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January 31, 2025
What do Trump’s education orders mean for Texas students and teachers?

(Dallas Morning News) President Donald Trump’s sweeping education orders could embolden Texas efforts to reshape the way millions of children learn and educators teach, reorienting classrooms in a more conservative direction.

Greg Abbott orders state agencies to cooperate with Trump’s deportation efforts

(Texas Tribune) The move comes just days after federal agents launched immigration operations in various Texas cities. Related:

Legal rights groups urge school leaders not to adopt Texas’ Bible-infused curriculum

(Texas Tribune) The coalition of legal organizations told Texas school district leaders that it would “take any action” necessary to protect the rights of students and their families. The American Civil Liberties Union of Texas, Americans United for Separation of Church and State, Center for Inquiry and the Freedom From Religion Foundation sent superintendents and their school boards a letter Thursday telling them that adopting the curriculum, called Bluebonnet Learning, would “unlawfully impose a set of religious beliefs upon your students and violate their constitutionally guaranteed right to be free from religious coercion.”

How the rise of uncertified Texas teachers could hinder educator misconduct investigations

(Dallas Morning News) The explosion of uncertified teachers in Texas has led to a multimillion-dollar budget hole that may make it harder to investigate educators accused of misconduct. More than half of first-time Texas teachers hired last year were uncertified, which meant they didn’t have to pay state fees that are part of the certification process. Those fees fund critical work within the Texas Education Agency – notably the team that investigates allegations against school employees.

Keller ISD Superintendent Tracy Johnson exits as trustees pursue district split

(Fort Worth Report) Tracy Johnson did not want to be part of any plan that would split Keller ISD in two. Now, she won’t have to be. Johnson exited her role as Keller ISD superintendent after spending just more than a year in the job. She was not present at the Jan. 30 meeting. Her name plate was not in its usual spot on the dais. After more than an hour spent in executive session, trustees did not approve a voluntary separation agreement between Johnson and the district. Board President Charles Randklev said the vote would take place at a later date. The board appointed an interim superintendent: Cory Wilson, the district’s assistant superintendent of educational services.

Measles cases reported in Texas as vaccine rate against the disease has fallen

(Texas Tribune) Two of the four cases are in Lubbock, which hasn’t seen a case in more than 20 years. Meanwhile, measles vaccination rates in Texas have fallen over the last four years.

North Texas districts shut down after spike in illness-related absences

(NBC DFW Godley ISD, Comanche ISD, and Treetops School International in Euless are among the facilities to close for sanitation.

LIST: Multiple Central Texas school districts cancel classes Jan. 31 due to flu

(KCEN) Closed Friday are the Moody, West, Mexia, Hubbard, Rogers, Gholson, Fairfield, Teague and Normangee ISDs.

Forsan ISD closes temporarily due to illness

(KMID/KPEJ) Forsan ISD will be closed on Friday, January 31st and Monday, February 3rd due to illness. The district said this will allow time to disinfect the buildings.

Aldine ISD parents fear losing ‘family school,’ find reasons for hope amid closure talks

(Houston Landing) The district is considering closing seven schools at the end of the school year as the district faces a budget deficit due to declining enrollment, no major increases of state funding and the end of pandemic stimulus funds. The school board is expected to vote Feb. 25 on whether to close some or all of the campuses. In interviews and comments to Aldine leaders during the meeting with parents at Oleson Elementary Thursday, parents voiced their concerns about transportation, the potential loss of well-liked teachers, academic ratings and more.

Do transfer proposals, school vouchers put Texas’ football culture at risk? Some coaches worry

(LoneStarLive) Lawmakers at this year’s state legislative session in Texas have the attention of public high school football coaches, who worry about the future of their sport.

NIL is making a big impact in high school athletics, but Texas is falling behind

(Fort Worth Star-Telegram) The ability to profit off Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) is now a driving force in college recruitment, giving star athletes opportunities to provide for their families. Texas is one of 12 states that does not allow NIL, according to ON3. Could the Lone Star state change? It’s the only state within the top six of the United States population to prohibit NIL.

No charges filed yet in child pornography case against Fort Worth museum as police withhold report

(Fort Worth Report) Weeks after Fort Worth police seized photographs featured in a Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth exhibit, the city has declined to release documents related to its investigation into child pornography allegations. 

Conroe ISD principal apologizes after racially insensitive comments made toward students

(Fox 26 Houston) On their school spirit day Thursday, students at Oak Ridge High School in Conroe were allowed to dress up in 90’s throwback attire. Students say a group was gathered in what’s known as the “pit,” a common gathering place, when faculty told them they were too rowdy. The principal later took to the intercom to address the school. But students tell FOX 26, it went awry after they claim their principal Dr. AJ LiVecchi made comments implying they were thugs and gangsters with a Dr. Dre reference. Students claim the principal was only targeting Black and Hispanic students and the attire they chose to wear. In a statement the principal said, “I made an announcement that I am not proud of – I addressed the attire of the students instead of addressing their behavior, and for that I apologize.” Students were planning a walk out but canceled it after he apologized to students, parents and staff.

Midland ISD cutting positions due to lack of funding

(KMID/KPEJ) Midland ISD has made the tough decision to close some of its departments and cut its employees due to lack of funding. This comes as a result of the non-renewal of the Formula Transition Grant which was provided by the state and the non-renewal of the federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER).

La Joya school district closes Zapata Elementary, consolidates students

(myRGV) The La Joya ISD board approved the closure of Emiliano Zapata Elementary and to restart Evangelina Garza Elementary and Juan N. Seguin Elementary under a model aimed to turnaround low-performing schools. The board unanimously voted Wednesday to approve the plans as part of the district’s commitment to ensure students have access to high-quality education. The plan follows months of analysis and community engagement.

Houston ISD committee publishes internal audit of 10 purchases made in violation of board policy

(Houston Chronicle) Houston ISD’s audit committee has published a two-page internal audit of 10 purchases that the state’s largest school district made without board approval in violation of procurement policy. HISD discovered in December that a team of employees had been violating board policy for 16 months by failing to submit up to $870 million in purchases for board approval. State-appointed Superintendent Mike Miles said the employees “mistakenly” believed that purchases affiliated with “cooperative agreements” did not require a board vote.

‘No guardrails’: Houston ISD takeover activists take their plea to Austin

(Houston Chronicle) Vocal opponents of Houston ISD’s takeover will talk to state lawmakers in Austin about the district’s appointed leadership as education policy becomes a hot-button issue this session. Members of an advocacy group, Community Voices for Public Education, will meet with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle Thursday — the first of several visits to request public education funding, oppose vouchers that would put taxpayer dollars toward private school tuition, and detail the effects of the takeover’s reforms.

Over half of Lamar CISD campuses to be over capacity in 10 years

(Community Impact) Lamar Consolidated ISD’s “hypergrowth” trend is expected to result in over half of district campuses being over capacity in the next 10 years, demographers said.

Fort Bend ISD partners with neighborhood group to provide resources, tutoring to students

(Hoston Public Media) The school district’s two-year agreement with Super Neighborhood Council 41 will benefit Willowridge High School and the campuses that feed into it.

Former Ysleta ISD Eastwood High teacher sentenced to supervision for improper student relationship

(KFOX) A former Eastwood High School math teacher who was arrested and charged with having an improper relationship with a student back in March of 2024, has been sentenced to eight years of community supervision. It was determined that Ryan Anthony Avalos started a relationship with the student in early November of 2023. He was then arrested and charged with Improper Relationship between Educator and Student. Avalos was eventually interviewed by the Ysleta Independent School District’s Chief Human Capital Management Officer on Jan. 30, 2024, and admitted to the sexual relationship with the student.

Laredo Tennis Complex at Texas A&M International University opens to the public

(KGNS) A multi-million dollar City of Laredo sports complex that has been in the making for over a decade is finally open to serve the public. The city, along with Texas A&M International University (TAMIU), held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the opening of its state-of-the-art tennis complex. The nearly $8 million facility includes six national Collegiate Athletic Association level courts, 12 Unites States Tennis Association recreational courts, post-tension concrete, bleachers and lighting.

New UT San Antonio class smooths college transition for veterans

(San Antonio Report) According to UTSA officials, the creation of a course crafted specifically for military veterans is reaction to feedback from current veteran students who said they have trouble relating to younger classmates.

January 30, 2025
Trump signs executive orders prioritizing school choice, ending K-12 ‘indoctrination’

(K-12 Dive) Trump’s latest orders call for the Education Department to explore options to fund school choice, while ending support for “discriminatory equity ideology.” These two new executive orders come as Trump has unleashed a wave of K-12 related policy moves — from immigration enforcement to removing DEI initiatives — just a little over a week into his second term.

White House says Trump funding freeze remains in effect despite rescinding Office of Management and Budget memo

(CNBC) The White House on Wednesday said a “federal funding freeze” remains in “full force and effect” despite it rescinding a controversial memo ordering that freeze on grants and loans to give agencies time to review programs for their compliance with President Donald Trump‘s agenda. Related:

San Antonio ISD, Sheriff Salazar address fears over ICE raids at San Antonio schools

(MySA) The fear of immigration raids in San Antonio has permeated one of the city’s largest school districts.“I never thought when I became a teacher, this is my 38th year in education, that I would have to become an expert on immigration and immigration law. As well as other things, it’s just unbelievable what is being put to school districts,” San Antonio ISD Superintendent Jaime Aquino said during a San Antonio Express-News Editorial Board meeting. Related:

‘Half-truths’: Former Mart ISD superintendent speaks out following TEA hearing

(KXXV) A three-day public hearing revealed new details behind Mart ISD’s decision to terminate former Superintendent Betsy Burnett. 25 news spoke to Burnett who said many of the allegations are not true.

Flu cases surge in North Texas. How are Fort Worth-area school districts responding?

(Fort Worth Report) Godley ISD was forced to close due to flu cases. Other districts are monitoring rising absentee rates and planning deep cleans.

Earthquake Hit Texas Near San Antonio, Says U.S. Geological Survey

(Newsweek) A magnitude 4.5 earthquake has rattled southern Texas in the vicinity of San Antonio at 9.26 p.m. Wednesday, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported. The main shock was followed a few hours later by a magnitude 2.6 tremor 10.5 miles south-southeast of the city of Stockdale. According to the USGS website, the Falls City quake is likely the main shock of an earthquake sequence that began with four other smaller tremors (with magnitudes between 1.6–2.9) in the first couple of weeks of January.

Cy-Fair ISD calls Buzbee allegations about student death “false” and “defamatory”

(Houston Chronicle) A Cypress-Fairbanks ISD official called allegations made in a letter from attorney Tony Buzbee’s firm “false” and “defamatory.” The letter, sent on behalf of a mom whose son died at his first middle school basketball practice in November, accused the district of negligence when 13-year-old Xavier Thompson collapsed. It also requested that the district enter into mediation for the family to provide compensation and instigate policy change requiring CPR training for all teachers and staff.   “The allegations regarding the incident with Xavier in Mr. Buzbee’s letter are inaccurate, especially in regard to the actions of the school staff and school district policy. The allegations regarding the coach are false and defamatory,” attorney Marney Collins Sims wrote in a statement Tuesday evening.

Check property tax notices! Misprint by Cy-Fair ISD Tax Office sends payments to wrong address

(KPRC) The deadline to pay your property taxes is quickly approaching. If you plan to pay by mail, we want to remind you to double-check everything!

Girl arrested after cocaine found in Seguin elementary school classroom

(KENS) The Seguin Police Department (SPD) has confirmed that a female juvenile has been arrested after allegedly bringing cocaine onto an elementary campus in Seguin. A field test was conducted on the substance, which confirmed it to be “cocaine hydrochloride,” according to officials. The girl was taken to the Guadalupe County Juvenile Probation Department and faces a charge of possession of a substance, penalty group one in a drug-free zone.

Following missteps, Mansfield ISD adds employee to oversee election management

(Arlington Report) MISD’s past two elections have seen an ineligible candidate on the ballot and complaints of partisan influence. Voters ask for more integrity.

Georgia teen accused of making Georgetown High School bomb threat

(KXAN) Officials said a Georgia teenager allegedly admitted to making a bomb threat that canceled classes at Georgetown High School Wednesday. The city said it is working with local and Georgia prosecutors to file charges against the 16-year-old boy. The charges would be terroristic threat, a third-degree felony. The high school was cleared and no explosive devices were found following a police investigation, the Georgetown Police Department said.

Tatum ISD student arrested after unloaded weapon found in backpack

(KLTV) Tatum ISD police officers arrested a student Wednesday after a weapon was found in a student’s backpack. The school was first informed a student may potentially have an unloaded weapon on the high school campus around 12:15 p.m., according to a school release. The school said police found the student less than a minute later and an unloaded weapon was found in their backpack.

Hallsville ISD bus involved in 3-vehicle crash

(KLTV) The crash happened around 6 a.m., Wednesday morning, Texas DPS sources say, and involved a Hallsville ISD school bus on FM 450 near Cal Young Road. Two vehicles had trapped occupants, and responders were working to free them with Jaws of Life tools. The scene was cleared by 8:45 a.m. According to Hallsville ISD, no students were on board at the time of the crash.

Montgomery ISD trustees OK police department annual stipend bump

(Community Impact) MISD’s police department will be offering higher stipends to officers who have extra certifications beginning in the 2025-26 school year, Superintendent Mark Ruffin said Jan. 24. The stipend bump is possible because of MISD’s $5.5 million voter-approval tax rate election, which voters approved in November.

Driver who caused Deer Park pipeline explosion died by suicide

(KPRC) Back in mid-September, a pipeline explosion sent flames hundreds of feet into the air, prompting evacuations and road closures in the area. A driver, later identified by Harris County medical examiners as Jonathan McEvoy, 51, of Deer Park, went through a fence on the west side of Wal-Mart’s parking lot, located on Spencer Hwy. His vehicle entered the adjacent pipeline right-of-way and struck an above-ground pipeline valve. A medical examination has now revealed that McEvoy died of suicide.

Robinson ISD staff member arrested for improper relationship with student

(KXXV) Robinson police arrested a Robinson Independent School District staff member following an investigation into an alleged improper relationship with a student. Authorities launched an investigation and obtained a search warrant for the cell phones of the staff member and the student. Evidence revealed that explicit messages and photographs had been exchanged. Christopher Gonzales, 42, was also found to have deleted critical information and instructed the student to do the same. On Jan. 29, Robinson police arrested Gonzales in Waco.

‘Drill Baby Drill’: Arlington Approves New Site for Fracking Near Daycare and Schools

(Texas Observer) Arlington has opened new land for fracking for the first time in 12 years, allowing TotalEnergies to drill 10 new gas wells near a daycare center.

How do Arlington ISD students feel about school? New survey details their thoughts

(Arlington Report) AISD’s 2023-24 school year student survey showed positive feelings toward the district, but negative experiences with classmates’ respect.

Eighteen arrested for ‘online solicitation of a minor’ during ongoing police sting, Lacy Lakeview police say

(KWTX) Lacy Lakeview Police Department is asking parents to prioritize children’s social media and online safety after the department arrested at least 18 people over the past five months for ‘online solicitation of a minor.’ Arrest warrants revealed some of the details of a recent case. LLPD posed as a 15-year-old girl online.

San Jacinto College grows focus on logistics, supply chain with new 4-year degree

(Houston Landing) The southeast Houston college’s latest bachelor’s degree program responds to growing industry calls for deeper workforce training.

January 29, 2025
Judge temporarily blocks Trump’s plan to freeze federal aid 

(The Hill) A federal judge temporarily blocked President Trump’s plan to freeze federal aid minutes before it was set to go into effect late Tuesday afternoon. U.S. District Judge Loren AliKhan said she was granting a “brief administrative stay” that preserves federal disbursements at least until Monday, Feb. 3 at 5 p.m. EST after a group of nonprofit and public health organizations filed a lawsuit. Related:

North Texas school districts should prepare for possible immigration enforcement, advocate says

(KERA) Brenda Gonzalez with the nonprofit ImmSchools works with districts and immigrant families and said she knows parents are scared. “A lot of parents are asking to withdraw their kids from school,” she said. “They have questions about whether or not students can be detained, arrested inside the schools now.” Gonzalez said unlike during the first Trump administration, many districts have been reluctant to communicate plans for how to handle immigration enforcement on campuses. Related:

Trump offers buyout to all federal employees, including 130K in Texas — what we know

(USA Network) Officials anticipate that 5 to 10% of federal employees might accept this offer, potentially leading to a reduction in workforce and estimated savings of around $100 billion, NBC News reported. This means, between 6,000 and 13,000 federal employees in Texas might accept the resignation offer.

Houston’s billionaires have gotten richer since the election. Here’s why.

(Houston Chronicle) A number of Houston billionaires have become wealthier over the past few months, according to Forbes, which released its Forbes 400 list just before the election in October — and also tracks the real-time net worth of these individuals. 

Federal Reserve cancels Houston LGBTQ+ business event and cites Trump DEI order, email shows

(Houston Chronicle) The Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce was scheduled to host an event at the Houston location of the Federal Reserve Thursday, but leaders said they scrambled to find a new venue at the last minute after Trump banned Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives throughout the federal government. In the email, which the chamber provided to the Chronicle, a Fed employee said they initially believed the event did not violate Trump’s executive order, but learned at the last minute it did.

UT’s Texas Politics poll reveals border security, economy as top Texas voter priorities

(Daily Texan) Immigration, economics and public education are among Texas voters’ top concerns about what lawmakers should prioritize in the 89th session of the Texas Legislature, according to the University’s Texas Politics Project poll released on Jan. 15. School vouchers, an issue declared as a top priority for the current Texas Legislative session, were only mentioned as a top priority by 2% of Republicans polled. 

North Texas school district closes for the rest of the week as flu cases soar at local hospitals

(WFAA) Godley ISD announced on Tuesday that it will shut down for the rest of the week and reopen on Feb. 3 due to sweeping absences among students and staff.

Houston ISD board shoots down Houston Federation of Teachers’ grievance on right to consult on policies

(Houston Chronicle) The Houston Federation of Teachers lost its grievance hearing Tuesday protesting a policy change that seemingly eliminated the HISD board policy that required the superintendent to consult with employee groups regularly for input on policy changes, such as pay and benefits.

Houston ISD plans to discuss legal action against social media platforms

(KTRK) HISD could be the latest school district to attempt legal action against social media platforms. School districts across the country have sued social media platforms like Snapchat, Instagram, and Facebook, saying they disrupt schooling, are addictive to students, and impair peer interaction. The HISD agenda said the district is considering legal action to potentially recoup damages sustained by the District related to youth social media usage and any other action that may be necessary. Ultimately, this item was not discussed at all on Tuesday because of time constraints, but ABC13 was told the district plans to move forward with it.

Charges dropped for Houston ISD community activist arrested at board meeting after shouting before vote

(Houston Chronicle) Charges were dropped against a Houston ISD community activist who was dragged out of her chair and arrested after repeatedly shouting at a Jan. 23 Board of Managers meeting, the Harris County District Attorney’s Office confirmed Tuesday. Sarah Terrell was charged with trespassing after repeatedly shouting before board members planned to vote on a motion to sell district properties. The charges were accepted by the district attorney’s office at the time and were dismissed after a two-hour pretrial diversion program, a spokesperson said Tuesday.

Family of Cy-Fair ISD student who died during basketball practice seeks compensation, policy changes

(Houston Public Media) Prominent Houston attorney Tony Buzbee is representing the parents of Xavier Thompson, who are seeking “pre-suit” mediation with the school district after the 13-year-old’s death last November.

Business owners near Cy-Springs HS frustrated with after-school fights: ‘I don’t get it’

(KTRK) Businesses near Cypress-Fairbanks ISD’s Cy-Springs High School have had enough of the after-school fights. Instead of going home, restaurant owner Efraim Hernandez told ABC13 that students head to the neighboring business parking lots, and fights are common occurrences. ABC13 contacted Cy-Fair ISD, and a spokesperson said they are looking into the issue.

New program in Beaumont schools aims to boost math skills post-pandemic

(KFDM) The Beaumont Independent School District (BISD) is implementing a national grant-funded program to address this educational crisis. The district is partnering with the National Math and Science Initiative (NMSI), a Dallas-based nonprofit organization dedicated to improving student performance by equipping teachers with better instructional strategies.

Killeen ISD teacher resigns over allegations involving a student

(Killeen Daily Herald) Killeen ISD was “made aware of an allegation involving a teacher and a student” last week; however, school officials are releasing very little about the situation.

Learning Curve: See how many Houston community college graduates earn degrees, work certificates

(Houston Landing) Students attending Houston’s largest community colleges largely eye associate degrees, with a smaller share seeking work certificates, data shows.

Austin ISD elementary parents say children were ‘kidnapped’ by substitute bus driver Tuesday

(Fox 7 Austin) Austin ISD parents said their children were kidnapped by a substitute school bus driver on Tuesday morning. Parents said they were following the bus on an app and when they realized the bus was at the wrong school, they showed up. Parents claim the driver wouldn’t let their children off. While students waited on the bus, the bus door was reportedly kicked in by a parent and glass shattered. One parent says the parents began kicking the bus door until the driver opened it, letting the children off the bus. The district claims the driver was lost and drove to the wrong school. AISD says the bus driver is not facing any charges.

Willis ISD middle school flooded, board approves emergency testing to determine cause

(Community Impact) Superintendent Kimberley James said the storm caused water to enter the library area through electrical conduit through the slab.

January 28, 2025
Trump administration orders federal funding freeze on all public loans, grants and more aid

(CBS News) A memo from the White House budget office is calling for a spending freeze on federal assistance by 5 p.m. Tuesday, which could affect everything from aid to nonprofits, universities, small business loans and state and local government grants. The freeze could have wide-ranging implications, with the White House noting that $3 trillion was spent in 2024 on federal assistance programs.

ICE steps up immigration arrests as fear ripples through Texas communities

(KHOU) U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, said their agents have made around 2,000 arrests throughout the nation over the last few days. FIEL Houston, an immigrant-led civil rights organization, said they have fielded more than 150 calls from concerned citizens reporting who they thought were ICE agents in their neighborhoods. “Out of, I don’t know, 150 reports that we got over the weekend, only like 2 or 3 were actual ICE showing up, but they weren’t showing up in like massive raids or something like that. They were showing up in targeted operations, apprehending one or two individuals at a time,” FIEL Houston executive director Cesar Espinosa said. “It’s still business as usual. We haven’t seen really an uptick in these mass raids happening. That does not mean that they’re not going to happen. That does not mean that we’re in the clear.” Related:

Public Education Bills: the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

(Texas Observer) Conservative state lawmakers have filed hundreds of bills targeting the school finance system, LGBTQ+ students, undocumented immigrant children, and more.

ESSER now in rearview mirror for most districts

(K-12 Dive) Tuesday’s spending deadline marks the end to federal COVID-19 emergency allocations dedicated to K-12 for most school districts.

Is the Keller ISD superintendent out after opposing a plan to split the district?

(Dallas Morning News) Keller ISD Superintendent Tracy Johnson may leave her job after speaking out against a proposal to split the school district in two. An agenda for Thursday’s school board meeting includes action items for trustees to consider a voluntary separation agreement and name an interim superintendent.

TEA hears testimony from former Mart ISD Superintendent in wrongful termination hearing

(KWTX) The wrongful termination hearing for Mart ISD’s former superintendent, Betsy Burnett, continued Monday morning at Region 12, hearing from Burnett herself after being terminated via a six to one board vote back in November.

Former Fort Bend ISD Superintendent Whitbeck’s breach-of-contract lawsuit set for January 2026 trial

(Fort Bend Star) The breach of contract lawsuit by former Fort Bend ISD superintendent Christie Whitbeck against the district has been set for a jury trial next January, more than a year after it was filed. On January 23, 434th District Court Associate Judge Angie Brame signed a docket control order in the case setting a trial date of January 20, 2026.

Marlin ISD set to reopen after water issues caused closures for days

(KWTX) Marlin ISD stated in a Facebook post Sunday that administrators and non-instructional employees will return to campus Monday, Jan. 27, and teachers and students are expected to return Tuesday, Jan. 28. The district said ‘water pressure is slowly returning to our campuses.’ Monday marked the eighth day the district has closed due to water issues as the district calendar shows that Monday was supposed to be a normal school day. Marlin ISD Superintendent Dr. Darryl Henson told KWTX over the phone Friday that all of the closures because of water issues may impact the district’s four-day school week calendar this year.

U.S. Supreme Court to hear school disability discrimination case

(K-12 Dive) The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear a case that questions whether students filing disability discrimination claims must prove that public school officials acted with discriminatory intent through “bad faith or gross misjudgment.” In A.J.T. v. Osseo Area Schools, a Minnesota student, Ava, and her parents are challenging an 8th Circuit ruling from March 2024 that children with disabilities who claim disability discrimination in educational settings under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 must meet a high standard to potentially receive monetary damages.

This Innovative Program Proves You Don’t Need Vouchers to Create Real School Choice

(Texas Monthly) What would it look like to give students more options? In South Texas, a collaboration among rural districts offers one answer.

Texas counties left scrambling after critical election equipment loses its certification

(Texas Tribune) With city and school elections just a few months away, election officials in more than 60 Texas counties are scrambling to replace a key piece of voting equipment that’s no longer in service: the electronic pollbooks they use to check voters in at the polls.

Affordable housing plan for teachers approved alongside Hays CISD bond proposal

(CBS Austin) The Hays CISD Board of Trustees has approved placing a bond worth more than $900 million on the May 3 ballot. Hays CISD trustees also approved a Master Lease Agreement for affordable housing designed for teachers and essential district staff. This initiative is separate from the bond election. The single-family homes would be built and rented below market value.

State orders Alief ISD to make plan to end illegal suspensions of homeless students

(Houston Landing) Alief ISD leaders have put new policies in place and retrained employees to prevent the illegal suspension of homeless students, the result of a state-mandated plan to prevent the practice. District administrators unveiled the corrective action plan last week in response to the Texas Education Agency finding Alief staffers had illegally suspended 15 homeless students in 2022-23. State officials started probing illegal suspensions of homeless students across Texas after a May 2024 investigation by the Houston Landing revealed hundreds of districts continued to engage in the practice despite a 2019 state law largely outlawing it. 

Cy-Fair ISD to offer tuition-based pre-K program

(Community Impact) Cy-Fair ISD is launching a tuition-based pre-K program in the 2025-26 school year, according to a Jan. 27 news release. CFISD Chief of Staff Teresa Hull said during the board work session that the tuition-based pre-K program could help the school district as it continues to see a decline in elementary enrollment. The Texas Education Agency-approved program will be offered at all CFISD elementary campuses for children who do not meet the state’s qualified free pre-K eligibility requirements.

State deducts $432K from Lamar CISD funding following attendance audit

(Community Impact) Lamar Consolidated ISD will lose $432,231 in state funding after an attendance audit from the Texas Education Agency showed reporting inconsistencies for the 2021-22 school year, district officials said. The audit findings show under 100 students were improperly designated to collect state-funded attendance allowances, causing deductions from early childhood and special education, career and technical services, and bilingual education funds, Bryan Moore, LCISD’s director of research, assessment and accountability, said at the Jan. 23 board of trustees meeting.

Answer Key: What are the rules for students using AI in their school work?

(Houston Landing) Here are how some Houston-area school districts are both curtailing and embracing AI technology.

Dallas ISD Mulls $13M Land Purchase For New Downtown Campus

(Dallas Express) The Dallas Independent School District is deliberating spending over $13 million to buy multiple lots in downtown Dallas to build out a new campus. The cost would be covered using City bond money and used to acquire three downtown lots: 904 South Ervay Street, 909 North Saint Paul Street, and 913 South Saint Paul Street. If the initiative is approved, the campus will house three ISD programs.

UIL’s Smallest 11-Man Program Makes the Move to Six-Man Football

(Dave Campbell’s Texas Football) Rocksprings with an enrollment of just 65 students will make the move to six-man football in 2025.

University of Texas athletics department topped $300 million in revenue and operating expenses in 2024

(USA Today Sports) The University of Texas athletics department again has shown its status as a national college sports business leviathan, recording $331.9 million in operating revenues and $325 million in operating expenses during its 2024 fiscal year, according to its new financial report to the NCAA. This is the first time since the NCAA began its current reporting system in 2005 that a Division I public school has reported more than $300 million in both revenues and expenses in the same year. It also is the largest single-year spending total, exceeding the $292.3 million that Ohio State reported for fiscal 2024 in a disclosure that occurred earlier on Monday.

A&M Student Bonfire finally burns bright

(Battalion) A triumphant return to tradition after a months-long delay.

Fact brief: Does Texas state law allow residents to recall school board members?

(Fort Worth Report) School board members in Texas are not subject to recall elections. Individual school board members also may not be removed through an action from the rest of the school board. State district courts may remove a school board member for incompetency, official misconduct or intoxication after a resident files a petition for removal and a judge holds a trial by jury.

Norovirus, the leading cause of vomiting and diarrhea, is spreading in Austin

(KUT) It’s stomach flu season in Austin. Norovirus – the leading cause of vomiting and diarrhea in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – surged across numerous states heading into 2025, according to the latest CDC data.

Texas’ New Data on Pregnancy Deaths Is Old. As in, Pre-Abortion-Ban Old

(Austin Chronicle) The data is old. Pre-abortion-ban old. It looks at deaths in 2020, before Texas’ near-total abortion ban took effect in 2022. New legislation seeks to streamline data gathering process.

Waco High Students Take Stand Against Gun Violence, Form Local Students Demand Action Chapter

(KWTX) According to a news release, the grassroots movement is a student-driven initiative that advocates for gun control and works to reduce gun violence in schools and communities. It is part of the national organization Everytown for Gun Safety.

Truck driver dies in Texas HAZMAT crash, area homes evacuated and school bus with 29 students unknowingly exposed

(MyTexasDaily) The Texas Department of Public Safety confirmed the identity of the driver of the 18-wheeler involved in the crash in San Jacinto County as 54-year-old Michael Rider, of Buna. According to officials, approximately 3,000 pounds of sulfur dioxide spilled in the crash. The San Jacinto County Office of Emergency Management reported that 29 students and a bus driver were exposed to sulfur dioxide after a Coldspring-Oakhurst CISD school bus unknowingly passed through the affected area. The students and bus driver were initially assessed before being taken to a hospital for further evaluation. All have since been medically cleared, according to DPS, though a few students reported headaches and respiratory problems.

Texas again reaches new historic highs, breaks its own employment records

(Center Square) Texas again reached new historic employment highs in December, breaking records it previously set nearly every month last year. In 2024, Texas broke multiple employment records, leading the U.S. in job creation, The Center Square reported.

Once shut out of blue urban courthouses, Texas GOP leaders ‘change the playing field’ with new courts

(San Antonio Report) The state’s GOP-led legislature put a division of the business court in each of the state’s five largest urban centers last September. They’re intended to take over complex, multimillion-dollar business cases that can take years to sort out in a court system dealing with all kinds of other cases.

Houston man pardoned for Jan. 6 crimes now wanted for online solicitation of a minor

(Houston Public Media) A Houston man who was pardoned by President Donald Trump after being convicted of assaulting police officers during the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol was released from a federal prison last week but is now wanted in Harris County on a pre-existing charge of online solicitation of a minor. Andrew Taake, 36, was released from a federal prison in Colorado on Jan. 20, despite a request from the Harris County DA’s Office to hold him on a pending state warrant from 2016.

Plumbing and Pipefitting Technology coming to Texas State Technical College’s Harlingen campus this fall

(myRGV) Great things are happening as a result of the new construction at Texas State Technical College’s Harlingen campus. Some programs new to the campus will start this fall, including Plumbing and Pipefitting Technology, which will offer an Associate of Applied Science degree and a certificate of completion.

January 27, 2025
ICE begins immigration raids across Texas; dozens arrested

(Texas Standard) Dozens of people were arrested in North Texas alone as part of Donald Trump’s crackdown on people who may be in the country without legal status. Related:

Texas Senate’s voucher proposal would give families $10,000 to fund students’ private school

(Texas Tribune) Senate Bill 2 starts a new debate on a school voucher program in Texas. A funding proposal would allow up to 100,000 K-12 students who want to enroll in a private school to participate. Related:

Texas Superintendents on the Impending Budget Crisis: “This Is Not Going to End Well”

(Texas Monthly) School districts have cut their budgets to the bone. Will the state legislature decide to spend at least as much per pupil as . . . Louisiana?

Senate Moves to Create School Finance Database

(Dallas Express) State Sen. Lois Kolkhorst (R-Brenham) filed Senate Bill 843 last week. The measure amends the state’s Education Code to direct the Texas Education Agency to create a database that includes several critical points of information about bonds.

Several bills filed to weaken vaccine mandates as more Texas families opt out of immunizations

(Texas Tribune) Emboldened by Robert F. Kennedy Jr’s nomination and disdain for pandemic-era mandates, skeptics are pushing for bills to make it easier to opt out of vaccines.

Education Department rescinds Biden-era book ban guidance

(K-12 Dive) The agency’s Office for Civil Rights also dismissed 11 related complaints and eliminated the position of book ban coordinator.

Texas A&M University will pause undergraduate enrollment growth

(KBTX) Texas A&M’s President Gen. Mark Welsh, announced Thursday the university’s plans to halt undergraduate growth on the main campus for the next five to seven years. The university president cited that the student body has grown more than 30% over the last 10 years, which is more than double the average of all other public universities in the state.

Mart ISD hearing reveals new details about former superintendents abrupt termination

(KXXV) A hearing held Friday morning is revealing new details behind Mart ISD’s decision to terminate former Superintendent Betsy Burnett. The board claims Burnett violated several district policies including disrespecting the board both publicly and in private and secretly recording meetings.

Marlin ISD to consider moving back to a 5-day school week to make up for time lost during ongoing water issues

(KWTX) Marlin ISD will consider moving back to a 5-day school week to make up for hours missed in session due to ongoing water issues in the city, according to Marlin ISD Superintendent Dr. Darryl Henson.

Whitney ISD to vote on Mondays off for students in 4-day school week

(KWTX) Whitney ISD has a tough decision to make, as they need to find a way to hire and keep qualified teachers at their school. Now they are proposing to move school from 5 days a week to having students in session from Tuesday through Friday. Superintendent Todd Southard says giving teachers Monday to plan for the week ahead may encourage more to come and stay with the district. The Whitney ISD’s board of trustees will continue to discuss this item and will vote when they meet on February 10th at 6 p.m.

At least 6 Texas children under age 12 got abortions out of state in 2023

(Houston Chronicle) At least 100 Texas children aged 17 and younger got abortions in other states during the first year after Texas banned the procedure, including six aged 11 and under, according to the latest state data available. The total is a nearly ninefold jump in the number of children getting out-of-state abortions from five years earlier and comes as virtually all abortions have ground to a halt in Texas under a ban that makes no exception for fetal abnormality, rape, or incest. Texas’ age of consent, when a person may legally consent to engage in sexual activity, is 17.

As births plunge, El Paso could need far fewer schools in coming years

(El Paso Matters) The rapid decline in births has multiple impacts in El Paso. School enrollment is the most obvious and most immediate impact. The city’s largest school district, El Paso Independent School District, has seen the largest enrollment drop over the years, which led to a controversial decision last year to close eight elementary schools.

Houston ISD’s underserved students have been failed by increasingly inflated graduation rates, advocates say

(Houston Chronicle) More than 11% percent of Houston ISD’s Class of 2023 graduated despite failing up to two of the state-mandated exams typically required to earn a diploma, according to a Houston Chronicle analysis.
Other Houston ISD News:

Borger ISD second-grader killed after coat gets stuck in car door during school drop off

(KVII) A second-grader was killed after their coat got stuck in a car door during school drop-off. The tragic accident happened around 8 a.m. at Gateway Elementary, according to the Borger Police Department. Police said the victim was being dropped off and as they got out of their car, their coat got stuck in the door. “Despite the presence of a senior school administrator who immediately attempted to intervene, the incident happened so quickly that it could not be stopped,” police said.

U.S. Supreme Court will weigh in on effort to found nation’s first religious charter school

(SCOTUSblog) On Friday afternoon, the justices agreed to consider a Catholic school’s effort to become the nation’s first religious charter school after the Oklahoma Supreme Court rejected the move on the grounds that it would violate the Constitution by using public money to fund a religious institution.

Man accused of taking 4-year-old special needs child to school with loaded gun in backpack

(KHOU) A Houston man has been charged with endangering a child for sending a special needs Pasadena ISD 4-year-old to school with a loaded gun in their backpack, court documents claim. According to the documents, 30-year-old Jonatan Alexander Polio placed a loaded firearm in the child’s backpack on Thursday, January 23, before dropping the child off at school. Polio was arrested that same day. In an email sent to parents, Jessup Elementary Principal Ryan Pavone said the firearm was found in the student’s backpack by an early childhood teacher as she was checking her students in for the day. Pavone said this was “immediately” reported to campus administrators and Pasadena ISD police, who secured the backpack containing the gun.

Round Rock ISD projects a budget surplus thanks to a $9.3 million land sale

(KUT) Officials shared during last week’s regular school board meeting that the district’s balanced budget adopted for fiscal year 2024-25 is projected to actually turn into a surplus of about $8.2 million. The projected surplus is due in large part to an impending sale of 7.5 acres of district property on Cypress Boulevard in Round Rock. The district expects to close on the $9.3 million sale sometime in March, Dennis Covington, Round Rock ISD’s chief financial officer said at the meeting.

Teen accused of taking bat to Texas high school, causing between $150K and $300K in damage

(MyTexasDaily) A 17-year-old from Gladewater has been charged in connection with a vandalism incident at Union Grove High School. The Upshur County Sheriff’s Office had sought public assistance in identifying the suspect captured on surveillance footage. The incident occurred around 11:30 p.m. Friday, causing extensive damage to the school buildings, according to the Upshur County Sheriff’s Office. 17-year-old George O. Merrill III was identified, arrested, and arraigned by Justice of the Peace Lyle Potter and charged with criminal mischief with damages between $150,000 and $300,000, a second-degree felony. Merrill’s bond was set at $300,000.

DOJ drops case against Texas doctor accused of leaking data on minors’ transgender care after ban

(CBS News) Federal prosecutors on Friday dropped the case against a Texas doctor who called himself a whistleblower on transgender care for minors and was accused of illegally obtaining private information on patients who weren’t under his care. The dismissal of the case against Dr. Eithan Haim in U.S. district court in Houston comes as the Trump administration in its first week has already issued executive orders rolling back transgender rights.

Social media isn’t the only cause of mental health woes among Texas youth, advocates say

(Texas Tribune) Social media’s danger on youth mental health has captured the attention of Texas lawmakers, at times, eclipsing focus on bigger threats — provider shortages and funding cuts to programs.

Joe Bernal, a champion for bilingual education and civil rights, dies at 97

(Texas Public Radio) San Antonio is mourning the death of Joe Bernal, the Democratic politician known for championing education and civil rights. Bernal served in the state House and Senate from 1964 to 1972, where he fought for the state’s first bilingual education law and the end of de jure segregation in Texas, as well as the creation of the University of Texas at San Antonio and the UT Health Science Center. After his career in politics, he became an assistant superintendent for the Harlandale Independent School District and then served on the Texas State Board of Education.

January 24, 2025
State lawmakers ask education agency for guidance on how Texas schools can respond to Trump’s immigration plans

(Texas Tribune) More than two dozen Texas Democrats expressed concern about the elimination of a federal policy preventing immigration arrests at schools. Related:

Will Texas lawmakers make school safer this session?

(Dallas Morning News) Texas lawmakers are confronting the fact that the security mandate they instituted after the Uvalde massacre is not consistently followed.

Santa Fe High School shooting suspect deemed incompetent to stand trial for 4th year, DA says

(KTRK) Dimitrios Pagourtzis, the student accused of the deadly 2018 shooting at Santa Fe High School, has been re-committed to a hospital maximum security unit for another year. This is the fourth consecutive year Pagourtzis has been deemed incompetent to stand trial. Nearly one year ago, in January 2024, a similar decision was made to keep Pagourtzis in a facility for 12 months. The same decision was made in 2023 and 2022.

Texas Democrats haven’t been in power for 30 years. They just lost more control at the Capitol

(KERA) Democrats in the Texas House will no longer be allowed to hold influential committee chair positions under new rules passed by the chamber on Thursday. By losing the ability to chair any committees, the state’s Democrats — who haven’t been in power in Texas for 30 years — have lost even more clout at the state Capitol.

PowerSchool data breach brings claims of negligence, poor cyberhygiene

(K-12 Dive) The K-12 software company is facing legal pushback and criticism following a cyberattack that impacted a still unknown number of districts.

Houston ISD releases new teacher rating system proposal as pay-for-performance plans loom

(Houston Landing) Houston ISD’s new system for evaluating its roughly 11,000 teachers looks similar to its current one, maintaining a large emphasis on classroom observations and student test scores, but without a controversial student survey component that had been under consideration, according to draft documents released by the district Thursday. HISD’s state-appointed school board is scheduled to vote on the evaluation system in March, said Deputy Chief of Academics Alyssa Murray Rocha, who helped design the plan.

UIL puts Lewisville boys basketball program on probation, suspends two coaches

(WFAA) UIL officials say the penalties were handed down for a series of rule violations, including allegedly recruiting players and improperly completing eligibility forms.

North Texas schools embrace open enrollment to boost attendance amid funding competition

(WFAA) Open enrollment is a new concept for some North Texas school districts, while others, like Crowley ISD, have been familiar with the practice for years. School districts are now competing to fill their classrooms with students using the same practice.

UT Austin offered a new early application deadline. Why did so many students get deferrals?

(Houston Chronicle) Only 5,000 students got acceptances by Jan. 15, out of the record 91,000 prospective freshmen who applied to UT-Austin for the fall 2025 semester, according to a leaked email from the admissions office. While the number of applicants was unprecedented, the first round of decisions confounded many students, parents and college admissions consultants. UT declined to clarify the breakdown of early and regular applicants, but the deferrals now mean that up to 86,000 letters will go out en masse on the regular decision date. Some decisions might be released earlier for smaller majors or automatic admits applying to specific majors, per the leaked email. Related:

Texas Ag Commissioner Sid Miller re-hires aide who pled guilty to felony bribery charge

(San Antonio Current) In his latest audacious escapade, Miller — a Republican whose tenure has been marked with controversies — rehired longtime pal and aide Todd Smith despite Smith pleading guilty to felony bribery charges, the Express-News reports. To hear Miller’s explanation for why he hired Smith back at a $218,581 salary, it was all the fault of Jewish liberal boogeyman George Soros that his buddy got hauled in front of the court in the first place, the Express-News reports.

Texas Land Commissioner calls on feds to reject claim that Harvey funds were misused

(Houston Chronicle) Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham has penned a letter to federal law enforcement officials encouraging them to reject “unsubstantiated findings” submitted by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development that accuse the Texas General Land Office of mishandling Houston’s Harvey flood mitigation dollars.

Hays CISD explores affordable housing for teachers as student population set to double

(CBS Austin) Along with discussing a $900 million bond proposal Thursday, Hays CISD’s Board of Trustees also talked about an affordable housing community designed for teachers and essential district staff. Upward Communities founder Jason Roberts says he wants to work with Hays CISD to build a community of single-family homes, rented below market value to teachers and other essential staff right in their district.

College Station school bus driver receives citation after crashing into another vehicle

(KBTX) A College Station ISD school bus carrying 12 students collided with another vehicle on Thursday afternoon. Police say the bus driver failed to yield the right-of-way, causing the crash. Neither the bus driver nor the students on the bus were injured. The driver of the sedan received minor injuries from the airbag, CSPD reported. The bus driver was issued a citation.

2 Socorro ISD trustees absent from duties for months following indictments

(El Paso Matters) Trustees Pablo Barrera and Ricardo “Richard” Castellano last attended a board meeting in June 2024 – a month after being arrested and indicted on charges related to their official roles.

Houston ISD school recognized by French Consulate for district’s only French dual language program

(Houston Chronicle) The school, which enrolls around 650 students from across the city in Houston’s diverse Mid West neighborhood, is Houston ISD’s only dual language French program. It received a seal of approval from Villa Albertine, the cultural and educational wing of the Consulate General of France in Houston, for its service to both Francophones and non-French speakers from around the world Thursday night.

LGBT Non-profit Provides ‘Therapeutic Support’ to Students in Houston Schools

(Texas Scorecard) The Hatch Youth Safe Zones Project works with school officials to provide counseling to students and staff who identify as LGBT. Hatch Youth, which is part of the Montrose Center, writes on its website that it seeks to provide an “affirming space” for LGBT youth. “The counseling is provided by a professional therapist from the Center with a minimum of a Master’s Degree. Youth who are interested in speaking to a therapist simply need to contact their Communities In Schools representative to set up an appointment,” according to the Safe Zones Project page.

UT El Paso warns students after phishing attack targets accounts

(KFOX) According to UTEP, cybercriminals sent fraudulent emails to deceive students into revealing their login credentials, which were then used to alter bank deposit details and redirect funds to the criminals’ accounts. UTEP has launched an investigation and confirmed that its systems were not hacked, emphasizing that phishing attacks are a prevalent form of cybercrime.

A new life: Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD’s Osodome renovation project in early stages

(myRGV) Built in 1960, the PSJA auditorium called the Osodome, has been sitting dormant since the early 2010s, but it is currently in the early phases of a renovation project to be used again as a central location for fine arts in the district and the community. The PSJA ISD school board voted at a meeting on Dec. 9 to authorize getting bids from contractors for the construction aspect of the project.

Woman charged for exposing infants to Houston snowstorm has ‘poverty issue,’ attorney says

(Houston Public Media) Ayana Lakiba McClinton, 31, was arrested on child endangerment charges. She pleaded not guilty Thursday, with her attorney saying she attempted to walk to a hotel with her children as it started snowing but couldn’t make it.

Marlin ISD closes for 7th day this year amid ongoing water supply issues

(KXXV) Marlin ISD announced it will remain closed Friday, Jan. 24, due to ongoing water supply issues. The district is working to secure a water truck to provide water to its campuses, enabling the use of the newly installed water line system.

UT Architecture Library Named for Texas’ First Black Architect

(UT News) Two days after the U.S. Supreme Court integrated American higher education with its 1950 Sweatt v. Painter decision, John Chase, a Black student, enrolled in the School of Architecture at The University of Texas. Now, the library at the heart of that school will be named the John S. Chase Architecture and Planning Library, thanks to a generous gift and pledge from Chase’s son, Tony Chase, and daughter-in-law Dina Al-Sowayel.

University of Texas at Austin to cut water use by 40% with new recycling facility

(CBS Austin) The University of Texas at Austin announced plans Thursday to build a 9,600-square-foot water recycling facility that will allow the school to reduce its water usage by 40%. The UT WaterHub, developed in collaboration with water technology company H2O Innovation, will decrease UT’s dependence on city water supplies, enhance infrastructure resilience, and result in significant cost savings on water purchases and discharge fees for years to come, university officials said.

West Texas A&M University announces partnership with Daniels Fund to reduce student debt

(KFDA) West Texas A&M University has partnered with Daniels Fund to give students the opportunity to pursue a higher education. The Daniels Fund is a national scholarship foundation that provides full rides to students in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. WTAMU is the first university outside of those states to partner with the foundation and covers everything from tuition cost down to book fees. Related:

Ex-Smithville ISD teacher gets 10 years probation stemming from alleged improper relationship with student

(KXAN) A former teacher was sentenced to 10 years probation after she was accused of having an improper relationship with a student in 2022, court documents said. Abigail Seidel pleaded guilty to the charge of an improper relationship between an educator and a student and was sentenced to 10 years deferred adjudication with community supervision, court documents said. She does not have to register as a sex offender, according to court records. Seidel, who was 25 at the time of the accusation, was a chemistry teacher at Smithville High School in Smithville and resigned from the position in May 2022.

January 23, 2025
Texas budget writers prioritize school vouchers, teacher raises and border security in early drafts

(Texas Tribune) Both chambers set aside $1 billion for a voucher-like education savings account program — double what was on the table two years ago — in a sign that supporters are emboldened after recent electoral gains.

Special Report: School choice, vouchers and the future of Texas education

(Texas Tribune) Everything you need to know about what they are and how they might change the state’s educational landscape. Related:

Texas Republican Senators fill 68% of committee appointments

(NBC DFW) With Republicans holding 65% of State Senate seats, committee memberships closely match Senate body.

Corsicana ISD paraprofessional attacked at same school where assistant principal was blinded by student

(KWTX) The Corsicana ISD Police Department is investigating an incident at Collins Intermediate School after a paraprofessional was injured and required medical treatment for a broken wrist. Paraprofessional Carol Tidwell has been working in the school district for under a year and told KWTX that an agitated student from her 5th and 6th grade special education class threw a chair at her. Tidwell said she fell while dodging it, breaking her wrist. The school district says the situation was resolved and learning resumed quickly. Tidwell, however, says she wants to see change that will protect educators when students are aggressive. Related:

North Texas school districts grapple with new immigration enforcement directive

(CBS News) Now that immigration authorities can enter schools to make arrests, districts in North Texas are trying to determine how the directive will impact their students. Related:

Trump’s new Justice Department leadership orders a freeze on civil rights cases

(AP) Attorneys in the department’s Civil Rights Division were ordered not to file any new complaints, amicus briefs or other certain court papers “until further notice,” one of the memos said. Another memo directed attorneys to notify leadership of any settlements or consent decrees — court-enforceable agreements to reform police agencies — that were finalized by the Biden administration within the last 90 days.

Trump picks former TEA official Penny Schwinn to be next US Deputy Secretary of Education

(KVUE) Schwinn previously served as the commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Education from 2019 to 2023. According to Trump, she had experience at the Texas Education Agency, as the deputy commissioner of standards and engagement, deputy commissioner of special populations and monitoring, and chief deputy commissioner of academics.

Austin ISD faces financial strain with outsourced special education services

(KVUE) Bringing those services in-house could save the district a lot of money, but the transition will be expensive.

Tornillo ISD cyber attack exposes student and teacher info to unauthorized foreign user

(KFOX) According to a statement published on the district’s website, PowerSchool, the district’s provider of student information systems, informed the TISD of the incident on December 28. PowerSchool reported that an unauthorized user had accessed student and teacher information through its customer support portal.

Marlin ISD transitions to majority of Elected Board of Trustees

(KCEN) The district has shifted from a majority of state-appointed managers to a locally elected board, after years of state oversight.

Half of Houston ISD’s uncertified teachers are at elementary schools, data shows

(KTRK) Two months after asking HISD for a list of every uncertified teacher, the district finally sent us the names and job titles of its 1,961 uncertified teachers as of Dec. 4.

Hundreds of Pasadena ISD students graduate high school with a college degree. Here’s how.

(Houston Landing) For families in Pasadena, where four of every five students are considered low-income, the dual credit program provides a chance for students to take high school and college classes at the same time for free.

San Antonio ISD says concern over heating, HVAC systems were a ‘factor’ in Wednesday’s school closures

(KSAT) San Antonio ISD was the only school district in Bexar County that did not restart classes on Wednesday after Tuesday’s wintry weather.

Focus at Four: Why Bryan ISD canceled classes when snow wasn’t on the ground

(KBTX) Bryan and College Station ISDs both canceled classes on Wednesday, citing student and staff safety.

Adjusted Laredo ISD basketball schedule helps parents avoid choosing between son and daughter

(Laredo Morning Times) Through the years, parents with a son and daughter playing varsity basketball have often faced the dilemma of choosing which game to attend. Many parents resolved this by splitting their time between their children’s games. This year, that is not the case for District 30-5A. LISD announced last year, after the realignment, that varsity girls would play prior to varsity boys’ basketball games when competing against teams from the Rio Grande Valley during district play. “This is great because we never get to watch the girls play,” Martin boys’ basketball head coach Hecky Noyola said. “It is a good opportunity for us to support and cheer the girls on before our game.”

Brownsville ISD board passes on forensic audit, for now

(myRGV) Brownsville ISD trustees decided to wait and see what multiple ongoing investigations by internal auditor Marco Porras reveal before proceeding further on any possible forensic audit.

Former Bartlett ISD staff member arrested, charged with sexual assault of a child

(KWTX) Bartlett ISD announced that a former staff member, identified by the district as Charles Poling, was arrested on Jan. 16 on charges of improper relationship between an educator/student and sexual assault of a child. The district says they first became aware of an improper student relationship on Aug. 23, 2024, and placed Poling on administrative leave. Following this, BISD says they contacted the Bartlett Police Department and Child Protective Services.

El Paso ISD board denies appeal of ex-police officer accused of framing colleague

(KFOX) The El Paso Independent School District’s Board has denied the appeal of John Solis, a former school district police sergeant, who was arrested on multiple charges. During a special meeting held on Tuesday, the board upheld the superintendent’s decision to reject Solis’s grievance appeal. Solis faces charges of official oppression and tampering with evidence. Authorities accused him of framing a fellow officer and attempting to have the district’s police chief dismissed. In connection with the case, three other members of the EPISD Police Department also face charges. According to EPISD, Solis and the others are no longer employed by the district.

Former coach at Amarillo private school sentenced for child sex crimes

(KFDA) In October 2024, 28-year-old Kegan Matthew Abram was charged with two counts of indecency with a child sexual contact and improper relationship between an educator and student. Court documents state on Jan. 21, Abram pled guilty to all three charges. He received two years of probation for both counts of indecency with a child sexual contact and 10 years probation for the improper relationship charge. He was also fined $3,000 for the improper relationship between an educator and student charge. Court documents state Abram must also register as a sex offender for life and is not allowed within 1,000 feet of Accelerate School or Church.

Harris County Appraisal District records faulted for affordable homebuyers’ incorrect tax bills. Who is to blame?

(Houston Landing) None of the 16 first-time homebuyers’ properties were assigned tax identification numbers, resulting in erroneous bills, and unprocessed exemptions.

Texas’ economy stands to lose billions of dollars without investments into water infrastructure

(KERA) The outlook for water in Texas is looking a bit … dry. The state will face a long-term water deficit if it fails to develop new supplies and gets hit by another multi-year drought, according to a new report. The report also suggests that a prolonged, severe drought, like that of the 1950s or 2011, could cost the state’s economy hundreds of billions of dollars. Texas 2036, a non-profit, public policy organization, commissioned the report to explore the possible consequences of under-investment in the state’s water infrastructure.

Peer support could fill gaps in rural mental health coverage, but low pay challenges sustainability

(Texas Standard) While research shows that the peer support model is effective at improving clients’ well-being, experts say that low pay makes it difficult for people to remain in positions or create livable careers.

UT Arlington receives national recognition for enrolling and graduating underserved students

(Dallas Morning News) The U.S. Department of Education recognized the University of Texas at Arlington for its success in enrolling underserved students and equipping them for careers that lead to economic mobility.

Sweeping Study of Human Viruses by Researchers Including UTHealth Houston Funded with $20M from National Institutes of Health

(NewsWise) Unlocking knowledge about the vast and varied collection of viruses that live in and on our bodies is the goal of a $20 million grant from the Common Fund of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to researchers, including a team at UTHealth Houston.

Fort Worth students bridge tradition and talent at stock show’s mariachi competition

(Fort Worth Report) At the Texas Invitational Mariachi Competition on Jan. 18, high school mariachi ensembles — dressed in dazzling trajes de charro — poured passion and pride into every note. The competition spotlights the skill and dedication of these young musicians, but it also serves as a testament to the enduring power of music to connect and inspire, directors said.

Automotive programs coming soon to Texas State Technical College in Rosenberg

(Fort Bend Star) In addition to an expanded Diesel Equipment Technology program, the new Transportation Center of Excellence at Texas State Technical College’s campus in Rosenberg will host the Automotive Technology and Auto Collision and Management Technology programs.

A guide to private schools in the Conroe, Montgomery area

(Community Impact) This is a noncomprehensive list of private schools in the Conroe and Montgomery area, including several from bordering areas that serve Conroe and Montgomery. Tuition prices are current.

January 22, 2025
Schools no longer protected from immigration raids

(K-12 Dive) Schools will no longer be off limits for immigration enforcement operations under a directive announced by the new Trump administration’s Department of Homeland Security on Tuesday. The directive ends the practice of Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection agents avoiding “sensitive” areas — including elementary and secondary schools, colleges, hospitals and churches — for enforcement actions. Related:

Gov. Greg Abbott wants to extend Texas’ DEI ban to K-12 schools

(Texas Tribune) In 2023, Texas passed a DEI ban at the state’s public universities. Now Abbott wants the state to stop funding diversity programs in K-12 schools. “No taxpayer dollars will be used to fund DEI in our schools,” Abbott said in a post on the social media platform X on Thursday, using the acronym for diversity efforts. “Schools must focus on fundamentals of education, not indoctrination.”

Texas college students, faculty unsure how Abbott’s China order will affect research, travel

(Houston Chronicle) Chinese students and faculty at Texas public universities are awaiting guidance on whether a recent order by Gov. Greg Abbott, designed to protect the state from foreign espionage, might impact their research, travel, contracts and resident status. The order essentially cuts existing university ties with the Chinese government and other “foreign adversaries,” including North Korea, Iran, Cuba, Russia and Venezuelan politician Nicolas Máduro.

Keller ISD controversy: Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office confirms it’s received complaints over split talks

(WFAA) The Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office has gotten complaints about the Keller ISD controversy over the school board’s internal discussions about the controversial talks about potentially splitting the district. Related:

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick says Legislature should clarify Texas abortion law to protect mothers at risk

(Texas Tribune) Patrick on Sunday said the Legislature should amend the language of the state’s near-total abortion ban to address confusion over when doctors may terminate pregnancies.

Tarrant’s new State Board of Education members have differing visions for Texas schools

(Fort Worth Report) Brandon Hall and Tiffany Clark, both newly elected to the State Board of Education, are preparing for their first meeting in Austin.

El Paso School District equity audit reveals funding and disciplinary disparities

(KFOX 14) The El Paso School District Board received a preliminary report from its long-awaited equity audit, revealing significant disparities in funding and disciplinary actions within the district. The audit, conducted by the Mid-Atlantic Equity Consortium (MAEC), began in February of 2024 following a 2020 lawsuit alleging neglect of poor, Hispanic neighborhoods. Related:

Proposal to rename Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America undergoes complex review process

(KRLD) Changing the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America would be a complex process involving multiple steps and stakeholders. Here’s a general outline of how it could be done:

‘I was violently ill’: Doctors warn about dangerous symptom amid norovirus outbreak

(NBC DFW) Health officials are raising alarms about a significant increase in norovirus cases nationwide, including here in North Texas. The highly contagious virus has been spreading since the holiday season and has intensified with children returning to school and many people returning to the office, sending some individuals to emergency rooms.

Fort Worth ISD plans to raise student achievement, close gaps by 2029. Here’s how

(Fort Worth Report) No failing schools. Increases by nearly 20 percentage points in third-grade reading and math proficiency. Reduced chronic absenteeism and increased public engagement. All by 2029. Those are some of the 24 goals outlined in Fort Worth ISD’s new strategic plan, which the school board discussed — and unanimously approved — during its Jan. 21 meeting. Related:

Here’s how many Houston ISD students at each high school graduated in 2023 despite failing STAAR exams

(Houston Chronicle) At nearly half of the district’s high schools, at least 10% of the students who earned diplomas in 2023 failed at least one of the state-mandated exams that are typically required to earn a diploma.

‘Drill baby, drill’? Not So Fast

(Texas Signal Foundation) Simple economics may complicate Trump’s plans to expand fracking and other oil and gas production.

Answer Key: My child might need special education services. Where do I start?

(Houston Landing) State and federal law guides the process of determining eligibility for special education services, though the process can be confusing.

How Dallas’ youngest learners helped DISD defy enrollment trends

(Dallas Morning News) Many Texas districts instead lost students, which forced some local school leaders to have tough conversations about budget crunches and campus closures. Following major drops after the pandemic, enrollment losses are compounded by declining birth rates and other factors. One reason DISD escaped the trend was because of its early childhood education program, officials said. There are more than 250 additional pre-K students in DISD this year than there were last year.

2025 Trend to Watch: School Bus Driver Shortage Coming to a Close?

(School Bus Fleet) The nationwide bus driver shortage has been a topic of discussion for a while now, but some districts are starting to find solutions. Klein Independent School District in Texas implemented strategies that allowed it to avoid the effects of the shortage altogether. Using aggressive hiring, recruiting, and retention strategies, Klein ISD maintained a steady team of drivers and kept its buses rolling. The key to its success was proactively focusing on engaging candidates, offering competitive pay, and providing a supportive work environment.

Wichita Falls ISD severs 18-year relationship with Durham, to use new transportation service

(KAUZ) GoldStar Transit is WFISD’s new transportation service provider after the district’s board voted Tuesday night to make it the primary bus service used. For nearly two decades, WFISD contracted with Durham Bus Services. However, after a transportation committee comprised of six district leaders weighed the pros and cons, spoke with districts that use GoldStar and scored the two options, GoldStar emerged as the favorite.

No students injured in Vidor ISD school bus wreck

(12 News) No major injuries were reported following a wreck between a Vidor Independent School District school bus and a pickup truck along FM 105 Friday morning just inside Jasper County. None of the students or the bus driver were injured in the accident according to a statement from the Vidor Independent School District. The pickup, which had heavy front end damage, appears to have struck the rear of the bus which was in the southbound lanes after the wreck.

New Montgomery ISD demographic study predicts 35% enrollment rise over next decade

(Community Impact) Montgomery ISD can expect about a 35% enrollment growth over the next decade, according to a Dec. 17 demographics report, but data shows this surge may be more conservative than previously predicted.

Business owners, students question Dallas barber school claims upon sudden closure

(NBC DFW) Days after a Dallas barber school shut its doors suddenly and told students they would be accepted at another school without paying any extra cost, that other barber academy tells NBC 5 they never reached any such agreement. Business records from Blade Craft obtained by NBC 5 show that according to the school’s tuition refund policy, it would owe at least $177,600 in refunds to students.

Former Robert Lee ISD Teacher, Coach Arrested for Continuous Assault of Child

(San Angelo Live) Justin Esquell, 49, who taught and coached at Robert Lee from 2014 to 2024, allegedly abused a child from March 21, 2020, to Oct. 5, 2024, according to the indictment. The victim was under 14 when the alleged abuse began. Esquell was also a former football coach and athletic director at Water Valley.

UNT Health Science Center president to resign after scrutiny of unclaimed body program

(Dallas Morning News) The University of North Texas System announced the president of its Fort Worth-based Health Science Center will resign, effective at the end of the month, after more than two years in the role. The system’s Board of Regents on Monday accepted the resignation of Sylvia Trent-Adams by “mutual agreement” from the top position, the medical school said in a brief statement. The announcement comes as the school is facing rising scrutiny over a now-suspended program’s handling of unclaimed bodies.

UT Austin appoints new assistant vice president to lead technology transfer efforts, foster student entrepreneurship

(Daily Texan) UT appointed a new assistant vice president on the Discovery to Impact team to lead technology transfer efforts, according to a Jan. 9 press release. The Discovery to Impact team collaborates with inventors, startups and established businesses to bring new products and services to life. Andrew Maas will oversee the University’s efforts to commercialize research and drive innovation in his new role. 

San Juan teen arrested for threatening school shooting

(myRGV) A 17-year-old San Juan teen has been arrested after threatening to “shoot up the school,” which he claimed to be a joke prior to his arrest, according to a news release from the city of Edinburg. Juan Gonzalez allegedly made a comment about “shooting up the school,” directed at South Texas ISD World Scholars on Saturday, which was reported to the Edinburg Police Department on Monday.

How can Texas prepare Dallas youth to obtain a livable wage?

(Dallas Morning News) Report says young adults in Dallas County have a 1-in-3 chance of earning a livable wage.

Remembering Cecile Richards

(Texas Signal Media Foundation) On Monday, the family of Cecile Richards, the former president of Planned Parenthood, announced that she had died. Richards is now being remembered by many as an advocate for women’s and worker’s rights.

January 17, 2025
Texas Health and Human Services discloses data breach, exposing 61,000 to fraud

(Dallas Morning News) Texas Health and Human Services Commission announced Friday morning that a privacy breach at the agency has exposed the personal information of at least 61,000 Texans, opening them up to potential fraud. HHSC learned on Nov. 21 that an unidentified number of employees may have been “improperly” accessing people’s identifying information. The agency terminated those involved and reported the situation to the Office of Inspector General, the announcement said. The agency sent out its announcement over email on Friday morning, a couple hours after The Texas Tribune published a story about the breach. Related:

Parents slam Keller ISD board over district split idea, superintendent floats resignation

(Dallas Morning News) Keller families lambasted their school board on Thursday night during a heated meeting about a proposal to split the district in two. The idea, which the board discussed but took no action on, has so inflamed the community that Superintendent Tracy Johnson said she was prepared to resign. “I don’t agree with this,” Johnson said of the proposal. After hours of tense public testimony from parents, School board president Charles Randklev committed that the board would get more community feedback and create a webpage to share information. He described the split proposal as far from finalized.

Texas schools see recent spate of swatting calls

(Texas Public Radio) Several school districts have reported false claims of active threats on various campuses, also known as “swatting.” The Uvalde school district put a high school and middle school on hold Thursday due to false threats. The holds were lifted once law enforcement determined campuses were safe. Edgewood ISD also placed Kennedy High School on lockdown Thursday following a hoax call. Poteet ISD evacuated students from campuses last week after a false bomb threat.

Houston ISD Board of Managers retroactively approves $870M in contracts after purchasing policy violation

(Houston Chronicle) Houston ISD’s Board of Managers voted Thursday to retroactively approve up to $870 million in purchasing agreements after the state’s largest school district admitted to violating procurement policy for approximately 16 months. Related:

Cy-Fair ISD trustees overwhelmingly pass controversial gender identity policy

(Houston Public Media) Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District trustees on Thursday night overwhelmingly passed a policy that would notify families if their child uses a pronoun in school that is different from their biological sex. Related:

Whitney ISD proposes 4 day school week to address teacher shortages

(KXXV) The Whitney ISD Board of Trustees is exploring a shift to a four-day school week for the 2025-26 academic year to address ongoing teacher recruitment and retention challenges. The district presented the proposal during Monday night’s board meeting, citing a sharp decline in teacher applicants and difficulties competing with regional salary averages.

Student who brought toy gun to Arlington school arrested; lockdown lifted, police say

(Fort Worth Star-Telegram) A school in Arlington was on a temporary lockdown on Thursday, Jan. 16 after a student came to school with a toy BB gun in their backpack. Officers found the student who had a plastic toy gun in their backpack. Further investigation revealed that the student sent a threatening text message prior to arriving at school and brought the toy gun to school to intimidate another person, police said. The student was arrested on suspicion of making a terroristic threat and transported to the Tarrant County Juvenile Detention Center.

Tomball ISD school board approves purchase of new bus-routing technology

(Community Impact) Transfinder, TISD’s active bus-routing software, will no longer support third-party systems after June 30. Therefore, the school district had to develop a new solution and contract to secure services for the community. TISD will pay $1.2 million to enter a five-year agreement with Transfinder for its Stopfinder and Wayfinder platforms, two additions that TISD Chief Operating Officer Steven Gutierrez said will further streamline communication.

Fort Worth ISD school board approves nearly $72M in spending. Here’s what they bought in December

(Fort Worth Report) Fort Worth ISD’s December purchases ranged from large renovation contracts to safety fence installations at elementary schools.

Donna ISD consolidating two schools into new learning academies

(myRGV) The Donna school board approved the consolidation of two elementary schools to transition students into three new academies focused on arts and science for the 2025-2026 school year. The new academies were inspired by the success of the Rivas Primary Discovery Academy that garnered the H-E-B Excellence in Education Early Childhood Award in 2024. The academy focuses on students from Pre-K through second grade and uses traditional classroom instruction and multiple hands-on activities.

La Joya ISD consolidates early college high schools, associate degree programs

(myRGV) The La Joya school board voted Wednesday evening to approve the consolidation of all four of its early college high school programs and changing the associate degree programs, streamlining offerings down to four options to improve student outcomes and associate degree attainment.

Texas GOP chair claims church-state separation is a myth as lawmakers, pastors prep for “spiritual battle”

(Texas Tribune) Two hours after Rep. Dustin Burrows of Lubbock was elected Texas House speaker on Tuesday, Christian worshippers gathered in a Capitol meeting room to prepare for “spiritual war” and protect lawmakers from demonic forces.

Affidavit: Victim who was abused by El Paso man for years pleaded for help to teacher

(KFOX 14) An El Paso man was sentenced to over forty years behind bars for sexually abusing a child on Wednesday. According to the El Paso District Attorney’s Office, Archie Antonio Bridges was sentenced to 45 years in prison after a jury found him guilty of continuous sexual abuse to a child. The abuse would happen at a relative’s house. According to the affidavit, these sexual acts occurred over seven times, and the victim was told not to say anything. The document also revealed that two years ago the child had written a note to her teacher explaining that she was being sexually abused and raped. The letter stated that the child had been raped for five months and needed to tell someone to “get it off her chest.” Bridges will be serving his sentence without the possibility of parole.

Kentucky superintendent has three-word clap back at complaint from Texas ‘school choice evangelist’

(RawStory) A Texas man filed a complaint against a Kentucky school district this week, according to News From The States, alleging that his “online speech” was “restricted” after “he criticized the school district’s posts opposing the amendment that would have opened a path to school vouchers and charter schools” in the state. “Bless his heart,” Pulaski County Schools Superintendent Patrick Richardson said in response to the complaint. “Oddly enough, I wonder why a person from Texas would be so interested in Kentucky, especially Pulaski County?”

How North Texas students are prioritizing mental health amid rise in youth suicides

(Dallas Morning News) More than 1,000 students attended the Texas Peer-to-Peer Youth Conference hosted by the Grant Halliburton Foundation, Jordan Elizabeth Harris Foundation and the Grace Loncar Foundation.

New study shows two-thirds of Houstonians struggle to reach financial stability

(Community Impact) Just one in three Houston-area residents can cover three months of living expenses using savings—an indicator of financial stability, according to a recent study from Rice University’s Kinder Institute for Urban Research in partnership with the United Way of Greater Houston.

Dallas ISD: An Examination Of The Alarming Issue Of Teacher-Related Sexual Abuse

(Dallas Express) A public record database shows more than 100 teacher sex abuse cases – many shrouded in mystery – in Dallas ISD in recent years. Out of several hundred misconduct cases, approximately 150 had a sexual element, the Texas Public School Teacher Discipline database by the Open Records Project revealed.

Student taken into custody after false fire report disrupts Manor High School drill

(CBS Austin) A student has been taken into custody after falsely reporting a fire during a scheduled drill at Manor High School on Thursday. The Manor Police Department, Travis County Emergency Services District 12, and Manor ISD Police responded to the school for a report of a classroom on fire at around 2:30 p.m. At the time, the school was following a scheduled fire drill. After the investigation, police determined a student called 9-1-1 during the drill and falsely reported the incident.

Former Celina ISD bus monitor charged with indecency and improper relationship with student

(CBS News) A former Celina ISD bus monitor has been terminated and charged with indecency with a child and an improper relationship between an educator and a student, according to police and school officials. Timothy Adams, 76, was immediately dismissed this week after district officials were informed of allegations of “inappropriate contact” with a female CISD student, as stated in a letter from Superintendent Tom Maglisceau.

Former Bartlett ISD staff member arrested, charged with sexual assault of a child

(KWTX) Bartlett ISD announced that a former staff member was arrested Wednesday afternoon on charges of improper relationship between an educator/student and sexual assault of a child. BISD says they will not be releasing confidential information on the people involved in the incident in accordance with state and federal law and out of respect for their privacy.

January 16, 2025
‘How valid and reliable is this?’: Dallas ISD raises questions about STAAR test scoring

(Dallas Morning News) Texas’ use of computers to score written answers on the state standardized test is under scrutiny in Dallas after school officials learned that thousands of students were awarded marks that were too low. Dallas ISD Superintendent Stephanie Elizalde said the district asked the state education agency to review a sample of STAAR responses to confirm that students earned the correct score. Of the more than 4,600 answers that DISD submitted, roughly 43% showed an improvement after they were rescored.

Only 1% of Texans say school vouchers a top issue for state legislature

(CBS Austin) Texas voters were recently asked about their top legislative priority and school vouchers did not do well at all. The top response from voters– immigration/border security– was offered by 22% of the respondents. School vouchers was the top priority for only 1% of those polled. But supporters of school vouchers say the new UT Texas Politics Project poll is just one poll and does not reflect the thousands who want this to happen.

U.S. Supreme Court divided on Texas age-verification law for porn sites

(SCOTUS.blog) The Supreme Court on Wednesday was divided over a challenge to a Texas law that requires pornography sites to verify the age of their users before providing access. Last year a federal appeals court in New Orleans allowed the state to enforce the law, holding that it was rationally related to the government’s interest in preventing young people from viewing porn.

Harlingen school district cash reserve climbs from $19.8M to $20.7M

(myRGV) The school district’s cash reserves are climbing back after diving $23.2 million. The budget’s total fund balance is standing at $21.9 million, with $20.7 million of that money making up unassigned reserves as of Dec. 31, officials said. In a meeting, Ida Ambriz, the district’s new interim superintendent for business services, told board members the general fund budget’s cash reserves are climbing about $1 million a month.

Katy ISD survey found frequent use of Chromebooks in classroom

(Community Impact) Four months into the launch of Katy ISD’s Class 1:1 Chromebook program, most parents, teachers and students surveyed said it has had a positive impact on their learning. However, district officials said there were students who faced technical difficulties at home and in school.

North Texas school districts warned after PowerSchool data breach exposes student information

(CBS Texas) A technology company used by many school districts, including some here in North Texas, has been impacted by a data breach. PowerSchool stores sensitive student information. On its website, PowerSchool states that it serves more than 90 of the top 100 U.S. districts by student enrollment. This includes Dallas ISD. Now, the district has notified parents about a potential data breach in the student tracking software. “It’s an incredibly big deal,” cyber security expert and Vistrada Director of Cyber Security Matt Malone said.

Houston ISD school illicitly charged parents fee for late pickups

(Houston Chronicle) Houston ISD put the brakes on a North Houston elementary school that was charging parents a fee for picking up their children late.

El Paso ISD grapples with attendance woes; district loses $700K in state funding

(KFOX 14) Coronado High School is facing significant challenges with student attendance, resulting in a substantial loss of state funding for the El Paso School District. A recent audit revealed that the school recorded 11,510 unexcused absences in the first semester of this school year, leading to a loss of $700,156.35 in state funding. Parents and school officials are divided on the reasons behind the high number of absences.

Dallas ISD Trustee Weighs In On District’s H-1B Usage

(Dallas Express) A member of the Dallas Independent School District (DISD) has weighed in on the district’s use of foreign labor to fill its teaching and staffing positions. Mackey was asked, “Why has DISD chosen to hire foreign teachers through the H-1B visa program despite reports of a surplus of unemployed teachers in North Texas?” Mackey explained that the district has found itself unable to find suitable domestic labor.

Commentary: Will Someone Please Help Texas School Teachers?

(RiskManagers.us) Texas public school employees have effectively become second class citizens earning less each year. The TRS ActiveCare government health plan for Texas public school districts steals from annual raises through higher health insurance premiums while further eroding paychecks through benefit reductions. More than 400,000 Texas school employees have effectively become dysfunctionally uninsured. Someone needs to sponsor a bill mandating the state’s government health plan to consider proven market driven options that reduce health insurance costs while improving benefits at the same time. This is the only way to move TRS ActiveCare bureaucrats off dead center.

Former Longview ISD coach accused of child sexual assault

(KLTV) In a release, Longview ISD said the allegation against D’Marjai Dearion, 25, was made Monday. They said he was immediately placed on administrative leave and resigned after his arrest Tuesday. Longview police also released a statement, saying officers learned Dearion had sexually assaulted a teenaged girl. According to the release, since 2023 Dearion worked at Judson Middle School, East Texas Montessori Prep Academy, and Forest Park Middle School.

Former Canyon Lake High School teacher charged with 18 additional crimes involving minors, records show

(KSAT) Orlando Naumann was previously arrested on allegations of having an improper relationship with a student.

Should the Public Know the Racial Breakdown of Texas State University Drug Punishments?

(Austin Chronicle) Local nonprofit news outlet seeks data through lawsuit.

To slow the spread of bird flu, Texas communities encouraged to remove birdbaths and feeders

(Texas Public Radio) Communities in Texas are being urged to take action to slow the spread of bird flu in the avian population. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) offers suggestions on ways to be cautious and careful.

Texas should close prisons and jails with staffing challenges, state oversight panel says

(Texas Tribune) The Texas agency that manages the state’s prisons and jails should close correctional facilities with staffing challenges and do a better job at supervising inmate rehabilitation programs, the Texas Sunset Advisory Commission said Wednesday.

Lorne Michaels Entrusts U.T. Austin’s Harry Ransom Center With Historic ‘SNL’ Collection

(UT News) Lorne Michaels, the creator and executive producer of “Saturday Night Live,” has donated his archive to the Harry Ransom Center at The University of Texas at Austin. The Lorne Michaels Collection documents Michaels’ career in television from his earliest writing for “Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In” and “The Beautiful Phyllis Diller Show” up through and including the nearly 50-year history of “Saturday Night Live,” the most Emmy Award-nominated show in television history.

‘A freaking disaster’: A surprise renovation creates chaos at Houston’s University of St. Thomas

(Houston Chronicle) Troubles in music department linger as the university struggles with financial challenges.

SMU challenges authority of Methodist Church in Texas Supreme Court hearing

(KERA) In a bid to sever ties with the United Methodist Church, Southern Methodist University told Texas Supreme Court justices Wednesday the school is an independent entity and controlled solely by its board of trustees as ultimate authority. The argument came as part of the church’s lawsuit against SMU, which has challenged the authority the UMC has over the university.

January 15, 2025
Rep. Dustin Burrows voted Texas House speaker in blow to insurgent GOP movement

(Texas Tribune) Burrows defeated Rep. David Cook with a coalition of Republican and Democratic votes.

Opinion: How campaign megadonors are eroding the independence of Texas lawmakers as the Legislature opens

(Houston Chronicle) The public gallery overlooking the Texas House of Representatives is nicknamed “the owners’ box,” because that’s where major campaign donors and their lobbyists sit when overseeing lawmakers doing their bidding.

‘Not sustainable’: San Angelo ISD superintendent suggests closing three elementary schools

(Concho Valley Homepage) During a school board meeting on Monday, Jan. 13, San Angelo ISD Superintendent Dr. Christopher Moran reported that the current number of elementary schools within the district is not sustainable and suggested closing three school campuses. No official decision has been made.

Eanes ISD school board votes to combine two elementary schools to save money

(KUT) The district said it will save $2 million by closing Valley View after the current school year and sending students to Barton Creek. Some families criticized the decision as shortsighted and rushed.

Keller ISD board’s private discussion about district split was violation of law, lawyer says

(WFAA) According to Bill Aleshire, an attorney with the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas, an issue that represents a special interest to the public must be discussed publicly. Aleshire spent 12 years as the Travis County judge. The district’s Dec. 19 agenda didn’t include any mention of a plan to split the district. Discussing it privately was a violation of the Texas Open Meetings Act, Aleshire said. WFAA reached out to a spokesperson for Tarrant County Criminal District Attorney Phil Sorrells on the matter but did not hear back. Keller ISD School Board President Dr. Charles Randklev didn’t respond to WFAA’s request for comment.

Aldine ISD leaders pledge more communication, public meetings on proposed school closures

(Houston Landing) Aldine board members are scheduled to vote Feb. 25 on whether to close campuses, which would save an estimated $32.5 million per year, district administrators said. The district ran a $65 million deficit in 2023-24 and passed a budget for this fiscal year with a nearly $100 million deficit. In response to questions from the Houston Landing about communication with families, district leaders confirmed Tuesday that they plan to publish information about the closure plan later this week and start holding community meetings next week. 

Fast-growing Collin County city in North Texas extends pause on all residential development

(WFAA) The city council in Princeton in rapidly growing Collin County approved a moratorium on new residential housing projects in September “to allow the city to thoroughly assess the City’s infrastructure and public services.” The moratorium was set to last 120 days before it was extended. On Monday, the Princeton city council approved extending the moratorium for 180 days – through July 12, 2025. After that, the city council will decide whether or not to extend it again or let it expire.

Alvin ISD officials provide update on tornado damaged Walt Disney Elementary

(Community Impact) While the district is still unsure, demolition could be a possible option for Walt Disney Elementary School if insurance assessments deem the school a total loss, Alvin ISD officials said at the board of trustees Jan. 14 meeting. Related:

The air in 12 Texas counties exceeded federal soot standards. Only four may face consequences.

(Texas Tribune) Critics say TCEQ is erroneously using a federal rule to exclude counties that are failing federal soot rules.

Texas A&M cancels conference trip excluding White and Asian students after governor backlash

(Fox News) Texas A&M University pulled the brakes on an upcoming conference trip after Republican Gov. Greg Abbott discovered that only applicants of a particular race could attend.

Rodent sightings at a Houston ISD middle school prompt safety concerns

(Houston Public Media) Rodents have been sighted in a Houston ISD middle school in Montrose, Superintendent Mike Miles confirmed Monday, adding that the district is following its pest control procedures. Staff members at Lanier Middle School are alleging that the campus has been dealing with the rodent issue since Thanksgiving, and it’s impacting their work, according to Houston TV station ABC13.

Heart of Texas Cheer employee accused of embezzling more than $42K: Affidavit

(KWTX) A Texas woman is accused of embezzling more than $42,000 from Heart of Texas Cheer & Dance (HOT Cheer), an arrest warrant affidavit obtained by KWTX states. Alison Shannon Morris, 44, is charged with theft of property over $30,000 under $150,000, according to the document. Morris is listed as Alison Creel Morris in online jail records.

Fact check: Are Texas schools paid to use TEA’s Bible-infused lessons?

(Houston Chronicle) Controversy has surrounded new state-approved lessons referencing the Bible that are being offered as part of the Texas Education Agency’s elementary reading curriculum, with some confusion on financial incentives to adopt the materials. Months after the State Board of Education approved the materials created through House Bill 1605, some districts still don’t know exactly how the funding will be used and what the limitations are. 

San Antonio ISD leaders scrutinize budget, aim to reduce deficit

(San Antonio Report) San Antonio Independent School District officials met Monday to discuss financial matters. As the district continues to struggle with student enrollment, it shared some promising projections in ongoing efforts to cut a budget deficit.

U.S. House passes bill to restrict transgender students’ participation in girls’ sports

(K-12 Dive) The Senate has introduced companion legislation, though the proposal may have a tough time overcoming the chamber’s filibuster rule.

What do FAFSA completion rates look like post-pandemic?

(K-12 Dive) Lower shares of middle-income students in the class of 2023 completed the federal financial aid form than those who graduated before the health crisis.

Timberview HS shooting victim dies in separate shooting 4 years later, police confirm

(WFAA) Zacchaeus Selby-Mukum was 15 years old when he was injured in the Timberview High School shooting. Now 19, he was shot again Monday night and he died, police said.

Two Laredo teens face new charges after second victim comes forward in hazing case

(KGNS) New information has emerged regarding the two United ISD students previously arrested in connection with an alleged hazing incident. Matthew Rabago and David Cardenas, both 17, were arrested again after a second victim came forward, according to the Laredo Police Department. The teens now face two counts of assault causing bodily injury each. The original incident, which led to their first arrest, was reported to have occurred off campus, as confirmed by United ISD in a statement issued on December 20. Police have stated that the investigation is ongoing.

United ISD monitors illness cases among students and staff

(KGNS) School officials are closely monitoring the rise in reported cases of illness among students and staff. To help prevent further spread, they are stressing the importance of good hygiene practices, such as frequent handwashing and avoiding face contact. According to the district, they have seen cases of the flu and pneumonia.

North Houston parents question $1-per-minute late pickup fee at elementary school

(Fox 26 Houston) Two mothers from North Houston are questioning a policy at Houston ISD’s Herrera Elementary School that charges parents $1 per minute if their children are picked up late. The parents are seeking clarification on whether the school is authorized to impose such fees. While a $1-per-minute late fee is not unusual in daycare or after-school programs, applying this policy to regular school dismissal times is something the parents say they have never encountered. FOX 26 has reached out to HISD for an explanation of this policy for regular class dismissal.

San Antonio school and daycare asks to join lawsuit against nearby gun club over safety concerns, stray rounds

(KSAT) A private school and daycare on the Northwest Side has asked to join a lawsuit against the nearby San Antonio Target, Hunting and Fishing Club.

Texarkana Texas High School marching band to participate in Presidential Inaugural Parade this month

(KSLA) The band has been selected to perform in Washington, D.C., as part of the Presidential Inaugural Parade.

SpaceX launches two moon landers — one built in Texas — on Wednesday morning

(Houston Chronicle) Two moon landers — one from Texas and the other from Japan — began their journey to the lunar surface on Wednesday morning. Related:

County gave murder victim’s body to UNT for-profit program – without family’s knowledge

(Texas Standard) NBC investigation offers a glimpse into the legal trade for human body parts.

In retrograde: UT Dallas students fight to preserve independence, free press

(Texas Standard) Staff members of the Mercury student newspaper of UT Dallas say the paper’s coverage of the pro-Palestine protests last year drew reprisals from the administration. Here’s how they pushed back.

January 15, 2025
Rep. Dustin Burrows voted Texas House speaker in blow to insurgent GOP movement

(Texas Tribune) Burrows defeated Rep. David Cook with a coalition of Republican and Democratic votes.

Opinion: How campaign megadonors are eroding the independence of Texas lawmakers as the Legislature opens

(Houston Chronicle) The public gallery overlooking the Texas House of Representatives is nicknamed “the owners’ box,” because that’s where major campaign donors and their lobbyists sit when overseeing lawmakers doing their bidding.

‘Not sustainable’: San Angelo ISD superintendent suggests closing three elementary schools

(Concho Valley Homepage) During a school board meeting on Monday, Jan. 13, San Angelo ISD Superintendent Dr. Christopher Moran reported that the current number of elementary schools within the district is not sustainable and suggested closing three school campuses. No official decision has been made.

Eanes ISD school board votes to combine two elementary schools to save money

(KUT) The district said it will save $2 million by closing Valley View after the current school year and sending students to Barton Creek. Some families criticized the decision as shortsighted and rushed.

Keller ISD board’s private discussion about district split was violation of law, lawyer says

(WFAA) According to Bill Aleshire, an attorney with the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas, an issue that represents a special interest to the public must be discussed publicly. Aleshire spent 12 years as the Travis County judge. The district’s Dec. 19 agenda didn’t include any mention of a plan to split the district. Discussing it privately was a violation of the Texas Open Meetings Act, Aleshire said. WFAA reached out to a spokesperson for Tarrant County Criminal District Attorney Phil Sorrells on the matter but did not hear back. Keller ISD School Board President Dr. Charles Randklev didn’t respond to WFAA’s request for comment.

Aldine ISD leaders pledge more communication, public meetings on proposed school closures

(Houston Landing) Aldine board members are scheduled to vote Feb. 25 on whether to close campuses, which would save an estimated $32.5 million per year, district administrators said. The district ran a $65 million deficit in 2023-24 and passed a budget for this fiscal year with a nearly $100 million deficit. In response to questions from the Houston Landing about communication with families, district leaders confirmed Tuesday that they plan to publish information about the closure plan later this week and start holding community meetings next week. 

Fast-growing Collin County city in North Texas extends pause on all residential development

(WFAA) The city council in Princeton in rapidly growing Collin County approved a moratorium on new residential housing projects in September “to allow the city to thoroughly assess the City’s infrastructure and public services.” The moratorium was set to last 120 days before it was extended. On Monday, the Princeton city council approved extending the moratorium for 180 days – through July 12, 2025. After that, the city council will decide whether or not to extend it again or let it expire.

Alvin ISD officials provide update on tornado damaged Walt Disney Elementary

(Community Impact) While the district is still unsure, demolition could be a possible option for Walt Disney Elementary School if insurance assessments deem the school a total loss, Alvin ISD officials said at the board of trustees Jan. 14 meeting. Related:

The air in 12 Texas counties exceeded federal soot standards. Only four may face consequences.

(Texas Tribune) Critics say TCEQ is erroneously using a federal rule to exclude counties that are failing federal soot rules.

Texas A&M cancels conference trip excluding White and Asian students after governor backlash

(Fox News) Texas A&M University pulled the brakes on an upcoming conference trip after Republican Gov. Greg Abbott discovered that only applicants of a particular race could attend.

Rodent sightings at a Houston ISD middle school prompt safety concerns

(Houston Public Media) Rodents have been sighted in a Houston ISD middle school in Montrose, Superintendent Mike Miles confirmed Monday, adding that the district is following its pest control procedures. Staff members at Lanier Middle School are alleging that the campus has been dealing with the rodent issue since Thanksgiving, and it’s impacting their work, according to Houston TV station ABC13.

Heart of Texas Cheer employee accused of embezzling more than $42K: Affidavit

(KWTX) A Texas woman is accused of embezzling more than $42,000 from Heart of Texas Cheer & Dance (HOT Cheer), an arrest warrant affidavit obtained by KWTX states. Alison Shannon Morris, 44, is charged with theft of property over $30,000 under $150,000, according to the document. Morris is listed as Alison Creel Morris in online jail records.

Fact check: Are Texas schools paid to use TEA’s Bible-infused lessons?

(Houston Chronicle) Controversy has surrounded new state-approved lessons referencing the Bible that are being offered as part of the Texas Education Agency’s elementary reading curriculum, with some confusion on financial incentives to adopt the materials. Months after the State Board of Education approved the materials created through House Bill 1605, some districts still don’t know exactly how the funding will be used and what the limitations are. 

San Antonio ISD leaders scrutinize budget, aim to reduce deficit

(San Antonio Report) San Antonio Independent School District officials met Monday to discuss financial matters. As the district continues to struggle with student enrollment, it shared some promising projections in ongoing efforts to cut a budget deficit.

U.S. House passes bill to restrict transgender students’ participation in girls’ sports

(K-12 Dive) The Senate has introduced companion legislation, though the proposal may have a tough time overcoming the chamber’s filibuster rule.

What do FAFSA completion rates look like post-pandemic?

(K-12 Dive) Lower shares of middle-income students in the class of 2023 completed the federal financial aid form than those who graduated before the health crisis.

Timberview HS shooting victim dies in separate shooting 4 years later, police confirm

(WFAA) Zacchaeus Selby-Mukum was 15 years old when he was injured in the Timberview High School shooting. Now 19, he was shot again Monday night and he died, police said.

Two Laredo teens face new charges after second victim comes forward in hazing case

(KGNS) New information has emerged regarding the two United ISD students previously arrested in connection with an alleged hazing incident. Matthew Rabago and David Cardenas, both 17, were arrested again after a second victim came forward, according to the Laredo Police Department. The teens now face two counts of assault causing bodily injury each. The original incident, which led to their first arrest, was reported to have occurred off campus, as confirmed by United ISD in a statement issued on December 20. Police have stated that the investigation is ongoing.

United ISD monitors illness cases among students and staff

(KGNS) School officials are closely monitoring the rise in reported cases of illness among students and staff. To help prevent further spread, they are stressing the importance of good hygiene practices, such as frequent handwashing and avoiding face contact. According to the district, they have seen cases of the flu and pneumonia.

North Houston parents question $1-per-minute late pickup fee at elementary school

(Fox 26 Houston) Two mothers from North Houston are questioning a policy at Houston ISD’s Herrera Elementary School that charges parents $1 per minute if their children are picked up late. The parents are seeking clarification on whether the school is authorized to impose such fees. While a $1-per-minute late fee is not unusual in daycare or after-school programs, applying this policy to regular school dismissal times is something the parents say they have never encountered. FOX 26 has reached out to HISD for an explanation of this policy for regular class dismissal.

San Antonio school and daycare asks to join lawsuit against nearby gun club over safety concerns, stray rounds

(KSAT) A private school and daycare on the Northwest Side has asked to join a lawsuit against the nearby San Antonio Target, Hunting and Fishing Club.

Texarkana Texas High School marching band to participate in Presidential Inaugural Parade this month

(KSLA) The band has been selected to perform in Washington, D.C., as part of the Presidential Inaugural Parade.

SpaceX launches two moon landers — one built in Texas — on Wednesday morning

(Houston Chronicle) Two moon landers — one from Texas and the other from Japan — began their journey to the lunar surface on Wednesday morning. Related:

County gave murder victim’s body to UNT for-profit program – without family’s knowledge

(Texas Standard) NBC investigation offers a glimpse into the legal trade for human body parts.

In retrograde: UT Dallas students fight to preserve independence, free press

(Texas Standard) Staff members of the Mercury student newspaper of UT Dallas say the paper’s coverage of the pro-Palestine protests last year drew reprisals from the administration. Here’s how they pushed back.

January 14, 2025
The Texas Legislature is back. Here’s what we’re watching

(Texas Tribune) From debating school vouchers and improving the state’s water supply to reining in property taxes, the GOP-led body will look to pass its conservative priorities amid fighting within the party.

Texas lawmakers will have $194.6 billion to spend for the next budget, comptroller projects

(Texas Tribune) Texas is projected to have $194.6 billion available in general revenue to fund the business of the state over the 2026-2027 biennium, a slight decrease from the last budget cycle while still putting Texas in a strong financial position, Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar said Monday in his biennial revenue estimate to state lawmakers and leaders.

Billionaires Swoop In to Fund Abbott’s Texas School-Voucher Push

(Bloomberg) Jeff Yass is about to find out what $16 million gets him in Texas. Conservative billionaires including West Texas oilman Tim Dunn and packaging tycoon Richard Uihlein chipped in millions of their own to back vouchers that can be used to pay private schools, and the issue is set to be a top priority for the GOP-dominated state legislature as it opens its biennial session Tuesday. That makes Texas a top battleground in a national push backed by President-elect Donald Trump to expand school-choice plans.

Trump’s Texas Tycoons

(Texas Observer) Meet the Lone Star megadonors, think tankers, and politicians poised to play big roles in Trump’s comeback tour.

PowerSchool hack could affect millions of K-12 students

(DigitalTrends) Education software giant PowerSchool suffered from a hack that might have put the sensitive data of K-12 students and teachers at risk. It’s unclear how many people were affected, but the PowerSchool Student Information System (SIS) platform contains the data of over 60 million students and 18,000 customers. Related:

Gov. Abbott Threatens to Fire Texas A&M President Over Sponsorship of DEI Conference

(Texas Scorecard) Gov. Greg Abbott has issued a stark warning to Texas A&M University, threatening to fire President Mark Welsh if the institution continues to sponsor student travel to a conference that enforces racial exclusions.

Judge rules that DA must give details in case against Houston ISD educator accused of cheating scandal

(Houston Chronicle) The Harris County District Attorney’s Office needs to provide more details in its case against LaShonda Roberts, a former Houston ISD administrator alleged to be involved in a teacher certification exam cheating ring, a judge has ruled.

Houston ISD leaders failed to get board approval for up to $870 million in spending, records show

(Houston Landing) Houston ISD Superintendent Mike Miles’ administration greenlit about $870 million in spending over the past 16 months without receiving required school board approval, breaking district policy and frustrating some board members. In a video posted Monday morning on YouTube, Miles said HISD administrators did not intentionally hide any agreements. Miles said district staff misunderstood district policy and have now corrected the issue.

Houston ISD: Weapons Detection, Weather Worries and Millions Spent Without Required Board Approval

(Houston Press) Asked how he expects they’ll be able to move students through quickly especially in schools with massive student numbers, Miles explained these are a different kind of metal detector. “These are your new type of security weapon detections systems where you can get 600 kids going through those towers in 30 minutes or so. So if you have a school like Lamar it needs several towers, in fact they have seven. Seven sets of towers.”

Cy-Fair ISD board may adopt controversial policy that ‘outs’ transgender students to their parents

(Houston Chronicle) Cypress-Fairbanks ISD trustees are considering a gender policy that could require staff to notify parents if their child uses a pronoun at school other than their biological sex. Staff would also be prohibited from diagnosing or treating a student with “gender dysphoria” under what some are calling a “hateful policy.”

Edcouch-Elsa school district working to reduce budget deficit

(myRGV) “We have to stick to the budget, because a little bit here and a little bit there, really at the end, increases that deficit that we approved,” Superintendent Aida Benavides said. “We’re all cognizant of the fact that we approved a budget with a $2.5 (million) deficit. So if we continue to include things on the agenda that are not in the budget, it’s just going to get worse.”

Eanes ISD families prepare to say goodbye to an elementary school on chopping block

(KUT) The school board will vote Tuesday on whether to shut down Valley View Elementary and send students to Barton Creek during the next school year. Some families worry the decision is being rushed.

Challenge to Texas age-verification on porn sites comes to U.S. Supreme Court

(SCOTUSblog) The justices will hear arguments in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton on Wednesday.

‘A history of dysfunction’: South San’s troubled culture could trigger board removal

(San Antonio Express-News) As the district faces a possible state takeover after another year of poor governance, community members are left with two big questions: What makes South San leaders so prone to chaos? And why, after so long, has so little changed? Abe Saavedra, the district’s state-appointed conservator, said the answer to the second question is easy. “When that’s the way things have been, it’s difficult for individuals to change behavior,” said Saavedra, a former South San superintendent.

Answer Key: Where to turn if a student is experiencing a problem at school

(Houston Landing) Who should parents reach out to if their student is being bullied? Or if a student is struggling academically? Here’s a general guide to who to contact to at your child’s district.

Adult students with disabilities at Humble ISD’s Mosaic program find purpose

(Houston Chronicle) Humble ISD’s Mosaic program is where students 18 and older receive transition services, which are required to be provided to students with disabilities who can remain at school until age 22. Many of the 125 students at Mosaic are still working on the goals set in their Individualized Education Programs, or IEP, in lieu of obtaining a traditional diploma. 

How Texas prisons are spending millions on a ‘dangerous’ staffing crisis as population soars

(Houston Cronicle) Texas prisons were so short staffed in 2023 the state spent more than $111,000 on rental cars for correctional officers to drive to far-flung rural facilities to cover temporary shifts that couldn’t be filled locally. Once there, the guards needed a place to stay. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice’s bill for hotels and travel meals that year came to nearly $14 million – double what it was the year before. The corrections agency even had names for the tactic of shuttling employees around just to keep the lock-ups operational: The Uber model, named after the ride-share program, for daily fill-ins; and the hotel model, for longer-term, but still temporary shifts.

Texas sues to ease restrictions on miniature nuclear reactors

(Texas Standard) The lawsuit comes as researchers are planning to install a microreactor at Abilene Christian University.

Judge dismisses charges against former UT Austin lecturer arrested after pro-Palestinian protest

(KUT) The Travis County judge found prosecutors failed to get an indictment against Rich Heyman within the amount of time required by state law.

Splendora HS ‘human discharge’ bathroom notice confirmed to be practical joke

(Click2Houston) The school isn’t laughing.

Houston Community College had big plans for a $30M natural disaster training facility. Why wasn’t it built?

(Houston Landing) Despite three years of work and millions of dollars pledged, HCC has made little progress on a once-heralded project that’s now being dramatically scaled back, college officials confirmed to the Houston Landing. The suspended plans mean HCC will fall short of its goal of becoming a destination for outside rescue agencies and attracting 3,000 first responders annually to a groundbreaking training facility.

University of St. Thomas faculty group throws support behind interim president, potential reforms

(Houston Chronicle) More than 80 current and former faculty at the University of St. Thomas have signed a letter of support for Interim President Fr. Dempsey Rosales-Acosta, countering a “suspicion” that some of their colleagues aim to undermine the authority of the new leader as he tries to clean up the private Catholic school in Houston.

January 13, 2025
Texas Legislature returns Tuesday. Leadership battles, divisive issues await lawmakers

(Dallas Morning News) A staunchly conservative Texas Legislature, poised to approve the agendas set by Republican state leaders, will convene Tuesday for its 89th biennial session to tackle issues that touch the lives of 30 million Texans. Most of the heavy lifting by the 150 state representatives and 31 state senators in the Republican-dominated statehouse will be in the trenches of policy, as lawmakers sift through thousands of proposals that govern health care, child care, water infrastructure, the power grid, immigration, social issues, tax reform, the state budget and so much more.

Pat Hardy says goodbye to state education board after two decades of shaping Texas schools

(Fort Worth Report) Her time on the State Board of Education ended Jan. 1 after losing a primary against a well-funded political newcomer. Now, the Fort Worth Republican is reflecting on her 22 years of decisions that impacted generations of students across Texas.

Keller ISD split in two? What TX law says about funding, debt and other district issues

(Fort Worth Star-Telegram) The Keller school board is set to discuss the possibility of splitting into two districts at a special board meeting next week. The Star-Telegram consulted local education attorneys to get some perspective on a move about which school officials have not provided details.

Harlingen school district needs up to 5 years to recover fund balance

(myRGV) The Harlingen school district’s financial advisor is projecting a period as long as three to five years to build back the budget’s fund balance after cash reserves plunged $23.2 million. Still, board members are setting their “top priority” at giving employees raises while officials mull boosting fees at an after-school program.

Parent voices concern over Crystal City ISD layoffs, closure of pre-K program

(KSAT) The Crystal City Independent School District laid off 32 employees and closed a pre-kindergarten program, citing ‘financial exigency’.

New details emerge on reported bomb threat at San Antonio area district

(MySA) Poteet ISD Superintendent Charles Camarillo previously told MySA the district received bomb threats toward two of its teachers. The threat indicated concealed bombs throughout campuses and asked for a $30,000 ransom. Amanda Gonzales, assistant superintendent at Poteet ISD, released updates later that afternoon and confirmed all students had been evacuated and sent home.

Cy-Fair ISD sends tax payment coupons with incorrect return address

(Community Impact) In a statement posted on the Cy-Fair ISD tax office’s website, officials said the payment coupons mailed to taxpayers with their 2024 tax statements had an incorrect address listed for the tax office. Those who have already mailed their payment coupons could have their payments returned to them. If so, they should keep the postmarked envelope to prove their payment was made on time.

Humble ISD pushes back against requests included in former superintendent’s appeal

(Community Impact) Humble ISD officials are pushing back against several claims for relief included in former Superintendent Elizabeth Fagen’s latest appeal of her termination, including a request for two years of back pay and a request to be reinstated to her position.

‘Significant strides’ but ‘work to be done’: Austin ISD’s special-ed progress update on TEA-agreed order

(Community Impact) Austin ISD is working on completing tasks outlined in an agreed order from the Texas Education Agency to avoid a state conservatorship and to improve its special education services.

Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD forgoes new Texas-approved reading lessons, adopts math materials

(Fort Worth Report) Only part of Texas’ new Bluebonnet Learning curriculum will blossom in Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD.

Klein Oak High School substitute terminated after being seen viewing inappropriate material during class

(KPRC)  A substitute teacher was caught watching porn while in a classroom on Friday at Klein Oak High School.The teacher has been identified as 81-year-old Kenneth Hartley, according to court documents obtained by KPRC 2. Hartley was arrested by Klein ISD Police and charged with displaying harmful material to a minor. New video from inside the classroom obtained by KPRC 2 News shows Hartley sitting behind a desk at the front of the classroom. KPRC 2 made the editorial decision to remove portions of the audio, in which you can hear the pornographic video playing in the background.

Houston ISD teachers split on district’s direction, principals respond with mostly favorable views, surveys show

(Houston Chronicle) Fall surveys collected by HISD show that teachers harbor mixed feelings on the district’s direction, while school administrators overwhelmingly are supportive.

Texas oil, natural gas industry breaks record: $27.3 billion paid in taxes, royalties

(Center Square) The Texas oil and natural gas industry broke multiple records in fiscal 2024, including paying a record $27.3 billion in taxes and royalties, according to new data published by the Texas Oil & Gas Association (TXOGA). This is the highest total in Texas history – shattering last year’s record by nearly $1 billion.

An education ecosystem is being built in Elon Musk’s image. It starts in rural Texas

(KUT) From the outside, nothing appears to be special about the house at the end of Earhardt Road in Bastrop County. But behind its walls, the nondescript farmhouse represents a key step in what may be the next big venture for the world’s richest man. This is Ad Astra, a private school for kids ages 3-6. It’s opened right around the corner from Elon Musk’s massive corporate compound in Bastrop County, which already houses offices for SpaceX, the Boring Company and, soon, X (formerly Twitter).

Harris County receives $2 million federal grant to assess safety of East End railroad crossings

(Houston Public Media) The funding will be used for an assessment of 14 at-grade railroad crossings in Houston’s East End, where a 15-year-old Milby High School student was struck and killed by a train in December.

City of Waco, McLennan County raise minimum hourly wage rates to $25 for businesses wanting incentives

(KXXV) Companies moving to or expanding in our community will have to pay employees $25 an hour, if they want to receive incentives. It’s part of an overall effort to build a skilled workforce in Central Texas.

Controversial photos of children by Sally Mann seized from Texas museum, resurfacing a decades old debate

(Digital Camera World) Officials have seized multiple photos from a museum in Texas after complaints over the images’ depictions of children, including images by photographer Sally Mann. Earlier this week, a warrant was issued and executed for multiple photographs on display at a group exhibition at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth. The images are part of a multi-artist exhibition called Diaries of Home, which features artwork by women and nonbinary artists.

Analysis: Report Exposes Rogue Texas Lottery Commission Leadership

(Texas Scorecard) The Sunset Committee’s staff evaluation of the Texas Lottery contains some shocking disclosures and noteworthy omissions. Released Tuesday, the report, which included a review of Texas Lottery leadership, reveals that management, both by staff and the commissioners who oversee the agency, has been an unmitigated disaster.

Health advisory issued for bird flu as ducks in Austin’s Arboretum-area pond test positive

(Austin American-Statesman) A dead wild bird found in North Austin this month has tested positive for bird flu, Austin Public Health and the Texas Department of State Health Services confirm.

Texas athletic department boasts valuation of $1.28 billion, No. 2 in nation

(Longhorns Wire/USA Today) The University of Texas, renowned for its academic excellence and substantial financial resources, allocates a budget of nearly $44 billion across its various institutions. This places the UT System in second place among elite universities like Harvard University, when you compare public and private schools. Notably, the UT System ranks first in public funding, with a gap of nearly $20 billion compared to the second-ranked Texas A&M system.

Combating inequities: Native American All-Star Game promotes mental health awareness

(Dallas Morning News) The Native American All-Star Football Game in Frisco, TX brought together 50 athletes from more than 20 states and 35 tribal communities and reservations nationwide, offering them a rare platform to showcase their talent on a national stage. Organized by the Native American Athletic Foundation in collaboration with the NFL and Nike, the event was part of a four-day camp and leadership program aimed at breaking down barriers for Native American athletes, who often face limited resources and visibility.

Texas State roasted on social media after bragging about football team’s mediocre GPA

(San Antonio Current) Texas State University found itself on the receiving end of a social media skewering this week after the school bragged in a tweet that its football team had a cumulative GPA of 2.84 — the highest fall GPA in team history.

Rep. Chip Roy slams UT for funding Planned Parenthood, demands answers

(The College Fix) Republican Congressman Chip Roy demanded answers from the University of Texas on Wednesday for giving money to Planned Parenthood. “After receiving $526,145 of the $2 million allotted by [the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services], the university has sub-awarded a total of $49,458 to the Planned Parenthood of Illinois since September 15, 2023,” the Texas representative stated in a letter to the school, according to a news release.

January 10, 2025
Federal judge strikes down Biden administration’s Title IX rule nationwide

(K-12 Dive) The ruling vacates regulations that had enshrined protections for the first time for LGBTQI+ students and employees.

Why a plan to split Keller ISD into two districts has trustees feeling ‘blindsided’

(Fort Worth Report) Just hours after two Keller ISD trustees expressed dismay over a plan to detach a portion of their district to establish a new independent school district, two other members of the board confirmed a meeting date to discuss and take possible action regarding the change, according to statements issued Jan. 9. Board President Charles Randklev confirmed in a statement on Facebook that the board will hold a special meeting behind closed doors Jan. 16 to discuss the possibility of reshaping the district. The board could act following the meeting, he said.

Texas school finance explained: What is ‘recapture,’ and why ‘Robin Hood’ is a misnomer

(San Antonio Express-News) A total of 180 districts — out of more than 1,000 statewide — give a portion of their property tax revenue to the state instead of spending it on their students. School leaders say the policy is poorly understood by members of their communities, who are confused why locally collected tax dollars aren’t all spent on the local schools.

Club for Growth President Promises To Hold Lawmakers Accountable on School Choice

(Texas Scorecard) The conservative organization spent nearly $9 million in 14 Republican primaries and runoffs last year.

Are Texas school vouchers in turmoil? One top Democrat says yes.

(Houston Chronicle) Despite Gov. Greg Abbott’s claim that school choice will cross the finish line this year, the top Texas House Democrat says Abbott’s biggest legislative priority may be up in the air. 

Austin ISD Is Finding More and More Ways to Cut Expenses in Budget Crunch

(Austin Chronicle) AISD has identified another $47 million to cut.

Texas community colleges push Legislature for additional funds, job tracking system

(El Paso Matters) The state’s 50 community college districts, which are outperforming their initial expectations during their first two years under House Bill 8, will ask the 89th Texas Legislature for more money and a new way to track graduates to determine if the students get a return on their academic investment. Leaders at El Paso Community College and the Texas Association of Community Colleges believe they have the support of legislators and expect to achieve their funding and policy goals during the next legislative session that runs from Jan. 14 through June 2.

Houston ISD teachers union launches ‘Fair Pay Campaign’ against planned pay-for-performance policy

(Houston Chronicle) A Houston teachers union is advocating against a possible overhaul to the pay scale that could base salaries for some teachers entirely on evaluations, rather than tenure. The Houston Education Association, representing about 200 members, is launching a “Fair Pay Campaign” to urge community members to advocate against linking teacher pay to evaluations and to tell the Board of Managers to vote no on any pay-for-performance policy.

What San Antonio ISD has done to prepare for cold weather this year — and why challenges remain

(Texas Public Radio) In response to San Antonio’s first true cold snap of the season, the superintendent of the San Antonio Independent School District sent a letter to parents Wednesday evening outlining the district’s efforts to improve their schools’ HVAC systems in the year since widespread heater failures forced SAISD to cancel class for two days last January.

Katy ISD approves $10.93M for Merchant’s Way Park behavioral health center

(Community Impact) Katy ISD will move forward with renovations to the Merchant’s Way Park Building, despite the project costing more than double the initial bond estimate. The Merchant’s Way building will host students who have behavioral issues that prevent their success in a traditional classroom as well as an elective program to provide those ages 18 or older with life and work skill development, board members said.

Edinburg CISD puts principal on paid leave following arrest

(Valley Central) On Thursday, the school board held a special meeting to discuss the accusations against Economedes High School principal Jesus Ramon Mata. Several people at today’s meeting hoped for swift action. Mata is charged with harassment, a Class B Misdemeanor. Investigators said Mata sent harassing text messages to an individual in a group chat with other Edinburg CISD employees.

Court date again moved for accused test-taker in teacher certification cheating scandal

(Click 2 Houston) The court date has been moved once again for the man police believe is responsible for taking multiple teacher certification tests in a statewide cheating scandal. Nicolas Newton, 35, appeared in court today, but his court date was pushed back until Feb. 26. He has been charged with two counts of engaging in organized criminal activity for his role in the scandal.

UT-Austin’s presidency goes vacant amid growing challenges for Texas public university leaders

(Texas Tribune) In recent years, university presidents have been facing growing political pressures, student and faculty pushback and an increasingly demanding job.

131 kids left scrambling for daycare after Harris County drops 4 facilities from its program

(KTRK) Dozens of parents are left scrambling for daycare after a New Year’s Eve email shocked them. County leaders said the four facilities were dropped from the program after evaluations. Some of the issues include how much daycare centers pay staff.

Texas teen stuck in Honduras during vacation after officials say absent dad needs to sign on his return

(KTRK) A mother is fighting to bring her teenage son home after he was detained by immigration in Honduras. They had no problem leaving the United States, but in trying to come back, they were allegedly told the boy needed consent from both mom and dad to travel despite mom having full custody. Ingrid Garcia told ABC13 that her son’s father has not been in the picture for over a decade and doesn’t pay child support, so this caught her off guard. For now, Jahir is in the care of his grandmother stuck in a place that isn’t home and missing school at Cleveland ISD.

January 9, 2025
Schools cancel classes across the Southern US as another burst of winter storms move in

(AP) Texas parents that have to get ready for work today may need to trek carefully. But as far as getting their children ready for school, it’s looking like they’ll get a break there due to the winter storm warning issued this week.

Texas school closures, delays:

Also:

Texas is silent on whether it will offer summer food assistance for students

(Texas Tribune) After the state missed the Jan. 1 deadline, lawmakers still have time to approve administrative costs before applying for $400 million in federal summer meal assistance.

Keller school district considers split, prompting concerns from parents, officials

(Fort Worth Star-Telegram) A Fort Worth council member said Keller school trustees are eyeing a possible plan to split the district in two. Fort Worth council member Charlie Lauersdorf, whose district includes the Keller schools, said Jan. 8 he was assured by a school board member that trustees were merely examining the possibility of a split at a special Jan. 16 meeting. Parents said in social media posts that they believe the new Alliance school district would be west of Denton Highway.

How Aldine ISD’s proposal to close 7 schools would impact thousands of students

(Houston Landing) Aldine ISD’s proposal to close seven campuses at the end of the school year would spread about 3,400 elementary and middle school students to new buildings throughout the district, a major change for children and families. District leaders say the closures would save an estimated $32.5 million annually, helping to close a large budget deficit largely caused by declining enrollment and no major increases in state funding. Aldine leaders previously closed three schools last year, leaving the district with about 75 campuses.

Conroe ISD trustees take up discussions on Bible-focused curriculum

(Houston Public Media) During a more than five hour special meeting on Tuesday, some trustees signaled interest in adopting the curriculum, while public speakers urged members to refrain from approving the lessons. Board trustees will take up a vote on the curriculum later in the year and hear recommendations from a committee tasked with providing input.

Student altercation at Big Spring ISD causes firearm to come ‘loose’ from an employee’s holster

(KMID/KPEJ) Big Spring ISD issued a post on its Facebook page Tuesday, stating that a fight between students caused a firearm to come ‘loose’ from an employee’s holster. The employee in question is one of our school district’s Guardians, and is allowed to carry a firearm to school every day in order to help protect our kids if needed. The firearm in question was quickly picked up by another school employee and later returned to the Guardian.

Statewide incentives aim to keep high-performing Texas teachers in the classroom

(KXXV) Statewide bonuses through the Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) program aim to keep the highest performing Texas teachers in the classroom in participating districts. Waco ISD participates in the TIA program, giving its teachers opportunities to make more money and be rewarded for their skills.

Parents share concerns as Houston ISD implements weapon detection systems in high schools

(KTRK) HISD wants to make it harder for anyone with a weapon or firearm to get inside their high schools by installing weapons detection systems.

Somerville ISD begins new safety routine as kids head back to school

(KBTX) Somerville ISD students were greeted with a metal detector when they returned to school for the first time this year on Wednesday.

School shootings in 2024 fell just below prior year’s record high

(K-12 Dive) One researcher predicts that about 30 school shootings could occur in January 2025, with most likely to result from fights that escalate.

Already cash-strapped, local nonprofits could face ‘serious shortfalls’ in the post-Covid era

(San Antonio Report) Both public and private funders are routinely overwhelmed with requests — and the pie is shrinking even further this year as coronavirus pandemic relief dollars dwindle.

Texas Lege Preview: Saving Public Education

(Austin Chronicle) Vouchers and school funding and never the twain shall meet.

‘Gulf of Texas?’ Texas Governor Greg Abbott furthers Donald Trump’s Gulf of Mexico renaming idea

(Houston Chronicle) Just a day after President-elect Donald Trump suggested renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America,” Texas Governor Greg Abbott has joined the geographical battle of egos. “If we’re going to rename things… this is the move,” Abbott wrote in a post on X Wednesday, in which he re-posted a picture of the Gulf of Mexico with the name “Gulf of Texas” in big white letters.

Midland ISD bus crashes with semi-truck, sends one to hospital

(KMID/KPEJ) The Texas Department of Public Safety is investigating after a bus crashed into a semi truck Wednesday afternoon, sending one student to the hospital. Preliminary information revealed a Midland ISD school bus collided with a commercial tractor trailer at the intersection. One student was transported to Midland Memorial Hospital with minor injuries. All remaining students were released to their parents.

No injuries reported after crash involving Carthage ISD school bus

(KLTV) A Carthage ISD bus was involved in a wreck with a commercial truck-tractor Wednesday afternoon. The Panola County Sheriff’s Office said several students were on the bus, but no injuries were reported. The students were then transferred to a second bus.

EPA Extends 2024 Clean School Bus Program Rebate Application Deadline

(School Transportation News) EPA announced Tuesday it extended the deadline from Jan. 9 to Jan. 14 at 4 p.m. Eastern, so it could be “responsive to stakeholder feedback.”

Dallas ISD, North Texas Council of Governments Awarded $62 Million EPA Grant for Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles

(EPA) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that the North Central Texas Council of Governments and Dallas Independent School District have been selected to receive a combined total of $62,184,164 to assist in the purchase of 244 zero-emission vehicles through its first-ever Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Grant Program.

Exclusive interview: Why did Jay Hartzell leave UT job to become SMU president?

(Dallas Morning News) Jay Hartzell didn’t set out to leave the University of Texas’ flagship campus for a smaller private college near downtown Dallas. But after SMU board members began aggressively recruiting him for their soon-to-be-vacant president job, Hartzell became excited.

A look back at Ector County ISD’s Desegregation in 1982: The closing of Ector High

(KMID/KPEJ) In 1982, the U.S. District Court ordered the desegregation of ECISD schools, which led to the closure of Ector High School, on Odessa’s south side, with its students redistributed to Permian and Odessa High.

Joint trial date set for 2 accused in Longview ISD abuse case

(KLTV) Cassandra James, 50, of Hawkins, and Linda Lister, 63, of Longview, are two of six former educators to be accused of abuse at J.L. Everhart Elementary from 2019 to 2021. The accused are believed to have physically abused 11 disabled students in that time. Wednesday, a joint trial date was set for James and Lister on June 9, 2025. A $2.5 million settlement was reached between Longview ISD and the affected families in 2023.

Montgomery County Officer Warns: ‘Child Predators Look Like Everybody Else’ Following Recent Arrest

(Texas Scorecard) A former Woodlands Mall security guard and children’s tennis coach is facing additional charges in an ongoing child exploitation case.

Baylor University Awarded $2.48 Million Grant for Black Gospel Archive

(Baylor University) Baylor University has been awarded a $2.48 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. through its Religion and Cultural Institutions Initiative (RCII) to support a major expansion of the Black Gospel Archive (BGA) at Baylor University Libraries.

January 8, 2025
UT Austin President Jay Hartzell leaving to lead Southern Methodist University

(KUT) Hartzell’s time as president was marked by controversy as he led the university through a state-mandated ban on DEI programs, as well as pro-Palestinian protests last spring. He’ll start at SMU on June 1.

Aldine ISD leaders propose closing 7 schools, vote scheduled for late February

(Houston Landing) Aldine ISD’s school board expects to vote in February on whether to close seven schools, as the district continues to face budget issues brought on by declining enrollment and no major increases in state funding.

Former Longview ISD employee gets 5 years after pleading guilty to student abuse

(KLTV) Judge Scott Novy handed down the sentence Tuesday after Cynthia Talley pleaded guilty to three charges of injury to a child and one charge of unlawful restraint in December. Talley, 58, of Longview, along with five other educators previously employed at Longview’s J.L. Everhart Elementary, was accused in connection with the abuse of 11 disabled children spanning from 2019 through 2021. A $2.5 million settlement was reached between Longview ISD and the affected families in 2023.

Details revealed in arrest of Economedes HS principal accused of sending harassing texts

(KVEO) Edinburg CISD Economedes High School principal Jesus Ramon Mata is charged with harassment, a Class B Misdemeanor. Investigators said Mata sent harassing text messages to an individual in a group chat with other Edinburg CISD employees. The employee told authorities that on Aug. 9 she began receiving text messages from a burner phone. Mata allegedly used the number to send obscene and embarrassing messages about the woman, her fiancé and her brother. Authorities confronted Mata on Dec. 16. At that time he admitted to owning the burner phone number. However, he denied sending any of the messages referenced and said he had “no problems” with the woman accusing him. Mata was released on a $10,000 bond.

Only 2% of Spring ISD students are diagnosed with dyslexia. Is the district missing kids?

(Houston Landing) Spring ISD has identified students with dyslexia at one of the lowest rates in the state over the past several years, potentially leaving hundreds of students without help needed to overcome their learning disability.

Houston ISD switches to UnitedHealthcare from Aetna, raising concerns over higher costs and deductibles

(Houston Chronicle) Houston ISD kicked off the New Year by switching from Aetna to UnitedHealthcare for employee health care benefits. Jackie Anderson, president of the Houston Federation of Teachers representing around 7,000 employees, said the union is monitoring employees’ social media responses to the switch. “I don’t know … how they made the decision, how they arrived at the decision for this insurance, but what I understand and from what I’m reading, it’s horrible,” Anderson said.

Houston ISD announces ‘Chief of Schools’ position and names Sandi Massey to role

(Houston Chronicle) Houston ISD named a “chief of schools” who will report to state-appointed Superintendent Mike Miles and named Chief of Leadership and Strategic Initiatives Sandi Massey to the role on Tuesday.

Some Texas business leaders are apprehensive about Trump’s pledged deportations

(Texas Tribune) “We wouldn’t survive” without undocumented workers, one South Texas produce business owner said. By one estimate, 8% of Texas’ workforce lacks legal status.

Learning Curve: Most Texas community college graduates find work or transfer schools

(Houston Landing) For the past decade, at least 85 to 90 percent of the state’s community college graduates have found work or enrolled in another Texas college within a year of finishing classes, according to Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board data. While the data points to positive trends in the state, not all Texas community colleges have the same success rate.

Administrator files gender discrimination suit against Fort Worth private school amid teacher scandal

(Fort Worth Report) Six months after Trinity Valley School families learned about the arrest of a former piano teacher for indecency with a child, the Fort Worth private school is facing a new lawsuit in part related to how administrators and trustees handled that case internally. Human resources director Carrie Skains filed suit against Trinity Valley Dec. 30 over alleged gender discrimination and a trustee report implying that Skains helped obscure the misconduct of Trent Muse, a teacher who was dismissed from the campus in April 2023. Muse was arrested and charged with indecency with a child in June 2024.

A Texas teenager helped his border community win a $13 million grant to improve the environment

(Texas Tribune) Presidio, northwest of Big Bend National Park, will get dedicated green spaces along bike lanes and pedestrian streets, plant thousands of native trees and establish a high-school run air quality monitoring program.

Plans for UT Arlington campus near Aledo to take off with groundbreaking, new hires in 2025

(KERA) With planned development and a groundbreaking on 51 acres, 2025 will be the year that the vision for UTA West will start to become reality.

Second person joins lawsuit against United ISD over alleged free speech violations

(KGNS) The lawsuit alleges that both plaintiffs were denied their First Amendment rights to video record in public, specifically during a UISD meeting held on September 18, 2024, after the district implemented a new recording policy.

Trump claims he’ll rename the Gulf of Mexico to ‘Gulf of America’

(ABC News) “We’re going to change because we do most of the work there and it’s ours,” Trump said. “It’s appropriate, and Mexico has to stop allowing millions of people to pour into our country,” Trump said in a wide-ranging news conference.

Meta to move content moderators to Texas as part of plan to end fact-checking program

(Texas Tribune) The tech giant’s decision to end the program comes as CEO Mark Zuckerberg seeks to mend ties with the incoming Trump administration.

Ector County ISD parent crashes into local elementary school following medical episode

(KMID/KPEJ) According to ECISD, a parent appeared to have a medical episode in the parking lot of Murry Fly Elementary, which caused her to accidentally fly through the parking lot in front of the school. The vehicle hit several other vehicles before running into the building. Injuries reported at the scene appear to be minor at this time, ECISD said.

SUV crashes into school bus in Payne Springs, minor injuries reported

(MyTexasDaily) A collision between an SUV and a school bus occurred Tuesday afternoon on Highway 198 near Pin Oak, resulting in minor injuries. The incident involved 30 students and two drivers, according to Payne Springs Fire Rescue.

January 7, 2025
Jimmy Blacklock named new chief justice of the Texas Supreme Court

(Texas Tribune) Justice Jimmy Blacklock, a conservative ally of Gov. Greg Abbott, has been named the new chief justice of the Texas Supreme Court. He replaces Nathan Hecht, the court’s longest serving justice, who stepped down at the end of December due to the mandatory judicial retirement age. Abbott appointed his general counsel, James P. Sullivan, to take the seat vacated by Blacklock’s promotion.

A North Texas high school locked up cellphones. Here’s what happened

(Dallas Morning News) Richardson ISD’s Lake Highlands High School is in its second year of requiring students to store their phones in Yondr pouches, which are magnetically sealed at the start of the day and unlocked by special devices at dismissal. They’ve become a model for other districts considering cellphone-free policies.

Former Fort Bend ISD Superintendent Whitbeck drops defamation claims against trustees; breach of contract claims remain

(Fort Bend Star) Former Fort Bend ISD superintendent Christie Whitbeck has dropped defamation allegations against three trustees in a lawsuit filed last month, but her breach of contract allegations remain ongoing, according to a filing in the case last week.

Why UIL State Football Championship Attendance Numbers Continue to Drop

(Dave Campbell’s Texas Football) Attendance numbers continue to dip for the UIL Football State Championships. Why is that and what can be done to turn the tide?

‘These resources are meant for our students’: Marlin ISD’s Legion Field damaged during New Year’s Eve

(KCEN) According to Marlin ISD, the parking lot was “littered with trash and fireworks”, gates were broken and soccer goals were displaced. The scoreboard was also damaged, either by fireworks or a gunshot, said the district, leaving the top left panels non-functional.

How North Texas schools decide on winter weather closures

(Denton Record-Chronicle) The top three considerations — temperatures, sleet/snow/wind and road conditions — are all related to safety.

Answer Key: How are Texas public schools funded? And do they get equal money?

(Houston Landing) Public education funding in Texas is complicated and it varies from district to district. Here’s a basic overview of how public schools get tens of billions of dollars each year.

Commentary: Funding Ghosts or Funding Growth? Why Texas Should Not Embrace Enrollment-Based Funding

(Texas Public Policy Foundation) Currently, school districts are funded based on the average number of students who show up each day in a school year, a system called average daily attendance or ADA. But some on the left want to move to an enrollment-based system which funds schools based on how many students are enrolled, no matter if they attend or not. This change would be fiscally and morally irresponsible.

Texas educators, policy experts urge legislators to tackle child care crisis. Here’s how

(KERA) As the Texas Legislature gears up for its 2025 session, an often overlooked aspect of education and economic development will soon come into focus: early childhood education. The growing demands for child care and pre-K intersect with the state’s economic resilience and the well-being of its families, according to state and local experts.

Arlington’s newest charter school set to open in 2025. Here’s what makes it different

(Arlington Report) Infinite Minds, the city’s 14th charter school, is slated to open in east Arlington, emphasizing experiential learning and parent involvement.

Will 2025 be the year Texas expands Medicaid? Not likely, advocates say

(KERA) For the third time, Texas state Sen. Nathan Johnson, a Democrat from Dallas, is trying to get a Medicaid expansion bill through the Legislature. Senate Bill 232 would create Live Well Texas, a state-specific approach to extending Medicaid coverage to over 1 million Texans. But unless Republican sentiment toward the federal program changes, Johnson said, his chances are, in a word, “grim.”

Finnish teachers embrace Texan lifestyles while raising the bar at BASIS Benbrook Charter School

(Fort Worth Report) Jyrki and Sanni Kalliolahti are affectionately known as Mr. and Mrs. K. The duo, a married couple from Finland, embarked on a bold new chapter in their careers when they moved to Benbrook on an international visitor teaching visa, also known as a J-1. They hope that more Tarrant County schools and districts will seek out opportunities to work with international teachers, like BASIS did with them.

Collapsed ceiling at UT Austin will cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to fix, report says

(KUT) Fixing an outdoor ceiling that collapsed at UT Austin late last year, and another structure that poses similar risks, will cost upwards of $750,000, according to a report commissioned by the university.

Is Catholic Charities Helping Bring Illegal Aliens to Fort Worth Schools?

(Texas Scorecard) New reports suggest that a local chapter of Catholic Charities is working with Fort Worth Independent School District to bring illegal aliens into the school district.

Evading a search for vapes can now land the student in an alternative school at North East ISD

(Texas Public Radio) Monday, Jan. 6, was the first day of a new discipline policy in the North East Independent School District. If a student refuses to be searched or runs from administrators, the student can now be sent to the district’s alternative school. The policy is for middle schools and high schools. It’s a response to what NEISD principals said was an increase in students “refusing to comply with lawful searches” after they are suspected of vaping.

Alvin ISD’s Walt Disney Elementary students going back to school at temporary facility after tornado

(Houston Public Media) Students of Walt Disney Elementary are going back to school at a temporary facility after one of six tornadoes last week in the Houston area hit the school’s campus.

Paul L. Foster Family Foundation Commits to $2.5 million for UTEP Athletics move to Mountain West Conference

(KVIA) The Paul L. Foster Family Foundation has pledged a $2.5 million gift in support of UTEP Athletics as the University continues preparations to join the Mountain West Conference in July of 2026. The transformative gift will play a crucial role in ensuring success on and off the playing field as the Miners enter a new era of UTEP Athletics. 

Klein ISD Education Foundation awards over $61K in grants for campus initiatives

(Community Impact) The Klein ISD Education Foundation distributed $61,357 in grants in early December to fund a variety of campus initiatives ranging from a student-led podcast and the implementation of virtual reality in classrooms to the construction of playground shade structures.

‘I love it’: East Texas high school referee says 2025 marks 50th, final year before retiring

(KLTV) When it comes to high school football, most are on the field for four years or less, but we found someone who’s been on the field for 49 years, as a referee. Jim Cranford is an East Texas high school football referee, and he has a little experience, considering how many games he has officiated. “Five hundred and thirty varsity games, a hundred and fifty college games — worked three out of five conference championships.

‘I want to talk about cerebral palsy’: El Paso Community College freshman hopes classmates see past her wheelchair

(El Paso Matters) Monica Rodriguez, 18, gets around EPCC’s Transmountain campus in an electric wheelchair and talks through a speech generating device. She hasn’t let cerebral palsy get in the way of her dreams.

Houston community leaders raise awareness after Black trans highschooler stabbed after riding Metro

(Houston Chronicle) Community leaders and organizers called on Texans to think carefully about how they discuss transgender issues after a Black transgender high school senior was stabbed by another passenger while exiting a Metro bus in late December.

January 6, 2025
Texas Education Agency clears Fort Bend ISD in voter incentives investigation

(Houston Public Media) A Texas Education Agency investigation found Fort Bend ISD officials didn’t violate state law within the agency’s jurisdiction during the November 2023 election season, according to a Dec. 20 news release from the district. While the district was cleared of wrongdoing, people involved with Fort Bend ISD at the time could potentially face bribery investigations.

Ed Dept pulls school-based Medicaid proposed rule

(K-12 Dive) A proposed federal rule that supporters said would have made it easier for schools to be reimbursed for school-based Medicaid services was withdrawn by the U.S. Department of Education on Dec. 27. Leadership at the department is set to change on Jan. 20, when Donald Trump is inaugurated as the 47th president.

Edinburg school principal arrested, out on bond

(Valley Central) Economedes High School Principal Jesus Ramon Mata was charged with harassment, a Class B Misdemeanor. Investigators said Mata sent harassing text messages to an individual in a group chat with other Edinburg CISD employees.

Former Manor Senior High student charged in school stabbing found mentally incompetent

(Austin American-Statesman) A judge has deemed Mac Brown Mbanwei, the 18-year-old student charged with murder in the stabbing death of a classmate at Manor Senior High School, incompetent to stand trial. An agreed order signed by State District Court Judge Brandy Mueller says Mbanwei must be sent to a mental health or residential care facility for treatment. Neither Mbanwei’s defense attorneys, nor the prosecution, opposed the finding of incompetency, according to the order.

For now, Denton ISD won’t adopt controversial elementary school curriculum

(KERA) “We’ve had several questions about Bluebonnet, and I just wanted to let you know our curriculum team has provided a response that, at this time, Denton ISD is not considering adopting Bluebonnet,” said Denton ISD Superintendent Susannah O’Bara.

Drivers and retirement bonuses: Here are Texas superintendent contract perks you might not know about

(Houston Chronicle) Superintendent base salaries are often a target of criticism from taxpayers who believe public officials shouldn’t earn six-figure salaries. But, superintendents usually earn far more than their base salaries suggest. Little-known contract benefits totaling tens of thousands of extra dollars come in the form of retention stipends, retirement bonuses or unused vacation days.

Socorro ISD cash reserves dip below district standards

(El Paso Matters!) The Socorro Independent School District used more than half its savings between 2022 and 2024, and may need to spend more to cover its expenses.

Commentary: Y’All Answered: Good Deal for Public Education Spending?

(Texas Scorecard) We asked readers if taxpayers are receiving a good return on the dollars spent for government-run education. Here is a sampling of the comments we received from our readers after they voted in the survey.

Lewisville ISD fires 2 coaches after investigation into improper eligibility form

(KERA) Head coach Mario Toby Martin was placed on administrative leave while the district conducted its investigation, LISD told the Dallas Morning News. He has since been taken off the school’s website. Basketball coach John Sutton was also named during the board meeting but was not initially placed on leave during the investigation. Sutton’s name remained on the school’s website as of Dec. 30.

Former Rockwall-Heath football coach, 12 others sued over pushup workout that hospitalized athletes

(KERA) The mother of a Rockwall-Heath High School student is suing the school’s former head football coach and 12 assistant coaches after a report found intense workouts left her son and other student athletes hospitalized last year.

Austin ISD board votes unanimously to renew agreement with charter company to turn around Mendez Middle School

(KVUE) The board voted unanimously to renew an agreement with Third Future Schools, a Colorado-based charter company that the district hired two years ago to help improve Mendez Middle School.

Arlington ISD parents, teachers call for student discipline policy reform. Here’s why

(KERA) In Arlington ISD’s most recent staff survey, teachers commonly expressed frustration with the district’s discipline practices, saying they lack the administration’s support amid a rise in student behavior issues.

How does Houston ISD need to improve its special education to end state intervention?

(Houston Chronicle) In 2024, the state issued “needs intervention” as the district’s special education determination status. HISD enrolled more than 18,000 children in special education services in 2024, or about 10% of the student population. (The third and final criteria to exit state takeover is improving board governance.)

What to expect from Houston ISD in 2025: Metal detectors at high schools, teacher evaluations and more

(Houston Chronicle) Thousands of Houston ISD students return to classes Tuesday for the beginning of the spring semester, which will include several notable developments for families.

Amid a $7 million deficit to Texas’ suicide hotline, thousands of calls are abandoned monthly

(Texas Tribune) Thousands of Texans in need are abandoning the state’s suicide hotline mid-call every month as call centers struggle under a $7 million funding deficit and a growing suicide rate statewide.

Violence Against Students Tops List of Texas Teacher Misconduct

(Texas Scorecard) More than a third of all educator misconduct reports submitted to the state from September 2021 through July 2024 were for violence against students.

Woman accused of hitting child and driving away had dropped a child off at same school, investigators say

(Fox 4 KDFW) Plano police said the woman accused of hitting a girl walking to school had just dropped a child off at the same school. Plano police said they were able to check cameras at the school to check for a matching vehicle. Zulma Beltran of Richardson is charged with collision involving personal injury. The girl’s family told FOX 4 she was not seriously hurt. She made it to school that morning and then reported what happened to her school resource officer.

A 1-year-old and teacher have died after a car crashed into a preschool playground in North San Antonio 

(San Antonio Report) ExcellED Montessori Plus Preschool and Daycare teacher Alexia Rosales, 22, died in the Dec. 19 crash; her student, Mkaya Amrani, died on Thursday. The vehicle that crashed into the fence of the preschool belonged to a parent in their 30s who picked their children up from school after a holiday performance at the school. Authorities said the driver may not face any criminal charges for the “very tragic accident” because of a medical history that may have contributed to the crash.

Former Round Rock teacher charged with intentionally tripping autistic 4-year-old

(Austin American-Statesman) A former Round Rock ISD teacher resigned after admitting to intentionally tripping a 4-year-old student with autism at a Head Start program, according to an arrest affidavit. Lynn Shin, who was hired in August 2024, resigned on October 1 after being placed on administrative leave following the September 26 incident at WBCO Head Start in Round Rock.

Mental health advocates ask Texas lawmakers to replace expiring COVID-19 relief funding

(Texas Tribune) Texas received $203.4 million in 2021 to help build community mental health programs at libraries and churches, among other efforts. Those funds expire Dec. 31.

Texas universities ask international students to return from holiday travel before Trump inauguration

(Houston Chronicle) The University of Houston and the University of Texas’ San Antonio and Dallas universities “strongly encouraged” students to arrive home as soon as Jan. 13 due to “immigration-related uncertainties.” Trump called for revoking international student visas of “radical anti-American and anti-Semitic foreigners at our colleges and universities” after pro-Palestinian protests at several campuses and has proposed expanding the “Muslim travel ban” enacted in his prior administration.

Texas Historical Commission OKs demolition permit for the Institute of Texan Cultures’ Texas Pavilion

(San Antonio Report) The University of Texas at San Antonio is moving forward with plans to temporarily house the Institute of Texan Cultures at Frost Tower, with the space expected to open by late 2025, while searching for a potential permanent location.

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