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Aug. 30, 2024

Here are new laws that take effect in Texas on September 1

(My SA) One of them regulates social media for minors.

‘There is no choice’: Houston ISD teacher absences dropped in first year of HISD takeover

(Houston Chronicle) Teacher absences in Houston ISD dropped more than 20% to about 92,200 absences over the last academic year after state-appointed leadership cracked down on attendance. That absenteeism decline from nearly 117,600 the previous year followed state-appointed Superintendent Mike Miles’ directives in September 2023 requiring teachers to receive approval to use sick days and other time off, and a threat to fire educators who use more than the 10 days of leave allocated to them by the district and state. He said HISD had similar policies in the past but rarely enforced them.

Texas charter school network petitions court to release A-F school ratings

(Texas Public Radio) “We are standing up for the right of Texas families to access information they need to make decisions about their children’s education and for the public’s right to hold schools accountable for their performance,” IDEA Public Schools CEO and Superintendent Jeff Cottrill said in a statement released Thursday evening.

State Officials Join Lorena ISD Parents Demanding Accountability in Sex Abuse Scandal

(Texas Scorecard) SBOE members Pat Hardy and Evelyn Brooks spoke during Monday night’s school board meeting in Lorena Independent School District. Both addressed parents’ concerns over how reports of sexual abuse were handled by district administrators, including Lorena Primary School Principal April Jewell and Superintendent Joe Kucera. Hardy told the trustees “the children need to have justice.”

Fumbled goals: Collin County voters are saying no to pricey high school football stadiums

(Dallas Morning News) With its multimillion-dollar stadiums and state-of-the-art practice facilities, fast-growing Collin County has arguably invested more in high school football than anywhere else in the state or country, making it an attractive destination for coaches and families. But lofty proposals for stadiums and other athletic facilities have failed in recent bond elections, a sign that the level of investment could be slowing.

Group sues Texas over law banning state business with firms “boycotting” fossil fuels

(Texas Tribune) The lawsuit, filed in federal court, argues that the 2021 so-called “anti-ESG” law discriminates against specific political views.

McKinney ISD Lets Motion Against Biden’s Title IX Policy Die

(Dallas Express) During the first McKinney ISD school board meeting of the 2024-2025 school year, the board shot down a motion by Trustee Chad Green to pass a resolution opposing the Biden administration’s embattled pro-trans Title IX guidance.

Texas Association of School Boards Criticizes Tarrant County Tax Relief Plan

(Texas Scorecard) After the Tarrant Appraisal District Board of Directors revised how the county handles property appraisals, the Texas Association of School Boards has criticized their efforts to save taxpayers money. TASB criticized the changes in an email to members obtained by Texas Scorecard.

Former administrators say Fort Worth ISD’s superintendent hasn’t been given enough time to enact change

(NBC DFW) Former school administrators are weighing in on Mayor Mattie Parker’s criticism of Fort Worth ISD’s leadership, and poor test scores over the past several years. Parker says the district has not kept up with Dallas and Houston’s two other large urban districts. Several former superintendents told NBC 5 that two years is not enough time to see the change the mayor wants.

Will Fort Worth schools see a Houston ISD-style state takeover? Here’s what the law says

(Fort Worth Star-Telegram) When Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker called for a turnaround in the Fort Worth Independent School District this week, she pointed to the state takeover of Texas’ largest school district as an example of what can happen if academic performance doesn’t improve. But it’s hard to say exactly how likely a Houston ISD-style state takeover is in Fort Worth.

Katy ISD keeps doing Katy ISD things to library books | Opinion

(Off the Kuff) I suppose it’s useful to be reminded, as we slog our way through another Year Of Mike Miles, that the suburban school districts around us have their own unique set of dysfunctions.

Hays CISD board adopts lower tax rate, joins Texas Education Agency litigation

(Community Impact) The adopted tax rate is 0.2% lower than last year, and the litigation aims to ensure changes to the system are not unfairly impacting school districts’ performance or STAAR scores.

Frisco Mom Whose Son Was Found Poisoned, Unresponsive After School Seeks Answers

(Dallas Observer) After being found foaming at the mouth, 12-year-old Tristan Weekley doesn’t remember how any of this happened.

Aldine ISD mother raises concerns after child’s bus involved in accident, school did not notify parents

(Click 2 Houston) An Aldine Independent School District mother is seeking answers from the district after her child’s school bus was involved in an accident, and she was not informed about the incident by the school or transportation department.

Driver ran red light before hitting Spring Branch ISD school bus, causing it to flip, students say

(KTRK) Spring Branch ISD Police Chief Larry Baimbridge said the bus is equipped with a video camera and seatbelts, and it’s unclear if all students were wearing them. He confirmed that no one was ejected during the crash. A student on board the bus told Eyewitness News she saw the Toyota run a red light before hitting the bus. One student was taken to the hospital for a minor wrist injury. The driver of the car was also taken to a hospital.

UPDATE: Parents view video of Dallas ISD preschooler left alone on school bus for hours

(NBC DFW) Dallas ISD was “appalled” and confirmed an investigation was underway after a nonverbal 4-year-old was left alone on a school bus for hours Tuesday.

Heat impact on San Angelo ISD transportation

(KLST) San Angelo ISD Transportation Director Lee Livingston said, “Anytime you have sunlight coming through the glass, it can be magnified.” The large windshields on most buses increase the temperature inside. Even with running air conditioning, the extreme temperatures can strain the systems, requiring more maintenance trips. SAISD wants to make sure drivers are prepared in any weather condition. Drivers are required to be re-certified every three years and part of that training is driving in adverse conditions.

Austin ISD high school student brought gun to school: district

(Fox 7 Austin) In a letter to parents, Akins High School principal Michael Herbin said staff received credible information that a student was in possession of a firearm. Officers found the student who they say was armed with a gun. No other information was released.

New Donna ISD welding shop is a beacon of opportunity for students

(myRGV) Donna North High welding students no longer have to get bussed to Donna High for their classes with the addition of a new state-of-the-art welding welding facility right on their campus.

Edgewood ISD works to help fill open teacher positions with new program

(Fox SA Puro) EISD’s ‘Grow your Own’ program. It started in the 2022 to 2023 school year to recruit instructional aides, paraprofessionals or long-term substitutes to help fill teacher vacancies. So far, it’s brought in eight participants, bringing EISD’s teacher vacancies down to 13.

Clear Creek ISD trustees approve $17M for visual, performing arts equipment

(Community Impact) The $17 million contract will provide a purchasing method for the district’s art, music, band, dance and theater programs beginning Sept. 1, according to CCISD agenda documents.

Texas A&M University in Texarkana sees record enrollment

(KSLA) According to President Dr. Ross Alexander, they have seen a 15 percent increase in students on campus. “That positions us as one of, if not the fastest university growing in the state and region and in every enrollment type,” he said.

Texas A&M dedicates $1.1 million to fight food insecurity on campus

(KRHD) The 12th Can food pantry will receive $125,000 yearly for the next 10 years to help feed all Aggies. Up to 19% of A&M students, nearly 14,000 Aggies, faced food insecurity in 2021, according to the Division of Student Affairs.

College boom in D-FW: new campuses, technology, programs

(Dallas Morning News) Texas universities are expanding their footprint in North Texas through new buildings and programs aimed at meeting industry needs.

Paxton takes Dallas to court over gun ban at State Fair

(Texas Tribune) With the State Fair opening in less than a month, the Attorney General is asking a Dallas County judge to overturn the ban on guns.

Judge shields second border aid group from deeper questioning in Texas investigation

(AP) A Texas judge on Thursday shielded another migrant aid group from deeper questioning as part of a growing Republican-led investigation into organizations that help immigrants who cross the U.S.-Mexico border.

Mpox declared a global health emergency; 3 cases reported in San Antonio this year

(San Antonio Report) Mpox, formerly called monkeypox, is a viral infection that can spread between people through direct contact with infectious rashes, scabs or body fluids, and through close or skin-to-skin contact.

Plano gives incentives for multibillion-dollar life science campus at former EDS site

(Dallas Morning News) Plano City Council on Monday approved a development agreement to support The Texas Research Quarter project, a new life sciences and medical center slated to occupy a 91-acre campus once home to H. Ross Perot Sr.’s Electronic Data Systems. Plano councilors approved up to $15 million to reimburse NexPoint for the redevelopment. The funds will come from a recently created tax increment reinvestment zone that covers a portion of the Legacy Business Park area.

Texas Children’s Hospital financial struggles worsened in recent months, new disclosure shows

(Houston Chronicle) Financial struggles at Texas Children’s Hospital worsened in recent months after the organization lost millions in revenue from a drop in Medicaid patients and rising expenses, according to a new financial disclosure filed Aug. 15.

Man, 51, accused of killing Nepali college student Muna Pandey during attempted robbery

(Houston Chronicle) A man was arrested late Wednesday night and charged with capital murder in connection to the death of Muna Pandey, a 21-year-old Houston Community College student, court records show.

Aug. 29, 2024

Right-Wing Group Funded by Project 2025 Megadonors Targets North Texas Educators

(Dallas Observer) Hidden cameras were used to identify educators Accuracy in Media (AIM) claims are subverting Texas’ ban on critical race theory.

Retired FBI agent identified as man killed in shooting at high school in El Paso, Texas

(USA Today) Retired FBI agent Julio Cordero, 56 has been identified by his family as the man killed during a confrontation with a high school police officer in El Paso, Texas. An El Paso Independent School District police officer fatally shot Cordero during a confrontation before 6 a.m. last Thursday when Cordero was reportedly breaking windows before the start of classes at Franklin High School, where his family said his son is a senior.

Texans encouraged to report suspected voting violations through AG Ken Paxton’s new effort

(Dallas Morning News) Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton launched an email address Wednesday for the public to submit tips about possible election law violations in the lead-up to November’s elections. The attorney general issued guidance highlighting that a voter must be a U.S. citizen and Texas resident to cast a legal ballot and that vote harvesting, a process in which third parties collect and deliver ballots, is a felony.

Ransomware attacks on schools threaten student data nationwide

(CBS News) Ransomware attackers targeted the Allen Independent School District in Texas in 2021. The district refused to answer any questions about the incident and told reporters to file a public records request. In response to a public records request by CBS News, Allen ISD then refused to provide documents and instead filed a letter with the Texas Attorney General’s Office, citing multiple exceptions.

Texas Comptroller Releases Study on Housing Affordability Challenges

(Texas Scorecard) The report details how government regulation has diminished the number of units built over the last fifteen years.

Texas districts build their own housing to tackle affordability

(KXAN) The Pecos-Barstow-Toyah Independent School District, which is based in the town of Pecos in Reeves County in West Texas, built a 64-unit apartment complex to offer a more affordable housing option to its teachers, a solution that came up this week in a new report released by the state about this growing problem. Larger school districts in Texas are also pursuing similar developments. Austin ISD would like to build two apartment complexes for teachers at the Anita Ferrales Coy campus, which currently houses an alternative learning center in east Austin.

High-end facilities make Collin County a hot spot for Texas high school football coaches

(Dallas Morning News) The affluent area north of Dallas has become one of the premiere destinations for HSFB coaches to compete for a state championship.

Dan Patrick starts Texas Senate leadership political action committee

(Texas Tribune) New group plans to support policy goals of the conservative Senate majority.

Librarian’s wrongful termination lawsuit against Llano County can move forward, judge rules

(Austin American-Statesman) Suzette Baker, who was head librarian at a county library in Kingsland, filed the lawsuit in March and accused Llano County of firing her in 2022 because she refused to remove books that a group of activists deemed inappropriate for children, some of which focused on race and LGBTQ+ experiences. U.S. District Judge Robert Pitman denied Llano County’s motion to dismiss the lawsuit, allowing the case to advance toward a potential trial in Austin. The litigation could prove costly for Llano County as it simultaneously defends itself against another federal lawsuit over the book removals.

Will Fort Worth ISD’s superintendent stay? Mayor unsure, says district needs leadership

(Fort Worth Report) Mayor Mattie Parker sees Fort Worth ISD facing a leadership vacuum as the school board and superintendent work through a strained relationship. Parker called for trustees to step up and put in place a plan to turn around Fort Worth ISD during a letter and speech issued at the Aug. 27 school board meeting.

Trustees for San Antonio’s Northside ISD approve $93.8 million deficit budget

(Texas Public Radio) Trustee Carol Harle said the board made a tough budget year harder by asking to give staff a retention bonus and a 2% raise. “It angers me that we couldn’t squeeze out anymore,” Harle said.

Houston Democrats to Mike Miles: We will not ‘get out of the way’

(Houston Chronicle) After much-maligned Houston Independent School District (HISD) superintendent Mike Miles told lawmakers to “lead, follow, or get out of the way,” a group of Texas Democrats fired back: No.

New poll shows less support for $4.4 billion Houston ISD bond than prior survey

(Houston Landing) Just days apart, two polls related to Houston ISD’s proposed $4.4 billion school bond forecast clashing results, with a new survey released by the Texas American Federation of Teachers suggesting voters might reject the record-breaking package. The results arrive five days after Rice University’s Kinder Institute for Urban Research released a poll showing nearly three-quarters of about 1,900 HISD residents would back a school bond package that does not raise property tax rates.

HISD audit committee reverses decision to hold meetings privately ‘in response to public feedback’

(Houston Chronicle) The Chronicle first reported Friday that the three-member committee had stopped holding public meetings after more than 17 years. Less than a week later, the committee announced that going forward, members of the public will be able to attend future meetings at Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center, and it will announce meetings dates and times at least 72 hours in advance.

HISD football games relocated to Barnett and Butler stadiums due to damage from Beryl and derecho

(Houston Chronicle) Some fall sports games were relocated away from Delmar, Dyer and Cowart stadiums due to May derecho and Hurricane Beryl damage, Houston ISD said.

Houston ISD begins offering ‘Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence’ class for high school students

(Houston Chronicle) Houston ISD has introduced a new “Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence” elective for thousands of high school juniors and seniors during the 2024-25 academic year. 

‘This event is fire’ | James Harden’s foundation stocks items in RAK room in HISD

(KHOU) Former Rockets star James Harden was back in Houston for his J. H-Town weekend. On Thursday, he cut a ribbon, then revealed a “RAK room” at HISD’s Francis Scott Key Middle School. RAK stands for Random Acts of Kindness. Harden’s foundation stocked the room with stuff that students can earn for good grades and positive behavior. 

New details released in teen’s terroristic threat to attack Austin ISD school

(Fox 7 Austin) Giana Castillo, 17, is charged with terroristic threat. She’s accused of planning an attack on Graham Elementary, which she previously attended. Authorities say a tipster saw Castillo’s post on Instagram about planning an active shooter event and idolizing past shooters. Investigators traced the IP address.

Nacogdoches ISD working on SMART Tag app issues to address parent concerns

(KTRE) An app used to track and predict the arrival of Nacogdoches ISD school buses is raising concerns among parents with estimations of up to an hour off.

Dallas ISD preschooler left alone on school bus for hours

(NBC DFW) Dallas ISD “appalled” and confirmed investigation underway after non-verbal 4-year-old was left on a school bus Tuesday.

Panhandle school districts working to combat bus driver shortage

(KFDA) Several Panhandle school districts are working to find new ways to combat a shortage of bus drivers.

Brownsville’s TSC launches criminal justice partnership with Sam Houston State

(myRGV) Texas Southmost College officially launched a criminal justice program partnership with Sam Houston State University, opening the way for TSC students to earn degrees at SHSU while completing most of their coursework in Brownsville.

El Paso Community College’s little-known family programs, services aim to help students with children finish college   

(El Paso Matters) Lucia M. Rodriguez, director of El Paso Community College’s Office of Student Success, said the college offers a variety of programs is to lessen – if not eliminate – the obstacles many student-parents face as they try to earn a degree or credential.

Tyler ISD schools prepare for 34th annual ‘pantry raid’

(KLTV) Last year students raised 144,545 meals. Tyler High and Tyler Legacy students will collect food and funds over the next two weeks. Monetary donations will support ETFB’s programs that serve Tyler ISD students, such as the BackPack Program. More than 13,000 East Texas children receive backpacks every weekend filled with nutritious, kid-friendly food to help last them until Monday morning.

Medical examiners release details in murder-suicide at Rice University

(Houston Chronicle) The 21-year-old pre-law student Andrea Rodriguez Avila was shot multiple times Monday, according to the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences. Agency records identified Habeneyom Belai, who was not a Rice student, as the man who police found in the same dorm room with an apparent gunshot wound to the head.

Grandmother of 9-month-old baby who died in a hot vehicle taken into custody

(KRIS) “She failed to check her back seat, she forgot the child was there and didn’t discover the child until 4 o’clock that afternoon,” Beeville Police Chief Behr said.

Judge stops federal program for migrant agricultural workers

(The Center Square) Attorneys general from 17 states (including Texas) are suing to stop the federal government from implementing a program they say gives migrant agricultural workers rights that American citizens working farm jobs do not have.

Allen Police raid 9 vape shops over sale of “potent” THC products to youth

(CBS Dallas) In vape shops across the city of Allen, officers scooped up evidence and marched out business owners in handcuffs.

Cannabis lawyer says DEA ‘overstepped their authority’ in Texas smoke shop raids

(LoneStar Live) San Marcos attorney David Sergi, who represents the Allen Hemp Coalition, said in an emailed statement: “There is a right way and a wrong way under Texas law to deal with products that may be out of compliance,” noting that law enforcement officers “have gone down the completely wrong path and will be held accountable” for the recent raids in Allen.

Aug. 28, 2024

Corsicana ISD assistant principal says she was blinded by ‘irate’ student

(Dallas Morning News) A Corsicana Independent School District administrator said her right eye was knocked out of its socket after a student threw a wooden hanger at her during the first week of school. (Watch news conference)

Uvalde CISD Moving Forward Foundation receives $10 million donation for new elementary school

(KSAT) Kate Marmion Charitable Foundation’s donation will help close fundraising gap to get school built. In addition to the donation, the Kate Marmion Charitable Foundation will match another $5 million in donations.

UPDATED: Motion To Prohibit ‘Boy DNA’ from Girls’ Restrooms in McKinney ISD Fails

(Dallas Observer) School board meetings in Texas have turned into Can’t Miss TV.

Katy ISD to remove, restrict library books about gender fluidity

(Community Impact) The revision, approved at the Aug. 26 school board meeting, will remove books in elementary and junior high libraries that contain material “adopting, supporting or promoting gender fluidity.” The policy also requires parents of high school students to opt-in if they’d like their child to access the material, according to the policy. It also requires material vendors to follow the guidelines, including vendors selected for book fairs, according to the policy.

‘We are out of money’: Lubbock ISD to raise employee health premiums

(Lubbock Avalanche-Journal) The Lubbock ISD Board of Trustees voted to approve next year’s employee premiums for the district’s self-funded heath plans, all of which will increase in January. Under the initial proposal, premiums in some cases would be more than double the current cost, but the board opted to divide those increases over two years.

Far more teachers in Texas are getting state-funded bonuses. Here are the districts leading the way

(San Antonio Express-News) Nearly 25,000 Texas public school teachers received pay adjustments last year through a $285 million state program called the Teacher Incentive Allotment, a big jump but still a small percentage of the roughly 375,000 teachers employed statewide, according to newly released records. 

Mayor Parker calls Fort Worth ISD ‘unacceptable,’ pushes for turnaround plan

(Fort Worth Report) Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker voiced dissatisfaction with the lackluster and stagnant state of Fort Worth ISD in an Aug. 27 letter and speech to the school board.

Fort Worth ISD votes to combine two schools to save money

(WFAA) After a months-long feasibility study and community input, the Fort Worth ISD school board voted to approve combining the two schools to save money at their meeting on Tuesday.

Dallas ISD enrollment numbers hold steady after 9 years of decline

(KERA) “We had 139,138 scholars,” Dallas Superintendent Stephanie Elizalde said. “That represents an increase of nearly 2,800 students over last year on the same day and more than 1,500 students over our projection.”

This HISD teacher isn’t working, but she’s still getting paid. Here’s why she says the district is holding her out

(KHOU) A Houston Independent School District teacher said her role remains in limbo after the district tried to terminate her but wasn’t able to do it. Michelle Williams said she’s not backing down. She’s a longtime educator who was also recently the president of the Houston Education Association, a local teachers union.

Texas A&M leaders think a 5-year pause in enrollment growth will buy time to correct crowding issues

(Houston Chronicle) A Texas A&M University committee has recommended a five-year pause on enrollment growth at the College Station campus, following a decade of expansion that saw the student population hit a record 71,000 while many facilities, transportation and support services failed to keep pace.

Austin ISD receives $15M grant toward solar power

(Community Impact) Austin ISD is the only school district in Texas that will receive a federal grant to be used toward solar panels on school campuses. District officials said the grant would impact 15 schools—14 of which will receive rooftop solar panels, and four will receive building automation controls.

EPISD’s new app has parents and teachers concerned about privacy

(KVIA) El Paso Independent School District has launched a new app to improve communications between parents and teachers. El Paso ISD in partnership with Apptegy, an EdTech vendor that provides software products, including its Rooms platform which allows parents to communicate with teachers. One parent, Mindy Sutton says when she logs into the app it shows a man she doesn’t know listed as her daughter’s guardian. Sutton isn’t alone, teachers also say they are listed as guardians on other students profiles.

High school football coach arrested after allegedly reporting a prostitute for theft

(WKRC) A high school football coach was arrested after he allegedly called the police to report a prostitute had stolen money from him. The Laredo Morning Times reported Rolando Ramos was a quarterbacks coach for the Laredo ISD Cigarroa High School Toros football team.

East Texas agriculture teacher charged with animal cruelty after video allegedly shows students stapling cat’s incision

(KAGS) Emily Marie Benner, 25, was booked into the Anderson County Jail on Sunday and released the same day on a $7,500 bond. Benner was arrested Sunday for cruelty to non-livestock animals after what Westwood ISD called a “deeply troubling” classroom incident on Friday. CBS19 obtained a copy of the video of the alleged incident. The video is graphic in nature and we are choosing not to share it online or broadcast it on television.

Here’s what we know about the Rice University student found shot to death in her campus dorm in apparent murder-suicide

(KHOU) Andrea Rodriguez Avila, 21, was a junior, pre-law student at Rice University majoring in political science. Rice University Police Chief Clemete Rodriguez said it appears Avila let the 22-year-old shooter inside and that the shooter left a note behind detailing his troubled relationship with Avila. The two had been dating, according to the Houston Police Department.

North Texas youth cheer group president spent stolen $20K on food, liquor, retail stores and more: warrant

(Fox 4 KDFW) Authorities say Ashley Nicole Boston embezzled nearly $20,000 from the Maypearl Youth Cheer Association, the group she used to run.

Video shows Texas students pleading with bus driver to keep windows open on scorching day

(NBC News) The Sealy Independent School District says the driver was operating at a safe speed for a dirt road and denied she was trying to punish the children.

North Texas high school student arrested for bringing weapon to school, officials say

(WFAA) A student was arrested at Arlington Heights High School in Fort Worth ISD after the student was found to have a weapon on campus, according to school officials and police. According to a Fort Worth police report, school staff reported smelling marijuana in one of the restrooms on the campus in the 4500 block of W. Freeway and the weapon was found during a search of a 16-year-old student’s property.

Parents say student discharged pepper spray at North Loop Elementary

(KVIA) Parents at Ysleta ISD’s North Loop Elementary School in the Lower Valley are frustrated with the school’s administration after the parents said a student discharged pepper spray at other students last week.

The debt trap: Navigating financial planning

(Daily Texan) Brian Dixon, vice provost of enrollment management at UT, said a dangerously common misconception is that “loans are free money, they don’t have to get paid back … loans won’t affect (students’) future financial health.”

Aug. 27, 2024

Why Texas has removed 1.1 million names from voter rolls after controversial 2021 state law

(Austin American-Statesman) More than 1.1 million names have been removed from Texas’ voter rolls since the enactment of the 2021 law that prompted a mass walkout by state House Democrats who warned that the measure would result in widespread suppression at the ballot box.

A Fox News host’s debunked election conspiracy appears to have prompted a state investigation

(Texas Tribune) The Fox News host who shared the allegation online has previously shared election misinformation.

After Raids On Members, LULAC Calls For DOJ Investigation

(Texas Signal Media Foundation) Roman Palomares, the national president for LULAC called the searches “point blank voter intimidation.” He also said that the raids would create a chilling effect means to “stifle” the Latino vote.

They settled in Houston after Katrina — and then faced a political storm

(Grist) The backlash against an effort to resettle 200,000 evacuees holds lessons for future disasters.

Texas State Police Gear Up for Massive Expansion of Surveillance Tech

(Texas Observer) DPS plans to spend millions in taxpayer dollars on a controversial software, used first as part of Governor Abbott’s border crackdown, to “disrupt potential domestic terrorism.”

Texas lawmaker floats starting school year later to reduce ‘wasteful stress’ on power grid

(KXAN) State Rep. Jared Patterson, R-Frisco, wrote on his X account that he may introduce legislation next year aimed at pushing back the start of the school year as a way to reduce “awfully wasteful stress on our power grid,” according to a social media post this weekend.

Westwood ISD teacher accused of ‘troubling’ classroom incident involving animal

(KLTV) Emily Marie Benner, 25, of Oakwood, was arrested Sunday by Westwood ISD PD for cruelty to non-livestock animals after what the school called a “deeply troubling” classroom incident on Friday.

Rice University officials: 2 dead in apparent murder-suicide, Tuesday classes canceled

(Houston Landing) Rice leaders said Andrea Rodriguez Avila, a junior at the university, was found dead of a gunshot wound Monday afternoon at Jones College, a residential dormitory home to undergraduate students. A man unaffiliated with the university, who hasn’t been named, was also discovered dead at the scene of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. 

Fort Bend ISD approves new library policy that gives the superintendent sole power to ban books

(KTRK) The fight over library books is center stage at Fort Bend ISD. On Monday, the school board approved a policy that would allow the superintendent to remove books instead of a five-person committee.

‘Unintended consequences’: Conroe ISD board to alter book review policy after 25 A.P. books banned

(Click 2 Houston) Click 2 The board will vote on revising the policy at its September board meeting.

Corsicana ISD assistant principal recovering at home after student causes severe eye injury

(Fox 4 KDFW) Collins Intermediate School Assistant Principal Candra Rogers said she is leaning on her faith as she recovers from a severe eye injury caused by a student during the first week of school.

Federal civil rights complaint against Fort Worth ISD gets backing from a dozen groups

(Fort Worth Star-Telegram) Twelve organizations have banded together to send a demand letter to Fort Worth Independent School District leadership, uplifting a federal civil rights complaint filed last week that accuses the district of racial discrimination by way of its COVID-19 relief spending.

Magnolia ISD Backs Down, Allows USA Football Game Theme

(Texas Scorecard) The district administration had reportedly told students patriotic themes would be “too political.”

There have been at least 2 North Texas school threats just weeks into the new year

(KERA) School administrators at Solar Prep for Boys in Old East Dallas found a gun in the backpack of an elementary student before school, according to DISD communications chief Robyn Harris. The boy was flagged after a tip from another student. Meanwhile 30 miles northwest of Dallas, Carroll ISD warned school district families that it learned of a threat online through its STOPit reporting system. No particular campus was named, but district officials were working to uncover who made the threats.

More than 40 Houston ISD schools did not have at least one nurse at the end of last academic year

(Houston Chronicle) About 20 Houston ISD school nurse jobs need to be filled, the district said Monday, despite recruiting efforts ongoing, including a virtual career information session hosted by the district’s Health and Medical department the week before classes started. That’s around triple the number of openings at this point last school year, after former Superintendent Millard House II prioritized making sure each HISD campus had a nurse prior to the state takeover in June 2023 — a regime change that some fear might be making it harder to attract and retain qualified employees.

East Texas schools implementing new fan ejection policy

(KLTV) For several schools, the policy states the following: “Beginning with the 2024-2025 school year, if a spectator is ejected from any extracurricular event in any participating district twice during the school year they will be banned from all extracurricular events (home and away) for one calendar year from the date of the second ejection.”

Hays CISD teachers surprised with $15K donation during back-to-school celebration

(Fox 7 Austin) The donation was made as part of Subaru Loves Learning, a national program that helps provide funding for teachers across the country.

With a school like Jesuit competing in UIL, why is the organization separate from TAPPS?

(Dallas Morning News) In 2003, Jesuit and Houston Strake Jesuit became the only private schools to ever be allowed into the University Interscholastic League after years of resistance from public schools. UIL officials acknowledged at the time that they were making the change in part because of a federal lawsuit filed by Jesuit and because they were worried that the lawsuit could result in a court order requiring even more private schools to be admitted.

Lufkin ISD to offer class on ‘Raising Highly Capable Kids’

(KTRE) Carla Owen, the family engagement specialist for Lufkin ISD, explains the goal of the program and how parents can benefit from the 13 week class.

Boerne welcomes home its Little League ballplayers with a parade and fun in Main Plaza

(Texas Public Radio) It was an accomplishment as big as Texas, but it was a team from tiny Boerne that almost pulled off becoming the world’s greatest Little League team.

UT claims pro-Palestine protests-related academic freedom evaluation omits critical information

(Daily Texan) The University said that criticisms from an academic freedom evaluation omitted “critical information” and contained several inaccuracies in an Aug. 20 letter. 

University upholds sanctions on pro-Palestine protesters

(Daily Texan) University spokesperson Mike Rosenn said the University could not answer specific questions about why non-individual evidence was included in some students’ disciplinary proceedings due to federal privacy law.

UT Outpost raises 43 tons of food to fight food insecurity on campus

(Daily Texan) The UT Outpost, the university’s food pantry, distributed 43 tons of food to students last academic year, according to the Division of Student Affairs’ Annual Impact Report, marking an approximate three-times increase since 2022.

Pro-Palestinian protesters at UH struggle to find optimal protesting space under campus rules

(Houston Chronicle) More than a dozen University of Houston students parked themselves at the top of a stairwell that doubles as a common seating area, some of them wearing keffiyehs to make their presence known after school officials on Monday barred them from holding an instructional program at the gathering space.  

No, University of Texas didn’t pull scholarships from all student athletes who knelt during anthem

(Politifact) Claims that a Texas university is punishing student-athletes for kneeling during the national anthem are going viral on social media, but they aren’t accurate.

Texas A&M-San Antonio breaks enrollment record for Fall 2024 semester

(San Antonio Current) Word of TAMUSA’s record enrollment comes less than a week after UTSA and UT Health announced plans to merge.

Record setting: UTRGV marks return to classes with highest enrollment ever

(myRGV) The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley in its ninth year posted the institution’s highest first day enrollment ever with 34,343 students and the largest incoming freshman class of 6,962.

Texas State Univ. begins fall semester with largest freshman class in its history

(KEYE) On Monday, August 26, Texas State University in San Marcos begins its 2024 Fall Semester welcoming approximately 8,300 freshmen students, its biggest freshman class ever. Many of the new freshmen arriving on campus are also the first in their family to go to college.

A child care shortage in Military City USA? JBSA and the city are trying to add more options

(San Antonio Report) A new partnership between Joint Base San Antonio and Pre-K 4 SA promises to expand and add unconventional child care options for military families left to wait.

On sacred ground: Fort Bend breaks ground on historic African American Memorial

(Houston Landing) The project, funded by previous county park bonds, will feature tributes such as a three-story monument, walking trails and reflection spaces, as well as 95 trees to represent the Sugar Land 95, a site where the remains of 95 African Americans were discovered during the construction of a Fort Bend ISD technical school. 

Phillis Wheatley mural in South Dallas celebrates poet, abolitionist

(Fox 4 KDFW) A mural of famous African American poet and abolitionist Phillis Wheatley now adorns an exterior wall and staircase at the South Dallas school building that carries her name.

Aug. 26, 2024

Texas high school coaches call for UIL rule changes amid staggering number of transfers

(Dallas Morning News) “We fully intend to bring some changes to the process,” UIL deputy director Jamey Harrison said when talking about the transfer rules.

UIL has been a mainstay in the Texas high school landscape since 1910. How does it work?

(Dallas Morning News) Unwrapping what the UIL is, what purposes it serves in Texas high school sports, how the organization is funded and more.

Austin ISD, Disability Rights Texas settle lawsuit over special education services backlog

(Austin American-Statesman) The Austin school district and Disability Rights Texas have reached a settlement agreement over a 2021 lawsuit in which the disabilities advocacy nonprofit accused the district of failing to provide timely special education services to five students. Neither the district nor the nonprofit had released details about the settlement as of Friday.

High-stakes TEA ranking battle: Texas voucher bolster or valued tool?

(MySA) Texas rep says letter gradings can be damaging to students.

Texas chief who called Uvalde response ‘abject failure’ but defended his state police is retiring

(AP) Texas’ state police chief who came under scrutiny over the hesitant response to the Robb Elementary school shooting in 2022 and has overseen Republican Gov. Greg Abbott’s aggressive efforts to stop migrant crossings on the U.S.-Mexico border said Friday he will retire at the end of the year.

Did a home for people with intellectual disabilities poison a child? Could Texas have prevented it?

(Texas Public Radio) The child, in the custody of the State of Texas, was allegedly slowly poisoned while living in Sugar Land homes operated by Maofu Home Health Services, according to a complaint to the state.

Neighbors react as Calvert ISD closes campus due to spike in COVID cases

(KRHD) Calvert ISD cancelled school on Wednesday due to a rise in COVID cases in the district.

Built to battle ‘woke’ academia, a new Texas school takes on fresh relevance after Oct. 7

(Times of Israel) AUSTIN, Texas – According to founding president Pano Kanelos, the University of Austin, or UATX, aims to address the perceived decline in intellectual freedom and prioritization of knowledge at established universities, with an emphasis on open inquiry, critical thinking, respectful, vigorous debate, and persuasive writing.

24 Dallas schools got an ‘F’ last year. How will Dallas ISD fix them?

(KERA) “Our process moving forward is simply to work on the things that did produce growth and align the curriculum a little more tightly to the assessment,” Dallas Superintendent Stephanie Elizalde told KERA.

Texas election transparency law may be undermining ballot secrecy

(Houston Public Media) Former Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill argues that HB 5180, a measure designed to root out voter fraud, raises the risk of intimidation or even violence against people who have their information exposed.

T3 Partnership hires Fort Worth ISD chief to boost career readiness across city

(Fort Worth Report) David Saenz has helped build Fort Worth ISD’s career readiness programs. Now, the former Fort Worth ISD administrator is in a new position, working to ensure all school districts that serve the city can best set up their students for success after high school graduation.

State Rep. Harrison Busts School Funding Myths, Pushes for Fiscal Responsibility

(Texas Scorecard) The lawmaker pointed to sharp increases in per-pupil spending and administrative staff positions in Texas schools over the last decade.

HISD Superintendent Mike Miles urges Democratic lawmakers to ‘lead, follow, or get out of the way’

(Houston Chronicle) The letter calls for lawmakers to “put aside the politics of grievance and divisiveness” and join him in celebrating the district’s “miraculous” results on the Texas Education Agency’s unofficial 2024 accountability results, where 55 schools jumped from a D or F rating in unofficial 2023 ratings to an A or B this year. 

Houston ISD’s audit committee has held public meetings for more than 17 years. It no longer will

(Houston Chronicle) Houston ISD’s audit committee — a group of appointed board members who say they are committed to transparency and oversight of the district — will no longer be meeting publicly after more than 17 years of open meetings.

Hays CISD implements seat belt campaign, waiting on 40 new buses

(Community Impact) As the district awaits the delivery of 40 new buses with seat belts, the transportation department has implemented a “Seatbelt is Your Buddy” seat belt campaign to remind and encourage students to wear their seat belts on the bus.

Denton ISD bus driver no longer with the district after accusation of ‘driving erratically’

(NBC DFW) No students were harmed, the district says, after receiving reports of a school bus driver driving erratically Tuesday.

3-year-old pre-K student ‘sad’ after New Braunfels ISD transportation issues

(KSAT) A three-year-old New Braunfels ISD student didn’t make it home on her normal bus route two days in a row. The school district is now investigating the second incident, as she was left sitting on a bus after all the other students got off.

UT System prohibits its universities from making political or social statements

(Texas Tribune) The new policy says universities should remain neutral on “issues of the day” while allowing students, faculty and staff to express their ideas.

Institutional neutrality implemented at USC, Purdue, Johns Hopkins, U. Texas system

(The College Fix) The policy has been implemented at numerous top-tier universities in recent weeks, a trend that shows administrators are likely becoming weary of taking sides on hot button topics, thereby upsetting donors, alumni, lawmakers and students.

LULAC calls for federal probe as members targeted in AG Ken Paxton’s search for voter fraud

(Austin American-Statesman) The League of United Latin American Citizens in Texas is calling for a federal investigation into an effort by state Attorney General Ken Paxton’s office to ferret out illegal voter registration operations, which the civil rights group argues is meant to disenfranchise Latino voters via “police state tactics.”

Local education foundations help fill school funding gaps in Lakeway, Westlake

(Community Impact) As many Central Texas school districts face financial hurdles amid stagnant state funding, local education foundations are stepping up to fill in the gaps.

Military spouses in San Antonio ask legislators to ease process to transfer professional licenses

(Texas Public Radio) Among the problems — a variety of professionals, including teachers and cosmetologists, need state-issued licenses to work. Getting a new one every time their military partner is transferred to a different state can be complicated.

Several Texas schools adopt cell phone bans in classroom. Here’s a list

(Austin American-Statesman) According to the PEW Research Center, 82% of K-12 teachers in the U.S. say their school or district has a cellphone policy, broken down by 94% of middle school teachers, 84% of elementary and 7% of high school teachers. Here is what some Texas school districts are trying.

Data centers replacing Medina County farmland, putting strain on resources and nerves

(San Antonio Report) The combination of cheap, available land and abundant energy resources is attracting companies like Microsoft to build data centers in the county, said Medina County Judge Keith Lutz. The state also offers tax breaks to qualifying data centers, including a temporary sales tax exemption and other incentives.

Warriors weep: McAllen sheds tears, grieves for Nikki Rowe students at memorial

(myRGV) McALLEN — School students, faculty and the community gathered here Friday evening to cherish two fallen Nikki Rowe warriors, Adan De La Cruz and Kevin Uriel Martinez with hundreds in attendance, showing support and unity during a time of grieving in the city.

Man picked up 15-year-old walking home from school, offered her money for sex, Royse City Police say

(Fox 4 KDFW) 44-year-old Daniel Leek was arrested and charged with human trafficking and solicitation of prostitution from a minor.

Teen charged with felony after alleged threat against Austin elementary school

(KUT) A teenager has been charged with a third-degree felony for allegedly threatening violence at Graham Elementary School. Giana Castillo, 17, was taken into custody Tuesday and charged with one count of making a terroristic threat. Seventeen-year-olds can be tried as adults in Texas.

Texas cheerleader’s alleged shooter indicted by Bastrop County grand jury

(Fox 7 Austin) The grand jury indicted Pedro Tello-Rodriguez on charges of third-degree felony deadly conduct discharging a firearm and second-degree felony aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

Adidas Signs Six Student-Athletes From Texas Tech, the Alma Mater of Patrick Mahomes, to NIL Deals

(Footwear News) The athletes Adidas signed to comprise the inaugural cohort of Team Mahomes include Micah Hudson (football), NiJaree Canady (softball), Jasmine Shavers (basketball), Matthew Comegys (golf), Sam Courtright (soccer) and TJ Pompey (baseball). Adidas said in a statement that the student-athletes will participate in brand marketing campaigns, including those for Mahomes’ signature shoe and apparel line.

As students rush sororities, UTPD reports more incidents involving unhoused population

(KVUE) More students are returning to Austin for the start of the school year at the University of Texas. But that return also means more encounters with the unhoused population in West Campus.

Will free tuition help more students pursue higher ed? Austin Community College hopes so

(KUT) The pilot program offers free tuition to local high school grads.

Elon Musk is moving X and SpaceX to Texas—the impact on staff culture and performance is likely to be big

(Tech Xplore) The move to Texas is likely to affect the workforce in terms of job satisfaction, empowerment and training opportunities.

Aviation business, Angelina College partnership included in LEDC’s airport hangar plans

(KTRE) The expansion of the company will also bring 25 to 30 jobs. he aviation company will also partner with Angelina College, and create a new aviation repair curriculum for students.

BBB warns citizens of two companies targeting college students

(KAUZ) A company called “Get Course Done” claims to guarantee students an “A” in their coursework.

Halliburton’s North Houston Campus Affected by Cyberattack: Report

(Benzinga) The attack affected operations at Halliburton’s north Houston campus, and some global connectivity networks, reported Reuters.

Jolly Rancher Popsicles Recalled Nationwide,137,000 Cases Pose Risk

(Newsweek) A news release issued by the FDA on August 21 said the popsicles are often sold through channels “such as ice cream trucks, concession stands, and grab-and-go freezers.”

Aug. 23, 2024

Mother of Robb victim recounts day of school shooting on DNC stage

(KENS) In a sobering portion of the Democratic National Convention’s final night, Kimberly Mata-Rubio, whose child was one of the 21 Uvalde school shooting victims, joined with others to share how gun violence has impacted them.

UT San Antonio and UT Health San Antonio will merge into one institution

(Texas Tribune) The UT System hopes to combine the two institutions by 2025, making it the third largest public research university in the state.

A North Texas college donated land to a Christian school. State and federal laws prohibit such gifts, experts say

(Texas Tribune) After publicly posting only that Weatherford College’s board would meet to discuss property, members emerged from behind closed doors in November 2022 and voted unanimously to give a 38-acre property to Community Christian School. The property was valued at more than $2 million, according to the county’s appraisal district.

School choice and a history of segregation collide as one Florida county shutters its rural schools

(AP) Tens of thousands of students have left Florida’s public schools in recent years amid an explosive expansion in school choice. Now, districts large and small are grappling with the harsh financial realities of empty seats in aging classrooms. As some districts are being forced to close schools, administrators are facing another long-avoided reckoning: how to integrate students in buildings that remain racially and economically segregated.

Houston council members ‘shocked’ at what they heard from the teachers’ union regarding HISD

(KTRK) A city council meeting left some members stunned at what they heard from the teachers’ union and parents just days after school started.

East Texas school nurse sees increase in illnesses during back-to-school season

(CBS 19) Longview ISD nurses are sending roughly four to five kids home per day due to some sort of illness, including strep throat, COVID-19 and even the stomach flu.

Keller ISD adopts revision on ‘Student Identification’ policy

(NBC DFW) A group of Keller ISD students and parents are speaking out against a policy they say targets gay and trans students. District leaders Thursday night unanimously approved a revision that requires parental notification if a child decides to use names or pronouns not assigned at birth.

Arlington joins Fort Worth in protest of Tarrant reappraisal plan, budget

(Fort Worth Report) “I don’t see this appraisal plan as having had adequate consideration at all,” board President Justin Chapa said at an Aug. 22 board meeting. “I know some people are selling it as an unmitigated good for the taxpayers, I haven’t seen much that convinces me that’s true.”

Facing a budget gap, Arlington ISD has to pay millions to the state

(NBC DFW) The Arlington Independent School District says it must return about $6.5 million to the state after falling into recapture for the third straight year.

State Loophole Lets Harris County Raise Property Taxes

(Texas Scorecard) The county’s disaster declaration from this year allows officials to exceed the 3.5 percent state-imposed property tax cap and instead approve an 8 percent increase.

Lake Travis ISD adopts $4M budget shortfall amid cuts to special education

(Community Impact) Several LTISD parents shared their concerns about the special education budget reductions during the public comment portion of the meeting.

24 Dallas schools got an ‘F’ last year. How will Dallas ISD fix them?

(KERA) Dallas ISD plans to emphasize writing and math to help turn around two dozen failing schools.

North Texas school bus driver on leave after reports of ‘driving erratically,’ officials say

(KCEN) Denton police are investigating an incident involving a school bus after multiple parents reported the bus was “driving erratically,” officials said. Denton ISD said in a statement that the driver has been placed on administrative leave.

Former Yantis ISD coach gets 10 years probation for improper relationship with student

(KETK) Former Yantis ISD assistant baseball and basketball coach Christopher McIntosh was sentenced to 10 years of probation and to register as a sex offender on Aug. 15. His sentence of 10 years probation and 240 hours of community service was announced after he pleaded guilty to the charge of improper relationship between an educator and student.

United ISD opens first sensory room for special needs students

(KGNS) United Independent School District (UISD) has opened its first sensory room at Elias Herrera Middle School, just in time for the 2024-2025 school year. The room is designed to help special needs students, especially those with autism, by offering a calm, therapeutic environment.

Klein ISD hires armed campus guards for all elementary schools, adhering to new state law

(Click 2 Houston) Chief Runnels shared with KPRC 2′s Rilwan Balogun during an exclusive interview that the board approved a million dollars to hire and train the new campus guards. Runnels built the program from scratch. He said the guards training are like those of his officers.

UTSA builds personal AI for teaching kids living on autistic spectrum

(UTSA Today) UTSA has established a wearables and artificial intelligence laboratory to provide precision treatment plans to improve learning among those diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.

Barry Manilow awards former band director $10k during last Corpus Christi show!

(KIII) Manilow awarded the Veterans Memorial High School Band Director, Shawn Athey, $10,000 for his outstanding work helping students learn and love music.

Klein ISD mom claims district blocking son with special needs from some football activities

(KTRK) Elizabeth Walker, said her son has autism and Down syndrome but still wants to have a role with the Kleb intermediate school football team this fall in after-school practice, even if it is limited to serving water or keeping time. Klein ISD told ABC13 in a statement that the parent’s allegations are “100% false.”

The politics behind University of Texas’ new School of Civics Leadership

(Axios) In the latest turn by conservative lawmakers and activists to remake higher education, the University of Texas is now welcoming applicants to a newly minted school aimed at examining the history of liberty in America.

UTD Continues to Go Hard After Student Protestors

(D Magazine) One key difference that sets UTD students apart from students at other universities in Texas is that the criminal charges against them were filed in a county that is dominated by Republican prosecutors, including Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis.

Texas A&M launches new college at Galveston campus

(Community Impact) Texas A&M University launched a new college geared toward maritime studies that will offer 17 undergraduate and graduate programs. The program will be housed at the university’s Galveston campus.

Tilman Fertitta says getting money to UH players a bigger priority than facilities in new college model

(Houston Chronicle) An increase in the amount of NIL funds raised to pay athletes is pivotal for the success of the University of Houston athletic department, the school’s top donor said Wednesday.

University of Houston hopes to decrease commuter population with 2027 opening of new freshman dorm

(Houston Chronicle) University of Houston will build another freshman residence hall for an estimated completion in summer 2027, part of a larger goal to increase the percentage of students living in dorms and shed the longstanding status of being a “commuter campus.”

Texarkana Community College expanding prisoner education offerings

(KSLA) Access to Pell Grants for incarcerated students has been restored, and now Texarkana Community College is expanding its offerings at a Texas prison.

Texas EV Battery Startup Aims To Break Texas Oil Industry

(Clean Technica) Oh the irony, it burns. Public officials in Texas have been on a rant against clean energy investing, yet the state is home to a growing number of startups aimed at pushing the oil industry into a sidebar of the global economy.

Opinion: An unprecedented opportunity to teach our kids about the world’s religions

(Deseret News) Recent laws pushing mostly Christian principles into public school classrooms in Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas are producing a range of emotions and varying degrees of concern. While I understand the dismay, the situation actually offers an incredible opportunity.

Carrollton police equip officers with autism support kits for better emergency response

(CBS Dallas) Carrollton police have been given special kits to help them respond to people on the spectrum.

Aug. 22, 2024

Education Department approves all requests to extend ESSER spending deadlines

(K-12 Dive) States and districts with COVID relief spending extensions have an extra 14 months to liquidate funds.

AG Ken Paxton’s Election Integrity Unit executes search warrants in Bexar, Frio and Atascosa counties

(KENS) The investigation into election integrity began in 2022, the news release said. The unit reportedly received a referral from the 81st District Attorney Audrey Louis about allegations of fraud and vote harvesting during the 2022 election.

DPS enacts policy refusing court-ordered gender marker changes, will create database of marker change requests

(Dallas Voice) The policy change follows an earlier request from Texas Attorney General that DPS provide his office with records from individuals who had had gender markers corrected on their license or ID. This new policy appears to be implemented to create the database Paxton asked for.

Corpus Christi mother meant to drop daughter off at day care before hot-car death

(KIII) Hilda Adame told officers she meant to drop her daughter off at a day care on Kostoryz Road earlier that morning before heading to her Communities in Schools related job, which is based out of Tom Browne Middle School, but forgot. Adame was arrested and charged with serious bodily injury to a child, and child endangerment/abandonment with imminent bodily injury.

McAllen Nikki Rowe football player injured at party dies

(myRGV) McAllen ISD on Wednesday announced the death of Adan De La Cruz. The McAllen Nikki Rowe football player was injured when he slipped off a roof at a residence while attempting to jump into a pool. Police arrested three people on charges of furnishing alcohol to minors in connection with De La Cruz’s death, and said other charges may be forthcoming against them, and possibly others. Large amounts of various alcoholic beverages were observed at the scene by responding officers.

HISD student’s family awaiting autopsy before possibly filing lawsuit, confirms AED was not working

(Houston Chronicle) Houston ISD has insufficient footage within the gym, where the district said Landon Payton suffered the emergency that led to his death of undetermined causes while engaged in free play. But footage of the school’s hallways and cafeteria depicts a “perfectly normal” day at school for Payton, lawyer Christopher Tritico said.

Student hospitalized from suspected poisoning; Frisco police investigating

(CBS Dallas) Only days into the new school year, a mystery surrounds what happened to a Frisco ISD middle school student. It’s getting a lot of attention from parents on social media.

HISD West Division Superintendent Stout, leader at center of several controversies, leaves district

(Houston Chronicle) The announcement of West Division Superintendent Laura Stout’s departure comes in the second week of the school year and about a year after state-appointed Superintendent Mike Miles split the 274-school district into geographic North, Central, South and West divisions.

Houston ISD’s $4.4 billion bond proposal gains strong support from voters, Kinder survey shows

(Houston Public Media) The survey found that more than 75% of respondents were in favor of the bond, so long as it doesn’t lead to a tax increase.

Pressure mounts to rethink Bexar County’s property appraisal process

(San Antonio Report) A budding movement to overhaul Bexar County’s appraisal process got its first public hearing on Tuesday — an event that drew dozens of neighborhood leaders, accountants and school district administrators all eager to take the political temperature of the newly reshaped board.

Fort Worth ISD denounces reappraisal plan as Tarrant County districts flag impact on students

(Fort Worth Report) FWISD trustees formally opposed the Tarrant Appraisal District’s policy and 2025 budget. School officials say plan could harm district finances.

Conroe ISD trustees approve FY 2024-25 budget amid $11.9 million shortfall

(Community Impact) “To all district employees and teachers who are disillusioned because there is no pay raise, I see you, we see you, we haven’t forgotten about you. It is really unfortunate that we are in this situation. … Just please know we will take care of you when we can,” trustee Stacey Chase said.

Willis ISD approves balanced budget for new fiscal year

(Community Impact) The majority of these [new positions] are in the classroom to account for enrollment growth in the strategic effort to reduce the teacher-to-student class ratios,” said Garrett Matej, the district’s assistant superintendent of business and finance.

Bastrop ISD property values up 10%; lower tax rate proposed

(Community Impact) The proposed 2024-25 tax rate for Bastrop ISD is $0.002 lower than last year, despite property values growing more than 10%.

Conroe ISD Trustees Consider Helping Parents Access Upper-Level Removed Books

(Houston Press) Nearly two months after Conroe ISD board members declined to reverse the removal of 19 titles from classroom library shelves, trustees reevaluated the district’s instructional and library materials policies and procedures on Tuesday night.

Cy-Fair ISD families voice concerns over cut school bus routes: ‘JUST FIX IT’

(Fox 26 Houston) Frustration is mounting among Cy-Fair ISD parents after the district decided to cut school bus routes, which is raising safety concerns for families especially in areas affected by ongoing construction.

TEA adopts MISD-created counseling tracking tool

(KMID) The Texas Education Agency recently announced plans to standardize monitoring for counselor compliance with the state’s 80/20 Rule. The State said it will use a tracking document created by Midland ISD Mental Health Coordinator Taylor Harris, which has been used by the district for the past two school years.

Risky Risk Pools Plague Texas School Districts

(RiskManagers.us) No insurance company or stock stands behind these pools except reinsurance above high retentions (deductibles). The managers and the agents bear no risk – only the members.

Austin power outage: Austin ISD Central Office closed

(Fox 7 Austin) The Austin Independent School District says its Central Office is closed today (8/22) due to the power outage last night that left thousands without power on the hottest day of the year.

Austin’s heat spike breaks school bus air conditioners

(CBS Austin) On Wednesday, Hutto ISD Interim Superintendent Cara Malone told CBS Austin that 16 of the district’s 100 buses have broken air conditioners that are in the process of being repaired.

CenterPoint aims to push cost of repairing Hurricane Beryl’s damage onto Houston-area ratepayers

(Houston Public Media) The company’s latest quarterly report to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission specifies the company will seek to pay for the damages over several years through bonds and pass the debt service costs onto customers.

‘I don’t want to send her back to school’: First grader put on bus after mom clarifies daughter will be picked up by parent

(KWTX) A Killeen woman is furious after she says her six year old daughter, who has never taken the bus to or from school, was put on a bus Monday by a teacher.

Why Texas HS football dynasties are tough to achieve in state’s highest classification

(Dallas Morning News) Texas high school football dynasties come and go due to population shifts, coaching changes and revolving talent.

Central Texas teacher reaches donation goal while living in his vehicle

(KVUE) Austin fourth-grade educator Bill Atkinson recently received more than 400 donations adding up to more than $16,900 of his $13,600 goal.

Pro-family ‘See You at the Library’ Events to be Held Across Texas Saturday

(Texas Scorecard) The “pro-God, pro-America” story hours started by Kirk Cameron and BRAVE Books will include 39 parent-led events.

Houston Community College leaders are considering a name change. Not everyone is on board

(Houston Chronicle) A name change would most likely drop “community” from the institution’s brand, mirroring the same action taken at Dallas College in 2020 and other community colleges before that.

College costs weigh heavily on Texas students as they wait on late financial aid offers

(Texas Tribune) Delays in the new FAFSA led students to take out debt, enroll in community college over their top-choice universities or opt out of going to college.

SMU President R. Gerald Turner announces he’ll take a new role after 30 years

(NBC DFW) R. Gerald Turner, SMU’s longest-serving president, will step down from his role at the end of this school year after 30 years, he announced late Wednesday.

Aug. 21, 2024

Most Texas school districts are severely underfunded, according to new data. Here’s what it would take to catch them up

(KHOU) “A majority of Texas school districts are underfunded,” said Ruth López Turley with the Kinder Institute at Rice Univerity. “About 73% of them are underfunded, just meaning that that the amount of per-pupil funding they receive is lower than the amount of per-pupil funding they need.”

Corsicana ISD assistant principal released from hospital after ‘classroom disruption’

(Fox 4 KDFW) During an update at a meeting on Monday night, Corsicana ISD said that Candra Rogers is out of the hospital. Few details about the incident have been released, but the district says it happened in a classroom with less than 10 students present. The student was detained and released into the custody of his parents. The Navarro County District Attorney’s Office says further information will not be released due to the student’s age.

Gender Fluidity Back On The Docket For Katy ISD Trustees, But This Time It’s All About The Books

(Houston Press) On Monday, Katy ISD trustees discussed a revision to the district’s library book policy that would ban titles that feature “gender fluidity” at the elementary and junior high school levels.

SMU professors make comic book to teach educators about homeless students

(Fox 4 KDFW) The 16-page comic, called Uprooted, comes from nearly ten years of data and academic research and focuses on the issues homeless students face in a very different and creative way.

Houston Democrats ask Texas AG Ken Paxton to audit finances of Mike Miles-founded charter schools

(Houston Chronicle) Houston Democrats asked Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton Monday to investigate a charter school network founded by Houston ISD Superintendent Mike Miles, after Spectrum News reported in May that Third Future Schools moved money from its Texas public charters to Colorado campuses while Miles was CEO.

Far more teachers in Texas are getting state-funded bonuses. Here are the districts leading the way

(San Antonio Express-News) Nearly 25,000 Texas public school teachers received pay adjustments last year through a $285 million state program called the Teacher Incentive Allotment, a big jump but still a small percentage of the roughly 375,000 teachers employed statewide, according to newly released records. 

‘We are pretty much stuck’: Most Central Texas school districts face budget shortfalls

(KXAN) Our report found school leaders are facing deep cuts that could touch the classroom while lawmakers lay out their plans for another school funding fight.

Irving ISD joins districts releasing their own accountability ratings

(KERA) The district projects it earned a C in the most recent A-F grades, which were set to be released last Thursday but are on hold for a second year.

San Antonio ISD opts out of state-mandated punishment for vapes and THC cartridges

(Texas Public Radio) San Antonio ISD trustees voted Monday to use their status as a district of innovation to opt out of a state law that sends students who vape to alternative school.

San Antonio students are heading back to campus as COVID-19 infections rise

(San Antonio Current) San Antonio campuses are advising students who are ill to stay home until they’re fever-free for 24 hours without the aid of fever-reducing meds and until symptoms improve.

More than 1,000 students impacted by San Antonio ISD’s school closures have not returned for the new year

(Texas Public Radio) In order to make better use of limited funding, SAISD trustees voted in November to permanently close 15 schools and merge or redesign five more. In March, district officials reported that 10% of the more than 5,200 students affected by the school closures had made the decision not to return. But, a week into the new school year, 21% haven’t shown up to class.

San Antonio ISD trustees ease purchasing requirements to speed up HVAC repairs

(Texas Public Radio) Trustees for the San Antonio Independent School District approved a request to free district officials from the usual bidding process when purchasing HVAC equipment.

Austin schools prepare for first week temperatures of up to 108 degrees

(CBS Austin) Triple-digit heat means any outdoor activities that can be done inside are moved.That includes finding an air-conditioned place for students at Navarro Early College High School to serenade the AISD Superintendent.

Fort Worth literacy advocate files civil rights complaint against FWISD over ESSER funding

(Fort Worth Star-Telegram) A Fort Worth community member has filed a federal complaint against the Fort Worth Independent School District, accusing the district of racial discrimination with a lack of investment in African-American students. Other community members and organizations are planning to come forward in support of the complaint.

Parents Keep Pressure on Rockwall ISD Over Sex Abuse Allegations

(Texas Scorecard) For the second time in two weeks, Rockwall parents showed up at a school board meeting to protest how officials handled allegations that a pre-K student was sexually abused by his teacher and to demand better safety measures including more security camera coverage.

Abilene mother outraged as 9-year-old suffers with untreated fractures for hours at school

(KTXS) A mother is furious after her 9-year-old daughter suffered for over 6 hours with two broken arms at Taylor Elementary last Thursday.

Canutillo ISD releases footage to ABC-7 of “Senior Assassin” prank more than one year after an open records request

(KVIA) The Canutillo Independent School District has now released to ABC-7 the surveillance footage of a “Senior Assassin” school prank involving water guns, which made some students afraid.

Northwest ISD Uses Scare Tactics To Push For Tax Increase

(Dallas Express) “NISD regularly uses taxpayer money and ISD staff to create advocacy campaigns to increase taxes,” Ruth Ray posted on Facebook along with a photo of the Northwest ISD VATRE statement.

Ysleta ISD named in Forbes list of America’s Best-In-State Employers 2024

(KVIA) The list, which took around 4.4 million employer evaluations into account, determined it’s score based on employee’s willingness to recommend their employers to friends and family, as well as indirect evaluations from friends and families of workers.

Waco ISD implementing technology changes in schools, incorporating use of AI

(KXXV) “There’s been a lot of changes, but the biggest change that’s coming right now is AI,” said Chief Technology Officer for Waco ISD, Jerry Allen.

This North Texas school district charges more than $300 for a school bus pass

(WFAA) Southlake’s Carroll ISD charges students annual and semester rates for passes to ride the bus to school.

Fabens ISD investigating incident on bus captured on video

(KTSM) A community group, called Make Fabens Better, posted a video taken near a Fabens school bus that appears to show a student possibly being hit with small sticks or pencils. It is unclear from the video if the other people on the bus are students or adults.

Fact brief: Do students who fail the STAAR test need to repeat a grade?

(Fort Worth Report) No. Instead, schools use a student’s failing STAAR score to determine what support that student needs going forward. Those who fail can receive academic intervention and tutoring, then retake the test for a passing grade. Subsequent failures could indicate that the student is facing broader academic struggles, and it’s up to the school to examine those and determine if the student should be held back. 

Texas Children’s Hospital Whistleblower Fired After Alleging Medicaid Fraud for Child Gender Mutilations

(Texas Scorecard) A nurse who alleged Texas Children’s Hospital engaged in Medicaid fraud to continue chemically castrating minors was fired last week.

Prairie View undergrads to receive ‘care’ package of academic, career and financial advisers to help through college

(Houston Chronicle) All Prairie View undergraduates this fall will receive a “care team,” or a trio of people to help them navigate a complex college-going process, reduce the time to graduation and boost their post-graduate employment.

Queer students look for alternatives after Texas A&M ends transgender health care services

(Texas Tribune) The students saw the move as part of a political environment that has become increasingly hostile against LGBTQ+ people in Texas.

Texas A&M University-Commerce Secures $2.2 Million Grant to Enhance Student Success Programs

(Texas A&M-Commerce) Known as Title III Part A – Strengthening Institutions Program, the grant aims to help colleges and universities increase their capacity to serve low-income students. A&M-Commerce was one out of only six institutions in Texas, 107 nationwide, chosen to receive the grant in October 2023. Funds will be disbursed to the university over five years.

Scholarship fund with UTRGV aims to increase licensed clinical social workers

(myRGV) To better address mental health professional shortages in the Valley, a partnership between UTRGV, the STARS Scholarship fund and the LaMantia family aims to increase licensed clinical social workers through scholarships.

Harlingen students reflect on study abroad trip to Spain

(myRGV) The program has been a long time in coming from the initial suggestion some time ago, and an important one for today’s youth, said Superintendent J.A. Gonzalez.

‘Break the cycle’: Local teen inspired to break Latino stereotypes

(KXXV) One local University High School graduate’s motto is, if you can dream it you can achieve it. He and his family share their inspiring story on breaking Hispanic stereotypes.

Fast-growing Parker County prepares for ‘a lot more change’ with arrival of UTA campus 

(Fort Worth Report) The landscape of Parker County — an area known for its open pastures and ranch land — has experienced drastic change over the past decade. And with the August announcement of plans to build a new University of Texas at Arlington campus, the area is set to see more. 

Fort Worth proposes $4M incentive for development of UTA West near Aledo

(Fort Worth Report) Fort Worth plans to immediately pay $2M to UTA for infrastructure improvements and another $2M once the project is complete.

University of Houston launches music therapy program

(Houston Public media) Music therapists are in high demand.

NFHS to Write Playing Rules for High School Flag Football

(National Federation of High Schools ) At the request of its member state associations to address the nation’s fastest-growing emerging high school sport, the NFHS will be writing playing rules for flag football, effective with the 2025-26 season.

Texas Southern University reports slight increase in student success rates after COVID-era drops

(Houston Chronicle) At TSU, the number of undergraduate degrees granted has at least increased since a high of 1,100 diplomas issued between fall 2018 and summer 2019. The figure dropped to 880 in the period between fall 2021 and summer 2022, with the largest affected areas in business; science, engineering and technology; and pharmacy and health sciences colleges, across all levels of degrees.

Michigan, Texas lead college football ticket sales

(Axios Sports) Resale ticket prices to University of Texas home football games are the highest in the nation, according to new data from StubHub.

Three winners chosen for the Drive Away for Education raffle

(News 4 SA) Through our raffle, we were able to raise more than $415,000 statewide for school supplies for local students.

Aug. 20, 2024

Parents of Dimitrios Pagourtzis, accused gunman in deadly 2018 Texas school shooting, found not liable

(CBS News) The parents of a former student accused of killing 10 people at a high school near Houston in 2018 do not bear financial responsibility for the shooting, a jury decided Monday.

Frisco ISD is the only district still fighting Ken Paxton’s school voucher electioneering lawsuit

(KERA) Six school districts reached settlements in lawsuits accusing officials of using public funds for political advertising. Frisco is still rejecting the allegations.

Who Wrote Texas’s Million Dollar, Bible-Infused Curriculum? The State Won’t Say

(The 74) ‘Someone knows this information,’ said a GOP member of the state board of education, citing a lack of transparency about the $84 million overhaul.

Texas teachers rank #1 in the nation for being overworked, #17 underpaid

(KDAF) A new report by Twinkl that analyzes common misconceptions and opinions about teaching, identifying the states where residents believe teachers are the most underpaid and overworked. Texas ranked as one of the most overworked and underpaid.

El Paso schools release unofficial state accountability ratings amid lawsuit

(El Paso Matters) The Ysleta, Socorro and Canutillo independent school districts said their districts got a grade of B, while El Paso ISD said it got a C. The ratings for all four districts are down from the 2021-22 school year, the last time the state agency issued grades.

Nearly 150 Houston ISD schools improve letter grades in unofficial 2024 TEA accountability ratings

(Houston Chronicle) Of the 264 rated schools, the district reported that 193 campuses improved their scores, 18 maintained their score and 53 saw their scores drop compared to last year’s unofficial ratings. In total, 149 rated schools earned a higher letter grade compared to last year, 29 schools earned a lower grade, and the remaining 86 kept the same grade, according to a Chronicle analysis.

Counting Working AEDs in the Wake of a Marshall Middle Schooler’s Death

(Houston Press) Some of the questions raised after 14-year-old Landon Payton suffered a medical emergency at Marshall Middle School last week and later died, were whether the school has an AED, whether it was working, and whether the personnel on hand knew how to use it. The district reported Monday that an inspection showed 170 of its automated external defibrillators, used to revive someone who has suffered sudden cardiac arrest, are not working either because they lack working batteries or other parts.

Austn ISD students return for first day amid excessive heat. How district is keeping them safe

(Austin American-Statesman) In the heart of Texas, where heat persists, the Austin school district is prepped and ready. While taking part in the usual before-school trainings, health room and athletics staff members are being educated on how to recognize heat illnesses and how to respond. This training is in addition to the district’s online hot weather guidelines, which establish what activities and precautions are necessary for athletics, fine arts and recess/PE, depending on the temperature.

Teachers, parents question Cy-Fair ISD’s Willy Wonka event as budget deficit hits $140M

(KTRK) The mandatory event, hosted for teachers and staff in the third largest district in the state, took place as it faces a $140 million budget deficit.

Parents report transportation chaos on Cy-Fair ISD’s first day of school

(Houston Chronicle) The first day of school in the third largest district in Texas was riddled with chaos Monday morning, as thousands of families affected by abrupt cuts to Cypress Fairbanks Independent School District’s transportation program made to narrow a budget deficit struggled to get their students to school. 

Facing $99M budget deficit, Austin ISD calls tax rate election. Here’s what it means

(Austin American-Statesman) The Austin school board has called a Nov. 5 election to ask voters to raise the property tax rate by 9.1 cents to fund a $17.3 million compensation package for staff members and offset the district’s staggering $99 million deficit.

Canyon ISD board moves forward with tax rate election to address budget deficit

(Amarillo Globe-News) The Canyon Independent School District (CISD) board has approved a Voter-Approved Tax Ratification Election (VATRE) in November to help mitigate a projected budget deficit. If passed, the VATRE would generate an additional $3 million annually from the state of Texas, significantly reducing the district’s current $5.5 million deficit to approximately $500,000.

Manor ISD planning future pay raises, offering all students free meals

(KXAN) Superintendent Dr. Robert Sormani said the district is calling for an additional two percent raise. However, voters will have the final say on whether that happens.

Has new construction declined in Tarrant County? Elected officials question appraisal numbers

(Fort Worth Report) The taxable value of new construction in Tarrant County went down this year, according to the appraisal district. Elected officials aren’t convinced.

Texas State, Collin College launch ambitious guaranteed transfer program

(Inside TXST) Texas State University and Collin College have partnered on a new guaranteed transfer program to provide a clear path to both an associate and bachelor’s degree for students beginning at Collin College Technical Campus and completing their degree with TXST.

Austin-area school districts ban cellphones to prevent bullying, improve student achievement

(KUT) Lake Travis ISD’s ban on smart devices during the school day is part of a growing trend. Closer to Austin, Killeen ISD has banned cellphones, as has Austin Achieve Public Schools, a charter school network with four campuses.

Laredo schools boost K-9 patrols to keep drugs out

(KGNS) Both United ISD and Laredo ISD are stepping up their efforts to prevent drugs from reaching students, using their K-9 units as a key part of the strategy.

JUST IN: This Texas high school football team is canceling its season

(Dave Campbell’s Texas Football) The 2024 Texas high school football season is over before it started for Darrouzett High School. The news comes as the Longhorns struggled with numbers within the program, and the result is understandable: Darrouzett, Texas — located in Lipscomb County up at the very northern part of the Panhandle — has a population of about 300 people and Darrouzett High School turned in an enrollment of 25 — tied for second-smallest football school in the UIL.

McAllen Rowe football player remains hospitalized, 2 in custody

(myRGV) The McAllen Rowe student and football player Adan De La Cruz, who was injured in what the McAllen school district described as a “tragic accident,” remains hospitalized, Sgt. John Saenz from the McAllen Police Department said Monday morning. On Monday afternoon, police said 51-year-old Jaime Islas was arrested in the case and charged with furnishing alcohol to a minor. He received a $30,000 bond on Sunday. A juvenile, who has also been charged with furnishing alcohol to a minor, is Islas’ son.

Henderson ISD’s Clay Freeman to remain as athletic director

(KLTV) Henderson ISD Interim Superintendent Jim Dunlap announced that Clay Freeman would remain as the athletic director while taking on additional roles. “Clay has agreed to assist HISD in two critical areas in support of the instructional program: maintenance and transportation,” said Dunlap. “Mr. Freeman is HISD athletic director. That has not changed.”

McAllen ISD students embark on new early college program

(myRGV) The facility cost about $23.4 million with UTRGV and McAllen ISD splitting the bill through a memorandum of understanding signed in 2022.

Lufkin ISD substitute teacher accused of having weed on campus

(KTRE) Quincy Jammal Childress, 36, of Diboll, is accused of possession of marijuana in a drug free zone after a Thursday arrest by the Lufkin ISD Police Department. The release goes on to say that district police confiscated two guns from Childress’ vehicle in the school parking lot during a search.

Texas City mom transfers son with autism to new school after he was ‘mistakenly placed on a bus’

(KTRK) A Texas City mother said her 8-year-old son with autism was put on a random school bus and dropped off at an unknown location on Wednesday. She said she was left to find him on her own.

Second Dallas County juvenile detention center leader resigns amid state probe

(Dallas Morning News) The deputy director overseeing Dallas County’s juvenile detention center resigned Friday, marking the second leadership departure amid allegations of poor conditions and pending state investigations.

Parents Sue Dallas ISD for Unlawful Mask Mandate

(Texas Scorecard) The parents allege that the district retaliated against their children for refusing to follow the former superintendent’s mask mandate.

Eight Texas A&M Schools To Become Colleges

(Texas A&M Today) Texas A&M University is officially changing the names of eight academic units from “school” to “college,” following approval from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board earlier this year.

Suspended Texas A&M ministry appears to be recruiting, according to reports

(KBTX) A suspended on-campus ministry at Texas A&M appears to be actively recruiting, according to reports. In January, Texas A&M suspended Chi Alpha after investigations by law enforcement and university officials. At least six leaders from the College Station chapter are facing charges including Trafficking Minors, Sexual Abuse, and Indecency With a Child.

Texas A&M students pitch tents for ticket pull over a week away

(KBTX) The first Texas A&M student ticket pull is over a week away, but students are already camped out in preparation.

Aug. 19, 2024

U.S. Supreme Court blocks partial enforcement of final Title IX rule

(K-12 Dive) The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday denied the Biden administration’s request to allow enforcement of uncontested parts of the Title IX final rule in some states where injunctions are in place. 

Texas sues Biden again to block federal protections for transgender workers

(Houston Public Media) Texas’s lawsuit, filed in federal court on Thursday against the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the U.S. Justice Department, argued that the agency’s guidelines were unlawful and asked that the court permanently block them.

“A pattern of non-response:” Texas AG puts Canutillo ISD spokesman on notice

(KVIA) In the letter, dated August 16, Open Records Division Chief Tamara Smith told Canutillo ISD’s communications director Gustavo Reveles her office received four complaints the school district isn’t responding to open record requests.

Corsicana ISD assistant principal recovering following injury from classroom disruption

(NBC Dallas) District spokesperson Raymond Linex said Assistant Principal Candra Rogers is recovering after she was airlifted to a hospital Thursday when she was injured by a student. “She was just trying to intervene … and things kind of escalated from there,” he said.

A South Texas school district received a request to remove 676 books from its libraries

(Texas Tribune) The request came from a local pastor who is part of a group that trains people to “defend their freedom and liberty.” Other faith leaders have pushed back.

About 9,000 students have left HISD after a tumultuous first year under state control

(Houston Chronicle) HISD’s reported “membership,” or the number of students enrolled in the district on a specific day, was about 170,800 on Thursday, down by about 9,000 students, or 5%, compared to the fourth day of school last year, according to district data.

HISD Board Hears Another Round of Complaints About A/C, Buses, Landscaping, Libraries and the Bond Issue

(Houston Press) Specifically: Poor or missing A/C in the classrooms, a new bus routing system gone awry and the intersection of the district’s two biggest problems according to its call-in centers with the lack of A/C on some of its buses.

Few Details Emerge in Case of 14-Year-Old HISD Student Who Died Last Week

(Houston Press) Landon Payton was in P.E. when he became ill in front of his physical education teacher and special ed assistant teacher as well as the rest of his class last Wednesday. Citing privacy and accuracy concerns, Superintendent Mike Miles has been circumspect about releasing any information, although following other news reports, it released the student’s identity.

Houston ISD says nurse who responded in student’s death is actively registered

(Houston Chronicle) The school nurse who responded when a Marshall Middle School student suffered a medical emergency Wednesday was an actively registered nurse with decades of experience, Houston ISD said in a release Saturday.

Death of Houston ISD Marshall M.S. student sparks questions from teachers’ union about defibrillator maintenance

(Houston Public Media) It was unclear Friday what caused the Payton’s death and whether a defibrillator could have helped. School staff attempted to use one after he lost consciousness in a gym on Wednesday afternoon, according to Houston Federation of Teachers president Jackie Anderson, who said the device “was not working.”

HISD promises more freedom to teachers in top-rated schools. Will it follow through?

(Houston Landing) When Houston ISD’s state-appointed superintendent, Mike Miles, arrived But once the school year started, then-Valley West Elementary School Principal Samantha Woods felt like the district went back on its word.to overhaul the district last summer, he forecast that high-performing schools would “probably look the same” under his watch.

Houston ISD board presses superintendent about test score declines among some disadvantaged students

(Houston Public Media) In non-NES schools, the percentages of students meeting grade-level standards on the third-grade STAAR tests declined among African-American and Hispanic students as well as those who have disabilities, are bilingual or economically disadvantaged.

El Paso schools stock overdose drug naloxone on campuses

(El Paso Matters) Schools all over Texas have been stocking up on the life-saving drug after lawmakers passed Senate Bill 629 during the 2023 legislative session, which requires all middle and high schools to carry naloxone — known by the brand name Narcan. The El Paso, Socorro and Ysleta school districts have gone beyond the state’s requirements and began stocking their elementary schools with naloxone, in addition to their secondary campuses.

Delay in school accountability ratings extends uncertainty for Tarrant County districts

(Fort Worth Report) TEA faces tough road ahead as judge delays school ratings, potentially setting up lengthy legal battles, according to a legal expert.

These Are the Top 10 Schools in Dallas ISD

(Dallas Observer) Out of the hundreds of Dallas ISD schools, these 10 brought home the most fridge-worthy TEA school report cards.

Central Texas school leaders react to state representative’s plan to file ‘phone free’ legislation

(KWTX) “I see the value behind it so I certainly don’t disagree with the legislator’s thinking, but I think we have to be very careful, and I’ve found that these things work best when handled at the level closest to the ground and that’s our parents and our staff,” Temple ISD Superintendent Bobby Ott said.

Beaumont ISD continues push to give teachers raises

(KBMT) At the Thursday night Beaumont Independent School District board meeting, members discussed everything from the leaked accountability ratings to more funding for teachers.

Belton ISD explains why bus driver refused to let students off school bus in bizarre incident that frightened some kids

(KWTX) According to Belton ISD, the confusion was the result of the bus driver arriving late at the campus. The driver experienced difficulties when inputting student information into the SmartTag, a digital tracking system used to account for each student on the bus. The difficulties with the system apparently resulted in the bus driver not being aware of where to drop each student off. School resource officers were dispatched to the final bus stop to ensure a calm environment as parents picked up their kids.

College Station ISD school leaders say transportation flow should improve

(KBTX) A statement from district’s spokesperson, Austin Dunson, says changes to routes contributed to some later buses that first day. He said he wants people to be prepared for increased traffic over the next few days.

As students head back to class in Cy-Fair ISD, parents are concerned over cuts in bus routes

(KHOU) The district dropped 79 bus routes this school year because of what the district said is a budget deficit.

Creating a Space for Students With Autism to Succeed

(Education Week) For students on the autism spectrum, summer can present a challenge as they’re away from the routines and accommodations of the school year. A summer camp for children with autism at Texas State University works to address that.

Texas State University to open first international campus in Mexico by fall 2025

(Austin American-Statesman) Texas State University System regents have authorized a $10 million revenue contract with Texas State University Mexico, an entity of investors that will form a campus in Santiago de Querétaro, the capital of the Mexican state of Querétaro, running Texas State courses ― making it the university’s first international campus.

Pflugerville ISD adopts $297M budget, lowest tax rate in 30 years for FY 2024-25

(Community Impact) As the first week of school wraps up, Pflugerville ISD is heading into the 2024-25 fiscal year with a $297 million budget, which includes a $7.9 million shortfall in its general fund, and a new tax rate of $1.1069.

After Abbott’s order, protests, here’s what college free speech policies in Texas look like

(Austin American-Statesman) A Statesman review of free speech policies at ACC and six Texas universities found some institutions have added additional speech limitations as they updated their policies.

What happened? Questions to city go unanswered on Killeen cyberattack that spewed ransomware on city’s IT systems

(Killeen Daily Herald) The city of Killeen’s computer systems suffered a cyberattack on Aug. 7 by a group of hackers known as BlackSuit, which demanded the city pay a ransom to unlock an undetermined amount of city files and data that BlackSuit encrypted. Within a couple of days of the attack, city officials said they had not paid the ransom or negotiated with BlackSuit.

UT Arlington eliminates overnight library hours, citing low use. Many students aren’t happy

(Fort Worth Report) University of Texas at Arlington officials announced the reduction of hours at the school’s main Central Library Aug. 5. A day after, UTA student Justin Pacheco started a petition, “Keep UTA library open 24/7,” and by Aug. 8 more than 1,000 people signed. As of Aug. 16, the petition has collected more than 1,500 signatures.

Texas adopts $55 billion flood plan; nearly half going to Ike Dike

(Houston Chronicle) The Galveston and Houston areas are of intense focus in the project.

Tarrant County judge, conservative activists want TCU professor fired over anarchist rhetoric

(Fort Worth Report) Alexandra Edwards, an English instructor in the university’s AddRan College of Liberal Arts, is under fire for her posts on social media, where she often writes about anarchism, anti-racism, white supremacy and Christian nationalism. A self-proclaimed anarchist, Edwards, 39, is entering her fourth year of teaching at TCU.

Sam Houston State University is reviving its vocational college to meet changing workforce needs

(Houston Chronicle) Sam Houston State University plans to open a polytechnic college for short-term certificate programs, as part of a broader effort to meet concerns about statewide learning gaps and job shortages in a rapidly changing workforce.

Inside ‘The Pond’ – CenterPoint’s private Houston-area retreat used for lobbying Texas politicians

(Houston Chronicle) One of the best fishing spots on Trinity Bay can be found two miles down a private Chambers County road and a golf cart ride away from a rustic country lodge. Just ask any of the dozens of politicians who’ve visited the retreat as guests of its owner: CenterPoint Energy. 

Aug. 16, 2024

Assistant principal seriously injured in classroom ‘disruption,’ airlifted to hospital

(NBC DFW) In a Facebook post on Thursday afternoon, the Corsicana ISD shared an update from Collins Intermediate Principal Tiffany Boortz, saying an employee had been hurt and was hospitalized following a “disruption in a classroom” that “resulted in an injury to an intermediate school employee.” That person, who was identified Friday morning as assistant principal Candra Rogers, was taken by air ambulance to an area hospital in an unknown condition. The district said her condition was improving but shared no specific details about the nature of her injury.

The Texas Education Agency can’t release school grades, but districts can — and some are

(KERA) A lawsuit filed earlier this week stopped the Texas Education Agency’s release of A-F school grades, which had been due out Thursday. But districts already have the STAAR test data those grades are predominantly based on, and some are releasing the numbers themselves.

AISD finance chief reinstated to job after DA won’t prosecute insurance fraud charges

(Austin American-Statesman) Austin school district Chief Financial Officer Eduardo Ramos was reinstated from administrative leave Thursday after the Williamson County District Attorney’s Office told school district officials it won’t prosecute insurance fraud charges police brought against Ramos for a non-school related matter, according to a district announcement. Before his July 31 arrest, Ramos had announced that he planned to leave the district to pursue another job opportunity and his last day with the Austin district is Friday. The district noted in its Thursday statement that Ramos will depart the district in good standing.

Texas AG Ken Paxton will work at a food bank as part of his fraud case deal, lawyer says

(Houston Chronicle) Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton will work at a food bank as part of a deal he struck with prosecutors earlier this year in his recently closed fraud case, his attorney Dan Cogdell said Thursday. Paxton reached a deal in March just weeks before his criminal case on securities fraud charges was set to go to trial. In exchange for having his charges dismissed, Paxton agreed to do 100 hours of community service, complete 15 hours of legal ethics classes and pay about $300,000 in restitution to the victims. He did not admit any wrongdoing.

Paxton sues Biden administration on several issues, from transgender policies to lizards

(Center Square) Paxton’s office sent out a flurry of announcements over the past two weeks touting Texas’ ongoing commitment to challenge Biden administration “weaponization” policies.

Concerns Raised Over Online Lottery Sales, Risks to Minors

(Texas Scorecard) A sunset review of the Texas Lottery Commission reveals a glaring problem.

Harris County bringing back a revised guaranteed income program

(Houston Chronicle) Hoping to evade another legal challenge from the state of Texas, Harris County officials on Thursday passed a new, more stringent anti-poverty program to replace the shuttered “Uplift Harris” program.

New watchdog report criticizes proposed reading curriculum from Texas Education Agency that includes biblical references

(Houston Public Media) The watchdog advocacy group Texas Freedom Network asked a religious studies scholar to examine a new state-developed reading curriculum that includes biblical elements. According to the report, the proposed lessons fail to capture historical reality and don’t contain adequate balance between religions.

Despite Pushback, Voucher Agenda Marches On

(Texas Signal Media Foundation) As the election in November looms even closer, many education advocates are bracing for the real possibility of school choice legislation finally making it from Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick’s wish list priorities to an actual bill in the next legislature.

Northside school board member survives temporary ouster attempt

(San Antonio Report) A Bexar County resident seeking to temporarily replace Northside Independent School District Trustee Karla Duran after she was arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated last year has failed, meaning she’ll stay on the panel while a legal effort to permanently remove her plays out.

High school student beats cancer, grows hair back – now school says he has to cut it

(KSLA) A Texas high school student who beat cancer and grew his hair back after chemotherapy is now being told he must cut it to comply with school dress code policy. Valley View Independent School District is enforcing its new rules against male students having long hair.

School districts in Pearland-Friendswood area see increased teacher turnover

(Community Impact) “Teachers all over the state and the country are feeling overworked; in some cases, underappreciated; in a lot of cases, unheard and uncared for by those in power,” said Tricia Cave, a lobbyist for the Association of Texas Professional Educators and former Houston-area teacher.

La Porte ISD’s first day gives a glimpse at what it’s like to lead a big, small-town district

(Houston Chronicle) The salt water off La Porte’s Sylvan Beach sparkled as Superintendent Walter Jackson parked his “good old-fashioned 10-year-old” Cadillac near one of his favorite lunch spots. His office, the administration building of La Porte Independent School District, is a short walk down the road.

Houston ISD enrollment down nearly 10 percent for 2024-25 school year, district data shows

(Houston Public Media) The initial decline is especially steep in schools that are part of Superintendent Mike Miles’ New Education System (NES). Those campuses have seen a nearly 12% decline in enrollment this year, while enrollment at non-NES schools is down about 6.5%.

Is this a college campus? $270M high school opens on edge of Fort Worth. Take a look

(Fort Worth Star-Telegram) A new high school in a growing part of northwest Tarrant County near Eagle Mountain Lake welcomed its first students this week.

Keeping Houston ISD campuses cool will ‘be a fight’ during summer heat, superintendent says

(Houston Public Media) “It’s going to be a fight every day through the rest of September and probably well into October but we were able to keep all the schools cool enough to where the kids are in a comfortable learning environment,” he said.

Air conditioning and bus routes: HISD parents bring first week of school frustrations to Board of Managers

(Houston Chronicle) School kicked off Monday after a flurry of parent phone calls for bus route assignments, with many families receiving route information over email Sunday for students who were not their children. Many schools continue to have air conditioning issues, leaving classroom temperatures climbing toward the district’s heat threshold of 82 degrees Fahrenheit when the district opts to move children.

Round Rock ISD trustees call for $1B bond to appear on Nov. 5 ballot

(Community Impact) Four propositions asking Round Rock ISD voters to approve just under $1 billion will appear on the Nov. 5 ballot, after trustees voted to order a bond election Aug. 15.

West Dallas charter school partners with Baylor Scott & White to help students pursue medical careers

(Fox 4 KDFW) Uplift Education and Baylor Scott & White Health have teamed up on a new charter school designed to help students in West Dallas find careers in the healthcare industry.

Mission police reaffirm commitment to student safety, ask parents for help

(myRGV) Mission Assistant Chief Teodoro “Ted” Rodriguez speaks during a press conference to address threats made to schools at the Center for Education and Economic Development on Thursday, Aug. 15, 2024, in Mission.

Texas Southern University reports slight increase in student success rates after Covid-era drops

(Houston Chronicle) “We’re making changes in the curriculum, we’re leveraging the technology, we have outcomes,” said Raijanel S. Crockem, associate vice president for institutional assessment, planning and effectiveness. “We see we’re moving back in the right direction.”

Back-to-school scams to watch out for, according to BBB

(Fox 26 Houston) The Better Business Bureau is warning you to watch out for fake ads on social media and fake websites offering hot items for low prices.

UT Tyler Professor wins $284K grant to study mental health in rural youth

(KLTV) Dr. Angela Preston of U.T. Tyler’s School of Nursing will tackle mental health in rural kids after receiving a grant from the Texas Children’s Mental Health Care Consortium.

Tarrant County Adopts Election Integrity Software

(Texas Scorecard) The software will allow voters to compare records side-by-side to ensure the electronic and physical ballots match.

Final Texas A&M-Qatar Contract Confirms Qatar Foundation Directed Research

(Texas Scorecard) A newly released final contract between Texas A&M University, Texas A&M University at Qatar, and the Qatar Foundation reveals new information outlining the state-led Qatar Foundation’s role in research.

Leander Educational Excellence Foundation awards over $140K in educator grants

(Community Impact) LEEF’s collaborative grants award educators up to $5,000 to fund programs or resources that create deeper learning experiences for students across grade levels or campuses, Executive Director Coleen Brighton said.

Typical Austin homeowner could pay nearly $1K more in property taxes next fiscal year

(KXAN) Adding it all up — if Central Texas entities move forward with their proposed tax rates and you vote for additional tax increases that have been sent to your November ballot — the average homeowner could pay roughly $950 more next fiscal year, or roughly $80 more a month.

South Texas College expansion at Mid-Valley Campus boosts programs for students

(myRGV) South Texas College unveiled significant expansions to technical facilities Tuesday at the Mid-Valley Campus thus boosting the Welding, HVAC and Automotive programs to provide more opportunities for students.

New Texas A&M Bachelor Of Fine Arts In Music Performance Degree Will Debut In Fall Semester

(Texas A&M Today) The Texas A&M School of Performance, Visualization and Fine Arts will add a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Music Performance degree starting in the fall semester.

Laredo College receives endowment from Uni-Trade President

(KGNS) The award was presented to Laredo College by Uni-Trade Group President, Eduardo Robles. This will allow for the creation of a scholarship fund for students interested in the Logistics and Distribution Program.

Ambitious youth funding proposal misses San Antonio ballot, but advocates vow to try again

(San Antonio Report) Despite a months-long push, San Antonio voters will not be asked in November if they want to invest tens of millions of dollars into youth services, but the ambitious proposal is far from scrapped, according to the nonprofit behind it.

UNT medical school is recognized in top tier for primary care nationwide

(Fort Worth Report) Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, the medical school at the University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, scored Tier 1 status for best medical schools for primary care in the 2024 rankings of the U.S. News & World Report.

WebXtra: Kilgore College opens new facility for CDL program

(KLTV) Jamey Boyum talks with Kilgore College Public Relations Director Manny Almanza about KC’s new Transportation Institute Where students can take a course to obtain a CDL.

7 private and charter schools in the Bastrop area

(Community Impact) Check out these seven Bastrop-area private and charter schools. This list is not comprehensive.

Must-see video! Senior moms tackle Texas high school players in hilarious showdown

(NBC DFW) More than a dozen moms participated in Benbrook High School’s inaugural senior mom tackle.

Genetic genealogy helps identify killer in 1985 murder of UTA student: Cold case breakthrough

(CBS News) Forty years after the brutal murder of UTA student Terri McAdams, investigators credit advanced technology and investigative genetic genealogy – which combines crime scene DNA with genealogical research – for the breakthrough that identified her killer. Investigators say they finally connected DNA to a suspect named Bernard Sharp, who police say committed a double murder and killed himself about nine months after his attack on McAdams.

Aug. 15, 2024

Denton ISD Admins Admit Guilt, Avoid Court in Criminal Electioneering Case

(Texas Scorecard) Lindsay and Jesus Lujan are scheduled to be placed in pre-trial diversion.

Federal judge in Texas expands ruling that blocks Biden administration protections of LGBTQ students

(Houston Chronicle) The decision in the case brought by the Texas Attorney General preempts any future Title IX regulations that extend federal protections to LGBTQ students.

Uvalde police failed to turn over some video from Robb Elementary shooting, department says

(Texas Tribune) Chief Homer Delgado said the department has turned over the footage to the district attorney’s office and ordered an investigation into how the error occurred.

DPS Dodges Transparency in Uvalde—Again

(Texas Observer) Director Steve McCraw reinstated a Texas ranger he’d fired over the response to the Robb Elementary shooting. The ranger’s appeal could have brought scrutiny on his agency.

Judge denies motion to add Santa Fe ISD as third-party defendant in 2018 shooting lawsuit

(KTRK) A judge ruled Wednesday that Santa Fe ISD will not be added to the civil trial against the parents of accused school shooter Dimitrios Pagourtzis.

School’s Back, With Stricter Library Rules in Texas

(Dallas Observer) Regardless of HB 900’s status, school libraries are under more scrutiny.

Greater Houston-area school districts see surge in banned books since 2021

(Community Impact) Out of 16 school districts Community Impact covers across the Greater Houston area, seven have recorded book removals over the past two school years, with Conroe ISD having the most banned books at 160 titles.

Ken Paxton threatens to sue City of Dallas over State Fair of Texas gun policy

(Fox 4 DFW) In a letter to Dallas Interim City Manager Kim Tolbert, Paxton says the new gun policy violates state law since Fair Park is city-owned.

1 in 5 Texas students considered chronically absent, new analysis reveals

(Dallas Morning News) One in five Texas students was considered chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, according to data collected by The Associated Press and Stanford University economist Thomas Dee as part of a national analysis.

EPISD loses potential $3.25 million in state funds over absences, poor attendance reporting

(KVIA) The overwhelming majority of the losses came from Franklin High School, which reported 40,362 unexcused absences – the equivalent of having 13 days with no students attending class. This totaled a loss of about $2.34 million for the district.

Texas lawmaker says it’s time for the state to get involved in “phone free” schools

(CBS News Texas) Area Republican State Representative Ellen Troxclairis planning to file legislation to bring the “phone-free” movement to every school in Texas.

Katy ISD students can expect a new policy on cell phones on 1st day of school

(KTRK) This year, Chromebooks will be issued to all students and will be the only technology allowed during instruction time.

Round Rock ISD Parents Concerned Over Open-Concept Restrooms in Elementary School

(Texas Scorecard) The restrooms meant for third, fourth, and fifth graders do not have doors to separate each side by sex.

Central Texas school districts approve pay raises despite budget concerns

(CBS Austin) Lots of school districts across Central Texas approved teacher and staff pay raises for the upcoming school year, despite looming budget concerns.

Houston-area school districts warn of continued severe cuts if voucher fight keeps funds tied up in state legislature

(Click 2 Houston) Superintendents and school board leaders across Texas are raising urgent concerns about the financial crisis gripping their districts.

‘Neck to neck’: Central Texas superintendents talk incentives to keep & attract teachers, staff

(KXXV) School districts across Central Texas are not only using pay incentives to attractive and retain staff, but amid tighter budgets and budget shortfalls, some districts are looking within to highlight their culture — the district’s way of life— a tactic years in the making for some districts.

Midway ISD combats staffing challenges

(KWTX) The district has moved to a year round hiring cycle, rather than only hiring during summer months.

Georgetown ISD ready to compete with private schools as new year kicks off

(KXAN) Ahead of a consequential private school subsidy vote expected in the next Texas legislative session, Georgetown Independent School District Superintendent Dr. Devin Padavil said he runs the district as if it’s already “competing for students” with private and charter schools.

North Texas’ highest-paid superintendents don’t work for districts with the highest enrollment

(WFAA) Superintendents in North Texas earned less than the state’s median salary level, but two Dallas County districts landed among the state’s top ten highest-paid.

It’s all about the funding: Denton ISD lays out legislative priorities for next session

(Denton Record-Chronicle) Texas schools are already in a financial pinch. But will growth in property values mean a drop in state education funding?

Eanes ISD completes over 135 renovation, technology, safety projects

(Community Impact) In preparation for the 2024-25 school year, Eanes ISD teams completed hundreds of construction, renovation, technology and safety projects over the two-and-a-half-month summer break.

Atascosa County cheerleader Miranda Sipps dies from injuries, parents charged

(MySA) The parents of 12-year-old Miranda Sipps, who died on Monday from injuries sustained four days earlier, attempted to nurse her back to health with smoothies and vitamins despite her unresponsive state, Atascosa County Sheriff David Soward shared during a press conference.

Northside ISD rolls into school year with air-conditioned buses

(San Antonio Report) Nearly every school bus across the area’s largest district has been outfitted with air conditioning.

What we can VERIFY about CyFair ISD bus transportation changes

(KHOU) The KHOU 11 Verify Team finds out answers to parents’ most common questions about school bus service changes for Cypress-Fairbanks ISD for the 2024-2025 school year.

‘They’ll never ride the bus again:’ Fort Bend ISD mom says her 3 children were dropped off at wrong stop

(Click 2 Houston) A Houston-area mother is sharing terrifying moments when she frantically searched for her children Wednesday after learning her children were dropped off at the wrong bus stop.

‘Very difficult day’: HISD student transported to hospital after medical emergency at Marshall MS

(Houston Chronicle) A student at Houston ISD’s Marshall Middle School was taken to the hospital after a medical emergency Wednesday, according to a statement from the district. HISD did not provide further details about the nature of the medical emergency.

Student hospitalized after knife altercation at Woodrow Wilson High School, DISD says

(Dallas Morning News) A Woodrow Wilson High School student is at a local hospital Wednesday after a knife altercation with another student, Robyn Harris, chief of communications for Dallas ISD, told The Dallas Morning News.

Exclusive: Gun threat sent to Houston elementary student the night before school

(Fox 26 Houston) The night before 10-year-old Lakai went to his first day of fifth grade at Briargrove Elementary, his mom says he got a threatening video sent to his phone.

United ISD adds new technology to boost school security

(KGNS) UISD Safety and Crisis Manager Ruben Ayala explains, “The CENTEGIX CrisisAlert badge allows the wearer to make two different types of alerts.” Employees will carry the badge, which includes a panic button, during their work hours.

Aldine ISD’s HEAL high school celebrates opening day with inaugural class of ninth-graders

(Houston Chronicle) Aldine leadership has said one of the main goals of the new HEAL high school is to help students in the 59,000-student northern Harris County district do precisely that: Graduate high school with career experience under their belts, ready, or almost ready, to enter the workforce.

Texas Longhorn football tickets are heating up the box office

(Houston Chronicle) In its annual College Football Season Preview, StubHub ranked the Longhorns as the No. 2 in-demand ticket on the market next to the reigning national champion Michigan Wolverines based on the number of cumulative tickets sold by the website. The in-state rivaling Texas A&M Aggies came in third, while Alabama was fourth and Ohio State was fifth. 

Texas A&M Offering DEI Course in Fall 2024

(Texas Scorecard) The Social Justice Leadership Certificate is a part of the Bush School’s Center for Nonprofits & Philanthropy.

A Texas schoolboy, 9, wrote to Biden in plea to support Israel. Then he heard back

(The Times of Israel) US president writes that America ‘stands with Israel’ in light of Oct. 7, answering letter sent as part of classroom assignment by Ethan Rozental, whose parents are Israeli.

Regents approve $6.3M for Texas Tech Health El Paso clinical sciences building, cancer center design

(El Paso Matters) The Texas Tech University System Board of Regents voted 8-0 to approve spending $6.3 million for the design of the planned Clinical Sciences Building at the Texas Tech Health El Paso campus during its quarterly meeting Aug. 8-9 at the system’s Lubbock headquarters.

Aug. 14, 2024

After six years of low scores for students learning English, Texas educators say it’s the test’s fault

(Texas Tribune) English learners’ scores in a test designed to assess their handling of the language saw a sharp drop six years ago and have remained low. The drop coincided with the state’s redesign of the test, which included the adoption of an automated system to score responses.

More than a third of new Texas teachers hired last year were uncertified, TEA says

(KEYE) Forty-nine thousand teachers were hired across Texas public schools during the 2023-24 school year. More than a third of them were uncertified, an all-time high, according to the Texas Education Agency, who testified before a House panel on Tuesday.

Despite Abbott’s threats, rural Texas Republicans still skeptical of school vouchers

(San Antonio Current) State Rep. Matt Schaefer, who didn’t vote against vouchers last session, railed against them during a Monday hearing.

Texas looks to other states for ideas about private school subsidy legislation

(KXAN) A brainstorming session happened for hours Monday at the Texas Capitol so that state lawmakers could find out where to look for ideas on crafting private school subsidy legislation, a policy goal that has eluded top Republican leaders.

Millions of campaign dollars aimed at tilting school voucher battle are flowing into state races

(AP) Millions of dollars are being spent this year to steer voters toward candidates for Republican-led Legislatures who not only support school vouchers, but will become key figures in implementing school choice programs in states across the U.S.

Former Uvalde School Police Chief Refuses To Watch Bodycam Footage From Day Of Mass Shooting

(HuffPost) “It’s difficult for me to see that,” former Uvalde CISD police chief Pete Arredondo told CNN in an interview. “These are my children too. People understand that. We went down the hallways every day and stressed about keeping the doors locked, stressed about being vigilant, and the less I see of those that I don’t have to, the better for me.”

Senate panel authorizes subpoenas for records from Meta, Alphabet, and TikTok

(KEYE) A Senate committee tasked with looking into election security policies gave the green light to ask for records from certain big tech companies, including the potential for subpoenas, in a hearing on Wednesday.

US Department of Education Pauses Investigation Into Carroll ISD

(Texas Scorecard) The DOE’s Office of Civil Rights says they have paused the cases while it “assesses the effect that the injunctions have on them.”

Appeal seeks to overturn lower court’s decision in Barbers Hill student’s case over hair

(Houston Chronicle) Daryl George remains in a legal battle regarding Barbers Hill Independent School District’s dress code —  a policy his attorneys say violates the CROWN Act. Attorneys have filed an appellate brief requesting the reverse of a lower court’s judgment. 

Houston prosecutors find no evidence of efforts to sway 2022 elections but charge a county worker

(AP) Prosecutors in Texas’ largest county say an investigation found no evidence of intent to influence 2022 election outcomes. But they will pursue criminal charges against a county employee who was allegedly working a second job.

A ruling limited AG Paxton’s power to go after voter fraud. So why is he still spending millions?

(Houston Chronicle) Since a 2021 court ruling limited Attorney General Ken Paxton’s ability to prosecute voter fraud, his office’s work combating those crimes has slowed to a crawl. Yet even as Paxton’s election fraud unit has seen its caseload dwindle and most of its lawyers disperse, it has continued to spend millions, records obtained by Hearst Newspapers show.

Cy-Fair Trustees Approve Revisions To Library Policy

(Houston Press) Control was back on the agenda during the Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District’s board meeting Monday night, as trustees approved changes that opponents argued would make it more difficult for any library books to be placed on shelves.

Clear Creek ISD trustees approve nearly $1.5M for chiller projects

(Community Impact) Multiple schools throughout Clear Creek ISD will be receiving new, rented or repaired chillers after the board of trustees approved nearly $1.5 million for three projects.

Hays CISD adds seat belts to all buses to improve safety

(KVUE) Just months after a deadly crash involving a Hays CISD school bus and a concrete pumper truck, KVUE was able to meet with district transportation leaders to learn what they’re doing to comfort students and parents who might still be uneasy about riding the bus. 

Texas likely undercounting heat-related deaths

(Texas Tribune) Deaths from heat are notoriously difficult to quantify because of how complex and subjective the process is. It leaves officials with an incomplete picture of who heat kills.

San Antonio ISD reports ‘minor’ air conditioning issues on first day of school

(Texas Public Radio) The San Antonio Independent School District started the new school year Tuesday amid a heat wave, and, as predicted, the district’s HVAC systems struggled at times to cope with the August temperature.

Texas teacher sleeping in car, hoping to raise money for a home

(KVUE) An Austin teacher started a GoFundMe to help him afford somewhere to live after he has been sleeping in his car for over a month. The teacher said he makes too much to qualify for affordable housing, but his credit is too low after falling behind on rent and school-related debt.

Teachers cover high costs for classroom supplies, seek creative ways to save

(KGNS) Wayo de la Garza, President of Laredo United TSTA, notes that families often struggle to provide school supplies, which forces teachers to step in.

Central Texas school district continues unique schedule to close academic achievement gap

(KWTX) Most Central Texas school districts with a four-day school week changed their calendars to help with staffing shortages, but Connally ISD said it adjusted its calendar to help struggling students with academic growth.

More North Texas school districts joining the phone-free movement

(CBS Texas) The I-Team surveyed 50 school districts and found a growing number joining the phone-free movement.

Shocking Report Shows How Terrible Fort Worth ISD Really Is

(Dallas Express) Education remains at a standstill in Fort Worth, according to a new report.

Henderson ISD facing pushback from community over possible reassignment of Athletic Director

(KLTV) Rumors of a controversial reassignment drew in a crowd to Tuesday night’s Henderson ISD board meeting.

Pecos-Barstow-Toyah ISD opens ‘consistent and reliable’ daycare for staff members

(KMID) The ‘Discovery School Staff Daycare’ opened in July. It ensures staff members can focus on their work with peace of mind – providing consistent and reliable daycare.

Lufkin ISD hopes to launch staff childcare program in 2025

(KLTV) A staff childcare program for Lufkin ISD was proposed at a Tuesday board of trustees meeting.

Travis County is asking voters to help pay for affordable child care this election

(KUT) Austin voters will see another item on the ballot this November: a measure to raise the tax rate to expand affordable child care and after-school programs.

Dallas students still waiting for City’s free DART rides initiative

(Dallas Free Press) Last summer the City of Dallas announced that starting in January 2024, it would pilot a program allowing students to ride for free around town in buses and trains via Dallas Area Rapid Transit, or DART. This summer, however, when Dallas Free Press’ high school interns tried to access these free or “fareless” rides, we learned that they don’t exist because the City, Dallas ISD and DART disagree on how it should work and who should pay for it.

Coach on leave after video shows alleged assault on special needs student at Parkland HS

(KFOX 4) An Ysleta ISD high school coach is on administrative leave after a video shows the coach allegedly slamming a special needs student to the ground.

The Eanes ISD Police Department starts its first full school year on Wednesday

(KVUE) As Eanes Independent School District students head back to class on Wednesday, the district’s police officers will also be starting their first full school year.

University of Texas at Arlington to offer drone course this fall

(UTA News) This fall, The University of Texas at Arlington will launch a new course where students can gain a license to operate commercial drones—adding another skill to their arsenal as they enter the workforce.

Summer events bring in $6+ million for Texas A&M Athletics

(KBTX) Texas A&M Athletic Director Trev Alberts issued a statement to KBTX, saying the university made $2.6 million for the Mexico vs. Brazil soccer match, and $3.9 million from the George Strait concert.

Teaching Texas history? The Alamo has a program that can take you to Mexico

(San Antonio Express-News) To expand her understanding of the Alamo, Mariana Monárrez, a 20-year veteran educator who now teaches seventh grade Texas history herself at Folks Middle School, enrolled in professional development opportunities the state-owned historic site offers, and recently completed an expense-paid visit to Mexico City to hear from Mexican historians and soak up the country’s long, complex history.

Aug. 13, 2024

Judge blocks Texas from releasing this year’s school accountability ratings

(Texas Tribune) The ruling marks the fifth consecutive year Texas families have not received a full picture of their schools’ ratings, which are used to determine how they are performing.

Church, state and the Texas Legislature: Debate heats up over what students should learn

(Texas Tribune) House hearing focuses on a curriculum plan and on school vouchers.

Teachers now free to violate separation of church and state, Texas education official says

(San Antonio Current) A new Texas law provides public school teachers with immunity from prosecution for violating the U.S. Constitution’s First Amendment clause calling for separation of church and state, Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath testified Monday in front of state lawmakers.

Religion in Texas schools: Why a House member says education agency went too far

(Austin American-Statesman) State Rep. James Talarico suggested the Texas Education Agency leaned toward proselytizing when it developed its newly unveiled curriculum for public schools as lawmakers on Monday questioned Education Commissioner Mike Morath about the presence of Christian stories in the material the agency created for teachers to use in the classroom.

‘Educate our children’s children’: Why Texas grandparents are stepping up against vouchers

(Austin American-Statesman) With public education funding and “school choice” proposals taking center stage as officials gear up for the next Texas legislative session in January, grandparents are warning lawmakers to steer clear of a school voucher program.

Cy-Fair ISD trustees approve Bible-focused electives, hear concerns over busing plan

(Houston Chronicle) Less than a week before classes are set to start in Cypress-Fairbanks ISD, trustees on Monday night passed new Bible study electives for the 2025-26 school year, approved the amended library materials policy and argued over whether spouses of trustees should be able to serve on district committees.

Parents confront Cy-Fair ISD Board about bus route cuts, trustees apologize for drastic changes

(KTRK) “I am truly disturbed about the failure of this Board, of me, personally, of us, in this communication about the transportation. It’s not new. We knew it was coming,” trustee Dr. Natalie Blasingame admitted.

Cy-Fair ISD could change class ranking system, graduation requirements

(Community Impact) District officials will be seeking feedback from the community in the coming weeks about these and other potential changes, according to a presentation the school board received at the Aug. 8 work session.

Chapel Hill ISD is combating state-wide teacher shortage through accreditation program

(KLTV) “We had to come up with a creative solution for a common problem.”

Who should pay Dallas’ crossing guards?

(Fox 4 KDFW) On the first day of school for Dallas ISD, city council members questioned the $5.6 million price tag to provide for school crossing guards.

‘A moral and civic crisis’: Academic performance in Fort Worth static as 1 in 3 students proficient

(Fort Worth Report) Education remains at a standstill in Fort Worth, according to a new report.

Minus the Bus Route Glitches and Some AC Falters, Miles Calls the First Day of School a Success

(Houston Press) About 700 Houston ISD kids didn’t have their bus routes by this morning’s first day of school. A new software system gave out two sets of routes to other kids, one right, the other wrong. Air conditioning wasn’t 100 percent in all buildings so kids were moved from hot to cooler classes. Superintendent Mike Miles was a happy man overall at his 4 p.m. news conference, saying that classes were in full instructional swing on Day 1, there were only 28 vacant teaching positions district wide — out of 10,640 — and none in the New Education System schools. And that a warm body count had tallied 180,000 students in class Monday.

FACT CHECK: Houston ISD board votes to saddle taxpayers with nearly $11 billion in debt

(Center Square) Multiple news outlets reported that the Houston Independent School District board voted last week to pass a $4.4 billion bond proposal. This total excludes the interest on the principal. When included, it brings the total debt obligation to nearly $11 billion.

San Antonio ISD designates 4 shuttered campuses as backup schools amid HVAC concerns

(San Antonio Report) Four San Antonio Independent School District schools shuttered over the summer are already being reopened as “swing campuses” where students will be transported in the event temperatures become too hot at their home campuses.

Why some San Antonio school districts are shrinking while others grow

(Axios) Despite its status as one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, many urban San Antonio districts struggle to retain their student bodies as birth rates fall and housing development continues to explode in suburban areas.

Dallas ISD returns to school with focus on improving math scores

(NBC DFW) Schools across Dallas ISD did better in reading scores district-wide, but like schools across the country lagged in math. It is the big priority set in place by Superintendent Stephanie Elizalde who visited classes Monday morning to drive home the importance of mastering the academics. She also told reporters one of her big priorities this year was to fight for funding for Dallas ISD classrooms.

Lamar CISD projects $537K surplus after avoiding initial budget shortfall

(ABC 13) Lamar CISD has offset its anticipated shortfall in the proposed fiscal year 2024-25 budget and instead is looking at having a $537,740 surplus, Chief Financial Officer Jill Ludwig said at an Aug. 5 special board meeting.

Texas Panhandle school districts deal with loss of COVID funds

(KFDA) As COVID funds come to an end, many Texas Panhandle schools are facing financial challenges as they work to find alternative funding options for programs.

Laredo ISD official speaks about Martin High School’s eventful first day back

(KGNS) While roughly 20,000 students returned to their designated school campus without incident, Martin High School experienced a couple of issues including a bomb threat and a fire alarm.

Laredo ISD enhances campus safety with metal detectors, new app

(KGNS) LISD has installed metal detectors at elementary and middle schools and weapons detectors at high schools. Additionally, a new app allows teachers to quickly call for help if needed.

Rockwall ISD Parents Protest Handling of Sex Abuse Allegations Against Pre-K Teacher

(Texas Scorecard) The alleged victim’s mom believes officials are covering for the Springer Elementary teacher because she is connected to a prominent Rockwall family.

Brownsville ISD works ‘to make things better for our students’

(myRGV) Jesus H. Chavez, who became Brownsville ISD superintendent in March, said the One Team, One Dream theme for the year boils down to everyone in the district doing their part and working together to make things better for BISD students.

ECISD improves transportation registration: here’s what you need to know

(KMID) The district said the process is now more streamlined and efficient for parents to register their children for school and request transportation services, all through the Focus Parent Portal.

Are you paying unnecessary fees for your child’s school lunch? Here’s what you need to know

(San Antonio Report) A new report released by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau last month scrutinized the fees charged by a handful of leading credit card processors in the education sector, analyzing how much they add up — and how they can disproportionately impact lower income families. 

Texas launches new investigation into Houston’s power utility following deadly outages after Beryl

(AP) Texas’ attorney general launched an investigation Monday into Houston’s electric utility over allegations of fraud and waste following Hurricane Beryl, adding to the mounting scrutiny after widespread power outages left millions without electricity for days.

From USAA to UTSA: Downtown San Antonio office building has new owner and tenant

(San Antonio Report) UTSA announced Friday that it plans to purchase an 18-story office building to expand its growing footprint in downtown San Antonio.

COVID-19 cases are increasing in Dallas. Here’s what to know

(Dallas Morning News) In recent weeks, the area has seen an increase in reported cases of COVID-19 and increased levels of the virus in wastewater.

Texas Lottery Commission ‘stuck between a rock and a hard place,’ Sunset Advisory Commission says

(KXAN) A recent report looking into the Texas Lottery Commission (TLC) found deficiencies in oversight, procedural shortcomings, licensing inefficiencies, and state dependency on the agency, but also acknowledged the TLC was “stuck between a rock and a hard place” with its competing goals of generating revenue and regulating the industry.

Texas lawmakers urge State Fair to reverse gun ban a year after shooting

(Dallas Morning News) More than 70 Texas lawmakers urged the State Fair of Texas board of directors to rescind a ban on guns, a safety measure introduced this year after three were injured in a 2023 shooting at the fair.

Demolition completed on the site of Texas’ deadliest mass shooting as divided community watches

(Texas Public Radio) Demolition began Saturday morning on the original sanctuary of the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs. The work was completed on Monday.

Call Goes Out To Republicans To Boycott Left-Wing ‘TribFest’

(Dallas Express) Some Republican leaders and advocates are calling for a boycott, while others are attending the Texas Tribune’s much-hyped political festival, TribFest, scheduled for September 5-7 in downtown Austin.

Texas 3D-printed home developer nears completions of its largest community

(Houston Chronicle) The community of 100 homes has already sold approximately 25% of the properties.

Aug. 12, 2024

After Uvalde city officials end battle over shooting records, victims’ families say other agencies need to follow suit

(Texas Tribune) The city’s release ends a legal battle with news outlets, but other government agencies are withholding materials.

‘I don’t want to die,’ Uvalde student told 911 dispatcher during mass shooting

(AP) As law enforcement officers hung back outside Khloie Torres’ fourth-grade classroom in Uvalde, Texas, she begged for help in a series of 911 calls, whispering into the phone that there were “a lot” of bodies and telling the operator: “Please, I don’t want to die. My teacher is dead. Oh, my God.”

Uvalde shooter’s uncle begged police to let him talk to the gunman

(AP) The uncle of the Uvalde school shooter who killed 19 students and two teachers begged police to let him try to talk his nephew down. In a 911 call released Saturday, the uncle told police he might be able to get him to stop shooting.

‘He’s inside the school!’ Devastating 911 calls, video from Uvalde school shooting released

(Austin American-Statesman) Warning: The following video and audio footage and descriptions of the Uvalde school shooting are disturbing. Discretion is advised. 

Plaintiffs’ attorneys rest case after grilling accused Santa Fe HS shooter’s father

(KTRK) Late Friday afternoon, Judge Jack Ewing ruled there’s no evidence that the mother or father purposely gave the accused shooter the guns he used, but said there is enough evidence for the trial to proceed on a count of negligence. On Monday, jurors will hear very different testimony, as attorneys for the parents try to convince them they had no way of knowing what their son was allegedly planning.

East Texas schools defer to Gov. Abbott’s resistance to Title IX changes

(KTRE) There’s a major battle brewing between some states and the federal government, including Texas.

Crowley ISD sixth graders will get automatic college admission through this new partnership

(Fort Worth Report) The Crowley ISD school board had just unanimously approved a partnership in which Paul Quinn College will run day-to-day operations of the district’s four middle schools starting in the 2025-26 academic year. Administrators see the innovative partnership as a way to slingshot academic performance to new heights.

Ousted Houston ISD principals describe changing evaluation system, district culture under state-appointed leadership

(Houston Chronicle) Houston ISD gave no warning to principals in the district’s west before pressuring them to resign, a process that was poorly handled and contributed to record turnover in the state’s largest school system, former principals shared at a Saturday community panel event.

‘A Significant Threat’: Carroll ISD Hires Superintendent Who Has Backed Book Bans

(Dallas Observer) The Education Department’s Office for Civil Rights has filed investigations in the last two districts where Jeremy Glenn has worked. In a recording published by ProPublica, Glenn instructed school librarians to remove dozens of books pertaining to gender and sexuality.

Carroll ISD parent calls district’s decision to end talks over discrimination claims ‘hurtful’

(KERA) “It’s hurtful to me,” parent Angela Jones told KERA. “It’s basically disgusting what they’re doing. They’re telling us that really, they’re more interested in politics than keeping children safe in school.” Jones, who’s Black, said her son was called racial slurs repeatedly by several students and that teachers and school leaders did little or nothing to punish the alleged perpetrators.

Why are police and school district struggling to deal with a new type of bullying?

(KHOU) Students are targeting classmates by using AI to create fake nudes.

Houston ISD hired around 850 uncertified teachers for 2024-25 school year, Superintendent Mike Miles says

(Houston Chronicle) Houston ISD hired around 850 uncertified teachers for the upcoming school year, more than matching the number of uncertified teachers employed across the district last year, state-appointed Superintendent Mike Miles said at a Thursday press conference. That means roughly 1 in 3 of the 2,770 teacher vacancies at the end of the last school year were filled with teachers without proper credentials.

Houston ISD says 700 students are still being assigned bus stops on the 1st day of school

(KTRK) On Sunday evening, the district said it was still working to assign bus routes for around 700 students. HISD said students who have not been assigned a route may get on a bus at any stop or route that is for their campus.

Humble ISD starts school year amid lingering legal battles involving leadership

(Houston Chronicle) School resumed this week in Humble ISD, a district attempting to rebound from a year marred by more than $1.5 million in legal fees tied to a series of Title IX complaints that culminated with the retirement of athletic director Troy Kite and a vote by the school board in July to terminate his wife, Superintendent Elizabeth Fagen. 

Nearly 50% of special education directors say school-parent conflict is increasing

(K-12 Dive) A yet-to-be-published CADRE survey finds special education directors want more training and resources on early dispute strategies.

Socorro ISD faces criticism over high number of special education vacancies

(KFOX) Parents and special education advocates claim the Socorro school district’s Special Ed department is understaffed and are afraid it will affect students in the long run.

Tarrant Appraisal District approves new reappraisal plan over protests of school districts

(Fort Worth Report) At least one local school district is at risk of significant state funding cuts after the Tarrant Appraisal District board of directors gave final approval to sweeping changes surrounding the property appraisal process. 

Denton ISD’s new superintendent faces a growing student population with minimal resources

(WFAA) “You know it’s disappointing anytime you have a facility on the ground when you can’t open it,” Dr. Susannah Holbert-O’Bara, the new superintendent of Denton ISD, told WFAA. She is frustrated by the lack of funding from the state legislature, which forced the district to postpone the opening of its new school.

Leander ISD proposes lower property tax rate for FY 2024-25

(Community Impact) Leander ISD may adopt its lowest tax rate in six years; however, some homeowners may see an increase in their property tax bill as property values rise.

One in 10 Travis County Residents Are Food Insecure. Public Transit Is Part of the Problem

(Austin Chronicle) Families pushed to the outskirts share cars and miss meals.

LBJ Early College High principal Sheila Henry resigns as first day of school nears

(Austin American-Statesman) LBJ Early College High School’s Executive Principal Sheila Henry resigned Wednesday, according to a letter from the Austin school district sent to school parents. A district spokesperson declined to provide other details about Henry’s resignation, stating it was a personnel matter. The announcement comes after the district on July 31 told parents that LBJ band, piano and choir teacher Rodney Childers had been arrested and charged with indecency with a child by exposure and two counts of improper educator-student relationship, all second-degree felonies.

Jose Adrian Hernandez Grimaldo was a 6th grade Spanish teacher at IL Texas campuses before he was arrested and terminated from his job last week.

(KBTX) Jose Adrian Hernandez Grimaldo, a former Spanish teacher at the school, is accused of sexually assaulting a sixth-grade student in a bathroom.

Former teacher to sue Klein ISD, claims she was fired after reporting human trafficking concerns

(KHOU) In a Thursday news conference, Desma Darden revealed herself as the complainant. The educator of over 12 years said she reported fellow teacher Kedria Grigsby to multiple district officials in February 2023, but nothing was done.

Lawsuit filed against Perryton Independent School District, former athletic director

(KAMR) A federal lawsuit was filed against the Perryton Independent School District and the former athletic director, Cole Underwood, following allegations of sexual misconduct against Underwood. The lawsuit was filed Friday by the family of Cole Underwood‘s alleged victim. The suit makes allegations against Underwood dating back to his time as a coach at Amarillo High School and details on alleged events that lead to Underwood being charged with state and federal charges.

Doctors and area school districts seeing vaping at younger ages over the last 3 years

(KFDA) Panhandle ISD says they are seeing vape usage at younger ages and are working diligently to bring those numbers down.

Marble Falls ISD installs state-of-the-art security system on all campuses

(KXAN) The district has partnered with FiveStones Safety to install and train district personnel on the new CENTEGIX crisis alert system.

Amarillo College opening First Responder Academy this fall

(KFDA) Top-of-the-line equipment from simulation rooms, training mats for defensive tactics and a fire tower for exercises and instruction will be in the new building.

Sheriff: Rio Grande City Grulla ISD student arrested for making threats via Snapchat

(KVEO) A student enrolled in Rio Grande City Grulla Independent School District was arrested for an alleged terroristic threat against the school on Snapchat, Starr County deputies say.

Hillsboro teacher arrested on fraud charges

(KXXV) Among the additional charges is theft of property up to $30,000; exploitation of a child, elderly or disabled person, and misapplication of fiduciary property or property of a financial institution. Campbell was also arrested in 2021 on similar charges.

Texas Children’s patients and employees ‘heartbroken’ over layoffs and impact to care

(Houston Chronicle) In addition to employees who worked in more administrative roles, the layoffs hit a range of employees who treated patients, from speech pathologists to registered nurses to patient care assistants to midwives, according to multiple employees who spoke to the Chronicle. 

Robert Kennedy Jr. will be on the 2024 Texas ballot

(Houston Public Media) Despite objections from Democrats, Texas election officials say the independent candidate for president has enough valid signatures to be on the ballot.

Texas voter guide for College [and High School] Students

(Texas Tribune) “It sounds cliche, but young people are the future at the end of the day,” said Karyn Fu, a Rice University student majoring in biosciences and social policy analysis who is also an election judge in Harris County.

State Fair of Texas to Ban Firearms

(Texas Scorecard) The State Fair of Texas has announced that firearms will be prohibited at this year’s event, a decision that has drawn criticism from gun rights advocates. Previously, licensed individuals were permitted to carry firearms at the fair.

One of the biggest data breaches ever leaks details on billions of users — here’s what we know so far

(TechRadar) A class action lawsuit brought against background check company National Public Data (also known as Jerico Pictures) alleges the personal information of 2.9 billion individuals has made its way onto the dark web via a data breach.

City of Killeen recovering following cyber security breach

(KWTX) The cyber security breach was due to a cyber intrusion from a cybercriminal known as BlackSuit Ransomware and the city has been in contact with the Texas Department of Information Resources, Killeen says.

Aug. 9, 2024

Former Uvalde CISD police chief: ‘I’ve been scapegoated from the very beginning’

(Fox 4 KDFW) In his interview, Arredondo said he went in without bulletproof vest and did everything in his power to stop the shooter.

Father of accused Santa Fe High School shooter denies he shares any blame for mass shooting

(KHOU) Antonios Pagourtzis denies that he shares any of the blame for the shooting rampage. He said his guns were locked up and he never saw any signs that his son was depressed or being bullied.

Texas’ youngest students are struggling with their learning, educators say

(Texas Tribune) A national study found young children are faring worse academically than their peers before the pandemic. The problem’s scope in Texas is unclear.

South Texas ISD offers virtual academy as homeschool numbers rise

(KVEO) The Virtual Academy is a completely online school that Maribel Zapata Valdez, Principal of the Virtual Academy at South Texas Independent School District, said offers a chance to merge homeschooling with a traditional school district model.

Rising costs and stagnant state funds pushed this West Texas school district to the financial brink

(Texas Tribune) The Ector County school district boosted student learning but now faces financial uncertainty. It closed schools and cut costs to stay afloat, but it won’t slash teacher jobs.

Cy-Fair ISD is considering offering Bible-focused electives. How popular are such courses?

(Houston Chronicle) Cypress-Fairbanks ISD is considering adding two new courses to the district’s slate of electives, including the state-approved “Literature and the Bible” and “Western Civilization and the Bible.”

Houston ISD board approves bond election, sends $4.4 billion schools package to voters

(Houston Landing) The package, which pledges not to raise property tax rates, proposes to fund campus rebuilds, fixes to faulty air systems, school security upgrades and other improvements. 

Harlandale leaders meet with officials to challenge school funding cuts

(WOAI) Their discussions are centered on a direct appeal to Governor Greg Abbott, urging him to put an end to the private school voucher program, which they argue diverts essential funds from the public school system, placing both students and teachers at a disadvantage.

Spring, Klein ISDs start school year amid budget gaps

(Community Impact) Klein and Spring ISDs are facing the new 2024-25 school year—which began Aug. 14—with leaner resources and fewer staff members in light of general fund budget shortfalls the districts face.

Travis County Voters Face Potential ‘Tax Bloodbath’

(Texas Scorecard) At least three taxing entities are primed for tax hikes.

Fronteras: What’s the status of Mexican American Studies in Schools? New report reveals MAS enriches lives, but faces challenges

(Texas Public Radio) A report led by a trio of San Antonio high school students examined the role MAS plays in the community. It asked students, teachers and administrators how they feel about the course.

Inspector General Report Cites Inefficiencies in EPA Clean School Bus Program

(School Transportation News) A report published in late July by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Inspector General found that the agency fell short when selecting recipients and providing oversight to verify requested funds for the $5 billion Clean School Bus Program.

Cedar Hill ISD gets $2 million to buy electric buses after voters approve bus improvements bond

(KERA) Cedar Hill Independent School District will get nearly $2 million in federal funding to help the district pay for 10 new electric, emission-free school buses, three months after voters approved a bond for additional transportation improvements in the district.

Five Point Enterprises Agrees to Pay the United States Over $2M for Submitting False Claims to VA for Post-9/11 GI Bill Education Benefits

(U.S. Department of Justice) Until 2021, 5PE was a for-profit company based in Austin, Texas, that operated vocational schools across the country offering non-college degree programs to students, including veteran students, under a franchise agreement with New Horizons Inc.

SAPD releases image of suspected vehicle involved in fatal shooting of Jasper ISD coach

(KSAT) The San Antonio Police Department and Crime Stoppers have released an image of a suspected vehicle involved in the shooting of a Jasper ISD coach who was killed while sitting outside at a patio bar just east of downtown in late July.

Why This District Established Its Own Police Department

(Education Week) In the Midway district, near Waco, the agencies the district previously contracted with to supply school resource officers notified Superintendent Chris Allen last December that they would no longer be able to provide school officers. That gave the district about eight months to come up with an alternative solution, or risk not complying with the 2023 Texas law that requires armed personnel on every campus.

Valley religious leaders pen letter opposing book ban

(myRGV) A group of local religious leaders representing different faiths and denominations have joined together to pen a letter in opposition of a book ban that has been proposed at school districts throughout the Rio Grande Valley.

San Angelo ISD superintendent gives update on plans for San Jacinto students

(Concho Valley Homepage) With just a week left until most of San Angelo ISD reopens for the upcoming school year, Superintendent Christopher Moran gave an update regarding the district’s plan for San Jacinto Elementary students in the wake of seismic activity that caused structural damage to a main campus building.

UTEP announces funding of six projects, promoting cross-border research

(KVIA) The University of Texas at El Paso has announced six research projects that will collectively receive $120,000 in funding as part of a program aimed to strengthen relationships between researchers on both sides of the border.

Grow-Your-Own-Teacher Programs Could Use a Redesign | Opinion

(Education Week) This teacher-recruitment model often gets poor results. Does it have to?

Midnight welding classes now being offered at North Texas trade school

(Fox 4 KDFW) With a nationwide shortage of welders projected to reach about 330,000 by 2028, a Dallas welding school is expanding its welding program to overnight classes from midnight to 5:15 a.m.

City of Killeen recovering following cyber security breach

(KWTX) The cyber security breach was due to a cyber intrusion from a cybercriminal known as BlackSuit Ransomware and the city has been in contact with the Texas Department of Information Resources, Killeen says.

Back to school on a Friday? Students in 1 North Texas district starting today

(Fox 4 KDFW) It may be the end of the week, but it’s the first day of school for students in one North Texas school district.

ACC receives $7.5 million grant to expand semiconductor programs, support UT facility

(Austn American-Statesman) Austin Community College received a $7.5 million grant from the U.S. Defense Department to expand its semiconductor workforce training programs, the college announced Thursday.

BuzzBallz founder, a TWU alum, gifts a record $30M to the university’s business school

(KERA) Merrilee Kick, the CEO and founder of BuzzBallz, has given her alma mater $30 million, a gift that university leaders said will transform the young College of Business.

North Texas teen writes self-help book for youth aimed to assist in prioritizing mental health

(NBC DFW) Pritika Kharkwal authored a book titled “It’s Time to Start Looking In” aimed at assisting other young individuals in focusing on and reducing the stigma surrounding mental health.

New alumni group fights for free speech at UT Austin | Opinion

(The College Fix) Former UT Austin student Clark Patterson, who graduated in 1988, started the UT-Austin Coalition for Open Discourse after witnessing two events at his alma mater.

Days after major NSF grant announcement, project leaders feared UTEP planned to oust them

(El Paso Matters) El Paso celebrated the January 2024 announcement that the National Science Foundation had awarded a grant that could generate up to $160 million to the area, the project’s leaders worried that University of Texas at El Paso officials were trying to force them out and take control of the grant.

Check out 8 private and charter schools in the Hays County area

(Community Impact) Learn more about some of the private and charter schools in and around Hays County. This list is not comprehensive.

Big changes in the works for plaza, promenade and paseo at the Alamo

(San Antonio Report) A city panel has approved extensive redesign plans for Alamo Plaza, the Promenade and Paseo that include shade trees, improved walkways, new lighting and signage.

Smith County district clerk jailed on charge of civil contempt of court

(KLTV) Judge: “We found this issue in hundreds of cases before our court and before every district court.”

Aug. 8, 2024

FAFSA will be released months late for a second year

(San Antonio Report) Students looking to go to college next year will more than likely face delays in the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is required to calculate how much they can receive in scholarships and government assistance.

High School Athletes Can Profit From Brand Deals. What That Means for Schools

(Education Week) Name, image, and likeness deals, explained.

Texas kids return to class with learning gaps, attendance issues – and less money to help

(Dallas Morning News) The infusion of more than $19 billion in federal pandemic relief funding helped as Texas schools tried to get kids back on track through strategies that included intensive tutoring and hiring academic interventionists. The money is largely set to expire soon, just as millions of children head back to the classroom, where the impact of the coronavirus pandemic is felt four years later. Educators are entering the new school year focused on how to keep up momentum — despite losing key support — so they can tackle lingering challenges such as learning gaps and chronic absenteeism.

How to Accelerate Adoption of Zero-Emission School Buses

(School Bus Fleet) A new study by researchers at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health quantifies the climate and health benefits of converting school bus fleets to electric vehicles.

Miscommunication sparks controversy over all-black dress code ban at Texas middle school

(El Paso Times) “Unfortunately, the campus prematurely communicated the dress code change as a final decision rather than a recommendation. We regret the miscommunication, particularly the intent behind the changes,” the statement said.

Lamar CISD could have surplus amid regional budget shortfalls

(Community Impact) Lamar CISD has offset its anticipated shortfall in the proposed fiscal year 2024-25 budget and instead is looking at having a $537,740 surplus, Chief Financial Officer Jill Ludwig said at an Aug. 5 special board meeting.

‘Every kid who walks out our door takes $10,000 of. . . funding’: Abilene ISD struggles with enrollment ahead of new school year

(KTAB) The Abilene Independent School District is sounding the alarm after recently announcing a hiring freeze. One of the main reasons is due to a decrease in enrollment, which is impacting state funding and leading to the district to find ways to cut costs.

FWISD trustees grapple with school closures as enrollment dwindles, achievement idles

(Fort Worth Report) Improved student outcomes in Fort Worth ISD depend on finding the right number of campuses, according to a district-hired consulting firm.

Central Texas school district starts first, four-day calendar after local districts report positive results

(KWTX) Hillsboro ISD Superintendent Darrell Brown said due to inflation and lack of funding from the state, the district is hoping to increase its staffing and the quality of staffing with the four-day school week calendar.

HISD moves closer to losing state leadership with fewer failing schools

(Houston Chronicle) Based on preliminary ratings, Houston ISD is moving closer to having fewer failing schools, a momentum that moves the state’s largest school district to losing state-appointed leadership.

HISD will start the school year with 750 fewer teachers than last year, Superintendent Miles says

(Houston Chronicle) He pointed declining enrollment as the main reason for the drop.

HISD’s Mike Miles officially launches 2024-25 school year. Controversy ensued

(Houston Chronicle) Thousands of Houston ISD students, teachers, and staff gathered at Delmar Stadium on Wednesday to mark the official start of the 2024-25 academic school year. However, the annual event was plagued with issues, as the venue was only capable of seating invited schools that showed marked improvement last year – leaving many in the community to watch virtually with limited sound capabilities.

A-F ratings for schools are coming. Here’s why Arlington ISD is preparing for the worst

(Arlington Report) As school districts prepare to receive accountability ratings from the state later this month, Arlington ISD officials aren’t optimistic.

Nine out of 10 Texans say housing costs too much, poll finds

(Texas Tribune) Some Texas lawmakers have signaled an appetite to tackle the state’s housing affordability crisis when they convene next year.

Kilgore ISD offers future teachers an opportunity to get hands on experience while obtaining degree

(KETK) “We are looking for candidates who already have 50 or more college hours,” Principal of Kilgore Middle School Dr. Cynthia Lindley said. “They are wanting to be an educator, and they have some sort of skill set that will meet the needs of those positions that are hard to fill.”

Rising back-to-school costs complicate the budget math for North Texas families

(Dallas Morning News) Dallas parents are expected to spend about $885 on average per child this school year, a little more than 25% more than they did a year ago and almost $300 more than the national figure, according to a survey by Deloitte Insights, a division of the management consulting company Deloitte that offers industry insights and research reports.

Texas families urged to apply for free and reduced price school meals

(KCBD) Submitting these applications ensures eligible children can receive meals at no cost or a reduced price during the 2024-2025 school year.

Midway ISD Hunger Free program serves local students in need

(KXXV) “We were serving, sending out, about 150 to 175 bags of food a week, and now we’re up to about 350 bags a week,” said Director of Support Services, Anne-Marie Zellers.

Winona ISD providing school supplies for students as costs continue to rise

(KLTV) For the second year in a row, the Winona Independent School District has voted to provide school supplies for their students from Pre-K, all the way through 12th grade.

Back-to-college spending is expected to be the 2nd highest in history at $86 billion

(KLTV) With college students expected to spend more than $1,000 this year, it can be hard for some of them.

College Station ISD changes medication policy for upcoming school year

(KBTX) Now, all medications, including over-the-counter, must have authorization from a physician, podiatrist or dentist, along with parent authorization, before a nurse can administer it.

Robinson ISD adds weapon detection systems to campuses

(KXXV) The systems will screen anyone who walks on campus — including students and visitors — and notify administration if a weapon is detected.

Middle school teacher saves teen from sexual assault in East Houston

(KHOU) A Houston-area middle school teacher is being hailed as a hero for springing into action to save a young girl who was being attacked by a man in east Houston.

Texas A&M University-Commerce won’t add ‘Dallas’ to its name after all, president confirms

(WFAA) The announcement came after more than 9,100 people have signed an online petition against the potential name change.

Regents Establish the Texas A&M Coastal Bend Occupational Advanced Skills Training Program

(TAMUS System News) COAST will connect the region’s underserved population to advanced workforce development training for locally based in-demand jobs, while also stimulating the local economy.

Citing broken trust, UTEP engineering leader sends ‘don’t cross this line’ warning to administration

(El Paso Matters) Academic freedom could be under attack at the University of Texas at El Paso, according to some professors in the College of Engineering, and their boss is challenging UTEP leaders to clarify the uncertainties that he says is roiling his department.

HPD: Boy dies while family members played with a gun, teen later shoots and kills himself

(KHOU) Houston police said family members ranging in age from 10 to 17 were inside an apartment when a 17-year-old took out a gun.

New Christian private school coming soon to Spicewood, Lake Travis area

(Community Impact) The nondenominational school will serve students from pre-kindergarten to 8th grade, with plans to serve high schoolers by fall 2026, according to Head of School and Co-Founder Carla Morgan.

Corporate spelling bee supports education, literacy in East Texas

(KLTV) PAVE East Texas, formerly the Literacy Council of Tyler, held their 33rd annual Corporate Spelling Bee Tuesday as a fundraiser to support their adult education and literacy programs.

Dyslexia School of Houston relocates to larger space in University area

(Community Impact) Dyslexia School of Houston offers literacy-based tutoring and dyslexia therapy for students as a supplement to traditional school or homeschooling, according to the school’s website.

TWU recognized for commitment to first-generation college students

(TWU Student Life News) To be selected as a FirstGen Forward Network Member, TWU displayed a demonstrated commitment to improving experiences and advancing success for first-generation college students.

Aug. 7, 2024

Texas schools got billions in federal pandemic relief. It’s coming to an end as school begins

(Texas Tribune) The more than $19 billion Texas schools received in Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief funds over the last four years will expire on Sept. 30, with a few exceptions.

Carroll ISD Says Federal Civil Rights Investigation Lacks Evidence

(Texas Scorecard) Discrimination complaints could result in required diversity trainings, but the district currently says it will not negotiate with the federal Education Department.

Judge dismisses most claims in federal lawsuit filed by Black Texas student punished over hairstyle

(AP) A federal judge on Tuesday dismissed most of the claims in a lawsuit filed by a Black high school student who alleged that school officials committed racial and gender discrimination when they punished him for refusing to change his hairstyle. But in his order, U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Brown questioned whether the school district’s rule causes more harm than good.

Texas Windstorm Insurance Association votes to seek rate hike despite pleas from coastal residents

(Houston Chronicle) The Texas Windstorm Insurance Association at a meeting Tuesday voted to seek a rate increase of 10% for 2025 residential and commercial policies, which could cost some coastal property owners hundreds of dollars more each year.

FAFSA changes lead to decrease in application numbers

(Community Impact) Fewer high schoolers have applied for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid this year than in 2023, according to data from the National College Attainment Network.

The Troubling Trend of State Takeovers of Public Schools

(Inequality.org) Despite aiming to close achievement gaps, state takeovers of school districts worsen education inequality for low-income and minority students.

Dissatisfied parents demand superintendents, school boards step up their game, Rice expert says

(Rice University) School district leaders including superintendents and board members are under increasing pressure from parents to show better results, according to research by an expert at Rice University’s Jones Graduate School of Business. Among superintendents there is an increasing trend of higher turnover, and among board members there is an increased risk of facing election challenges.

COVID cases on the rise, extreme cases appear to decline

(KBTX) COVID-19 cases are on the rise in Texas and across the country, reaching numbers seen at the height of the pandemic. However, hospitalizations and deaths due to COVID are not also rising.

HISD reports number of D, F-rated schools drops from 121 to 41 in preliminary 2024 TEA A-F ratings

(Houston Chronicle) Houston ISD state-appointed Superintendent Mike Miles said Wednesday that the number of the district’s schools that earned a D or F rating in the Texas Education Agency’s accountability ratings dropped by about two-thirds compared to the unofficial ratings the district calculated last year under revamped, harder standards that were protested by districts across the state.

El Paso schools face steepest enrollment drop in Texas despite statewide increase

(KFOX) That [TEA] report states the increase was 1.7 percent for the state, showing an increase in enrollment after the COVID-19 Pandemic. However, the increase has not been the case for school districts in El Paso.

Fort Worth hotels may soon be banned from building too close to schools without special approval

(NBC DFW) Fort Worth city council members are considering an ordinance amendment that would require hotel developers to go through a Planned Development zoning process before building within 1,000 feet of a school.

No cell phones and other new policies shaking up school districts across Southeast Texas

(Click 2 Houston) It’s crunch time now for parents, caregivers, students and teachers, as the first day of school is fast approaching.

San Antonio ISD, CAST Network plan to open a new CAST school on the East Side

(Texas Public Radio) Less than a year after voting to close 15 schools — and with plans underway to discuss closing more schools in the near future — the San Antonio Independent School District is in the beginning stages of plans to open a new school in partnership with the CAST Schools Network.

Criticized over back-to-school wish lists, twin teachers create group to help teachers get supplies

(NBC DFW) Hoping the public would be inclined to help fill the gaps, Irvin and her twin sister Shanna Edwards, who is also a special education teacher, posted their wish lists online, only to be criticized by would-be donors.

Brownsville ISD aims to boost customer service, student attendance

(myRGV) The overreaching goal of both is to improve student academic performance, which is BISD’s main goal, Superintendent Jesus H. Chavez said.

Zapata County ISD gets ready for new school year with extra safety measures

(KGNS) This year, the district will add more armed school police officers and implement new safety features, including anti-scaling fencing around the middle school.

Georgetown ISD works to place school marshals at campuses by early fall

(Community Impact) Stacie Seveska, GISD’s Director of Campus Operations, said during an Aug. 5 workshop that the district will have school marshals placed at each of its elementary campuses by the start of early fall. The district will continue to contract with the Georgetown Police Department for school resource officers to be posted at the district’s secondary schools, she said.

McGregor ISD is switching to locally sourced beef in school cafeterias

(KWTX) McGregor ISD will only be serving locally sourced beef purchased with grant money approved by the Texas Department of Agriculture.

ASHBY: Texas Sales Tax Holiday has saved $2 billion

(Lufkin Daily News) It’s back to school time. Last week, the Texas Comptroller announced the 25th annual Texas Sales Tax Holiday, which will take place from Aug. 9-11 this year. This year, the holiday is estimated to save Texans more than $140 million at the checkout, and it has saved Texans nearly $2 billion since its inception in 1999.

Truck driver indicted on manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide charges in bus crash

(Austin American-Statesman) A Bastrop County grand jury indicted a concrete truck driver Tuesday on two counts of manslaughter and two counts of criminally negligent homicide following a crash with a school bus that killed a 5-year-old boy and another driver, District Attorney Bryan Goertz confirmed. Jerry Hernandez, 43, had previously been charged with criminally negligent homicide, but the grand jury added the manslaughter charges in the deaths of Ulises Montoya Rodriguez, a prekindergarten student on the bus, and 33-year-old Ryan Wallace, who was in a car traveling behind the bus, Goertz said.

Former Cass County coach gets 60 years for sexually abusing students

(KLTV) A former coach for Atlanta High School will spend 60 years in prison for child sex crimes after a Friday conviction.

Carlisle ISD Security Guard Accused of Sexually Abusing a Child

(Teas Scorecard) A security guard who worked at an elementary school in Carlisle Independent School District is in jail, accused of a sex crime involving a child.

Houston mother arrested, charged with murder nearly a year after leaving infant in hot car

(Houston Public Media) During an interview with investigators, Deras last year said she parked her vehicle under a tree in the parking lot before she walked into the clinic because she thought it would cover the car from the sun. She left the infant in the vehicle and brought her then 3-year-old child inside with her.

Texas Children’s Hospital laying off five percent of its workforce

(Houston Chronicle) The pediatric health hospital said it has been financially struggling amid surging labor costs and lower than expected revenues.

Arrested UT Dallas students challenge academic discipline for pro-Palestinian campus protests

(KERA) Nine University of Texas at Dallas students and recent graduates said Tuesday they’re challenging the school’s proposed academic discipline after they were arrested during a campus encampment protesting the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza in May.

Ranchers reported abandoned oil wells spewing wastewater. A new study blames fracking

(Texas Tribune) An SMU study is the first scientific proof of a phenomenon local landowners have long warned was occurring.

Aug. 6, 2024

Texas Ranger was set to be fired after Uvalde school shooting. Instead, he was reinstated

(Austin American-Statesman) Col. Steve McCraw removed Texas Ranger Christopher Ryan Kindell from suspension and restored him to his position in Uvalde County on Friday. Kindell had been removed from duty in January 2023.

Austin ISD chief financial officer arrested on insurance fraud charges

(Austin American-Statesman) The chief financial officer of the Austin school district has been placed on paid leave in connection with an arrest related to charges of insurance fraud for activities not related to the district, according to district and law enforcement officials. Eduardo Ramos, 51, was arrested at 9:03 a.m. Wednesday by the Austin school district’s Police Department on a warrant from the Round Rock Police Department in connection with felony charges of insurance fraud, officials with the Round Rock police and the Travis County sheriff’s office confirmed Monday.

Rêve Prep charter school opens new building, charter renewed

(Houston Chronicle) Earlier this summer, the Texas Education Agency notified the school that it intended to nonrenew the charter due to low performance and lack of an appropriately certified special education teacher. But the agency came to an agreement in mid-July with Rêve leaders, whose attorneys worked “around-the-clock” to help guarantee the school would open its doors to students on Aug. 14, Superintendent Toscha Dickerson said. 

DATA: See how Cy-Fair ISD teachers spend their time outside of teaching

(Community Impact) To identify how teachers are spending their time outside of teaching in Cy-Fair ISD, the district commissioned market research firm Hanover Research to conduct a survey and focus groups during the 2023-24 school year. The Hanover study found across the board, teachers primarily spend time on documentation, such as to comply with special education requirements and report student behavior incidents.

North Texas school districts are stretching financially for the 2024-25 school year

(WFAA) The basic allotment for K-12 students in Texas is $6,160 and it has not increased since 2019, forcing North Texas schools to make tough choices for students.

San Jacinto to temporarily move to Reagan due to damage from earthquake

(Concho Valley Homepage) Although San Angelo ISD is starting school on Aug. 15, some elementary students will have a delayed start due to damages that followed recent seismic activity. According to SAISD, the structural integrity of the San Jacinto building may be compromised because of structural damage to a load-bearing wall that occurred after recent seismic activity.

Alvin ISD launching esports curriculum

(Community Impact) In the four-year curriculum, students will learn content creation, esports analytics, digital design and multimedia skills. After school, students will compete in gaming through campus-sponsored esports clubs.

Silsbee ISD looks to help new educators with mentorship program

(12 News) It’s back to school time and for new teachers, starting a career in education can be tough.That’s why experienced teachers at Silsbee ISD have created a mentorship program for first timers to make the transition into the school year easier.

Former Carlisle ISD security guard arrested, school officials say

(KETK) The Rusk County Sheriff’s Department notified the school district on Monday that a security guard employed at the school last year and “were planning to use this year” had been detained, Carlisle ISD said. The security guard was reportedly not an employee for the district but rather contracted through a “separate private security agency.”

Texas high school football is back amid triple-digit heat. Here’s how North Dallas HS prepares its team

(CBS Dallas) With triple-digit heat indexes, North Dallas High School’s top priority is keeping players healthy and hydrated.

Fort Bend ISD to launch Stopfinder bus route tracker program

(Community Impact) The new Stopfinder bus software system requires students to use an identification badge to scan when boarding or exiting the bus. With this “almost real-time” information, parents and school staff can verify bus route information, arrival times and ensure their child is on the correct bus, according to an Aug. 2 district news release.

Truck driver who crashed into Hays CISD school bus, killing 2, appears in court for first time

(KVUE) It has been just over five months since a deadly crash in Bastrop involving a Hays CISD school bus and a concrete pumper truck. Now, just about a week before school starts, the man responsible for driving the truck that swerved into the school bus carrying preschool students, 42-year-old Jerry Hernandez, appeared in a Bastrop County court for the first time. Hernandez was charged with criminally negligent homicide.

Title IX investigation into Wall ISD launched late July

(Concho Valley Homepage) The record states that the case concerns Wall ISD’s athletics department.

Office of Civil Rights investigates San Angelo ISD

(Concho Valley Homepage) The Office of Civil Rights has opened three investigations into San Angelo ISD, which began on May 3, 2024.

Texas Republicans Strengthen Push for Educational Freedom

(Texas Scorecard) A resolution in support of school choice passed unanimously at Saturday’s quarterly meeting of the State Republican Executive Committee after 79.5 percent of Republican voters approved a proposition earlier this year stating, “Texas parents and guardians should have the right to select schools, whether public or private, for their children, and the funding should follow the student.”

The challenges charter and voucher schools face | Opinion

(USA Today) Tallahassee Classical School has faced administration and enrollment issues and is looking to affiliate with a classical charter organization with schools in Arizona, Louisiana and Texas.

How a Tarrant County Christian nonprofit supports single mothers through college

(Fort Worth Report) The Gatehouse was started as a way to fill in the gaps between living at a shelter and becoming self-sustaining, said Lisa Rose, founder of the nonprofit.

What will the Supreme Court’s October 2024 term bring for K-12?

(K-12 Dive) The nation’s highest court is set to hear separate cases on FCC reimbursements and exhausting administrative remedies.

UT joins national effort to recruit rural, small-town students

(Daily Texan) The University partnered with the Small Town and Rural Students College Network, a group focused on improving educational attainment in rural communities, to receive funding and increase the number of recruiters in these areas. The network receives funding from the Trott Family Foundation and gives partnering schools a minimum of $200,000 per year to help them recruit. 

UTA to build major new campus in west Fort Worth, with sights on 2028 opening

(KERA) UTA West will be located in west Fort Worth on a 51-acre tract of prairie with rolling hills and a lake. The university has a multiyear plan to build out the campus and serve more than 10,000 students. The first building is expected to open in fall 2028.

Texas’ voter suspense list tops 2.1 million. Here’s what to do if you’re on it

(Dallas Morning News) More than 2.1 million Texas voters are on the state’s suspended list, three months before the presidential election between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris.

5th Circuit appears poised to side with Texas in federal foster care litigation

(Texas Public Radio)The state wants $100,000 per day fines struck down as well as the federal district judge presiding over the case removed. But it did not sound like the three-judge panel needed much convincing. The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals seemed poised to strike down $100,000 a day contempt fines against the state Monday.

$180M expansions, incubator planned for Round Rock colleges

(Community Impact) Texas State University at Round Rock, Austin Community College at Round Rock and Texas State Technical College in Hutto are spending over $180 million to expand programs in health care, technology, manufacturing and skilled trades.

Court documents: Austin ISD teacher accused of gifting student cash, sexual misconduct

(CBS Austin) According to court documents, a parent told an AISD officer that her son had received multiple deposits of money through CashApp from Rodney Childers. The court documents show the CashApp transactions totaled $2,296 over 57 transactions between February 1 and July 26.

Taxes paid by undocumented immigrants

(Texas Public Radio) A recent study shows that undocumented immigrants are paying sizable amounts into the national tax system including income tax, social security, state and local sales taxes.

WTAMU announces embedded associate degree program for the fall

(KFDA) Students can earn an Associate of Science degree in mathematics starting this fall.

San Jacinto College receives full accreditation for bachelor’s degree program

(Community Impact) San Jacinto College will now offer a fully accredited bachelor’s degree program in cybersecurity.

What to See and Do When You’re Visiting the University of Texas Campus

(Austin Chronicle) Explore the Forty Acres deep in the heart of Austin.

Texas A&M student housing in Houston faces foreclosure after $135M loan default

(Houston Chronicle) Yet another Houston building is facing foreclosure due to the developer defaulting over a multimillion-dollar loan. This time, it’s Life Tower, a Texas A&M University student housing building in the Texas Medical Center area.

Central Texas 911 issues caused by intentional system attack

(KXAN) Central Texas 911 systems were impacted Sunday by an intentional attack, according to the Capital Area Council of Governments. Call issues were seen across Central Texas from Austin to Burnet County to Luling.

Aug. 5, 2024

Whataburger to donate $74K to teachers this August. Here’s how to nominate your fav teacher.

(San Antonio Express-News) This Thursday, the San Antonio-based burger bastion will celebrate its 74th birthday by asking its followers on X, formerly Twitter, to “nominate teachers in their lives who could use some help buying school supplies for the new year,” the brand wrote in a Friday news release. 

Judge Declines to Expand Carroll ISD’s Title IX Injunction Nationwide

(Texas Scorecard) A federal judge has denied Carroll Independent School District’s request for a nationwide stay of the Biden-Harris administration’s controversial Title IX changes that would force schools to accept radical gender ideology or lose federal funding.

HISD sees ‘unprecedented’ departures, with more than 4,000 employees leaving the district in June

(Houston Chronicle) More than 4,000 employees left Houston ISD in June, bringing the total departures since the state takeover to over 10,000.

Ongoing FAFSA glitches leave thousands of San Antonio students behind

(San Antonio Report) The number of graduating seniors filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) declined by thousands across San Antonio compared with last year – foreshadowing a possible decline in the number of students going to college in the fall.

Texas activist frustrates election officials with lawsuit about threat to ballot secrecy

(Texas Tribune) Laura Pressley claims she found an “algorithmic pattern” that links voters to their ballots. But she won’t make it public.

Why are some school districts in Texas turning to a 4-day week?

(KHOU) As of this year, education experts report at least 800 districts have made the switch nationwide including some here in Texas.

Cy-Fair ISD to offer new electives about the Bible’s impact on literature, culture

(Community Impact) Two new elective courses will be offered in Cy-Fair ISD high schools in the 2025-26 school year: Literature and the Bible, and Western Civilization and the Bible.

El Paso middle school revises controversial dress code banning all-black outfits

(CBS4 ) EPISD acknowledged the announcement could have been made better.

Elon Musk launches Ad Astra school in Bastrop County

(Community Impact) Elon Musk launched his latest Bastrop County endeavor by opening the inaugural enrollment of students at his new school, Ad Astra.

Gov. Abbott Accelerates Timeline for CenterPoint Improvements After Bashing Company’s Response

(Texas Scorecard) The company’s plan to deploy 300 new automated devices and replace old electrical poles by December 31 has now been requested by the end of August.

Central Texas school districts advocate for increased pre-K funding ahead of 89th Texas Legislature

(CI Storytelling) As the 89th Texas Legislature is set to convene in January, funding for full-day pre-K is top of mind for school districts across Central Texas and public education advocacy organization Raise Your Hand Texas.

TxDOT schools drivers, pedestrians on how to stay safe this school year

(Tyler Morning Telegraph) As Texas students say goodbye to summer break and prepare to kick off a new school year, leaders with the Texas Department of Transportation are asking drivers to stay alert and help keep kids safe with the “Be Safe. Drive Smart.” back-to-school campaign.

‘They’re addicted to these things’ | Beaumont ISD revises policies to keep students in class, off nicotine

(KBMT) BISD decided to rewrite policies as a way to help students facing vaping addiction.

Lake Travis ISD hopes cellphone ban improves focus, decreases bullying

(Austin American-Statesman) The Lake Travis school district is banning the use of cellphones and other smart devices on its elementary and middle school campuses during the school day as part of a districtwide effort to improve focus and decrease bullying.

Grand Prairie, South Grand Prairie HS to require locking phone pouches for students

(Fox 4 KDFW) Grand Prairie ISD has become the latest school district in North Texas to lock up students’ cell phones during the day.

Austin-area growth fuels school construction boom in Hutto, Liberty Hill

(Austin American-Statesman) Hutto is one of several school districts surrounding Austin undergoing major campus construction projects in the next few years to keep pace with rapid student growth as more people seek cheaper home prices and more space in the suburban areas.

University of Texas at El Paso Receives $2.3 Million to Help Migrant Farm Workers Complete High School

(UTEP News Feed) The University of Texas at El Paso is continuing its work to support migrant and seasonal farm workers in their pursuit of a High School Equivalency Certificate (HSE). The effort is supported by a new grant of $2.3 million from the U.S. Department of Education.

Addressing diversity concerns, Texas A&M alumni group wants more nominations for its top award

(Houston Chronicle) Texas A&M University’s Association of Former Students is asking the public to nominate more people as “distinguished alumni” award, which drew criticism last week when a College Station news outlet posted a photo roundup of the most recent honorees — all of them older, white men.

Amarillo College receives grant to advance welding training

(KFDA) Amarillo College received over $300,000 from the Texas Workforce Commission that will enhance its welding program. The JET Grant was used by Amarillo College to acquire additional live welders and cutting equipment, almost doubling its existing welding lab capacity.

Scientists Set Sail To Study Greenland Glaciers From Underwater

(Eurasia Review) The University of Texas at Austin has embarked on a mission to explore the underwater edges of Greenland’s coastal glaciers to learn more about future sea level rise.

Chevron Becomes Latest Company to Leave California for Texas

(Texas Scorecard) Though not given as a reason for the move, a new ballot initiative if passed would allow California to charge Chevron an additional tax for its refinery in Richmond.

El Paso Bangladeshis condemn government attacks on students in their homeland

(El Paso Matters) Members of El Paso’s Bangladeshi community organized a protest at Mundy Park on Sunday, Aug. 4, to condemn Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s crackdown that has killed hundreds of students.

How a lack of supervisors keeps new mental health workers from entering the field

(Texas Tribune) Future Texas therapists must complete internships to start their careers, but there’s not enough providers to mentor all of the students.

Frustration grows: El Paso Walmart mass shooter’s death penalty case languishes after 5 years

(El Paso Times) The case has been delayed in state court for several reasons, mainly because state prosecutors and defense attorneys are continuing a years-long battle over how to handle the massive amount of evidence in the case.

Proposed law pushes for tougher migrant detention following Texas girl’s killing

(AP) Family members of a 12-year-old Houston girl who police say was killed by two Venezuelan men who entered the U.S. illegally said Friday that they are supporting legislation that would severely limit the ability of federal immigration authorities to release immigrants they detain.

Update: Feds Withdraw Oral Fluid Collection for CDL Drug Tests Rule

(School Transportation News) The U.S Department of Transportation (DOT) withdrew a final rule set to go into effect on Monday that would have allowed mock oral fluid collection for drug tests of commercial driver’s license holders.

New Mexico’s governor starts campaign to recruit Texas physicians

(Houston Chronicle) The ‘Free to Provide’ initiative focuses on the Lone Star State’s abortion ban.

Aug. 2, 2024

Texas youth lockups are beset by abuse and mistreatment of children, Justice Department report says

(AP) Texas’ youth lockups remain beset by sexual abuse, excessive use of pepper spray and keeping children isolated in cells for most of the time, the DOJ said Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, in a scathing report that accused the state of violating the constitutional rights of hundreds of youths inside the facilities.

U.S. 5th Circuit rules for Galveston County in voting rights case, striking down decades of precedent

(Houston Public Media) The federal appeals court ruled 12-5 that different racial and ethnic groups cannot form coalitions to challenge racial gerrymandering under Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act.

An El Paso middle school bans all-black clothing, citing mental health concerns

(KFOX) A letter sent to parents by Charles Middle School’s principal, Nick DeSantis stated that this school year they will be eliminating all-black clothing for students to wear because it is “associated with depression and mental health issues”.

A half-million records and one app: The group behind a massive effort to ‘clean’ voter rolls

(CNN) “My simple right as a voter is being attacked,” said Daniel Moss, a university administrator from Denton County, Texas, whose registration was challenged by one of the activists even though he has lived in the county and voted there for about two decades. “It’s kind of un-American to do that.”

Elon Musk’s Private Elementary School To Open In Fall, Now Taking Applications: ‘The Next Generation Of Problem Solvers’

(Benzinga) A new Texas school linked to billionaire Elon Musk is set to open this fall and began accepting applications on Wednesday. The school follows a previous institution Musk founded for his own children and the kids of his SpaceX employees.

Pandemic-related learning gaps persist for children who missed early schooling

(CBS Austin) Pre-K to first graders in 2020 may have missed a critical window during which foundational skills develop, according to recent research from Curriculum Associates.

Special elections called due to La Joya ISD policy conclude in Palmview, San Juan

(myRGV) Hildago County saw two special elections on Tuesday for the Palmview City Council and the San Juan City Commission, and Peñitas has a new council member, all of which are the fallout of a new La Joya ISD policy prohibiting employees from public office. The policy resulted in a spate of resignations.

Texas’ fastest-growing minority group isn’t the one you might think

(WFAA) Asian Texans are growing more than three times faster than Texas’ overall population growth.

Teachers express concern over blended classrooms at some El Paso ISD campuses

(KFOX) Several teachers in the El Paso Independent School District told KFOX14 Investigates they do not agree with a new teaching approach that was implemented in some classrooms earlier this school year.

Canyon ISD votes to allow employees to carry firearms on campuses

(KFDA) “We are unable to put a school resource officer on every campus. Even though our law enforcement entities have tried for us, but they just don’t have the staff right now to do that. In place of a school resource officer, we have had to go the guardian route or defender route, whichever you wish to call it, and that arms staff members on campus,” said Robyn Cranmer, deputy superintendent, Canyon ISD.

Standardized tests are shifting at SAISD schools. Here’s how

(San Antonio Report) Jaime Aquino, superintendent of the San Antonio Independent School District, announced during a lengthy board workshop in June that the district would be swapping the national normed test, known as MAP Growth, for a State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) interim assessment, which he said is more aligned with the standards.

Abilene ISD superintendent speaks on hiring freeze, school vouchers & goals

(KTAB) On April 25th, 2024, Dr. John Kuhn officially became the new superintendent for Abilene ISD. On Wednesday, the district announced a hiring freeze amid a steady dwindling of enrollment over the past decade. KTAB/KRBC caught up with Dr. Kuhn as he addressed the Kiwanis Club of Abilene to discuss the reasoning behind that decision and his view of the district’s goals moving forward.

Denton ISD prepares for bigger classes and fewer teachers in the new school year

(KERA) It wasn’t what the Denton ISD school board wanted to hear, but with both a budget deficit and a freeze on more than 100 full-time staff positions, district leaders presented a staffing plan they said will keep the larger class sizes seen last year, but with some flexibility.

EDA awards Rockdale ISD $5.25 million grant

(Fox 44) This U.S. Economic Development Administration grant will be used to renovate the district’s College & Career Academy. It is an investment marking a big step towards enhancing educational opportunities for students.

Temple ISD announces new cell phone policy for 2024-2025 school year

(KCEN) Under the new policy, students will be required to mute and store their cell phones and wireless earbuds in designated lockers upon entering the classroom. They will retrieve their devices at the end of each class period. Access to cell phones and earbuds will be permitted during passing periods, lunch, and other non-instructional times.

Midland ISD Board of Trustees approves stricter cell phone policy

(KWES) After forming a committee of staff members and parents, the district believes that removing cell phone use will help improve outcomes and the students’ experience.

Vaping among students a top concern in Cy-Fair ISD

(Community Impact) Cy-Fair ISD trustee Justin Ray at the June 17 board meeting urged district officials to investigate ways to prevent vaping on campuses. Based on feedback from campus leaders, he said vaping is a major health and safety concern.

Fewer teacher vacancies for Dallas schools ahead of first day, superintendent says

(Dallas Morning News) Teacher slots are about 99% filled, Superintendent Stephanie Elizalde said.

UT Austin officials respond to critical report on pro-Palestine protest response

(Fox 7 Austin) The University of Texas at Austin officials are rejecting the conclusions made about their response to pro-Palestine protests on campus in April, which resulted in dozens of misdemeanor arrests.

Concerns raised Texas State U.’s new antisemitism policy will chill free speech

(The College Fix) Watchdogs and students at Texas State University have voiced concerns that freedom of expression may be restricted this fall on campus under the recently updated free speech policy, but others say the move protects Jewish and pro-Israel students from illegal harassment.

DOL Overtime Rules and Institutions of Higher Education – Where Are We, What’s Next, and What Can We Do?

(JDSupra) On June 28, 2024, a federal judge in the United States Court for the Eastern District of Texas held the Department of Labor’s (DOL) rule increasing the annual salary threshold for the exemption provided for executive, professional and administrative employees (the “white-collar exemption”) outlined in the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) is likely unlawful.

Dallas’ First Women’s University

(D Magazine) St. Mary’s College brought higher education for women in East Dallas, and its presence is still felt today at St. Mark’s Cathedral.

Second building in Texas A&M’s downtown Fort Worth campus gets green light

(Fort Worth Report) During its Aug. 1 meeting, the Texas A&M Board of Regents approved an interlocal agreement that will pave the way for the design of the second building, the Research and Innovation Building. 

$108,000 budget to support college food pantries to be renewed in 2024-2025 city budget

(Daily Texan) The College Food Access Grant, a collaboration between Austin Public Health and the Central Texas Food Bank, provides mini-grants to universities, colleges and student-led organizations that help food-insecure college students. 

Aug. 1, 2024

New Title IX rules are in effect. Here’s why Texas schools don’t have to comply

(Austin American-Statesman) Texas is one of 15 states that are temporarily exempt from new sex-based discrimination rules, which go into effect Thursday and seek to expand federal protections for survivors of sexual assault, students who seek an abortion and LGBTQ+ students.

Schools Across North Texas Use Weapons Detection Systems. But Do They Work?

(Dallas Observer) In the coming weeks, McKinney ISD students at five campuses will find themselves walking through weapons detection systems when they enter school. The district’s board of trustees paid $1.27 million to purchase the system from a company called Evolv, which doesn’t have the best track record.

North Texas school district says student’s Trump-themed parking space can stay

(Fort Worth Star-Telegram) A Keller High School student’s parking-lot mural of former President Donald Trump can stay, school district officials said, reversing course on an earlier order that required the student to cover the mural and sparked backlash from parents.

Conservative AGs hope to upend 70 years of law going back to Brown v Board of Education with Texas case

(Texas Public Radio) Texas has been locked in a battle over how it runs its foster care system for 13 years — the last five of which have been under the direct purview of a federal judge and court monitors. Conservative attorneys general in the South hope this Texas case can upend 70 years of case law dating back to the landmark school-desegregation case, Brown v Board of Education.

Humble ISD trustee cleared of sexual harassment, discrimination claims

(Houston Landing) Humble ISD Trustee Robert Scarfo did not sexually harass or discriminate against the husband of outgoing district superintendent Elizabeth Fagen, an independent investigator concluded this month following a highly anticipated probe.

Attorney says parents of ex-student accused in Texas school shooting bear responsibility for attack

(AP) The parents of a former Texas high school student accused of killing 10 people during a 2018 shooting on his campus bear responsibility for what happened because they failed to help their son amid a mental health crisis or to limit his access to the family’s guns, an attorney representing victims’ families told jurors on Wednesday.

Santa Fe shooter suffered from undetected mental illness, planned killings for months, lawyers say

(Houston Chronicle) When he was 17 years old, the gunman accused of killing 10 people inside Santa Fe High School in 2018 was severely mentally ill and hiding delusions from his parents in the months leading up to the massacre, attorneys said Wednesday inside a Galveston County courtroom. Despite that illness, Dimitrios Pagourtzis was able to plan precise details of the attack, research other mass shootings, buy thousands of dollars of merchandise using gift cards and hide the weapons he used in the shooting from the adults around him, attorneys said.

Texas ranked as third-worst state to move to in 2024

(Dallas Morning News) According to a ranking by Consumer Affairs — which assessed each state based on a mix of affordability, economy, education and health, quality of life and safety — Texas is the third-worst state to move to in 2024, sitting behind California and New Mexico and just ahead of Louisiana and Alaska. The culprits for Texas’ low ranking were its scores in health and education, affordability and safety, while the states that scored best were Utah, New Hampshire and Idaho.

HISD will have 130 New Education System schools in the 2024-25 school year. Here’s what to know

(Houston Chronicle) More than 40 Houston ISD schools will begin their first year under the district’s controversial reform program, known as the New Education System, when students head back to school on Aug. 12.

76 Houston ISD principals left in June, the most in a single month since the state takeover began

(Houston Chronicle) June saw the largest exodus of principals at Houston ISD campuses in a single month since at least the start of the state takeover — a rate that one expert called “shocking and alarming.”

How registered principal apprenticeships are filling gaps one year in

(K-12 Dive) Last year, Texas’ Ector County Independent School District became the first individual school district to tap into the Labor Department’s registered principal apprenticeship model, training four principals.

‘Create a distraction:’ Montgomery ISD students must put cell phones ‘away for the day’ under new policy

(Click 2 Houston) The district said students in Montgomery ISD will be allowed to have cell phones on campus. However, they are expected to be “away for the day” in backpacks, lockers, or vehicles and turned off. The policy applies to all classrooms, hallways, restrooms, cafeterias, and any other school property during the school day.

Even With Tax Increase, Austin ISD Will Need Significant Spending Cuts

(Austin Chronicle) School is still supposed to be out for summer but Austin ISD’s budget problems are so bad that the board of trustees is already back to work.

Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD seeks to ‘protect classrooms’ amid budget crunch

(Fort Worth Report) Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD administrators had one goal as they pored over the district’s next budget: protect classrooms. The directive from Superintendent Jim Chadwell was needed as the preliminary budget for the 2024-25 school year showed a nearly $16.5 million deficit. Administrators recently updated the school board on the next iteration of the district’s budget.

Graduation rates increase for teens experiencing homelessness within Waco ISD

(KXXV) The amount of students classified as homeless at Waco ISD is three times the state average. One non-profit and the local school district is helping those kids break the cycle and find success.

North Texas temps heat up just in time for youth, high school sports practice

(NBC DFW) From football to marching band, outdoor practice is starting to pick up during the worst heat of this summer.

Sex Abuse Victim’s Mom Scorches Lorena ISD School Board

(Texas Scorecard) Amanda Gilmore said, “There’s a special place in Hell” for defenders of Lorena Primary Principal April Jewell.

Central Texas schools to debut upgraded football fields

(KXXV) The upcoming football season will be a fresh start for some Central Texas teams, including Abbott, who’s getting ready to debut a new field, along with field upgrades.

Grand Prairie ISD wants its students to learn how to play cricket

(Fox 4 Dallas-Fort Worth) On Wednesday, about 200 Grand Prairie ISD coaches and physical education teachers were invited to learn more about the game at Grand Prairie Stadium.

Houston mom’s FAFSA nightmare ends after learning her college bound son is finally approved for assistance

(Fox 26 Houston) FOX 26 Reporter Randy Wallace has the update on a family who was having difficulties applying for aid.

East Texas educators speak on new ACT changes aimed at helping students

(KLTV) “The changes are meant to make students be more successful on that test,” said Brooke Kinsman the Curriculum Coordinator at Region 7.

Texas State University to offer aviation science degree

(Community Impact) In partnership with Coast Flight Training, the city of San Marcos and Texas Aviation Partners, the university will begin offering a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Science with a concentration in aviation science degree.

UT Austin committee says administrators violated own rules when handling protests

(KUT) A report released this week by a UT Austin committee found that university leaders violated their own institutional rules when calling police to respond to pro-Palestinian protests in April. The seven-member committee also found that the university’s claims that protesters violated rules, including the unauthorized use of amplified sound on the South Lawn, “lack[ed] adequate foundation.” The university and its police department have used these alleged violations to justify arrests and student discipline.

Adjusting your child’s sleep schedule before school starts

(KCBD) Doctor Tammy Camp, pediatrician with Texas Tech Physicians and the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine explains why sleep is so important for young students.

New National Park Site Spotlights School Segregation in Texas

(Smithsonian Magazine) The Blackwell School was once Marfa’s only public school for Mexican and Mexican American students.

Students cook up new recipes for Arlington ISD lunch menus

(Arlington Report) Kennedie Jamison, a junior at Martin High School, helped create the Cajun chicken alfredo recipe that will be served in cafeterias across Arlington ISD. Parents and students sampled the dish, and other recipes from the By Students 4 Students program, at the Taste of Arlington ISD event July 30, 2024, at Seguin High School.

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