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Aug. 29, 2025

Legislative Update:

“Bathroom bill” aimed at trans people approved by Texas House after decade of failed attempts

(Texas Tribune) Senate Bill 8 will restrict restrooms in government buildings, public schools and universities based on sex assigned at birth and apply $25,000 fines for violations. SB 8 will be sent back to the Senate to approve the changes. Lawmakers have until Sept. 13 to approve any legislation during the second special session.

RFK Jr. says ‘Make Texas Healthy Again’ bills could bring the state more federal funding

(KUT) U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. showed support for “Make America Healthy Again”-inspired bills passed by Texas legislators during a visit to the state this week. He said those bills could help Texas secure federal funding set aside for rural hospitals in President Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.”

Also Reported:

Ysleta ISD approves plan to cut healthcare costs by $10 million

(KFOX) Healthcare costs for the Ysleta Independent School District are projected to exceed $43 million next year if no changes are made. In response, trustees voted six to one on Wednesday to approve a plan aimed at reducing these expenses. Consultants informed the board that the district is currently paying nearly twice the national average for healthcare. Without adjustments, these costs are deemed unsustainable.

Eagle Pass ISD Employees Face Uncertainty as Contract With Fort Duncan Medical Center Remains Unsettled

(Maverick Times) Eagle Pass Independent School District (EPISD) has notified employees that, starting September 1, the district will not have a finalized contract with Fort Duncan Medical Center for health services. The announcement was made in a memo sent to staff on August 28 by Deputy Superintendent for Business and Finance, Ismael Mijares. According to the memo, EPISD has been working for months to negotiate a fair agreement but has not been able to reach terms with Fort Duncan. District officials stated that the proposal from Fort Duncan would have doubled costs, requiring a significant increase in employee premiums.

Trump Attacks Public Education Program for Toddlers

(Austin Chronicle) Unprecedented citizenship requirements could sow fear among low-income families.

Fronteras: ‘It’s unwritten history’— The years-long fight to offer American Indian/Native Studies in Texas public schools

(Texas Public Radio) Following approval from the Texas State Board of Education in June, school districts across the state now have the option to offer American Indian/Native Studies as an elective course. Approval came following a years-long process and amid a new state law that bans diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in public schools.

TEA visits Fort Worth ISD, commissioner says district takeover decision to come at end of year

(CBS Texas) Failing grades put Fort Worth ISD at risk of state intervention. Mike Morath toured schools to see progress and challenges firsthand. After visiting three FWISD campuses, TEA Commissioner Mike Morath spoke at William James Middle School, which has been an F-rated campus since the 2021-2022 school year. Morath addressed the TEA possibly taking over the school district, saying the decision will come in about three months. Related:

These 8 charts show Fort Worth ISD’s progress — and challenges (Fort Worth Report)
Fort Worth ISD parents advocate focus on student achievement amid potential state takeover (WFAA)

Thou shall not? Schools in Texas and Arkansas caught between rulings

(Baptist News Global) When a federal judge provisionally rules that a state’s mandate for public schools to display the Ten Commandments is unconstitutional, does that ruling apply to the school districts involved in the litigation or to all districts in the state? This is the question now playing out in Texas and Arkansas, where parents and students have sued multiple school districts to stop implementation of new Ten Commandments legislation.

MAP: Which Central Texas school districts increased teacher pay for the 2025-26 school year?

(KXAN) There are 58 districts in the KXAN viewing area, from Mason ISD in the west to Fayetteville ISD in the east. So far, 53 of those districts have announced salaries for the new school year.

Socorro ISD Superintendent James Vasquez signs $285,000 salary contract, talks future of district

(El Paso Matters) Superintendent James Vasquez started his career in education roughly 30 years ago with the Socorro Independent School District, as a teacher at Hueco Elementary School. Now, he holds the highest position in the district after the SISD school board last week approved a three-year contract with a $285,000 annual salary, following over a year-and-a-half of service as interim superintendent. As interim, he was paid an annual salary of $230,000. Vasquez took over as interim superintendent in April 2024, after an audit found former Superintendent Nate Carman had awarded contracts to a company he had previously done business with before joining the district.

AI-powered private schools open in Fort Worth, Plano

(Texas Business Journal via WFAA) An AI-powered private school founded in Texas is expanding nationwide and has opened locations in Fort Worth and Plano. Tuition costs $40,000 at Alpha Fort Worth and $50,000 at Alpha Plano.

Parents push back as Leander ISD wraps up meetings on possible school closures

(CBS Austin) Tensions ran high Thursday night as Leander Independent School District wrapped up its final “community conversation” on a proposal that could consolidate seven schools and close three.

Northside ISD starts school year with smaller budget deficit, fewer vacancies

(San Antonio Report) Northside Independent School District is entering its new school year planning to spend roughly $1 billion, which would mean a $38 million budget deficit. While the budget shortfall continues to challenge most school districts in Texas, this year’s deficit is “substantially better” than last year, said Megan Bradley, deputy superintendent for business and finance at NISD. In perhaps one of the first measurable outcomes of NISD’s compensation plan, the district reported fewer teacher and police officer vacancies than usual at the start of the school year.

Law firms face subpoena after refusing to turn over evidence in Longview ISD abuse case

(KLTV) The defense for a woman accused in the abuse of multiple disabled Longview elementary students is seeking evidence from law firms hired by the district.

Lubbock ISD Trustees anticipate more consolidation after approving property tax rate for 2025-2026

(Fox 34) “We cannot afford to keep every building open and continue to pay our people how we would like to,” Trustee Lala Chavez said. “Closing schools isn’t something we enjoy doing, nor do we want to do. That is definitely the last thing on my agenda is to do that, so we definitely have to make great strides and great changes. It’s coming.” Related:

Lubbock ISD Board of Trustees votes to keep middle school discipline clerk on administrative leave (EverythingLubbock)

Irving ISD to Provide Free Meals for All Students

(Irving Weekly) The Irving Independent School District has announced that it will continue to operate the Community Eligibility Program (CEP) for the 2025-2026 school year. The program, which operates under the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program, will allow the district to provide breakfast and lunch at no cost to all students.

Denton ISD’s new advisory council on school library purchases will be stacked with students’ parents

(KERA) The board voted to create a School Library Advisory Council earlier this summer to comply with Senate Bill 13, a law that requires school boards to approve the purchase of new material.

University of North Texas’ Drag Ban Finally Sashays Away

(Dallas Observer) The University of North Texas system has ended its temporary pause on drag shows roughly five months after it was put in place. It comes after the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals earlier this month ruled in a case challenging a similar ban at West Texas A&M that drag performances are likely protected under the First Amendment.

UT Austin College of Education’s teacher mentorship program shows success, expands to other schools

(Daily Texan) Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the College of Education launched Texas Education THRIVE under a pilot program to address teacher attrition rates. The initiative, which focuses on mentoring starting educators, will expand to 113 campuses over six Texas school districts this year to keep starting teachers from leaving the profession, according to a College of Education news release.

What to know about Texas ending in-state tuition for undocumented students

(Texas Tribune) College access experts urged affected students not to withdraw from school while they assess their options. Related:

Immigrant families struggle to pay tuition at UT Austin after Texas Dream Act is repealed (KUT)

Buc-ee’s founder gives $50M for new hospitality academic center at Texas A&M

(Fox 7 Austin) A new academic center is coming to Texas A&M University with the help of Buc-ee’s founder and former student Arch “Beaver” Aplin III. The Aplin Center will offer a “transformational student experience” through new university programs in hospitality, retail studies and food product development involving innovative degree programs including viticulture, fermentation processes, coffee, and food science, says Texas A&M. The facility also will house product development labs and food tasting centers. The center will include outdoor and indoor student recreational space, as well as retail and food service areas managed by students and faculty, says the university.

Stephen F. Austin State University welcomes record number of first-time undergraduate students

(CBS 19) Stephen F. Austin State University is kicking off this school year with both its largest first-time undergraduate class ever and the first increase in total enrollment since fall 2018.

No injuries reported following Friday morning crash involving Bryan ISD bus

(KBTX) A pickup truck hit the back of a Bryan ISD school bus Friday morning around 6:45 a.m. DPS said the school bus had stopped and had its lights and stop sign activated. However, the pickup truck failed to stop and struck the back of the school bus. DPS and BISD confirmed that nine students were on board the bus at the time. DPS also confirmed there were no injuries to the students, the driver of the bus, or the driver of the pickup truck. The bus will be out of service for awhile, according to BISD.

UIL confirms Marshall ISD student died following cross country practice on campus

(KSLA) The UIL has confirmed that a recent death at Marshall High School occurred during a cross-country practice. Estefani Cabrera died after experiencing a medical emergency on Aug. 18.

McVey Coaches Tompkins Opener After Katy ISD Reverses Decision to Sideline Him

(Covering Katy) Tompkins High School head football coach Todd McVey was back on the sidelines Thursday night for the Falcons’ season opener against Cy Ranch, one day after the Katy Independent School District said he would not be coaching the game following unsubstantiated rumors that were circulated online.

Former Decatur High School coach accused of indecency with a child

(Fort Worth Star-Telegram) A former Decatur High School coach and trainer was arrested last week on a sexual offense charge, jail records show. Fernando Escobar was booked into the Wise County Jail on a charge of indecency with a child by sexual contact on Aug 21. Escobar was employed by Decatur ISD from 2009 to 2020 as a part-time athletic trainer, and from 2013 to 2020 as a part-time golf coach, the district spokesperson confirmed in an email with the Star-Telegram.

2 students arrested for planning shooting at Clemens High School, Schertz city police say

(KSAT) Two students were arrested for allegedly planning a shooting at Clemens High School in the Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD, the Schertz Police Department said in a news release. On Thursday afternoon, school administration contacted a school resource officer about reports of the two students making threats last week. The two students were taken into custody without incident and booked into the Guadalupe County Juvenile Detention Center for making terroristic threats, a third-degree felony. Police said video evidence was obtained supporting the charge and that another student had reported the threats to school administration.

Middle School student arrested for threat against Bruceville-Eddy school district

(KCEN) According to officials, the student has not attended class since the threat was discovered and is no longer in the classroom following district policy and Texas state law.

Former Memorial Hermann Medical Center director facing new hidden camera charges; records show he was a Houston-area teacher

(KPRC) Robert Shrader, 41, is charged with installing hidden cameras to secretly record coworkers and patients at Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center. Detectives say he installed hidden cameras in at least two bathrooms at the medical center. Before entering the medical field, Shrader was previously in Houston-area classrooms teaching high school kids. A Cypress-Fairbanks ISD spokesperson confirmed that Shrader was a substitute teacher with Cy-Fair ISD from October 1, 2006, until January 2007.

At Texas’ School for the Blind, an Inventive Band of Outsiders Takes the Stage

(Texas Monthly) Armed with synthesizers and inspired by a dedicated teacher, visually impaired students come together to make music—and play an electrifying show.

Aug. 28, 2025

Legislative Update:

STAAR test overhaul nears Abbott’s desk with Texas Senate approval

(Texas Tribune) Before House Bill 8 can go to the governor, the House must formally agree with changes from the Senate, which approved the proposal Wednesday night. Related:

Bill Eliminating STAAR Doesn’t Eliminate STAAR, Advocates Say (Austin Chronicle)

RFK Jr. plays fast and loose with autism statistics during rambling press conference with Texas governor

(San Antonio Current) Kennedy, who arrived 30 minutes late, said today’s youth suffer from obvious ‘mitochondrial deficiencies.’ Related:

‘Make Texas Healthy Again’: Gov. Abbott ceremoniously signs RFK Jr. approved bills (Fort Worth Star-Telegram)

Abbott expands special session to revive bill shielding police records from public view

(Austin American-Statesman) The governor’s expanded call paves the way for passage of Senate Bill 15, which opponents say would hide misconduct files while supporters argue it protects officers.

Texas Legislature approves bill making ivermectin an over-the-counter drug

(Texas Tribune) The Texas Senate late Wednesday passed a bill that would make ivermectin — a drug used mostly in this country to treat livestock for parasites — available to Texans without a prescription. The bill now goes before Gov. Greg Abbott who is likely to sign the bill into law after listing it as a priority for this second special legislative session. Texas will become the fifth state to approve the over-the-counter sale of the drug after it became popular as an unproven treatment for COVID-19. The Senate approved the bill 20-6.

About 750 new laws will go into effect in Texas on Sept. 1. Here are some of the significant ones

(Texas Tribune) New laws range from school vouchers and water infrastructure funding to a ban on city and county-funded abortion travel funds.

Also Reported:

Nueces County reports potential $2 million loss in cyber incident

(KRIS) Nueces County officials announced Wednesday that the county has fallen victim to a “potential” cyber incident resulting in approximately $2 million in losses, prompting immediate security measures and an ongoing law enforcement investigation. Sheriff JC Hooper told 6 Investigates the incident involved money being “sent to the wrong place,” though he said words such as hacking or a system breach would not be used.

1 in 4 Texas school districts sign up for new Bible-infused curriculum

(Texas Tribune) The numbers may grow as the state collects more data. Some districts adopted the plan not for its religious emphasis but for more funding and to better align with teaching requirements.

Fort Worth ISD will host Texas’ top education official as the TEA weighs a state takeover

(WFAA) Today, Fort Worth ISD will host Texas’ top education official, TEA Commissioner Mike Morath, as the TEA weighs a state takeover of the district.

Leander ISD implements new school bus seatbelt policies after rollover crash

(CBS Austin) Nearly two weeks after a school bus rollover crash in Northwest Travis County, the Leander Independent School District announced changes to their bus safety policies. In response to the incident, Leander ISD is implementing new seatbelt policies. The district now ‘expects’ all students to wear a seatbelt when available, and drivers must ensure each student is buckled before the bus departs. Jeff Cassell, president of the School Bus Safety Company expressed skepticism about the feasibility of enforcing this policy. “It’s impractical. All the children don’t get on the bus at the same place. So he has to walk back once. The children get on at all different times and places,” he said.

Pay-for-performance dispute between Houston ISD and its largest teachers union continues in court Thursday

(Houston Public Media) The Houston Federation of Teachers is seeking an injunction to prevent HISD from doling out state-funded raises based on performance rather than years of service. The relationship between the union and Superintendent Mike Miles has been fraught since the beginning of the state takeover.

Special education growth in Conroe ISD outpaces expected House Bill 2 aid

(Community Impact) Karen Garza, chief financial officer for Conroe ISD, said legislative aid could provide $2.5 million for special education evaluation costs in the district in 2025-26, but it will need to look to future legislative sessions for more aid for its growing special education program.

Nicknames must align with biological sex: North East ISD’s guidance to teachers to comply with SB 12

(Texas Public Radio) At the start of the school year, North East ISD told staff they also must tell students’ parents if the student brings up their sexual orientation or gender identity. Second, NEISD leaders told employees they were not allowed to use pronouns or nicknames for students that align or imply a sex other than the one listed on their birth certificate, even if the student’s parents request it. That also means NEISD staff cannot refer to students using they/them pronouns.

Cy-Fair ISD Trustee Natalie Blasingame Admits Secretly Recording Community Members

(Houston Press) Cypress-Fairbanks ISD trustee Natalie Blasingame said she secretly recorded community members because they have made false accusations against her or lied about her. While the recordings are not illegal, CFISD trustees have signaled that trust is broken. The board will discuss its standard operating procedures at a September 4 workshop and vote on it the following week. They’ll specifically be addressing audio recordings, said Blasingame, who said she thinks she’s being targeted by the proposal but is fine with it.

Llano ISD Removes Inappropriate Books, Shuts Down Library’s ‘Adult Section’

(Texas Scorecard) Local activist Bonnie Wallace celebrated the district’s decision to protect the minds of children.

Family seeks justice after former Ezzell ISD principal accused of stealing funeral funds

(Crossroads Today) Authorities in Lavaca County arrested Jody Mildred Thompson on charges of theft between $2,500 and $30,000. Investigators accuse former Ezzell ISD principal Jody Mildred Thompson of misleading the Kremling family after the death of 17-year-old Koby Kremling, who was killed in February during a construction accident. Authorities say Thompson organized a GoFundMe shortly after Koby’s death, telling the family the money raised would help pay for funeral expenses. But months later, the Kremlings learned from Lavaca County investigators that none of the funds went toward the funeral. Instead, investigators say Thompson kept the money for herself.

Former Brazosport ISD high school teacher gets probation after guilty plea of sexual assault of her student

(KTRK) Former Brazoswood High School teacher Brandyn Martin Hargrove pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting one of her 15-year-old students nearly two decades ago. A judge sentenced her to probation after she was convicted of 12 criminal counts connected to her improper relationship with a minor. Once a decorated teacher of the year, Hargrove is now a convicted sex offender, facing the consequences of her actions, police say.

Arp Elementary assistant principal and son arrested

(KLTV) Arp police have arrested an assistant principal at Arp Elementary who is accused of not reporting knowledge of a sexual assault committed by her adult son. Karla Florence is charged with Class A failure to report and Class B false report to a peace officer. Police said they have also arrested Blake Florence, 21, on charges of second-degree sexual assault of a child and third-degree tampering with evidence. He is the son of Karla Florence. According to a press release, Karla Florence failed “to provide accurate and truthful information to investigators, as well as her legal duty, under Texas law, to report knowledge of a felony offense when serving in her capacity as an educator.”

Texas City ISD HS coach accused of online solicitation, planning meet-up with teen for sex

(KTRK) A Texas City ISD High School teacher is behind bars and charged with online solicitation after trying to plan a meeting with a minor, who was actually an undercover detective, according to Harris County officials. John Derrick Taylor, 55, was arrested after he was accused of planning a hotel meet-up with a 15-year-old girl to have sex, engaging in explicit conversations on social media, and sending explicit photos, according to an arrest warrant issued. Taylor was employed at the high school as a power-lifting coach and math teacher. The day he was arrested, he was working out with students at the school’s field house in southeast Houston, according to officials.

Former North Texas softball coach arrested in alleged sexual assault of teen girl, authorities say

(CBS Texas) A former softball coach wanted in connection with the sexual assault of a teen girl in Prosper was taken into custody in Hillsboro, authorities said Wednesday. The Prosper Police Department said 37-year-old Michael Angel Garcia was arrested on I-35 by Hill County Sheriff’s Office deputies on Monday. Garcia faces charges of continuous sexual abuse of a young child or disabled individual, a first-degree felony. Authorities said Garcia was previously affiliated with the Prosper Baseball Softball Association as a coach. The association immediately terminated his role and notified the families coached by Garcia.

Northwest ISD student arrested for making terroristic threats at high school, police say

(WFAA) A Northwest ISD High School student was arrested Wednesday after making terroristic threats against the campus, police said. According to a letter that Northwest ISD sent to parents of students, around 3 p.m., school officials received a report of a possible weapon on the campus. The school district said the initial report came from a text message sent to 911. The school and school district entered a lockdown and began working with the Fort Worth Police Department to investigate the report.

Family sues Lockhart ISD over volleyball coach’s alleged assault of student

(KVUE) A family of a Lockhart ISD student is suing the district after their child was allegedly sexually assaulted by a former volleyball coach, according to court documents obtained by KVUE. The lawsuit claims the district failed to protect the student in connection to sexual assault by former volleyball coach Aaron Aguilar and did not provide a safe learning environment during the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 school years. Aguilar was arrested on April 15 on a felony charge of sexual performance of a child. On Wednesday, officials in Caldwell County said, according to the district attorney’s office, Aguilar was indicted on two more charges including possession of child pornography and tampering with evidence.

San Antonio ISD Police boosts presence at several schools after apparent attempted kidnapping

(KENS) San Antonio ISD says students and staff at six campuses will see more district police this week after “suspicious individuals” were reported near Hot Wells Middle School on the south side. The district is connected to two major investigations sparked this year, both involving young suspects.

‘They failed my daughter’: Mother speaks out after footage shows child wandering alone

(KGNS) A mother is expressing her frustrations after surveillance footage showed her five-year-old daughter walking alone and unattended several blocks from her United ISD elementary school.

‘I can’t trust them with my son again’: Bryan ISD mother speaks out after son was bullied, assaulted during bus ride

(KWTX) Hector De Santiago, a Bryan ISD student known affectionately as Luchito, wanted to experience what riding the bus was all about. He never imagined a bus ride would leave him scarred and bruised.

Katy ISD Football Coach Todd McVey Sidelined as Acting Coach Takes Over

(Covering Katy) At 5:07 p.m. Wednesday, Covering Katy received this statement from Katy ISD concerning Tompkins High School football coach Todd McVey: “The District is aware of rumors regarding an arrest for embezzlement of district funds involving this employee. The District has no evidence or record of this. The individual remains employed, while the school’s Offensive Coordinator is temporarily serving as acting coach.” No other details were provided by the school district, leaving many questions unanswered.

North Texas high school track star Cooper Lutkenhaus turns pro at 16, signs with Nike during record-breaking season

(CBS Texas) Cooper Lutkenhaus, the 16-year-old record-breaking sensation in the 800 meters, became one of the youngest U.S. runners to turn pro by signing with Nike on Monday. The junior at Northwest High School in Justin, Texas, reached the decision after long talks with his family. The idea wasn’t really even on the radar until earlier this month at nationals when he ran the 800 meter in 1 minute, 42.27 seconds to finish second.

Mansfield ISD introduces “tackle wheels” to help football players avoid injury

(KRLD) Mansfield ISD football players are using a new tool in practice to prevent injury. The district is working with Methodist Mansfield Medical Center to provide students with “tackle wheels.”

Texas A&M launching new Citizenship and Service initiative

(KBTX) The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents believes the university is responsible for teaching students beyond academics, and they’re setting plans for a new subject; citizenship.

Texas Southern University aviation students soaring to new heights with brand new fleet of planes

(KHOU) The program at Texas Southern University is getting a dozen new aircraft in all, and five are equipped with a special safety feature called Safe Return.

FALSE ALARM: Texas Tech University ‘active shooter’ report part of nationwide hoax

(KFDA) Texas Tech University confirmed the active shooter reports police received on Wednesday evening were part of a nationwide series of “swatting incidents” that have targeted universities and schools across the country this week, and “there is not believed to be a threat to campus.”

Aug. 27, 2025

Legislative Update:

House passes HB 8, its assessment and accountability bill

(ATPE Teach the Vote) The Texas House ultimately passed House Bill (HB) 8 by Chairman Brad Buckley (R–Salado) Tuesday on third reading on a 82-56 vote. The Senate was also expected to take up its companion bill, Senate Bill (SB) 9, Tuesday, but now that the House has passed HB 8, it is likely the upper chamber will consider HB 8 instead. HB 8 and SB 9 purport to “eliminate the STAAR test.” But based on the bill’s language and educators’ reaction to that language, the reality of the bill seems considerably more complex. Related:

Texas House approves plan to replace STAAR test as vote splits down party lines (KXAN)

Texas removes 1 million people from voter rolls

(The Hill) More than a million people have been removed from Texas’s voter registration rolls since the last presidential election, the state announced Monday. About half of the voters removed have died, requested to be be taken off or are living in another state, based on figures from the governor’s office. Nearly 7,000 were noncitizens who had registered illegally, and about 6,000 were convicted felons unable to vote. About 463,000 were on what Texas calls its “suspense list,” where counties place voters who don’t respond to requested certification forms. Related:

Abbott works to undo voter registration bill he signed two months ago (KXAN)
Bill to let AG prosecute election crimes heads to Abbott, but is it legal? (Dallas Morning News)

Texas election map for 2026 is racially biased, voting-rights advocates say in lawsuit

(AP) Voting-rights advocates sued Tuesday to overturn a redistricting map drawn by Texas Republicans meant to favor the party in the 2026 midterm elections, saying it weakens the electoral influence of Black voters. The NAACP and the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law filed the lawsuit in Texas. They accuse Texas legislative leaders of engaging in gerrymandering to prevent Black voters from electing candidates of their choice.

Texans could soon get ivermectin without a prescription

(Texas Tribune) Ivermectin, the livestock anti-parasitic drug that became a popular yet unproven COVID-19 treatment, could be available in Texas without a prescription if a bill passes this special legislative session.

Also Reported:

New documents reveal missteps in Uvalde school shooting response

(WFAA) Three thousand pages of new documents and emails related to the Robb Elementary School shooting in Uvalde have been released, providing fresh insight into the tragic response to the May 2022 massacre that killed 21 people. The release came just hours after a law firm representing Uvalde CISD admitted to accidentally withholding some 26,000 pages of documents despite a court order to release them.

School Administrators: New Restrictions on Your Side-Hustle — And the Stiff Penalties If You Don’t Follow Them

(Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association) HB 3372 (soon to be referred to as Texas Education Code Section 11.006) places restraints on your ability to work and make money outside of your employing district. Effective immediately, stop your side-hustle until you determine if you can lawfully continue.

Leander school bus driver, many students, weren’t wearing seat belts during rollover

(KUT) The driver of the bus, which was carrying 46 students, does not face any criminal charges, but has been cited for failure to drive in a single lane and not wearing a seat belt. Seventeen people were taken to the hospital after the crash. Related:

School bus driver no longer employed after Leander ISD crash, letter says (KXAN)
Insurance Gone Wild: School Bus Operators Call for Tort Reform (SchoolBus Fleet)

New group aims to organize South Texas school boards

(Progress Times) A new nonprofit organization is asking South Texas school districts to pitch in money to form a confederation of school boards in the area focused on advocating for regionally specific needs and better equipping trustees to serve their communities. School boards in the Rio Grande Valley began voting on whether or not to join the nascent South Texas School Board Association earlier this month. The organization doesn’t have a running list of which boards have voted on joining but at least two — Weslaco and Pharr-San Juan-Alamo — signed up earlier this month. At least two more, Edinburg and Lasara, weighed joining but delayed making a decision until they receive more information.

La Joya ISD rolls out 5-year strategic plan

(Progress Times) After a year of development and community discussion, La Joya ISD revealed their five-year strategic plan, which will guide the district as it continues operations under the watchful eye of the Texas Education Agency. Superintendent Dr. Marcey Sorensen presented the details at the Aug. 13 school board meeting. The plan, titled Achieving Excellence Together 2030, is a culmination of 49 community engagement events, an online survey, 23 town halls and multiple advisory council meetings.

Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD lays out plan to cut $16M shortfall

(Fort Worth Report) Eagle Mountain-Saginaw school leaders want a balanced budget by 2029 but, for now, they face a $16 million shortfall.

Beaumont ISD faces potential funding challenges amid enrollment decline

(KFDM) Beaumont Independent School District (BISD) is grappling with a decline in student enrollment, a trend that could have significant financial implications for the district. Superintendent Dr. Shannon Allen highlighted the issue in a public statement last Tuesday, noting that the district registered 15,319 students as of August 18, five days into the new school year. The district’s website indicates that the enrollment total for the 2024-2025 academic year was approximately 16,300, nearly 500 fewer students than the previous year. This decline in numbers is more than just a headcount; it directly impacts the amount of funding the district receives from the state.

Fort Worth ISD taxpayers could see decrease in property tax bill this year

(Fort Worth Star-Telegram) Fort Worth Independent School District board members approved a tax rate for the 2025-26 fiscal year that will result in a decrease in most property owners’ tax bills due to additional homestead exemptions that are expected to go into effect this year.

Killeen ISD Board votes against forming parent, community library council

(KCEN) The Killeen ISD Board rejected a library advisory council, opting instead to give the Board final say over what books are accepted into school libraries. Related:

Killeen ISD warns parents of pornographic material circulated by students (KWTX)

To expand Houston ISD’s Pre-K enrollment, this group is taking to the streets. Will it work?

(Houston Chronicle) A group contracted by Houston ISD is going door to door to combat Pre-K enrollment challenges, including a lack of awareness, charter schools and income groups.

Adult charter school New Heights plans expansion into former Fort Worth ISD campus

(Fort Worth Report) Fort Worth ISD’s agreement with New Heights High School will double enrollment for adult learners and offer a model for repurposed campuses.

One state education board member talks about school ratings and how students are impacted

(KXXV) Connally ISD received another failing rating from TEA. Evelyn Brooks, state education board member, explains how. “In my opinion, we are dealing with a civil rights issue,” said Evelyn Brooks, an education board member for the State Board of Education.

Texas schools that became flood ‘relief hubs’ welcome students back: ‘It’s OK to not be OK’

(Guardian) Schools in parts of Texas reopened their doors two months earlier than planned this summer. But the reason was tragic. They were transformed into “relief hubs” to welcome volunteers whose efforts were instrumental in responding to devastating floods in the state. Now, as lessons have mostly resumed in Texas, the classrooms have been turned back from temporary emergency centres into places of learning, but that’s not to say the memories of what was lost will linger with the community indefinitely.

UT Dallas Loosens Ban on Student Newspaper Distribution

(Dallas Observer) After starting the school year with a sweeping ban on campus newsstands in place, the University of Texas at Dallas has lifted some restrictions for student journalists. The Retrograde, an independent, student-run publication that started last year after campus officials dismantled the staff of the longstanding university newspaper, The Mercury, announced Monday evening that university officials have granted the publication access to four distribution sites across campus. Before the ban, the papers were distributed in 43 locations across campus.

Wichita Falls daycare centers face staffing woes and closures

(KFDX/KJTL) Workers say multiple facilities in Wichita Falls have already closed due to staff shortages, while others are at capacity and unable to enroll new kids. Every classroom has a state-mandated ratio they must meet, and without more teachers and more space, they can’t accept more kids. Abby Turner, Lead Infant and Toddler Teacher at Kids Central Learning Center, mentioned, “Our Executive Director spoke with two families recently who were just in tears because they had nowhere for their kids to go. I know it’s hard when parents have to take off work to take care of their kids because there’s just no availability.”

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

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

Ransomware attack on Greenville affects city services, 911 remains intact

(KERA) A cybersecurity breach in Greenville has affected the city’s ability to access police and other records. The city’s servers were attacked by a ransomware group on Aug. 5. Greenville’s emergency 911 service was not affected and remains in operation, however, some phone lines may experience intermittent outages or busy signals, the city said.

Baby found dead in vehicle at Rockwall ISD Heath High School, police say

(NBC DFW) A child’s caregiver is facing a felony after an infant was found dead inside a vehicle parked outside Rockwall-Heath High School on Tuesday afternoon. Police said Wednesday morning that 36-year-old Camerone Leichman had been arrested and was facing a charge of injury to a child, a second-degree felony. Overnight, investigators determined Leichman had recently become a caregiver to a 6-month-old girl and that he failed to drop the child off at a local daycare after taking his common-law wife to work at the high school.

RFK Jr. says agency will reveal causes of autism in September

(The Hill) U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said Tuesday he’s on track to identify “interventions” that are “certainly causing autism” and possible ways of addressing them by September.

North Texas mom turns bus mix-up into backpack safety tool

(WFAA) Dallas mom Dawna Duke is making near-field communication (NFC) keychains that give schools instant access to parents in emergencies.

‘It reduces the barriers to access’: Katy ISD seniors launch ‘Library of Things’ in Fort Bend

(Houston Public Media) Soon, Fort Bend County residents will be able to check out cookware, workout equipment and other items from the George Memorial Library in Richmond.

New jeans. Cheerleading dues. Heifers. A Texas mom shares her back-to-school bill

(YahooLife) The surprise costs of Future Farmers of America.

Aug. 26, 2025

Legislative Update:

Texas House approves bill aimed to limit city, county property taxes

(TexasTribune) The Texas House pushed forward a proposal Monday aimed at containing property tax bills by putting tighter restrictions on cities and counties. SB10, which passed the Senate earlier this month, cleared the Texas House by a 78-52 vote. The Senate will either accept changes House lawmakers made to the bill or find a compromise.

“Bathroom bill” advances in Texas House days after tensions flared at hearing

(Texas Tribune) A Texas House panel on Monday approved a legislative proposal limiting transgender peoples’ use of bathrooms in government buildings, the first time in over eight years the lower chamber has advanced a “bathroom bill.” SB 8 would restrict use of bathrooms at public and charter schools, public universities and government buildings. But SB 8 goes further than previous bathroom bills and would also limit what family violence shelters, prisons and jails that trans people can be placed into. If a person uses a restroom not matching their sex assigned at birth, the institution would receive a $5,000 first-time penalty under SB 8, rather than the individual who went into the restroom. The bill also allows for complaints to be made to the attorney general, who can then open investigations. Subsequent violations would carry a $25,000 fine per violation.

Texas Gov. Abbott expands agenda for second special session

(KVUE) Abbott added two items to the session’s agenda that he says will improve public safety and election security in Texas. Those items are same day voter registration and regulating contracts with law enforcement officials. Those items are in addition to what was already included on this special session’s agenda.

Also Reported:

Thousands more documents connected to Uvalde school massacre to be released after CNN highlighted problems

(CNN) Thousands more emails related to the 2022 school massacre in Uvalde, Texas, are to be released after a lawyer said a mistake had been made in withholding them. The error was admitted at an emotional school board meeting Monday night, where elected officials and audience members alike demanded answers following CNN’s exclusive reporting that documents had not been published despite a court order, including some that discussed classroom security. Robb D. Decker of Walsh Gallegos said his firm did not realize there was a problem until complaints were made.

East Texas middle school student suffers skull fracture in cafeteria altercation; parents demand answers

(KETK) An eighth-grade student at Kilgore Middle School suffered a severe head injury last week after being body-slammed during lunch in the school cafeteria, sparking outrage among parents and community members. The incident happened Thursday afternoon when Lukas Hardeman was talking with friends at the lunch table. Family members said another student picked him up and slammed him headfirst into a steel chair. Hardeman was rushed to a local emergency room, then transferred to a Dallas hospital where surgeons cut two holes into his skull to stop bleeding and relieve swelling. Doctors later confirmed he has a six-inch skull fracture, though thankfully no signs of permanent brain damage. He now faces a long recovery that includes monthly trips to Dallas for physical and speech therapy. Related:

‘We need to protect our kids’ — Outrage grows at board meeting after alleged assault left Kilgore student hospitalized (CBS19)

Leander ISD bus driver ticketed, charges ‘not warranted’ after rollover crash, DPS says

(KXAN) The driver of the Leander Independent School District bus that rolled over on Aug. 13 in the Sandy Creek area of Travis County was ticketed for failing to drive in a single lane and not using a seatbelt, the Texas Department of Public Safety said Monday. DPS said prosecutors determined criminal charges were “not warranted” for the driver. The crash on Nameless Road caused 17 people to go to the hospital, including 16 children and the driver. DPS noted that seatbelt use by the students was limited, and the driver was not wearing a seatbelt. Leander ISD buses all have 3-point seat belts and must wear them under state law, according to the district’s website.

Houston ISD’s teacher turnover rate is 1.7 times that of the state’s in 2024-25

(Houston Chronicle) Across Texas, 1 in 6 teachers didn’t return to teach in 2024-25. In Houston ISD, it was nearly 1 of 3. The state’s largest school district had a turnover rate of 32.2% compared with the statewide average of 18.8% in 2024-25, according to new Texas Education Agency data obtained by the Houston Chronicle.

6 ways administrators are handling cellphone bans in the new school year

(K-12 Dive) As of July 28, 33 states had enacted laws or policies on cellphone usage in K-12 classrooms or schools, with 26 of those states banning or limiting cellphone use in classrooms, according to Ballotpedia. Many districts and schools also have their own restrictions. School and district leaders say stakeholder input, consistent enforcement of rules and lessons in digital usage have helped their policies succeed.

WATCH: School bus gets stuck in sinkhole in Hays County

(KXAN) A school bus in Hays County got stuck in a sinkhole Monday morning, according to the county judge. The school bus was Hays Consolidated Independent School District bus 2251, Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra said. According to the district, three students were on board, but there were no injuries. Law enforcement was contacted to help. According to Becerra, a water line burst, causing the road to give way. But he also told KXAN roads on the east side of Hays County where this incident happened are problematic.

Midland ISD provides statement on payroll issues

(Newswest9) The Midland Independent School District has provided a statement regarding an issue with the payroll system. MISD said they have been working to resolve the issue with the “backend” of its payroll system as quickly as possible. The district said employees will have funds in their accounts by 5:00 p.m. Monday. The district also told staff members that any overdraft fees will be reimbursed by the district once the finalized fee documentation is provided.

Travis County, school districts partner to expand child care access

(Austin American-Statesman) The first contracts funded through a tax rate increase approved by voters in November and aimed at improving access to child care could be approved Tuesday by Travis County commissioners. Three school districts – Austin, Del Valle and Manor – will use $4.85 million each year to fund 2,000 child care seats during and after the school day. Commissioners also are expected to approve a letter of intent to nonprofit Workforce Solutions Capital Area that $24.4 million will go toward contracts with child care providers next year.

Panhandle area school districts provide incentives to combat diagnostician shortages

(KFDA) River Road ISD and Dalhart ISD are making steps to combat an ongoing diagnostician shortage.

Tensions flare at conversation around Leander ISD school consolidations

(CBS Austin) The Leander Independent School District invited parents to give feedback Monday night ahead of a proposal its Board of Trustees will hear to consolidate several schools next month. Tensions were high Monday night as Cypress Elementary School parents tried to wrap their minds around a plan to consolidate their cherished campus with Naumann Elementary.

AI private school offers challenge to public education: ‘They need to be accountable to their customer’

(Texas Standard) A for-profit school in Austin is doing things differently. Alpha School has received a lot of national attention for its innovative use of AI in the classroom. But the school also places a strong emphasis on parental choice.

‘Great Equalizer’: Dallas ISD Welcomes AI Into Its Middle Schools

(Dallas Observer) Dallas ISD announced a brand new “cutting-edge artificial intelligence initiative,” which will introduce AI software to help middle school math teachers personalize and “improve teaching methods when students struggle to grasp challenging math concepts,” according to a release from the district.

Texas universities could see fewer international students amid immigration crackdown, reports say

(Texas Tribune) An enrollment drop could cost the Texas economy hundreds of millions of dollars, the reports say.

Most conservative college in Texas is sandwiched between 2 metro areas

(Houston Chronicle) Baylor University leads the Texas pack at No. 19, followed by Texas A&M University at No. 28. The University of Dallas landed at No. 31, while Dallas Baptist University and Texas Christian University came in at No. 36 and No. 49, respectively.

UT System Approves University free speech policy to comply with state law

(Daily Texan) The UT System Board of Regents updated the University’s free speech policy on Aug. 22 to comply with Texas Senate Bill 2972. Under the law, universities are now “limited public forums,” meaning only students and employees can engage in expressive activity. Members of the public are not allowed to protest or hold events on campus unless given written permission from the University. UT officials are also allowed to ask students and employees to show “proof of identity and status” if protesting on campus. Related:

UT Austin graduate students raise concerns about Senate Bill 37, end of faculty councils (Daily Texan)

Despite federal delays and cuts, Alamo Colleges promises to keep offering adult education classes

(San Antonio Report) The Alamo Colleges are expecting about $10 million less in federal funding, impacting adult education and workforce programs for the 2025-26 fiscal year. In San Antonio, delays in funding and changes in student eligibility criteria led to a slower rollout of class schedules, but administrators pledged to not lose momentum. “We expect to hit the same targets if not more,” said Sammi Morrill, Alamo Colleges vice chancellor of economic and workforce development. Related:

Alamo Colleges joins network aimed at boosting enrollment in ‘high value’ programs (Texas Public Radio)

St. Edward’s University adapts to funding cuts, focuses on student success and community

(CBS Austin) With federal funding for migrant students on the chopping block, St. Edward’s University says it’s stepping up with help from donors. “The way we are responding to that is with great accountability, being able to demonstrate that our students are successful, and they truly transform their lives here,” said President Montserrat “Montse” Fuentes.

Suspect in death of San Antonio ISD student dies after shooting self in Laredo

(KSAT) Caesar Tijerina, 20, was accused in the shooting of Simon Cuevas, 14. Tijerina was wanted for capital murder in the shooting of Cuevas, 14. On April 16, SAPD and San Antonio ISD officers found Cuevas with a gunshot wound to his abdomen at the corner of South Elmendorf Street and Merida Street, near Brewer Academy, according to an arrest affidavit. Cuevas was later transported to a local hospital, where he died. Authorities arrested Fernando Flores, 18, earlier this month and charged him with capital murder of a person older than 10 years old but younger than 15 years old in connection with Cuevas’ death. Witnesses told police that several individuals attacked Cuevas before one of them pulled out a gun and shot the teen.

Three Years Later: Still No Accountability for Prosper ISD Sex Abuse Scandal

(Texas Scorecard) Moms continue to challenge the claim that no one in Prosper ISD is at fault in the now three-year-old sex abuse scandal and cover-up.

Texas Teacher Arrested on Federal Child Porn Charge

(Texas Scorecard) A former Texas teacher and camp counselor was arrested for sexually exploiting children. Robert Jerome Custer, 56, was arrested on a federal charge of accessing child sexual abuse material, commonly called child pornography. Custer previously worked as an educator and counselor in Palestine, Barksdale, Kingsville, and Abilene, according to a statement from the Texas Department of Public Safety. He was not employed as a teacher or counselor at the time of his arrest on August 15.

Marfa ISD teacher arrested for alleged improper relationship with student

(KMID/KPEJ) A Marfa ISD teacher was arrested last Thursday, August 21, by the Texas Rangers for allegedly having an improper relationship between educator and student. Rebecca Ontiveros, 25, worked as a paraprofessional for Marfa ISD before being arrested. Her bond is set at $75,000.

Calvin Walker appears in court, faces pressure to expedite property sales for Beaumont ISD restitution payments

(KBMT) Calvin Walker, the former Beaumont Independent School District electrician whose bond appeal was recently denied, appeared before Judge John Stevens on Monday for a status hearing seeking more time to pay $1.17 million in court-ordered restitution through equipment sales and increased work income. An appeals court denied Walker’s challenge to Stevens’ decision to revoke his bond and send him to prison on Aug. 12. Walker has filed a second appeal that has not yet been ruled on and is scheduled to appear before Stevens again on Aug. 29. The Texas Rangers are the lead investigators.

Student brings broken BB gun to Silsbee ISD Elementary, district credits response

(KFDM) Silsbee ISD is crediting a student for reporting that another youngster had brought a broken, non-functioning BB gun to the elementary school on Monday morning.

Highland Park ISD in Amarillo to cancel classes Tuesday due to no water supply

(KFDA) According to Highland Park ISD, classes have been cancelled for today due to the school having no water supply.

Medina Valley ISD establishes campus police department to keep up with growth surge

(KSAT) As Medina Valley ISD continues to grow rapidly, they plan to bring on more highly trained officers so that at least one is stationed at every campus.

San Antonio businesses lose revenue as parents use parking lots for charter school pickups

(News4SA) Back-to-school traffic is causing big headaches for both residents and businesses in a neighborhood on San Antonio’s Northeast side. Juan Torres has lived in the neighborhood near IDEA Walzem for more than 15 years. For the past five years he says he’s been fighting a losing battle against traffic in his neighborhood. Torres says the after-school congestion isn’t just inconvenient, it has cost him money.

Aug. 25, 2025

Legislative Update:

Fresh off Texas Senate’s approval, new congressional map is target of lawsuit

(Texas Tribune) The lawsuit, filed on behalf of 13 Texas residents, states that the redrawn districts in the new map — which Gov. Greg Abbott says he’ll “swiftly” sign into law — are racially discriminatory and violate voter protection laws.

Also Reported:

Charges dismissed against woman arrested at Edgewood ISD board meeting, Bexar County DA’s Office says

(KSAT) The Bexar County District Attorney’s office said Friday that it has dropped the charges against a woman arrested earlier this week at an Edgewood ISD board meeting. Edgewood ISD police arrested Maribel Gardea, who’s the executive director of MindShiftED Parent Institute, on Friday after she spoke past her allotted time during public comments, footage from the meeting shows. Gardea was charged with criminal trespass, resisting arrest and interrupting a meeting or procession, records indicate.

Student taken into custody after classroom stabbing at Denton ISD high school

(CBS Texas) A student at Denton Ryan High School was taken into custody Friday after allegedly stabbing another student in a classroom, according to Denton police and Denton ISD. The victim was transported to a hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening. No other injuries were reported. Related:

Denton ISD stabbing: Parents concerned over lack of district communication (Fox 4 KDFW)

‘No reason for violence’ — Kilgore student hospitalized following altercation, sparks concerns among parents

(CBS 19) A violent incident at Kilgore Middle School has left a student hospitalized and sparked growing concern among parents and students about safety on campus, just days into the new school year. Since classes resumed, Kilgore ISD has seen multiple emergency calls, alarming families. Thursday, a middle schooler was airlifted to a Dallas hospital after a violent confrontation. His stepmother, Catom Morris-Hardeman, said he suffered a skull fracture, and doctors had to remove parts of his skull to relieve pressure and bleeding. He remains in intensive care. Morris-Hardeman explained that her son made a joke that upset another student, who then threw him to the ground, causing his head to strike a stool attached to a table. She said investigators have since contacted her and advised her not to comment further while the case is under review.

Rockwall County community responds with unity after antisemitic incident

(WFAA) Residents of Rockwall County gathered Friday evening at the courthouse to take a stand against hate, just days after two Nazi flags were discovered hanging from Rockwall-Heath High School.

Education Department plans return of laid-off Office for Civil Rights staffers

(K-12 Dive) More than 260 civil rights staff cut as part of a March reduction in force will return in waves through November, according to court documents. The U.S. Department of Education said it plans to bring back more than 260 Office for Civil Rights staff that it cut as part of its March reduction in force, returning groups of employees to the civil rights enforcement arm in waves every two weeks Sept. 8 through Nov. 3. The department’s Aug. 19 update was filed as required by a federal judge’s order in Victim Rights Law Center v. U.S. Department of Education directing that the Education Department be restored to “the status quo” so it can “carry out its statutory functions.”

As measles surged in Texas, Trump administration’s actions hampered CDC’s response

(CBS News) As measles surged in Texas early this year, the Trump administration’s actions sowed fear and confusion among CDC scientists that kept them from performing the agency’s most critical function — emergency response — when it mattered most, an investigation from KFF Health News shows.

Leander ISD releases dash camera video from school bus crash

(KXAN) The Leander Independent School District released dash camera video from inside a school bus moments before it crashed in the Sandy Creek neighborhood last week. On the first day of school for the district, the bus was coming from Bagdad Elementary School around 3:15 p.m. carrying 42 children and an adult at the time of the crash, located in the 22100 block of Nameless Road. In the video, the perspective from the front of the bus shows a slick road with rain. You can see the bus cross the center line and then come back into its lane before going over the curb, eventually landing on its side. Eighteen people were taken to the hospital, including 17 children and the driver.There have been 110 crashes on Nameless Road, according to Texas Department of Transportation data, of which those crashes involved 178 people and 141 vehicles.

Bryan ISD bus driver cleared of DWI charge nearly a year after arrest

(KBTX) A Bryan ISD bus driver who was arrested last year has now been cleared of all charges, KBTX has confirmed. In September 2024, Mark Spicker was taken into custody by Bryan police and charged with driving while intoxicated after a minor crash with a parked vehicle. Several students were on the bus at the time, but no one was injured. This week, Brazos County Assistant District Attorney Brian Price confirmed the DWI charge was rejected after lab results came back negative for alcohol and controlled substances. According to the probable cause affidavit filed by Bryan police, an officer conducted a field sobriety test after the crash and arrested Spicker on suspicion of being intoxicated. Spicker told the officer he had not consumed alcohol, drugs, or medication, according to the report.

Cy-Fair Superintendent Defends School Bus Driver Accused of Erratic Driving, Potential Impairment

(School Transportation News) On Monday, KHOU-11 published a news article reporting that the unidentified Cy-Fair ISD bus driver was pulled over by police and administered a field sobriety test after receiving a report from a bystander claiming they “saw the bus driving erratically.” Cy-Fair Superintendent Doug Killian released a statement Thursday defending the school bus driver and clarifying the events. “On Monday morning, one of our new drivers hit a curb on a tight turn to avoid a vehicle in the opposite lane,” Killian stated. “A community member reported this to Harris County Precinct 5 Constables. Our team reviewed the video of the route multiple times and can definitively say the driver was not driving erratically, as it was reported.”

Laredo Police Department continues investigation into 3-year-old found with cocaine in system

(KGNS) The investigation into the case of a three-year-old found with cocaine in their system at Laredo ISD’s Sanchez Ochoa Elementary school continues. Laredo Police Chief Miguel Rodriguez stated they are still investigating who brought the drugs into the school and how the child encountered them. Initially, it was believed that the child had experienced a medical episode and was taken to a local hospital. However, blood tests later revealed the presence of narcotics in the child’s system.

‘Where’s the money?’: More Texas parents say child support payments are missing after state launches new system

(KPRC) After our initial report earlier this week about delayed child support payments in Texas, even more parents are coming forward, telling KPRC 2 they’re in the same situation. They say money is being taken out of paychecks, but it’s not reaching their kids. At the center of the problem, for parents, is the Texas Attorney General’s new case management system, known as “ChAMP” (Children Are My Priority.) The system was launched in June to improve how the state processes child support payments. But since the rollout, dozens of families say it’s done the exact opposite, creating confusion, delays, and financial hardship.

San Antonio-area districts kick off school year with fewer teacher vacancies than usual

(San Antonio Report) School is back in session for many in San Antonio, and most districts in the area kicked off the year with good news: fewer teaching vacancies on the first day of school than usual.

Texas teachers and districts adjust to new laws and funding as school year begins

(KBTX) As the first full week of school wraps up across Texas, teachers are grappling with a wave of new policies passed during the 89th legislative session. This includes raises tied to a massive school finance package, restrictions on cell phone use, books, and classroom culture. Kelsey Kling, a government relations specialist and policy analyst with Texas AFT, said the biggest focus has been the compensation changes in House Bill 2, which included a permanent teacher pay raise system. But she said districts are still catching up. “We’re still seeing some districts working through those compensation issues, even as the school year has already begun for a lot of Texas school districts,” Kling said.

Former Austin ISD employee sentenced in district theft case

(KXAN) A former Austin ISD employee Angelica Williams, 46, pleaded guilty to property theft in connection with a 2022 district theft case and was sentenced Aug. 12 and received a one-year sentence of deferred adjudication. Documents showed Williams pleaded guilty to theft of property between $100 and $750, a Class B misdemeanor. Williams must also complete 80 hours of community service and is now prohibited from working in government. Former AISD executive Lynn Brennan was previoiusly sentenced in relation to the district’s theft case. She was given two years’ deferred adjudication after entering a guilty plea. Williams worked in Brennan’s department, and was listed as a co-defendant in the case. She was originally charged with theft of property greater than $2,500 but less than $30,000.

Austin ISD parents voice concerns over cellphone ban amid campus safety scare

(KVUE) On Thursday, a Northeast Early High School student was arrested for allegedly bringing two unloaded guns to campus, which triggered two brief campus lockdowns. For parents like Guillermo Guerrero, the incident underscores the importance of students having access to their phones. Guerrero said he relies on his son’s phone to stay in touch throughout the day, and expressed concern over delayed communication from the district after the incident.

Conroe ISD looks to add volunteer chaplains to campuses to address mental health issues

(Houston Chronicle) More than a year and a half after the Conroe ISD Board of Trustees rebuffed a resolution to allow chaplains on campuses, the new, more conservative board is considering providing spiritual guidance that is permitted under state law. Trustees on Tuesday discussed the first version of a resolution that would allow schools to bring in a volunteer chaplain to provide mental health support. The board will vote on the resolution at a future meeting. The measure was first introduced by Tiffany Nelson in January 2024.

Texas Border School District Faces Allegations of Retaliation and Misconduct

(Maverick Times) The Eagle Pass Independent School District (EPISD), the largest employer in Eagle Pass and one of the most influential border school systems in Texas, is facing growing allegations of retaliation and misconduct.

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

(Fox 4 KDFW) With a growing push to make girls flag football a varsity high school sport in Texas, the Dallas Cowboys announced they are giving the sport a major boost. Both boys’ and girls’ flag football teams are exploding in popularity with 20 million players worldwide. But in Texas, there is still a long way to go. One North Texas girl hopes the Cowboys’ announcement will advance the effort for the UIL to sanction girls’ flag football in Texas.

Opportunity amid financial strain: Ysleta ISD’s Eastwood High football trip to California moves forward

(El Paso Matters) Eastwood High School’s football team returns to California to face St. John Bosco. The trip is funded primarily through boosters and allocations.

Houston colleges brace for an uncertain year under Trump shifts: ‘No end of things to worry about’

(Houston Chronicle) Students will face uncertainty around immigration, free speech on campus and research funding heading into the fall semester.

University of Houston, Houston City College restart faculty senates – though some wonder if they’ll have a seat at the table

(Houston Chronicle) Houston City College (formerly known as Houston Community College) and the University of Houston System revamped their faculty advisory groups this week to comply with a Republican-fueled law that limits their roles, as other Texas universities opted to at least temporarily dissolve the once-influential bodies.

University of Houston-Victoria campus moves to Texas A&M University System

(KBTX) Starting this school year, the University of Houston-Victoria campus will be moving into the Texas A&M University System. It will be rebranded as Texas A&M-Victoria on September 1st. KBTX caught up with State Senator Lois Kolkhorst (R), who authored the bill (SB 2361) which enacted the change. The motivation for the change was to help the campus grow in the future more than it would within the UH System. Kolkhorst also believes some of Texas A&M’s programs line up well with the need for students in Victoria and the Crossroads region.

El Paso’s heat is killing in record numbers. It may only get worse

(El Paso Matters) El Paso was the most deadly sector of the U.S.-Mexico border in 2024. And it’s not just migrants who are succumbing to extreme heat. Temperatures are rising faster in El Paso than in almost any other U.S. city. And a record 39 deaths were attributed directly or indirectly to heat in El Paso County during 2024.

University of St. Thomas online servers ‘gradually returning’ after nine-day outage

(Houston Chronicle) The University of St. Thomas’ online systems are “gradually returning to normal” following a nine-day outage that prevented students and faculty from accessing key resources by the first day of school, the interim president said in an email Thursday. The university community is still waiting for a full explanation, however, and several professors told the Houston Chronicle that they question the length of time it is taking to get the systems running again. Related:

Houston’s only Catholic university to double student housing with new $45M residence hall (Houston Business Journal via KHOU)

State Ag employees told police they were wary of Sid Miller’s political consultant. Now he’s the agency’s chief of staff

(Texas Tribune) Todd Smith was Miller’s longtime political consultant when he admitted to soliciting bribes for licenses the agency typically issues for $100. Miller then put him on the payroll at $218,000 per year.

LGTBQ+ students say new Texas anti-DEI law leaves them without support

(KERA) Dubbed “parent rights” bills, Senate Bill 12 bans DEI programs in K-12 schools — and prohibits clubs LGBTQ+ students say are vital resources.

San Antonio schools among the first in the U.S. to desegregate 70 years ago

(San Antonio Express-News) San Antonio ISD was joined by Alamo Heights and Edgewood school districts in desegregating its schools after U.S. Supreme Court ruling.

Aug. 22, 2025

Legislative Update:

As STAAR test overhaul heads for a House vote, Democrats bemoan concessions to the Senate

(Texas Tribune) Some Democrats lamented that the House’s latest proposal to scrap the test largely resembles a Senate bill the lower chamber declined to sign on earlier this year.

Texas Senate expected to take up GOP congressional map, last stop before Abbott’s desk

(Texas Tribune) The Texas Senate on Friday is expected to consider a new congressional map gerrymandered to maximize Republican representation, putting the plan on a path to the governor’s desk after weeks of intense partisan clashing. Republican lawmakers were poised to push the map through over fierce Democratic opposition, launching a national redistricting war from Albany to Sacramento while positioning the GOP to net up to five additional seats in Texas.

Texas House passes flood relief bills as private donors announce $40 million for housing assistance

(KERA) The Texas House on Thursday passed several bills aimed at responding to the devastation caused by the July 4 floods in the Hill Country. This comes as private donors on Thursday pledged $40 million to support long-term housing recovery in the region.

Former Speaker Dade Phelan won’t seek reelection to Texas House

(Texas Tribune) As speaker, Phelan oversaw passage of numerous conservative priorities, but he gave up the gavel under pressure from the far right over the House’s impeachment of Attorney General Ken Paxton.

Also Reported:

Exclusive: Uvalde school officials holding back key emails even after court order

(CNN) Uvalde school officials are withholding documents about classroom security and a payout to the sacked police chief even after a court ordered such documents released in the wake of the May 2022 massacre at Robb Elementary School in Texas. CNN has viewed some of the never-before-seen emails that contain potentially damning information.

Blocked Ten Commandments law may still be followed in these Texas classrooms

(Houston Chronicle) Rebecca Smith-Nash and other Texas parents are spearheading a movement to create and distribute posters featuring the Ten Commandments in schools across the state – despite the recent ruling that deemed Senate Bill 10 “unconstitutional” in 11 school districts.

Federal judge dismisses hair discrimination case against Barbers Hill ISD, ending 2-year CROWN Act battle

(KPRC) After nearly two years, the legal battle between a Black student who was disciplined over his hair while attending school in Barbers Hill ISD is now over.

Parents question whether Harris County DA’s Office is investigating Houston ISD over electioneering complaints

(KPRC) Houston mothers tell 2 Investigates they have not heard a word from the Harris County District Attorney’s Office Public Integrity Division after they filed legal complaints against the Houston Independent School District for alleged electioneering.

‘Parent power!’: Families call for investigation, leadership changes after Edgewood ISD meeting arrest

(KENS) Parents push for accountability after an Edgewood ISD mom’s arrest, calling for a new board, dropped charges and an investigation into policies.

Killeen ISD launches new parent–teacher communication tool after student tragedy

(KXXV) Two Killeen ISD campuses are testing a new in-app communication system designed to strengthen connections between parents, teachers, and administrators — a step the district says is directly shaped by community feedback after the death of 14-year-old Serenity Baker earlier this year.

New Diana ISD superintendent resigns as part of agreement with board

(CBS 19) Trustees unanimously approved a voluntary separation agreement with Marshall Moore, who took the district’s top job in 2024. Details about Moore’s departure were few. Moore had been placed on paid leave prior to his resignation.

Beaumont ISD unveils plan to tackle low school ratings

(KFDM) The Beaumont Independent School District is taking decisive steps in order to help improve its recent low performance ratings, as the Texas Education Agency accountability results revealed a district-wide ‘D’ grade, with seven schools receiving ‘F’ ratings based on the STAAR test. During the first board meeting, Superintendent Dr. Shannon Allen assured board members and the public that the district has a “strong plan” to improve its schools. The plan includes a four-step strategy aimed at helping key areas for students and teachers.

Inside Austin ISD’s mission to bring its best teachers to its lowest performing schools

(KXAN) The district hopes a new cohort of teachers at Dobie Middle School will be able to do, this year, what the campus hasn’t been able to accomplish in the last several years: raise the campuses state accountability rating from an F to at least a D or a C. But KXAN found over the summer, on a fast timeline, the district struggled to replace the educators who did not meet its new standards with the “highly qualified” teachers it was seeking.

Fences, demolition signs go up at closed Plano ISD schools, neighbors wonder what’s next

(WFAA) Once the fences come down in a few months, the land will be ready for its next purpose—whatever that may be.

North Texas school district partners to offer flight training to teens

(CBS Texas) Cedar Hill ISD is preparing to take students to new heights through a partnership with a local nonprofit that will launch a first-of-its-kind aviation program. The district has teamed up with Cedar Hill Dads Aviation, founded by longtime resident John Mays, to provide students with training and opportunities that could lead to real aviation careers.

East Texas students adapt to classroom life under statewide phone ban

(CBS 19) Since Tyler students returned to school under the new statewide phone ban, they’ve been adjusting to life without their devices. Some are struggling, some are thriving and some are finding new ways to connect.

UT System nixes faculty senates, approves restrictions on campus protests

(Texas Tribune) The changes are in response to new state laws seeking to limit faculty’s influence and put guardrails on campus demonstrations.

UT Regents approve $38.8 million contract for athletic director, keeping him in Austin through 2036

(KUT) The University of Texas System Board of Regents has signed off on a nearly $40 million contract for UT Austin Vice President and Athletic Director Chris Del Conte — keeping him on the Forty Acres through 2036.

UT Austin launches official AI platform for students, faculty free of cost

(Daily Texan) UT Enterprise Technology launched UT Spark on Monday as a free generative artificial intelligence platform for all students and staff.

UT Dallas Bans Newsstands, Another Blow to Freedoms at the School

(Dallas Observer) The school’s new policy dramatically limits the presence of local media on campus, something that’s been happening too often.

New journalism degree at UT San Antonio prepares students for evolving media careers

(KSAT) The University of Texas at San Antonio is planning to launch a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism starting in the 2025 fall semester. The new degree, offered within the UTSA Department of Communication, aims to address a rising demand for media professionals in San Antonio, according to a press release.

UT El Paso secures $118 million for campus upgrades, addressing critical maintenance needs

(KFOX) The University of Texas System Board of Regents allocated $118 million to fund maintenance projects to refresh and revitalize the UTEP campus during their regular August meeting on Thursday. The funds will be distributed over three years to address critical maintenance issues.

LeTourneau University breaks ground on $15 million aviation facility

(CBS19) University leaders estimate they’ll be able to accommodate 200 more aviation students, raising the program’s enrollment to roughly 500. Construction of a large building at the Paul and Betty Abbott Aviation Center will provide a 16,000-square-foot aircraft hangar and additional classroom space for the College of Aviation and Aeronautical Science.

Exclusive: UTHealth Houston lays off dozens during hiring freeze, citing ‘financial headwinds’

(Houston Chronicle) The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston is laying off dozens of employees during a hiring freeze as it grapples with “financial headwinds,” the school said Wednesday.

South Texas College Cybersecurity program receives $467k grant for first clinic

(ValleyCentral) The South Texas College Cybersecurity program has received a $467,000 Advanced Technological Education grant from the National Science Foundation, which will help create the Rio Grande Valley’s first Cybersecurity clinic. The project will span three years, and students with knowledge of cybersecurity will provide free services to the community.

Ex-Lubbock High coach accused of sexually assaulting student on school grounds

(EverythingLubbock) Jeremy Maxfield, 41, a former teacher and coach with Lubbock ISD, was arrested by the U.S. Marshals Service in Amherst on Wednesday, according to jail records. Court records indicated the crimes happened in October, November and December of 2019.

Farmersville ISD teacher under investigation, accused of using excessive force on student

(KRLD) A Collin County teacher is on administrative leave after she was accused of improperly restraining a 6-year-old student with special needs, district officials say.

Austin ISD student arrested for unloaded firearms at high school

(CBS Austin) An Austin ISD student was arrested for possession of two unloaded firearms on the campus of Northeast Early College High School and International High School on Thursday.

‘I’m going to shoot’: Juvenile identified in Laredo ISD Martin HS threat

(Laredo Morning Times) A 15-year-old male has been identified in relation to a threat at Laredo ISD’s Martin High School, according to Laredo police. A social media post along with a picture of the school read in Spanish, “Mañana no vallan voy a balaciar (Tomorrow, don’t go. I’m going to shoot).” Authorities would later identify the author of the post. The investigation continues as police will consult with the Webb County Attorney’s Office. “The student did not have any weapons accessible and stated that he didn’t mean it,” LPD said in a statement. The investigation continues.

Court of Criminal Appeals Reins in Texas Ethics Commission’s Prosecution Power

(Texas Scorecard) Texas’ Court of Criminal Appeals decided on Wednesday that the Texas Ethics Commission is a part of the legislative branch and does not have the sole authority to prosecute election crimes. This is a reversal from an earlier ruling on the matter.

USGS reports second earthquake in East Texas Thursday

(KTRE) On Thursday night, a second earthquake was reported by the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The quake’s magnitude was 2.6, and a depth of 5 km, or about 3.1 miles. It happened at 8:02 p.m. according to the USGS. The location of this second-in-one-day quake was about nine miles SSW of Huxley, which is in Shelby County. It was 41 miles east of Nacogdoches, and 50.1 miles ENE of Lufkin.

What the heck is an ISD? A Texas transplant’s guide to how schools in Texas are run

(KXAN) It’s back-to-school season, and if you’re a Texas transplant, you may have some questions about it.

Aug. 21, 2025

Legislative Update:

Texas House approves GOP congressional map after two-week delay from Democrats’ walkout

(Texas Tribune) The Republican-led Texas House on Wednesday approved a new congressional map crafted to hand five additional U.S. House seats to the GOP over fierce opposition from Democrats, who cast the plan as a racially discriminatory attempt by President Donald Trump to stack the deck in next year’s midterm election. A Senate panel advanced a similar map Sunday, and the full chamber was expected to send the new lines to Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk later this week.

Gov. Greg Abbott asks for new penalties for lawmakers who flee to halt legislative sessions

(Texas Tribune) Gov. Greg Abbott on Wednesday added three new items to his agenda for the ongoing special session, including punishments for lawmakers who leave the state to block passage of future legislation. Abbott, who controls the agenda during overtime legislative sessions, also asked lawmakers Wednesday to consider legislation to allow the purchase of ivermectin at pharmacies and to authorize the state to conduct a groundwater study of East Texas aquifers.

Taxpayer-Funded Lobbying Ban Faces Uncertain Future in Texas House

(Texas Scorecard) As the Texas Legislature continues its second special session, legislation aimed at banning taxpayer-funded lobbying has once again been referred to the House State Affairs Committee, prompting questions about whether the House will act.

“My daughter was stolen from me”: Grieving parents point to Texas camp failures at Capitol hearing

(Texas Tribune) Senate Bill 1, which would require more oversight of emergency plans and evacuation procedures at summer camps, was advanced after the emotional hearing Wednesday.

Also Reported:

Lancaster ISD football player dies after suffering heat emergency during practice

(Fox 4 KDFW) A sophomore football player at Lancaster High School died after suffering a medical emergency during practice on Monday. According to the Lancaster Independent School District, 15-year-old Preston Malone III complained that he wasn’t feeling well during conditioning drills at Monday afternoon’s junior varsity football practice. Lancaster ISD said its coaches and athletic trainers were following all UIL and district heat safety protocols and procedures, which included things like moving practice indoors, creating a cool zone, taking water breaks, and more.

Education Department rescinds English Learners equal access guidance

(K-12 Dive) The longstanding guidance that helped districts and states serve English learners “is not aligned with [Trump] Administration priorities,” a department spokesperson said.

Fire destroys 1 electric bus, damages another at East Texas school district

(CBS 19) Two Cushing ISD electric buses were damaged in a fire Wednesday night at the district’s bus barn, according to school officials. When crews arrived, they found one electric bus fully engulfed in flames. Firefighters were able to extinguish the fire before it spread to nearby buses or the bus barn itself. A second electric bus parked in front of the burning vehicle sustained damage from heat and flames. As a precaution, all other buses were moved away from the fire.

US News ranks 2025’s best high schools in the US. Here are the top Texas schools

(Austin American-Statesman) A new collection of analyses by U.S. News reveals Texas has its fair share of high-performing high schools, along with Arizona. Data gathered from over 24,000 public high schools across the U.S. was used to determine which were the best. Also included are rankings of charter schools and schools focused on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

Learn more about Texas schools: Search the Texas Tribune’s updated K-12 explorer

(Texas Tribune) The Texas Tribune’s database now includes the state education agency’s 2024-25 ratings of public and charter schools.

‘They deserve to have their time’: Trustee says Edgewood ISD broke policy in arrest of mother at board meeting

(KENS) A parent advocate was arrested at an Edgewood ISD meeting after exceeding time. A school trustee says the policy wasn’t followed — as outrage, protests and calls for answers grow.

Plano ISD Trustees Split on Vote To Restrict Public Comments

(Texas Scorecard) In a split vote, trustees in Plano Independent School District approved a new policy eliminating public comments on non-agenda items during board meetings. The stated plan is to have occasional “community input meetings” instead, but such meetings are not required by the new policy.

‘Alyssa’s Law’ just took effect in Texas. Here’s how it impacts your child

(KVIA) “Alyssa’s Law,” also known as Senate Bill 838, takes affect this school year for Texas schools. The legislation requires silent alarm systems in classrooms by the 2025-2026 school year. The bill was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott in May of 2023. Schools have had the last two years to install the systems and prepare for the law to take effect.

Lake Worth ISD leaders pledge progress for schools. Will the state intervene first?

(Fort Worth Report) The Northwest Fort Worth school district faces possible state takeover after an elementary school scored five F’s in academic accountability ratings.

‘Every student, every day’: Fort Bend ISD officials say focus on equity will boost district performance

(Community Impact) District officials are moving forward with a focus on improving student achievement to ensure there is growth for “all students” on standardized testing and college and career readiness.

One district has over half of North Texas’ top-performing schools, data shows

(WFAA) Several Dallas ISD magnet schools received top marks from the TEA. One Dallas ISD campus, School for the Talented and Gifted, received a score of 100. It is the only school in North Texas to receive a perfect score. The school’s rating ticked up one point between 2024 and 2025, data shows.

Alief ISD announces all-girls school to open fall 2026

(KTRK) Critics worry the new school voucher program could impact districts already facing declining enrollment numbers. Over the last seven years, Alief ISD has seen enrollment drop by about 7,000 students. Now, the district is opening a public all-girls school to encourage families to pick it when it comes to school choice.

Katy ISD student speaks out over SB 12 after district stops using chosen name

(KPRC) As a queer and transgender student, Adrian says the change feels dehumanizing. He shared that some teachers have told him they fear losing their jobs if they use his chosen name.

Opinion: Texas school ratings may hide reading woes. Parents, ask these questions

(Fort Worth Star-Telegram) It seems like such a great idea: We give students grades to indicate whether they’ve learned the material, so why not give schools grades to show whether they’re effectively teaching it? To that end, the Texas Education Agency has released its school ratings for 2025. Both the Fort Worth and Dallas districts have improved, with more schools earning “A” ratings and fewer receiving “F” ratings. That’s undeniably good news, and we should be pleased that progress is being made. But as the group Go Beyond Grades reminds us, we need to interpret student grades with caution.

Houston Mayor Whitmire orders city to upgrade crosswalk after car hits Lamar High student

(Houston Chronicle) The City of Houston will upgrade a crosswalk near Lamar High School after a vehicle injured a student near the River Oaks campus Tuesday. The 15-year-old student was walking along the crosswalk at the intersection of Eastside and Westheimer when he was struck, according to KHOU. The student was alert and taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries, officials said. Related:

Video shows teen get hit by SUV while crossing Westheimer near Lamar High School (KHOU)

LIST: Highest-paid East Texas school superintendents

(KLTV) Tyler ISD Superintendent Dr. Marty Crawford is the area’s highest-paid superintendent, according to base pay data from the Texas Education Agency.

‘This is it’: Marfa ISD pushes to adopt balanced budget as savings dwindle

(Big Bend Sentinel) Marfa ISD leaders are pushing to adopt a balanced budget for the 2025-26 school year considering the district’s fund balance, or savings account, often drawn from to help cover persisting deficits, is quickly dwindling. At a meeting on Monday Chief Financial Officer Rosela Rivera said the deficit for this year is currently projected to be around half a million dollars — a loss the district can no longer afford to make up. “Pretty much, this is it,” Rivera said in a follow up with The Big Bend Sentinel. “We’re not going to have any fund balance.”

Opinion: The Future of Public Education is on the Ballot in Cy-Fair ISD and Beyond

(Texas Observer) Nearly a year after Cy-Fair Independent School District (CFISD) omitted more than a dozen chapters from our textbooks, the discourse continues over the future of the school district. It’s hard to reconcile that a school district once known for welcoming students of all backgrounds and encouraging free thought now seems to be moving in a direction that feels more restrictive than even broader state trends. But here we are, and I’m scared. I’m scared of what’s being lost in our classrooms: critical thinking, open dialogue, and the freedom to be ourselves.

Exclusive: Most DFW high school football coaches make $120K. One makes $175K

(Fort Worth Star-Telegram) The Fort Worth Star-Telegram obtained the salaries of 144 Dallas-Fort Worth high school football coaches through open record requests throughout the summer. That figure includes athletic stipends or any additional compensation. The average head coach in Dallas-Fort Worth makes $126,092.85. Some coaches have additional responsibilities or roles, including serving as an athletic director, athletic coordinator and a coach for another sport.

Lake Travis HS to revamp stadium, doubling capacity by 2026

(KVUE) The $48 million project was registered with the state on Wednesday.

Texas District Uses ‘Bus Buddies’ Program to Ease School Bus Ride Anxiety

(School Transporation News) The “Bus Buddies” program returned to Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District in Texas, making the first school bus rides of the new school year a safe and fun experience for students.

UT System officially selects new Chancellor John Zerwas, UT-Austin president James Davis

(Houston Chronicle) The University of Texas System officially selected John M. Zerwas as its chancellor and James E. Davis as president of its flagship on Wednesday. Neither choice was a surprise, as both men served in the interim positions before being named sole finalists last month.

San Angelo Clinics Brace for Sickness Spike as School Returns

(Concho Valley Homepage) “We are seeing an uptick of COVID infections, still seeing some of the summer bugs, the GI infections, and pink eye, said Dr. Josiah Ward of La Esperanza Clinic in San Angelo, adding: “Likely as school is starting, we’re going to start seeing more cases of the common cold and upper respiratory symptoms. We’re all preparing for the RSV and Flu to come this fall.”

How YES Helps Students Move from Trauma to Transformation

(D Magazine) The mental health crisis among young people is staggering. Between 2010 and 2020, members of Gen Z experienced a 134 percent increase in anxiety and a 106 percent increase in depression, according to The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt. Dan Bailey, founder and CEO of Youth Equipped to Succeed (YES), often begins his school presentations with these statistics. For him, they are more than numbers—they reflect the challenges that shaped his life and fuel his mission.

Rice University to open Chao College, its 12th residential college, in 2026

(Houston Chronicle) Rice University’s 12th residential college will open in fall 2026 as the Ting Tsung and Wei Fong Chao College, expanding on a campus tradition that has become a hallmark of the Rice student experience. A gift from the Chao family’s foundation made the college possible, the private university announced . Rice did not disclose the amount, but the donation is just the latest of many contributions from the Houston-based siblings who run the philanthropy. Earlier grants most notably established the Chao Center for Asian Studies in the School of Humanities in 2008 and the school’s Houston Asian American Archive in 2009.

Texas Tech outlines approach to AI use in the classroom

(Everything Lubbock) Texas Tech University is taking a unique approach to balancing academic integrity with the reality of new technology. Professors aren’t left to navigate it alone; the university has set clear expectations for how AI can be used in the classroom.

Lone Star College to launch early childhood education bachelor’s degree with help from grant

(Community Impact) Lone Star College System is moving forward with plans to offer a new bachelor’s degree in early childhood education with help from a $200,000 grant from Houston Endowment, according to a news release.

Former Abilene educator arrested for federal crimes involving child pornography

(KTXS) A former Abilene educator has been arrested on federal charges relating to crimes against children. Robert Jerome Custer, 56, was arrested Aug. 15 for accessing child pornography, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety. Custer previously worked as an educator and camp counselor in several areas across Texas, including Abilene.

Aug. 20, 2025

Legislative Update:

Texas Democrats spend night at Capitol to protest GOP redistricting, state trooper escorts

(KERA) At least three Texas House Democrats spent Tuesday night inside the state Capitol in protest of a Republican-backed redistricting plan, which they say would diminish the voting power of minority communities. State Rep. Nicole Collier of Fort Worth spent Monday night in the House chamber, sleeping on leather chairs after rejecting new attendance rules that required Democrats who previously broke quorum to check in and be monitored by state police.

New bill could shield police misconduct files as Uvalde lawsuit nears ruling

(Austin American-Statesman) A new bill filed this special legislative session could substantially reduce what information law enforcement agencies can disclose — and may affect the Uvalde lawsuit, experts and advocates say. Senate Bill 15, authored by Republican state Sen. Phil King of Weatherford, would require city police, county sheriffs and state troopers in Texas to seal certain personnel documents in a confidential “department file,” colloquially known as a “G file.” Opponents of the bill say it will obscure important records from public disclosure, including potential records of misconduct during the Uvalde shooting.

Also Reported:

‘Do Not Comply’: Activist Teachers Plot To Defy Texas’ New Ten Commandments Law

(Texas Scorecard) As Texas prepares to implement its new law requiring the Ten Commandments to be displayed in every public school classroom beginning September 1, some teachers are already vowing to ignore it. On the Reddit community Texas Teachers, with more than 17,000 members, dozens of educators are boasting that they will not follow the law signed by Gov. Greg Abbott earlier this summer. Related:

Ten Commandments posters arrive in Texas public schools, thanks to Glenn Beck, Christian conservative groups (Texas Public Radio)

Complying with new Texas law, Harlandale ISD moves public meetings to Wednesdays

(San Antonio Report) All government agencies in Texas, from school boards to county courts, will have to comply with stricter deadlines for sharing public meeting agendas and information with constituents under House Bill 1522, which becomes effective on Sept. 1. Harlandale Independent School District, which traditionally holds board meetings the third Monday of every month, will move all of its board meetings to Wednesdays, including agenda-setting meetings and work sessions. It is unclear exactly how other government agencies in the area, including the City of San Antonio, Bexar County Commissioners Court and other school districts will update their agenda publishing calendars to comply with the new law.

COVID cases rise in North Texas as students return to school

(Fox 4 KDFW) The number of COVID cases in North Texas is up now that children are back in school and interacting with one another. The CDC reports infection rates have increased in 34 states, with Texas being higher than other parts of the country. The numbers are still much lower than they were during the pandemic.

Homebuyers Want Their Kids in This Suburb’s School District at Any Cost

(Dallas Observer) According to a recent survey by Realtor.com, DFW’s most sought-after school district isn’t Highland Park ISD after all. The report shows that out-of-district home buyers looked to Carroll ISD in Southlake more than any other North Texas district between May and July of this year, and those Southlake Dragon hopefuls were willing to pay the nation’s highest premium for an in-district home. The median listing price for homes in Carroll ISD was $2,159,833 for the months covered by the survey, a 390.9% premium compared to listing averages in the surrounding suburbs.

Laredo Police confirm three-year-old exposed to cocaine at elementary school

(KGNS) After nearly a week, the Laredo Police chief confirms that the substance a LISD three-year-old student came into contact with was cocaine. On Tuesday, KGNS spoke with Chief Miguel Rodriguez Jr., who stated they are still waiting for additional information relating to the case. Last week, Laredo police were called by Laredo ISD to help investigate the incident at Sanchez-Ochoa Elementary. Police continue to say the child’s family, the classroom teacher, and school officials are cooperating with investigators. No arrests have been made.

See how Katy ISD, Lamar CISD break down school funding

(Community Impact) As Lamar CISD prepares for a November bond and Katy ISD nears its 2025-26 budget approval, district officials helped break down district funding. “Many believe that school districts control their annual funding amounts locally; however, much of a district’s funding is determined by the state of Texas through formulas based mainly on student attendance and property values,” LCISD Chief Communications Officer Sonya Cole-Hamilton said in an email.

Projected population growth spurs review of McKinney ISD school attendance zones

(Community Impact) As the McKinney area grows in population, McKinney ISD officials are considering how population growth may impact the district’s attendance zones. McKinney ISD board of trustees will consider the formation of an educational facilities alignment committee at a September meeting. If formed, the committee will study both current school attendance zones and project population growth, and recommend zone changes, according to a presentation at an Aug. 18 board meeting.

El Paso ISD maintains tax rate as property values decline

(KFOX) At Tuesday’s board meeting, the El Paso Independent School District (EPISD) announced it will maintain its current tax rate of $1.08 per $100 of property valuation for the upcoming fiscal year, despite a decrease in taxable property values. This decision, approved by the school board, is expected to save the average homeowner approximately $27. The decline in property valuations is attributed to state-mandated homestead exemptions, which exempt the first $140,000 of home values from school district taxes.

Texas suspends 2 Fort Bend behavior analysts for failing to report child sexual abuse

(KTRK) Two behavior analysts who worked with children with autism have had their professional licenses suspended for two years after the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation determined they failed to report an allegation of child sexual abuse. Criminal charges could follow, authorities said. The case stems from a July incident at Action Behavior Centers, where both women were employed as behavior analysts, people trained to design treatment plans for individuals struggling to control their behavior. The state says a mother reported that her 4-year-old child had been sexually abused by an employee. Although the accused employee was placed on leave, officials say the abuse allegations were never reported to law enforcement.

Houston school for autistic kids set to lose state funding after reporting abuse

(KTRK) A longtime school for autistic children is about to lose its state funding following a self-reported child abuse claim. Friday, the Texas Education Agency said it was changing Avondale House’s compliance status to “non-approval,” which means public school districts will no longer be able to send kids there. It comes after a May incident that the school reported to the TEA, in which the agency said school staff pushed, dragged, and shook a student. The school said all three staffers involved were promptly fired.

Community activist arrested for going over speaking time at Edgewood ISD board meeting

(San Antonio Report) Edgewood ISD police officers arrested a community activist Tuesday night for trespassing during a board meeting. Maribel Gardea is co-founder and executive director of MindShiftED, a grassroots nonprofit organization for parents of children in San Antonio’s most underserved neighborhoods. Her children attend San Antonio ISD.

Wylie ISD employee dies in bus accident; investigation underway

(KTXS) A tragic accident at the Wylie Independent School District’s Transportation Facility claimed the life of a 64-year-old bus driver, Lupe Garcia, on Tuesday morning. Garcia, who had been with the district for less than a year, was killed in an incident involving a bus. Related:

Beloved bus driver and coach Lupe Garcia leaves a lasting legacy in Wylie community (KTXS)

Houston-area school bus driver pulled over to perform field sobriety tests with students on board

(KHOU) Cell phone videos and other images are sparking concern in the Anthony Middle School community after a Cy-Fair ISD bus driver was pulled over on the way to campus Monday morning while taking students to school. The district said the driver passed two field sobriety tests and an alcohol test. The district said it’s awaiting the results of a drug test.

Three teens arrested after stealing East Texas school bus

(KETK) Three teenagers have been arrested after they allegedly stole a Pleasant Grove ISD school bus in July. According to the Texarkana Police Department, around 4:30 a.m. on July 19, officers received a 911 call about a Pleasant Grove ISD school bus that was driving down Richmond Road in Texarkana. Officials said as police turned around to stop the bus, they found it had already rolled into a tree while the suspects ran from the scene. The suspects were later identified as 18-year-old Matthew Lacey, 17-year-old Trip Wilson and 17-year-old Brooks Wilhite. Texarkana PD said Wilhite and Wilson were arrested earlier in August, while Lacey was arrested this past weekend. All three teenagers have been charged with unauthorized use of a vehicle.

Two North East ISD school buses involved in crash on US Highway 281; no serious injuries reported

(KSAT) Multiple lanes on U.S. Highway 281 were closed on Tuesday after a crash involving two North East Independent School District buses, according to officials. The crash was reported just after 4 p.m. Tuesday on the U.S. Highway 281. Two buses from Tejeda Middle School “collided with each other,” according to an NEISD spokesperson. Around 26 students were riding on one bus and about 40 students were riding on the other, the spokesperson said. San Antonio police said no serious injuries were reported.

West Orange-Cove CISD school bus crash leaves no students injured, district says

(KBMT) A Ford Explorer struck a West Orange-Cove CISD school bus, but all students and staff are safe.

Leverett’s Chapel ISD bus rear-ended; no injuries reported

(KETK) The district said the bus was rear-ended by another vehicle; however, all of the students and the driver of the bus were unharmed. The driver of the other vehicle was also uninjured.

Texas universities could lose thousands of international students, millions of dollars

(KERA) In North Texas, public universities could lose thousands of students — and millions of dollars — because of recent state and federal policy changes. “Based on enrollment projections, general student tuition revenue is expected to decline $13 million -$15.6 million in FY 2026 when compared to the FY 2025 budget,” the draft UT Arlington budget reads. The University of North Texas meanwhile said the loss of international students has left a $50 million hole in the school’s budget. UT Dallas may be among the hardest hit, because the university hosts more international students than any other in Texas, according to UTD’s own International Students and Scholars Office.

Football coaches assist mother and child involved in car crash

(CBS 19) Over the weekend, two East Texas football coaches assisted a mother and her child involved in a car crash. The coaches noticed the crash while traveling to a preseason scrimmage. According to a Facebook post from Oakwood ISD, “While headed to our football scrimmage, we drove up on a car wreck that had just occurred. Without hesitation, our Head Football Coach JJ Johnson and Offensive Coordinator Cody Davis responded to the scene to render aid however possible, helping pull the two individuals (a mother and her son) out of the car safely.” The post concluded by thanking Johnson and Davis, noting that the two men are not only solid coaches, but they also strive to inspire their players to be great off the field.

Fort Worth mom creates nonprofit to help give non-verbal children a voice

(CBS Texas) When 4-year-old Elliott Frank was diagnosed with autism and apraxia of speech, his mother, Kendra, faced a heartbreaking reality: her son couldn’t tell her what he wanted or needed. Determined to help her son communicate, Kendra launched Elliott’s Voice, a nonprofit that designs and advocates for colorful, symbol-based communication boards in playgrounds, parks, museums, and other public spaces across North Texas. The boards give children who struggle to speak a simple way to point, share, and connect. They’ve already been installed at Burton Hill Elementary, Elliott’s school, where classmates use the board alongside him.

Laredo ISD to rename building tied to penalized doctor

(KGNS) Laredo ISD is renaming one of its buildings because the current name belongs to a doctor who was penalized by the Texas Medical Board, along with five others. The building is named after Dr. Dennis David Cantu, as seen on the LISD Early College building inside Martin High School. On August 19, the district announced that the building’s name will change to Esther Buckley Early College. Buckley served as the chair of the Webb County Republican Party and was a member of the Webb County Higher Education Commission. This marks the second time in the past five years that the district has renamed one of its buildings.

First Amendment Groups Pressure University of North Texas Officials to Lift Campus Drag Ban

(Dallas Observer) A court ruling upheld the right to drag performances on public university campuses. So, what’s UNT waiting for?

Tarrant County approves sharp reduction in polling locations amid outcry during public meeting

(WFAA) Things got heated inside the Tarrant County Commissioners Court on Tuesday as the debate over polling place closures drew hours of passionate testimony. Nearly 100 people signed up to speak against proposals to reduce both early voting and Election Day sites. Only one person — a polling place judge — voiced support. The changes approved by commissioners are significant. Republican commissioners cited low turnout and cost savings. It’s estimated that operating a Tarrant County polling place costs more than $10,000.00. Democrats on the court strongly opposed the cuts.

DHS Secretary says entire southern border wall to be painted black to stop people from climbing it

(AP) Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said Tuesday that the entire border wall along the southern border with Mexico is going to be painted black to make it hotter and deter illegal immigration — and she credited President Trump with the idea.

Texas adds reason people can be detained for mental illness as Trump urges action on homelessness

(Houston Chronicle) Starting Sept. 1, the inability to recognize one’s psychiatric condition, or anosognosia, will be grounds to detain an individual if it could lead to harm. The new criterion also put Texas at the vanguard of a larger shift in mental health law, which has been driven less by pleas from families than by frustration with homelessness. Pressure on officials to address people living on the streets has had the rare ability to rally both sides of the aisle to look more closely at mental health. In July, President Donald Trump signed an executive order calling on states to “(shift) homeless individuals into long-term institutional settings” or issue court orders for them to take medication and see a doctor for mental illness.

Systems online again after cyber-attack hit City of Lubbock

(EverythingLubbock) On Tuesday, the City of Lubbock said all systems were online following a “malicious code” on a computer that led to a system outage on August 12. The Texas Attorney General Published a notice on Saturday stating: “The City of Lubbock experienced a cyber attack beginning Tuesday, August 12, 2025, which resulted in the shutting down of all systems and our resources for fulfilling Public Information Requests. IT is working diligently to restore systems and it is expected to take multiple days up to a week.” About nine months ago, a fake pop-up window was found on the utilities payment website, requesting credit card information from users. Affected customers were notified.

Aug. 19, 2025

Legislative Update:

Texas Senate fast tracks THC ban, flood prep and bathroom restrictions for transgender people

(Texas Tribune) Lawmakers focused first on flood-related bills Monday night and tackled other legislation including a THC ban, property taxes and deed fraud. Related:

Redistricting Clash: Comparing Senate’s and House’s Proposed Maps in Second Special Session (Texas Policy Research)
Texas Democrat spends night in Legislature protesting police shadowing in redistricting battle (AP)

Also Reported:

Judge to rule before Sept. 1 on Texas’ Ten Commandments requirement in public schools

(Texas Tribune) A Texas federal judge will decide before Sept. 1 whether to block from taking effect a new state law requiring public schools to display donated posters of the Ten Commandments in classrooms. The ACLU and the state’s attorneys ended oral arguments Monday after sparring over freedom of religion protections and historical influence of the biblical directives.

Texas declares measles outbreak over

(KERA) The Texas measles outbreak that sickened 762 people since late January is over, state health officials said Monday. Health officials have not confirmed a new case in the affected counties in more than 42 days, passing the threshold used to declare measles outbreaks over. The last outbreak-related case in Texas was on July 1, according to state data.

64-year-old Wylie ISD employee dies in bus accident

(KTXS) A 64-year-old Wylie ISD employee died at the bus barn Tuesday morning. According to the Abilene Police Department, Lupe Garcia was killed after being injured by a bus at the Wylie ISD Transportation Facility. No students were on the bus at the time of the incident, according to a press release from Wylie ISD. Abilene Police and Wylie ISD officials are investigating the accident.

Darryl George’s case against Barbers Hill ISD dismissed and sex discrimination claim proceeds

(KTRK) A federal judge on Tuesday dismissed claims of racial discrimination while allowing claims of sex discrimination to proceed in a federal civil rights lawsuit regarding a Texas student who has faced suspensions and disciplinary actions over the length of his locs hairstyle. U.S. District Court Judge Jeffrey Vincent Brown said in his decision that the claims of racial discrimination in the lawsuit brought by Darryl George, a student at Barbers Hill High School, and his family “have not shown a persistent, widespread practice of disparate, race-based enforcement” of the hair policy.

‘We condemn this action’: Rockwall ISD addresses Nazi flags found hanging at high school

(WFAA) School board member Grant DuBois called the display a hateful act that does not reflect the values of Rockwall ISD.

TEA Commissioner’s two options: Taking over Beaumont ISD or closing a campus

(KFDM) The immediate future of Beaumont ISD is out of the district’s hands, landing squarely in the lap of Mike Morath, Commissioner of the Texas Education Agency. Morath tells KFDM that BISD had its chance, but time has run out due to too many failing schools for too many consecutive years. TEA accountability ratings released last Friday show BISD receiving a fifth consecutive failing grade for at least one of their campuses, enough to trigger possible state action, according to the TEA.

‘More than a handful’: Austin ISD superintendent outlines school closure plans

(KXAN) The Austin Independent School District superintendent said the district’s declining enrollment numbers are leaving too many schools under capacity and sees campus closures and consolidations as part of the solution. While he declined to pinpoint how many campuses could close, Matias Segura said it’ll be “more than a handful,” and added the district is looking to reduce costs by $30 million.

Fort Worth ISD faces a state takeover. Here’s what parents need to know

(Fort Worth Report) Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath considers what’s next for Fort Worth ISD and Lake Worth ISD after triggering state takeover law.

Four-day school weeks are on the rise as Texas districts look for teacher perks on a tight budget

(Texas Tribune) More than 500 schools are using four-day school weeks, a dramatic increase from two years ago driven by fierce competition for educators amid a statewide teacher shortage. Related:

Big Country schools take different approaches to four-day weeks (KTAB/KRBC)

CyFair ISD: Challenges to the Conservative Status Quo Make For Absorbing Political Theater

(Houston Press) Those who think school board races are boring and that all the candidates have similar messaging haven’t checked into Cypress-Fairbanks ISD lately.

Texas School District Under The Microscope After Superintendent Contract Extension

(Maverick Times) The Eagle Pass Independent School District (EPISD), Maverick County’s largest taxing entity, is under intense public scrutiny following revelations of political favoritism, questionable hiring practices, and a superintendent contract that guarantees nearly $300,000 annually through 2029. What began as outrage over one man’s salary has unraveled into a wider investigation of what many are calling a “web of corruption” inside the district.

Houston ISD virtual school working to appeal ‘D’ rating from Texas Education Agency

(Houston Chronicle) School districts may make a data submission error “on very rare occasions,” but there are processes to allow school districts to correct the data, TEA Commissioner Mike Morath said.

Charter, virtual schools see climbing enrollment within Klein ISD’s boundaries

(Community Impact) Students are increasingly transferring out of Klein ISD—and other public schools across the region—to pursue other education options, such as charter and virtual schools, according to Texas Education Agency data. Klein ISD has seen about a 28% increase in the net number of students leaving the district—students transferring out subtracted from students transferring in—to enroll in charter schools, virtual schools or other ISDs since fall 2020, according to TEA data. Compared to the 2014-15 school year, KISD has seen a 122% increase in the net total of students leaving.

Opinion: Are Vouchers the Beginning of the End for Rural Public Schools?

(Texas Monthly) In Texas, rural schools are often the hubs of their communities. The state’s new program could compromise that.

Key UIL moves in outgoing chief Charles Breithaupt’s tenure

(Austin American-Statesman via 6A Texas Football) Charles Breithaupt has seen growth — on and off the playing fields — during his 50 years as a coach and administrator for Texas schools. From advances in the health field to expansion of the high school football playoffs, the executive director of the University Interscholastic League has had his pulse on many key changes during his five decades in high school athletics. Breithaupt’s final day with the UIL is Aug. 31. Breithaupt sat down with the American-Statesman to discuss several milestone moments during his five decades with the UIL. Related:

UIL extends Westwood ISD athletic director’s probation (KLTV)
Why 4A Texas football coaches face extra hurdle scheduling bi-district games (Dallas Morning News)
Sweat, music and Texas football: San Antonio high schoolers deal with the heat for a chance to win big (San Antonio Report)

In Texas’s Smallest School District, This Superintendent Is Also a Cook (and Plumber)

(Texas Monthly) For Jessi Milam, presiding over a school district in Big Bend means being a jack-of-all-trades.

The Race to Redefine the High School Learning Experience Is On

(The74) In a few short weeks, Aldine Independent School District in Texas will welcome a new cohort of ninth graders to the HEAL high school programs — one of the biggest career-technical education experiments underway in the state and just one of many that the Houston-area district is implementing to ensure its graduates are equipped with real-world skills.

Educators hope cell phone ban reduces cyberbullying

(ValleyCentral) Research shows cyberbullying is on the rise. Many experts attribute the increase to children having cell phones and more access to a wide variety of social media platforms. The question remains whether or not the statewide cell phone ban in schools will reduce those numbers. Sylvia Gamboa, Director of Guidance and Counseling at Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District, says her experience in the district follows the trend. Related:

Texas student starts petition against school phone ban law, gathers 135,000 plus signatures (Houston Public Media)

Confusion reigns as Texas colleges scramble to comply with ban on in-state tuition for undocumented students

(Texas Tribune) The state isn’t providing schools with guidance and advocates say students who still qualify for lower rates are being asked to pay thousands more.

Fifth Circuit halts West Texas A&M drag show ban as free speech lawsuit continues

(Texas Tribune) In a split decision, a three-judge panel of the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals blocked the school’s prohibition on drag performances, finding students are likely to prove it violates the First Amendment.

Texas Tech University System, FBI partner to improve national security

(KVIA) The FBI and the Texas Tech University System have entered into a landmark Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) to advance U.S. national security, cybersecurity and critical infrastructure protection. According to the agreement, the FBI will utilize university-led research and development through TTU’s Critical Infrastructure Security Institute (CISI). The institute addresses vulnerabilities in the nation’s most vital systems, including the electric grid, water utilities, communication systems, military assets and other infrastructure critical to the economy.

Texas Christian University and UT Arlington see historic student enrollment as fall semester begins

(Fox 4 KDFW) Both universities are reporting a record-breaking number of new students, with TCU welcoming its largest-ever incoming class. UT Arlington is also on track to achieve its highest first-year student retention rate.

Our Lady of the Lake students say OLLU gave them no viable options to complete their degree

(Texas Public Radio) Our Lady of the Lake University discontinued 19 degree programs after the spring 2025 semester, but pledged to ensure students currently enrolled in those programs could graduate. But students say that’s not happening at OLLU’s now-defunct Leadership Studies Department.

UT Austin’s athletic director gets monster $38.8 million contract extension

(ClutchPoints) As the Texas Longhorns football program enters the new season atop the AP Poll, its athletic director, Chris Del Conte, is about to get a major raise. Del Conte, who has been at the helm in Austin since 2017, is on the verge of signing an 11-year, $38.8 million contract with the university, according to college football insider Brett McMurphy. The deal is pending Board of Regents approval.

Texas Tech University System governing board lays out guidelines, rules for faculty senates

(Lubbock Avalanche-Journal) The Lubbock Avalanche-Journal was able to obtain an advance copy of the new Texas Tech University System rules and guidelines that would allow the formation of faculty senates for each of the five component universities.

The Daily Texan Explains: What are the major policy changes impacting higher education?

(Daily Texan) Recent policy changes will impact the UT community with implications for academic freedom, university governance, student immigration status and college affordability. The Texan broke down these major federal, state and institutional policy actions along with what students can anticipate for their implementation.

Belton ISD Board of Trustees votes to terminate teacher indicted on child pornography charges

(KCEN) Federal authorities arrested and charged Belton High School teacher Pietro Giustino with possession of child pornography in July.

Pearsall ISD employee fired, under investigation for alleged inappropriate communication with student

(KSAT) The female employee had been with the district for more than a year. Superintendent Dr. Jodi Spoor did not reveal where the unidentified female paraprofessional worked.

‘Taking away food is taking away everything’: Texans brace for SNAP cuts

(Houston Public Media) Changes to SNAP requirements and cuts in funding to the program were signed into law July 4 by President Trump as part of the massive tax-and-spending package known as the “Big Beautiful Bill.” The added requirements are expected to heavily impact the 12% of the U.S. population that use SNAP.

Texas Investigates AI Chatbot Companies for Deceptive Mental Health Service Aimed at Children 

(Texas Scorecard) Texas is investigating AI chatbot platforms Meta AI Studio and Character AI for deceptively marketing themselves as mental health tools. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said that both platforms have gone beyond offering general therapeutic advice, and instead come across as professional therapeutic tools despite lacking the necessary credentials and oversight to give such guidance. He also noted that these platforms are easily accessible to individuals who may be struggling with a mental disorder or to children, and that although AI chatbots claim confidentiality, the terms of service show that all interactions are logged, tracked, and used for targeted advertising.

Texas DPS issues new driver’s license, ID card designs

(WFAA) The new cards include upgraded security features to try and eliminate stolen identities.

Aug. 18, 2025

Legislative Update:

Texas Legislature’s second special session begins as quorum-breaking Democrats plan return

(Houston Public Media) The new special session started with threats to House Democrats, who have signaled their intention to return to Texas after leaving the state to block the passage of a new GOP-friendly congressional map.

From a cell phone ban to Ten Commandments posters, new state laws bring big changes to Texas schools

(Texas Tribune) Lawmakers also approved new teacher raises, banned DEI initiatives and gave schools more flexibility to discipline students.

Also Reported:

TEA Commissioner Mike Morath Comes to Houston. And Even if STAAR is Scrapped, It’ll Be a While Before It’s Gone

(Houston Press) Asked about the probability that the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness would be scrapped in favor of another type of state testing, Morath referred to Sen. Paul Bettencourt’s (R-Houston) SB 8 that has already passed the Senate and will come up again in the second special session. However, any of the critics wanting a quick end to STAAR will have to wait. Morath referred to a three-year transition period, although he said his office has been working on alternatives to STAAR for several years.

Five Texas school districts at risk of a state takeover after ratings’ release

(Texas Tribune) A record five Texas school districts are now at risk of the state replacing their democratically-elected school board with the latest release of school performance ratings. Connally, Lake Worth, Beaumont, Wichita Falls and Fort Worth school districts have all amassed five consecutive failing grades at one or more of its campuses, the threshold to trigger state action, a Texas Education Agency spokesperson confirmed with The Texas Tribune on Friday.

Federal court in San Antonio hears legal challenge to Texas’ Ten Commandments school display law

(Houston Public Media) A federal court in San Antonio heard arguments Friday in a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of a Texas law mandating the display of the Ten Commandments in all public-school classrooms in the state. At Friday’s hearing, plaintiffs’ attorneys sought an injunction to prevent the law from going into effect, pending the outcome of the court challenge. If U.S. Judge Fred Biery grants a temporary injunction to block SB 10, it would apply only to the school districts directly involved in the case. All other school districts would have to decide on their own whether to follow SB 10. Judge Biery said he would make a decision before September 1.

Vaccine exemption requests in Texas spike in July, as some experts fear more families will opt out

(Texas Tribune) Federal funding cuts to immunization efforts and a new law that allows exemption forms to be downloaded, instead of mailed, could drive up exemptions in the future.

Houston ISD sees sharp decline in overuse of committees to award diplomas to high school students in 2024

(Houston Chronicle) Houston ISD reported a sharp decline in the number of high schools abusing special committees to award students diplomas in 2024 after years of failing to comply with state regulations, according to Texas Education Agency data. Related:

Houston ISD elected trustees launch video series to promote student outcomes, review board meeting agendas (Houston Chronicle)

For Uvalde families, long-awaited records release leads to more questions

(Texas Public Radio) While Uvalde County and UCISD released records related to the Robb Elementary School massacre, the family of Jackie Cazares is still looking for more information and transparency from the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Spring ISD’s new safety milestone is a game-changer for Texas schools

(KHOU) The district earned the top safety certification in active shooter preparedness, becoming a Texas first.

Seatbelts on school buses topic of conversation again following Leander ISD bus crash

(CBS Austin) The bus, carrying 42 students from Bagdad Elementary, overturned on Nameless Road near Sandy Creek, injuring 17 students and the bus driver. The bus involved in the crash complied with a 2017 state law requiring all school buses model year 2018 or later to have three-point seat belts. However, it remains unclear if the students were wearing them at the time of the accident. A new bill authored by State Senator Jose Menendez, set to take effect on Sept. 1, aims to ensure that every school district in Texas, regardless of financial capability, has access to the safest buses possible with three-point seatbelts.

Katy ISD’s Jordan High blames AI software error for preferred pronoun question on student survey

(Covering Katy News) A survey asking Katy ISD students for their preferred pronouns was distributed on the first day of school at Jordan High School, according to a statement to parents from campus administration. A source familiar with the incident says at least three Jordan teachers distributed the document, which violates district policy. This incident prompted an investigation and response from Jordan High School.

Despite new state funding, Clear Creek ISD projects $13.5M shortfall

(Community Impact) Despite the state offering an additional $8.4 billion in funding for various school expenses, such as increased teacher pay, school districts, such as Clear Creek ISD, are looking at a possible shortfall for fiscal year 2025-26. Related:

Clear Creek ISD looks to launch space engineering curriculum (Community Impact)

Texas Hill Country schools transformed into relief hubs after the deadly summer floods. Now, students are headed back

(CNN) Texas Hill Country had over a month until its young students were scheduled to go back to school. But after devastating floods swept through the region on July 4, Kerr County schools opened their doors early to welcome emergency responders and muddy volunteers pouring into rural Texas. Hill County students are returning to school this week and will find little sign of the transformation their campuses went through, administrators say. However, the emotional scars from a summer of frightening water rescues and devastating loss loom.

Austin ISD experiencing enrollment issues

(KXAN) The Austin Independent School District said it was working to fix issues with its enrollment process. According to the Austin ISD Enrollment Services Team, some families were experiencing issues related to continuing transfer students, as well as difficulties accessing the district’s parent portal. “We want to sincerely apologize to families who have experienced challenges with the enrollment process. We know this has been frustrating, and we are working around the clock to resolve issues as quickly as possible,” AISD said.

Katy, Lamar Consolidated ISDs push career readiness with growing CTE programs

(Community Impact) Career and technical education is growing in Katy and Lamar Consolidated ISDs as the statewide need for non-degree jobs continues to soar.

1,000+ students in Round Rock ISD considered homeless, numbers keep rising

(KXAN) According to Round Rock ISD, during the 2024 to 2025 school year, the district had more than 1,060 students who were experiencing homelessness. A breakdown by grade showed that the most students experiencing homelessness were in elementary school, with 562 students. There were 202 middle school students experiencing homelessness and 296 high school students.

U.S. Rep. Escobar blames UT El Paso President Wilson for loss of ‘once-in-a-generation’ National Science Foundation grant

(El Paso Matters) El Paso Congresswoman Veronica Escobar blamed University of Texas at El Paso President Heather Wilson for the cancellation of the National Science Foundation grant that was awarded to a UTEP-led coalition in January 2024. The NSF on Tuesday officially canceled a grant for the Paso del Norte Defense and Aerospace Innovation Engine that would have brought $15 million initially and up to $160 million over 10 years. The NSF suspended the grant in April 2024 to review the proposal, but did not detail its reasons.

Five years later, the impact of this Austin ISD school closure is still being felt

(Texas Standard) The long-term effects of closures are still coming to light, even as districts across Texas are poised to shutter more. At Pease Elementary in Austin, just steps from the capitol, the grass is overgrown. The marquee is empty, and the gates of the playground are padlocked.

2 in every 5 El Paso County homeowners won’t have to pay school property taxes under expanded homestead exemption

(El Paso Matters) In 2024, more than 42,000 El Paso County households paid no school property taxes because the value of their exemptions exceeded the taxable valuation of their homes. That number could grow to more than 77,000 this year if Texas voters approve a constitutional amendment in November to increase school tax exemptions for people who occupy homes they own, and for people age 65 and older or with disabilities.

Bryan ISD: Contracted security guard fired after leaving weapon in a staff restroom

(KBTX) The Bryan school district announced on Friday that a private security guard working at Bowen Elementary School was fired after leaving an unattended gun in a staff restroom. A voice message with the information was sent to parents around 6 p.m. “A visiting armed campus security officer inadvertently left their weapon in a clearly designated staff-only restroom,” the message said. No student saw or came into contact with the weapon, and there was never a threat to students or staff, but the school acknowledged that the incident could be concerning for families. A staff member discovered the gun and immediately reported the situation.

‘It was a Nazi symbol’ — Rockwall ISD investigating after antisemitic flags were hung outside high school

(WFAA) Rockwall ISD officials are seeking information after two antisemitic flags were seen hanging from Rockwall-Heath High School. In a message to Rockwall-Heath High School families, Principal Todd Bradford said students observed the flags hanging from the east side of the high school. The flags were reported around 6:40 a.m. Saturday to the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Longview ISD solar power project could save taxpayers over $18 million

(KETK) Longview ISD has announced a new $12.7 million project that will install solar panels at 10 buildings across the district, potentially saving taxpayers $18.6 million. The project is a partnership with Schneider Electric that’s been funded by the district’s 2024 school bond. The planned 4.2 megawatts of rooftop and ground-mounted solar panels are expected to be completed by early 2026 and could save the district around $451,000 in utility costs every year. The district also plans to receive $4.7 million reimbursement in the form of a federal Investment Tax Credit, which would only increase the project’s financial benefit.

Texas Charter School District Saves Hundreds of Thousands on HVAC Maintenance by Switching Air Filters

(Globe Newswire) Learn how charter school network ILTexas cut HVAC maintenance costs by hundreds of thousands with advanced air filters, improving indoor air quality and creating healthier learning environments, according to a study by Camfil’s Schools & Universities Resource Center.

New Subpoenas in Perryton ISD Sex Abuse Lawsuit Seek Amarillo Records

(Texas Scorecard) Now-imprisoned Perryton coach Cole Underwood earned the nickname “Perv” while coaching at Amarillo ISD.

Parents outraged after kids dropped off at wrong bus stops in Humble and Texas City

(Fox 26 Houston) A 4-year-old girl was dropped off blocks away from her bus stop in Humble. In Texas City, a 5-year-old boy was missing for hours before being found safe.

Plano ISD parents voice safety concerns after 5 bus routes eliminated

(Fox 4 KDFW) Plano ISD eliminated several bus routes, citing state guidelines and fiscal responsibility. Parents are concerned for student safety, citing traffic and a lack of crossing guards. The change will reportedly save the district $1M and affect over 1,000 students.

After a strong, EF-2 tornado, Alvin ISD officials discuss future of Walt Disney Elementary

(KTRK) Eight months ago, Walt Disney Elementary was hit by an EF-2 tornado during the school’s winter break. The damage to the building was so severe that the school was demolished this past spring, and students are now going to school in the old Alvin Elementary building. Ranae Rives, the chief communications officer for Alvin ISD, told ABC13 the current plan is to rebuild the new Walt Disney Elementary on the empty foundation of the old school, which would cost an estimated $44 million. But before the district can move forward, there are a few site regulations that need to be addressed first. Meanwhile, the site sits still and empty.

Garland high school students team with Southern Methodist Universities engineers to create affordable building materials made from local soil

(SMU) Garland High School summer student researchers worked with SMU engineers to tackle an issue that challenges builders from developing countries to Dallas – develop an inexpensive, energy-efficient building material that can be made by hand in poorer countries and scaled for construction in cities like Dallas. Their solution? Compressed earth blocks.

Winona ISD closes campuses after sewer issue

(KETK) Winona ISD announced that their campuses will be closed on Monday due to a sewer line issue. They plan on being back open for their first day of school on Tuesday.

Austin teen takes the fight for after-school programs to Washington, D.C.

(CBS Austin) After-school programs across the country are facing an uncertain future when it comes to federal funding, including those in Austin. One local teen recently traveled to Washington, D.C., to share her story in hopes of protecting the program that has shaped her into the person she is today. Na’Siah Martin has been coming to the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Austin Area since the fourth grade. She said the organization has provided stability and guidance during some of the most challenging years of her life.

Non-citizen students seek clarity on UT Austin review of immigration documentation for state tuition, financial aid

(Daily Texan) The first major payment deadline to confirm fall attendance was Aug. 14, but some non-citizen students who previously qualified for in-state tuition, state financial aid, or both, under the Texas Dream Act say there is limited clarity on the new process of reviewing their immigration documentation.

Lessons Learned: A Student Academic Success Coach Shares Her Story

(Inside Higher Ed) An academic success coach at the University of St. Thomas in Houston shares insights and strategies she’s found successful to improve student engagement.

Program Launch: Texas A&M University–Kingsville Establishes Skilled Trades Academy

(Inside Higher Ed) New offerings at Texas A&M University–Kingsville provide learners with credentials in electrical, carpentry and broadband roles, as well as stackable credits for future education.

Fort Bend library website targeted by cyberattack to be fully restored by September, county officials say

(Houston Public Media) The Fort Bend County Libraries website will be fully operational starting Sept. 2, roughly six months after a cyberattack, according to county officials. Patrons have been unable to log into their accounts and use the online catalog for months after a cybersecurity attack in February.

Attempted hack at University of St. Thomas turns online servers dark days ahead of fall semester

(Houston Chronicle) A threat to the University of St. Thomas’ servers led the school to shut down some of its systems on Tuesday, cutting students off from their course schedules and financial aid information just days before the start of the semester. The disruption occurred after an unauthorized party tried to hack into the private university in Montrose’s servers, Interim President Dempsey Rosales Acosta said in a Wednesday email to students and employees. The university has not found any indication that university information was compromised, but IT teams quarantined the affected servers “out of an abundance of caution,” he said.

Aug. 15, 2025

Legislative Update:

Special Session Ending, and Starting, Today

(Texas Scorecard) Even though the 30-day clock is not set to expire until Tuesday, the House and Senate are expected to adjourn out of the special session today. They will, however, be called immediately by the governor into a second special session that restarts the legislative process.

Texas Democrats say they will return to state once session ends, California unveils retaliatory map (Texas Tribune)

Also Reported:

NTSB opens investigation into Leander ISD school bus crash

(CBS Austin) The National Transportation Safety Board is now investigating Wednesday’s Leander ISD bus crash that left 18 people injured. The NTSB will be coordinating with the Texas Department of Public Safety, which updated its numbers Thursday to say 17 students were injured, along with the bus driver. According to the preliminary investigation, the bus carrying 42 students from Bagdad Elementary School was traveling south on a slight curve along Nameless Road on August 14 at 3:15 p.m. when it left the roadway and overturned near Sandy Creek, a neighborhood struck by the deadly Fourth of July flash floods. Related:

Seatbelts on school buses topic of conversation again following Leander ISD bus crash (CBS Austin)
Leander ISD bus crash: Everyone released from hospital (Fox 7 Austin)

Cleveland ISD cites ‘ongoing investigation’ in questions regarding school bus crashes

(KTRK) Eyewitness News is still pressing the Cleveland Independent School District, as we learn there were three crashes involving school buses this week alone in their area. The incidents occurred on Monday morning and Wednesday morning, both on FM 1010. Following repeated questions, the district is now confirming a minor school bus crash on Church and Watson also happened on Wednesday morning.

Judge blocks Trump guidance that threatened DEI programs in schools

(The Hill) U.S. District Judge Stephanie Gallagher in a Thursday ruling permanently blocked two memos issued by the Trump administration that threatened schools with funding cuts for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs.

Measles in Texas has ‘decreased dramatically,’ but virus continues to spread

(Fort Worth Star-Telegram) The measles outbreak in Texas has slowed “dramatically” in recent weeks, but experts still expect the virus to continue to spread. “We’re very pleased to see this trend and optimistic about the trend going forward,” said Dr. Varun Shetty, the state’s chief epidemiologist, during a meeting of the state’s Public Health Funding and Policy Committee on Wednesday. But, Shetty warned, Texas isn’t in the clear yet.

72% of out-of-district Fort Bend ISD transfers went to charter schools

(Community Impact) Fort Bend ISD students transferred to 25 different charter networks across the Houston area with most transfers concentrated to Harmony Public Schools, International Leadership of Texas and KIPP Public School.

AI scoring errors on STAAR exams lead Arlington ISD to appeal school A-F ratings

(Fort Worth Star-Telegram) Arlington ISD Superintendent Matt Smith informed school board members recently that a snag in the district’s rescoring process for its state test results, which Arlington ISD has been undergoing with TEA over the summer, will yield inaccurate 2025 A-F accountability ratings. The district contends that portions of the STAAR test, or the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness, calculated by artificial intelligence resulted in lower scores for students. The state’s A-F accountability ratings provide a snapshot of how campuses and districts are performing, with a heavy emphasis on STAAR test results.

Fort Worth ISD touts more A-rated schools, academic progress. Is it enough to avoid state takeover?

(KERA) Fort Worth ISD released Aug. 13 an early look at its A-F school grades that showed the district maintaining a C and academic progress across schools.

Houston ISD student activists want to start student takeover opposition groups

(Houston Chronicle) A handful of Houston ISD students told the press they will create campus-affiliated groups to oppose the takeover. Related:

Houston ISD reports 100 fewer New Education System campuses earning failing ratings from TEA in two years (Houston Chronicle)
Houston ISD Board of Managers votes to keep home-school students from competing in UIL activities (Houston Chronicle)

Texas school districts to face new restrictions on DEI policies, library materials

(Houston Public Media) Under state legislation passed this year and set to take effect Sept. 1, schools will face new policies surrounding library materials, LGBTQ+ clubs and other initiatives.

Kratom poisoning calls climb in Texas as the state fails to enforce ban on synthetic version

(Texas Tribune) Kratom, which is being sold as energy-boosting drinks and pills in gas stations and smoke shops across the state, comes in two forms — one that is naturally derived from the kratom plant and the other that is synthetically pulled from the plant and chemically altered to be much more potent. Texas law bans the sale of synthetic kratom, but it isn’t enforced. Earlier this year, legislation died in the Texas House to ban the natural plant, too.

Austin Community College students can eat for free thanks to new food pantries at all campuses

(KUT) Each pantry will feature healthy groceries, snacks and hygiene products. All items will be available to students, faculty and staff for free.

Adult education programs finally got federal funding. But for some, the damage was already done

(Texas Standard) Some programs were forced to lay off staff or pause services, and not all those decisions were reversed when funding was released.

Texas high school football coach accused of stealing signs to appear before UIL state committee again

(Houston Chronicle) Palestine Westwood head football coach Richard Bishop was suspended last October for videotaping opponents’ signals while scouting. According to Dave Campbell’s Texas Football, the Bishop family planned to pursue additional legal action after the ruling, but there have been no updates since. That’s until now, where the executive committee’s latest agenda for a meeting lists “Palestine Westwood High School: Referral from District 9-3A Executive Committee Regarding Violations of Section 51(b)(1), School District Personnel Violations, Richard Bishop,” as the 10:30 a.m. item for Monday, Aug. 18.

Class 2A Football Program Cancels 2025 11-Man Season

(Dave Campbell’s Texas Football) Bruni High School, located in Far South Texas, will cancel its 2025 11-man football season. Head coach Paul Veirs told Texas Football that the Badgers will play an outlaw six-man schedule in 2025, and request to be placed in a Class 1A (six-man) district in the 2026 UIL realignment. The Badgers — which play in District 16-2A Divisoin II — were slated to be the smallest school in Texas still playing 11-man football, with an enrollment of just 81 students in the most recent UIL snapshot from October 2023.

Gordon ISD students return to tornado-damaged campus

(Fox 4 KDFW) Students in Gordon ISD returned to colorful, restored classrooms for the first day of school on Thursday. An EF-1 tornado damaged just about every building on campus at the end of last year, forcing the district to end the school year early. Crews worked nonstop over the summer and teachers stayed late on Wednesday to make sure their classrooms were ready to go on the first day.

Former coach was near Texas high school when asking minor for nudes: Court records

(Fox 7 Austin) A former high school teacher and coach in a Texas city has pleaded guilty to attempting to coerce and entice a minor online. The former football and track coach was within 40 meters of the school when he first asked the minor for graphic images, a court said Thursday. Kenneth Wayne Mulkey was formerly employed at Sabinal High School in a small town near San Antonio. He faces 10 years to life in prison when sentenced later by a federal judge.

Navarro ISD Bus Driver Busted for Child Porn Gets 30 Years in Prison

(Texas Scorecard) A longtime Texas school bus driver was sentenced to 30 years in prison after he confessed to downloading thousands of images of child sexual abuse material showing victims as young as infants. Michael Paul Morrish, 78, pleaded guilty to possessing more than 500 visual depictions of child pornography, a first-degree felony, and was sentenced on July 29. Morrish had worked as a bus driver for Navarro Independent School District for 13 years when he was arrested and charged in September 2023. He was immediately fired.

Texas A&M professor arrested on Indecent Exposure charge from University of Texas police

(KBTX) A Texas A&M University professor set to begin teaching this fall has been arrested on a charge of indecent exposure stemming from an alleged incident earlier this year at the University of Texas at Austin. Russell Taylor Johns was taken into custody on Wednesday by the Texas A&M University Police Department on a warrant issued by the University of Texas Police Department, according to jail records. Court documents allege Johns exposed his genitals and touched himself inappropriately at the William C. Powers Student Activity Center on the UT campus around 9 p.m. on April 29. A staff member reportedly witnessed Johns masturbating while looking at students.

UT El Paso relaunching press after nearly 20 years

(KVIA) UT El Paso is relaunching its press after nearly 20 years of inactivity. The university plans to use modern print-on-demand and ebook technology to distribute to Amazon and Barnes and Noble. UTEP also plans to make certain titles available in audiobook format on Audible and Apple Books. UTEP announced several titles to be published from September 2025 through July 2026.

Judge appoints receiver to sell off Alex Jones’s Infowars assets to help pay Sandy Hook families

(AP) A state judge in Texas has appointed a receiver to take over and sell conspiracy theorist Alex Jones’ Infowars assets to help pay the more than $1 billion he owes in legal judgments to the families of victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting.

Open-enrollment charter school opening 2 new locations in Houston area

(KHOU) An open-enrollment charter school is celebrating the opening of two new locations ahead of the 2025-2026 school year. Houston-based Yes Prep Public Schools Inc. opened Brays Oaks and White Oak elementary schools, marking its 25th and 26th campuses in Houston. They are located in southwest and northwest Houston, respectively, and will be part of a new pre-kindergarten-to-12th grade feeder pattern for Brays Oaks and White Oak secondary schools.

DOJ seizes millions in crypto tied to international ransomware operation

(WFAA) The U.S. Department of Justice seized $2.8 million in crypto, $70,000 in cash, and a luxury vehicle amid a crackdown on a ransomware scheme linked to Russian national Ianis Antropenko. Federal authorities announced Wednesday that six warrants were unsealed in courts across Texas, Virginia, and California, all targeting assets connected to Ianis Aleksandrovich Antropenko. He is now facing several charges, including conspiracy to commit computer fraud, computer fraud, and money laundering.

Aug. 14, 2025

Legislative Update:

Both parties claim victory as Texas’ legislative stalemate leaves redistricting undone

(Dallas Morning News) Republicans and Democrats are both claiming victory after it was becoming clear that a special legislative session will come to an end Friday with a GOP-led effort to redistrict congressional seats undone.

Also Reported:

Trump vowed to end “wasteful” federal spending. Beloved Texas school programs got caught in the middle

(Texas Tribune) Sweeping and sudden funding changes this year put two revered after-school programs for low-income Texans and a rural teacher training initiative at risk of closure.

Virtual schools are booming in Texas. Why are so many parents choosing to educate their children online?

(Texas Standard) A lot of things in Texas have skyrocketed in the last 10 years: average temperatures, the cost of rent and the price of eggs. But none of these have risen by 1,000%. Yet since 2014, the number of Texas students enrolled in virtual public schools has risen more than 1,000%, and enrollment is projected to double by 2028.

Multiple children taken to the hospital following bus rollover crash in Travis County

(KVUE) Seventeen people are injured after a school bus rolled over near Sandy Creek on Wednesday afternoon. According to the Travis County Sheriff’s Office, the crash occurred on Nameless Road. A total of 42 children and one adult were on the bus when the crash occurred. Twelve people – 11 children and the bus driver – were taken to the hospital immediately following the crash. Ten people were taken from the scene, while two more children were transported from the reunification center with minor injuries. In an update on Wednesday night, Leander ISD said 17 people had been taken to the hospital. Two people sustained serious injuries, but all were in stable conditions. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, the bus was traveling southbound on Nameless Road when it left the roadway on a curve, causing it to roll over. The bus was equipped with seat belts, authorities said.

Cleveland ISD students hospitalized again after school bus overturns for second time in 3 days

(Houston Public Media) All 58 students on the bus Wednesday were transported to local hospitals for medical evaluations, according to a statement released by the school district northeast of Houston. Another Cleveland ISD bus overturned on the same road Monday morning.

Where Are North Texas Schools Getting Their Ten Commandments Posters?

(Dallas Observer) Local school districts aren’t very interested in discussing the state mandate, which goes into effect in three weeks. Related:

People Are Calling Out The “Dystopian” New Laws In Texas Schools That Require Prayer Time And Ten Commandment Posters (BuzzFeed)

HB 6 Creates Virtual Expulsion Option

(ED311) House Bill 6 which was passed by the Texas Legislature during this year’s regular session and effective June 20, 2025, includes provisions for a virtual expulsion option. This option is available only when the school district either operates within a county that has a juvenile justice alternative education program (JJAEP) or contracts with another county for such a program—and the student is rejected from or returned early by that program. Alternatively, if the district is located in a county without access to a JJAEP and does not contract with another county for one, the virtual expulsion program may also be used.

Fort Worth ISD has a new report card. Will it prevent a Texas takeover?

(Fox 4 KDFW) Fort Worth ISD announced a drop in failing campuses from 31 to 11. The district is still at risk of a state takeover due to past poor performance. Official state ratings from the Texas Education Agency are set to be released this Friday.

New Wichita Falls ISD high schools and Hirschi Middle School received poor ratings. The superintendent explains why

(Times Record News) Wichita Falls ISD’s two new high schools did poorly on school ratings released by the Texas Education Agency on Wednesday to school districts, an education official said. The low ratings resulted in a poor overall grade for the WFISD. Memorial High School received a D, and Legacy received an F in the A-F accountability ratings from the TEA. Dr. Donny Lee, WFISD superintendent, said the district anticipates getting an overall grade of D. He said those were “unintended consequences” of being new campuses.

San Antonio charter school to close after 15 years due to lack of financial resources

(KENS) The Henry Ford Academy: Alameda School for Art and Design, a local tuition-free college preparatory high school, sent a letter informing the community that its final day of operations will be August 31. The closure comes after school officials said the school was notified by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) that its funding for the 2025-2026 school year would be significantly reduced due to low enrollment. The lack of financial resources forced the school to make the tough decision to close its doors, according to school officials.

Cy-Fair ISD revises pronoun, library policies following direction from Texas Legislature

(Community Impact) The Cypress-Fairbanks ISD board of trustees approved a lengthy list of policy revisions Aug. 11 for the 2025-26 school year, with most changes made to the district’s library materials and parent rights and responsibilities procedures.

Laredo ISD Police Department to receive new radios

(KGNS) For improved safety in schools, the LISD Police Department received approval for and was donated 19 mobile radios. The radios were formerly used by the Webb County Sheriff’s Office and cannot be upgraded. Webb County Commissioner John Galo stated that the radios are a cost-effective tool for the district. Additionally, the sheriff’s office emphasizes that the radios remain functional and meet the needs of the LISD PD.

Ford Elementary evacuated due to gas leak, Conroe ISD reports

(Fox 26 Houston) Students at Ford Elementary School in Conroe ISD were evacuated because of a gas leak Thursday morning. According to Conroe ISD, the Montgomery County Fire Department learned the issue was with a boiler on the campus. The district maintenance department made repairs. There have been no reported injuries, and all students and staff are safe.

Houston ISD seeks to cut minimum requirement to meet with unions

(Houston Chronicle) Houston ISD seeks to scrap language requiring state-appointed Superintendent Mike Miles to meet with unions to receive feedback at least four times per year, instead giving the superintendent discretion on the frequency of meetings, the proposed policy shows. On Thursday, the state-appointed Board of Managers will consider this policy revision, which also swaps out the requirement that the superintendent be at the meetings for “the District.” The proposal does not specify a representative or designee. Related:

A student’s train death brought promises of new bridges near Houston ISD schools. They’re still waiting (Houston Chronicle)

Children who survived Guadalupe River flood return to school as parents watch for signs of grief

(Texas Public Radio) That traumatic catastrophe still haunts the residents rebuilding their lives, and many children returning to their schools may carry that trauma into their classrooms. So experts want parents to monitor their children for those signs of grief, and they offer advice on how to handle it.

She’s 8 credits shy of graduation. A challenge to the Texas Dream Act is pushing her out of college

(Houston Chronicle) “I wasn’t in denial anymore,” said the Texas A&M University-San Antonio student, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of her status. “This is actually going to happen, and I have to come to terms with it for now.”

Alamo Colleges board approves plan to consolidate faculty senate and remove up to 89 seats

(San Antonio Report) The Alamo Colleges District board of trustees approved the creation of one sole faculty senate for all of its five colleges, effectively doing away with between 79 to 89 seats. The move reflects the colleges’ need to comply with Texas Senate Bill 37, which limits the size and role of faculty senates.

After more than a year, National Science Foundation eliminates ‘suspended’ UT El Paso-led grant

(El Paso Matters) The National Science Foundation has officially killed the grant it awarded in January 2024 to a UTEP-led collaborative, which could have brought $160 million to the region. The NSF deferred the initial $15 million award for the Paso del Norte Defense and Aerospace Innovation Engine in April 2024 so it could review the grant proposal. The NSF’s web page on its grants shows that the UTEP grant, which had been scheduled to end in February 2026, was ended Tuesday, and the last of the original grant funding was withdrawn. None of the $15 million was ever spent.

Christian nationalist school in Kendall County may be the site of the Lone Star State’s newest city

(Texas Public Radio) A Christian nationalist school in Kendall County may become the heart of a new Texas city after an election this November. Kendall County commissioners have agreed to put the measure to incorporate to a vote before some Kendall County residents in the upcoming November election. If approved, the 177-acre property would become “Constitution City.” The campus has around 200 residents. Only people living in the immediate area of the school would be able to vote on whether or not to incorporate. The school combines gun training with constitutional studies. The academy’s website describes its mission as “restoring America’s Biblical and Constitutional Foundations of Freedom.”

9 Democratic Latino political operatives and officials plead not guilty to criminal voter fraud

(Texas Public Radio) Nine Democratic Latino political operatives and officials pleaded not guilty this week to criminal voter fraud, charges brought by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. A lawyer for one of the defendants filed a motion to dismiss the charges against his client, Juan Manuel Medina, former chairman of the Bexar County Democratic Party. Gabriel Rosales is director of the Texas chapter of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC). He said the charges should be dismissed and that LULAC will continue to fight for the defendants.

Stephen F. Austin State University asks court to halt order preserving women’s sports teams

(KETK) Stephen F. Austin State University has asked the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas to stay an order that would force the school to maintain several women’s sports teams. On Aug. 1, the court issued a preliminary injunction against SFA that ordered the university to maintain their varsity women’s beach volleyball team, the Ladyjacks bowling team, and the men’s and women’s golf teams, after they cut the programs earlier this year.

Parents demand concrete plant be shutdown due to health concerns for children

(KTRK) Some parents are raising concerns about a concrete plant near their children’s private school, which, according to records, has been warned about dust in the air. Those parents say they want the facility, located near The Awty International School off I-10 and Post Oak in the Spring Branch area, to be moved. But state regulators say the facility is permitted correctly.

San Antonio ISD student Simon Cuevas’ murder case remains unsolved as new school year starts

(KSAT) A new school year has begun in the San Antonio Independent School District with some old questions still lingering from the last school year. People familiar with the murder of Simon Cuevas III want to know who shot and killed the 14-year-old in April. Cuevas was gunned down as he was heading home from the district’s Disciplinary Alternative Education Program (DAEP).

Corpus Christi ISD employee on paid leave, facing charges for serving alcohol to minors at King’s Crossing party

(KIII) Corpus Christi ISD officials have confirmed two adults have been charged with furnishing alcohol to minors at the party that ended with two teenagers shot. Corpus Christi Police Department Public Information Officer Madeline Vaughn said that Misty Perez and Robert Perez were charged with the purchase of alcohol for minors. This charge is related to the party in King’s Crossing on Aug. 2 that left two teenage boys shot. On Aug. 4, Misty Perez was placed on administrative leave with pay pending the outcome of an investigation regarding allegations involving the employee, which is the standard district practice in circumstances such as this,” a CCISD statement says.

Midland County clarifies misinformation about Legacy High School renaming

(KOSA) Midland County officials are clarifying misinformation shared during Tuesday’s Midland ISD Board of Trustees meeting regarding the renaming of Legacy High School. The statement says, contrary to what was stated, the Texas Secretary of State has not approved placing the school name issue on any upcoming election ballot. Local governments, including school districts, are not allowed to hold elections without specific statutory authority, the statement says.

Aug. 13, 2025

Legislative Update:

Texas Democrats to return after governor ends special session that included redistricting, sources say

(ABC News) Texas House Democrats who left the state to prevent a vote on new congressional maps will return to Texas, feeling they have accomplished their mission of killing the first special session, raising awareness and sparking national backlash about the mid-decade redistricting, multiple sources confirmed to ABC station KTRK and ABC News on Tuesday. A source told ABC News the House Democrats loosely plan on returning this weekend. Those plans could change, the source noted, if Republicans go back on their word to begin a second special session on Friday. Related:

Abbott vows to immediately call Texas lawmakers back to work if special session ends without new maps (Texas Tribune)
Texas Senate passes redistricting map despite walkout by majority of Democrats (Dallas Morning News)
Ken Paxton asks judge to jail Beto O’Rourke for fundraising Texas Dems’ walkout (Texas Public Radio)

Texas Senate approves bill swapping STAAR exam for three shorter tests

(Texas Tribune) It’s on the agenda at the Texas Capitol, but advocates worry heavy-handed “accountability” will remain intact. The tests would be administered at the beginning, middle and end of the school year. But the proposal’s fate is unclear with the House in limbo over a redistricting fight. Related:

Will a STAAR-Crossed Legislature Finally Enact Real Testing Reform? (Texas Observer)

Texas could lose political clout under Trump’s call for a new census that excludes undocumented immigrants

(Texas Tribune) Republicans believe population increases in red states, such as Texas, would offset losses from not counting immigrants who lack legal status.

Also Reported:

Texas private schools hire relatives and enrich insiders. Soon they can do it with taxpayer money

(Texas Tribune) An investigation by ProPublica and The Texas Tribune found more than 60 instances of nepotism, self-dealing and conflicts of interest among 27 private schools that likely would have violated state laws had the schools been public.

Midland school board votes to restore school name honoring Confederate general

(Texas Tribune) The Midland Independent School District’s board of trustees voted Tuesday night to rename a school after Robert E. Lee, reversing a former board’s efforts to distance itself from the Confederate general five years ago. In a divided 4-3 vote, the trustees voted to return one of its schools, formerly Legacy High, back to Midland Lee High.

Teachers confused over how to meet state law requiring Ten Commandments in classrooms

(Dallas Morning News) A new law requires the Ten Commandments to be displayed in every Texas classroom, but some North Texas teachers are confused about how the legislation will be implemented. Some Dallas ISD teachers have not heard from their campus principal or the district about what happens next as they approach the start of school and the Sept. 1 implementation date.

Documents released on Uvalde massacre show police chief did not follow training

(ABC 13) When Pete Arredondo, the police chief of the Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District at the time of the May 2022 shooting, was confronted with precisely the situation his required active shooter training should have prepared him for, he did the opposite of what the training instructed would have saved lives, according to a newly released trove of documents from the Uvalde school district. Related:

Arlington ISD claims error with TEA caused lower-than-expected school ratings

(Fox 4 KDFW) Arlington ISD’s new accountability ratings from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) will be released on Friday. The district’s improved STAAR test scores from a manual re-score were not included due to a submission error, impacting the ratings for at least five campuses. Arlington ISD plans to appeal the ratings as soon as they are released to have the higher scores reflected.

The Texas law banning the suspension of homeless students was overturned. San Antonio schools still face consequences

(San Antonio Report) Suspending the state’s homeless and youngest students will soon be a lot easier this September, but some San Antonio districts are still facing the consequences for breaking the old law that had largely banned the practice.

Plano ISD superintendent faces new challenges amid changing enrollment

(WFAA) While Plano ISD has long been known for academic excellence, the district is adapting to shifting realities. Enrollment has dropped to 45,000 students, driven by a confluence of factors including declining birth rates and high housing values.

TEA decision on possible Fort Worth ISD takeover to come this fall, Superintendent Karen Molinar says

(CBS Texas) Fort Worth ISD kicked off the first day of school on Tuesday addressing its potential takeover by the Texas Education Agency after years of failing academic ratings. Superintendent Karen Molinar said the school district has taken bold actions for this school year, including adding more support for the 70,000 students in FWISD. “We do understand [the TEA] has to make a decision [about taking over the school district] and will this fall,” Molinar said. Related:

Fort Worth ISD expects A-F ratings boost as state takeover uncertainty looms on first day (Fort Worth Report)

Harlandale ISD takes ‘major step’ in regaining local control from the state

(San Antonio Express-News) After more than five years under state intervention, Harlandale Independent School District could soon regain full local control over its operations. The district announced last week that it is moving from “direct oversight” to “observation” status, a key step in regaining local control after five years of state intervention.

Finance jitters prompt frustrations at Weslaco school board workshop

(Progress Times) Frustration over finances flared at a July 28 Weslaco school board workshop during which one trustee called for an external financial audit and the district’s superintendent vocally defended operations from what he described as exceptional board negativity.

Strategic principal compensation in the works at La Joya ISD

(Progress Times) La Joya ISD plans to implement a pay structure for principals based on student achievement. With Texas creating the Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) to help with retention and increase compensation, La Joya ISD wanted to offer a similar incentive to campus leaders. For the past year, La Joya ISD administration has been drafting the roadmap for the Principal Excellence Initiative — a system designed to strategically compensate campus principals to promote leadership effectiveness and improve student growth. Only 12 school districts in Texas have strategic compensation models at various stages, and La Joya ISD is the first in the Rio Grande Valley to start building its own.

Audit reveals El Paso ISD maintenance delays; over 64% of orders miss two-week deadline

(KFOX) An audit has revealed significant delays in the El Paso Independent School District’s (EPISD) maintenance department, with many repair projects taking weeks longer than the district’s two-week goal. The audit, which examined work order efficiency, cost-tracking, and operational effectiveness, found that out of 22,113 work orders from 2023 to 2024, 14,185 failed to meet the district’s deadline. On average, 64% of these orders took about 6.3 weeks, or 44 days, to complete.

Texas economic indicators are pointing toward a slowdown, Dallas Fed says

(KERA) Low job growth, less construction activity and inflation numbers are all indicating the Texas economy is slowing down, according to an Aug. 11 report out of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas.

University of North Texas Could Lose Nearly $50 Million From Dip in International Enrollment

(Dallas Observer) Projections show that 30% fewer foreign students could enroll in U.S. classes, which amounts to millions of tuition dollars lost.

College students relying on the Texas Dream Act remain in limbo with the fall semester looming

(Texas Standard) With college tuition payment deadlines only days away for the fall semester, Texas students who rely on the state’s Dream Act remain in limbo. It isn’t clear how many students are being affected by this policy change. Lily Kepner, who covers higher education for the Austin American-Statesman, said universities don’t keep data on the immigration status of their students. “The argument against the Dream Act is that there’s enough students to fill the seats,” she said. “But even as a state that has a growing youth population, there are so many workforce needs that it’s an all-hands-on-deck situation. And for students who are going to be impacted, experts are saying that they are very likely to drop out or pause their education. Because it will just be so unattainable with the out-of-state rates.”

Texas A&M Faculty Senate Braces for Regents’ Decision

(Texas Scorecard) The body faces an uncertain future after a neighboring system’s board of regents discontinued their faculty senate.

Workforce Pell is coming to Tarrant County students — but it faces a complicated road

(Fort Worth Report) Part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the new grants will fund short-term job training programs.

Does generative AI spell disaster for higher ed? UT’s director of academic technology doesn’t think so

(Texas Standard) “We’re not discouraging use, but we are discouraging irresponsible use,” says Julie Schell at UT Austin.

Fort Bend ISD students create 3D exhibit to preserve history of Sugar Land 95

(Community Impact) A group of Fort Bend ISD high school students is building a 3D virtual exhibit aimed at preserving the history of the Sugar Land 95, African American laborers who died in Sugar Land under Texas’s post-Reconstruction convict leasing system. The remains of these 95 men and women were discovered in 2018 during construction at Fort Bend ISD’s James Reese Career and Technical Center, Community Impact previously reported. In June, the site received a Texas Historical Marker.

Schools brace for ‘Make America Healthy Again’ changes to lunches

(KXAN) The Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement is taking aim at school lunches in a move advocates say is unrealistic without devoting more federal resources to K-12 students. While some schools can only afford to buy frozen meals that are heated up and served, the Trump administration is looking for freshly cooked meals that will take more employees and ingredients to put together.

Humble ISD school bus involved in crash; bus driver, 5 in other vehicles hospitalized

(KPRC) An Humble ISD school bus was involved in a car wreck Tuesday afternoon, resulting in the driver and multiple others being hospitalized. The bus was not carrying students at the time of the crash, Atascocita Fire Department confirmed. The circumstances leading up the crash are not known at this time.

Longview ISD adding rooftop, ground-mounted solar panels to multiple district buildings

(CBS 19) The project is estimated to save taxpayers over $18 million.

North Texas mother shares concerns over school dress code, enforcement

(NBC DFW) A Huckabay ISD mother says her 12-year-old daughter was singled out and humiliated for wearing yoga pants, sparking concerns over how the district enforces its dress code.

Appeals court denies bond revocation challenge from ex-Beaumont ISD electrician Calvin Walker

(KBMT) An appeals court has denied disgraced former Beaumont Independent School District electrician Calvin Walker’s challenge to a judge’s decision to revoke his bond and send him to prison. Walker is appealing Judge John Stevens’ earlier ruling that he was not making a good faith effort to repay more than $1.17 million owed to BISD. Walker filed a second appeal, which has not yet been ruled on, and is scheduled to appear before Stevens on Aug. 29. Walker was found guilty on Sept. 26, 2019, of securing execution of a document by deception after prosecutors said he used fraudulent billing practices to profit more than $1 million.

North Texas soccer player dies weeks after collapsing during workout

(Fox 4 KDFW) Julian Gilber, a senior soccer player at Crandall High School died last week, two weeks after collapsing while working out with friends at his home gym. Family members are awaiting the results of an autopsy. They want answers as to why the seemingly healthy teenager collapsed in the first place.

Aug. 12, 2025

Legislative Update:

Lawsuits, arrest warrants: Everything to know about the Texas quorum break

(Texas Standard) Texas has now officially entered week two of a high-profile quorum break by more than 50 of the state’s House Democrats who left the state in an effort to block a new, Republican-backed map of Texas’ congressional districts that could give the GOP a significant advantage in the 2026 midterm elections.

Also Reported:

New Uvalde records: District leaders didn’t reach out to some surviving teachers, knew about broken locks

(Texas Tribune) New Uvalde school district records released late Monday provide more details about campus safety concerns raised before the deadly 2022 Robb Elementary school shooting — and reveal in a few teachers’ own words how traumatized they remained after the massacre. The documents also indicate that the 18-year-old shooter had exhibited inappropriate school behavior, struggled academically and was often absent when he was an Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District student. Related:

The Ten Commandments are now on display in Texas classrooms

(WFAA) Frisco ISD has more than 4,000 classrooms across 77 campuses. And a copy of the Ten Commandments will be hanging in every class. The district spent $1,800 on posters that comply with Senate Bill 10, even though the law does not require schools to purchase posters. And with the law officially taking effect Sept. 1, nonprofit organizations are now coordinating efforts to get donated posters in every class. Related:

Opponents of Ten Commandments display law seek to block its enforcement as school year begins in Houston (Houston Public Media)

More Cy-Fair parents picking private, charter schools

(Community Impact) Cypress-Fairbanks ISD has seen a 59.1% increase in students leaving the district to enroll in charter schools since fall 2017, according to an analysis conducted this year by data consulting firm Population and Survey Analysts. More students are also leaving the district to pursue virtual learning and other districts, the report found.

Austin ISD releases new data on consolidation plan

(KXAN) As school restarts in Central Texas, the Austin Independent School District is sharing more insight about how it plans to consolidate and even close some of its schools. It released new data and a score system with metrics that AISD leaders are using to decide how they’ll make some tough decisions by the fall. Related:

Students at 76 Austin ISD schools will get free meals all year (KUT)

Back-to-school hits different for 50,000 homeschooled Texans

(KRLD) While most kids are sharpening pencils and lacing sneakers for a return to public schools, for thousands in North Texas the new school year means something different: continuing on in homeschooling mode.

Fort Worth ISD faces a state takeover. Here’s what parents need to know

(Fort Worth Report) Here are answers to a few questions parents and community members are asking about what happens if Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath takes control of Fort Worth ISD. Related:

Fort Worth ISD leads gains in STAAR scores across Fort Worth, report finds (Fort Worth Report)

San Antonio ISD is close to sharing what will become of its 15 closed campuses

(KENS) The San Antonio Independent School District is taking its first steps toward deciding the future of the 15 campuses it closed at the end of the 2023-2024 school year. In a statement to KENS 5, the district said it is working with architectural firm PBK to develop a district master plan —described as a “foundational step” in long-term planning and the facilities repurposing process. SAISD leaders said they are also exploring the possibility of transforming some former schools into affordable workforce housing, in response to community feedback about housing needs. The master plan is expected to be complete by the end of the summer.

Southeast Texas schools weigh ‘Bluebonnet Learning’ curriculum ahead of new school year

(KBMT) Beaumont ISD will implement the math curriculum, which administrators say proved useful during last year’s trial run. Little Cypress-Mauriceville CISD and Vidor ISD will use the full curriculum, while Port Arthur ISD and Evadale ISD have chosen not to adopt it. Evadale ISD Superintendent Kevin Shipley said the approach isn’t a fit for his district.

Federal funds save Abilene ISD program, but for how long?

(KTAB/KRBC) For weeks, the Abilene Independent School District (AISD) faced the possibility of losing millions in federal education funds, threatening programs that serve some of the district’s most vulnerable students. Among them: the adult education program, which helps learners of all ages. While the federal government ultimately released the money, AISD Board of Trustees Member Dr. Taylor Tidmore said the experience showed how quickly the future of vital programs can be thrown into question, and how deeply the community would feel the loss.

Beaumont police urge caution when posting children’s ‘First Day of School’ photos

(KBMT) While posting pictures can be a fun tradition, police say certain details can make children vulnerable to people with bad intentions.

Floresville ISD sees students return to class ahead of hybrid switch to four-day weeks

(KSAT) Schools will have classes five days a week until Oct. 10, when teachers will switch to four-day weeks until winter break. After that, classes will be in session five days a week starting in January until Spring Break, when they will return to four-day weeks.

Sunray ISD delays school year start due to storm damage repairs

(KVII) Due to recent storm damage, the first day of school for the 2025/26 school year is now August 19. Because of damage at the football field — that included both press boxes being taken out — the district is working on agreements to play their four home football games at neighboring schools for the upcoming season.

Five Northside ISD schools affected by power outages on first day of school, district says

(KSAT) The issue was related to CPS Energy and resolved before 7 a.m., utility says.

Commentary: I Came from Rural Texas to Harvard’s MD-PhD program. Now, Trump Defunded that Program

(Texas Observer) These decisions affect not just the archetypal Ivy League student many imagine— they affect people who grew up in places like Lindale.

Fort Worth artists worry about lost opportunities for young talent since center’s closure

(Fort Worth Report) The Fort Worth Community Arts Center closed its doors to the public at the end of December as the city-owned building is in need of roughly $30 million in repairs. City officials explored options for redeveloping the arts center, but the future of the building remains uncertain.

Zapata County ISD police chief placed on administrative leave

(KGNS) Zapata County ISD Police Chief Raymond Moya III has been placed on administrative leave with pay. In a statement to KGNS, the district said, “As this is a personnel matter, the district will not be providing further comment at this time.”

Newly minted North Texas millionaire shares lottery winnings with two Richardson ISD schools

(WFAA) In June, Fuong H. hit a $1 million jackpot at Choctaw Casino & Resort – Durant. Now, she’s paying it forward and choosing her grandkids’ schools, Richardson Heights Elementary and Richardson West Junior High, to share a $10,000 donation from the casino.

Federal Officials Call on Plano ISD To Eradicate Antisemitism in Schools

(Texas Scorecard) U.S. Reps. Keith Self and Pat Fallon demanded “swift action” from Plano’s elected school board to stop “increasingly common” antisemitic behavior on district campuses.

A San Antonio chef sold his old food truck to a charter school. Now high schoolers use it to serve asada tacos

(San Antonio Report) Culinary track high school students at Jubilee Lake View University Prep can now get more hands-on learning with a brand new industrial-grade kitchen and food truck. The charter school, which serves grades pre-K through 12th, unveiled the remodeled kitchen, outfitted with stainless steel appliances and industrial fridges and stoves during a ribbon cutting ceremony. Right outside on campus, high schoolers served asada tacos out of a food truck sold to the Jubilee Academies public charter school district by local chef and restaurateur Johnny Hernandez.

Lufkin ISD offering employees with small children childcare

(KTRE) Like some other school districts, Lufkin ISD is now offering reduced-cost childcare to all their employees. District employees with children six weeks of age to four years old can attend the center from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Deputy Superintendent Jill Gaston said staff pay $25 a day per child. Families have the option of packing a lunch for their child or paying an extra $5 for a meal. The cost is deducted from their monthly salary. Gaston said they are investing in staff and their families.

Cook Children’s partners with Celina ISD for student care

(Celina Record) Cook Children’s Medical Center-Prosper and Celina Independent School District announced they are teaming up to improve student health care starting with the 2025-26 school year. The new collaboration will bring pediatric care directly into Celina ISD, providing students quick access to health services right at school.

‘Essentially identical’: Baylor sues Boston University over ‘BU’ logo

(Boston.com) Baylor University sued the Trustees of Boston University Friday over its use of the interlocked “BU” logo, according to court documents.

Texas A&M College of Dentistry gets $210,000 to promote oral health in Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD

(Advocate Lakewood/East Dallas) Texas A&M University College of Dentistry is continuing the Empowering Smiles Oral Health Initiative Program thanks to a grant from Metrocrest Hospital Authority. As part of the program, Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD students receive preventative oral health care (like sealants and fluoride varnish), dental screenings and oral health education. Empowering Smiles also supports community events in that area, including Addison and Coppell. Now, services will reach 10 schools, twice as many as last year, according to the article.

UT-Austin scrubs website of ‘self-managed’ abortion research project

(College Fix) The University of Texas at Austin recently scrubbed its website of a research project focused on “self-managed abortion needs” — but it has not said why. The move came as several pro-life leaders and a Texas OB-GYN criticized the project, noting Texas law prohibits abortions.

Texas Wesleyan recognized for supporting first-generation students

(Fort Worth Report) The east Fort Worth university is participating in the FirstGen Forward Network, which offers professional development and other resources.

Temple College receives $100,000 grant from Meta for new AI and robotics lab

(KCEN) Temple College has received a $100,000 grant from Meta to go towards the college’s new Meta AI Computer Lab and Integrated Robotics Manufacturing & Innovation Lab, the college has announced. According to Temple College, the labs will be part of the new Workforce and Visual Arts Building, and will “provide students, veterans, businesses and the community with a first-of-its-kind learning environment that integrates artificial intelligence into advanced manufacturing systems.”

Aug. 11, 2025

Legislative Update:

Republican Party of Texas sets stage to censure members who stepped out of line in likely bid to block them from primary ballot

(Texas Tribune) Republicans who are censured by their county party leaders may be blocked from the primary ballot under a new party rule passed last year, that is expected to be tested by the courts.. Related:

Texas Legislature to take another swing at redistricting vote as Democrats extend their walkout (AP)
Judge blocks Beto O’Rourke from financially supporting Texas Democrats who left the state (Texas Tribune)
Texas redistricting standoff complicates preparations for March 2026 primary (Texas Tribune)

Texas Lawmakers Create Overseer to Ensure Colleges Follow Laws

(Inside Higher Ed) After banning DEI efforts, the Legislature passed another law this year upending faculty senates, mandating curriculum review and creating more regulations. It also invited people to complain to a new watchdog about alleged violations of these rules. But Senate Bill 37, which Gov. Greg Abbott signed into law in June, added something the other states’ laws lack: It created an ombudsman position tasked with ensuring institutions follow SB 37 and the earlier DEI ban, which took effect in 2024. Related:

Texas State System dissolves faculty senates, eroding professors’ influence on campuses (Texas Tribune)

West Texas DA could face more than 5 years in prison for smoking weed on TikTok to protest THC ban

(Houston Chronicle) A West Texas district attorney may qualify for prison time after smoking a joint on TikTok this month in a legal gamble protesting a proposed state ban on THC.

Also Reported:

School district to release Robb Elementary shooting records

(Fox 11) The Uvalde School District is set to release its records related to the 2022 school shooting at Robb Elementary School as early as Monday. Several Uvalde families were notified of the impending release of information, according to confirmation received on Friday.

As COVID babies go to school, educators look for pandemic’s impact

(The Hill) Babies born during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic are heading to preschool and kindergarten, and experts are waiting anxiously to see its impact on the young learners. Concerns about cognitive and social delays, such as difficulties sharing or following directions, have arisen, as conflicting studies and educators’ anecdotes emerge about 4- and 5-year-olds.

North Forest ISD was taken over twice in 10 years. How are they now?

(Houston Chronicle) The former North Forest ISD community was annexed into Houston ISD in 2013. Now, they’ve entered another state takeover. Do they feel helped, or left behind? Related:

A tale of two districts: Houston ISD state takeover still divisive despite student gains (Community Impact)
Union Pacific resumes morning and afternoon train traffic near Houston ISD’s Milby High School (Houston Public Media)

El Paso schools lose out on $25.9 million in funding due to truancy rates

(KFOX) The El Paso School District is grappling with a significant financial setback, losing millions in state funding due to high truancy rates for the 2024-2025 school year. Recent audits of seven high schools revealed 161,361 unexcused absences, resulting in an estimated $9.8 million loss in state funding. District-wide, the number of unexcused absences jumps to 426,839.5, equating to a staggering $25.9 million in lost state funding, based on a formula provided by the Texas Education Agency.

China Spring ISD faces funding squeeze, asks community for input

(KXXV) China Spring ISD has only $190,000 in flexible funds after state mandates. How should they spend it? A parent and community member took the survey the district gave and now she’s giving her insight on what should be done.

Socorro ISD proposes tax allocation change to unlock $49M, mostly in state funds

(KFOX) The Socorro Independent School District (SISD) has unveiled a plan to secure tens of millions of dollars in additional funding from the state of Texas by reallocating tax dollars. The proposal involves shifting funds from debt repayment to the district’s general fund, a move that could unlock approximately $49 million, two-thirds from state matching funds.

‘No other way’: Judson ISD advances plan to ask voters for highest-possible tax increase

(San Antonio Express-News) The Judson Independent School District board will vote Aug. 18 on seeking voter approval for a tax increase that could cut its historic budget deficit by more than $24 million next year. If trustees officially call a tax election, it will go on the Nov. 4 ballot. “I really just see no other way,” said trustee Jose Macias.

More Texas Schools Adopting Armed School Staff Policies

(Bearing Arms) In the Lone Star State, more students are going to be protected this school year by armed school staff members. Texas has two programs that allow for armed school staff to serve as a first responder: the School Marshal and the Guardian programs.

TEA approves new Houston charter school focused on music, arts education

(Community Impact) The Frank Liu Jr. Academy for Music & Arts is one of four new charter schools opening in Texas, according to a June 27 news release. Located in a historic coffee plant in Second Ward, the mixed-use campus will house music and art studios, multimedia rooms, a rooftop garden and event space, according to the school’s website. “FLAMA aims to ensure that the youth of the Second, Third and Fifth Wards benefit from the East End’s cultural district designation by providing quality music and art education in addition to rigorous academics,” the school website states.

Five years after shedding Confederate moniker, a West Texas high school may be Lee High again

(Texas Tribune) The Midland school district rebranded Robert E. Lee High as Legacy High in 2020, part of a nationwide trend to distance public places from the Confederacy. A new configuration of the Midland school board is set to consider reverting the school’s name to Midland Lee, affixing Lee’s legacy once more. A vote may come as early as Tuesday.

Keeping teachers is a challenge. This North Texas school district is getting creative

(WFAA) Superintendent Dr. Tabitha Branum tells WFAA its unique benefits help Richardson ISD attract and retain high quality teachers.

Fort Worth parents push for progress in reading proficiency

(Fort Worth Report) The organization Parent Shield marked literacy gains with a balloon release, urging Fort Worth to unite for the 54% of students reading below grade level.

University Health’s school-based clinics work to close ‘care gaps’ in San Antonio communities

(San Antonio Report) Partnering with local school districts, University Health has opened six clinics in some of San Antonio’s most underserved communities since 2013. By placing these clinics on school campuses, University Health officials hope to improve student outcomes by addressing issues that could lead to things like chronic absenteeism and mental health challenges.

Amarillo faces referee shortage for upcoming football season

(KVII) The Amarillo Football Chapter of the Texas Association of Sports Officials (TASO) is grappling with a significant shortage of referees as the new season approaches.

Dallas ISD track star, state champ dies unexpectedly before senior year begins

(Fox 4 KDFW) Just days before 17-year-old Roy Hughes was to start his senior year at Lincoln High School, his family is mourning the loss of the star student and athlete. He was found unresponsive at his home after practice on Friday. An autopsy is being performed to determine the cause of death. It’s unclear whether Hughes had any prior medical issues. He was a state champion athlete. He won the 4A state title in 2025 for the 300 hurdles with a time of 36.58.

New Fulshear city ordinance prevents stopping, parking along streets in school zones

(Community Impact) The Fulshear City Council in Fort Bend County passed an ordinance to prohibit stopping, standing and parking on streets within a quarter mile of a school during school pickup and drop-off times. “Over the many years, we’ve had [residents] parking in residential sections and along our thoroughfare roads in school zones for people to drop off and pick up their children, circumventing the school pickup line,” Cliff Brouhard, interim public works director and city engineer, said. The ordinance applies to all residential and nonresidential streets from 6-9 a.m. and 2-5 p.m. on school days, although residents and their guests are exempt. Violators can be charged with a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $500. Additional fines can be added up to $4,000 if public health or safety is affected.

Dallas ISD Police Department launches new traffic safety unit

(Dallas ISD) As the 2025–2026 school year kicks off, the Dallas ISD Police Department is introducing a new traffic enforcement unit to improve safety during the busiest times of the school day. This marks the district’s first dedicated traffic unit, with officers specially trained to monitor school zones. Easily identifiable by the red on their uniforms, these officers will be stationed near campuses starting at 6:30 a.m. and will return during afternoon dismissal hours. In addition to monitoring cars, traffic officers will be watching for unsafe pedestrian behavior and ensuring drivers yield at crosswalks and bus stops.

Donna school district, Hidalgo County unveil new Head Start academy

(myRGV) Early childhood education at the school district here continues to strengthen with the opening of the B.G. Guzman Head Start Academy, a centralized location for the district’s Head Start program and wraparound services such as health screenings, mental health care and social services for students and families. The academy is in partnership with the Hidalgo County Head Start Program.

Nationally celebrated principal Emily Cole dies at 83

(Houston Chronicle) Emily Cole, a popular former principal at Houston ISD’s Jeff Davis High School (now Northside High School), founded Project GRAD, a nationwide program to help increase high school graduation rates.

Teacher accused in Arkansas double homicide resigned from Plano ISD after only 4 days in 2024, officials say

(CBS Texas) The 28-year-old man accused of killing a married couple at Devil’s Den State Park in Arkansas was employed by Plano ISD for just four days in 2024 before resigning, according to district officials. Andrew James McGann, who is accused of killing Clinton and Cristen Brink, held a teaching position in the North Texas district from Aug. 6 to Aug. 9, 2024. He resigned voluntarily before the first day of school on Aug. 13, 2024, and did not have direct contact with students, a district spokesperson said Friday. Lesley Range-Stanton, Plano ISD’s chief communications officer, said McGann passed all required background checks and fingerprinting at the time of hire.

Cleveland ISD school bus flips after crashing on FM 1010

(KPRC) A Cleveland ISD school bus carrying students from Cleveland High School and Cleveland Ninth Grade Center overturned on FM 1010 Monday morning, sending all students for medical evaluation but causing no reported serious injuries. The bus came to rest on its side in a ditch. All students were safely evacuated and transported to the North Service Center for medical evaluations by trained personnel.

Aug. 8, 2025

Legislative Update:

The Texas House is set to reconvene Friday as Democrats continue standoff, head to California ahead of redistricting hearing

(KWTX) The Democratic lawmakers spent the week in Illinois, New York and Massachusetts. On Friday, they are expected to meet with Gov. Gavin Newsom in California. After adjourning on Tuesday due to a lack of a quorum, the House is going to meet again on Friday in an attempt to make a quorum. Related:

Texas Democrats know they may lose redistricting protest, but hope to spark a national fight (Texas Tribune)
Texas House, Illinois state senator sue 33 AWOL Democrats in Illinois court (Center Square)
Texas Senate to vote on proposed congressional redraw ‘next week’ (Community Impact)

Also Reported:

Federal money is on its way to Texas schools. But district leaders are cautious

(Fort Worth Star-Telegram) A little over a month after the beginning of a federal education funding freeze that threw school budgets nationwide into turmoil, Texas education officials say they have access to the money that was put on hold. A spokesperson for the Texas Education Agency confirmed Wednesday that the agency had received the federal grant funding that was held up during the freeze. But school officials in Fort Worth and across Texas say the uncertainty created by the funding freeze means they no longer feel they can rely on federal grant money to fund services for high-need students in their districts.

5 student concerns parents and educators should take note of before the new school year

(Dallas Morning News) Crime Stoppers recently released the “tough questions” students feel are too unsafe to ask even a trusted adult. The organization conducts surveys across all ages and grades in Texas schools. Below are the five most common “real, unfiltered concerns that students are facing every day in classrooms, hallways and online,” according to Crime Stoppers.

Texas school districts face special education teacher shortage

(News4SA) School districts across Texas are grappling with a shortage of special education teachers, prompting Comal Independent School District to take action by creating 22 new positions, primarily for teaching assistants. The district is also expanding its Life Bridges program by adding two teachers to support students who have aged out of high school but still require additional care.

Texas flooding: Padres, Red Sox to wear jerseys from impacted schools before Saturday game

(Fox 7 Austin) The San Diego Padres and the Boston Red Sox will be wearing jerseys from the baseball teams of the area’s impacted high schools during batting practice before their Saturday, August 9 game at Petco Park in San Diego. The jerseys will be replicas of jerseys belonging to Center Point High School, Comfort High School, Ingram Tom Moore High School and Kerrville Tivy High School. All four schools have been impacted by the deadly flooding. The jerseys will be auctioned online next week; details will be announced at a later date. Proceeds will go to the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund as well as towards a partnership the Missions are entering with the Round Rock Express, Nolan Ryan Foundation and RS3 Turf to help Ingram Little League rebuild their fields that suffered damage from the floods.

Houston ISD is aiming for up to 10 school closures, plans to build $180M career center, Miles says

(Houston Chronicle) Houston ISD’s state-appointed Superintendent Mike Miles announced Wednesday the district may borrow $180 million for a new career and technical education center, pending board approval. Miles also said the administration is trying to hand a list to the Board of Managers with no more than 10 “small” schools for closure due to failing facilities. Related:

Four ousted Houston ISD board members submitted majority of formal information requests, records show (Houston Chronicle)
School Starts Tuesday And Advocates Hope Houston ISD Superintendent Mike Miles is Absent (Houston Press)

Here’s how much it’ll cost you to speed through school zones in Houston

(KHOU) Just one mile per hour over the posted speed limit in a school zone can cost you $254. Beyond that, you’re looking at higher fines. And don’t forget to put down that cell phone. Fines for using a handheld device while driving in a school zone could come with a $200 fine. These fines can be more in different parts of Texas.

Alamo Colleges proposes cutting faculty senates by 89 members in response to new Texas law

(San Antonio Report) Alamo Colleges has begun conversations on the implementation of Senate Bill 37, which was passed by the Texas Legislature in May, granting unprecedented oversight of public colleges and limiting how many can serve on faculty senates or councils. During a committee meeting held on Tuesday, the elected board of trustees at Alamo Colleges District received a preview of the proposed changes that would eliminate 89 current faculty senate seats across its five colleges. The proposal is slated to be discussed during a regular board meeting on Aug. 12.

Prairie View A&M cutting both men’s, women’s tennis programs

(KBTX) Prairie View A&M University announced the end of both the men’s and women’s tennis programs, effective immediately. The Panthers still plan on honoring athletic scholarships for eligible student-athletes through graduation if they decide to stay at Prairie View.

Evolving world of college football creating chances for high school coaches to make leap

(Dallas Morning News) Back in 2016, Joey McGuire wasn’t looking to leave Cedar Hill, a program he had built into a three-time state champion.

Texas organizations form mutual aid funds for undocumented students who may not qualify for in-state tuition

(Daily Texan) Alongside Students Engaged in Advancing Texas, Texas Students for DEI created Keeping the Texas Dream on July 11, an emergency mutual fund for undocumented students in the state. Texas Students for DEI and Students Engaged in Advancing Texas are not the only organizations trying to help undocumented students after the repeal of the Texas Dream Act. Rooted, a coalition of immigrant UT students and graduates, opened applications for the Rooted Financial Assistance Program on Aug. 3. Similar to Keeping the Texas Dream, this initiative aims to help undocumented students facing out-of-state tuition.

College endowment tax is leading to hiring freezes and could mean cuts in financial aid

(AP) The law will increase the endowment tax for about a dozen universities, according to an Associated Press analysis of data from the National Association of College and University Business Officers. Harvard, Yale, Stanford, Princeton and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology are expected to pay the 8% rate next year. The schools facing the 4% rate include Notre Dame, Dartmouth College, Rice University, University of Pennsylvania, Washington University in St. Louis and Vanderbilt University.

Student loan wage garnishment could start soon: Here’s what you can do

(Fox 4 KDFW) Roughly 3 million student loan borrowers could move into default by August, leaving them at risk of having their paychecks garnished by the federal government. Student loan borrowers who default on their loans could see 15% of their paychecks docked by the federal government soon. There’s still time to take action.

Former Texas Education Commissioner Michael Williams releases statement on proposal to rename Midland ISD’s Legacy High School

(KOSA) Michael Williams is a 1971 graduate of Robert E. Lee High School, and is an inaugural member of Lee’s Hall of Honor. You can read Michael William’s full statement here, which reads (in part) about the proposal to revert Legacy High School back to Midland Lee High School: “This is about values. About truth. About what we teach our next generation by what we choose to honor. Don’t take us backward. Leave “Lee” in the history books — not above the schoolhouse door.”

Affidavit: Former Midland ISD teacher made close to $25K in unauthorized purchases on booster club card

(NewsWest9) The affidavit states that the unauthorized transactions on the San Jacinto Junior High Orchestra booster club’s debit card by former Midland ISD teacher Katherine Brock dated back to October 2022 and ended in October 2024. The affidavit reveals that through subpoenas to different companies, Brock made unauthorized purchases under the debit card for personal expenses like groceries, clothing, hair and nail services, takeout and home improvement. All of these personal expenses cost exactly $24,669.30. A Midland Police detective added in the report that the police were waiting on two other companies to answer the subpoenas, and those unauthorized charges were not added to the total.

Harris County Commissioners vote to censure Lina Hidalgo following childcare tax spat

(Houston Chronicle) Harris County commissioners voted 3-1 Thursday to censure Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo following a heated disagreement over a proposed tax increase for early childcare programs.

Former Austin ISD teacher sentenced to 71 years for child sex abuse charges

(Fox 7 Austin) Former Austin ISD art teacher Kevin Abeyta was found guilty by a Hays County jury of 20 charges of crimes against children, and was sentenced to 71 years in prison by a judge. Abeyta previously worked at Campbell Elementary School in Austin ISD as an art teacher. The child who initially reported the abuse was not a student, says the Hays County Criminal DA’s office.

Teen accused of planning mass attack at San Antonio ISD middle school to remain in custody, judge orders

(KSAT) A 13-year-old boy accused of planning a mass attack at Rhodes Middle School earlier this year will remain in custody, a Bexar County judge ruled on Thursday. The judge said that the teen will remain in custody and continue receiving mental health services. His next detention hearing is set for Aug. 21. The teenager’s next court date will be Aug. 28, according to court records. Records show that the teen’s mother, Ashley Pardo — who is facing charges in the case — has been released on bond following her arrest last week.

After two fatal shootings involving teens, Mesquite community leaders call for change

(Dallas Morning News) A hearse and coffin sat just outside the door of Calvary Temple Community Church in Mesquite, covered in brightly colored posters. The posters carried messages like “Turn off violence together” and “Stop shooting, start living.” After two separate shootings in Mesquite in recent weeks that left three teens dead, community leaders said they hope the imagery serves as a wake-up call for Mesquite youth.

POLICE: Tyler woman ‘forgot’ she left infant in hot car for more than an hour

(CBS19) A Tyler woman is facing child endangerment charges after police say she left her 8-week-old baby inside a hot car Wednesday afternoon while at an eye appointment. Police say the child was left alone for over an hour in nearly 90° heat; the infant is now stable after being rushed to the hospital.

Texas Casino Interests Prepare Comeback Attempt

(Texas Scorecard) After dumping millions into the 2024 election cycle and coming up short, Las Vegas Sands appears ready to roll the dice again. New financial disclosures show that Texas Sands PAC, the Texas-based political arm of the casino giant, has more than $9 million in cash on hand heading into the upcoming election season. That money comes almost entirely from Miriam Adelson, the billionaire owner of Las Vegas Sands and majority owner of the Dallas Mavericks.

State Agency Flouts Paxton’s Order To Release Documents

(Texas Scorecard) Texas’ Commission on Environmental Quality is fighting an order from Attorney General Ken Paxton to release records. Organizations affiliated with local governments have sided with the commission in this battle, as government transparency to citizens hangs in the balance. At issue in the case is the ability of government entities to delay prompt access to open records requests by asking the requestor for clarification, and whether public interest in government transparency outweighs an agency’s claims of privilege.

Aug. 7, 2025

Legislative Update:

Abbott’s bid to expel the House Democratic leader goes to a court filled with his appointees

(Texas Tribune) The Texas Supreme Court said in 2021 the Constitution allows members to thwart legislation by leaving the state. Abbott wants them to reconsider. Related:

Texas Democrats plea for donations to extend their walkout and block Trump’s redistricting plan (AP)
Texas Senate will keep passing bills until House Democrats return, Patrick says (Center Square)
Paxton launches investigation into Beto O’Rourke’s political group for funding Democrats who left state (Texas Tribune)
Increased attention on Texas House Democratic leader Gene Wu comes with more anti-Asian insults (Texas Tribune)
Cornyn says FBI will help track down Texas Democrats who fled state to block redistricting (News4SA)

Texas Senate panel advances bill swapping STAAR exam for three shorter tests

(Texas Tribune) The tests would be administered at the beginning, middle and end of the school year. But the proposal’s fate is unclear with the House in limbo over a redistricting fight.

Texas Senate OKs stricter limits on city, county property tax revenue

(Texas Tribune) The proposal would put tighter limits on how much property tax revenue cities and counties of a certain size can collect each year.

Texas youth camps tell lawmakers they need better coordination, emergency plans during disasters

(KWTX) As they consider youth camp safety reforms following last month’s deadly floods, Texas lawmakers should help camps design a multi-layered disaster plan that creates useful backstops, the owners of two Hill Country camps said on Wednesday. To start, youth camps should work together with first responders when developing their state-required emergency management plans, said Steve Baskin, the owner and executive director of Camp Champions in Marble Falls.

Also Reported:

Bexar County Academy Charter School announces closure days before school was set to start

(KENS) Bexar County Academy Charter School has announced its closure, leaving parents in a scramble before they head back to school. Superintendent Ron Young made the announcement Wednesday. He wrote in his letter that the school actually closed last week after the board of directors decided to voluntarily surrender the school’s charter to the Texas Education Agency. Young says the board didn’t see long-term sustainability for the school and couldn’t serve students at the level they deserve. He also says this was a difficult decision to make during back-to-school season and apologized to all families affected.

How Central Texas schools are implementing the 10 Commandments

(KWTX) KWTX has been reaching out to the different districts to find out what policies they’ve put in place and how they’re acquiring the materials. Said Temple ISD Superintendent Bobby Ott: “We proactively got in contact with a group that said they would do a wholesale donation to all 670 classrooms in the district. That way, there’s no this school is behind and doesn’t have it or this school has it in K, one and two but not fourth and fifth grade.” In comparison, McGregor ISD Superintendent Dr. Travis Mutscher says they’ve been advised to sit tight and see how the 10 Commandments plays out in court rather than printing posters. This comes after Louisiana passed the law and the court system overturned it.

What Texas universities enroll the most valedictorians and salutatorians?

(Houston Chronicle) The University of Texas at Austin had more valedictorians in its freshman cohort than any of the state’s main public universities last fall, according to school enrollment data.

State senator suggests replacing Fort Worth ISD board as TEA evaluates district’s future amid ongoing academic failures

(CBS Texas) As the Texas Education Agency continues to evaluate the Fort Worth ISD, Republican state Sen. Phil King said if the decision were his and a decision had to be made today, he would replace the school board. Related:

Fort Worth ISD may drop residency rule for top administrators (KERA)
Did parental activism, or lack thereof, save or doom certain Fort Worth schools? (Fort Worth Star-Telegram)
Fort Worth ISD buses add real-time tracking to ease parental concerns (Fort Worth Report)

Fort Bend ISD to offer competitive incentives aimed at recruiting bilingual teachers

(Community Impact) In response to the ongoing national shortage of bilingual educators, Fort Bend ISD is launching an incentive program aimed at attracting qualified bilingual teachers, according to an Aug. 1 news release. Per the release, the bilingual teacher incentives include: a $4,000 annual stipend for teachers in approved bilingual teaching roles; a $1,500 signing bonus for newly hired bilingual educators; specialized professional development focused on One-Way Dual Language, or OWDL, programming, which provides instruction in both English and Spanish.

Despite financial challenges, Socorro district sees enrollment boost and STEM success

(KFOX) As students return to classrooms this week, the Socorro Independent School District is navigating challenges posed by budget deficits. Despite these financial hurdles, the district has managed to attract new students. The first day of school was filled with excitement, particularly due to the district’s focus on STEM education.

San Benito CISD health insurance costs jump nearly $1 million

(myRGV) With the premium jumping by nearly $1 million, the school board is continuing to offer the district’s employees a cost-free health insurance plan along with a new option coming with a monthly share. This year, Blue Cross-Blue Shield’s premium is climbing to $8.8 million, up from $7.9 million last year, with the district paying $534 for each employee, up from $476 last year, Superintendent Fred Perez said Tuesday. Under the new premium, the district’s offering employees a cost-free health maintenance organization-based plan.

Crews working around the clock to cool Houston ISD classrooms before school starts

(KHOU) With classes set to begin in less than a week, Houston ISD is scrambling to fix air conditioning issues at more than two dozen campuses following thousands of heat-related complaints from last school year. The district says new HVAC systems are being installed as part of a long-term project to modernize its facilities, but the work is being fast-tracked at schools with the largest student populations and highest utilization. Last school year, HISD received more than 11,000 AC-related work order complaints from 261 of its 274 campuses.

Psychologist warns of withdrawal effects of cellphone ban in Texas schools

(CBS Texas) As Texas schools enforce a new cellphone ban, experts warn of short-term anxiety and urge parents to help students adjust by modeling healthy tech habits.

Teachers, former students highlight issues with poverty among students

(KLTV) On Wednesday, educators joined together in Longview for the 2025 Poverty Conference, to learn strategies to support and uplift students experiencing poverty. “It’s extremely easy to want to give up in the middle of those circumstances,” said Dr. John Gaines, the speaker at the event, who faced financial struggles in school. “Needed to get a part time job just to get extra food and sometimes sending money back to my siblings. So it was extremely hard,” said Gaines. Other educators see it among their own student bodies.

Mental health resources available in Texas schools

(NBC DFW) The Texas Association of School Psychologists is working to make sure students returning to the classroom have the resources they need to help them address their mental health. The president of the association says one of the biggest things is just knowing that there are mental health resources available for our kids, especially as many struggle during those first days of school.

Laredo ISD Interim Superintendent announces 3 mental health days for teachers

(KGNS) The role of a teacher includes various tasks that affect performance and mental health. As the new school year begins, one district is starting with high hopes and low stress levels.

Water finally restored at Conroe-area school but the dispute isn’t over

(KHOU) The water is officially back on at Homer Calfee Middle School after days of tense back-and-forth between the City of Conroe and Willis ISD over a stalled utility hookup that threatened to delay the campus’s long-awaited opening. City officials say they are confident the school will open as scheduled next week. Outstanding issues between the city and the district will be handled through continued negotiations authorized by the Willis ISD Board.

Zavalla ISD reschedules first day of school after city shuts off water due to tampering

(CBS 19) Zavalla ISD has rescheduled their first day of the school year after the city shut off the water system due to tampering. The City of Zavalla released a statement on Wednesday explaining the city was forced to shut down the water system after someone tampered with it. They said they are unsure of what extent the water has been tampered with, but that they expect it to be off for 24 hours. As a result, ZISD will be rescheduling their first day of school at a later date which has not yet been announced.

UT Dallas professor sues the school after his arrest at on-campus antiwar protest

(KERA) Ali Asgar Alibhai was arrested in May 2024 at a student-led demonstration. He says his constitutional rights were violated.

Trump seeks to change how census collects data and wants to exclude immigrants in US illegally

(AP) President Donald Trump has instructed the Commerce Department to change the way the Census Bureau collects data, seeking to exclude immigrants who are in the United States illegally, he said Thursday.

University of North Texas tells Texas Dream Act students that in-state tuition ends for them on Friday

(KERA) University of North Texas officials reportedly have notified students identified as not meeting residency requirements with a deadline: They can confirm their status by Aug. 8 and continue paying in-state tuition. With the Department of Justice ruling in June to reverse the Texas Dream Act, Texas public universities can no longer grant in-state tuition to Texas residents who don’t have legal status, even if they’ve been in the state their whole lives. Students who can’t confirm their citizenship by the deadline will have to pay out-of-state tuition.

Comparing NIL payouts at Texas universities is a futile exercise

(KBTX) Texas A&M athletes can step onto the tallest podium as champions of name, image, and likeness compensation this year, having earned $17.5 million more than athletes at the University of Texas. KBTX obtained that data via an open records request for the period from July 2, 2024, to July 1, 2025. However, before the band strikes up the “Aggie War Hymn” as champagne bottles pop, the title comes with a huge caveat: comparing NIL numbers across programs statewide is mostly impossible.

Mediation with parents, Amarillo ISD over boy’s death fails

(KFDA) A Monday report on the status of a federal lawsuit related to the death of an Amarillo school boy says mediation between his parents and Amarillo ISD has failed. The document filed by the attorney for Jaxson Mendoza’s parents says all the lawyers involved expect a jury trial to last about four days. Mendoza died from seizures three years ago while warming up on the Amarillo High School track. Mendoza’s lawsuit is one of two student death suits filed against Amarillo ISD.

Three shot, one seriously injured at unsanctioned North Texas trail ride that featured back-to-school giveaways, authorities say

(CBS Texas) An unsanctioned trail ride in Red Oak that included back-to-school giveaways ended in gunfire over the weekend, leaving three people shot — one seriously injured, according to the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office. The sheriff’s office has not released the names of the victims, and it remains unclear what led to the shooting.

Aug. 6, 2025

Legislative Update:

Texas House quorum break grinds special session to a halt, leaving legislative future uncertain

(KERA) A growing quorum break in the Texas Legislature is halting progress in both chambers, delaying all legislative activity as House members remain absent. Related:

Gov. Greg Abbott asks Texas Supreme Court to expel House Democratic leader who left state (Texas Tribune)
Donald Trump says FBI ‘may have to’ get involved in ending Texas quorum break (KERA)
Texas AG Ken Paxton will seek court order to have Democrats who broke quorum thrown out of office (Texas Public Radio)
House Democrats helped Dustin Burrows win the gavel. Their departure from the state marks a pivotal moment for him (Texas Tribune)
Several states consider redrawing congressional maps after Texas kicks off fight (AP)

Also Reported:

Houston ISD Gets Good News on School Ratings

(Houston Press) When Houston ISD students return to campus next week, none of them will be getting their education at an F-rated campus, state-appointed Superintendent Mike Miles announced Tuesday. The achievement — zero HISD schools with an “F” in the Texas Education Agency’s accountability ratings and 18 campuses with a “D” — is a significant upgrade from the 2023 ratings. Two years ago, when Miles took over, 121 of the district’s 274 campuses received a D or F rating.

Texas lawmakers may end the STAAR. These districts are rethinking accountability ratings altogether

(Houston Chronicle) Today, more than 50 school districts have joined the Texas Public Accountability Consortium. Participating districts counterweight state accountability ratings – which focus on scores and student progress in the STAAR – with a community-based system that measures districts using several pillars they’ve created themselves. “The way we picture it is that a local community would come together to include not just parents and educators, but to include business leaders and clergy and important people in the community, to say, ‘Where do we need our schools to add value?'” said Brian Woods, the deputy executive director of advocacy for the Texas Association of School Administrators.

TEA approves turnaround plan for 3 failing Austin ISD middle schools

(KVUE) The Texas Education Agency has approved a turnaround plan for three failing middle schools within the Austin Independent School District. Burnet, Webb and Dobie received their first unacceptable rating in 2019 and a second consecutive unacceptable rating in 2023. The plan sets goals for each campus to earn acceptable ratings. If reading and math scores do not improve by the middle of 2026, the district has developed a contingency plan. If the schools continue to receive failing grades, the state can then take over the school district.

Helping parents pay for faith-based education: Voucher program explained

(KIII) The Diocese of Corpus Christi is giving a closer look at the new school voucher program here in Texas and how it could make private education more affordable for families who choose Catholic schools. The diocese is working to help parents tap into publicly funded education savings accounts that can help cover everything from tuition to school lunches.

Texas school cellphone ban sparks parent outrage

(Defender Network) As students gear up for the start of the school year, parents across Houston are speaking out against a new statewide school cellphone policy. Many call the new rule, implemented by Texas Governor Greg Abbott, unrealistic, unsafe and out of touch with today’s school climate. While school district leaders argue that the ban will reduce distractions and improve classroom focus, many parents say it puts students at risk, especially during emergencies.

1,000+ Plano students lose bus service after district redefines routes deemed hazardous to walk

(CBS Texas) Students living more than two miles from campus automatically qualify for free busing, as do those who face “hazardous traffic conditions if they walked to school.” But Plano ISD has now changed what it considers “hazardous.” CBS News Texas reviewed maps of dozens of neighborhoods that no longer qualify for bus service, which the district has made available on a webpage dedicated to its new transportation plan. The district identified 2,524 students living in affected neighborhoods. Of those, Plano ISD estimates that between 959 and 1,305 bus riders would be directly impacted by the change.

Austin ISD makes changes to bus routes ahead of first day of school

(Fox 7 Austin) Austin ISD is making several changes to bus routes to save money. The school district will be using a transportation hub. This means that buses will no longer make individual neighborhood stops but will instead pick up students at their nearest Austin ISD middle or high school. Students who go to Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders, Kealing Magnet School, Liberal Arts and Science Academy, and Lively Magnet School will now meet at the centralized bus stop closest to their home.

Cy-Fair ISD sees enrollment, funding increases for career readiness programs

(Community Impact) Demand for career and technical education programs is climbing in Cy-Fair ISD, as the state of Texas prioritizes industry readiness and more students show interest in college alternatives. Enrollment in CTE programs in CFISD has increased by almost 3,000 students in the last six years, according to annual district data. In the 2024-25 school year, 40,000 students across the district were enrolled in CTE courses.

Beaumont ISD tackles teacher shortage ahead of new school year

(KFDM) As the new academic year approaches, Beaumont Independent School District (BISD) is grappling with a teacher shortage, compounded by the need to staff three additional campuses previously managed by Third Future Schools. BISD is actively implementing programs to address the staffing gaps. “We have our brace for our initiative program where we are supporting employees in obtaining their bachelor’s degree,” said a district representative. “We’re paying for it. We’re paying for the certification.” The district is also utilizing adjunct teachers from the community who are in the process of obtaining certification. “While they’re doing that, we’re giving them the on-the-job training,” the representative added.

Willis ISD middle school without water, just over a week before start of school

(KTRK) Willis ISD’s Calfee Middle School is scheduled to open next Wednesday, Aug. 13. However, officials say the brand-new school has no water. According to the city of Conroe’s assistant administrator, the school has to go through the city for water service due to its location. Conroe’s administrator said Willis ISD never signed an agreement or paid any fees, so, he said, city officials had no choice but to shut off water to the school. Meanwhile, Willis ISD released a statement, saying the district has worked relentlessly with city officials to get necessary approvals.

San Antonio ISD rolls out HVAC upgrades ahead of new school year

(KSAT) As San Antonio Independent School District (SAISD) students prepare to head back to school in a few days, air conditioning is finally being installed in classrooms that have long struggled with uncomfortable temperatures. SAISD has faced challenges with hot classrooms in the warmer months and freezing conditions in the winter due to outdated heating and cooling systems. But recent upgrades are set to improve the environment for students and staff.

Lufkin ISD to make library catalog available to community before board approval

(KLTV) Parents and the community will be having a say in what books they would like to see, or even remove, at Texas public schools.

Funding cuts reduce Dallas County vaccination clinics as COVID variant spreads

(KERA) Nimbus, the new COVID-19 variant, has caused an uptick in cases, while federal funding cuts have forced Dallas County to lay off staff and hold fewer vaccination clinics. There is also a growing concern that the new data-sharing arrangement could be used to ratchet up deportations if immigration officials track down migrants using information voluntarily provided on tax returns. Related:

RFK Jr. pulls $500 million in funding for vaccine development (AP)

‘It’s an honor’: South Texas ISD swears in first-ever captain, new police officers

(ValleyCentral) The South Texas Independent School District swore in its first-ever new police officers this Tuesday for their new positions within the department. During the district board’s regular meeting, Superintendent Marco Antonio Lara, Jr., and Chief of Police Steven Cortez swore in the first-ever Captain, David Molina, and eight new officers as the department expanded its capabilities over the summer.

Accused Devil’s Den killer passed background checks and entered classrooms full of kids, expert says

(Fox 4 KDFW) The man accused of a grisly double murder at Devil’s Den State Park in Arkansas had passed background checks at different school districts throughout the nation. Andrew James McGann, 28, held teaching positions in four school districts across three states in recent years — in Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas. In the 2022–2023 school year, he worked as a fourth-grade teacher at Donald Elementary in Flower Mound, Texas, part of Lewisville ISD. He was placed on administrative leave in spring 2023 over concerns related to classroom management, professional judgment, and favoritism. District officials confirmed that their internal investigation found no evidence of inappropriate behavior, and McGann resigned in May 2023.

Former Texas Soccer Coach Andrew Olnhausen Convicted of Sexual Misconduct in Michigan, Faces Life in Prison

(Hoodline) A former youth soccer coach from Texas faces the possibility of life in prison after a Michigan jury convicted him of multiple felony counts related to sexual misconduct with a child, as reported by the Michigan Attorney General’s Office. The defendant, Andrew Olnhausen, age 38, was found guilty on numerous counts, including four counts of First-Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct, which are potential life sentence offenses with lifetime electronic monitoring. Olnhausen, who coached at Fellowship of Christian Athletes, was charged with having a sexually abusive relationship with one of his soccer players.

Montgomery County Arrests School Employee for Soliciting a Minor Online

(Texas Scorecard) Jaime J. Gonzalez, 63, was arrested and charged with online solicitation of a minor, a second-degree felony, as well as possession of a controlled substance, a third-degree felony. Gonzalez is a former employee of both Tomball and Magnolia Independent School Districts. He worked in the districts’ transportation departments, at their bus barns, according to a media release from Montgomery County Precinct 1 Constable Philip Cash.

Tarrant County votes to eliminate Human Services Department, outsource its work

(Fort Worth Star-Telegram) Tarrant County commissioners voted to disband the county’s human services department Tuesday. The 4-1 vote eliminates the 25-person department. Instead, Tarrant County will outsource the work of the department, which provides temporary financial assistance to individuals and families for rent, mortgage, utilities, hygiene items and transportation, according to commissioners. Commissioners argued that eliminating the department would allow for more funding to go directly to Tarrant County residents in need.

Soda and candy will soon be off-limits for Texas SNAP benefit recipients

(KXAN) Starting April 1, 2026, people who use Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known as SNAP, benefits in Texas will no longer be able to buy certain types of food, including sweetened drinks and candy. Gov. Greg Abbott announced Tuesday that the federal government approved his request to ban the purchase of those items under SNAP.

Tax-sharing agreement between ICE, IRS could cost Texas billions in tax revenue, experts warn

(Houston Chronicle) The IRS under the Trump administration is preparing to share tax information with immigration authorities – a move experts and advocates say could scare immigrants away from contributing billions of dollars in tax revenue that they’re currently paying.

Federal appeals court sides with Texas on ID requirements for voting by mail

(Texas Tribune) The U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals found that the state’s voter ID requirements for mail-in ballots do not violate the Civil Rights Act. Related:

Local Texas election officials concerned about software vendors’ financial scare (Texas Tribune)

Officials investigating reports of East Texas teens assaulting people at parties, sharing videos online

(CBS 19) The Wood County Sheriff’s Office is investigating reports that a group of teenage boys may be responsible for a series of assaults at parties — incidents that were allegedly recorded and shared on social media. The sheriff’s office called the behavior “completely unacceptable” and said it is working to identify those involved. Related:

Juveniles behind TikTok ‘door kick challenge’ in Orange and Jefferson counties identified, authorities issue safety warning (KFDM)

East Texas Baptist University to offer free speech therapy services at new clinic

(CBS 19) Later this month, East Texas Baptist University will open a clinic offering speech-language pathology services at no cost to East Texans. ETBU Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology students will get to train and earn clinical hours at the center as well.

Josh Perez inspires United ISD coaches with character-first message

(Laredo Morning Times) Three years ago, Perez founded the 360-Athletics Character Development program that spans all over Texas and is now nationwide.

Aug. 5, 2025

Legislative Update:

Arrest warrants issued for Texas Democrats who fled the state to break quorum

(Texas Tribune) The warrants apply only within state lines, making them largely symbolic as most of the legislators in question decamped to Illinois, New York and Massachusetts.

Texas lawmakers revive plan to replace STAAR test

(KERA) Texas lawmakers are making another push to get rid of the STAAR test — a plan that died during the regular legislative session earlier this year. Senate Bill 8 and House Bill 8, filed Monday, would scrap the state’s long-used standardized test for public schools and introduce three shorter tests throughout the school year, with results delivered within 48 hours. The identical bills were filed by Republican Sen. Paul Bettencourt of Houston and Rep. Brad Buckley of Salado.

Senate panel OKs latest bill restricting use of government and school bathrooms by transgender people

(Texas Tribune) Over 100 people provided at times emotional testimony Monday for and against Senate Bill 7, which would require people to use restrooms that match their birth gender. Senate Bill 7 is one of two bills currently filed in the Texas Legislature after Gov. Greg Abbott put the provisions on the special session agenda. The bill would mandate that people only use restrooms in government buildings and schools that match their sex assigned at birth.

Also Reported:

Immigration enforcement at North Texas schools? Education leaders say law bans it

(CBS Texas) As the final countdown to the start of the school year begins, in districts throughout North Texas, there’s an unspoken reality: there are thousands of kids and their families who don’t have legal status.

Fewer Texas students getting vaccinated: Rising exemptions threaten herd immunity, experts warn

(KPRC) New data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows a troubling trend: fewer kindergarteners in Texas are receiving routine childhood vaccinations, while exemptions are on the rise. This decline comes amid a surge in measles cases that have tragically killed children in parts of the country.

Public schools are closing as Arizona’s school voucher program soars

(Washington Post) Arizona, with a marketplace of school options, offers a window into the GOP vision for K-12 education.

These Fort Worth schools will have an extra month of class time this year

(Fort Worth Star-Telegram) Fifteen schools in the Fort Worth Independent School District will have an additional month of class time in the 2025-26 year as part of the district’s ongoing efforts to improve its academic performance. Schools that have received “D” or “F” ratings from the Texas Education Agency in recent years will stay in session longer to address summer learning loss, according to Fort Worth ISD officials.

Houston ISD teachers received updated compensation letters with performance-based increases

(Houston Chronicle) Houston ISD sent out updated compensation letters to teachers Thursday to include performance-based raises ranging from $250 to $2,500 per year. The updates to compensation letters follow the district’s announcement that state funds for teacher raises will be distributed based on performance in 2024-25 evaluations, not years of experience. District officials said they are doing this based on a carveout in the law for public education funding for aspiring Enhanced Teacher Incentive Allotment school districts.

Mansfield ISD welcomes students from outside the district for the first time

(WFAA) Destination Mansfield is the district’s plan to open 11 of its elementary schools operating with fewer than 500 students to out-of-district transfers.

Katy ISD’s attendance initiative to bring in $5 million annually

(Community Impact) Launched in 2023-24, the Katy ISD program was created to address post-COVID attendance declines, recognizing the strong link between attendance and academic success, said Emily Craig, assistant superintendent for school leadership and support. The financial incentives for schools are distributed through campus budgets and are used to fund attendance-related rewards, ranging from school-wide events to classroom-level recognitions, Assistant Superintendent of Finance Jamey Hynds said, adding over the last two years the district has distributed $2.75 million in incentives directly to campuses.

Frisco ISD navigates enrollment changes with Access program

(Frisco Enterprise) The 2024-25 school year was one of change for Frisco ISD. The district approved open enrollment for the first time with its Access Frisco program, hoping to rejuvenate its falling enrollment. Frisco ISD was also embroiled in discussions about possible consolidation, as plans to either shut down or keep Staley Middle School open lasted until May. Superintendent Mike Waldrip said enrollment will be a focus heading into the 2025-26 school year, as it continues to monitor the district’s changing demographics. Waldrip said the district considers Access Frisco a success, as it received 646 total transfer requests, with the district adding more than 300 students.

Denton ISD’s new library advisory council will have parents and students reviewing books with staff

(KERA) The Denton ISD school board approved a policy this week to establish a school library advisory council to comply with Texas’ controversial Senate Bill 13. “We’re all about bringing in the community,” said Denton ISD general counsel Deron Robinson. “We want more people involved.”

13 Investigates how property tax disparities impact Houston homeowners

(KTRK) An ABC News and owned stations data analysis found homeowners in some neighborhoods in Houston and across the U.S. are paying more in taxes per $100,000 of home value. The Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector’s Office told 13 Investigates addressing those disparities is something the new administration hopes to tackle, specifically by educating communities about what tax exemptions they may qualify for.

Central Texas residents see taxable values rise despite market value losses

(Community Impact) Homeowners across Central Texas might notice a glaring trend—some market values are dropping in the midst of rising taxable values.

‘I did black out’: Months after student attack, former Judson ISD teacher seeks better protections

(KSAT) A former Judson Independent School District special education teacher is still recovering after he said a student attacked him in a classroom. Some days, his Doberman, named Bosco, is the only thing that keeps Christopher Johnson going. Johnson said he has endured months of pain and medical visits — and said doctors diagnosed him with a cognitive delay after the injury. Despite the months of recovery, Johnson said he doesn’t blame the student.

First graduates of Port Arthur youth diversion program show power of second chances

(KFDM) Nearly a dozen students celebrated a unique graduation ceremony Monday afternoon, marking their successful completion of the Texas Youth Diversion Program. The program, spearheaded by Justice of the Peace Joseph Guillory II, offers minors a chance to avoid the formal juvenile court system for Class C misdemeanors, excluding traffic violations.

Texas Higher Ed Coordinating Board Seeks To Hide Abortion Research Records

(Texas Scorecard) The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board is attempting to conceal information related to an abortion research project presentation to its Education Research Advisory Board. At its June 12 meeting, the advisory board heard a presentation from Daniel Marthey, a professor in the Texas A&M School of Public Health. Marthey’s presentation was entitled “Evaluating School Supports for Reproductive Health & Parenting Students: Evidence from Abortion Clinic Closures.” Shortly thereafter, Texas Scorecard submitted an open records request for information related to this presentation and communications with Professor Marthey, as well as other research presentations made to the board that day. The coordinating board appealed our request to the attorney general’s office. The coordinating board claims some of the requested information is subject to attorney-client privilege and contains third-party proprietary information.

Laredo ISD’s first DeafBlind graduate earns scholarship to fight for disability rights

(Laredo Morning Times) Andrea Hernandez doesn’t let her ambition be defined by any label. The Cigarroa High School graduate, who is visually impaired and hard of hearing, recently won a $10,000 scholarship and plans to become a disability rights lawyer — advocating for equal access and returning to communities like Laredo to raise awareness.

Less Strict, More Expression: Borderland school districts weigh in on changing dress codes

(KFOX) School dress codes in the Borderland (El Paso area) have undergone significant changes, speculating a shift towards relaxed policies and evolving student expression. The transformation has sparked discussions among parents and educators about the reasons behind these changes and their implications for school culture.

United ISD launches app for parents to track school buses

(KGNS) United ISD is providing parents with a new way to track their children’s school bus, offering additional peace of mind. The district’s Versatrans My Stop app allows users to see bus locations, bus stops and track buses in real-time as they approach school. UISD Operations Administrator Javier Rangel mentioned that after a limited launch last year, the app is now expanding to allow more parents to easily plan their mornings with just a few taps on their phones.

Texas Christian University launches free tuition program to support eligible Texas students

(Fort Worth Report) The university announced its new TCU for Texans program Aug. 4. It aims to allow students to attend TCU who would not have been able to otherwise due to the cost.

Alpha School to teach core academics, life skills in Plano

(Community Impact) Tuition at the private Alpha Plano is $50,000, the website states.

Elon Musk’s Texas Private School Is Up and Running, Admitting Kids 6 to 9

(Observer) Now serving kids ages 6 to 9, Musk’s private school features robotics, A.I. and Montessori-style methods on a 40-acre Texas campus in Bastrop, roughly 30 miles from Austin and just down the road from “Hyperloop Plaza,” a Musk employee hub featuring a café, bodega and medical center.

North Texas hosts Crimes Against Children Conference as digital threats rise; experts warn about AI risks, education strategies

(CBS Texas) As North Texas students get ready to head back to school, the Crimes Against Children Conference is underway right here in Dallas. Hosted by the Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center, it’s the largest event of its kind. Thousands of law enforcement officers, social workers, and child advocates from across the world are learning how to stay ahead of the threats and support victims in crisis.

AI powers precision dairy care research at Texas A&M

(EdScoop) According to a post to the university’s website last week, Sushil Paudyal, an assistant professor of dairy science, is leading work that uses AI to gather data from dairy farms to detect diseases earlier and help farmers make better decisions. The work has also helped to advance the field of farming robotics.

Aug. 4, 2025

Texas House Democrats flee the state in bid to block GOP’s proposed congressional map

(Texas Tribune) The lawmakers’ absence means the lower chamber won’t have enough members present to function, stalling passage of a draft map Democrats have condemned as a political power grab. Related:

Gov. Greg Abbott threatens Texas House Democrats with removal from office for fleeing state (Texas Tribune)

Also Reported:

Lawyers punished for errors in student’s dreadlock case

(Legal Newsline) The lawyer for a dreadlocked student sent to the high school version of solitary confinement because of his hair-length has been punished for mistakes in her briefs, including made-up quotes. Texas federal judge Jeffrey Brown on July 24 wrote that Allie Booker and Joseph Plumbar did not intentionally make those errors when submitting papers also featuring inaccurate citations, but nonetheless ordered them to complete three hours of continuing legal education on a subject related to federal civil procedure. Brown has ruled Barbers Hill Independent School District did not discriminate against student Daryl George on the basis of sex. It had put in place a grooming policy that had a hair-length limit for males.

University of Houston language programs shrink as students choose other fields

(Houston Chronicle) It was a stark reminder of the challenges facing the university’s language programs, despite their location in the center of one of the country’s most multicultural cities. The College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences has struggled to enroll undergraduate language majors to the extent that French and American Sign Language recently joined German and Italian on a list of bachelor’s that are no longer offered at UH.

Non-citizen student eligibility for state financial aid jeopardized amid ongoing institutional changes following repeal of Texas Dream Act

(Daily Texan) Certain non-citizen students who previously qualified for in-state tuition will also lose eligibility for state financial aid programs, according to a spokesperson for the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. The revised affidavit, released on July 18, now requires the student to provide evidence of lawful presence to the institution they are enrolling in to receive in-state tuition and/or state financial aid. Related:

Texas Ended In-State Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants. Students Are Already Feeling the Impact (The Nation)

Cy-Fair ISD Hopefuls Want to Reverse Christian Nationalist Takeover in November Election

(Houston Press) A trio of school board seats are up for grabs in a November 4 election and while it’s not clear yet whether all three incumbents Natalie Blasingame, Scott Henry, and Lucas Scanlon will seek re-election, a slate of progressive “pro-public education” candidates has already filed to “take back” the district from trustees they refer to as Christian nationalists. The current school board, which has a 6-1 conservative majority, has been criticized not just for altering district curricula but for wasting time talking about pronouns and book bans while dismantling bus routes to save $4 million.

With possible state takeover looming, Fort Worth ISD parents get organized

(Fort Worth Star-Telegram) A group of parents in the Fort Worth Independent School District are organizing to push back on a potential state takeover of the district. An announcement on the district’s future could come as soon as this month. Several parents told the Star-Telegram that they’re worried about the disruption that a state takeover would create, especially at a time when the district appears to be making progress academically.

Here are the top-paid community college leaders in Texas. Where do Lone Star, HCC and San Jacinto rank?

(Houston Chronicle) San Jacinto College Chancellor Brenda Hellyer was the Houston area’s highest-paid community college leader in the 2024-2025 school year, according to state data. Hellyer was reportedly the state’s third-highest paid community college executive, earning $620,000 in overall compensation. She came in behind Neil Matkin, district president of the Collin County Community College District, and William Serrata, president of the El Paso Community College District.

MAP: Which Central Texas school districts increased teacher pay for the 2025-26 school year?

(KXAN) There are 58 districts in the KXAN viewing area, from Mason ISD in the west to Fayetteville ISD in the east. So far, 44 of those districts have announced salaries for the upcoming school year.

Houston ISD student mental health issues spike after recent disasters, report finds

(Community Impact) A report released by Rice University’s Baker Institute in early May on mental health challenges in Houston ISD found that over one-fifth of students reported experiencing mental health issues in 2023, with a 35% increase from 2011 in the number of students who reported suicidal thoughts or tendencies. According to the report, nearly 14% of HISD students reported a past-year suicide attempt in 2023, while the rate for students in the U.S. in the same year was slightly under 10%. Related:

Houston ISD opens its 8th Sunrise Center. Is it enough to replace wraparound services that were cut? (Houston Chronicle)

Harris County leader wants voters to extend child care efforts as pandemic funding runs out

(Texas Tribune) Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo wants voters to approve a tax increase to extend the county’s efforts to improve the region’s child care landscape, work that began following the COVID-19 pandemic.

‘A real change agent’: Texas A&M University San Antonio to launch first-ever doctoral program rooted in South Side’s needs

(San Antonio Report) Texas A&M University-San Antonio is on the verge of offering its first-ever doctoral degree, with the state’s approval of a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership program. The new offering is designed with the Southside community in mind. Once fully approved, the program is slated to start during the fall of 2026, with an expected cohort of about 15 doctoral students who are seeking to become principals and superintendents, as well as curriculum specialists or instructional leaders.

Texas food banks are low on supplies, and demand is expected to grow

(Texas Standard) Texas food banks are having trouble keeping their shelves full after recent cuts to federal nutrition programs.

‘There’s no help’: Lufkin shelter struggles under increase in homelessness

(KTRE) According to 2024 data and local law enforcement, homelessness in Angelina County is an issue that isn’t going away. “People are calling me all night, and I have to go to bed sometimes with tears in my eyes because some of them just don’t have anywhere to go,” said Angel S. Nicholas, executive director of Open Door of Hope.

Black-Led, Progressive Homeschool Networks Rise Amid Book Bans, Attacks on DEI

(TruthOut) The Culture Homeschool, is an inclusive, secular, inexpensive, and culturally affirming homeschooling cooperative that meets every Wednesday in San Antonio. In homeschool cooperatives, students learn side by side from one another’s parents — an embodiment of the saying “It takes a village to raise a child.” For co-founder Ashley Peek, this approach has become essential for families navigating Texas’ increasingly hostile political climate. She cited the silencing of marginalized voices, cuts to special education, and anti-LGBTQ legislation as among the forces pushing families to homeschool.

What to know if you’re at risk of having your wages garnished over student loan debt

(AP) Millions of student borrowers could begin having their wages garnished as soon as this summer, according to estimates from credit bureau TransUnion.

New federal policy requires adult ed programs to only serve those legally present in the US

(Texas Standard) This changes a policy put in place in 1997 by the Clinton administration.

Texas Lottery to pay winner of $83.5M jackpot after withholding prize for months

(KXAN) The Texas Lottery Commission will pay nearly $46 million to a woman who was denied her winnings for months amid investigations and controversies that tied up her payout.

Devil’s Den murderers row: Former Texas teacher a ‘monster’; tickled little girls and gave ‘a lot of special treatment’

(Times of India) A former Lewisville ISD primary teacher accused of brutally murdering a married couple in front of their two daughters at Devil’s Den State Park in Arkansas had previously displayed alarming behavior towards young girls at a school in Texas, a concerned parent has claimed.

Ashley Pardo pointed shotgun at baby 2 years before helping in son’s planned attack at San Antonio ISD school, affidavit says

(KSAT) San Antonio Police Department: The mother of a 13-year-old San Antonio ISD student who allegedly bought ammunition, ammunition magazines and tactical gear for her son is accused of pointing a gun at an infant in 2023. The charge comes less than three months following her first arrest on May 12 for aiding in commission of terrorism, court records show. According to the warrant, which was issued on Thursday, photos were found on Pardo’s phone of her pointing a shotgun at the head of an infant, estimated to be 11 months old.

Former Progreso mayor sentenced to prison for drug trafficking

(myRGV) Progreso’s former mayor has been sentenced to prison following his brother’s sentencing earlier this month. Gerardo Alanis was sentenced to nearly four years in prison followed by three years of supervised release for his role in a conspiracy to possess cocaine with the intent to distribute, court records show. The Progreso school district’s former board president and Gerardo Alanis’ brother, Francisco Javier Alanis, was sentenced to 12 1/2 years in prison on July 8 following his arrest in October 2023. Investigators found “packaging material for narcotics” at his workspace at the school district.

Perilous heat: Area prep football teams don’t take chances with soaring temps

(Victoria Advocate) The state of Texas is notorious for its hot summer temperatures. Sometimes, these temperatures may have near fatal consequences for young student-athletes.

Texas High Schooler Sets 800-Meter Under-18 World Record, Qualifies for World Championships

(Sports Illustrated) In a few short weeks, Cooper Lutkenhaus will be beginning his junior year at Northwest High School in suburban Fort Worth. Just a few weeks into his semester, he’ll be flying across the world to Tokyo to compete for the United States in the World Athletics Championships, after qualifying with a record-shattering performance at Sunday’s USA Track & Field Championships in Eugene, Ore.

Aug. 1, 2025

Legislative Update:

Dan Patrick slams Kerr County judge over absence during July 4 floods: ‘You should have been here’

(Houston Chronicle) Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick slammed Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly at a hearing Thursday for being absent on July 4 as rising flood waters tore through the county, washing away homes and killing more than 100 people. “I don’t know where you were on Day One, on July 4, but you should have been here. You should have been here directing that response. That is your responsibility,” Patrick told Kelly at the flood-focused hearing. Kelly testified that when the flooding began, he was at his home on Lake Travis preparing for a family gathering. Related:

Texas bills increasing youth camp safety face long odds, even after Hill Country flood (Texas Tribune)

Some rural Texans see THC as a lifeline for their health and economy

(Texas Tribune) As lawmakers continue to debate banning hemp-derived THC, some rural Texans say it helps ease addiction, health concerns and economic woes that hit their communities the hardest.

Also Reported:

Texas Passed a Bible-Themed Curriculum. But Many Districts Aren’t Using It

(The 74) This coming school year, the Fairfield, Texas, school district, about halfway between Dallas and Houston, will roll out a new K-5 reading program that includes multiple biblical references. But the staff, hoping to avoid debates over families’ religious beliefs, has chopped roughly 30 sections out of the curriculum, including a kindergarten lesson on the Golden Rule featuring Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount and several excerpts about a Christian prayer the governor of Plymouth Colony said at the first Thanksgiving. The district’s elementary teachers “went through the materials looking for things that may be controversial,” said Superintendent Joe Craig. They didn’t feel those parts of the curriculum “were in line with what we wanted the lesson to focus on.” A state purchasing system shows that between May and late July, 144 districts and charters, mostly mid-sized or small, ordered the materials.

Houston ISD Can Proceed With Pay-For-Performance Model After Judge Denies Union Request

(Texas Scorecard) The teacher raises throughout Houston ISD played out in court Wednesday. The Houston Federation of Teachers filed suit against the district for awarding raises based on performance metrics, alleging it violated state law.

What triggers Texas Education Agency intervention in schools? Concerns rise as El Paso districts face budget, leadership struggles

(El Paso Matters) Sudden leadership changes and a multi-million-dollar budget deficit at the El Paso and Ysleta independent school districts, respectively, have spurred talks of a state takeover — one of the highest and rarest forms of intervention from the Texas Education Agency — with varying levels of merit.

Former East Texas school superintendent to be paid $130K departing salary

(KLTV) In exchange for her voluntary resignation, former Union Grove ISD Superintendent Kelly Moore will receive a year of her departing salary ($130,500), to be paid out over a 12-month period. Moore is the subject of a current criminal investigation conducted by the Upshur County Sheriff’s Office. She is accused of failing to report an incident in which a high school student is accused of recording another student by holding a camera over a bathroom stall.

Austin ISD plans for staff cuts even after getting federal funding greenlight

(KXAN) The district said it would eliminate positions at the end of the fall semester in anticipation of future funding losses. “These decisions are not made lightly, and we’re encouraged by some of our affected staff already choosing to move to campus-based positions,” AISD’s superintendent said.

Nederland ISD invests $100,000 in mental health support for students

(KBMT) The district is allocating $100,000 toward bringing mental health professionals to three campuses, as well as addressing other student needs.

Woke’ History: Texas Education Board OKs Native American Elective, Sparking Claims Of Critical Race Theory Violations

(Dallas Express) The Texas State Board of Education has reapproved an elective Native American studies course for high school students, sparking fierce backlash from several Republican members who argue the class promotes anti-American ideology. The 9–5 vote, taken in late June, reauthorizes the American Indian/Native Studies (AINS) elective for use in public schools across Texas. While the decision was bipartisan, critics say the curriculum is infused with critical theory language and violates recent state laws aimed at curbing “woke” programs.

North Texas children experience an increase in emergency heat-related illness

(CBS Texas) UT Southwestern is a pediatric partner of Children’s Health. UT Southwestern Medical Center’s Dr. Taylor Merritt examined emergency data already recorded from the hospital system’s Dallas and Plano campuses over the past decade, from May through September. The results are published in Academic Pediatrics. “So from 2012 to 2023, we saw a 170% increase in the number of heat-related illnesses coming to our emergency department in the Dallas area,” Dr. Merritt said.

Irving City Council Approves School Resource Officer Agreements for Irving ISD and Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD

(Irving Weekly) The Irving City Council, during its meeting on Thursday, July 31, passed two resolutions to continue the School Resource Officer (SRO) program at campuses within both the Irving Independent School District and the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District. The agreements, which are annual and take effect on August 1, 2025, will allow the Irving Police Department to continue providing peace officer services to ensure the safety of students and staff at the schools.

‘We need to know’ — North Texas cities in limbo as feds decide fate of millions in funding to prevent terror attacks

(WFAA) A multi-million dollar grant program relied upon by North Texas cities to keep major events safe from terror attacks is in limbo as the Department of Homeland Security said it has not made a decision on whether to continue it, months after the funding is typically made available.

Austin leaders make moves to create Texas’ first FAA air traffic control academy

(Community Impact) If the city succeeds in establishing a certified air traffic controller program locally, it would be the first and only one of its kind in Texas.

Suspect accused of killing couple at Arkansas state park is a former North Texas school teacher

(WFAA) The 28-year-old man charged with killing a couple while they were hiking at Devil’s Den State Park in Arkansas with their two daughters formerly taught elementary school in North Texas. Lewisville ISD confirmed to WFAA that Andrew James McGann worked at Donald Elementary in the district during the 2022-2023 school year before being placed on administrative leave in the spring of 2023, “following concerns related to classroom management, professional management, and student favoritism.” The district said an internal investigation found no evidence of inappropriate behavior with students. McGann resigned from Lewisville ISD in May of 2023.

UT-Dallas reverses decision to cut track & field sports

(Fox 4 KDFW) UTD’s track & field and cross-country sports will not be cut for the 2025-2026 year. The university reversed its decision to cut the sports after receiving negative feedback from the community. The original decision to eliminate the programs would have left student-athletes scrambling to find a new place to run just weeks before the start of the fall semester.

‘They control everything’: How the Dallas Stars monopolized Texas youth hockey

(USA Today) Lisa Bry expected a standard meet-and-greet when she visited the manager of the local ice rink. Instead, she says that a front-office executive for a $2 billion National Hockey League team threatened her.

Ranking Texas’ top 5 boys and girls high school basketball stars since 2000

(ESPN) From Julius Randle to Brittney Griner, these hoopers represent some of the finest to ever play high school basketball in the region.

Baylor Head Football Coach Dave Aranda apologizes for using derogatory term

(KXXV) Baylor University’s head football coach Dave Aranda apologized Wednesday for controversial comments he made during a news conference last week. Aranda referenced a quote from the movie “Wolf of Wall Street” – in which the word midget is used several times referring to people with dwarfism.

UT Rio Grande Valley takes a deep dive into athletics, and that includes creating a marching band

(Texsa Public Radio) The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley first opened a decade ago this August. Ten years in, the school has taken a new step: it established a football team and a marching band. The UTRGV Vaqueros will host the Sul Ross State University Lobos on Friday at 7 p.m. at Robert & Janet Vackar Stadium. Dustin Ferguson, UTRGV’s new Director of Athletic Bands, said there is a lot of energy around the inaugural game.

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