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Sept. 30, 2025
350+ teacher complaints as Texas schools continue disciplinary actions over Charlie Kirk posts

(KERA) In the weeks following the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, a wave of disciplinary actions has swept across Texas, particularly in public schools and higher education. As of Friday, the Texas Education Agency has received more than 350 complaints related to teachers and school staff who’ve reportedly commented on Kirk’s killing. Related:

Texas teacher retention shows modest improvement, but 66% still consider leaving their jobs

(Texas Public Radio) For the past six years, the Charles Butt Foundation has conducted a yearly teacher poll on Texas educators to learn about their experience within public education. This year the poll is titled, “The 2025 Texas Teacher Poll: Craft, Care, and A Call to Action.” A key finding from the poll is that about 66% of Texas teachers are considering leaving their jobs — a drop from last year’s 78%. The driving factors include stress, poor pay and benefits, along with excessive workloads and feeling undervalued.

Texas halts granting commercial driver’s licenses to DACA recipients, refugees and asylees

(KERA) Texas has stopped granting commercial driver licenses to DACA recipients, refugees and people granted asylum, the state Department of Public Safety announced Monday. Effective immediately, the agency will no longer issue, renew or reissue commercial driver licenses (CDLs) or commercial learner permits (CLPs) for people without legal status who are refugees, asylees or recipients of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, also known as DACA. CDLs are typically required to operate large commercial vehicles like semi-trailer trucks and buses.

Report: Texas gets ‘C’ grade for fiscal health — Record public school funding key factor for ranking

(Center Square) Texas is among 25 states that don’t have enough money to cover their bills, according to a new report published by the nonprofit Chicago-based Truth in Accounting (TIA). At the end of fiscal 2024, 25 states were unable to cover all their financial obligations, according to TIA’s 16th annual Financial State of the States report, which analyzes states’ financial health, The Center Square reported.

Wife of East Texas superintendent killed in crash involving runaway teen in stolen truck

(CBS 19) An East Texas woman has died after being injured in a crash involving a 16-year-old accused of fleeing police. Lufkin police said the two-vehicle wreck occurred in the downtown area around 1 p.m. Monday. The truck entered downtown and collided with an SUV, driven by Morgan Wright. Wright was flown to a Tyler hospital where she later died. Morgan was the mother of two children, and was a Lufkin ISD staff member and the wife of Wells ISD Superintendent Friday Wright.

Fort Worth ISD Set For Huge Pay Day After Approving Bible-Infused Learning Materials

(Dallas Observer) The district will receive about $4 million dollars for adopting the new materials that critics have called “biblically illiterate.”

Houston ISD cut 160 uncertified teachers and reassigned 232 teachers

(Houston Chronicle) Houston ISD announced Monday that nearly 450 employees were cut or reassigned this month amid enrollment declines. A spokesperson said performance and certification were prioritized when the district cut 160 uncertified teachers and 54 staff members and reassigned an additional 232 teachers as part of a budgeting process that reconciles staffing and enrollment levels. Houston ISD has projected a 6,500-student decline this year, or a nearly 4% enrollment loss. Related:

6 Bexar County school districts risk TEA stepping in over poor performance

(KSAT) Six Bexar County school districts must submit plans to the state for improving performance at poorly-rated campuses — and in some cases, immediately put them into action. Edgewood ISD, Northside ISD, San Antonio ISD, Judson ISD, Harlandale ISD and East Central ISD all received letters from the TEA on Aug. 28 or Sept. 3 ordering them to submit plans for at least one of their campuses.

Grapevine-Colleyville ISD Parents urge board to slow down school closure process amid deficit concerns

(Fox 4 KDFW) The Grapevine-Colleyville ISD school board is actively considering school closures and consolidations to address a budget deficit and declining enrollment. The district has not yet released an official list of schools under consideration, but a planning committee will make recommendations this fall. Many parents are urging the board to slow down the process and explore creative solutions before closing any schools.

Children Learning English Will Be Disproportionately Affected by Austin ISD Overhaul

(Austin Chronicle) 28 out of 33 AISD schools with “unacceptable” scores are dual-language campuses.

‘Love your neighbor as yourself’: Texas churches expand English programs for immigrant students

(Texas Standard) Churches are seeing increased enrollment after a federal policy went into effect limiting which students government-funded programs can serve.

Football may be king in Texas, but is its grip on some North Texas communities weakening?

(Dallas Morning News) It can be hard to rally community support in large districts with multiple high schools and diverse demographics around athletics with so many competing interests, from academics to non-sports extracurriculars.

‘Game plan for safety’: How Central Texas school districts are keeping stands safe on game day

(KWTX) It’s game night at Waco ISD Stadium, inside the Trojans and Grey Wolves are suiting up for kick-off, outsides fans stream in under a watchful eye.

‘He’s a fighter’ — Former Gilmer Buckeye standout on recovery journey after brain tumor diagnosis

(CBS 19) Ex-Gilmer football player Sean Wallace, 20, battles a brain tumor with support from family and community, raising $8,000 for medical expenses.

$150k to go 0-5: North Texas’ 10 Highest Paid High School Football Coaches

(Dallas Observer) At most North Texas high schools, head football coaches are some of the highest-paid employees.

Parents Say Eagle Pass ISD Delayed Threat Notifications to Protect Attendance

(Maverick Times) Parents in Eagle Pass are speaking out against what they describe as repeated failures by Eagle Pass ISD to promptly notify families about threats made at local schools. They say the district is more concerned with protecting attendance numbers than with protecting students.

Academy ISD employee arrested

(FOX 44) A 47-year-old employee of the Academy Independent School District has been arrested on a charge of displaying harmful material to a minor. Bell County Sheriff’s Office investigators report William “Will” Anthony Blackburn, Sr. was arrested without incident in Killeen on that charge Monday with jail records indicating he is being screened for another possible felony charge.

Homeland Security proposes 4-year cap for international students’ visas

(Daily Texan) The U.S. Department of Homeland Security proposed a policy on Aug. 28 that would end the longstanding “duration of status” policy, preventing international students from staying in the U.S. longer than four years. 

University of North Texas Police Agree To Protect Conservative Student

(Texas Scorecard) The University of North Texas Police Department has agreed to protect a student facing harassment and threats. An audio recording of a prior meeting revealed that police originally asked the student to come up with a safety plan.

Texas A&M Failed to Report $100 Million in Qatari Funds — By Hiding Behind a Loophole

(Texas Public Policy Foundation) Texas A&M University has quietly benefited from over $100 million in research funding from Qatar through its Texas Engineering Experiment Station (TEES), without disclosing it as required under federal law. The university’s justification? That TEES is not technically an “educational institution” and therefore does not act on behalf of the university.

UT Austin College of Education announces renovations to Sánchez Plaza, Bellmont Hall

(Daily Texan) The College of Education announced ongoing and future renovation plans for two buildings, according to a Sept. 11 news release. The plans include adding an art installation and an outdoor student space to Sánchez Plaza. The renovations at Bellmont Hall, which is housed in Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium and hosts the University’s kinesiology and health education department, will add new faculty labs, training classrooms and a home for Texas Cheer and Pom. 

‘Covered in mud, holding hands’: Kerrville ISD bus drivers among first inside flood-ravaged summer camps

(KXXV) On July 4, buses carried children from flood-ravaged camps along the Guadalupe. Now, Kerrville ISD drivers are sharing what that morning was like.

Virtual reality transforms learning at Ingleside ISD’s Leon Taylor Middle School

(KIII) A group of seventh graders at Ingleside ISD’s Leon Taylor Middle School recently took a virtual field trip to South Carolina — without ever stepping on a bus. Using virtual reality (VR) headsets, students connected with a world champion robotics class to explore cutting-edge STEM education from hundreds of miles away.

Sept. 29, 2025
Anti-DEI crusader Sid Miller urged UT to enroll student emphasizing her race and socioeconomic status

(Texas Tribune) In May 2023, Miller wrote a letter urging university leaders to reconsider admitting a student whom he described as a “biracial Latina,” who was also the daughter of his political associate.

Texas State University professor reinstated by court after being fired for “inciting violence”

(Texas Tribune) Thomas Alter, who was fired for comments he made during an online socialist conference, won’t be allowed to teach but will be reinstated with pay, the university said.

ICE arrests Austin teacher during check-in. He’s been detained three weeks

(Austin American-Statesman) School parents have been told the fifth-grade ESL teacher is sick. Those who’ve learned the truth say they want the school to be open about what’s happening.

North Texas high school teacher fed live “ailing” kitten to classroom snake, Alvord ISD confirms

(CBS Texas) A high school teacher in Wise County fed a live but sick kitten to a snake in her classroom, the district acknowledged Friday, though not in front of her students. Alvord ISD Superintendent Randy Brown issued a statement in an effort to “correct the record” regarding accusations on social media, which claimed the teacher fed a live kitten to a snake during class.

A parent’s guide to Texas’ complicated special education system: IEP, IDEA, ARDs

(Houston Chronicle) The Houston Chronicle asked four special education advocates, parents and experts to help decode Texas’ often-confusing and ever-changing special education system for parents. Those panelists covered legal rights, common challenges and concrete strategies families can use to advocate for their children effectively within the school system. Here’s what they shared.

The 2026-27 FAFSA launches a week ahead of schedule

(K-12 Dive) The U.S. Department of Education rolled out the 2026-27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid to all students Wednesday, about a week before the congressionally mandated deadline. U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon praised the rollout as the earliest in the FAFSA’s history.

San Antonio schools take staggered approach implementing new parent consent forms

(San Antonio Report) With the 2025-26 school year well underway, San Antonio area school districts have taken inconsistent approaches complying with a new state mandate requiring schools to get parental consent for most student health services.

From traffic stops to false alarms: A ride-along with SAISD police

(San Antonio Report) In the two hours the San Antonio Report rode with San Antonio ISD Police Sgt Joshua Bodenback on Sept. 11, he received calls about a 9/11 joke, a tip about a student with possible access to a gun, a fire alarm that went off and status updates on a secure campus lockdown, which means students aren’t allowed to leave classrooms or buildings while city police search for someone in the area.

A high-stakes school board election has fractured Cy-Fair conservatives, who could lose a powerful majority

(Houston Chronicle) Cypress-Fairbanks ISD conservatives appear to be splintering ahead of a November election, putting them at risk of losing the 6-1 board majority that has allowed them to infuse a conservative political agenda into the state’s third-largest school system.

Leander ISD pauses dozens of books in classrooms in response to state law

(Fox 7 Austin) Leander ISD has temporarily pulled dozens of books from classrooms to ensure compliance with state law. Books on pause include “To Kill a Mockingbird,” “Les Misérables”, and “The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass”.

Corrigan-Camden ISD student athlete in critical condition after medical emergency

(KETK) According to Corrigan-Camden ISD, the athlete was supporting his team from the sidelines at Friday night’s football game against Joaquin when he collapsed. The medical emergency was unrelated to the game but local first responders, students and staff all immediately rushed in to care for the student. The student was then taken to the hospital where he remains in critical condition, according to a post from the district.

Mom Still Concerned After Plano ISD Addresses ‘Moldy’ Murphy Middle School

(Texas Scorecard) District officials report “no health concerns,” but parents and teachers aren’t satisfied that the school’s air quality is safe.

Grand jury declines to indict former North Texas charter school employee in child porn case

(Fox 4 KDFW) Jeremy Henrickson was accused of possessing child pornography, but the grand jury declined to indict him. Henrickson worked for the Newman International Academy, which has campuses in Arlington, Cedar Hill, Fort Worth, Mansfield, and Watauga. The school said no students were involved, and the crimes did not occur on school property.

Former Tyler County coach, youth pastor convicted of sexual assault of child

(KBMT) The court ordered Jeffrey Brent Martin, 37, to spend weekends in jail for three years as part of his probation. He must register as a sex offender for life. Martin worked as a girls’ coach at Hull-Daisetta High School when the illegal relationship began with the student. The abuse continued into the victim’s junior year while Martin also served as a youth pastor, according to our media partner The East Texas Banner. Prosecutors said Martin escaped an additional charge of improper relationship between an educator and student because the statute of limitations had expired when the victim reported the crimes.

Former Plano teacher sentenced to 20 years for grooming student

(Fox 4 KDFW) Former Plano private school teacher Jacob Allred was sentenced to 20 years in prison. He was accused of grooming a 15-year-old student at Great Lakes Academy. Allred pleaded guilty earlier this week and received the maximum possible for the offense.

Former Dumas ‘Elementary Teacher of the Year’ arrested for distributing images of children

(KFDA) Robby Lynn Mason, 56, was indicted on two counts of child pornography by a federal grand jury on Sept. 24.

Texas special ed teacher, ex-clown drops dead in court moments before sentencing for wife’s murder

(New York Post) Former Cleveland ISD special education teacher and ex-clown James Paul Anderson, 39, accused of fatally shooting his wife, downed drugs and dropped dead in a Harris County court moments before receiving a decades-long prison sentence for murder.

Shooters used AR-15 rifle, 9mm handgun in Katy-area ballpark shooting, officials say

(Covering Katy) Three men accused of firing shots toward a Katy area youth baseball tournament Sept. 21, injuring a coach, were using an AR-15 rifle and a 9mm handgun, according to arrest warrants obtained by Covering Katy News. The warrant states that the defendants discharged a firearm in the direction of The Rac Baseball Facility, striking a victim in the left shoulder and arm area.The person struck was a coach. He was air lifted to a hospital and later released.

Here’s how Texas’ 11,000-plus blind or low-vision students train to get around safely

(Texas Standard) First developed in the mid-20th century, the field of orientation and mobility teaches people with visual impairments navigation skills.

Texas Tech chancellor limits academic mentions of transgender and nonbinary identities at five universities

(KERA) Texas Tech University System Chancellor Tedd Mitchell restricted the discussion of transgender and nonbinary identities during classroom instruction across the system’s five universities, according to a letter he issued late Thursday. Mitchell’s guidance comes after Angelo State University, one of the system’s campuses, instructed faculty not to discuss transgender identities in the classroom.

Texas A&M System regents authorize settlement with former president

(Texas Tribune) Details of the agreement with Mark A. Welsh III, who resigned as leader of the flagship university on Sept. 19, will not be revealed until it is finalized. Related:

Fall enrollment numbers are in. Here’s how San Antonio colleges stack up

(San Antonio Report) Student enrollment across San Antonio’s public colleges and universities are on a steady climb, with community college growth returning to pre-pandemic levels.

Texas Christian University has work to do in its effort to embrace Native American culture, book shows

(Fort Worth Star-Telegram) A new book shows some improvement in Native American awareness at TCU, along with many cultural gaps.

American Bar Association Accreditation Should End in Texas, Justices Say Tentatively

(Bloomberg Law) The Texas Supreme Court said it’s their “tentative opinion” that the American Bar Association should no longer decide which Texas law schools can send graduates to sit for the state bar exam.

State Fair makes reparations with South Dallas years after eminent domain took homes

(Dallas Morning News) Scholarships, food drives and seasonal jobs are a few ways the fair aims to give back to the neighborhood it calls home.

Sept. 26, 2025
‘What even is free speech?’ Houston-area teachers face death threats over comments about Charlie Kirk

(Houston Public Media) A Texas lawmaker with higher political aspirations led the charge in calling out educators for their online comments about Kirk, the conservative influencer who was assassinated. Some of those teachers have been terminated, raising questions about their First Amendment rights.

New Law Turns Teachers Into ‘Foot Soldiers’ For ‘Anti-Inclusion Crusade’

(Dallas Observer) A new state law could very well turn public schools into another unsafe place for many LGBTQ community members, and teachers will have to walk a new line. The new law bans teachers from observing pronouns that differ from the ones assigned at birth. It also bans DEI extracurriculars.

Texas’ guidance on end of in-state tuition for undocumented students doesn’t clear confusion, advocates say

(Texas Tribune) The state is being criticized for advising colleges to verify students’ status with immigration authorities, which could put them at risk. Related:

New H-1B visa fee could stop Texas school districts from hiring foreign teachers

(Houston Chronicle) With the Trump administration’s announcement of a new $100,000 fee for H-1B visas, companies are scrambling to determine whether the high-skill workers they want to hire are worth the fee. But the steep cost could shut out one group of employers entirely: Texas public schools, which have historically employed more foreign teachers under the program than any other state education system. Texas school districts, including charter schools, currently employ around 500 teachers on H-1B visas, according to the most recent federal data.

As CTE transfers to Labor Department, here’s what schools need to know

(K-12 Dive) The U.S. Department of Education is transferring day-to-day management of career and technical education programming to the U.S. Department of Labor, with the logistics and funding responsibilities laid out in an interagency agreement. The Trump administration said the interagency agreement will streamline services. Critics say it will add confusion and inefficiencies.

Grand Prairie ISD Native Studies Course Lacks Board Approval, Won’t Count For State Credit

(Dallas Express) The Grand Prairie Independent School District is reportedly offering a Native American studies course without proper approval; consequently, the course will not count among the state credits current seniors need to graduate. “The superintendent bypassed local board approval and allowed it to be offered as a state elective credit this semester,” said State Board of Education Member Audrey Young to The Dallas Express. “Unfortunately for the students, this semester will only count as a local elective credit.” The Dallas Express reached out to Trujillo and several members of the Grand Prairie ISD school board, but did not receive a response in time for publication. 

Spring Branch ISD Stratford High School Students Defy Attacks, Launch Conservative Club

(Texas Scorecard) AG Ken Paxton was among those that addressed the club during their first meeting. The group has been officially recognized by the school with a math teacher as the club’s sponsor.

Katy ISD to launch full-time virtual high school campus in 2026

(Community Impact) Katy ISD is set to expand its digital learning landscape with the launch of Legacy Virtual High School— a full-time virtual campus set to open in fall 2026—made possible by the 89th Legislature’s passage of Senate Bill 569 that authorizes public school districts to operate virtual schools.

Lamar CISD bans more than 700 books from its libraries before start of 2025-26 school year

(Houston Chronicle) More than 700 books have been banned from Lamar CISD libraries for the 2025-26 school year, including titles such as Pinkalicious, Paperbag Princess and The Bluest Eye.

Teachers in Houston ISD could be one step closer to getting raises

(KHOU) HISD said it would use an exception in the law to hand out raises based on teacher performance, but a judge issued a temporary injunction blocking that plan.

Questions follow death of autistic El Paso ISD student crossing freeway after leaving school

(El Paso Times) Questions surround the death of a 14-year-old boy with autism who was running across the Patriot Freeway when he was fatally struck by an SUV in Northeast El Paso this week. Joseph Nathaniel Caraballo ended up on the U.S. 54 highway on Tuesday afternoon, Sept. 23, after allegedly running away from his high school — a behavior, known as elopement, by some children with autism spectrum disorder in which they wander away or bolt from a safe location or caregiver. Related:

East Texas football coach pushing for more EMS at high school games

(CBS 19) Rusk football player Aiden Adams is recovering from a serious injury suffered last Friday in a game against Troup. When Adams went down last Friday, he suffered both a concussion and temporary paralysis. With no ambulance stationed at the stadium, Adams had to wait roughly 20 minutes for EMS to arrive. “The biggest inconvenience is not having those emergency response vehicles immediately accessible,” Cody Welch, Rusk athletic director and head football coach, said. “The ambulance was servicing three schools at one time,” Welch said. “I would love to see some type of legislation that would make it mandatory that there was an emergency response vehicle on site at some of these events at all times.” In a statement, UIL said that schools are not required to have ambulance service at games because the lack of available services in some areas would make playing games difficult if the rule was enforced.

McDade ISD High School cancels its varsity football season amid low participation, injury concerns

(Austin American-Statesman) For safety purposes, the varsity football team at McDade ISD High School will shut down for the rest of the season, MISD Superintendent Heather Stidham said Thursday. Stidham said the decision to cancel the rest of the season “was not made lightly and comes after careful consideration of various factors” regarding the team’s ability to compete. After starting the season with 20 players, the District 13-2A DII team’s roster has been reduced to just 15 because of injuries and some who did not want to continue playing.

Sunray Collegiate ISD High School getting $25K to rebuild football stadium damaged by 80-100 mph winds

(KVII) Sunray High School is getting $25,000 to help rebuild its football stadium which was damaged by 80-100 mph straight line winds. The school was named one of 25 finalists in T-Mobile’s Friday Night 5G Lights contest.

New details over alleged ‘fight culture’ in Pflugerville ISD’s Weiss High School baseball program

(Fox 7 Austin) We are learning more about a series of fights caught on camera at Weiss High School. A group of parents came to the defense of the school’s baseball program after it was accused of having a ‘fight culture.’ Other parents and students have given their sides of the story. The district maintains it is aware of both incidents, and they believe the boys engaged in “mutual combat.”

Hurricane Rita Aftermath — Sabine Pass ISD superintendent recalls how community rebuilt after storm

(KBMT) Sabine Pass ISD Superintendent Kristi Heid has lived in Southeast Texas her entire life but says nothing prepared her for Rita’s impact.

New $5.5M center aims to expand student support across North Texas

(Fort Worth Report) The Westworth Village hub includes counseling, food, clothing and training services for students across 11 North Texas districts.

Students, unions rally around ousted Texas State University employees

(CBS Austin) Students, faculty, and union members gathered in downtown San Marcos on Thursday to show support for a tenured history professor who was recently fired by Texas State University. What started as a rally for Dr. Thomas Alter proved to have an even larger scope following an announcement that another university employee, Katrina Meadors, also lost her job in recent days.

United ISD provides statement regarding Alexander teacher placed on leave

(KGNS) KGNS reached out to the district for comment about online accusations of a teacher allegedly getting into an altercation with a female 14-year-old student, other student and employees from the same school. UISD provided this statement: “UISD is aware and currently investigating an allegation regarding an educator at the J.B. Alexander 9th grade campus. The individual has been placed on administrative leave until further notice.”

Man enters Canutillo ISD’s Damian Elementary School, threatens staff

(KVIA) The principal of Jose H. Damian Elementary School alerted parents that an unauthorized person entered the school’s campus Wednesday afternoon and “used aggressive language toward staff.” The incident happened an hour after most students were released for the day, however, students in the ACE program were still in session, the principal explained. The man was identified as Jeffrey Allen Battle. Officials initiated the school’s safety protocols and Battle left the building “without physically harming anyone.” Canutillo ISD Police worked with Texas DPS officers to arrest Battle. DPS officers took him into custody and he is now charged with making threats against a school.

Arrested Austin ISD custodian accused of child indecency

(KXAN) The Austin Independent School District said on Wednesday the U.S. Marshals arrested Austin ISD Regional Custodial Specialist Agustin Ibarra Lopez on charges of indecency with a child. The U.S. Marshals Service Lone Star Fugitive Task Force said the 41-year-old was arrested in Austin and indicted in Caldwell County. He currently faces 10 counts of indecency with a child sexual contact, according to authorities. The school district said, “At this time, we have no reason to believe that any Austin ISD students are involved in these charges.”

New San Antonio task force to target housing needs for veterans, seniors, disabled residents and LGBTQ+ youth

(San Antonio Report) San Antonio’s Planning and Community Development Committee voted Tuesday to recommend the creation of a task force that would focus on boosting housing supply for some of the city’s most vulnerable populations. The task force, requested by Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones, directs Neighborhood and Housing Services Department staff (NHSD) to convene stakeholders and deliver recommendations for seniors, people with disabilities, veterans receiving housing vouchers and LGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness.

Opinion: Visiting a New University in Austin, Texas

(National Review) Today, I’m writing about a miracle. That’s the University of Austin, the new, high-energy, high-quality college in Austin. I spent the day there two weeks ago, meeting students, attending classes, and going to the symphony with the entire student body. There’s no affirmative action. There are only three sports teams — rowing, golf, and weightlifting — and not much of a club culture. The DEI page on the school’s website? Straightforward but profound and provocative. It’s the Declaration of Independence.

Texas Southern University’s College of Education Charts Bold Future

(PR Newswire) Texas Southern University’s College of Education (COE) has announced a set of bold initiatives to strengthen its leadership in K–12 education, expand its partnerships, and shape innovative policy.

Angelo State University bans classroom discussions of transgender identities, stirring criticism and confusion

(Texas Tribune) Instead of a campus-wide announcement, faculty members say the restrictions have trickled down through department chairs and college meetings.

Prairie View A&M University Leads with First Program to Transform Care for Students with Sickle Cell Disease

(PR Newswire) The Student Sickle Cell Warrior Project identifies Prairie View A&M University students living with SCD through the University’s Owens Franklin Health Center and connects them directly to specialized care via partnerships with Texas Children’s Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, and UT Houston. Students also receive wrap-around services from the Sickle Cell Association of Texas Marc Thomas Foundation, extending support beyond medical treatment into community and wellness resources.

McKinney mother urges you to take a break from the negativity and watch a viral HS sports moment

(WFAA) William Sherman, a McKinney ISD High junior with Down syndrome, shone in a faculty-student basketball game, gaining viral acclaim for his infectious joy and energy.

Sept. 25, 2025
Jury finds former Beaumont ISD elementary school teacher not guilty of Injury to a Child

(KFDM) The jury in judge John Stevens’ courtroom has found a former Beaumont ISD teacher at Dr. Mae Jones-Clark Elementary School not guilty of Injury to a Child in a case that dated back to 2022. The jury returned with the decision at about 3:30 Wednesday afternoon. The trial began Tuesday. If she had been convicted of the 3rd degree felony, Gladys Louise Jackson, 62, could have faced the possibility of 2-10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. She would also have been eligible for probation.

TEA Commissioner presents 2025 State of Education Report to Dallas Regional Chamber

(WFAA) On Wednesday, TEA Commissioner Mike Morath presented his 2025 State of Education Report to the Dallas Regional Chamber in its annual luncheon focused on education. Here’s what we learned. Related:

Why this Houston ISD kindergarten teacher left her classroom in tears

(Houston Chronicle) Sarah Rios was thrilled to be a teacher at her childhood campus. She wasn’t prepared for the conditions that awaited her in Superintendent Mike Miles’ HISD. 

Oklahoma state superintendent resigns to lead teacher group: ‘We’re going to destroy the teachers unions’

(NBC) Oklahoma Superintendent Ryan Walters announced he would step down from his controversial tenure to serve as the head of the conservative group Teacher Freedom Alliance, announcing, “We’re going to destroy the teachers’ unions.” The announcement from Walters, a conservative Republican who pushed to incorporate Christianity into public schools, caps off a controversial tenure marked by a willingness to embrace culture war issues.

Christian activist David Barton will advise Texas State Board of Education during social studies overhaul

(Texas Tribune) Barton’s appointment comes ahead of what is expected to be a politically charged debate over how and what children should learn about history.

New Texas Laws Close ‘Loophole’ For Vendors, Bans Buying From Rejected List

(EdWeek Market Brief) What Education Companies need to know about two impactful Texas laws now in effect.

Edgewood ISD trustee claims harassment, releases police report and provocative late-night text

(KENS) Fresh allegations are intensifying a months-long feud inside the Edgewood Independent School District Board of Trustees. Two weeks after the board issued a second round of sanctions against him, Trustee Michael Valdez emailed Texas education officials a detailed list of misconduct claims against fellow trustees and Board President Dr. James Hernandez.  Valdez sent KENS 5 a copy of a June 2023 police report which includes a screenshot of a late-night text message that he says supports his accusations.

“We need to take it very seriously”: Central Texas school districts on preventing inappropriate teacher conduct with students

(KWTX) Just a few instances of recent teacher misconduct include a Waco High School aide being charged for inappropriate messages to a student, a Valley Mills ISD teacher charged with sexual assault of a child, and a former Belton high teacher charged for invasive recording of minors and child porn. It’s a seemingly growing issue, so what are districts doing to help prevent it?

It May Be Just a Formality, But Harris County Political Parties Are Backing Houston ISD Trustee Candidates

(Houston Press) Regardless of who is elected to the Houston ISD board of trustees in November, they won’t have any power — but both major political parties are endorsing candidates in the nonpartisan race, with the Harris County Democratic Party doing so for the first time ever.

Cypress-Area Church Backs Candidates in Nonpartisan School Board Race

(Houston Press) A church pastor called forward three people to the altar during a recent Sunday service. The trio wasn’t being baptized or sharing testimonies. They were receiving endorsements in a November school board election. Glorious Way Church, east of Cypress, is backing Christian conservatives Natalie Blasingame, George Edwards Jr., and Radele Walker. The announcement came after a sermon in which pastor John Greiner preached on “the importance of signs and wonders.”

For families, questions linger about Austin school closure process

(Austin American-Statesman) For some families, many questions remain as the Austin school district prepares to announce in less than two weeks a list of school closures, attendance boundary updates and transfer policy changes. Any proposal could create significant disruption for some students at a time that the district also is aiming to improve the academic performance of a handful of chronically struggling campuses and to close a budget deficit.

San Antonio ISD rushes to catch up with new student discipline laws

(San Antonio Report) The San Antonio Independent School District changed its student code of conduct for the second time this school year to comply with new state mandates. 

Frisco ISD to launch ‘one-stop shop’ for district communication, news alerts

(Community Impact) Frisco ISD will soon be launching a new communications system for its families. The district’s board of trustees approved a three-year agreement with software company Apptegy on Sept. 15. The agreement includes a one-time development cost of roughly $85,000 with an annual cost of nearly $370,000. Through the partnership, Frisco ISD will create a new website and phone app.

Texas GOP officials shy away from initial redistricting rationale in new filing

(Austin American-Statesman) Texas officials acknowledged in a new court filing that the Justice Department’s rationale this summer for pushing them to redraw the state’s congressional maps was flawed, but insisted that they were still well within their rights to push ahead with the plan.

I tried ‘gas station heroin’. Now I know why FDA wants to outlaw 7-OH.

(Houston Chronicle) Right next to the 5-hour energy shots at the gas station was a package of three pills labeled “7-Hydro.” If the energy drink wired you up, these pills were supposed to be the antidote.

Conroe ISD names Austin-based firm as its general counsel

(Community Impact) Following the retirement of in-house attorney Carrie Galatas, the Conroe ISD board of trustees on Sept. 16 agreed to use O’Hanlon, Demerath and Castillo P.C., an Austin-based firm, to be its general counsel. Finance Director Karen Garza told the board it had spent $1.11 million on legal expenses within the last three years prior to the approval.

North Texas High School Coach Investigated for Misconduct Is ‘No Longer Employed’

(Texas Scorecard) A longtime North Texas high school coach is “no longer employed” after alleged “unprofessional physical contact” with a student. Coach Tye Adams had been placed on administrative leave by Springtown Independent School District on May 8 pending the outcome of an investigation into the allegations. According to an educator misconduct report submitted to the Texas Education Agency by Superintendent Shane Strickland on May 9, Adams “engaged in behavior that did not maintain appropriate professional boundaries” with a student.

Teacher accused of choking students no longer with Fort Worth ISD

(WFAA) Westpark Elementary School teacher Gail Patterson was arrested last week after school footage allegedly showed her grabbing two students by the throat in August. The incident occurred during the middle of the school day, but the mother of one of the 9-year-old girls said the school never contacted her, despite her daughter telling three different teachers at the school about the alleged assault.

Rockwall ISD student arrested, accused of threatening middle school

(Fox 4 KDFW) A Rockwall ISD student has been arrested for making threats against a middle school. A school resource officer at Ursula Rakow Middle School was made aware of the threats on Tuesday. During the officer’s investigation, which included visiting the student’s home, the student allegedly admitted to making the threats “as a joke.”

Autism advocates urge Texas to halt execution of Robert Roberson

(Texas Public Radio) The Autism Society of Texas and the Autism Society of America have issued an open letter urging Texas officials to stop the scheduled October 16 execution of Robert Roberson, a man with autism who was sentenced to death in 2003 for the death of his 2-year-old daughter, Nikki. Advocates argue that new medical evidence and a greater understanding of autism show that Roberson was wrongfully convicted.

Texas counties struggle to process voter registrations using state’s new system

(Texas Tribune) State officials push back on complaints about software problems. Meanwhile, unprocessed applications are piling up.

Texas colleges slated to lose nearly $60M in grants for Hispanic-Serving Institutions

(Texas Public Radio) Texas colleges and universities were expecting nearly $60 million in grants for Hispanic-Serving Institutions by the end of this month until the U.S. Department of Education abruptly announced it would not distribute them.

Huston-Tillotson University to invest in housing and scholarships with $150 million gift

(CBS Austin) Huston-Tillotson University has received a record-breaking $150 million donation from the Moody Foundation, marking the largest contribution ever made to a historically Black college or university (HBCU). The donation commemorates the university’s 150 years of service as Austin’s first institution of higher education.

President Schovanec details plans for Texas Tech at State of University address

(KCBD) Texas Tech has a five-year plan focused on expanding student support services.

New UT Dallas Systems Engineering Degree Encompasses Multiple Study Areas

(UT Dallas) The University of Texas at Dallas has introduced a Bachelor of Science in systems engineering to help meet the demand for engineers with the skills needed to manage complex systems and projects that involve multiple disciplines.

Local Tarrant County nonprofit hopes to “realign norms” through student antidrug campaign

(Arlington Report) Challenge of Tarrant County partnered with Arlington ISD to show why students say no to drugs.

Texas parents furious as Camp Mystic reopens site where their children drowned

(Houston Chronicle) Camp Mystic’s announcement that it will reopen next summer for its 100th anniversary — just a year after 27 children and counselors were killed in a catastrophic flood — has sparked outrage among grieving families.

Suspects’ Names Revealed in Katy Area Baseball Field Shooting

(Covering Katy) The Waller County Sheriff’s Office revealed Wednesday afternoon the identities of three suspects who have been arrested and charged following a Sunday shooting at a youth baseball tournament at The Rac baseball complex in Katy. The shooters were reportedly about 600 yards away on a neighboring property and were firing in the direction of the youth baseball fields. A youth baseball coach was injured in the shooting. He was airlifted to an area hospital and has since been released.

Experts say Chagas disease should be considered ‘endemic’ based on Texas data. What does that mean?

(KERA) Health experts hope data out of Texas will raise awareness about a type of infection commonly spread through “kissing bugs.” Kissing bugs, also sometimes called cone nose bugs, can carry a parasite that causes Chagas disease in people and animals. Chagas is still considered nonendemic despite data showing locally acquired cases in all the states that track the disease and the presence of kissing bugs in most of the southern U.S.

Trinity School of Texas makes history in 130-96 win

(CBS 19) No, this is not a basketball score.

Why a Native American tribe can open a new casino in Houston

(Houston Chronicle) The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas announced this week that the tribe’s forthcoming Naskila Casino Resort will be located in the tiny community of Leggett, just up the road from Livingston and a few minutes south of the tribe’s reservation near Livingston.

Sept. 24, 2025
Texas teachers, parents fear STAAR overhaul won’t take testing pressure off kids

(Texas Tribune) Skeptics of the replacement, which requires three exams throughout the year, want to see less restrictions on testing day and more teacher input.

Dallas teacher suspended over Charlie Kirk social media posts, union says

(KERA) A Dallas teachers group says a longtime educator was put on leave for posts he shared to his personal Facebook critical of Charlie Kirk, the young conservative activist murdered in Utah last week. Dallas Alliance AFT president Rena Honea said the teacher, a member of the group, was exercising his First Amendment rights when he re-posted the comments, one of which was a quote by the poet Oscar Wilde. Honea said the suspension is part of a state and national trend of punishing those who speak critically of Kirk or the Republican administration.

Winnsboro ISD’s assistant band director resigns over alleged comments about Charlie Kirk

(CBS 19) A Winnsboro ISD staff member has resigned following alleged statements made about the assassination of Charlie Kirk, Winnsboro ISD confirms. Aaron Nation, the interim superintendent for WISD, said their assistant band director officially resigned as of Sept. 12. District officials have not released details about the exact comments, but in a letter sent home to families, Interim Superintendent Aaron Nation said Winnsboro ISD “does not condone political hate, hate speech, or discrimination of any kind.”

Jourdanton teacher fired over social media post about Charlie Kirk assassination

(News4SA) A teacher in Jourdanton is out of a job over a social media post about the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Jourdanton ISD school board trustees unanimously decided to terminate Matthew Holland, a social studies teacher at Jourdanton High School. The school trustees went into closed session for about an hour before voting to terminate Holland over the controversial social media post about Kirk. School officials were not willing to discuss exactly what the now deleted post said, but they did say the post did not reflect their values.

Uvalde CISD restores tech systems post-cyberattack as forensic investigation continues

(News4SA) Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District (UCISD) has made significant progress in restoring its technology systems following a recent ransomware attack. Superintendent Ashley Chohlis expressed gratitude to parents, caregivers, and staff for their patience and understanding during the past week and a half. Most critical systems, including internet, phones, and HVAC access control, have been restored. The district continues to validate each system to ensure safety and full functionality. A forensic team is investigating whether any data was breached during the incident. Although no evidence of a breach has been found, the investigation is ongoing.

Security grant application reveals needs at East Texas school district following recent gun incidents

(KTRE) Guns on campus, drugs, fighting and violence against school faculty — those are just some of the problems referenced by Lufkin ISD in its quest to obtain federal money to prevent school violence. “We are well aware that just one instance is too much. If you’re not perfect and by that, I mean if you have at least one incident per year, you have work to do,” said Lufkin ISD assistant superintendent Dr. Daniel Spikes. In the last month alone, there have been two instances that have happened on Lufkin ISD campuses where a gun was found. Lufkin ISD was awarded nearly $375,000 in federal money for school violence prevention.

Here are the 17 Houston ISD schools Mike Miles considers ‘special focus’

(Houston Chronicle) The district has turned its attention to a handful of ‘special focus schools’, the majority of which are elementary schools. HISD drew attention especially after it made changes, including teacher reassignments, at Durham Elementary School. Related:

Fort Worth ISD unveils aggressive campus overhaul amid possibility of state takeover

(WFAA) The district will designate seven schools as resource campuses, requiring new staffing, extended calendars and added teacher incentives. Related:

Killeen ISD starts TEA ‘Turnaround Plan’ after three middle schools rate low three years in a row

(KWTX) For three years, three Killeen ISD middle schools have performed at a ‘D’ or ‘F’ rating level, according to the Texas Education Agency.

Three Charged with Felonies After Coach Shot, Air-Lifted During Brookshire Youth Baseball Game

(Covering Katy) Three suspects have been arrested and charged with felony deadly conduct in connection with a shooting that wounded a youth baseball coach during a tournament in Brookshire, near Katy. The Waller County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the arrests following the Sept. 21 incident at the Ameripark youth baseball field in Brookshire, where gunfire erupted during a game and struck a 27-year-old coach in the shoulder. The shooting occurred around 10 a.m. Sunday at The Rac baseball complex. Video shows players and coaches scrambling for cover as multiple gunshots were fired across the field. The shooters were reportedly on a neighboring property, and were firing in the direction of the youth baseball fields. The shooters were about 600 yards away. The wounded coach was airlifted to a nearby hospital and has since been released.

Concerns over alleged ‘fight culture’ in Pflugerville ISD’s Weiss High School baseball program

(Fox 7 Austin) There appears to be a culture of fighting caught on camera at a high school in Pflugerville. Now, a mom is looking to clear her son’s name after one of those fights. Pflugerville native Katie Khabbaz says the school handed out equal punishments for both students, but she believes her son was only defending himself. “He can’t get away,” Khabbaz said. “Everybody is laughing and cheering, including the other student. I don’t know if you noticed the smile on his face the entire time.” Pflugerville ISD gave FOX 7 Austin a statement: “We are aware of the incident, and it is currently going through our grievance process, so we are unable to comment on it at this time. But our administration and board are aware of it, and we are working through the process.”

Former Beaumont ISD elementary school teacher on trial, accused of slapping and injuring child

(KFDM) A former BISD teacher at Dr.. Mae Jones-Clark Elementary School is on trial in Judge John Stevens’ court, charged with Injury to a Child, accused of slapping a young boy in 2022, causing a bloody lip and loose tooth. If convicted of the 3rd degree felony, Gladys Louise Jackson, 62, could face the possibility of 2-10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. The child was the first witness for the prosecution after opening statements Tuesday afternoon. Judge Stevens’ turned off the courtroom camera to safeguard the minor’s privacy.

Midland ISD releases names of employees resigned amid special education investigation

(KOSA) Six employees at Midland ISD’s South Elementary have resigned and two administrators remain under investigation following claims of misconduct in special education classrooms, prompting a multi-agency investigation and increased oversight across the district. All individuals who have resigned have been reported to the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) for further review, which may result in sanctions against their educator certifications. The District Attorney’s Office has announced plans to expand the investigation. Midland ISD pledges to continue providing timely updates as the investigation progresses.

Athens ISD band director resigns after meth possession arrest

(KETK) The Athens ISD Board of Trustees has accepted the resignation of their band director during their regularly scheduled meeting, nearly three weeks after he was arrested for possession of meth at his apartment. According to the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office, investigators searched the apartment of 45-year-old Nicholas Bartlett Durham on Sept. 3, where they found him in possession of suspected methamphetamine.

Dallas teacher rearrested after being out on bond for alleged connection with ICE Alvarado shooting

(KERA) A Dallas teacher arrested for his alleged involvement in a July 4 shooting outside an ICE Alvarado detention facility was out on bond for the past month — and rearrested Monday with a new charge after law enforcement monitored his internet search history, jail records show. Dario Sanchez, 32, was first accused of tampering with evidence by deleting texts from Signal and Discord messaging apps related to what happened July 4.

Parents Outraged After Eagle Pass ISD Delays Threat Notification, Call for Resignations

(Maverick Times) Parents are demanding accountability after Eagle Pass ISD and its police department delayed notifying families and city police about a threat at Armando Cerna Elementary. According to district sources, a 6th grade student allegedly wrote a threat on a piece of paper. Parents say they were not informed until the following day, despite the seriousness of the situation. While the district assured parents the situation was under control, the Eagle Pass Police Department revealed they were left in the dark.

Hull-Daisetta ISD to resume classes Wednesday with temporary water supply in place

(KBMT) Hull-Daisetta ISD announced that classes will resume as normal on Wednesday, Sept. 24, after potable water was secured for all campuses while repairs continue on the district’s well. Administrators approved arrangements to provide safe drinking water at each campus until the Hull well is repaired, according to a Facebook post from the district.

Highland Park ISD Parent Challenges Forfeiture of Soccer Title in Court

(PeopleNewspapers) The game isn’t over for Highland Park ISD’s 2024-25 varsity soccer team. The parent of a player has taken her fight to reinstate HP’s forfeited state championship to district court.

Meet the DFW trainer behind NFL receivers and local high school football stars

(Fort Worth Star-Telegram) Meet David “D-Rob” Robinson, the Dallas-Fort Worth trainer who helps wide receivers get to the NFL — including many first-round draft picks.

Patrick Mahomes provides gear to High School football teams accross the country, including a North Texas school

(WFAA) Patrick Mahomes partners with Adidas to provide custom jerseys to 15 high schools, including Southlake Carroll, with proceeds benefiting athletics.

‘Welcome to the rebellion’: University of Austin begins its 2nd year

(Austin American-Statesman) From a rigorous orientation to embracing its rebel identity, the University of Austin’s message gets sharper, more traction as it welcomes its second class of 150 students.

Higher Education board absent from hearing on Texas Dream Act

(Spectrum News) Without a board member or commissioner present, public testimony on a proposal to define a “”lawfully present” student fell on deaf ears. Only a court reporter and a couple of staffers were present for Monday’s Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board hearing. “It’s being recorded, but there’s no exchange, and I don’t consider this a public hearing,” said Barbara Hines, the founder of the Immigration Clinic at the University of Texas School of Law.

Texas A&M highlights National Hazing Prevention Week amid hazing investigation

(KBTX) Texas A&M University is participating in National Hazing Prevention Week just days after announcing an investigation into an alleged local hazing incident that took place earlier this month. As part of a week-long series of events, Pam and Robert Champion were invited to campus to share their real-life experience with the dangers of hazing. They founded the Robert D. Champion Drum Major for Change Foundation after their son was beaten to death during a hazing incident at Florida A&M University. The message was timely as Texas A&M confirms one of its own fraternities, Kappa Sigma, is under investigation for hazing pledges earlier this month.

Angelo State University restricts how faculty can discuss gender, reports say

(KXAN) Another Texas university appears to be undergoing changes amid a debate about what students and staff can say and do on campus. Angelo State University, or ASU, has given guidance about how employees can speak and teach about transgender people, according to reporting from San Angelo newspaper The Concho Observer.

Tarrant County colleges see fall enrollment growth

(Fort Worth Report) UT Arlington, Texas Christian University and Texas Wesleyan welcomed record freshman classes this fall, while Tarrant Community College marked its fourth year of growth.

The Secret Society That Has Driven Baylor Administrators Crazy For Almost a Century

(Texas Monthly) Over a few days last fall, I learned how the profane group known as the NoZe Brotherhood has thrived at such a pious institution.

Sept. 23, 2025
Also Reported:
ACLU, religious freedom groups sue to block Texas’ Ten Commandments requirement in 14 more school districts

(Texas Tribune) The American Civil Liberties Union of Texas and a coalition of religious freedom organizations are suing 14 more Texas school districts to block them from implementing a new state law requiring public school classrooms to display donated posters of the Ten Commandments. Related:

Gov. Abbott signs ‘bathroom bill’ with new restrictions on transgender Texans

(Texas Standard) The governor signed Texas’ Senate Bill 8 into law on Monday. The so-called “bathroom bill” prohibits people in many publicly owned spaces from using restrooms that don’t align with the sex listed on their birth certificate. LGBTQ+ groups and advocates are calling the measure another attack on transgender Texans. The measure, Senate Bill 8, takes effect on Dec. 4, 2025. Restrictions in SB 8 will apply to public schools, universities and prisons and jails, along with other government buildings in Texas. The only exceptions are for people accompanying children under 10, along with custodians, law enforcement, and medical workers. If someone violates the law, the facility would be subject to a fine of $5,000 for the first offense and $125,000 for subsequent offenses. Complaints filed by private citizens could also be investigated by the state attorney general’s office.

Trump makes unfounded claims about Tylenol and repeats discredited link between vaccines and autism

(AP) President Donald Trump on Monday used the platform of the presidency to promote unproven and in some cases discredited ties between Tylenol, vaccines and autism as his administration announced a wide-ranging effort to study the causes of the complex brain disorder. “Don’t take Tylenol,” Trump instructed pregnant women around a dozen times during the unwieldy White House news conference, also urging mothers not to give their infants the drug, known by the generic name acetaminophen in the U.S. or paracetamol in most other countries. He also fueled long-debunked claims that ingredients in vaccines or timing shots close together could contribute to rising rates of autism in the U.S., without providing any medical evidence.

Rising cyberattacks on K-12 schools prompt concern as Uvalde CISD grapples with ransomware

(News4SA) Students in the Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District were back in the classroom for the first time Monday since leaders announced a cyberattack impacting phones, internet, districtwide operational systems, and air conditioning. Crews were still working on some HVAC systems and most internet systems, which means some students were moved into cooler areas or rooms with fans, and learning looked more old-school without internet-connected devices. Uvalde CISD is the latest district to be facing a ransomware attack. Across the country, school districts are scrambling to stay ahead of a growing trend: cybercriminals are increasingly targeting K-12 education systems.

AGs Demand Universities Uphold Free Speech Post-Kirk Assassination

(Dallas Express) Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton joined a multistate coalition Monday in warning university administrators against using the September killing as justification for discriminatory security fees or facility restrictions targeting right-leaning voices. The letter, released by Paxton’s office, responds to reports that some universities are imposing heightened security requirements specifically on “conservative speakers.” Such viewpoint-based discrimination violates First Amendment protections, the attorneys general argue. Related:

Texas NAACP launches new initiative fighting against ‘hate speech’ on school campuses

(KXAN) The Texas NAACP is launching a new initiative to fight against what it calls, “unprotected hate speech,” on school campuses. It comes, in part, after the organization’s president, Gary Bledsoe said some African American Texas State students told the NAACP they’re being harassed by other students on campus.

School superintendent defends teachers criticized for assigning book with profanity to students

(Fox 7 Austin) A Texas school district superintendent went viral on Facebook after a social media commenter allegedly called teachers “demons” for assigning a book this person considered inappropriate. Abilene Independent School District Superintendent John Kuhn’s Facebook post, which garnered thousands of shares, reactions and hundreds of comments, criticized a social media post and its comments, which he said he could not share with Fox News Digital.

Dallas Observer: Were Removed From a School Library Council Meeting, Is That Legal?

(Dallas Observer) Coppell ISD’s first school library advisory council meeting was this week. They made us leave. Here’s why.

University of Texas Medical Branch Approved 100% Flu Vaccine Exemption Requests Since 2024, Stirring Vaccine Debate

(Dallas Express) The University of Texas Medical Branch states that it has approved every employee request for an exemption from the flu vaccine since January 2024, a claim that is likely to intensify public debate over mandatory immunizations in Texas and nationwide. Questions about mandatory vaccination have moved more to the forefront of the public mind in Texas and the United States in the wake of the forced COVID-19 shots during the pandemic.

Coppell ISD considers school closure, program move to address $8M shortfall

(NBC DFW) Coppell ISD is weighing closing Town Center Elementary and moving New Tech High to Coppell High as it faces declining enrollment and an $8M shortfall.

Fort Bend ISD Bond Oversight Committee pushes for transparency, expanded role

(Community Impact) As Fort Bend ISD transitions its Bond Oversight Committee into a new advisory committee, members are calling for a more collaborative role, citing ongoing transparency concerns, limited responsiveness to feedback and the need for stronger oversight of multimillion-dollar bond projects.

This Houston ISD cabinet member was promoted to new role

(Houston Chronicle) Houston ISD’s central division chief, Orlando Riddick, is now the district’s chief of strategic initiatives. Daniel Soliz, the former deputy chief of schools, will return as the district’s central geographic region chief after leaving that post in April. It is unclear what Riddick’s responsibilities will be in his new role. A similarly titled role – “chief of leadership and strategic initiatives” – existed until that cabinet member was placed into a newly created position in January.

Gov. Abbott appoints Midway ISD Board President Peter Rusek as judge of 74th State District Court

(KWTX) Gov. Greg Abbott announced Monday he has appointed Waco attorney and Midway school board President Peter Rusek as judge of 74th State District Court. Rusek, 66, a shareholder with the Waco law firm Sheehy, Lovelace and Mayfield, will replace Judge Gary Coley Jr., who won a new four-year term in January 2025 before announcing his resignation, effective Feb. 15. With the judicial appointment, Rusek must resign from the Midway Independent School District board, where he has been a member since 1996 and president since 2004.

Hundreds of families face evictions every day in Houston. Can schools help?

(Houston Chronicle) Wedged between his mom and dad in a packed Houston courtroom, a 9-year-old boy sighed and closed his eyes. In the two years since his mother, Hattie Hudson, lost her job at the airport, the boy had called cars, friends’ houses and homeless shelters home. The fourth grader, whose name is being withheld at his parents’ request, has attended so many schools in so many districts — Galena Park, Cy-Fair, Beaumont and now Houston ISD — that they blur together.

Lamar CISD sees early literacy gains with new curriculum

(Community Impact) Following the adoption of the University of Florida Literacy Institute’s Foundations curriculum in May 2023, early literacy students across Lamar CISD are seeing gains in its second year of implementation. Theresa Gage, elementary English language arts and reading coordinator, said learning outcomes and teacher feedback have proven the implementation a success.

Rio Vista ISD High School’s 2A Program’s 2025 Postseason Ban Upheld by UIL State Executive Committee

(Dave Cempbell’s Texas Football) The UIL State Executive Committee (SEC) ruled on Monday that they would uphold a previous 7-2A Division I Executive Committee (DEC) ruling that Rio Vista High School’s football team would be banned from the 2025 football playoffs.

Austin ISD LBJ High School coach Joseph Rauls reprimanded by UIL for coaching during suspension

(Austin American-Statesman) For the second time this year, the University Interscholastic League has punished the Austin ISD LBJ High School football team. Jaguars head coach Joseph Rauls was issued a public reprimand Monday along with a two-year probation period and an additional one-game suspension for coaching while serving a four-game suspension.

UT Health addresses ambulance response time at Rusk football game injury

(CBS 19) In a statement, a spokesperson from UT Health described some of the circumstances affecting response time at the time of the incident.

Families take legal step against Midland ISD in South Elementary abuse investigation

(KMID/KPEJ) A local law firm has filed a formal notice of claim against Midland Independent School District amid ongoing investigations and the recent staff resignations due to allegations of abuse and neglect at South Elementary School. The notice, sent Saturday by Buckingham & Vega Law Firm in partnership with Silva Law Group PLLC, is the first step toward a lawsuit. The claim was filed on behalf of multiple families. According to the filing, children in the program, many of whom are non-verbal and autistic, were physically restrained for hours and denied food, water, and bathroom care between September 1 and September 19. Attorneys said the students were “deprived of basic human dignity” and exposed to psychological and physical harm.

Former Belton HS teacher recorded female students without their knowledge: police

(Fox 7 Austin) 39-year-old Pietro Victor Giustino was arrested Monday in Bexar County on two warrants for state-jail felony invasive visual recording. These charges stem from a separate federal case where Giustino was arrested by the FBI in July for allegedly possessing and attempting to possess child sexual abuse material, including depictions of minors engaged in sexual intercourse, according to the US Attorney’s Office. Belton PD says the depictions in the federal case did not involve local students, but the FBI did discover 13 cellphone videos and shared them with police. Police say the videos were “invasive visual recordings of several female students without their apparent knowledge” and, with the help of school staff, the girls were identified as Belton High School students.

West Texas Teacher Resigns Amid Sexual Misconduct Investigation

(Texas Scorecard) An unnamed teacher in Fort Stockton Independent School District has been allowed to resign amid an investigation of alleged misconduct involving sexual discussions with students. According to Superintendent Gabriel Zamora, the classroom teacher is accused of “engaging in inappropriate conversations with students on topics such as dating, romantic relationships, and sexual orientation.”

Texas A&M students hold protest in defense of academic freedom

(KBTX) Texas A&M University students held a protest Monday evening in response to recent leadership changes on campus. The protest, organized by the Texas Aggie Democrats, took place at the Academic Plaza on campus.

Black urine, difficulty walking prompt suspension of Texas A&M Kappa Sigma amid hazing probe

(KPRC) The Texas A&M University chapter of the Kappa Sigma fraternity has been suspended pending an investigation into hazing allegations, KPRC 2 News has confirmed. Several pledges had to be hospitalized, according to one of the victims, after an “almost torturous” workout at The Kappa Sigma Lodge on Sunday, Sept. 14.

Texas Christian University’s culture and inclusion administrator no longer with university, report says

(Fort Worth Star-Telegram) A senior TCU official whose job dealt with university culture and inclusion is no longer employed at the university, according to a report from TCU 360. The TCU student news website reports that Jonathan Benjamin-Alvarado, who was hired in 2022 as a senior adviser to the chancellor and chief inclusion officer, is no longer working for the private university.

‘It’s multiplied immensely’: East Texas students look toward lineman, trade careers

(KLTV) More and more young East Texas adults are choosing a trade school over a bachelor’s degree to get into the job market more quickly — and some are switching from college to learning a trade.

Texas Woman’s University’s Center for Women Entrepreneurs Marks 10 Years of Fueling Women-Owned Businesses Across Texas

(Patch) More than $2 million awarded to 400+ women entrepreneurs since 2015.

West Texas wants to sell its natural gas to AI data centers, but has few options for transporting it

(Texas Tribune) Other smaller oil and gas producing regions in the state are better poised to help power the growing data center market, a new report found.

Sept. 22, 2025
Legislative Update:
17 statewide propositions will appear on the November ballot. Here’s what Texas voters need to know

(Texas Tribune) A majority of the proposed constitutional amendments address tax cuts for homeowners and businesses.

New Texas DOGE office opens, director appointed

(Center Square) A new state agency being compared to the federal Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is gearing up after a new law went into effect and a new director was appointed. Earlier this year, the Texas legislature created the Texas Regulatory Efficiency Office (TREO) to identify and eliminate unnecessary regulations in state agencies. Abbott appointed Jerome Greener as TREO’s first director. Greener was previously the executive vice president of the Texas Public Policy Foundation. Prior to joining TPPF, he was the Texas director for Americans for Prosperity and worked for Americans for Prosperity Action. 

Also Reported:
Investigation underway at Spring Branch ISD school over alleged doxxing incident

(Fox 26 Houston) Spring Branch ISD is investigating allegations that parents leaked students and staff members’ personal information after a Turning Point USA chapter was formed at Stratford High School. Parents are divided over the presence of the Turning Point USA chapter, with some supporting it and others questioning its appropriateness in a school setting. The Spring Branch ISD Police Department is treating the doxxing allegations seriously and has stated that charges will be pursued if legal violations are confirmed. Related:

AG demands University of North Texas investigate action against student who challenged peers’ response to Kirk’s death

(KERA) Attorney General Ken Paxton sent a letter to University of North Texas leaders on Friday demanding review of its response to a student conflict over the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk earlier this month after a video showing the incident at UNT gained millions of views on social media. The letter also requests that UNT leaders investigate the students accused of cheering Kirk’s death and the professor Paxton says possibly discriminated against a single student who challenged those peers. UNT President Harrison Keller said the university is reviewing the incident. Related:

Uvalde CISD restores phone lines in time for return to school Monday after cyberattack

(KSAT) The district said all essential systems have been restored after a ransomware attack shut down campuses. The district said, in a Facebook post, it restored phones, internet, security, heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems as it prepares to welcome back students Monday. Investigators said there was no data breach involved in the incident.

A Wave of School District Takeovers Could Be Coming. Some Past Interventions Ended with More Failing Schools

(Texas Observer) Fort Worth ISD is among the districts that could join Houston in having its elected board deposed, while Beaumont and Edgewood ISDs offer a cautionary tale.

Cy-Fair is Texas’ largest school district with no D- or F-rated campuses

(Houston Chronicle) Cypress-Fairbanks ISD, the third-largest school district in Texas, is one of the most improved Houston-area school districts, increasing its overall score five points to an 85 from 2023 to 2025, according to new accountability data. The 117,000-student district was also the largest district in the state without any D- or F-rated schools last year. Houston ISD had 18 D-rated campuses and no F-rated campuses, and Dallas ISD had two F-rated schools and 14 Ds.

Parent group insists TEA retain Fort Worth ISD superintendent during potential state takeover

(Fort Worth Report) Fort Worth school parents have organized to prevent a takeover, but leaders acknowledged it’s likely to happen in the coming weeks. Related:

Man sentenced for hate crime after threatening Austin ISD board members in 2023

(KVUE) A 57-year-old Georgia man was convicted of a hate crime in Travis County after admitting to sending a threatening message to Austin ISD board members in 2023. According to the Travis County District Attorney’s Office, Michael Boone was sentenced on Aug. 28 for Terroristic Threat to Cause Imminent Serious Bodily Injury, a Class B misdemeanor, with a hate crime finding, which increases the charge to a Class A misdemeanor. Boone must complete 75 hours of community service, write an apology letter, undergo recommended treatment and counseling, and have no contact with Austin ISD.

After using loophole, Alamo Heights ISD adopts full ‘bell-to-bell’ cellphone ban

(San Antonio Express-News) After weeks of permitting students to use their devices during lunch and passing periods, the Alamo Heights Independent School District will now enforce a bell-to-bell cellphone ban.  Alamo Heights initially joined North East ISD in taking advantage of a controversial loophole in the law allowing districts to define what constitutes a “school day.” The districts defined it as instructional time only, meaning students could use their devices during passing periods, lunch, bathroom breaks and other non-instructional time on campus. Related:

Texas baseball coach shot mid-game — parents say gunfire ongoing for hours

(Houston Chronicle) A youth baseball game turned terrifying Sunday morning when a 27-year-old coach was shot in the shoulder by a stray bullet, reportedly fired from nearby recreational gunfire. The coach was airlifted from the scene in front of stunned families and players at TheRac Baseball complex in Katy. According to the Waller County Sheriff’s Office, the shot came from a neighboring property where people were engaging in target practice or hunting. The incident is believed to be accidental, but no one has been arrested as of yet. Officials said three people of interest have been identified. For many families, the shooting incident wasn’t just a random accident — it was a long-feared reality in a facility they say is too close for comfort to areas where firearms are regularly discharged.

School nurses: Keep K-12 vaccine mandates

(K-12 Dive) The National Association of School Nurses says school vaccine requirements play a critical role in reducing the risk of disease outbreaks.

Cement truck driver in deadly Hays CISD school bus crash still facing civil lawsuits

(Fox 7 Austin) Multiple civil lawsuits are still pending related to the deadly Hays CISD school bus crash from March 2024. Jerry Hernandez was sentenced to 18 years in prison for two counts of manslaughter related to the crash. Hernandez crossed the center line into oncoming traffic, causing the bus to roll over, killing five-year-old Ulises Montoya. Hernandez also hit a car behind the bus, killing 33-year-old Ryan Wallace. Court records show nine lawsuits against Hernandez and his employer FJM Concrete, have been consolidated into one.

Texas School Districts & Hidden Puppet Masters

(RiskManagers.us) Warren Buffett revealed the sinister reason he loves insurance: “Your customer pays you upfront, and you get to negotiate what you give them back.” Texas schools, cities and counties are getting crushed by this exact game.

Houston ISD Chief of Public Affairs and Communications announces departure

(Houston Chronicle) Houston ISD’s Chief of Public Affairs and Communications will leave Oct. 10 due to personal reasons, according to a Friday district announcement. Alexandra Elizondo stepped into the role in May 2024 and earned $237,350 a year, district records show. The hiring process for a new chief is ongoing, the district stated.

El Paso ISD considers implementing school bus tracking software amid route overhaul

(El Paso Matters) Since the start of the school year, families across the El Paso Independent School District have reported late buses, sudden route changes and drivers struggling to discipline students after the district updated its bus routes for the first time in 15 years. EPISD’s busing issues raised alarms among South Central residents after Noticias 26 Univision El Paso reported that a 3-year-old Douglas Elementary School student was left at the wrong bus stop after school on Aug. 6. The district is considering equipping its school buses with GPS tracking systems and implementing the Zonar Z-Pass system app that allows parents to monitor when their child has been picked up or dropped off at school. Related:

Lamar CISD launches ‘Bring Your Own Laptop’ program for students in advanced coursework

(Community Impact) Lamar CISD launched a new pilot program Sept. 10 called Bring Your Own Laptop designed to support high school students enrolled in advanced coursework. Director of Technology Chad Jones said the usage guidelines, which require devices to join district-filtered networks and prohibits personal communication, are in compliance with House Bill 1481, which was passed by the Texas Legislature in June to reduce distractions in the classroom.

New Caney ISD bus route times reduced by up to 35 minutes, officials say

(Community Impact) New Caney ISD bus route times have been cut almost in half for some schools, thanks to the district’s tag ID system, transportation officials announced Sept. 15.

Frisco ISD generates nearly $2.45M in revenue with transfer students

(Community Impact) While seeing less enrollment than school leaders desired, Frisco ISD’s Access Frisco — a program allowing out-of-district transfer students — is expected to bring in nearly $1.5 million in revenue during the 2025-26 school year. Access Frisco allows kindergarten through seventh grade students from surrounding areas to attend FISD schools beginning this school year.

Dumas ISD partners with tech company to build cutting-edge data center

(KFDA) Dumas ISD is one of the first school districts in the Panhandle partnering to bring a localized hub for real-time data processing.

Judson ISD efficiency audit shows district has less revenue but more expenses than peers

(Texas Public Radio) Bexar County’s fourth largest school district has less revenue per student than its peers, but spends more than they do. That’s according to an efficiency audit presented to the board of trustees for the Judson Independent School District on Thursday.

Why a Six-Man Powerhouse Played an 11-Man Game… and Won

(Dave Campbell’s Texas Football) Six-man powerhouse Gordon knew it would face plenty of adversity when it scheduled an 11-man game against 2A Thorndale. But Stryker Reed and Ry Reed lived up to the billing in a dominant Longhorns victory.

Midland ISD: Six employees resign, CPS investigation ongoing at South Elementary

(KMID/KPEJ) The Midland Independent School District confirmed Friday that six employees tied to the investigation at South Elementary School have resigned, and that two remain on administrative leave. Superintendent Dr. Stephanie Howard said the Child Protective Services investigation is ongoing, regardless of the staff members’ employment status with the district. Howard called the reported incidents at South Elementary “completely unacceptable” and said district leaders are taking corrective action to ensure they do not happen again. Prior to the district’s confirmation, parents told KMID/KPEJ news that children in South Elementary’s life skills program were left restrained in chairs for hours without being fed, changed, or given water.

Fort Worth ISD teacher accused of grabbing two students by the throat

(KRLD) A teacher in the Fort Worth Independent School District has been charged with injury to a child and now the children’s families have hired attorneys. Benbrook police investigated an incident at Westpark Elementary School where a teacher was accused of grabbing two students, a boy and girl, by their throats. Police identified the suspect as Gail Patterson. She was arrested this week and charged with two counts of injury to a child.

Aggies thank Mark Welsh as he steps down as Texas A&M’s President

(KBTX) Hundreds of Texas A&M University students, former students, staff, and well-wishers gathered midday Friday outside the Administration Building to send off outgoing President Mark Welsh with cheers, gifts, applause, and an impromptu Yell Practice in his honor. Welsh, a retired Air Force general, is stepping down after nearly two years as the school’s 27th president. The Board of Regents confirmed his resignation on Thursday, saying his last day would be Friday.

Once again, Trinity University Press begins closure process

(San Antonio Report) Rumors of the closure of Trinity University Press were confirmed this week with an internal announcement of plans to cease operations by December 2026. While this is a blow to the local publishing industry, it’s not the first time this particular press has halted operations.

United ISD announced new educational services for deaf and hard of hearing students

(KGNS) The United Independent School District announced that they have launched a new, centralized program designed to provide comprehensive educational services for deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) students. Previously, the district relied on outside resources to meet the needs of these students. The transition to an in-house model is expected not only to enhance the quality and consistency of services but also to generate significant cost savings for the district.

She was a trailblazing high school principal. Here’s how Fort Worth honors her

(Fort Worth Star-Telegram) Shirley Knox Benton spent 50 years in education in Texas and was the first African American female principal of Paul Laurence Dunbar High School in east Fort Worth and the first African-American female to hold the title of Texas’ High School Principal of the Year in 2001. The City Council approved honoring Benton with toppers on street signs near Dunbar High School. Her family, members of her church, and former students at Dunbar were in the audience to celebrate with her.

Sept. 19, 2025
Concrete truck driver sentenced to 18 years for deadly Hays CISD school bus crash in 2024

(KUT) A concrete truck driver involved in a deadly school bus crash last year has been sentenced to 18 years in prison. Jerry Hernandez, 44, veered into the lane of the Hays CISD bus in Bastrop County on March 22, 2024. The bus was carrying 44 pre-K students and 11 adults back from a field trip. It rolled over, and 5-year-old Ulises Rodriguez Montoya was killed. UT Austin student Ryan Wallace, who was driving behind the bus, was also killed. Hernandez pleaded guilty to two counts of manslaughter in June. According to an arrest affidavit, he had admitted getting only three hours of sleep and using cocaine before going to work. Court documents showed he had tested positive for illegal drug use three times and was being treated for substance abuse.

Texas A&M University’s president is stepping down after facing criticism over a classroom video

(AP) Texas A&M University’s president is stepping down after facing criticism over a classroom video that showed a student objecting to a children’s literature lesson about gender, which led to the professor’s firing. The resignation of school president Mark A. Welsh III was announced Thursday by Texas A&M University System Chancellor Glenn Hegar, who said it was “the right moment for change” at one of the nation’s largest universities.

Tenured Texas State professor fired for conference comments sues, says school broke state law

(KXAN) A Texas State University professor fired earlier this month filed a lawsuit Tuesday against the university in Hays County District Court, arguing that the school’s administration breached its contract with him and retaliated against him for protected speech for political reasons.

U.S. Education Dept. unites conservative groups to create ‘patriotic’ civics content

(NPR) The U.S. Department of Education announced a partnership Wednesday with more than 40 conservative organizations to create programming around civics aimed at the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States. Called the America 250 Civics Education Coalition, the project will be overseen by the Education Department and led by the America First Policy Institute (AFPI), a nonprofit conservative group. It includes Turning Point USA, the Heritage Foundation, Hillsdale College and other conservative state and national organizations. The statement said the initiative “is dedicated to renewing patriotism, strengthening civic knowledge, and advancing a shared understanding of America’s founding principles in schools across the nation.”

White House review of Smithsonian content could reach into classrooms nationwide

(LA Times) High school history teacher Katharina Matro often pulls materials from the Smithsonian Institution website as she assembles her lessons. She trusts its materials and uses documents and other primary sources it curates for discussions of topics such as genocide and slavery. As the White House presses for changes at the Smithsonian, she’s worried she may not be able to rely on it in the same way.

Amid jeers at city council meeting, Mike Miles reports improvements in Houston ISD

(Houston Public Media) Houston ISD Superintendent Mike Miles returned to City Hall on Wednesday, praising the district’s “remarkable academic progress” in remarks to the Houston City Council’s economic development committee. His presentation to the city council, met with jeers from many of the community members in attendance, was Miles’ first in more than a year.

Leander ISD board delays decision on school consolidations amid community pushback

(CBS Austin) Leander ISD’s board met late into Thursday night as the district prepared to present its recommendation on how to address low-enrollment campuses. Administrators did not make a recommendation Thursday night, instead considering a resolution and adding another board meeting. The board is expected to hold a final vote on the recommendation on Oct. 9.

Austin ISD says it should not have opened schools after last week’s shootings near Zilker Park

(KUT) Austin ISD has told parents it is “deeply sorry” for confusion and miscommunication after a man who had shot two people was seen outside a Zilker-area school as classes were starting last Wednesday. The Austin Police Department told the district last week to cancel classes at Barton Hills and Zilker elementary schools because a shooter was on the run from police. The schools were not closed and classes began as the suspect, Brandon Thompson, was armed outside Barton Hills, police said. Students were inside on lockdown at that time.

Some Texas Schools Are Making Teachers Deadname Trans Students After New Bill Passed

(Teen Vogue) Following the passage of Texas Senate Bill 12 (SB 12) into law this summer, one North East ISD student told Teen Vogue, “I’ve never felt more at threat here.”

Midland ISD’s South Elementary staff on leave amid district investigation

(KMID/KPEJ) Midland ISD released a statement Thursday evening regarding allegations involving employees at South Elementary. “Upon learning of allegations involving teachers, paraprofessionals, and administrative staff members at South Elementary School, the district immediately began an investigation and reported the incident to the appropriate authorities. The staff members involved have been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. Parents of the students involved in this incident have been notified. The district will continue to work closely with outside agencies throughout this process.” We have reached out to the school district and are waiting for a response on what those allegations are.

Six-man football is more than touchdowns and wins in Texas: ‘It’s like an identity’

(NPR) While for many high school football in Texas means multimillion dollar stadiums, high-salaried coaching jobs and coveted five-star talent, the six-man game is more than touchdowns and championships – it’s about small community pride.

Here Are 11 Of The Highest Paid High School Football Coaches In Texas

(BroBible) We’ve gathered salary information on three major regions of the area. Those records, which date from 2023 to the present, show that 11 coaches in Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio make at least $150,000 per year. The highest earner hails from Houston though more than half the list consists of Dallas/Fort Worth head coaches. One San Antonio leader made the list with a few others just missing the cut.

2 hurt when Spring ISD bus crashes in north Harris County

(KHOU) The driver and one of the two children on board were taken to a hospital to be checked out after the bus collided with a pickup near Kuykendahl and FM 1960 Thursday afternoon.

All students OK after crash between 18-wheeler, Gladewater ISD bus

(CBS 19) A Gladewater ISD bus crashed with an 18-wheeler Friday morning, but all students are safe and headed to school.

Huston-Tillotson University receives $150 million in largest donation ever to an HBCU

(Texas Tribune) The Moody Foundation is giving Huston-Tillotson University $150 million to upgrade campus buildings and provide more student scholarships. It’s the largest financial gift the Moody Foundation has ever given and the most money ever donated to a single historically Black college or university in the country. The donation coincides with the university’s 150-year anniversary.

UT Austin sees record enrollment for 2025-2026

(KVUE) The University of Texas at Austin said Thursday that its total enrollment has grown this fall, with the incoming freshman class the largest in the school’s 142-year history. The university reported overall enrollment at 55,000 students for the fall 2025 semester, up a little more than 2% from last year. The freshman class includes 9,900 first-time college students, a jump of a little more than 7% compared to fall 2024. UT received 90,690 freshman applications for this year, an increase of nearly 25% over the last year and 51% since 2022.

Abilene pride event sparks debate over drag queen storytime

(KTXS) The Abilene Pride Alliance is hosting its fourth annual Pride celebration this weekend, themed “Rainbow Revolution.” However, one event in particular is stirring conversation within the community: a drag queen storytime scheduled for Saturday evening, where drag artists will read children’s books to kids in attendance.

Gen Z college grads are flocking to Texas and Florida where companies have ‘overwhelmingly’ relocated their headquarters

(Fortune) Two places have emerged as new hotspots for Gen Z college grads: Florida and Texas, according to a study by JLL Research published this week. That’s largely thanks to a mass migration of publicly traded corporations’ headquarters since 2020, according to the research arm of global real-estate firm Jones Lang LaSalle.

A Far-Right Faction Took Power in Odessa. Then It Had to Govern

(Texas Monthly) After hard-liners purged the civil workforce, they found it difficult to provide standard city services. Eventually, voters revolted.

U.S. Department of Justice opens investigation into city of Austin over ‘race-based employment practices’

(KXAN) The Department of Justice announced Thursday that it is opening an investigation into the city of Austin over hiring and employment practices, pointing to the city’s Office of Equity and Inclusion. Responded Austin Mayor Kirk Watson: “I feel strongly that the City of Austin is in full compliance with the law. Our employment practices assure highly qualified public servants, who care deeply about our entire community and bring their unique characteristics to the jobs they do. They make Austin a better place to live.”

Sept. 18, 2025
Legislative Update:
Texas GOP may be banking on low Hispanic turnout in new map

(Texas Tribune) Republicans note that some of the districts they intend to flip were redrawn to become majority-Hispanic. Democrats say the GOP made sure to add Hispanic Texans who are unlikely to vote.

Bill making ivermectin an over-the-counter drug signed by Gov. Greg Abbott

(Texas Triibune) Some people use the drug to treat COVID, even though it’s not approved by the FDA for such use.

News organizations fight to unseal Texas AG Ken Paxton’s divorce case records

(KUT) A group of state and national media organizations, including The Texas Newsroom, ProPublica and The Texas Tribune, are arguing in court that records in Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s divorce case should be made available to the public.

Also Reported:
TEA has received nearly 300 complaints in 1 week about teachers’ social media posts on Charlie Kirk

(KXAN) In the week since Charlie Kirk’s assassination, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) has received 281 complaints related to educators’ social media content about Kirk’s death, according to a Wednesday afternoon update from the agency’s director of media relations. Related:

The Trump administration has frozen funding that helps low-income and rural students get to college

(Texas Standard) The programs were originally passed as part of LBJ’s Great Society in the 1960s.

Cyberattacks like the one that closed Uvalde schools more frequent but preventable

(Texas Public Radio) The ransomware cyberattacks, like the one that closed Uvalde Schools until Friday, are growing more common — but are preventable, according to an expert at Port San Antonio. Alexander Fernandez, the manager of cybersecurity and technology at Port San Antonio, said all it takes is for an employee at a school or business to click on an unfamiliar link to open a path for an attacker to work deeper into an institution’s operations and internal communications and closer to the information they need to access a sensitive data base of information. He said if there is not a good backup system for all the stolen data in a ransomware attack, it can take time to rebuild a database. He said on top of a password and username everyone should be using a multifactor form of login such as an additional texted code, or fingerprint and facial recognition. Related:

Students and professors defend Texas A&M President Mark Welsh amid calls for his ousting

(Texas Tribune) Top faculty members and student leaders issued letters of support for Texas A&M University President Mark A. Welsh III on Wednesday as several Republican lawmakers have called for his firing.

Fort Worth ISD plans teacher shake-up for 7 struggling schools, new reading lessons with Bible stories

(Fort Worth Report) Fort Worth schools trustees will consider approving the campus turnaround models and Bluebonnet Learning reading lessons at their Sept. 23 meeting.

Judge issues partial injunction against Houston ISD in pay-for-performance dispute with teachers’ union

(Houston Public Media) The Houston Federation of Teachers (HFT) is celebrating Judge Cheryl Elliott Thornton’s decision to issue a partial temporary injunction against Houston ISD over how it’s doling out state-funded raises for educators. HFT, the largest teachers’ union in Houston, sued the district earlier this summer and requested an injunction to prevent HISD from issuing raises based on performance rather than tenure. In the ruling filed Saturday, in which Thornton granted part of the injunction request while denying another as the lawsuit continues to play out, she wrote that HISD’s performance-based raises may differ from the ordered usage by the state under House Bill 2, an $8.5 billion funding package for Texas public schools. Related:

Lake Worth ISD charts ‘ambitious’ goals as state weighs intervention

(KERA) Facing possible state intervention, Lake Worth ISD leaders said closing Marilyn Miller Language Academy is not feasible. “There’s no place for students to go,” Superintendent Mark Ramirez said during Monday’s meeting, referencing the district’s two other failing elementary campuses.

San Antonio ISD nearly lost its folklórico program. The community stepped in to save it

(San Antonio Report) Due to budget constraints, SAISD’s ballet folklórico program, which serves more than 600 students, was in danger of ending after the 2024-25 school year. Because COVID-19 funds dried up and the state didn’t significantly increase base school funding this year, the SAISD foundation stepped in to pay for part-time dance instructors, uniforms and mariachi instructors at the elementary school level. This year, the foundation is also paying for “master classes” from professional artists to supplement the musical education at the four schools that performed Tuesday night: Burbank High School, Lanier High School, Rhodes Middle School and Harris Middle School.

Abilene ISD Superintendent Dr. Kuhn stands firm amid Facebook controversy, vows to protect his teachers

(KTXS) There was a post put out to Facebook on Friday by Abilene ISD Superintendent, Dr. John Kuhn, talking about how people were “demonizing” his teachers. We spoke with Dr. Kuhn about this situation. “I’m glad it went viral,” Dr. Kuhn said. “Because the poster that posted it, the commenters that grabbed their pitchforks and their torches and came after my high school English teachers in my school district, they were out of line, and apparently nobody else is going to stick up for teachers in this country. Apparently nobody else has the courage to do it. But if I lose my job, I don’t care. I will stick up for these people.”

Round Rock ISD Defies Texas Law, Refuses To Display Ten Commandments in Classrooms


(Texas Scorecard) Round Rock ISD says it is waiting for guidance on the constitutionality of the new law before complying with it. 


Interfaith summit meets in Dallas to address ‘coordinated’ religious push in schools

(KERA) A coalition of interfaith groups held the first Religious Freedom in Schools summit in Dallas this week to discuss how to push back on legislation it says centers Christianity in schools.

Garland mother speaks out after teacher’s aide accused of assaulting son with autism

(WFAA) A Garland mom says her son with autism was pinned down by a teacher’s aide at school. The aide faces assault charges and is no longer an employee at the district. In a statement, Garland ISD said, “The incident in question was reported and immediately investigated in February 2025. The individual involved is no longer employed with Garland ISD. Our top priority is ensuring that every student has a safe and positive learning environment, and we do not tolerate any behavior that compromises this commitment.”

List: What will the average Austin homeowner pay in property taxes next year?

(KXAN) The following numbers are for the average homeowner, calculated by taxing entities. Some of those numbers may be impacted by decisions voters make during the November election.

Montgomery ISD approves reserve police officer pool to bolster campus security

(Community Impact) Montgomery ISD’s board of trustees voted to authorize the MISD police department to create a pool of reserve officers at its regular meeting Sept. 16. The move comes after legislation to address school safety passed earlier this year. House Bill 1458 allows school districts to create a pool of reserve officers to help with campus security and school-related events when the school needs more support, according to a news release. MISD officials said that the reserve officers must hold a permanent peace officer license and can be appointed by school district police departments to support the existing officers.

Driver arrested after rear-ending McAllen ISD school bus

(ValleyCentral) A man was taken into custody for crashing his Chevrolet Silverado pickup into the rear of a McAllen ISD school bus that was occupied by the driver and 17 passengers ranging in age from 10 to 17 years old. The driver of the pickup, identified as 37-year-old Jose Cesar Galvan from Alamo, was arrested and charged with driving with an invalid license.

Referee shortage impacts Concho Valley sports

(ConchoValley Homepage) Local referee leaders say there aren’t enough people signing up, which has led to schools rescheduling games or adjusting start times to make sure contests can be covered. Kelli Hanna, assignment secretary for the Concho Valley Basketball Officials Association, said the need is growing.

North Texas high school student who started app to protect seniors from cybercrime named TIME’s Kid of the Year

(KCEN) A North Texas high school student who created an app to protect seniors against cybercrime can now add being named TIME magazine’s Kid of the Year to her list of accomplishments. Tejasvi Manoj, a student at Frisco ISD’s Lebanon Trail High School, started the process of building Shield Seniors after receiving a call in 2024 while heading home from a Scouting America camp that her 85-year-old grandfather had been targeted in an email scam seeking $2,000 to settle an unexpected debt for a family member, as TIME reported. 

Austin Community College tackles student housing insecurity with new partnership

(KVUE) ACC has teamed up with Housing Connector, a nonprofit that connects people to vacant units in the city, while also helping landlords fill empty apartments.

University of North Texas to dismantle collaborative studies college program housed in Frisco location

(MyTexasDaily.com) University of North Texas Provost Michael McPherson told faculty senators on Wednesday that administrators plan to dismantle the College of Applied and Collaborative Studies, formerly called the New College.

Former IDEA Public Schools assistant principal arrested over alleged student relationship

(CBS Austin) A former assistant principal at IDEA Public Schools has been arrested on charges related to an alleged inappropriate relationship with a former student, according to an arrest affidavit. Austin police began investigating Sept. 10 after administrators at IDEA Public Charter School reported that students had come forward with screenshots of alleged sexual text messages between the employee and a former student. The former employee, identified as 29-year-old Shonterrich Jeremaine Johnson, worked as assistant principal of instruction at the school.

City of Mission to end Zoom streaming after pornography incident

(Progress Times) The city of Mission says it will no longer use Zoom for city council meetings after a participant unaffiliated with the city hijacked Tuesday’s publicly accessible meeting livestream and played clips of pornography.

Sept. 17, 2025
More than half of Texas’ counties are below kindergarten MMR vaccination rate needed for herd immunity

(KXAN) More than half of Texas’ counties have MMR vaccination rates among kindergartners below the threshold for what the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says is needed for herd immunity. As of the 2024-25 school year, kindergarten students in 139 counties did not meet that threshold — 55% of the state’s counties — according to Texas Department of State Health Services data collected and analyzed by NBC News in partnership with researchers at Stanford University. Just a decade ago, only 42 counties were below the threshold.

Texas State student expelled after mocking Charlie Kirk’s death, university president says

(KSAT) Texas State University says it has identified a student who appeared to mock conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s death in a widely circulated social media video. Gov. Greg Abbott called for the university to ‘expel this student immediately.’ In a statement posted online at 5:12 p.m. Tuesday, university President Kelly Damphousse said the man seen in the video is no longer a student at the school. Related:

Some North Texas school districts adopt controversial Bluebonnet Learning curriculum

(CBS Texas) Out of 59 North Texas school districts the CBS News Texas I-Team surveyed, five adopted Bluebonnet Learning Reading Language Arts for this school year. Despite concerns from parents, Todd Davis, associate commissioner of instructional strategy at the Texas Education Agency said the TEA stands by Bluebonnet and believes it’s a comprehensive curriculum that’s been customized for Texas. But not everyone believes the curriculum succeeds in representing all Texans. Mark Chancey, a religious studies professor at Southern Methodist University, said he spent months studying Bluebonnet and is concerned about what he believes is a bias toward Christianity.

San Antonio ISD places 18 schools on watchlist for targeted intervention

(Texas Public Radio) The San Antonio Independent School District has placed 18 schools on a watchlist for targeted intervention. The schools have all received unacceptable academic ratings from the Texas Education Agency for at least two years in a row. SAISD officials consider half of the campuses on the watchlist “high priority,” because TEA has rated them D or F for three years. The state could take over district management or close the schools if they don’t improve by 2027.

Fort Worth ISD announces new improvement plan for struggling campuses

(WFAA) Fort Worth ISD will soon present a plan for “bold, urgent action” at underperforming schools, the district said. At the Sept. 23 school board meeting, Fort Worth ISD will present a plan to place a group of schools under the Texas Education Agency’s (TEA) Resource Campus model, the district said in a statement.

Austin’s school closure process sparks debate about serving all students

(Austin American-Statesman) As parents begin processing information about what school closures will mean for their campus, many wonder if this process can create equity.

TEA Commissioner visits Connally ISD after 5 consecutive years of F accountability ratings

(KWTX) The Connally Independent School District on Sept. 15 had a special visit from the Commissioner of the Texas Education Agency (TEA) after two district schools received an F rating for the fifth consecutive year. The goal of the visit was for Commissioner Mike Morath to see for himself why now three of the district’s six campuses received a failing accountability rating for the 2024-2025 school year.

As North Texas school districts face budget shortfalls, some decide to hold tax rate elections

(KERA) Some Metroplex school districts are holding elections that could change local property tax rates and bring in new school funding.

Houston ISD pledges for better communication after new family satisfaction survey

(Houston Chronicle) Most families reported positive experiences on HISD’s new survey. Many white and Black families didn’t agree, and parents called for better communication. Related:

Lake Worth ISD charts ‘ambitious’ goals as state weighs intervention

(Fort Worth Report) Trustees turned to former Dallas ISD schools chief Michael Hinojosa for guidance as campuses face state takeover and new turnaround deadlines.

2 arrested after bullets hit Dallas middle school

(Fox 4 KDFW) Two men have been arrested following a shooting that led to bullets flying through the windows of a local middle school. The bullets struck a classroom with 13 students and 2 teachers inside. Parents are upset about a lack of communication from the school and the state’s new cellphone ban.

Wrong-way crash kills Fort Worth mother, injures daughter and Keller ISD coach

(Fox 4 KDFW) A Fort Worth family was shattered by a wrong-way crash on Sunday that killed a wife and mother, Brytni Elliott. Her husband, Spencer Elliott, a Keller ISD coach, and their 12-year-old daughter, Allie, were seriously injured and are recovering in a hospital. The suspected drunk driver was also injured and has not yet been arrested, but is under investigation for intoxication manslaughter.

Archer City ISD places Head Baseball Coach on administrative leave

(KAUZ) Archer City Independent School District notified parents this week that a staff member was placed on administrative leave. In a press release from the Archer City ISD Superintendent Jon Hartgraves, it stated Head Baseball Coach Craig Coheley was the staff member involved. Coheley was hired in July of 2025 as the new Head Baseball Coach. The press release went on to say the school district was alerted on September 13, 2025, of allegations of inappropriate communication between a staff member and multiple students at Archer City High School.

San Benito stadium ready for $1.7 million makeover

(myRGV) “It’s going to be very big — the biggest in the Valley,” San Benito CISD Superintendent Fred Perez said. Officials are counting on turning the new screen into a money-maker. “We’re hoping it pays for itself,” Perez said in an interview. “The capabilities of this scoreboard are amazing. We’ll be able to do digital videos — a lot more graphics. We can have movie nights for the community.” As part of a marketing program, officials are planning to land sponsors, spotlighting them on the big screen. Now, officials are requesting proposals for a $500,000 project aimed at resurfacing the stadium’s 400-meter track.

Trump administration boosts HBCU funding after cutting grants for Hispanic-serving colleges

(AP) The Trump administration is redirecting nearly $500 million in federal funding toward historically Black colleges and tribal colleges, a one-time investment covered primarily by cuts to other colleges serving large numbers of minority students. The Education Department announced the funding boost days after cutting $350 million from other grants, mostly from programs reserved for colleges that have large numbers of Hispanic students. Agency leaders said those grants were unconstitutional because they’re available only to colleges with certain minority enrollment thresholds.

UT Austin’s College of Education dean to step down at end of academic year

(Daily Texan) Charles Martinez, the College of Education’s dean since 2019, will step down at the end of this academic year, according to an email sent to students and faculty Tuesday. “With new leadership in place at UT, our president and provost are working to build the team they need to advance their vision and priorities within this changing landscape,” Martinez wrote. “As such, I will be concluding my service as dean at the end of this academic year.”

West Texas A&M expands tuition half-off offer for educators in rural areas

(KVII) West Texas A&M University has expanded its Educators Excellence Initiative, which offers educators in Region 16 half-off tuition, to now include Regions 17, 18, and 1A and 2A schools across the state.

Austin budgets $12M for Central Texas higher education partnerships

(Community Impact) Austin may spend millions of dollars over the coming years to expand its partnerships with several of the region’s major higher education institutions. After years of informal work with multiple Central Texas colleges and universities, the city of Austin moved this summer to set up official agreements with six Central Texas higher-ed institutions.

Former Lubbock coach indicted on child sexual assault charge

(EverythingLubbock) Tuesday, a Lubbock County Grand Jury formally indicted a former teacher and coach with the Lubbock Independent School District (LISD) on a charge of child sexual assault. Jeremy Maxfield, 41, was arrested in August by U.S. Marshals in Amherst, according to jail records.  He was initially charged with three counts of sexual assault of a child and one count of an improper relationship between educator and student.  A fourth charge of sexual assault of a child was later added. On Tuesday, the grand jury indicted Maxwell on that fourth charge. Lubbock ISD said Maxfield was a track coach and English teacher. Court records indicated the crimes happened in October, November and December of 2019.

Whitehouse ISD student in custody after making threat on social media

(KETK) According to Whitehouse ISD, a student who made a threatening post on social media has been taken into custody. The district said they were notified by law enforcement on Tuesday that the student who made the threat is in police custody and will face legal consequences.

Why is Southern Methodist University phasing out its ‘Pony up!’ catchphrase? University leadership explains

(Dallas Morning News) SMU athletics is pivoting from its longtime catchphrase to center its messaging around the Mustang mascot.

University of Mary Hardin-Baylor receives $1 million donation to establish special education scholarship

(KCEN) UMHB said the gift — by donors who wish to remain anonymous — will establish the Marek-Smith Special Education Endowed Scholarship, which will support Bachelor of Science in Education students who are seeking their special education certification.

Video shows alleged moments when former Farmersville ISD teacher uses excessive force, improper restraint with 6-year-old student

(WFAA) Classroom video has now been released from inside a Farmersville ISD classroom, showing the moments when the teacher allegedly used excessive force and improper restraint on a 6-year-old student with special needs.

Former Lindale daycare worker pleads guilty to kicking toddlers

(KLTV) A former Lindale daycare worker accused of assaulting six toddlers in her care more than 130 times over several months pleaded guilty on Tuesday. Sentencing for Catherine Elizabeth Guziejka, charged with six counts of injury to a child with intentional bodily injury, will take place at a later date. According to an arrest affidavit, Guziejka was caught in security footage kicking toddlers in her care in over 100 incidents dating back to July 2024.

Sept. 16, 2025
Roughly 180 complaints filed against Texas teachers for alleged comments on killing of Charlie Kirk

(Texas Tribune). Several school districts have already taken disciplinary action against staff for comments made about the Christian conservative activist’s death. The Texas Education Agency did not respond to questions about what policy or ethics code violation would be broken if a teacher made what was considered to be an inappropriate comment. The TEA provided a statement from agency commissioner Mike Morath, who said he would recommend the State Board for Educator Certification suspend the licenses of teachers who are disciplined. Related:

Uvalde CISD faces scrutiny over ransomware attack and transparency issues

(News4SA) The Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District trustees convened Monday night to address a recent ransomware attack that has forced schools to remain closed until Friday. This meeting marked the first since the district experienced the cyber attack over the weekend, leaving parents with numerous concerns. While cybersecurity was a primary concern, some parents also demanded transparency regarding the Robb Elementary School shooting. Related:

Killeen ISD ordered to create turnaround plan after three middle schools receive failing state grades

(KXXV) The Texas Education Agency (TEA) is ordering Killeen ISD to create a turnaround plan by Nov. 14 after three middle schools received failing grades in the state accountability rankings. Manor, Palo Alto, and Eastern Hills middle schools all scored consecutive “unacceptable” ratings, meaning the district now faces the possibility of state oversight or even campus closures if improvements aren’t made.

Austin ISD parents voice concerns over unclear school consolidation plans

(KVUE) Austin Independent School District (AISD) held their final virtual meeting this week to discuss upcoming changes to local schools, including potential closures. Despite the district’s outreach, many parents told KVUE they still have unanswered questions.

Inside the faith-fueled push to post the Ten Commandments in every Texas school

(Houston Chronicle) What started as one woman’s idea has evolved into a conservative Christian campaign to get the Ten Commandments on the walls of Texas schools. Rebecca Smith-Nash, a licensed counselor and self-described devout member of The Church at Montgomery, began texting friends and congregants after Gov. Greg Abbott signed a law that ordered schools to post the Christian directives in classrooms. Her initial request: help make and donate Ten Commandments posters to local schools. That “simple ask” has since ballooned into a broader movement.

Frisco ISD and McKinney ISD could be the next North Texas school districts to close campuses

(WFAA) North Texas school districts have navigated campus closures due to budget and low current or projected student enrollment.

Fact brief: Does the Fort Worth ISD superintendent make more than the average salary for large Texas schools?

(Fort Worth Report) No. Fort Worth ISD Superintendent Karen Molinar’s annual base salary of $360,000 is lower than the average salary for a leader of a Texas school district with more than 50,000 students.

Hope builds for Texas high school football player placed in coma after severe injuries sustained in Friday game

(Sports Illustrated) Abernathy ISD High School sophomore Case Heinrich underwent brain surgery, placed in medically-induced coma after suffering severe injuries against Littlefield. Heinrich’s injury is the latest in a string of serious on-field incidents affecting high school football players in the first three weeks of the season. Another Friday night injury in Texas occurred during a non-district game in Edinburg when Brownsville Hanna Golden Eagles quarterback Albert Chavez was taken off the field in an ambulance in the third quarter and the game was forfeited when both coaches agreed to end the game.

Godley ISD faces racism allegations after volleyball game incident

(WFAA) Some spectators allegedly made monkey sounds toward students, including two Black athletes, at the game. Administrators called the incident a “learning experience.”

What a new Texas law says about heckling student athletes at sporting events

(Fort Worth Star-Telegram) If you’re planning to attend a school sporting event in Texas, you may want to think twice before shouting at the refs or heckling players. A new law gives referees and other officials the authority to immediately eject unruly spectators, including parents, from games without issuing a warning first. SB 2929 doesn’t just target fans – it also holds schools accountable. If a school racks up three incidents of fan misconduct, it could lose the ability to host UIL officials for home games.

UIL State Executive Committee denies eligibility appeal from Flour Bluff’s Nya White

(Caller Times) The University Interscholastic League’s State Executive Committee denied an eligibility appeal by Flour Bluff junior Nya White by a unanimous decision on Monday, Sept. 15, upholding the decision of the District 29-5A executive committee. White, a 2024 first-team All-South Texas volleyball selection, attended Corpus Christi ISD’s Veterans Memorial as a freshman and a sophomore. White’s mother Nicole White is the Associate Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction with Flour Bluff ISD.

This Sixteen-Year-Old Texan Might Be the Future of Track and Field

(Texas Monthly) Cooper Lutkenhaus is the latest American running phenom. Can he be a normal teenager too?

BBC films documentary about scratch cooking at Brownsville ISD

(myRGV) The British Broadcasting Corp. was in Brownsville last week to document Brownsville ISD’s conversion from heat-and-serve meal preparation to scratch-cooked meals from whole, fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

McAllen cuts power to 12 bars in escalating underage drinking crackdown

(MySA) The City of McAllen is escalating its offensive against bars located in its downtown entertainment district after a McAllen police officer was attacked by an allegedly drunken teen just weeks ago in a moment that quickly went viral online. On Friday morning, McAllen officials announced that the city had cut power to “more than a dozen establishments in the Entertainment and Cultural Overlay District (ECOD) for operating without the legally required certificate of occupancy.”

San Antonio colleges just lost a key source of funding: grants for Hispanic-Serving Institutions

(Texas Public Radio) Last week, the U.S. Department of Education announced it would not distribute millions of dollars in grants for Minority-Serving Institutions, including more than $200 million in already-appropriated funding for Hispanic-Serving Institutions, or HSIs. At least 25% of students at all of San Antonio’s major colleges and universities are Hispanic, making them eligible to apply for HSI grants. Several San Antonio colleges were awarded HSI grants in recent years and were expecting this year’s allocation as usual.

UT Arlington president talks challenges with feds, recent wins at State of the University address

(Fort Worth Report) Changes to federal policy have resulted in uncertainty and economic strain on the University of Texas at Arlington, according to the leader of Tarrant County’s largest higher education institution. UTA President Jennifer Cowley delivered a State of the University address Sept. 11 reflecting on the school’s history, highlighting successes and acknowledging difficulties in its path forward.

UT Austin quietly dissolved UT police department’s oversight committee

(Daily Texan) The University quietly dissolved the UT Police Department Oversight Committee in April 2024, according to records obtained by the Texan. Its functions are “rolled into” the Campus Safety and Security Committee, which has no formal oversight responsibilities. It is unclear whether a new University body exists to provide community-level oversight on UTPD activities. 

Former Brownsboro ISD teacher pleads guilty to injuring elementary student

(KLTV) A former behavioral specialist for Brownsboro ISD has pleaded guilty to two charges of injuring a child. Kyle Lee Rocha, 40, of Chandler, entered open guilty pleas in court Monday. He has been accused of injuring a 7-year-old by knocking over the student’s desk in class while he was leaning it back. Rocha could face 2-10 years for each charge, but the defense has said there are no offers on the table yet. A judge is set to decide Rocha’s sentence on Dec. 9.

Splendora 1st-Grade Teacher Charged With Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child

(Texas Scorecard) A first grade bilingual teacher in Splendora Independent School District is accused of sexually assaulting a child. Rene Jesus Tavera Arango, 70, was arrested and charged with aggravated sexual assault of a child, a first-degree felony punishable by 5 to 99 years in prison.

Sept. 15, 2025
Legislative Update:
Texas legislative committees will study freedom of speech on college campuses in wake of Charlie Kirk killing

(Texas Tribune) The committees were made to honor slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk and come as university faculty have come under online scrutiny.

Also Reported:
State education commissioner pitches teacher pay-for-performance at Houston conference

(Houston Chronicle) Bolstered by the recent expansion of a state program that financially rewards high-performing teachers, Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath talked about linking a teacher’s compensation to their effectiveness. “Effectiveness” can include factors like classroom observation, state exam scores and student experience, his presentation showed. A longtime supporter of this compensation model, Morath was appointed commissioner a decade ago in part because of Dallas ISD’s use of evaluation-linked compensation when he was trustee. The commissioner said every dollar spent on a teacher who did not improve is a dollar that wasn’t spent on a teacher who improved and schools’ resources were “too limited to be that inefficient.”

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick discusses school mandates, STAAR replacements at education conference

(Houston Chronicle) A room of public school leaders erupted in applause Friday when Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick asked whether they were happy about the school cell phone ban that took effect on Sept. 1. “Please, no more mandates,” Texas Association of School Boards President-Elect Tony Hopkins jokingly responded to Patrick.

Uvalde CISD closes after reporting cyber security threat to FBI

(KHOU) The Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District (UCISD) has announced a temporary closure due to what they are calling a “significant technology incident.” UCISD says “ransomware” has been detected in servers across the district, which is reportedly severely affecting access to several essential online systems. The district says they have reported the incident to the FBI as they will reportedly use forensic analysis to determine “how the malware was introduced and assess whether any sensitive information has been compromised.” UCISD announced they will be closed from Sept. 15 to Sept. 18 as the FBI conducts their investigation.

How some Texas teachers are fighting the Ten Commandments law in classrooms

(NBC News) As public schools begin hanging posters of the religious doctrine in classrooms, some teachers are finding creative alternatives to sidestep or dodge the legislation.

‘Don’t call my teachers DEMONS’ — Texas superintendent posts viral rant on social media about the state of public schools

(WFAA) In a viral post, Abilene ISD Superintendent Dr. Kuhn criticized recent education laws and defended his teachers from being called “demons.”

Rising costs of insurance and utilities eating into property tax relief efforts

(Texas Standard) The U.S. Census Bureau offered a sobering report that follows efforts from Texas lawmakers to bring down the property tax burden.

Austin Police Department, Austin ISD Police Department chiefs address alert confusion, miscommunication following police shooting

(KVUE) After confusion and frustration from Austin ISD parents, local law enforcement leaders are addressing what they call a communication error and conflicting messages following Wednesday’s police shooting near Zilker Park.

Campus ban for Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD board member lifted, attorney says

(myRGV) The lawsuit between PSJA ISD board member Cynthia Gutierrez and her colleagues and the district’s superintendent has taken a new turn. On Wednesday, a judge ordered that a censure that physically banned her from district property be lifted. That censure also required her to appear at board meetings via video-conferencing. The school board, superintendent and their employees are now restrained from enforcing or attempting to enforce any ban, exclusion or prohibition against Gutiérrez’s physical presence on school district property and at public events for two years, according to the judge’s order. The court also ordered that all future school board meetings shall be conducted as previously held before the censure.

Social media threat leads to cancelation of high school football game in San Antonio

(KWTX) The football game between San Antonio’s Burbank High School and Luling High School was canceled Thursday night as a result of a social media threat. “We were made aware of a social media post on a Burbank HS account that appears to be threatening toward our football game this evening,” said Luling ISD Superintendent Erin Warren. The game has not been rescheduled as of Thursday night. No further information was provided.

United ISD considers adding more sports to its roster

(KGNS) In a recent meeting, UISD board members discussed potentially adding other UIL-approved sports such as girls’ and boys’ wrestling, water polo, and middle school swimming and diving. Bobby Cruz, director of UISD athletics, said that the school district would like to add more sports, but it all depends on interest, funding, and logistics.

More than 13% of Texas kids don’t have health insurance. Experts warn it could get worse

(KERA) Texas once again had the worst rate of uninsured children last year, with more than 13% of kids without coverage. That’s more than double the national average and about 5% higher than the next two closest states, Florida and Oklahoma, according to a new analysis from Georgetown University.

How many Fort Worth students earn a college degree? New report details the data

(WFAA) Fewer than 1 in 5 Fort Worth students earn a postsecondary degree within six years of graduating high school, according to a new report released Sept. 15. The nonprofit Fort Worth Education Partnership’s analysis follows nearly 30,000 students who entered eighth grade in any public school serving the city, which includes charters and a dozen districts, between 2011 and 2013.

Houston ISD families outraged over sudden shakeups and staff losses

(KHOU) Parents say HISD changes — from cut bus routes to staff turnover — are putting students at risk, while district leaders point to gains in reading and math. Related:

Texas school district adopts Bluebonnet curriculum amid mixed reactions

(KFOX) The Tornillo Independent School District is set to implement the Bluebonnet curriculum, an optional program developed by the Texas Education Agency. Superintendent Rosa Vega-Barrio said she collaborated with parents and teachers to ensure the curriculum would not cause issues within the community.

Fort Bend ISD engagement survey shows gains with students, decline in parent satisfaction

(Community Impact) Fort Bend ISD officials released findings from its latest Climate & Culture and Student Engagement surveys, revealing a mixed picture of progress in employee satisfaction and student engagement — but also a slight decline in parent satisfaction since 2023.

Northside ISD’s police force struggles with state’s armed guard mandate 2 years later

(San Antonio Report) Two years after the state passed a law requiring school districts to have an armed guard at every campus, Northside Independent School District still struggles to hire enough officers.

Klein ISD ranked as best workplace for educators in Texas

(Houston Chronicle) Klein ISD was named as the top education employer in Texas by Forbes based on feedback from employees, families in the district and other educators.

Fort Worth ISD band director assaulted, police investigate

(Fox 4 KDFW) A band director at Fort Worth ISD’s Southwest High School was assaulted Friday afternoon by a group of individuals not believed to be students, according to an email sent to parents and staff by the school’s principal. The assault occurred near campus, and the teacher is currently receiving medical care. School and police officials are actively investigating the incident and stated that those responsible will be held accountable.

Two Harper ISD High School students arrested over viable threat to campus safety

(News4SA) According to Gillespie County Sheriff Chris Ayala, the department was notified on Wednesday, Sept. 10, by Harper ISD officials about a potential threat. An investigation found that there was a viable threat to students and staff. Deputies obtained arrest warrants for a male student, who was charged with a third-degree felony and a state jail felony. He was later transported to a juvenile detention center. The following day, Thursday, Sept. 11, deputies obtained a warrant for a second Harper High student. That student was also charged with a state jail felony, with an additional warrant pending. He was also taken to a juvenile detention center.

Commerce Elementary Teacher Resigns Over ‘Incident’ With Student

(Texas Scorecard) Police are investigating an unnamed elementary school teacher in Commerce Independent School District who resigned over an “incident” involving “improper physical restraint” of a special education student. Commerce ISD posted on social media that administrators were alerted on September 8 to “an incident involving a teacher.” According to the district, video evidence has been collected and submitted to the Hunt County District Attorney’s Office.

BASIS Texas Charter School offers “STEM-infused” curriculum in Plano

(Community Impact) BASIS Texas Charter School recently opened in Plano.

University of North Texas responds to Charlie Kirk assassination following ‘recent actions’ on campus

(KERA) Although it is not referenced specifically in UNT’s statement, a video of a student reacting to Kirk’s death was circulating on social media. In a video described as a confrontation in a UNT lecture hall, which was posted to RTN Global on Instagram, a student is seen showing what is claimed to be a video of Kirk’s death. Another student recording the incident asks, “Why are we cheering someone getting shot?”

Claims against Collin College dismissed from 2022 lawsuit

(Allen American) A Collin County judge has dismissed all claims filed against Collin College in a lawsuit filed by Linda Wee, former director of workforce and professional development within the college’s Continuing Education department. According to a press release, the lawsuit, initiated in 2022, involved multiple claims filed by Wee against the college. Collin College also filed four counterclaims against Wee after discovering that she taught for another institution while on approved leave from Collin College.

San Antonio College combines 2- and 4-year nursing degrees to help meet demand

(San Antonio Report) The program started with 22 students in 2021 and has now graduated 91 nurses with bachelor’s degrees. “From the very entrance now, we’re setting our students up to be able to achieve the BSN (bachelor of science/nursing). It’s all in alignment,” SAC President Francisco Solis said. “They don’t have to worry that any of their previous credits don’t go towards the BSN program. Even the prerequisites work.”

Powerschool breach affecting 880,000 Texas students caused by lack of ‘basic’ security, experts say

(Houston Chronicle) Former Humble ISD computer science teacher Scott Ford began raising security concerns early last year about the district’s use of the online learning system Schoology, just months before a massive data breach from the company leaked the personal information of 880,000 Texas students and teachers.

Fort Bend Co. libraries relaunch services after cyberattack cost taxpayers millions, records state

(KTRK) Fort Bend County libraries are back online after a cyberattack shuttered services for months, costing taxpayers over $5 million.

Annual Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations make adjustments in current political climate

(AP) Each year during Hispanic Heritage Month, huge celebrations can be expected across the U.S. to showcase the diversity and culture of Hispanic people. This year, the Trump administration’s immigration crackdowns, a federally led English-only initiative and an anti-diversity, equity and inclusion push have changed the national climate in which these celebrations occur. Organizers across the country, from Massachusetts and North Carolina to California and Washington state, have postponed or canceled heritage month festivals altogether.

Federal loopholes may have opened the door for sports betting alternatives that skirt Texas’ gambling ban

(Texas Tribune) While the state’s strict ban on gambling hasn’t changed, fast-growing daily fantasy sports and prediction market apps are giving Texans new ways to wager without leaving home.

Sept. 12, 2025
Multiple Houston-area school employees under fire for social media comments on Charlie Kirk’s death

(KPRC) Several school districts in the Houston area have launched investigations after reports of current or former employees making insensitive comments about political activist Charlie Kirk’s death on their personal social media accounts. Many of the posts, which have been shared in social media groups and by state lawmakers, have been taken down or hidden on social media accounts since being shared. “For the vast majority of employees, if your employer doesn’t like what you post, they can discipline you up to and including termination,” said Ryan Nelson, an employment law professor at South Texas College of Law Houston. Related:

U.S. Department of Justice Releases Guidance To Protect Parental Rights

(Texas Scorecard) U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi warned that school officials will be held accountable if they threaten law-abiding parents. 


Texas drops lawsuit against doctor accused of illegally providing care to transgender youth

(Texas Tribune) Dr. Hector Granados of El Paso said he wished AG Ken Paxton’s office had let him show he stopped providing gender-affirming care for youths before the law took effect. Paxton’s office said in a statement that Dr. May Lau and Dr. M. Brett Cooper, the other accused physicians, will “face justice for hurting Texas kids both physically and mentally.” Their attorneys didn’t offer comment Wednesday.

Texas A&M professor appeals firing for lesson with content on gender

(Houston Chronicle) The professor fired from Texas A&M University on Tuesday over a contentious lesson on gender is appealing her termination. Melissa McCoul, a senior lecturer at Texas A&M University, came under fire after Texas Rep. Brian Harrison posted a video of a student speaking out against a class lecture that included discussion of gender and sexuality. The student claimed in the video that the lesson violated Trump’s executive order banning the use of federal funds toward the “promotion of gender ideology” and went against her religion. Related:

El Paso teacher faces another student assault, union president reports

(KFOX) Ross Moore, president of the El Paso American Federation of Teachers, continued to call for increased safety measures in the El Paso ISD following several incidents where teachers were reportedly attacked by students. Speaking to KFOX14/CBS4 on Thursday, Moore highlighted a particularly concerning incident involving a pregnant teacher at EPISD, in which he said an elementary school student hit a pregnant teacher, causing her to induce labor with complications. EPISD has been contacted for comment, and a response is awaiting, with EPISD noting that they were unaware of the incident.

Houston ISD school board approves Superintendent Mike Miles’ annual evaluation, awarding unknown bonus

(Houston Chronicle) The Houston ISD Board of Managers unanimously approved Superintendent Mike Miles’ annual evaluation Thursday, awarding him an unknown bonus in addition to his $462,000 base salary. The appointed school board is required to evaluate the superintendent every year by Oct. 1, according to his employment contract. Miles’ score on the evaluation determines the annual bonus that he receives, with a total possible bonus of $231,000 – half of his base salary. Related:

New Plano private school uses AI to teach students in under 2 hours a day — and Texas education leaders are interested

(WFAA) The small private school promises students will learn two grade levels in a single year — and it’s getting big attention from state and national education leaders.

Parents push back as Grapevine-Colleyville ISD considers possible school closures

(WFAA) Parents say they feel blindsided by the process, while district leaders stress no recommendations have been made.

North Texas police chief asks high school seniors to end Senior Assassins game

(KRLD) A North Texas police chief wants students playing a certain game to stop in the aftermath of the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Celina Police Chief John Cullison says the Senior Assassins game could result in someone getting seriously hurt. The game is played by some high school seniors across the United States usually by using water guns on pretend targets. “We are not anti-fun police, that’s not our goal, and also it’s not illegal to play this game,” Chief Cullison said. “What it could cause is a tragic incident.”

San Antonio colleges lose federal funding after federal government deemed it as ‘racially discriminatory’

(KSAT) 13 universities in Bexar and Guadalupe counties are classified as Hispanic-Serving Institutions. Related:

Judges block Trump policy requiring immigration status verification for Head Start

(K-12 Dive) A controversial Trump administration policy that would exclude some immigrants from federal programs, including in education, was blocked in two separate cases this week as the change’s legality is weighed in court. 

‘More important than football’: Texas high school game canceled after quarterback taken away in ambulance

(Sports Illustrated) The non-district football game between Edinburg and Brownsville Hanna was canceled in the third quarter after Golden Eagles junior quarterback Albert Chavez was taken off the field in an ambulance. Chavez went down after being sacked by a Bobcats defender early in the third quarter and remained on the turf as trainers attended to him. Edinburg head coach Joe Pena and Hanna head coach Marc Guess agreed to end the contest with just over 10 minutes left in the third quarter. Edinburg was ahead 15-0 at the time, though the score was far from anyone’s mind when the game ended. Guess later said his quarterback was “alert, stable and moving extremities” after the injury.

Despite family’s residence, UIL rules Ropes ISD football player ineligible for 2025 – sparking controversy

(Sports Illustrated) Tyson Reyes, a junior defensive lineman, had his transfer revoked by his old school, Sundown. UIL upholds the decision despite the family residence in Ropesville.

Fort Worth film industry booms as Tarrant County College program trains next generation of crews

(Fort Worth Report) The film collaborative is the product of a partnership between Tarrant County College, the Fort Worth Film Commission and 101 Studios, the entertainment company that produced Taylor Sheridan’s hit shows “Yellowstone” and “Landman.” The program is tailored specifically to industry needs to help students get jobs, said Kirsten Jakowitsch, interim TCC Northeast Campus president.

Splendora ISD employee charged with aggravated sexual assault of a child

(Fox 26 Houston) The Splendora Independent School District says an employee has been charged with aggravated sexual assault of a child, according to a message sent to parents and guardians on Thursday. According to the message from Dr. Justin Bromley, Superintendent for Splendora ISD, the incident occurred at Peach Creek Elementary School. 

Texas Tech enrollment surpasses 42,000 for the first time

(KCBD) Texas Tech University is celebrating historic milestones this fall with its largest first-year class in school history and record-setting graduation rates. Texas Tech announced on Thursday (Sept. 11) a 12th-class-day enrollment of 42,272 students, an increase of more than 1,200 from a year ago. A nearly 3% increase from last fall, it’s also the fourth consecutive year Texas Tech has seen a fall enrollment increase.

Despite concerns, Portland school board approves $487K contract extension with Texas firm

(OregonLive.com) Members of the Portland Public Schools board on Tuesday voted 6-1 to expand the school system’s contract with a Texas-based construction management firm, over the public objections of district employees who’ve worked for years on the efforts to modernize all nine district high schools.

Drag Queen Storytime at Abilene Pride celebration causes controversy at city council

(KTAB/KRBC) A Drag Queen Storytime scheduled to take place at Abilene’s annual Pride celebration caused controversy in Thursday’s city council meeting. Several citizens with strong opinions on the event – both those in support of it taking place and those against it – took turns speaking at city council.

Sept. 11, 2025
Legislative Update:
Gov. Greg Abbott orders minors banned from THC products

(Texas Tribune) The governor’s order came shortly after the Legislature failed to ban or further regulate hemp-derived THC products by the end of this year’s second special session.

Also Reported:
Goose Creek CISD teacher under fire for comments about Charlie Kirk’s death

(Houston Chronicle) An online campaign to fire a Goose Creek Consolidated ISD teacher has gone viral following her comments regarding the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Screenshots of Jennifer Courtemanche’s Facebook post surfaced on multiple platforms Wednesday afternoon, garnering calls for her dismissal from the district. Related:

North Texas private schools prepare for billion-dollar School Choice Program

(WFAA) At The King’s Academy in Dallas, educators are preparing for what could be a transformative opportunity for their students and families. The private school, which serves low-income students and operates on a pay-what-you-can model, is positioning itself to take advantage of Texas’ new Education Savings Account program, also known as the school choice program.

U.S. Department of Justice to crack down on ‘rise in abusive conduct’ against parents

(K-12 Dive) In a memo to U.S. attorneys and the FBI, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi cited a “disturbing trend” of silencing parents on curriculum issues.

Is the 5th Circuit too extreme for the U.S. Supreme Court yet?

(SCOTUSblog) Has the 5th Circuit gone off the deep end? Not according to the data.

Texas State fires professor accused of trying to incite political violence in video

(Texas Tribune) Thomas Alter is the second professor in the state to be terminated for allegedly violating university policy after a video was posted on social media.

Dalhart ISD details impact TX HB 210 could have on rural school districts

(KFDA) Texas House Bill 210 could have a negative impact on rural school districts, according to the Dalhart ISD Superintendent. The bill prohibits Texas school districts from contracting vendors if there is a relation to, or business interest for members of school boards or district employees. Dalhart ISD Superintendent Jeff Byrd says the bill’s intent was to prevent nepotism within school districts and communities, but did not take into consideration smaller districts with limited resources.

Uvalde CISD’s new attorneys represented former officer Adrian Gonzales, board member in Robb lawsuit

(KSAT) The Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District voted to hire a new law firm that also represented a former officer facing charges in connection with the Robb Elementary shooting, according to records reviewed by KSAT Investigates. On Monday night, the UCISD board voted unanimously to hire Thompson & Horton to represent the district. The board still has Walsh Gallegos on retainer. Walsh Gallegos represented the district during a lawsuit from KSAT and other media organizations to make the records public, as the district had sought to withhold documents and information connected to the massacre. Court records show that Thompson & Horton attorneys represented former UCISD officer Adrian Gonzales and current UCISD board Vice President JJ Suarez in a separate federal lawsuit related to the shooting filed by several families of the victims. In a statement to KSAT, UCISD said it is “thoroughly reviewing this situation to determine if any conflict of interest exists that may impact our district’s values and commitments.”

AI in schools: Use it or lose it? East Texas educators weigh in

(KLTV) There is a prominent divide between those before and after the creation of A.I., and it’s a huge debate in education.“We have to address this because not only are students more comfortable with that type of technology than a lot of the adults are, we also know that it’s going to shape their education, their education policies, their education outcomes,” says Dr. Bobby Markle, Tyler ISD’s Chief Innovation Officer.

Austin ISD’s Barton Hills Elementary parents outraged after shelter-in-place lifted while gunman was still at-large

(Austin American-Statesman) Parents say communication failures put children at risk when shelter order was changed during Barton Hills manhunt.

Lewisville ISD trustees renew contract with Serenity High for addiction support

(Community Impact) Students in Lewisville ISD can continue receiving support for drug and alcohol addiction through the district’s partnership with Serenity High School in McKinney ISD. Trustees approved a contract extension at a Sept. 8 meeting. The partnership started in 2020 and the one-year renewal will run through the 2025-26 school year.

Keller ISD leaders opt to allow homeschool student participation in all UIL activities

(Community Impact) Keller ISD’s board of trustees updated its policy so that homeschooled students can participate in all University Interscholastic League, or UIL, activities in the district. KISD’s board approved the new policy in a 4-3 vote during a regular board meeting Aug. 28.

North Texas mother grateful for cardiac response plan that saved son’s life on football field

(Fox 4 KDFW) It was Andrew Garcia’s second game of the season, and his mom says he was excited because it was his first away game, which meant he got to ride the bus there. Lucky for Garcia, the football game was in the Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD, a school district with a comprehensive Cardiac Emergency Response Plan (CERP) in place. Monday night, she was in the stands watching her 12-year-old son play in a middle school football game against Euless Junior High School, when he suddenly dropped to the ground. Garcia, who plays tackle for Haltom Middle School in Birdville ISD, collapsed on the sidelines.

Plano ISD Downplays Involvement in Booster Club Dispute

(Texas Scorecard) Plano ISD continues to downplay its involvement in the persecution and harassment of three moms. In a quest to control a school booster club and its funds, the district created a new booster club with the same name, led the new club’s members to the bank to seize the original club’s funds, and went as far as to have the moms arrested. The school district released a public statement last week responding to multiple controversies in which it is involved. Related:

Edcouch-Elsa school district to pay new super $235,000 a year

(myRGV) The Edcouch-Elsa school district’s new superintendent, who is married to the board’s vice president, will be paid $235,000 with an automatic 3% increase to her salary every year. The school board approved the contract for Sandra Ochoa on Aug. 25. MyRGV.com has obtained a copy of the contract. Sandra Ochoa is married to Ricardo Ochoa, the school board’s vice president. The only dissenting vote was from board member Norma Linda Pena. “I vote nay because we still have a conflict that jeopardizes public trust,” Peña said at the time.

David Chisum Salary and Career at Eagle Pass ISD Raises Transparency Concerns

(Maverick Times) According to payroll documents released by Eagle Pass ISD through a public information request, David Chisum earns a total of $81,060.55 for the 2024–2025 school year. His base teacher salary is listed as $55,491.06, and his overall compensation increases through multiple stipends tied to athletics. Today, Chisum’s responsibilities are split between teaching and athletics. He is paid as a Career and Technical Education teacher, serves as the Head Basketball Coach, and also works with football and baseball programs, all compensated through stipends. While his HR file indicates he does not hold a valid Texas teaching certificate, he continues to be assigned teaching and coaching responsibilities.

Dallas ISD schools use technology to keep track of students without cellphones

(CBS Texas) School safety is meeting innovation at some Dallas ISD campuses. Those campuses are using the latest technology to keep track of where kids are during the school day, especially since students don’t have cellphones on them this year.

Former Brownsville ISD HS teacher accused of sex with student pleads not guilty, trial date announced

(ValleyCentral) An Oct. 27 trial date has been set for a former Brownsville Independent School District teacher who pleaded not guilty to charges of having an improper relationship with a student. Julio Ricardo Trujillo was a Criminal Justice System/Principles of Law teacher and Girls Basketball Coach at Rivera Early College High School at the time of the offense. On Tuesday, Trujillo pleaded not guilty to three counts of improper relationship between educator and student. As reported by ValleyCentral earlier this year, he is accused of having engaged in sexual relations with a 19-year-old female student in a classroom.

Former La Vega ISD teacher’s aide charged after striking non-verbal autistic child: affidavit

(KWTX) A former La Vega Independent School District teacher’s aide was charged in the January assault of a non-verbal autistic child at an elementary school, an arrest warrant states. Pamela Denise Jackson, 38, was charged with intentional injury to a child resulting in bodily injury, according to court records.

Gatesville ISD Teacher Pleads Guilty To Sexting 15-Year-Old Student

(Texas Scorecard) A now-former Gatesville Independent School District teacher was sentenced to eight years of probation after she pleaded guilty to sending a 15-year-old male student nude pictures on Instagram. The victim’s family reportedly approved of the plea deal. Christine Paige Cockrell, 54, was an eighth grade teacher at Gatesville Junior High when she was arrested in May 2024 for exchanging sexually explicit messages with the Gatesville High School student. The communications began in January 2023, when the boy was an eighth grader.

Alice High School student charged after online threats detected by software

(KIII) Alice police said the student’s ‘manifesto’ was discovered online, prompting the arrest and investigation. Alice ISD said students and staff were never in any danger.

Mother demands answers after daughter mistakenly sent home on wrong San Antonio ISD bus

(News4SA) A mother is demanding answers from San Antonio Independent School District after her 6-year-old daughter was sent home on a school bus she was never supposed to be on.

San Antonio mom concerned with North East ISD’s hand, foot and mouth disease policy

(KSAT) A San Antonio mom’s TikTok video alerting parents about a contagious infection circulating in schools is gaining attention. “Hand, foot and mouth is going around really bad in San Antonio and the school districts. My children’s school is allowing children to attend school with active blisters,” said Dominique West, who has five kids. In a statement, the district said, “We follow the Department of State Health guidelines for contagious illnesses. They state that a student with hand foot and mouth can return to school when they are fever free.”

UT El Paso, El Paso Community College, Texas Tech Health El Paso among hundreds of Hispanic-Serving Institutions threatened by federal grant cuts

(Texas Standard) Ending Hispanic-Serving Institutions grants could cost Texas universities millions, limiting opportunities for Hispanic and first-generation students while threatening economic growth and global leadership, higher education leaders warn.

UT El Paso expands esports program; El Paso Community College launches its own

(El Paso Matters) The University of Texas at El Paso and the El Paso Community College have embraced esports competition this fall. Both institutions expect these moves will better prepare graduates for the growing billion-dollar industry.

Texas Woman’s University launches research and workforce development center

(Community Impact) The Center of Leadership Research and Workforce Development has launched at Texas Woman’s University. The new center is meant to bridge between academia and workforce needs and will be a part of the Jane Nelson Institute for Women’s Leadership, per the release.

Lamar University students saddle up to compete on school’s first collegiate rodeo team

(KBMT) The decision to establish the program stemmed from the abundance of local talent in the region.

Elon Musk’s “$1 Trillion” Tesla Pay Plan: Trillionaire Math, Texas Law

(Finance Magnates) Tesla’s new megadeal dangles up to $1 trillion in stock over 10 years and, if fully earned, could crown Elon Musk the first trillionaire. A fresh Texas rulebook may smooth the path.

Sept. 10, 2025
Legislative Update:
Gov. Greg Abbott calls on additional Texas A&M leaders to be fired after viral video

(Houston Chronicle) Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is rallying for the firing of additional Texas A&M leaders after a viral video of a professor teaching about gender and sexuality sparked outrage. In response to Texas A&M’s announcement that a dean and department head had been removed from their positions in response to the video, Abbott wrote on X, “Good. Now, fire the professor who acted contrary to Texas law.” Related:

Also Reported:
The school shooting industry is worth billions — and it keeps growing

(NPR via KERA) According to the market research firm Omdia, the school security industry is now worth as much as $4 billion, and it’s projected to keep growing.

School choice rollout: Education Savings Account money to be accepted at Texas State Technical College

(KWTX) Texas State Technical College will accept state funds from education savings accounts next year. Acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock toured TSTC Waco to get a first-hand look at the courses and training offered there. Hancock said ESA’s can be used to give students a head start in career training. “You’re going to find a lot of students that have been stuck in a classroom and it’s not their forte to sit there hour after hour and be still and not move,” Hancock said. “This allows them hands-on.” Hancock hopes this will give younger students similar opportunities to college-aged students.

Texas educators praise new school cellphone ban

(Texas Tribune) School officials say that in the wake of Texas’ new cellphone ban in public K-12 schools, students have become more engaged in and outside of classrooms.

Some of Texas’ highest-paid charter superintendents run some of its lowest-performing districts

(Texas Tribune) Three Texas charter school districts underreported compensation paid to top leaders. They also recently had failing or near-failing performance ratings.

McMahon, Morath visit Austin private school using artificial intelligence

(KXAN) U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon toured an Austin private school on Tuesday, which claims it helps students “Learn 2x in 2 Hours.” Alpha School Austin is part of an upstart network of Alpha Schools across the country, focused on using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to help students progress through their coursework faster. After the tour, McMahon and Texas Education Agency Commissioner Mike Morath attended a roundtable featuring several Alpha school stakeholders. They heard from current parents, students, ‘guides’ and an alumna.

Schools with failing accountability grades will limit Austin ISD consolidation plans

(CBS Austin) In an attempt to fill empty seats and chip away at the district’s deficit, Austin ISD is looking to consolidate schools. The district is working on the plan while navigating the limitations set by failing accountability grades from more than 20 schools.

Houston ISD Superintendent Miles Pledges: Only A and B-rated Schools in HISD By August 2027

(Houston Press) Never let it be said that Houston ISD Superintendent Mike Miles hesitates about the big stuff, especially when it leads to a crescendo ending at one of his power point presentations. Tuesday he demonstrated that when he pledged that “By August 2027, all schools in HISD will be A or B-rated.” Related:

Fort Worth ISD’s chief financial officer leaving as district faces potential state takeover

(CBS Texas) Carmer Arrieta-Candelaria joined the district in January 2022. She will leave her position as the district’s CFO this month, Fort Worth ISD said. The district said Arrieta-Candelaria will be returning to her hometown of El Paso, where she accepted a position with the County as the director of Budget and Finance. Related:

TASB study finds Fort Bend ISD teacher pay competitive, auxiliary staff lags behind

(Community Impact) As Fort Bend ISD faces a potential temporary tax hike to subsidize staff raises, a Texas Association of School Boards compensation study shows that while teacher pay remains competitive, there are discrepancies in the minimum pay for auxiliary staff. For the first time since the 2012-13 school year, the Texas Association of School Boards, or TASB, compared FBISD’s 2024-25 pay to 13 nearby districts, similar-sized districts across the state, as well as to private companies and other public jobs — like police officers, custodians and office staff — outside of schools.

TEA investigation finds School of Science and Technology Bayshore charter campus failed to update student’s Individualized Education Plan

(KIII) An investigation by the Texas Education Agency found the School of Science and Technology Bayshore campus failed to properly administer and update a student’s individualized education plan (IEP) as he struggled with behavioral issues.

San Antonio ISD requests proposals from organizations interested in leasing five vacant schools

(Texas Public Radio) Nearly two years after trustees for the San Antonio Independent School District voted to close 15 schools, the district has opened a request for proposals to lease some of the closed schools.

Quick-thinking staff save 7th-grade football player after collapse at Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD game

(CBS Texas) A frightening moment unfolded on the football field Monday night when a seventh-grade player collapsed during a game between two Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD middle schools. The incident occurred at Trinity High School, where athletic trainer Saad Rajabali was on site and responded immediately.

As coaches disagree over validity of counting rained-out games, what is UIL’s policy?

(Dallas Morning News) Several Dallas-area coaches are trying to determine the outcome of games that weren’t finished Friday night because of the weather. There is no official UIL rule for nondistrict games, which have no bearing on whether a team makes the playoffs. The state’s governing body instead lets coaches and administrators from both schools decide if the game will count, and it’s acceptable to leave the contest without a defined outcome or a declared winner and loser.

Student struck by vehicle near Houston ISD’s Lamar HS, second student struck within weeks

(KHOU) The student was taken to the hospital, but is expected to be ok. The incident occurred on Eastside Street at Westheimer near the high school campus, according to HISD officials. After the earlier crash in August, the City of Houston quickly pledged resources to protect students crossing Westheimer. Mayor John Whitmire visited the intersection on August 20, sharing photos with the media of the mayor pointing at the busy road next to the busy school.

Texas lawmakers limit use of parent-child reunification therapy in custody battles

(Texas Tribune) Opponents of reunification therapy say it can psychologically harm children, while supporters say it’s unnatural for children to reject parents.

Parent arrested for allegedly dropping drugs at Laredo ISD elementary school

(Laredo Morning Times) A parent was arrested Sept. 5 after allegedly bringing an illegal substance to a Laredo Independent School District elementary campus. According to LISD, the parent was arrested by the LISD Police Department and charged with possession of a controlled substance in a drug-free zone, a second-degree felony. The parent arrested was Lorraine Lee Vasquez. Vasquez allegedly brought the drugs to the Ryan Elementary School campus while dropping off snacks to her child’s class. LISD said that outside food and beverages will no longer be allowed for student celebrations. The incident remains under investigation by the LISD and Laredo Police Departments.

Former Socorro ISD employee sentenced to 5 years for child pornography case

(KFOX) Gabriel Andres Colorado, a 34-year-old former employee of Socorro Independent School District, was sentenced to five years in prison in March in connection with a child pornography case, court documents revealed on Tuesday. Colorado pled guilty on December 16, 2024, to one count of receipt of a visual depiction involving the sexual exploitation of a minor.

Former Decatur ISD athletic trainer arrested for child sex assault

(Fox 4 KDFW) Fernando Escobar, a former Decatur ISD athletic trainer, has been arrested and charged with the sexual assault of a child. The alleged crime occurred over 10 years ago when the victim was a high school athlete.

San Benito School Employee On Leave Over ‘Inappropriate’ Messages

(Texas Scorecard) School officials say the alleged victim is not a student in the district. The district gave no information about the accused employee, but a local resident commented on Facebook that students had “shared pics & texts of him way before this news broke out.”

UT Austin to no longer provide gender affirming hormone therapy to trans students

(Austin American-Statesman) The University of Texas will stop offering gender-affirming hormone treatment to its transgender students, the school confirmed to the American-Statesman on Tuesday. UT spokesperson Mike Rosen said University Health Services notified patients that the clinic “will wind down” hormone therapy treatment this fall to allow time to access other providers.

Del Mar College cuts programs amid declining enrollment trends

(KIII) The Del Mar College Board of Regents held its monthly meeting Tuesday afternoon, where leaders announced the deactivation of several academic programs. Programs in areas such as automotive, chemical engineering, web development and long-term care are among those being cut or deactivated. According to college officials, the decision follows a detailed analysis of enrollment, student demand, and faculty needs.

Texas Department of Family and Protective Services investigating 2 Houston daycares after Judge Hidalgo brought kids to commissioners’ court

(KPRC) Texas Department of Family and Protective Services is investigating two Houston-area daycares after Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo brought children from the daycares to a Commissioners Court meeting last month. DFPS will investigate whether or not abuse or neglect occurred in this case. Austin-based attorney Lindsey Dionne said she made the report to Texas DFPS after seeing a broadcast of the Aug. 7 meeting.

Sept. 9, 2025
Legislative Update:
Abbott expected to issue executive order setting age requirements for THC-products, other restrictions

(Texas Tribune) Gov. Greg Abbott will soon issue an executive order to regulate THC and set a minimum age of 21 to purchase those products in Texas, according to three people who spoke with the governor’s office. The executive order comes after the Legislature ended a special session without the House, Senate and governor agreeing on restrictions.

Also Reported:
San Antonio districts redefine ‘school day’ to allow phone use during non-classroom times

(KENS) North East and Alamo Heights ISDs allow phone use during non-classroom times to comply with state law.

Uvalde CISD hires new law firm after public information stumbles

(KENS) Uvalde CISD trustees said they had “zero confidence” in Walsh Gallegos before voting to hire new representation Monday night. The trustees unanimously decided to hire Thompson and Horton LLP, after the district’s original legal counsel failed to properly release all documents tied to a media-led lawsuit on the Robb Elementary School shooting. Philip Fraissinet, managing partner of Thompson and Horton, served as the representative during Monday’s board meeting. For nearly an hour he answered trustees’ questions as he made his case for why the firm should be hired, saying his firm has experience working with districts involved in “matters that have a lot of media attention.”

Video of clash over gender-identity content in Texas A&M children’s lit class leads to firings

(Texas Tribune) After the video fueled outrage, two college leaders were removed from their administrative roles for approving plans to teach content inconsistent with the course’s published description.

States struggle with increase in special education complaints

(K-12 Dive) A new analysis by the Center for Appropriate Dispute Resolution in Special Education (a federal technical assistance center) shows increases in written state complaints and due process complaints but also high mediation agreement rates. About 39% of all written state complaints nationally in 2023-24 came from three states — California, Massachusetts and Texas.

Edgewood ISD board sanctions trustee Michael Valdez for speaking to journalists

(Texas Public Radio) The board of trustees for the Edgewood Independent School District voted 6-1 Monday evening to censure one of their own for a second time. The resolution adopted by the board Monday said it was sanctioning trustee Michael Valdez because he had violated board policy by speaking to journalists about the arrest of a parent activist during Edgewood’s August board meeting. Specifically, the board resolution said Valdez violated board operating procedures and board ethics by speaking negatively about the superintendent and the district policy chief outside the boardroom, and by “fail(ing) to notify the media that his comments to the media were being made in his individual capacity.”

Cy-Fair ISD board votes to update board operating procedure in controversy’s wake

(Houston Chronicle) Trustees in Cypress-Fairbanks ISD voted 6-1 Monday to adopt updated board operating procedures after a controversy over audio recordings and concerns over trustees’ requests for information prompted the board to revisit the document. The updated procedures require trustees to ask for consent when recording conversations with a community member, Cy-Fair ISD employee or another trustee. The procedures also clarify the process for board members to make formal requests for specific types of information.

Parents finally meet with Harris County DA’s Office over Houston ISD electioneering complaints after months of silence

(KPRC) Parents finally met with the Harris County District Attorney’s Office Public Integrity Division several months after filing criminal complaints accusing the Houston Independent School District of electioneering. The meetings come weeks after 2 Investigates exposed finger pointing between the DA’s office and the Texas Rangers as to whether or not anyone was investigating the sworn complaints made by at least ten parents.

High home prices are hurting enrollment in Round Rock ISD, new study says

(KVUE) A new report from Zonda Education shows high home prices in Round Rock are threatening future enrollment in that district. High prices and interest rates make it tough for young families to buy homes there, and it’s impacting the school district because the amount of state funding is determined by enrollment numbers.

Affidavit: Athens High band director gave bong with meth to investigators

(KLTV) An Athens band director admitted to using methamphetamine and gave investigators two bongs containing the drug when they questioned him at his apartment, according to a probable cause affidavit for a search warrant filed in the case. Nicholas Bartlett Durham, 45, was arrested last Wednesday following the search of his home. He has been charged with possession of a controlled substance.

‘I need more answers’: Mother speaks out after daughter dies following Marshall ISD cross-country practice

(KLTV) An East Texas mother is looking for answers after her 15-year-old daughter died after collapsing at cross country practice. Estefani Cabrera collapsed at practice at Marshall High School Aug. 18.

Huntsville ISD mother says fight at elementary school left 9-year-old son hospitalized with severe head injuries

(KPRC) A Huntsville ISD mother says her 9-year-old son’s life has been turned upside down after a fight at school left him hospitalized with severe head injuries. The incident happened Friday around 1:30 p.m. inside the gymnasium at Samuel Walker Houston Elementary School.

Laredo ISD releases statement regarding an illegal substance on Ryan Elementary’s campus

(KGNS) The City of Laredo Police Department and the Laredo ISD Police Department are currently investigating a parent who is alleged to have brought an illegal substance to one of the District’s elementary schools last week. The parent was arrested by the LISD Police Department and charged with possession of a controlled substance in a drug free zone, a second degree felony. LISD also made it clear that effective immediately and until further notice, no outside food, snacks, beverages or other treats are allowed into the district for student celebrations.

Lufkin ISD student accused of leaving unloaded gun in Lufkin High School bathroom removed from campus

(CBS 19) A student involved in leaving an unloaded gun in a Lufkin High School restroom trash can Monday morning was removed from campus. According to a statement from Lufkin ISD, the high school was placed on “secure” status after there was a report of a possible weapon on campus. Following a quick investigation, an unloaded gun was found in a restroom trash can.

Driver accused of killing Big Sandy ISD mom at bus stop indicted

(KLTV) A grand jury indicted a man accused of killing the mother of a Big Sandy ISD student when he failed to stop for a school bus, the Upshur County District Attorney’s Office said.

‘Very important role that I played’: Former UT Austin Faculty council members reflect on SB 37, share future hopes

(Daily Texan) Last week, faculty members were notified that the University would develop a new faculty council in compliance with the law in an email from William Inboden, executive vice president and provost. With this development, former members were left with mixed emotions in the aftermath of SB 37 and questions about where the council would go from here.

Texas Undocumented Students Start the Semester Without In-State Tuition

(Inside Higher Ed) After a court struck down the Texas Dream Act, thousands of undocumented students are left asking how — or if — they can finish their degrees.

University of North Texas unveils Texas Talent Accelerator, a pipeline project to deliver grads to jobs

(KTEN) The new program has a fairly simple mission: Gather “live” intelligence on workforce needs in the state, and connect North Texas public universities and community colleges to those needs. The talent accelerator is funded through state appropriations, and Ben Magill was named the inaugural chief economic development officer of the accelerator. The hope for the project is also simple, though the process to fulfill it isn’t: Educate graduates who can jump into a workforce that keeps changing faster every day, and roll with the punches that tectonic technological shifts like artificial intelligence promise.

State Fair of Texas ends free tickets for high school students, citing cost and security concerns

(KERA) The fair is providing free tickets for younger students, but only offering $12 discounted tickets for high schoolers. It’s also continuing to require minors have a guardian or chaperone if entering the fairgrounds after 5 p.m. Organizers say several factors led to the decision to revise the policy, including rising costs, low redemption rates, and safety concerns.

San Marcos preserves historic Home Economics building with $150K grant

(Community Impact) At the Sept. 2 council meeting, the city of San Marcos took a step toward the preservation of the historic Home Economics Building, a building that used to be part of the Colored School campus that served Black students until public school desegregation in 1955.

Sept. 8, 2025
Legislative Update:
Gov. Abbott hints at possibility of calling third special session

(KVUE) Gov. Abbott told reporters on Friday that he may call state lawmakers back to Austin to work on issues such as THC and property tax relief.

Also Reported:
Texas’ new parental consent law leaves school nurses confused about which services they can provide to students

(Texas Tribune) The law’s authors urged districts to use “common sense.” But some nurses worry they could violate the law and face discipline for providing basic care without a parent’s approval. Related:

New Uvalde records reveal how school district changed course on supporting police chief

(Texas Tribune) The details were revealed in more than 25,000 pages of records released after a yearslong legal fight by news outlets including ProPublica and The Texas Tribune.

FCC proposal would disconnect school bus Wi-Fi, hotspots from E-rate coverage

(K-12 Dive) An E-rate expansion that allowed schools to use the program’s funds for school bus Wi-Fi and hotspots for students could soon be reversed, pending a vote called for by Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr.

Attorney Blames Bowie ISD’s ‘Bogus’ Charge for School Board Candidate’s Suicide

(Texas Scorecard) A Bowie father who applied to run for his local school board took his own life after district officials pressed felony charges against the man. Bowie Independent School District trustees voted to bring an illegal wiretapping charge against Justin Kuecher for recording a conversation between two Bowie ISD administrators while he was filling out his candidate application.

Aldine ISD’s comeback: How the school district became one of the most improved in Texas

(Houston Chronicle) Aldine ISD went from one of the lowest-rated large districts to one of the most improved large districts in the state. Here’s how they did it.

What does the end of STAAR mean for Tarrant County students and schools?

(Fort Worth Report) Despite Texas doing away with STAAR, Fort Worth and Lake Worth schools still face the heavy consequences of failing accountability ratings tied to the high-stakes tests.

Dallas vs. Houston: How The Two Biggest School Districts In Texas Match Up

(Texas Standard) To get a sense of how these districts measure up, here’s a three-round bout focused on academics, construction and innovation.

Houston ISD has 46 campus principals from its ‘Principal Academy’ in 2025-26

(Houston Chronicle) Houston ISD has 46 principals trained in its “Principal Academy” leading schools in 2025-26. Around 17% of the district’s 273 schools have leadership from the program, which involves a year-long residency. Under state-appointed Superintendent Mike Miles’ program, the “principal apprentices” are considered full-time employees under the district’s Department of Leadership and Professional Development. Principals-in-training may serve as a co-principal with a current building principal, according to HISD’s website.

Spring ISD considers cutting CTE programs, extracurriculars and electives amid school closure plans

(Houston Chronicle) Spring ISD is considering cutting electives, extracurriculars and career-training programs as the district struggles with declining enrollment, looming school closures, faltering academic performance and a $13 million deficit.

Cy-Fair ISD board workshop devolves into heated claims of lies, defamation, Open Meeting Act violations

(Houston Chronicle) The Cypress-Fairbanks ISD school board’s discussion of operating procedure updates devolved into leaders hurling heated claims of lies, defamation, gaslighting and Open Meeting Act violations at a Thursday workshop.

Some El Paso homeowners will save hundreds with relief on school property taxes. Others may see their tax bills go up. Which are you?

(El Paso Matters) The impact on individual property tax bills this year will vary widely based on several factors – the change in taxable value of the home since last year, the exemptions available to the homeowner, and which school district you’re paying taxes to.

‘A tremendous loss’: Marlin ISD will continue the superintendent search after finalist withdraws candidacy

(KXXV) The Marlin Independent School District School Board held a special meeting Saturday morning to address the withdrawal of their superintendent finalist and to appoint a temporary leader. Dr. Brandon Hubbard withdrew his candidacy Friday to become Marlin ISD’s next superintendent, citing failed negotiations with the Texas Education Agency and a district conservator.

From billboards to classrooms, Go Beyond Grades expands effort to equip Tarrant County parents

(Fort Worth Report) Parents are learning how to log into portals, read test scores and ask better questions as a countywide campaign moves into a new phase.

LGBTQ+ San Antonio teens describe ‘dehumanizing’ effect of being called their birth names at school

(Texas Public Radio) North East ISD Superintendent Sean Maika said the district is just trying to follow the law. “These aren’t things that we’re saying. We’re following the law,” Maika said. “Oftentimes I’ve referred to it as the perfect crime, because a law has been passed and it looks like our fingerprints are all over it, but we’re just following the law.”

Leander ISD school bus crash: NTSB releases preliminary report

(Fox 7 Austin) The National Transportation Safety Board released a preliminary report this week on a school bus crash in Leander that happened back in August on the district’s first day of school. The report indicates the bus was going south when it drifted back and forth across the center line, then past the edge of the road before flipping in an embankment. The bus, a 2025 Blue Bird, was equipped with seat belts, but the report shows that a number of the students on board were not wearing them, and they were thrown from their seats. 16 students sustained injuries during the crash, as well as the bus driver. The driver, 78-year-old Tim Gall, was ticketed for improper use of his seatbelt, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety, in addition to failure to drive in a single lane and crossing the double-yellow center line.

Houston ISD’s Barnett Stadium: Yates, Madison game canceled after students rushed the field

(Fox 26 Houston) The Houston Police Department, along with other agencies, were on the scene following an incident at Barnett Stadium during a high school football game on Friday night. According to Houston police, the high school football game featured Yates vs. Madison, who are rival schools. Officials said some sort of fight or stomping caused a loud noise, resulting in attendees to flee the stands during halftime.

UIL rules two star Texas athletes ineligible for 2025 season

(Sports Illustrated) Per a story from The Dallas Morning News, two high-profile Texas high school athletes – North Crowley quarterback Jacob Torres and Prosper Walnut Grove volleyball standout Brynn Stephens – will not be allowed to compete at the varsity level this season after the University Interscholastic League upheld eligibility rulings this week.

As UT Austin pivots from Faculty Senate, members mourn forum that guaranteed their input

(Austin American-Statesman) Ending UT Austin’s faculty council leaves 3,700 faculty without elected representation or a direct line to top leadership for the first time in decades.

Professors want to leave Texas because of tense political climate, survey says

(Texas Tribune) The professors’ concerns included the state’s DEI ban and new limits to faculty influence at colleges and universities.

Medical volunteer organization claims threat of trespassing arrest by UT Austin during protest due to Campus Protection Act

(Daily Texan) A first aid organization was forced to leave UT Austin’s campus on Thursday during a student protest at the Main Mall after they claimed University employees warned a non-UT-affiliated member they would face criminal trespassing charges if they did not leave the demonstration, according to a press release. 

‘I didn’t mean it’: Midway ISD student arrested after making ‘terroristic threat’ on Instagram

(KWTX) Midway ISD on Sept. 5 announced a student was arrested after making a “terroristic threat” on social media. Adrianna Camargo-Vega, 17, was booked into the McLennan County Jail on a terrorist threat charge, a third-degree felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison. The student asked if they were there because of a post she had made the night before on Instagram. Authorities told her, yes, and she said, “I didn’t mean it, but yes I did it.” The student was then taken into custody.

7th grade student arrested in Odessa after gun found on campus

(KMID/KPEJ) A 7th grade student at Ector County ISD’s Bowie Middle School was arrested after a gun was found in a backpack. According to a news release, a student approached a teacher and told her that he was given a gun by another student and that it was in his backpack. The teacher looked and saw the backpack did indeed have a gun in it and notified campus police officers and school leaders. The backpack was immediately confiscated, and the student was arrested for the third-degree felony of places weapons are prohibited. Police are investigating the claim of the weapon being given to the student by another but at this time they have not found any evidence to support that claim.

‘They didn’t protect her:’ Parents rally outside United ISD school after alleged sexual assault

(KGNS) Several parents are voicing their frustrations against a United ISD elementary school after a mother alleged her daughter was sexually assaulted on campus.

San Benito CISD employee on leave over misconduct claims

(ValleyCentral) The district stated that they have received information regarding inappropriate messages on the internet between a San Benito CISD employee and a child, not of the district. In the statement, the district announced that the employee has been placed on administrative leave. “The District will release additional information as the law permits and as soon as the District is able to legally release such information as this involves a personnel matter,” the statement reads.

Former Greenville ISD special ed aide accused of abusing student

(Fox 4 KDFW) Authorities in Hunt County arrested a teacher’s aide, charging her with hurting a special needs boy inside a classroom. Lakenya Harris is charged with injury to a child. Authorities in Greenville, about 50 miles northeast of Dallas, say she repeatedly struck him during a struggle in a classroom.

Valley Mills ISD teacher resigns after she is charged with sexual assault of a child

(KWTX) The Valley Mills Independent School District is conducting an investigation into whether any of its students were sexually abused or assaulted by one of its teachers. On Sept. 3, Valley Mills ISD Superintendent Chris Dowdy informed parents that Shelby Lashombe, 25, a high school teacher and girls’ coach, had been arrested in a case involving underage students elsewhere. Court documents reveal Lashombe was charged with sexual assault of a child and two counts of improper relationship between educator and student.

College student, East Texas native dies after collapsing at cross country practice

(KSLA) Odessa College announced the passing of Gage Broomall on Friday, Sept. 5. According to the college, Gage collapsed at the beginning of cross-country practice on Thursday. Despite emergency efforts, he didn’t survive.

Southern Methodist University alert that warned of active shooter on campus just a test, school says

(WFAA) SMU confirmed the alert, sent Friday afternoon, was a test of the university’s emergency alert notification system and there was no danger on campus.

Greenville, Texas, Utility Payments Return After Cyber Attack

(Government Technology) GEUS, the city-owned utility, has restored its online bill payment system after a cyber attack. The ransomware incident, identified Aug. 5, impacted this and other systems for about a month.

Sept. 5, 2025
Legislative Update:
Texas STAAR test could end in 2027, but educators say questions remain

(KERA) A bill to end Texas’ state-mandated STAAR test is headed for Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk. House Bill 8 replaces the year-end assessment with three shorter tests, but critics say that only increases the burden on students.

Here are which of Gov. Greg Abbott’s special session agenda items passed and failed

(Dallas Morning News) Here is a list of some of the bills that lawmakers approved or that ultimately died.

THC still legal for all ages after Texas lawmakers leave hemp unregulated again

(Texas Standard) Texas lawmakers ended their second special session without regulating or banning hemp. The Texas Legislature wrapped up its second special session without even adopting a proposed age limit of 21 to buy or sell intoxicating hemp products. While many, if not most, stores voluntarily card their customers, the inaction by lawmakers means Texans of any age can still legally buy hemp-derived cannabinoids.

All Texas truckers must know English, Gov. Abbott orders DPS to enforce after WFAA report

(WFAA) One week after a WFAA investigation revealed that Texas was not enforcing English-language rules for many commercial drivers, Gov. Greg Abbott has ordered the Department of Public Safety to strictly enforce the requirement across the board. In a directive issued Thursday, Abbott told DPS to apply the English proficiency rule to all commercial drivers — including those who hold intrastate licenses that allow them to operate only within Texas.

Also Reported:
Trump administration axes federal Blue Ribbon program that recognized high-achieving schools

(Chalkbeat) The Trump administration won’t be handing out any blue ribbons to schools this year.

Exclusive video clears teacher wrongly accused of propping door in Uvalde school shooting

(News4SA) The video, which has never been released publicly, further clears the name of a staff member who was quickly accused of propping open a door. After obtaining the video, we worked to debunk one of the longest-standing myths about the tragedy: that a teacher propped open a door, allowing the shooter to easily enter the building. That idea was first circulated in a Department of Public Safety press conference a few days after the shooting.

Texas kids go back to school, Texas COVID numbers surge

(Texas Public Radio) Texas emergency rooms have seen a sharp increase in cases of COVID-19 since kids returned to school in early August. ER visits for COVID surged by nearly 30% in the week ending on August 23, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). The Centers for Disease Control also reported a ‘Very High’ level of the virus that causes COVID in wastewater collected from surveillance sites in Texas during that week. Nationally, the wastewater viral activity level for COVID-19 is currently moderate.

Texas launches downloadable form to exempt kids from school-required vaccines

(Texas Tribune) Previously, parents had to wait for the state to mail them the exemption form. They still have to get the form notarized before submitting it to the school for enrollment purposes. The Department of State Health Services also published a document listing the benefits and risks of immunization.

AG Ken Paxton appeals ruling that blocked Ten Commandments in schools law

(Dallas Morning News) Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has appealed a federal court ruling that blocked a law requiring public schools to display the Ten Commandments in some Texas classrooms. Paxton announced the appeal Thursday. The attorney general is asking the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to review the ruling that found the law violated the First Amendment’s establishment and free exercise clauses.

The gender gap in math widened in the pandemic. Schools are trying to make up lost ground

(AP) Efforts to close the gender gap in STEM education are gaining momentum after setbacks during the COVID-19 pandemic.

El Paso teachers union demands action after multiple teacher assaults at El Paso schools

(KFOX) The president of a local union, American Federation of Teachers, is calling for increased safety measures in the El Paso Independent School District (EPISD) following several incidents where teachers were reportedly attacked by students. Ross Moore, president of the union, emphasized the district’s moto stating, “My members are not punching bags, they’re educators, and the administration has a responsibility to make sure they’re not used as punching bags.”

Austin ISD: A dozen schools could close or ‘restart’ after receiving multiple F ratings from state

(KXAN) The Austin Independent School District told parents Wednesday that a dozen of its schools could face closure after receiving their third F-rating from the state. The district also has the option to initiate a campus “restart” that would likely require it to replace some or most of its core-teaching staff. According to the letter from Superintendent Matias Segura, another 11 campuses will have to develop similar turnaround plans for the next school year because they received their second unacceptable rating from the state. Nine more will have to create a “targeted improvement plan” after receiving their first F-rating.

More than 120 new teachers begin at Liberty Hill ISD despite Texas’ recruitment struggles: ‘Every year it seems to get a little harder’

(KVUE) With class back in session, Texas schools continue encountering challenges when it comes to recruiting teachers. Here is Liberty Hill’s story.

Houston ISD is fixing an issue showing lower pay for some school leaders in pay management system

(Houston Chronicle) Houston ISD will send official salary letters to administrators this week as it corrects an issue in its pay- and absence-management system that was projecting lower salaries for some campus leaders. The system is displaying the wrong pay, sometimes thousands of dollars less than expected, for an unknown number of school administrators. A Tuesday message to principals indicated that the district is working to correct this issue in the system OneSource. Related:

Garland ISD’s Vietnamese dual language program uniquely serves ESL students

(WFAA) Hickman Elementary School is desired for its dual language program that helps students master both English and Vietnamese.

Killeen ISD hosts first town hall on plan to optimize schools amid $31M shortfall

(KWTX) KISD faces a projected $31M shortfall over four years due to the loss of federal Impact Aid, declining enrollment and aging facilities.

Cleveland ISD driver said he was ‘distracted’ when bus overturned with 57 students inside, docs say

(KTRK) A TxDOT crash report obtained by ABC13 reveals new details about an Aug. 13 Cleveland ISD school bus crash. Records state the 21-year-old driver told investigators he was “distracted” and drove off the road, where the bus hit an embankment, and traveled more than 240 feet before eventually coming to rest on its side. The bus was one of three Cleveland ISD buses to crash within the same week. It was one of two that crashed along the same stretch of FM 1010.

Edgewood ISD police report claims woman resisted arrest, trespassed at board meeting

(KSAT) Charges were dismissed against the woman, police say there is no bodycam footage of the incident.

Cy-Fair School Board Member Alleges Open Meetings Violation While Under Scrutiny for Secret Recordings

(HoustonPress) Things got tense at the Cypress-Fairbanks ISD board meeting Thursday night.

Newly released affidavit details Marfa ISD teacher’s alleged relationship with student

(KMID/KPEJ) According to an affidavit of probable cause filed by the Texas Rangers, 25-year-old Rebecca Ontiveros confessed to two incidents of sexual intercourse with a Marfa ISD student in June and July of this year.

Former Alba-Golden ISD employee pleads guilty to stealing $29K

(KLTV) A Mineola woman has pleaded guilty to stealing over $29,000 from Alba-Golden ISD when she worked for the district. Jade Sheridan Bowden, 28, was arrested on July 18 after being accused of stealing the money while working for the school as a financial officer from February 2024 to April 2025, according to the Wood County District Attorney’s Office. As a result of her plea, Bowden was placed on probation for five years and ordered to pay $1,000 in fines. She will also pay $29,245.42 in restitution to Alba-Golden ISD.

‘Frustrating and disappointing’: Civil attorney narrows lawsuit planned against Bowie ISD

(KFDX/KJTL) A civil attorney from Temple, Texas, plans to sue the Bowie Independent School District on behalf of his late client’s estate and family, following the client’s suicide.

Neighbors describe ‘scary’ situations of men trying to take girls before, after school in Schertz

(KSAT) Schertz police are investigating two incidents less than a mile from Clemens High School within three days.

Taft ISD opens new food pantry for students and families

(KIII) Taft ISD has opened a new food pantry at Woodroe Petty Elementary, aiming to support students, families, and staff with help from local partners. It was made possible through a partnership between Taft ISD, Communities in Schools and the Coastal Bend Food Bank.

A Tiny Texas High School Football Team Hasn’t Won a Game in Years. They’re Not Giving Up.

(Texas Monthly) The Fort Hancock Mustangs were once state champions, but now they’re struggling to break the wrong kind of streak.

BREAKING: 2A program banned from playoffs by district decision

(Dave Campbell’s Texas Football) The Rio Vista Eagles have been ruled ineligible for the 2025 playoffs by the UIL 7-2A Division I district executive committee.

Roscoe Collegiate ISD unveils first of two state-of-the-art activity buses for students

(KTXS) A major upgrade is heading to the Roscoe Collegiate ISD as they have received the first of two new activity buses. A second bus is expected to arrive in the coming weeks. The brand new Ultra Coachliner DXL hit the road immediately upon its arrival last week. The state-of-the-art bus will be used for athletic teams, academic clubs, and other student organizations.

Texas State University set to join Pac-12, but its nearest conference opponent is 1,000 miles away

(KSAT) Tougher competition, longer trips and a new level of exposure: Texas State faces big questions on its road to a new league.

Group asks Texas justices to cut privilege exception for info requests

(Legal Newsline) The Texas Public Policy Foundation has filed a petition for review urging the Texas Supreme Court to overturn the previous ruling and eliminate “the blanket” attorney-client privilege exception to Texas Public Information Act requests.

UT-Austin Seeks To Hide Faculty Emails

(Texas Scorecard) Requested records include a professor’s emails related to core curriculum.

Sen. Brandon Creighton’s switch from lawmaking to Texas Tech leader signals a new era for higher ed

(Texas Tribune) More Texas universities are turning to politicians to lead their systems, preferring political clout over academic credentials.

Republican Party of Texas sues state, says open primaries violate its free speech

(KXAN) The Republican Party of Texas, or RPT, filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court Thursday, claiming that the state’s open primary election system “violates [its] First Amendment rights.” That system, which has been in place for decades, allows Texans to vote in either party’s primary elections. If they do, they must also declare that they won’t vote in the other party’s primary.

Sept. 4, 2025
Legislative Update:
Texas is poised to replace STAAR. Here is what schools’ new standardized tests would look like

(Texas Tribune) A bill scrapping the state’s standardized test heads over to Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk. It would replace STAAR with three shorter tests at the beginning, middle and end of the year.

Texas Legislature ends second special session marked by new political maps, slew of conservative wins

(Texas Tribune) Between cracking down on abortion pills and restricting transgender restroom use, lawmakers also tackled flood safety and the STAAR test. Left untouched: Texas’ hemp industry.

Bill banning transgender people from bathrooms headed to governor after Senate approval

(Dallas Morning News) A measure prohibiting transgender people from using public bathrooms and similar private spaces that aligns with their gender identity is headed to Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk after the Texas Senate on Wednesday agreed to a small change made to the bill by the House. Senate Bill 8, by Sen. Mayes Middleton, R-Galveston, would prohibit government entities such as cities, counties, school districts and universities from adopting policies that would allow transgender people to use private facilities of the gender they identify as. The bill also extends to facilities in state agencies and state correctional facilities. The version going to Abbott’s desk will hit violators with a $25,000 for their first violation and a $125,000 fine for future violations. Individual Texans would not be fined under the bill.

Texas THC ban fails to advance in 2nd special session

(CBS Texas) The bill banning THC will not make it out of this special session, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick announced Wednesday. Senate Bill 6 proposed a comprehensive ban on products containing any trace amounts of cannabinoids other than cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabigerol (CBG), the non-intoxicating compounds found in cannabis.

Also Reported:
A Win for (Some) Teachers and Coaches in the New Tax Law

(Wall Street Journal) For teachers who spend hundreds of dollars of their own money on classroom supplies every year, the new federal tax law might soon help offset more of the costs. The sprawling tax-and-spending legislative package President Trump signed in July sweetens the existing break for teachers’ expenses starting next year. It is unlimited and separate from the current tax break, but there is a catch—it is only available to people who itemize deductions.

Did a state takeover improve other Texas schools? These 7 charts give insight

(Fort Worth Report) As Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath considers a takeover of the Fort Worth and Lake Worth school districts, student test results and other measures show how interventions in three Texas districts impacted academics, enrollment and graduation rates. The following charts compare Fort Worth and Lake Worth to Houston, Shepherd and Marlin school districts, a trio of recent state takeovers. Houston’s began in 2023, while Shepherd’s started in 2019. Marlin started its return to local control in 2024 after an eight-year takeover. Related:

Texas education commissioner tours Wichita Falls ISD schools ahead of state takeover decision

(Times Record News) Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath said during a visit to Wichita Falls Wednesday that he has only two choices by law about what to do with Wichita Falls ISD. He can order the closure of troubled Hirschi Middle School or appoint a board of managers for the district as a whole. After touring three Wichita Falls campuses, Morath told the Times Record News in an exclusive interview that he will make a decision in a “few months” after the accountability ratings that were released to the public are finalized.

Is Texas on track to prepare students for in-demand jobs by 2030?

(Dallas Morning News) Workforce advocates fear North Texans will lack access to future living-wage jobs, which elude 2 out of 3 young adults in Dallas County due to educational gaps.

Durham Elementary teachers reassigned to home duty after curriculum changes by Houston ISD

(Houston Public Media) One of the affected teachers, who attended school at the campus as a child, says they were told Durham needed to “protect the culture.” HISD administrators visited the elementary school after parents voiced frustration regarding last-minute changes to this year’s curriculum.

Laredo school districts address new Texas law requiring parent consent for student services

(KGNS) Rebecca Hinojosa, a mother of three in Laredo, understands the intent behind the new law, but believes it is somewhat extreme, especially when it comes to basic services. She stated, “The way the school explained it to me was that even to give them a band aid, the nurses would need to have that form filled out. I don’t really think they need it in that sense.”

Frisco ISD saves taxpayers $93.5M in largest debt refinancing in district history

(Frisco Enterprise) Frisco ISD announced the completion of the district’s largest debt refinancing, delivering substantial savings for taxpayers and strengthening its long-term financial position. As a result, Frisco ISD taxpayers will save $93.5 million in interest costs over the life of the bonds.

Beaumont ISD seeks community help to address ongoing bus driver shortage

(KBMT) The Beaumont Independent School District is grappling with a shortage of 13 bus drivers, disrupting 12 routes and forcing office staff to leave their administrative duties to transport students to school. The shortage is causing students to arrive late to class, with district officials calling timely transportation “essential for learning.” Transportation Director Corey Metts said the problem appears to be worsening. However, district officials are focusing on finding local solutions to address their immediate needs. The district is offering paid training for prospective bus drivers. Interested applicants can apply through the district’s website.

Edinburg CISD school bus crashes with car during after school drop-offs

(ValleyCentral) An Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District bus with students on board was involved in a car crash Wednesday afternoon, the district reported. The students were placed on another bus to resume their routes home. The school district said none of the students on the bus were hurt. The Department of Public Safety is investigating the accident with assistance from Edinburg CISD.

East Texas high school band director accused of having meth arrested, placed on leave

(CBS19) An East Texas high school band director was arrested for having suspected meth in his home. Nicholas Bartlett Durham, who is the Athens ISD band director, was arrested Wednesday night on a charge of possession of a controlled substance, according to the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office and Athens ISD.

Assault charges dismissed on 11-year-old Hays CISD student

(Fox 7 Austin) Assault charges are being dropped against an 11-year-old. Surveillance video captured the boy appearing to bump into a school counselor while walking.

Lockhart ISD Latest Hit With Student Sex Abuse Lawsuit

(Texas Scorecard) A volleyball coach charged with sexually grooming and abusing an underage Lockhart Junior High School student is now the target of a civil lawsuit along with Lockhart Independent School District. Aaron Aguilar, 28, was arrested in April and charged with sexual performance by a child under the age of 14. He was later also charged with possession of child pornography. The victim’s mother filed a federal lawsuit against Aguilar and Lockhart ISD on August 25.

“Full of energy, always smiling”: Denton High football player fondly remembered after sudden passing

(CBS Texas) A Denton High School football player is being fondly remembered after his unexpected death over the weekend. Broncos senior defensive back Tro’Mario Allen Jr. was “a kid full of energy, always smiling, and loved by so many,” according to a social post by the school’s football program. No details were immediately available as to the cause of Allen’s death.

Sharyland ISD superintendent donates pay raise to education foundation

(Progress Times) The Sharyland ISD Board of Trustees added a year to Superintendent Dr. Elaine Howard’s contract and included a raise that she opted to donate to the Sharyland Education Foundation. Howard’s amended contract extends to June 2028 and includes a 10% bump in pay, bringing her salary to $258,500 for the 2025-26 school year. With the 10% raise on the amended contract, her 2025-26 salary increased by $23,500 — the amount the superintendent will donate to the nonprofit group that provides grants to SISD teachers.

He Neutered Faculty Senates. Now He’s Set to Be Texas Tech’s Chancellor

(Inside Higher Ed) Brandon Creighton authored sweeping conservative higher ed legislation over the past few years. For the Texas Tech system board, that makes him an ideal leader.

Texas students sue to stop new law restricting campus speech

(KERA) A national free speech group is suing to block a new Texas law limiting on-campus protests. FIRE, the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, filed a suit in the Western District of Texas on behalf of numerous University of Texas system student groups seeking a preliminary injunction against Senate Bill 2972. The bill, which came after pro-Palestinian rallies and protests took place on college campuses nationwide, went into effect on Sept. 1.

Our Lady of the Lake University budget cuts end 16 degree programs; nearly 200 students affected, 19 professors let go

(KSAT) Programs cut include English, Spanish, Sociology, Chemistry and Theology.

Florida seeks to eliminate vaccine mandates, including for children

(K-12 Dive) Florida will aim to end all vaccine mandates, including those required for schoolchildren, said state Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo during a news conference Wednesday. Florida would be the first state to not require vaccinations, Ladapo said. Currently, the state requires a variety of immunizations for preschool and K-12 school attendance, according to the Florida Department of Health.

Sept. 3, 2025
Legislative Update:
SOURCES: Taxpayer-Funded Lobbying Ban Dying in House

(Texas Scorecard) Despite strong support within the House chamber, State Affairs Chairman Ken King is reportedly blocking it.

Legislature Reverses Course on Same-Day Voter Registration Changes

(Texas Scorecard) Texas lawmakers have voted to roll back a same-day voter registration change, sending the measure to Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk for final approval.

Rep. Alma Allen, longtime Houston Democratic lawmaker, to retire from Texas House

(Texas Tribune) Allen, known for her focus on public education issues, announced her retirement after 20 years in the House. She endorsed her son, Lawrence Allen Jr., to succeed her. Both are former State Board of Education members.

Also Reported:
Advocates and businesses team up to create child care policy reform amid ‘falling behind’ state investment in the sector

(Houston Chronicle) More than 75 people from Texas businesses and advocacy groups teamed up over the past legislative session to develop and push for more state policies focused on making early child care and education more accessible.

Charter schools outperform ISDs across Tarrant County, failing ILTexas Grand Prairie exception

(Fort Worth Report) Charters posted more A and B ratings than districts, but three consecutive F’s can shut them down. International Leadership of Texas’ Grand Prairie elementary campus is one failing grade away from being forced to close.

Aledo ISD violated special education laws, state investigation finds

(Fort Worth Star-Telegram) The Aledo Independent School District violated federal laws over special education in its dealing with more than a dozen students with disabilities, according to the Texas Education Agency, which regulates the state’s public schools.

U.S. Department of Education rescinds guidance for educating English learners

(KTRK) The U.S. Department of Education is reversing course on guidance for English language services in schools. It’s a decision that could impact roughly five million students according to ABC News. Dr. Marédil León with The University of Houston’s College of Education joined Eyewitness News live Tuesday morning to break down the potential impact.

Northside ISD ends adult swim program amid discrimination claims

(News4SA) Northside Independent School District has abruptly ended its adult-based masters swimming program, citing a shift in focus to other swim programs for students in grades K-12. However, some members of the Alamo Area Aquatics Masters program, which operated under the United States Masters Swimming (USMS) organization at the Northside Swim Center, believe the decision was influenced by other factors. Rita Kellogg, a member of the masters program for six years, expressed concerns after USMS introduced a policy requiring athletes to accept the possibility of competing with transgender athletes.

Clyde superintendent cites aging city infrastructure as reason for frequent water issues

(KTXS) A water main break in Clyde forced the cancellation of classes and practices for local schools on Tuesday, September 2nd. The disruption affected not only the schools but also businesses in the area. Clyde CISD Superintendent Bryan Allen explained the decision to cancel school, stating, “At the point when you can’t flush toilets and you can’t wash hands, it’s hard to have school.” Allen noted that such issues are common due to the town’s aging infrastructure. “This happens all the time,” he said.

Edinburg, other South Texas districts join new school board association

(Progress Times) Edinburg CISD this week joined a new association of school boards that hopes to unite school board trustees in deep South Texas regionally. The South Texas School Board Association is aiming to channel the legislative concerns of deep South Texas’ school boards into a central organization that will win ears in Austin while simultaneously offering trustees local infrastructure meant to help them operate more effectively. So far at least six districts have joined the association, Edinburg CISD, Monte Alto ISD, Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD, Rio Grande City Grulla ISD, Weslaco ISD, and Zapata ISD.

TASB: Processing Administrator Requests for Outside Employment

(TASB) House Bill 3372 of the 89th Texas Regular Legislative Session added new restrictions on certain administrators’ performance of outside employment.

Stephen F. Austin State University allowed to postpone sports reinstatement pending Title IX lawsuit appeal ruling

(CBS 19) Through a recent appeal to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, Stephen F. Austin State University will not have to immediately reinstate sports that are at the center of a Title IX lawsuit. SFA had argued to the appeals court reinstating the programs that were cut for budget reasons would be “financially significant and logistically improbable.”

Tarrant County higher education institutions respond to Texas law limiting faculty senates

(Fort Worth Report) Tarrant County colleges and universities have abolished or modified faculty senates due to Senate Bill 37, which took effect Sept. 1. The law imposes restrictions on the appointment of faculty senators and stresses such groups can only serve in an advisory capacity.

Lamar CISD to continue offering alternative graduation pathways

(Community Impact) At the Aug. 26 board meeting, Lamar CISD trustees approved the continuation of the Optional Flexible School Day Program, or OFSDP, at the district’s 1612 Place to support students who benefit from alternative education.

Child gets second-degree burns from Humble ISD playground slide at Park Lakes Elementary

(KTRK) An Humble ISD mother says her 10-year-old special education daughter received second-degree burns after using the slide at her school’s playground. Teresa Moncada said her 10-year-old daughter, Savanah, was using one of the slides at Park Lakes Elementary last Thursday during recess. She said she went down the slide three times until it was too much for her to bear. “She has spina bifida, so for her lower extremities she doesn’t feel what we would feel, so for her it might be like a little burn, not nothing that we would feel if that was on us,” Moncada said. Humble ISD confirmed Tuesday it’s launched an investigation into the matter.

Northeast Texas Public Health District confirms adult case of measles in East Texas

(CBS 19) A case of adult measles has been confirmed in Rains County, according to the Northeast Texas Public Health District.

Killeen ISD Employees On Leave Over ‘Inappropriate’ Conduct With Students

(Texas Scorecard) Two unnamed Aycock Middle School employees now under investigation are the latest district educators accused of misconduct.

North Texas man, former school bus driver gets 60 years for making child porn

(Fox 4 KDFW) Scott Wayne O’Toole pleaded guilty to two federal counts of sexual exploitation of children in April and was sentenced Tuesday to two counts of sexual exploitation of children. The investigation began when child abuse material was found while he was a bus driver in Alaska.

Sept. 2, 2025
Legislative Update:
Gov. Greg Abbott signs new Texas congressional map designed to give GOP five more seats

(Texas Tribune) The governor was expected to sign off on the new district lines, which passed the Legislature last week and aim to flip five Democratic seats in the 2026 midterms.

ACLU of Texas, LGBTQ+ groups file suit to challenge anti-DEI law SB 12

(KERA) The American Civil Liberties Union of Texas has teamed up with the Transgender Law Center and private firm Baker McKenzie to challenge the constitutionality of the state’s new anti-DEI law, Senate Bill 12. The lawsuit was filed in federal court on Thursday, just days before the law goes into effect on Monday, September 1.

Also Reported:
‘Utterly Disastrous’ New Law Is Emptying School Library Shelves

(Dallas Observer) North Texas school districts are overly compliant with a new law that restructures school library book approvals. Related:

Uvalde CISD unveils sixth set of records related to 2022 Robb Elementary mass shooting

(News4SA) Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District (UCISD) has released a sixth batch of records related to the 2022 Robb Elementary School Mass Shooting. This comes after Sunday’s release of records showed UCISD officials did not escalate a chilling threat made to a school the day before the Robb Elementary massacre. Last Friday’s records release included a flood of emails and documents showing open records requests from media outlets, numerous routine requests from state agencies and businesses, as well as numerous public comments and threats directed at individuals, including then-Uvalde CISD Chief Pete Arredondo. Documents also showed how both the district and law enforcement were working to fine-tune their messaging to the public.

Houston ISD teacher, union leader, reassigned again amid ongoing criticism of district leadership

(Houston Public Media) Michelle Williams, who in 2024 was removed from her classroom before being reinstated and assigned to a new elementary school, was reassigned this week to “home duty” with pay, she says. Williams alleges retaliation because of her public criticism of the district’s administration.

More Accusations Revealed As Cy-Fair ISD Prepares for Vote on Its Audio Recording Policy

(Houston Press) In the wake of accusations that a Cypress-Fairbanks ISD board member secretly recorded community leaders, the school board is set to update its standard operating procedures this week. If approved, the new policy would prohibit trustees from recording conversations with members of the public, administration officials including the superintendent, and other board members without the consent of all involved parties.

For Texas students who are struggling in the classroom, here’s how to apply for help

(CBS Texas) CBS Texas’ Lacey Beasley recently spoke with an educator and mom of a child with special needs to talk about how to apply for an IEP.

Hays CISD bus driver resigns after near train collision in Kyle

(KVUE) A Hays CISD bus driver has resigned following a close call with a train on East Center Street in Downtown Kyle last Tuesday morning, district officials said. City of Kyle livestream footage captured the incident as the school bus stopped too far into the intersection at a downtown railroad crossing. The railroad crossing arms lowered onto the hood of the vehicle as a train approached, and a person could be seen running off the bus in the footage. The driver managed to reverse the bus just as the train passed by. No students were on board at the time, and district officials reported there were no injuries or damage to the bus.

2 Klein ISD Cain High School students diagnosed with active tuberculosis, parents notified

(KPRC) Klein Cain High School has confirmed two cases of tuberculosis in a letter sent to the entire school community. Two siblings, who are students at Klein Cain High School, were diagnosed with active tuberculosis (TB) following testing.

KIPP Academy Teacher Arrested for Indecency With a 15-Year-Old Student

(Texas Scorecard) Priscilla Castro is accused of fondling a female student at a KIPP charter school in San Antonio.

El Paso cheer coach arrested for allegedly recording individuals without their consent

(KFOX) A local cheer coach for the Texas Bandits All-Stars has been arrested for allegedly recording individuals without their consent and for two counts of invasvasive visual recording. The recording device, described as a portable charger, was discovered and confirmed by detectives.

Middle school student arrested for threat against Bruceville-Eddy ISD

(KCEN) A Bruceville-Eddy ISD middle schooler was arrested for allegedly threatening the district. The student has been barred from class pending investigation. Law enforcement and district administration continue investigating the incident. The superintendent described the threat as an isolated event, saying there is no further threat to district students or faculty.

State Sen. Brandon Creighton expected to be sole finalist for Texas Tech chancellor

(Texas Tribune) The Conroe Republican has authored some of Texas’ major higher education legislation in recent years, including a DEI ban and a law expanding political appointees’ power in universities. Related:

UT San Antonio merger complete, becomes Texas’ third-largest public research university

(KSAT) UTSA and the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio announced the completion of the institution’s unified merger on Monday morning, according to a news release. With the merger completed, the University of Texas at San Antonio (UT San Antonio) is now the state’s third-largest public research university in Texas, according to annual research expenditures, behind Texas A&M University and UT Austin, the release stated.

Could a new Texas law make some types of anime illegal? Fans worry it’s possible under SB 20

(Texas Public Radio) Sometimes, new laws can also bring about some unintended questions that lawmakers may not have considered when originally pushing a bill through the Legislature. Take Senate Bill 20, which is designed to crack down on AI-generated child pornography in Texas. The new law passed earlier this year with overwhelming bipartisan support. But now that it’s on the books, some are wondering: Did Texas just open the door to making anime illegal?

Some Texas counties replace touchscreen voting machines after Trump order

(Texas Tribune) Collin, Bastrop and Williamson counties say they’re proactively changing their voting procedures and equipment following a federal attempt to limit barcodes or QR codes on paper ballots.

U.S. Department of Energy to supply crucial nuclear fuel to Abilene Christian University for reactor project

(KTXS) Abilene Christian University is set to receive high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) for nuclear research from the U. S. Department of Energy. The fuel will help support the university’s Nuclear Energy eXperimental Testing (NEXT) Lab in developing a “next-generation molten salt reactor,” according to a press release.

Food for Thought: Lubbock Inspectors checking school cafeterias as students return

(KCBD) School is back in session, so Lubbock health inspectors are busy checking out the cleanliness of your kid’s cafeteria, but that doesn’t slow down their other routine inspections. Want to know how your kid’s cafeteria scored? Just search for the school here.

Cypress Christian School celebrates new 130,000 square-foot campus

(Community Impact) Cypress Christian School in Cypress celebrated the ribbon-cutting of its newest campus in Bridgeland on Aug. 28 following over a year of construction.

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