student protesters

(Houston Public Media) The civil rights organization said the dozens of students who are being punished for being disruptive during a protest last week is “harsh” and “may be out of line” with the school district’s code of conduct.

P-TECH program helps Dallas ISD compete with private and charter schools

(NBC DFW) Students turned down full scholarships at Dallas’ top private schools, for P-TECH, at Thomas Jefferson High School.

Lake Travis ISD’s superintendent resigns and will get more than $200,000 paid out

(KUT) Paul Norton, who resigned last week as superintendent, agreed to step down from the role just under two months after he was placed on leave pending an investigation into misconduct allegations. After Friday’s school board vote, School Board President Erin Archer said the investigation was now complete. As part of that agreement, Norton will receive more than $158,000 in severance pay. He will also get an additional $60,255 for personal leave days and vacation days he hadn’t used. While Archer did not share details about the allegations, she said the complaint was not related to students or the district’s finances.

Powerful Fort Worth law firm enlisted to help neighborhood to fight Keller ISD school split

(Fort Worth Star-Telegram) Kelly Hart & Hallman, whose past clients include the members of the Bass family, Hillwood and American Airlines, have been retained by the Heritage Legal Task Force. The Hillwood-developed community encompasses roughly 3,400 homes straddling Heritage Trace Parkway between Riverside Drive and Ray White Road. The legal task force has raised $40,000 through private donations, and is soliciting additional funds through a GoFundMe campaign, according to the press release.

New Diana superintendent talks future safety plans following accident involving student at bus stop

(CBS 19) Michael Moore, the superintendent of New Diana ISD, was in disbelief when he discovered that a driver had bypassed the bus’s stop sign and struck a student. Moore said the district is now working on a safety plan to prevent future accidents. “We look at every pickup, at the age of the student and if there’s a way we can somehow change our route around to make sure we pick up as many as we can on the driveway side of the road,” Moore said. The elementary-aged student is recovering at home after being hit by a vehicle while boarding a bus Monday morning. The driver, Jerry Martin, faces aggravated assault charges with a deadly weapon. Related:

Learning Curve: See which programs draw the most Houston community college students

(Houston Landing) General studies and liberal arts, which allow students to easily transfer many basic course requirements, rank as the top local programs.

‘I’m going to kill you all.’ Principal threatens colleagues in a meeting, Natalia ISD says

(Fort Worth Star-Telegram) A Texas school principal has been fired after another employee accused the man of threatening violence during a meeting, the school district said. “If anybody kills my son’s college record, I’m going to kill you all,” Marshall Lee Myers, a principal in the Natalia Independent School District, said during a Sept. 26 meeting, according to a Feb. 10 news release from the district. Myers was placed on paid administrative leave with pay the same day while the district investigated the incident, officials said. He had been placed on paid administrative leave for a separate incident in 2023, the district said.

Johnson County declares state of disaster due to contaminated land

(NBC DFW) Johnson County officials declared a state of disaster on Tuesday after the discovery of “forever chemicals” in local agricultural land.

Judson ISD student claims he’s wrongly accused in cyber-bullying case using Stop It app

(News4SA) A Judson ISD student says he is a suspect in his own cyberbullying case. 15-year-old Kevin Jenkins says for over a year someone has been using the Stop It app to falsely report that he is going to blow up and shoot up his high school. Wickwire says the bullying has been reported to Judson ISD, but nothing is ever done.

Hays CISD Elementary teacher resigned after dragging student by the arm

(KXAN) A first-grade teacher with Pfluger Elementary School is no longer employed by the district following an incident on Monday, according to Hays CISD. The district confirmed to KXAN that during dismissal, the teacher “dragged a student by the arm from the school’s gym to the hallway outside of the gym as the school prepared to release students for the day.” Hays CISD said the teacher had been employed with the district since October 2018.

Another Bartlett ISD Teacher Accused of Sexual Misconduct With Student

(Texas Scorecard) For the second time in one month, a teacher in Bartlett Independent School District has been accused of sexual misconduct with a student. Bartlett ISD Superintendent Teddy Clevenger posted a two-page letter to Facebook on Friday afternoon, February 7, addressing “allegations of an improper student-teacher relationship” lodged against an unnamed district employee.

Stockdale ISD teacher arrested after allegedly having inappropriate relations with student

(News4SA) The former teacher has been identified by the sheriff’s office as 34-year-old Peter Leach. He has been charged with Improper Relationship between Educator and Student and Indecency with a Child. Stockdale Independent School District (ISD) says allegations were brought to the attention of district administration on Monday, prompting an immediate investigation.

Former United ISD teacher pleads guilty to child porn

(Laredo Morning Times) A former United ISD teacher has admitted he downloaded child pornography on his computer and an external hard drive, according to authorities. Roberto Ortiz Jr., 42, a former Lyndon B. Johnson High School teacher, has pleaded guilty to receipt and possession of child pornography, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced on Tuesday. Ortiz is set to be sentenced on May 19. He faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. Ortiz will remain in custody pending that hearing.

Former Barbers Hill teacher charged with improper relationship between educator and student

(Fox 26 Houston) A former Barbers Hill teacher is charged with improper relationship between an educator and a student. Molly Spears turned herself in to the Chambers County Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday. 

Former Perryton athletic director sentenced for having sex with a student

(KFDA) Former Perryton athletic director Cole Underwood has been sentenced for having sex with a 15-year-old student. According to the United States Attorney’s Office, Underwood was sentenced to 30 years in prison plus a lifetime of supervised release. He will also be required to register as a sex offender. Court documents state that Underwood first met the student when she was in middle school in Perryton. Underwood admitted to having sex at least 10 times with the underage girl. He said they had sex in his office at Perryton High School after school hours.

Texas Girls Charter School to offer STEM-based learning in Far Northwest Austin

(Community impact) Texas Girls School is starting enrollment at its campus in Northwest Austin. Founded by Dana Stuart Browning, the tuition-free school will prepare girls to excel in the local and international economy through a small school with a single-gender environment, project-based learning and advanced STEM academics, as stated on its website.

UT Arlington Research: Perceived overweight linked to self-harm in teens

(News-Medical.net) Adolescents who perceive themselves as overweight are three times more likely to consider committing self-harm compared to those who do not, regardless of whether the person is objectively overweight, according to a new study released by The University of Texas at Arlington.

Feb. 11, 2025
Legislative News:
Texas education commissioner voices teacher pay concerns to panel of lawmakers

(NBC DFW) In the all-day hearing, Commissioner Morath answered questions from state senators. His briefing highlighted how low pay and discipline issues are pushing teachers out of the profession, adding to an increase in uncertified workers throughout the state.

Legislature considers paying much more for school safety

(Texas Tribune) Texas law requires an armed officer at each school. Districts are asking lawmakers to pay the full yearly cost, which they say is $100 per student.

Answer Key: Could my child get school vouchers under proposed Texas plan?

(Houston Landing) The vast majority of Texas families could apply for a voucher to use on private school tuition, though not all are guaranteed to get approved.

With vouchers fast-tracked, other Texas public education issues to watch this session

(Texas Tribune) From teacher pay and preparation to special education and DEI, here are issues Texas lawmakers are prioritizing this legislative session.

The ‘Texas Three-Step’: Defund, Demonize, and Privatize Public Schools

(Texas Observer) Vouchers become subsidies for families who had already decided to pay for private school, at the expense of public schools that must serve all students.

With Texas schools clamoring for more funding, Senate panel weighs targeted appropriations

(Austin American-Statesman) The Texas Senate’s plan for funding public schools in the next biennium will likely include money allocated for specific programs rather than a large infusion of cash into the state’s per-student funding formula, Sen. Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe, said during a Senate Finance Committee meeting Monday.

Texas lawmakers reattempt to bring prayer, Ten Commandments into classrooms

(Fox 26 Houston) Both efforts were endorsed by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and were listed among his top 25 priorities for the legislative session.

Also Reported:
Alice ISD walks back statement, says Border Patrol has not targeted school buses

(KIII) “In fact, it is our understanding that key members of the US Border Patrol have indicated that school buses and children will not be targeted. We are appreciative of the clarification,” Alice ISD Superintendent Anysia Trevino said in a statement.

Fifteen cases of measles reported in small West Texas county with high rate of vaccine exemptions

(AP) Fifteen measles cases — mostly in school-aged children — have been confirmed in a small county in West Texas with one of the highest rates of vaccine exemptions in the state.

Cy-Fair ISD approves new gender policy amid sharp criticism and praise

(KHOU) Cy-Fair ISD finalized a controversial new policy Monday night. Some are calling it a win for parental rights and others said it will put members of the district’s LGBTQIA+ community in danger. Staff is now required to notify families if their students want to use pronouns different than those assigned to their gender at birth. Under this proposal, the district would also be required to toss out any books addressing gender identity or fluidity. The policy is similar to one approved by Katy ISD.

Northwest ISD begins eliminating teachers amid $16 million deficit

(CBS News) As Northwest Independent School District struggles with a $16 million budget deficit, the financial strain is beginning to impact classrooms. To address the shortfall, the district plans to eliminate 100 teaching positions, accounting for approximately $13 million in savings next school year. The reduction includes about 26 elementary school jobs, 60 middle and high school jobs, and 15 extracurricular positions—changes that will inevitably lead to larger class sizes.

North East ISD trustees unanimously vote to permanently close three schools

(Texas Public Radio) Trustees for the North East Independent School District voted unanimously Monday night to permanently close Driscoll Middle School, Clear Spring Elementary and Wilshire Elementary at the end of the current school year. NEISD officials have been working to cut $10 million from the district’s budget every year since 2023 to offset recurring budget deficits. District leaders previously said there would be $1 million saved per closed school, but Monday night they said the total savings would be closer to $5 million — including staff reductions. Superintendent Sean Maika said other district cuts combined with the school closures would allow NEISD to meet this year’s $10 million goal.

Marlin ISD to return to classes for six Fridays to make up for missed class time

(KCEN) To make up for classes that have been cancelled as a result of water issues happening throughout the city, Marlin ISD has announced that school will be returning to a full five-day class schedule some weeks to make up for the lost instructional time. The five-day class schedule students will return to starts this week and will run through the end of the month. According to the district calendar, a five-day class schedule is already built in for the first week of March but will now include a second five-day school schedule at the end of the month. 

Texas universities could face funding cuts for health care research under new Trump administration policy

(Texas Tribune) A federal judge blocked a new National Institutes of Health policy from going into effect in 22 states that sued the agency, but Texas wasn’t part of the suit. Related:

La Pryor ISD superintendent placed on leave amid ongoing investigation

(News4SA) The superintendent of La Pryor Independent School District, Dr. William Arevalo, has been placed on paid administrative leave pending an ongoing investigation.

Several Houston ISD students were suspended during an immigration protest. Now, their families want answers

(Houston Chronicle) Northside High School families say they are looking for answers after some students were punished after participating in a student-run walkout protesting the nationwide immigration crackdown Friday.

Which Houston-area school district pays its teachers the most?

(Houston Chronicle) A few Houston-area school districts have crossed the $70,000 threshold for average teacher pay, putting them ahead of the U.S. average cited by the National Education Association of $69,597, according to a recent Houston Chronicle analysis.

North Texas College Students Face Fear, Uncertainty Without DEI

(Dallas Observer) Texas college students were already struggling without DEI programs. Then came another Trump term.

Toyota to spend $6.5M to boost STEM and workforce development at East Central ISD

(San Antonio Report) Toyota Texas leaders announced Monday it is giving grants of up to $6.5 million over five years to the East Central Independent School District. The grants will give students and teachers access to tools and programs that support workforce development, including “foundational skills, build confidence and forge an individualized path to success,” according to a statement from Toyota.

University of Houston students call for action after string of violent incidents

(KPRC) The University of Houston community continues to grapple with fear and frustration following a string of violent incidents on or near campus, including two attacks in the Welcome Center Student Parking Garage.

New Diana ISD student struck by vehicle while crossing road for bus; driver arrested

(KLTV) A driver has been arrested after hospitalizing a New Diana ISD student who was crossing the road for the bus. According to a release from the district, the vehicle did not stop for the school bus, which was stopped with its red lights flashing. The vehicle swerved to avoid hitting the student directly, and ultimately clipped the student with their side mirror, according to the district. Jerry Martin, 56, of Longview, was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and is being held in the Upshur County Jail on a $100,000 bond. After the incident, the student was taken to a hospital for treatment. The student’s injuries are presumed to be minor as of now, the district says.

Google officially updates name of ‘Gulf of America’

(The Hill) Google Maps users in the U.S. will now see “Gulf of America” displayed over the body of water that was once labeled the “Gulf of Mexico.” Users in Mexico will still see the name “Gulf of Mexico,” and users elsewhere in the world will see both names, written as “Gulf of Mexico (Gulf of America).”

UIL Texas high school basketball format change: What are split division playoffs?

(Fort Worth Star-Telegram) The Texas high school basketball playoffs are here, and the University Interscholastic League is utilizing a new split-division format. How will this change the basketball postseason?

A league of their own: Girls’ flag football gets NFL backing in Austin

(KERA) A spokesperson with the Texans confirmed to KUT News that the team plans to expand its girls’ flag football program to two Austin-area school districts: Round Rock ISD and Pflugerville ISD.

UT Health-Houston dentistry professor caught huffing and driving with 107 canisters of ‘laughing gas’ in car, police say

(KTRK) Christopher Pedlar, a Houston dentist and full-time UT Health School of Dentistry assistant professor, has been arrested once again, this time with more than 100 canisters of nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas. Pedlar has now been charged three times since October for possession of nitrous oxide, a regulated gas. “When they questioned him, he admitted to inhaling the gas,” a hearing officer stated. The public defender told the court that Pedlar does not actively practice dentistry, but he teaches it as a full-time assistant professor at UTHealth School of Dentistry-Houston. By Monday, the school had removed his profile from its website.

Montgomery Co. leaders fire library director after conservative letter campaign

(Houston Chronicle) Rhea Young, a career librarian for over twenty years, found out her job was on the line two weeks ago when she read the Montgomery County Commissioners Court agenda. Young was blindsided by the move to abruptly end her employment as the Montgomery County Memorial Library System Director, but she knew a likely reason why her time at the helm of the system was drawing to a close—a group of conservative, Christian community members’ influence on public library operations. 

Feb. 10, 2025
Texas reports new measles outbreak in West Texas

(KWTX) The outbreak in Gaines County, with a population of about 22,000, has grown since two cases were reported in January. All those who contracted measles were unvaccinated, health officials said.

Judge further restricts Texas law limiting kids’ social media access, AG immediately appeals

(KERA) A federal judge in Austin issued an order Friday temporarily preventing Texas from enforcing even more parts of a 2024 law that regulates how children under 18 can use social media — and Attorney General Ken Paxton promptly appealed the decision.

Nearly 900 Texas children are waitlisted for a mental health program billed as an alternative to foster care

(Texas Tribune) Despite a long waitlist, the number of children served in the YES Waiver program has declined because of provider shortages.

Gov. Greg Abbott wants to set a high bar for local tax increases

(Texas Tribune) Local officials, school advocates and tax policy experts said such a proposal could have dire impacts on basic services.

Lake Travis ISD superintendent resigns amid allegations of misconduct

(KVUE) During a special meeting on Friday night, the Lake Travis ISD school board voted to dismiss Superintendent Paul Norton and allow him to resign. The move came after several hours of discussion and consultation with attorneys behind closed doors in closed session. Norton, who had been the Superintendent of Lake Travis ISD since August 2020, has been on paid administrative leave since December following what the district described as “allegations of misconduct.” The district retained an independent law firm, Markle Moore, PLLC, to investigate the allegation. 

Cedar Hill ISD discusses potential cuts as district faces $7M shortfall

(KERA) Cedar Hill ISD interim CFO Amy Drozd last week laid out several potential measures to fill the district’s $7 million shortfall, including consolidating two middle school campuses, leaving some security guard positions unfilled and eliminating some teaching and administrative positions. “Trying to come up with $7 million in the time frame that we need to, we’ve got to look at these drastic measures,” she told trustees at their meeting.

Grant Uncertainty: Federal Clean School Bus Funds in Limbo

(School Bus Fleet) On Jan. 28, President Trump issued an executive order that sought to freeze certain federal grant funds. A federal judge blocked the order, and it was rescinded the following day. Funds from the Clean School Bus Program and Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Program appear to be on pause for award disbursement anyway.

Austin ISD considering centralized bus pickup model for magnet schools

(KVUE) Austin ISD is considering getting rid of some schools’ normal bus routes and moving to a new centralized pickup model in order to help with the district’s $92 million budget deficit. According to KVUE’s media partners at the Austin American-Statesman, providing busing for the 3,500 magnet students eligible for district transportation at the four schools costs the district about $4 million and the more streamlined transportation hub model could cut costs by around $1.2 million.

Health care access and economic insecurity top a list of challenges for Texas children

(Texas Tribune) Gaps in access to health care, economic insecurity and mental health challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic continue to top the list of challenges currently facing Texas children today, according to a new study released by the nonprofit Every Texan on Thursday.

Keller ISD middle and high school students walk out of class over proposed split of district

(NBC DFW) The pushback on Keller ISD’s proposal to split the district in two heated up again as students at various middle and high schools walked out of class Friday.

El Paso ISD officer arrested for obstructing investigation in shooting case

(KFOX) El Paso Independent School District officer, Christopher Duran was arrested and has been charged with interference with public duties. According to the affidavit, Duran was arrested on charges of preventing officers from obtaining information from Joseph Andrew Shreve who was involved in a shooting. Duran was heard on Shreve’s body-worn camera advising him to change his recollection of events, kept information from officers, and posed as Shreve’s union representative, according to records. Duran is the fourth officer from EPISD to be arrested within the last year. Three former officers and one former employee were also arrested.

Magnolia ISD middle school student arrested for threatening other students with gun, Montgomery County Pct. 5 says

(KHOU) The Montgomery County Pct. 5 Constable’s Office said the student made a threat against two students via text.

UT Dallas students launch alternative newspaper after clash with administration

(Texas Tribune) Students at the university created their own news organization — The Retrograde — after they reached an impasse with administrators regarding oversight and the firing of the campus newspaper’s editor-in-chief.

Q&A: How a federal grant is helping San Jacinto College get Latino students into STEM fields

(Houston Landing) The college in 2021 established Hispano STEM: El Camino al Exito, or “the path to success,” an initiative that encourages low-income Latino students to study STEM subjects and gives them extra support along the way. Led by Grant Project Director Mark Thomas, the program is funded by part of a nearly $5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education to create ways to prepare more Latino students for STEM fields.

Federal civil lawsuit filed against Klein ISD, teacher accused of sex trafficking students

(KPRC) In the latest development in the Klein ISD sex trafficking case, civil rights attorneys representing a new victim, identified as Jane Doe, have announced plans to file a federal civil rights lawsuit. The case centers on allegations against Kedria Grisby, a cosmetology teacher at Klein Cain High School, accused of compelling prostitution of a minor and child sex trafficking.

North Texas Charter Teacher Arrested for ‘Improper Relationship’ With Student

(Texas Scorecard) Ruel “JR” Barbee taught art at Newman International Academy, a charter school in Arlington.

Texas A&M regents approve $239 million of construction projects, authorize contract negotiation for in-space experiments

(Battalion) Texas A&M System Board of Regents laid the groundwork for an Aggie-focused research platform on the International Space Station at its February meeting.

Najim donates $1.25M to help fight food insecurity at UT San Antonio

(San Antonio Report) Officials from the Najim Charitable Foundation, San Antonio Food Bank and the University of Texas at San Antonio gathered at the main UTSA campus last week to announce the gift. According to a press release, $125,000 will be donated to the food bank every year for 10 years. 

Feb. 7, 2025
Border Patrol chief calls report that agents will board buses to check students’ citizenship “absurd”

(Texas Tribune) The chief’s comments came after Alice ISD sent a letter to parents Wednesday warning students may be detained and possibly deported if they can’t prove they’re in the country legally. The letter was later removed from the district’s website. Related:

NCAA bars transgender women from participating in college, university women’s sports

(Daily Texan) Only student-athletes assigned female at birth will be allowed to compete in university women’s sports, the NCAA announced Thursday in a news release. The announcement comes after President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Wednesday banning transgender women and girls from competing in women’s sports. It also directs federal agencies  to rescind all funding from institutions that do not comply with the order, citing a violation of Title IX. The new NCAA policy will affect over 1,000 colleges and universities. 

Now-former Hutto ISD Official Advised How To Allow Boy in Girls’ Sports

(Texas Scorecard) A now-former Hutto Independent School District administrator was caught on camera coaching an undercover journalist on how to circumvent state law and allow a boy to play in girls’ sports. (Related article)

UT Arlington creates task force in response to wide-ranging executive orders from Trump, Abbott

(Fort Worth Report) Following a slew of federal and state executive orders affecting higher education, the University of Texas at Arlington has set up a task force to monitor and respond to their impact. The task force, announced by UTA President Jennifer Cowley in an internal memo, will develop guidance on the changing legal terrain affecting the university and ensure its compliance.

Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD considers closing four schools amid budget shortfall

(NBC DFW) Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD announced it’s considering closing four schools as the district faces a $19 million budget shortfall and is looking to cut costs. The announcement came during a school board meeting on Thursday night, where some parents spoke out against the proposal saying it could negatively impact learning and district performance.

Fort Stockton ISD: Person behind video with racist undertones to face one year ban

(KMID/KPEJ) One person was banned from all Fort Stockton facilities, events, and activities for one year after a video containing a voiceover with racist undertones was taken at the FSISD varsity girl’s basketball game and shared throughout social media. According to FSISD, who released a statement after the video went viral on social media, said faculty was notified on Wednesday, February 5, and has since banned the individual responsible for making the video.

Hallsburg ISD school board places superintendent on administrative leave following public intoxication arrest

(KWTX) The Hallsburg ISD School Board decided during a meeting Thursday night to put Superintendent Douglas Marvin on administrative leave following his arrest Sunday for public intoxication. After meeting for about an hour and a half, the school board came to the conclusion that Marvin would be placed on administrative leave until further notice. The district said they’ll put out a formal statement on Friday regarding their decision.

Brownsville ISD board approves forensic audit on 4-3 vote

(myRGV) By a 4-3 vote, the Brownsville ISD Board of Trustees approved a forensic audit of the 2015 Tax Ratification Election, following an exchange between Trustee Minerva Pena and Mary Garza of the district’s finance department. The board’s attorney cautioned the agenda item would have to come back for approval once a contract has been drafted.

Fort Bend ISD student enrollment growth stabilizes amid land build-out, rise in charter school enrollment

(Community Impact) The fast growth in the district’s student enrollment over the past decade will likely stabilize in the next decade as most residential communities reach build-out and enrollment into alternative educational options, primarily charter schools, increases, said Stacey Tepera, president of demographic firm Population and Survey Analysts.

United ISD releases statement concerning cloned bus photo

(KGNS) United ISD released a statement disputing a photo that had been circulating social media depicting an alleged UISD bus. The photo showed a bus with a person standing in front of it along with over 5,000 pounds of marijuana that had been seized. In response, UISD released a statement reading: “United ISD is aware of a picture circulating on social media showing a CLONED UISD bus. It’s important to note that the incident happened in 2009 and it was NOT a bus that belongs to UISD but rather a CLONED (copycat) bus.”

Community ISD investigates missing funds from PTO and Booster Club

(CBS News) Community ISD reports that money allegedly went missing from two organizations affiliated with the district.

Foster child death linked to state-contracted home prompts criminal investigation

(Texas Tribune) The Greenville-based treatment center has closed after the death of an 11-year-old boy the day before Thanksgiving.

Lubbock ISD tells Smith Elementary families man’s comments were no direct threat to school

(KCBD) The principal of Lubbock ISD’s Smith Elementary sent a message to the school’s families Wednesday night about the arrest of Stephen Furr, 29, who the Department of Justice said made comments on a blog site threatening a school shooting. Families were told, at no point was there a direct threat that required additional safety measures.

Texas A&M Board of Regents establish new nonprofit, establish new research opportunities

(KBTX) During the meeting, regents voted to establish the Inspire Alliance, a nonprofit that would help fund research opportunities in national security at A&M. The nonprofit will focus on Texas A&M engineering, providing a way to develop and deploy technology into the defense industry at high speed and at a large scale. University system officials say this will make the Texas A&M system a leader in advancing national security. Along with Inspire, the regents authorized President Mark A. Welsh to negotiate a contract with Ageis Aerospace, allowing Aggie engineering students to conduct in-space experiments. Related:

Valor Education Opens Valor South Austin’s New Charter Campus

(PR Newswire) Valor Education, which serves over 4,000 students at its five K-12 classical charter schools throughout the Austin and San Antonio metro areas, announced that it has completed construction and fully opened a new 103,000-square-foot campus for Valor South Austin on 25 wooded acres in southwest Austin.

This small, private school in Como has students bouncing with excitement. Here’s why

(Fort Worth Report) Rivertree Academy in west Fort Worth recently unveiled its $15 million campus. The school consolidated three buildings into the new facility.

Denton mother files police report, says daughter witnessed driver of unmarked school bus wave at students to get in

(NBC DFW) The mother posted a long message on social media asking others to come forward and warning others.

Former Prairie View HBCU credit union manager gets two years for embezzling over $200,000

(Houston Landing)  A former manager of one of the oldest federal credit unions established by a historically Black college or university in the United States has been sentenced to two years in prison after pleading guilty to embezzling more than $211,500 from an elderly couple, both in their 90s at the time of the crime. Prosecutors had recommended a sentence of 36 months for Gloria Jean Hall, who managed the Prairie View Federal Credit Union from 2000 to 2020. However, U.S. District Judge Charles Eskridge, citing Hall’s age, ties to the community, and family support, determined that a deviation from the sentencing guidelines was appropriate.

Montessori school apologizes for racial slur in newsletter

(Fox 26 Houston) A Montessori school in Cypress is apologizing for a newsletter that went out to parents that contained a racial slur. The school says they don’t know how or why this occurred but are “taking this matter very seriously.”

Feb. 6, 2025
Texas bill that lets families use tax dollars for private schools swiftly sails through Senate

(Texas Tribune) Senate Bill 2 now heads to the House, where top officials say they have the support to create education savings accounts.
Note: TexEdNews will post an updated article on this soon.

Texas school district warns Border Patrol may board buses and question students about citizenship

(Texas Tribune) A letter sent to Alice ISD parents Wednesday said a student may be detained and possibly deported if they cannot prove they are in the country legally. Related:

Trump signs executive order barring transgender students from girls’ sports

(K-12 Dive) During the signing ceremony, the president warned K-12 schools and colleges that they could lose federal funding if they don’t comply. Related:

Exclusive: Houston ISD audits detail depth of special education dysfunction, signs of improvement

(Houston Landing) When Houston ISD administrators carried out a sweeping audit of the district’s special education department in the fall of 2023, digging deep into the files of 1,350 students with disabilities, they discovered enormous dysfunction throughout the system. Administrators found thousands of violations of district policy and hundreds of violations of students’ legal rights under state and federal law — pointing to neglect that likely left many of the district’s students with disabilities lacking much-needed support. Related:

Leander ISD looking to cut teacher, admin positions to make up budget deficit

(Fox 7 Austin) The district announced on Wednesday that it is planning for a reduction of approximately $3 million (6%) at the central office level and approximately $12.8 million (5.8%) at the campus level. The district believes that with the announced cuts, it will be able to cut the budget gap to around $17 million, just $4 million above the board-approved deficit parameter.

Aldine ISD considers closing 7 schools, hosts community meeting

(KHOU) Aldine Independent School District is proposing to close seven schools for the upcoming school year as part of its optimization plan to address financial challenges. The district held a community meeting Wednesday at Eckert Elementary School, one of the campuses potentially facing closure, to inform parents and gather feedback on the proposed changes.

Liberty Hill ISD discusses four-day school week at board meeting

(KXAN) LHISD in the board meeting discussed two calendar options, one with Mondays off and the other with Fridays off. Liberty Hill ISD’s Chief of Schools Travis Motal said the district is looking into possibly providing a childcare option for parents on the off day. LHISD will host a town hall on Feb. 10 where the district will get feedback from the community on the innovative calendar. It will then go to the board for approval later this month.

29-year-old Lubbock man threatened to shoot up elementary school

(KCBD) The U.S. Attorney’s Office released new details about a man who threatened to shoot up a Lubbock elementary school. 29-year-old Stephen Furr was arrested and charged with interstate threatening communications on Monday afternoon after a standoff with Dallas FBI and SWAT in southwest Lubbock. “The foresight of a single tipster – coupled with the prompt action of law enforcement – may have saved dozens of young lives,” Acting U.S. Attorney Chad Meacham said in a release. “The adage holds true: If you see something, say something. You may help law enforcement avert a tragedy.”

Despite instability of modern recruiting, many HS prospects prefer to commit early. Why?

(Dallas Morning News) Despite coaching changes and the transfer portal creating instability within the college sports landscape, many players often commit to programs a year or more before they graduate to leverage their futures or fight for positions that aren’t always guaranteed.

‘My mouth just dropped’: Crowley ISD investigates video of a student slapping middle school teacher who is now on administrative leave

(WFAA) A cell phone video showing a student slapping a teacher at Summer Creek Middle School is now under investigation by Crowley ISD.

Panhandle school districts discuss policy changes following tragic accident

(KFDA) Panhandle school districts, including Dalhart ISD, are discussing changes to their drop-off and pick-up lines following a tragic accident. After the loss of an elementary school student in Borger made national coverage, Dalhart ISD is looking at what they can learn from the tragedy. Some changes include weekly safety meetings and increased staff to assist students and parents during the busy mornings and afternoons.

Student detained after weapon found on Kilgore ISD bus

(KETK) A high school student was detained after a weapon was found on a Kilgore ISD bus Tuesday night. According to KISD, during an off-campus basketball game versus Henderson, school staff and police officers learned that a student may have a weapon on a Kilgore ISD bus. During a search of the bus, officials reportedly found a weapon and later detained a KHS student. Henderson ISD said investigators believe the student left the weapon on the bus before entering the school.

Canyon ISD bus hit by semi running red light, 1 student injured

(KVII). A Canyon ISD school bus was involved in a crash with a semi at US 60 and FM 2590 on Tuesday afternoon. According to law enforcement, the semi ran a red light and collided with the bus as it was turning north. Students from Spring Canyon Elementary and Canyon Intermediate School were on the bus with the majority being unharmed but one student was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries as a precaution.

After Her Grandfather Almost Got Scammed, Local Student Creates Online Security App

(Dallas Observer) Last summer, Manoj began developing Shield Seniors, a web application designed to counter cybersecurity challenges faced by senior citizens. The platform has four sections tailored to simplify online safety and provide practical tools for protection.

Irving-Based Scouts see a small membership uptick after rebrand to Scouting America

(KRLD) A historic rebrand of the Boy Scouts of America has been followed by a small uptick in young people joining what will now be called Scouting America, a welcoming sign as the organization tries to move past scandal and bankruptcy. CEO Roger Krone acknowledged some backlash to the rebrand after it was announced last year but described the overall response as a positive one that generated wider interest. “The fact that we were going with a more kind of gender-neutral name, a lot of people kind of wanted to know more about it,” Krone said.

What is ‘mature content’ at Carter museum’s ‘Cowboy’ exhibit? Artists want to know

(KERA) Should a painting of two men kissing come with a warning label? Two artists say no. They are upset that an exhibition in Fort Worth including their work has a “mature content” warning.

Thousands notified of McKinney data breach. Here’s how to stay safe

(Dallas Morning News) McKinney announced this week a data breach may have exposed the personal or sensitive data of nearly 18,000 people. Sensitive information impacted by the breach includes one or more Social Security and driver’s license numbers, credit card information, financial account information and certain medical and health insurance information, according to a notice by the city.

Feb. 5, 2025
Trump administration finalizing plans to shutter Education Department

(Politico) An executive order — which President Donald Trump is expected to sign sometime this month — was expected to lay out a two-part strategy for shuttering the agency. Related:

TEA commissioner denies former Humble ISD leader Elizabeth Fagen’s termination appeal

(Houston Chronicle) Texas Education Agency Commissioner Mike Morath denied former Humble ISD Superintendent Elizabeth Fagen’s appeal Tuesday, ruling that the school board was within its right to fire the leader. 

Absenteeism spiked in the pandemic. Texas schools want the state’s help to keep students in the classroom

(Texas Tribune) Chronically absent students — those who missed at least 10% of their school days — are more likely to drop out, education advocates say.

Houston ISD condemns call for student sick-out in protest of Mike Miles

(Houston Public Media) Community Voices for Public Education is organizing a protest planned for Wednesday. The group says the idea is to express ongoing discontent with the state’s takeover of the school district. District spokesperson Alexandra Elizondo said in a statement Tuesday it’s “entirely irresponsible” for the nonprofit organization, Community Voices for Public Education, to encourage students to skip school in opposition of Miles and the district’s state-appointed board of managers. Related:

Katy ISD sent notifications to 43 parents under controversial student gender identity policy

(KTRK) More than a year after it was enacted, we’re getting a clearer idea of the impact of Katy ISD’s controversial gender identity policy. The policy requires district staff to inform parents if students identify themselves as transgender or ask to use different names or pronouns in school. We made a public records request and learned that Katy ISD has sent 43 notifications to parents since the policy was implemented in September 2023. Katy ISD’s policy is currently under investigation by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights.

Austin ISD policy prevents parents from seeing video of alleged crimes against kids 

(KXAN) Across Texas, some school districts are using an exception in the state’s Public Information Act as grounds to not allow parents to view video of suspected crimes against their kids, despite state laws giving them special access. KXAN investigates as an Austin family fights to view records of their child amid a felony investigation into his former teacher.

Floresville ISD officials consider moving to a four-day school week in the fall

(KSAT) The proposed option will be voted on by trustees at March 3 meeting. According to the district’s website, 68% of staff, parents and students surveyed said they support a four-day school week.

Learning Curve: See how much money Houston districts get from Teacher Incentive Allotment

(Houston Landing) Aldine ISD, the sixth-largest district in the Houston area, generated the most money in the region. Spring ISD, the 13th-largest local district, garnered the second-most money. Both districts were early adopters of the Teacher Incentive Allotment.

Leadership shake-up at Judson ISD transportation department after supervisor admits to golfing while on the clock

(KSAT) A Judson Independent School District transportation supervisor has resigned, the department’s director and assistant director have filed retirement paperwork and its payroll clerk was moved out of her position amid a payroll discrepancy investigation, records obtained by KSAT Investigates show.

How North Texas Universities Define Antisemitism on Their Campuses

(Dallas Observer) Harvard recently adopted the definition of antisemitism used by colleges in the Dallas area. Some worry it could stifle free speech.

In ever-changing football recruiting world, why are colleges offering middle schoolers?

(Dallas Morning News) Players like DeSoto prodigy Ethan “Boobie” Feaster are drawing recruiting attention by the time they’re in middle school.

Fort Bend ISD staff completes 2 years of overdue special education evaluations

(Community Impact) Special education teams across Fort Bend ISD have completed over 2,000 overdue evaluations and re-evaluations this school year, and look to complete thousands more by the start of the 2025-26 school year, officials said at the Jan. 29 board meeting. The completion of these evaluations comes after the district was found in federal noncompliance for the 2023-24 school year based on the number of overdue re-evaluations, Community Impact reported. However, district officials announced in August they were no longer in noncompliance status.

UNT Health Science Center agreed to pay former president $560K upon resignation

(Fort Worth Star-Telegram) The University of North Texas Health Science Center paid its outgoing president $560,000 in return for her voluntary resignation from the university, according to public records released to the Star-Telegram. Dr. Sylvia Trent-Adams stepped down as president Jan. 31. According to the agreement, Trent-Adams will receive $560,000 “in return for Trent-Adams’ promises in this Agreement.” The agreement stipulated that Trent-Adams will be paid within 30 days of Jan. 31, and that she releases the the University of North Texas system “from any and all claims and potential claims.”

Texas A&M partners with four companies on nuclear reactor project near campus

(Houston Public Media) Texas A&M University has formed a coalition with four energy companies to potentially build nuclear reactors near its campus, with the goal of helping the state meet its future energy demands. The university announced Tuesday that four companies — Kairos Power, Natura Resources, Terrestrial Energy and Aalo Atomics — will work toward building small nuclear reactors at A&M’s Rellis facility, a 2,400-acre innovation and technology campus in Bryan. The first reactors could be constructed within five years, according to the university.

5th Circuit rejects Texas’ challenge to $15 minimum wage order

(KRLD) It doesn’t happen often, but the 5th Circuit federal appeals court has ruled against Texas and in favor of former President Joe Biden. The lawsuit is over the Biden executive order requiring any contractor who does business with the feds to pay employees at least $15 an hour. Texas and two other states claim that will harm the economy. But a three-judge panel of the appeals court ruled that’s within the President’s ability. UNT Dallas law professor Brian Owsley says Texas can appeal, but they also have another option. “Someone could get President Trump on the telephone,” Owsley says. “And say, ‘Hey, your predecessor issued this executive order. We don’t like it, would you consider rescinding it or entering a new executive order?'”

Waco ISD dives deep with cleaning robots

(KXXV) These robots deep-clean schools across the district during the nighttime hours, making it easier for these devices to roam around.

Fine arts, child care, green space rise to the top on San Antonio ISD repurposing survey

(Texas Public Radio) The San Antonio Independent School District has released the results of a survey asking the public how they would like to use the district’s empty school buildings. The four most popular ideas among survey respondents are fine arts programs, mental health services, childcare for children 3 and under, and green space like parks or playgrounds. SAISD spent four months collecting the survey responses online and at athletic events, and 9,360 people provided input, including 5,048 students. Related:

UIL suspends West Brook, Sterling basketball players after in-game fight

(Beaumont Enterprise) The University Interscholastic League has suspended eight Beaumont ISD West Brook boys basketball players, a decision stemming from a fight that occurred during the Bruins’ most-recent game against Goose Creek CISD Sterling.  Sterling’s team was also hit with suspensions.

Sabinal ISD High School coach arrested, accused of attempting to entice 14-year-old boy

(KSAT) A Sabinal Independent School District employee has been arrested after attempting to entice what he believed to be a teenage boy online, according to a news release from the Department of Justice.

Texas Tech’s new program provides El Paso locals with low-cost bachelor’s degree options

(KFOX) Texas Tech University is bringing a $10,000 Degree Completion Program to El Paso. The program will offer an affordable and flexible path to achieving a bachelor’s degree for non-traditional and working adult students who live in El Paso. After launching last year in Dallas Fort Worth and seeing success, the program has expanded to El Paso. According to an announcement from Texas Tech, the program will primarily provide opportunities for students to earn credit through prior learning experiences and micro-credential courses while keeping the cost of attendance low.

Hallsburg ISD school board to discuss superintendent’s public intoxication arrest in special meeting

(KWTX) Hallsburg school board members have called a special meeting for Thursday evening in the wake of Superintendent Douglas Marvin’s arrest Sunday on a public intoxication charge.

‘Frozen in fear.’ YMCA employee choked and abused toddlers in Texas, lawsuit says

(Fort Worth Star-Telegram) The families of three toddlers are suing a Texas YMCA after surveillance video showed a day care worker abusing the children, according to a lawsuit. Geraline Browning is charged with five counts of injury to a child, according to court records. A civil lawsuit was filed against the YMCA of Central Texas, where Browning worked, after Browning was accused of abusing toddlers. Between Jan. 29 and Feb. 21, 2024, Browning was seen on video aggressively grabbing and yanking toddlers by their arms, necks and collarbones; grabbing a toddler by her neck and choking her for six seconds until she began “hysterically crying”; and shaking a child, according to the lawsuit.

When the Catholic Church Ran a Public School in Small-Town Texas

(Texas Monthly) In a bizarre precedent to today’s debates over faith in the classroom, a local ISD absorbed a parochial school and its nuns for twelve years. It went about as you’d expect.

Feb. 4, 2025
TEA warns 460 school districts about potentially illegal suspensions of homeless students

(Houston Landing) The Texas Education Agency warned about 460 school districts — including 19 of the 20 largest districts in the Houston area — in mid-January that they may have violated state law last school year by suspending students experiencing homelessness, according to agency leaders.

Texas Republicans want more property tax cuts. Here’s how they may do it.

(Texas Tribune) Gov. Greg Abbott said cutting taxes is a top priority, however, state lawmakers don’t have as much money to plug into tax cuts as they did two years ago.

Grand Prairie ISD approves separation agreement with former superintendent

(KERA) Two months after the Grand Prairie ISD Board of Trustees removed Jorge Arredondo from his position as superintendent, the board approved a voluntary separation agreement and release during a special called meeting Monday evening. The separation agreement was approved in a 4-3 vote.

111 Texas school districts have moved to four-day weeks, affecting more than 120,000 students

(KXAN) At least 111 school districts across Texas have now switched to four-day school weeks, often in a bid to prevent teacher turnover. Districts that have recently made the switch for the 2025-26 school year include Collinsville ISD, Decatur ISD and Gunter ISD. The changes mean more than 120,000 students are now in districts that use a four-day school week, based on 2023-24 enrollment numbers. A further 35,600 students are in districts using a hybrid schedule.

Marlin ISD School Board approves return to 5-day week “effective immediately”

(KCEN) Marlin Independent School District will return to a five-day school week as ongoing water problems in the city have caused the district to close multiple times this year. The Board approved the change, meaning the district will transition back to a five-day school week “effective immediately”, according to Marlin ISD Superintendent Dr. Darryl Henson. Related:

Northwest ISD to eliminate 101 teaching positions, increase class sizes to close $16M shortfall

(Fort Worth Report) During a recent meeting, trustees unanimously agreed to increase class sizes for next school year throughout elementary, middle and high school campuses. In doing so, 101 teaching positions across the district will be eliminated by the 2025-26 school year — though district officials do not expect to lay off any existing teachers. The district, which calls itself the fastest-growing in North Texas, serves 34,000 students in Tarrant, Denton and Wise counties.

Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD could close campuses in effort to cut costs

(KERA) Next Thursday, the Carrollton-Farmers Branch school district is expected to announce schools it could close to cut costs as it consolidates campuses to “downsize” the district. Superintendent Wendy Eldredge has said the district faces a $19 million deficit.

Houston parents, teachers planning mass HISD ‘sickout’ on Wednesday to Protest Mike Miles’ Policies

(Houston Chronicle) The Houston ISD community is planning a mass sickout this Wednesday to protest “the harmful HISD takeover” and “[HISD Superintendent Mike Miles’] weak response on immigration safety in schools,” organizers said on Monday.

San Antonio ISD students organize walkout to protest threat of ICE raids in schools

(San Antonio Current) Organizers list their demands as “Keep schools safe, keep guns out, keep ICE out.” Related:

Answer Key: Trump and Abbott want to ban DEI in schools. What could that mean for Texas?

(Houston Landing) President Donald Trump and Gov. Greg Abbott are taking aim at DEI in K-12 schools. Whether they find much to tear down, however, remains to be seen. So how would anti-DEI policies impact Houston classrooms? Here’s what we know — and what we don’t know.

Two more state employees fired after accessing Texans’ private information

(Texas Tribune) So far, nine Health and Human Services Commission employees have been fired for accessing without a “business” purpose the private information of Texans seeking public assistance that includes Medicaid and food stamps.

Georgetown ISD parents demand apology from district after bus incident

(Fox 7 Austin) Parents are frustrated after Georgetown ISD middle school students were not allowed to leave the school bus because the driver thought he smelled marijuana.

A mom, a student: How a San Antonio parent juggles school, work and child care for a better future

(Texas Tribune) One in four Texans is raising a child while getting a college degree. For Isabella Mapes, it has meant little sleep and, at times, a lonely journey.

Lewisville boil water notice lifted and school to resume on Tuesday, city says

(WFAA) The City of Lewisville has lifted a boil water notice that was issued Sunday and impacted a large portion of the city, officials said. The water is once again safe for consumption, and normal school operations will resume on Tuesday the city said.

State officials issue bird flu warning as virus spreads near Brazos County

(Battalion) After recent Harris County and Galveston bird flu cases, experts weigh the potential impact on College Station.

Former Crowley ISD psychologist sentenced 35 years for explicit child content

(KRLD) A Mansfield man convicted of child porn is sentenced to 35 years in prison. 65-year-old Christian Rewoldt used to be a child psychologist for the Crowley School District. He worked with special needs students. At the time of his arrest in 2023, the district said it had no indication he had inappropriate contact with any kids. He was arrested at his home after getting a tip about the child porn from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. According to the Tarrant County District Attorney’s office, Rewoldt pled guilty to five counts and the court slapped him with a 35-year sentence — 7 years for each count.

Now-former Wills Point ISD teacher, and former Forney council candidate, arrested for indecency with a child

(MyTexas Daily) A now-former Wills Point Independent School District teacher was arrested earlier today and charged with indecency with a child, according to the Wills Point ISD. According to the district, Wills Point High School teacher Jimmy Hanks was arrested on Monday, February 3, 2025, by the Rains County Sheriff’s Office “pending investigation regarding indecency with a child.” “This alleged behavior did not occur on a Wills Point ISD campus or property,” read a brief statement from the district.

Feb. 3, 2025
Parents say AI was used to create nude image of Houston middle school girls’ soccer team

(KHOU) Houston Independent School District officials said they’re looking into the allegations that someone digitally altered a picture of the Lanier Middle School girls’ soccer team to show them nude. Parents seem to think the person who did it is a Lanier student but the district didn’t say anything about that. In a statement, an HISD spokesperson said, “HISD is aware of the allegation, is investigating and will take appropriate action to ensure the safety of all students.” Sexual images of children, even when made with AI, are illegal.

Former Texas A&M veterinarian sentenced to probation for animal cruelty conviction

(KBTX) Former Texas A&M veterinarian Ashlee Watts was sentenced to five years probation on Friday after she was convicted of felony animal cruelty in October. “She was sentenced to 2 years state jail but it’s probated for five so she will be on supervised release for five,” state prosecutor Brian Baker said.

‘Clean up corruption and waste’: Houston ISD board member reveals procurement policy violations in unauthorized spending

(KPRC) KPRC 2 Investigates spoke with former HISD board member and LULAC President Sergio Lira who called the situation “quite alarming” and explained the district’s procurement process in the simplest form and how this impacts taxpayers.

Houston ISD’s teacher evaluation system is ‘a step in the right direction,’ experts say

(Houston Chronicle) Houston ISD’s proposed evaluation system is largely in line with current research and practices, according to some experts, who raised some concerns about frequent classroom spot observations and forcing teachers into a distribution curve. The district’s appointed Board of Managers is expected to consider next month a proposed teacher evaluation system that would determine a teacher’s rating based on classroom observations (45%); assessment scores and other objectives (35%), a campus action plan for school-specific goals (5%) and professionalism and planning (15%).

North Zulch ISD cancels class due to high number of absences

(KBTX) North Zulch ISD is canceling classes on Monday, Feb. 3, and Tuesday, Feb. 4.

Lewisville ISD to close 21 schools Monday while city deals with water issues

(Fox 4 KDFW) Lewisville ISD will close 21 campuses and facilities on Monday due to a break in a 30-inch city water line, according to the city.

Federal judge allows lawsuit against Arlington ISD to move forward, dismisses parts

(Arlington Report) A lawsuit filed against Arlington ISD over a resident’s complaints about the district’s grievance process and transparency is moving forward after a federal judge dismissed several claims of the case. U.S. Judge Reed O’Connor of the Northern District of Texas dismissed five claims brought by retired attorney David Jarvis and Citizens Defending Freedom, a conservative-aligned organization that fights for transparent local government. However, O’Connor allowed four other claims to move forward, according to a Jan. 30 ruling.

Fort Worth ISD is looking to move money to reading programs. How will it be used?

(Fort Worth Star-Telegram) FWISD looks to use money smartly while hoping for more state funding.

United HS student in bullying case claims they were ‘playing around’

(Laredo Morning Times) One of the two United High School students arrested in relation to a bullying case reported within the cross country team said they were “playing around,” according to an arrest affidavit. David Cardenas, 17, is facing two counts of misdemeanor assault while Matthew Rabago, 18, faces four counts of the same charge. Rabago faces additional misdemeanor charges of harassment and criminal trespass. Webb County Jail records show that both are out on bond. United ISD said in a statement that the coach has resigned from his coaching duties but remains with the district.

Gun detector, staff stop student with loaded gun from entering a Mansfield ISD high school

(NBC DFW) Evolv, an artificial intelligence (AI) weapons detection system alerted staff at Mansfield Legacy High of a handgun inside a student’s bookbag Friday morning. Right now, there’s no indication of what the student’s intentions were, and no specific threat was made. Mansfield ISD administrators found the loaded firearm and that student was arrested.

Cy-Fair ISD basketball game turns chaotic leading to suspensions, ban

(KHOU) Several students have been suspended and at least one parent has been banned from attending future games after multiple fights broke out at a middle school girls’ basketball game last week. The altercations occurred during a matchup between Rowe Middle School and Watkins Middle School in the Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District. Video of the incident shows players pushing each other before parents rush onto the court. Cy-Fair ISD confirmed disciplinary actions have been taken and said the district, along with both campuses, is actively investigating.

Fifth Circuit declares age restrictions on adult handgun purchases unconstitutional

(Courthouse News) A Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals panel ruled Thursday that a decades-old federal law banning handgun purchases by 18 to 20-year-olds violates the Second Amendment. The appellate panel ruled that a federal law prohibiting firearms dealers from selling handguns to adults under 21 is inconsistent with firearm regulations at the time of the country’s founding.

University of Houston issues guidance on immigration policy changes amid immigration fears

(Houston Chronicle) University of Houston leaders told faculty and staff to contact UHPD in several potential interactions with federal immigration authorities. The communication comes amid heightened fears over immigration crackdowns under President Donald Trump, including with the removal of longstanding restrictions that made immigration enforcement off-limits in “sensitive areas,” such as churches and schools.

Amarillo ISD high school wrestling coach arrested for child sex crimes

(KFDA) An Amarillo ISD Tascosa High School wrestling coach is facing child sex crime charges. According to Potter County Jail records, 31-year-old Nickolas Herrmann was booked into the jail on two counts of improper relationship between an educator and a student.

Literacy Volunteers of Laredo ex-treasurer admits to embezzling funds for personal use

(Laredo Morning Times) A man has pleaded guilty to embezzling money from the Literacy Volunteers of Laredo to spend it on personal things, including pornography, according to court documents. Christian Ochoa recently pleaded guilty to bank fraud. He could face up to 30 years in prison and a fine. His sentence is set for March 11. Ochoa will remain out on bond pending that hearing. On Feb. 9, the board president of the Literacy Volunteers of Laredo reported to the FBI that treasurer Ochoa had embezzled approximately $175,000 from the non-profit’s PNC bank account, according to the plea agreement affidavit.

Study: There are 20,000 fewer San Antonio child care slots than licenses would indicate

(San Antonio Report) San Antonio’s child care providers were licensed for 30% more slots than were actually available last year, according to a study commissioned by the City of San Antonio and conducted by Texas A&M University-San Antonio. That means there are 20,000 fewer child care slots in San Antonio than would be suggested by the total licensing number, according to the study, which includes data from 54 zip codes and all 10 city council districts across San Antonio.

Texas A&M Board of Regents to discuss House vs. NCAA antitrust settlement issues

(KBTX) The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents will discuss legal issues involving the House v. NCAA antitrust case during executive session Thursday in College Station, according to the regular meeting agenda. The House case is a class-action lawsuit that was brought forth by six current and former athletes in 2020, seeking damages for lost name, image and likeness compensation (NIL) before the revenue stream was made legal for college athletes in July of 2021. A settlement is awaiting approval by Judge Claudia Wilken of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of of California.

UT Tyler employee accused of having child porn at his home placed on leave

(CBS 19) Brandon Baschnagel, 41, of Bullard, is charged with possession with intent to promote child pornography, which is a first-degree felony. He is in the Henderson County Jail on a $250,000 bond. He is facing charges out of Henderson and Cherokee counties. UT Tyler spokesperson Beverley Golden confirmed that Baschnagel was an audio/visual technician. He has been placed on administrative leave pending investigation into the matter.

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