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March 31, 2025
Legislative Update:
Texas voucher bills have the appearance of academic accountability, but in practice it won’t mean much

(Texas Public Radio) The Texas voucher bills don’t require voucher recipients to take the state standardized tests, making it difficult to measure how much they’re learning compared to students in public schools.

Are School Vouchers Really “Welfare for the Wealthy”?

(Texas Monthly) Why even school choice advocates are skeptical of the $3.7 billion program racing through the Texas Legislature.

Texas lawmakers differ on how to handle truancy problem

(KPRC) Several bills have been filed in the Texas House and Senate this legislative session aimed at addressing the problem of truancy in Texas. KPRC 2 Investigates previously reported more than 1-million children were considered truant in Texas during the last four school years. Now, some lawmakers want to add stronger consequences back into the mix, arguing the state’s current support model isn’t working and the problem of truancy is getting worse.

Here’s why school nurses need Texas law change to give new epi nasal spray to students

(Austin American-Statesman) Last year, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Neffy, a nasal spray form of epinephrine for people who weigh 66 pounds or more, and this month it approved a lower dose spray for children ages 4 and older who are between 33 pounds and 66 pounds. This is great news, but families can’t just hand over the nasal spray form to their school nurse. The Texas law allowing school nurses to give epinephrine uses the phrase “auto-injectors” when referring to delivering the drug to students who have a prescription for it. That means only the pen form. Senate Bill 1619 and House Bill 2283 both aim to rectify that by simply taking out the phrase “auto-injector” and changing it to “delivery devices.”

Quorum Collapse: Most Texas House Members Skip Work

(Texas Scorecard) Only 65 of the chamber’s 150 members were shown present on Friday. Related:

Why Texas’ massive drop in child abuse and neglect deaths is misleading

(Texas Public Radio) Texas released another in a series of reports charting a precipitous decline in child fatalities from abuse and neglect in March. The Child Maltreatment Annual Fatality Report showed a 60% decline in tragic deaths in less than five years. This came, paradoxically, as the state reduced services to troubled families as well as the number of children it removes from dangerous homes. The plunging numbers coincided with changes in law and policy on what counts as a neglect death and when the department even investigates deaths for abuse and neglect.

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick says he’ll push for special session if THC ban, bail changes fail

(San Antonio Current) Only Gov. Greg Abbott can call for a special session. But in his role presiding over the Texas Senate, Patrick can block any bill from passing, giving him leverage to compel overtime sessions by killing must-pass legislation.

Also Reported:
Texas measles cases rise to 400, the outbreak’s biggest 3-day spike

(Texas Tribune) The number of cases has jumped 73 cases over a three-day period. State officials said their team focused on completing open investigations of measles this week. Related:

Answer Key: How do Texas teacher salaries compare to other states?

(Houston Landing) Here’s what to know about how Texas’ teacher pay stacks up compared to other states. 

Despite growing political pressures, Austin ISD schools celebrate Pride week: ‘You’ve got a place’

(Austin American-Statesman) This year, the Austin district celebrated its 11th year of Pride Week, a weeklong event that carried the theme of “beYOUtiful.” However, unlike previous years, the district didn’t use its money for Pride celebrations or décor, and it shifted its events to only those organized by Parent Teacher Associations or held outside instructional time. Related:

Alleged bribery scheme: Ex-Houston ISD officials say they accepted cash during Hurricane Harvey recovery

(Houston Chronicle) Former Houston ISD employees said in federal court that they received thousands of dollars in cash payments following Hurricane Harvey. The federal government alleges those payments were bribes tied to repair jobs, including Harvey efforts, as part of a scheme by a former district contracted vendor. These officials, testifying Tuesday and Thursday, all pleaded guilty to conspiracy and offered testimony as part of agreements with the government ahead of sentencing. They are HISD Officer of Construction Services Derrick Sanders; Senior Manager of Facilities and Maintenance Alfred Hoskins; Area Manager for Maintenance (South) Gerron Hall; and Area Manager for Maintenance (North) Luis Tovar.

Houston ISD officials say 2025-26 budget dependent on pending state legislation

(Community Impact) Houston ISD board managers received an overview of potential legislation resulting from the state’s 89th legislative session that could affect the district’s budget for the 2025-26 school year, including a proposed bill that would increase public education teachers’ salaries statewide. “As the year goes on … we’re going to get more and more information so we can build an accurate budget,” Miles said. “We need to know exactly what the revenue side will be and that involves the legislative session.” Related:

Socorro ISD offers resignation incentives amid $38 million deficit

(KFOX) The Socorro Independent School District (SISD) is implementing a resignation incentive program as part of its strategy to address a $38 million budget deficit. The initiative, approved unanimously by the SISD board, targets 100 employees nearing retirement, offering them $2,500 to resign. However, only about 50 employees have opted in ahead of the April 7 deadline. The district initially projected savings of over $7 million from the program, but with fewer participants, the savings are now estimated at around $3 million.

Llano County settles librarian’s wrongful termination suit over book removals for $225,000

(Austin American-Statesman) Former librarian Suzette Baker will receive $225,000 in a settlement. The settlement, which will be paid by the Texas Association of Counties, marks the end of a yearlong legal battle between Baker and Llano County officials. The 58-year-old accused them of firing her in 2022 because she refused to pull library materials that a group of conservative activists had deemed inappropriate for children.

Killeen ISD: A district in crisis

(Killeen Daily Herald) “We don’t have an uptick of violence. What we have is a consistent pattern, over time, of violence at Killeen ISD in our schools,” Killeen ISD Superintendent Jo Ann Fey told reporters at a news conference at KISD’s headquarters on North W.S. Young Drive Wednesday. It was KISD’s fifth news conference in response to the fatal stabbing of a 14-year-old student — allegedly committed by another student — inside a Killeen middle school on March 10.

DOCUMENTS: 3 former Tyler ISD employees taped hands of student with disabilities together, forced them to walk for hours

(CBS 19) Arrest documents allege that three former Tyler High School employees taped the hands of a student with disabilities together and forced them to walk around the room for more than four hours. Krystina Rena Haas, 35, Prisicilla Gutierrez, 22, and June Renee Tryon, 57, have all been charged with injury to a disabled person. They were booked into the Smith County Jail on Friday on a $150,000 bond each. 

Students wait in long lines outside Humble high schools with new AI-powered weapons detection system

(Houston Chronicle) Some of Humble ISD’s six high schools saw long lines to enter into school buildings this week, as the district rolled out a new weapons detection system at entrances. Humble ISD is the latest district in the Houston area to make the move. In December, Houston ISD announced that it would implement metal detectors in their high schools from January to May.

‘Completely unacceptable’: 2 students involved in ‘violent’ fight at North Texas junior high

(WFAA) Two students were involved in a “violent incident” on Tuesday in an interior courtyard of Harwood Junior High School in Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD, according to a letter sent to parents from the school’s principal. The principal said in the letter that the school’s resource officer and nurse were in the courtyard to secure the scene and give medical attention within 60 seconds of the beginning of the fight. The Bedford Police Department (BPD) addressed the incident on Facebook after video of the fight was widely circulating on social media. The department said the fight started just after 8 a.m. on Tuesday. BPD said the officer, upon arrival, saw a school staff member separating the students, and the officer immediately took control of one student. 

Dallas Cowboys bring flag football to Fort Worth ISD. Maybe future Olympians, too

(Fort Worth Report) While Fort Worth ISD already offers high school flag football programs — as do many districts across North Texas — the Cowboys and Fort Worth ISD are focused on reaching students even earlier. That’s the aim behind a new partnership between the district and the North Texas’ professional football team, which recently brought NFL Flag-In-School training to every elementary campus in the district. The Dallas Cowboys Youth Football Development team hosted a training session on Trimble Tech High School’s football field March 24.

Amarillo Police Department, Kids Inc. provide information on fight reported at Austin Middle School, Kids Inc. youth basketball game

(KAMR/KCIT) The attorney for Kids, Incorporated, released an updated statement from Matt Sherwood, Director and Counsel for Kids, Inc., on the fight that occurred during a youth basketball game Saturday at Austin Middle School. According to the attorney for Kids, Inc, all seven individuals that were involved have been identified and banned from all Kids, Inc. games, practices, events and locations effective immediately.

Fort Bend ISD to offer Head Start classrooms for eligible pre-K students

(Community Impact) Fort Bend ISD will begin offering Pre-K 3, or instructional sessions for students who are age 3, to eligible district residents at six new campuses in the 2025-26 school year, in addition to its existing Fueling Brains Academy program. The Head Start program is the result of the memorandum of understanding between FBISD and Houston-area nonprofit BakerRipley, which was approved at the March 24 board of trustees meeting.

San Antonio ISD’s ‘peace rooms’ are meant to tackle issues early, prevent need for disciplinary actions

(San Antonio Report) After getting student requests for increased mental health resources, San Antonio Independent School District developed “peace rooms” at 14 of their campuses using $2 million in district funds and a $200,000 federal grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Peace rooms are the latest effort by the school district to establish “restorative justice” practices instead of taking punitive actions against students, which leads to in-school and out-of-school suspensions. Peace rooms are spaces for students to take mental breathers, process strong emotions and talk through conflict as well as other mental health issues, district officials said.

Beaumont ISD launches new tool to help parents during attendance rezoning for 2025-2026 school year

(KBMT) Starting this fall, nearly 2,000 Beaumont ISD students will attend new schools under a district-wide rezoning plan approved last December.  To help families navigate the changes, BISD has launched an online look-up tool that allows parents to search their address and determine their child’s new campus assignment.

UT Austin Interim President Backs Faculty Council Governance

(Texas Scorecard) In an address last week, UT Austin’s new interim president expressed solidarity with the institution’s faculty council, which has been criticized by state lawmakers for working as a left-wing ideological bulwark against legislative oversight and reform. On March 24, interim president Jim Davis told the faculty council that “it’s obvious we’re under public scrutiny” and that “faculty may feel like they’re under siege from all fronts.”

Department of Education Dallas office closure sparks uncertainty

(KRLD) The closure of the U.S. Department of Education office in Dallas is sending shockwaves through the education system, with its full effects still unfolding.

Liberty Hill ISD superintendent chosen to be next Williamson County judge

(KUT) Liberty Hill ISD Superintendent Steven Snell has been chosen to serve as Williamson County judge. He will remain in the role until the county’s next general election in November 2026. The selection comes a little more than two weeks after former County Judge Bill Gravell resigned to take a job with the Trump administration. Snell said he intends to step down at Liberty Hill ISD’s next school board meeting on April 7.

U.S. Department of Agriculture funding cuts threaten North Texans’ food security

(Dallas Morning News) North Texas food providers are scrambling to find a way to fill a $9.2 million funding gap following cuts in March to two U.S. Department of Agriculture programs that bought food from local farmers. Local food banks say the funding gaps could put already vulnerable people at further risk of hunger and pinch the pockets of local farmers.

Rice welcomes 7.8% of applicants to class of 2029

(Rice Thresher) Rice accepted 2,852 applicants to the class of 2029 March 26, said Yvonne Romero, vice president for enrollment. This represents 7.8% of 36,777 applicants, the highest acceptance rate since 2022.

Collin College to maintain current tuition rates for fall 2025 semester

(Community Impact) Collin College students will continue to pay the school’s current tuition rates for another semester, which are the lowest in the state, according to a March 28 news release from college officials.

Prairie View A&M breaks ground on new $45 million student support center

(KBTX) Prairie View A&M University hosted a groundbreaking at the Willie A. Tempton Memorial Student Center to mark the start of construction on its new building on Friday. “Today, we are breaking ground on a new $45 million building that we have named the ‘Teaching and Academic Student Support Services Building,'” announced Prairie View A&M President Dr. Tomikia P. LeGrande, adding: “It is dedicated to providing a central hub location in the center of our campus for all of our student and academic support services.”

US Naval Academy ends affirmative action in admissions

(KBTX) The U.S. Naval Academy will no longer consider race, ethnicity or sex as a factor for admission to the service institution, a response to an executive order by President Donald Trump, according to federal court documents made public Friday.

Harris County raises minimum wage by $5 for county employees, contract workers

(Houston Landing) Harris County Commissioners Court on Thursday approved a $5 increase to its minimum wage for county employees, and a slightly larger boost for contract workers. The decision marks the first time that the county’s minimum wage has been changed since 2019, when it was raised to $15 an hour. County employees now will make at least $20 an hour beginning May 3. Contract employees hired by the county will see their pay increase to $21.65 an hour by July 1.

3.5 magnitude earthquake detected southwest of Lake Nacogdoches

(CBS 19) The Nacogdoches Consolidated Communications Center said the US Geological Service reported a 3.5 magnitude earthquake just southwest of Lake Nacogdoches.

March 28, 2025
Legislative Update:
Texas officials’ claim that school funding is at an all-time high ignores inflation and temporary federal money

(Texas Tribune) A Tribune analysis also found the state’s share of the funds that schools receive per student significantly decreased in the last decade until recently.

Bipartisan contingent of Texas senators advance bill to teach ‘horrors of communism’

(Austin American-Statesman) A bipartisan contingent of Texas senators advanced a measure championed by the father of Texas U.S. Senator Ted Cruz that would require public school teachers to highlight the “horrors of communism” as part of the state’s social studies curriculum.

Texas School for the Deaf worries about shortage of teachers entering the field

(Dallas Morning News) When it comes to hiring new teachers, the Texas School for the Deaf faces steep competition. Officials estimate only about 300 new college graduates enter the deaf education workforce nationwide each year. That leaves the Austin-based school “scrambling amongst all other deaf and hard of hearing schools/education centers to secure the next generation of talent,” officials warned state lawmakers in a recent request for additional funding.

Texas AG investigating insurance company accused of spying on lawmakers, journalists, other Texans

(Texas Tribune) The state is investigating Superior HealthPlan, an insurance company that provides Medicaid coverage to adults and children and coverage for the Children’s Health Insurance Program in Texas, for allegedly using private investigators to perform surveillance and gather potentially confidential information on lawmakers, journalists and other Texans. Superior HealthPlan’s CEO, whom lawmakers grilled about the company’s alleged hiring of private investigators, was reportedly fired after the inquiry was announced.

Carole Keeton Strayhorn, first woman to serve as Texas comptroller, dies at 85

(Texas Standard) Carole Keeton, a trailblazing Texas politician who was the first woman elected for the roles of mayor of Austin and state comptroller, died Wednesday. She was 85.

Also Reported:
East Texas schools brace for impact after $1B USDA funding cut for meals

(CBS 19) A major funding cut from the federal government is raising concerns across East Texas school districts. The USDA has pulled one billion from school food programs, impacting districts that rely on these funds to provide meals to students in need. “It’s alarming that the federal government would do this and without much warning,” Lindale Superintendent Stan Surratt said. Other Trump News:

Bullet shatters window at a Frisco elementary, was an unintentional act, police say

(NBC DFW) A Frisco elementary school ended classes early Thursday morning after police said a bullet shattered a window and entered a classroom. According to initial reports from Frisco police, no children were hurt when a “projectile came into the building from the exterior” at about 9:30 a.m. Thursday at Pete and Gracie Hosp Elementary on Lone Star Ranch Parkway. Frisco police said detectives located the source of the bullet and “believe the act was not intentional.” Still, police said the incident remains under investigation and will be referred to the Denton County District Attorney’s Office.

Numerous Rio Grande Valley school cancelations ahead of storm and flood warning

(KVEO) The following school districts and colleges have announced cancelations in response to the weather-related storm and flood warnings issued in the Rio Grande Valley.

‘We’re not going anywhere’: Draggieland returns to Aggieland

(Battalion) Draggieland 2025 occurred Thursday, March 27, in Rudder Theater. Six drag queens and one drag king competed for the coveted “Queen of Draggieland” title. Though the performance gathered an almost sold-out audience, Draggieland each year is fraught with complaints and public distaste for drag and the community it has gathered at Texas A&M. Related:

Ex-Houston ISD leader’s bribery trial uncovers payments to strip club, liquor store and Vegas boxing match

(Houston Chronicle) Federal prosecutors spent hours painstakingly exploring a ledger that allegedly shows illicit cash payments accepted by Houston ISD officials in trial. The keystone to the government’s 33-count indictment, this ledger — five pages of a day planner — was projected in the courtroom for hours. The pages allegedly show bribes by former HISD contracted vendor Anthony Hutchison from September 2017 to January 2018.

Houston ISD launches investigation after parent outrage over students being forced to clean dirty restroom

(Houston Chronicle) The administration at Houston ISD’s Wharton Dual Language Academy launched an investigation after teachers allegedly told middle school boys to clean up a dirty, trash-strewn school restroom Tuesday. Teachers at the K-8 school asked students to take responsibility after the middle school boys’ restroom was found in disarray. When no one came forward, they viewed cleaning the restroom as a “logical consequence,” according to a statement given to parents Wednesday. Students were taken out of class, given gloves and asked to pick up trash on the restroom floor, the school and concerned Wharton middle school parents said. When all of the trash had been picked up, it was dumped back out as another group of around 10 students came in to clean the restroom, parent Candace Mitchell said.

Austin ISD trustees discuss report on consolidating some schools to tackle deficit

(CBS Austin) The Austin ISD Board of Trustees discussed an audit report which found the district could save $43 million by consolidating certain schools as it faces another school year with a budget deficit. Several trustees seemed skeptical of Thursday’s report. “Schools are more than just buildings. They are the heart of our neighborhoods,” District One Trustee Candance Hunter said. “It’s important to recognize that closing a school comes with emotional and financial cost.”

Lamar CISD predicts enrollment spike in pre-K, kindergarten emergent bilingual summer programs

(Community Impact) Lamar Consolidated ISD officials expect nearly 500 students will enroll in this year’s pre-K and kindergarten emergent bilingual summer program. This comes as district officials expect a larger percentage of emergent bilingual students to join LCISD than in past years, Rosemary Anthony, director of the department of multilingual education, said in an email. As LCISD’s student enrollment grows at the rate of its hypergrowth status, district officials project 23.7% of students will be emergent bilingual in the 2025-26 school year—an almost 9 percentage-point jump since 2019-20, according to district enrollment data.

Katy ISD discretely removes book exploring how to talk about race

(Houston Chronicle) Katy ISD quietly added four titles to the district’s removed book list this week, one of which taught children how to talk about race.

Parents sue Fort Worth private school, allege sexual abuse cover-up involving at least 16 girls

(KERA) Parents say Trinity Valley School hid years of abuse by a former teacher — and silenced those who tried to speak up. Now, they’re taking the school to court. This marks the third legal challenge Trinity Valley has faced since 2025 began.

Bushland ISD makes changes to school safety with Guardian Program

(KFDA) Bushland ISD has decided to remove all but one of its School Resource Officers (SROs) and transition to the Guardian/Defender Program. On May 1, Bushland ISD will go from having four SROs on campuses around the district to one. In addition to the SRO, Bushland ISD will have teachers who will be a part of the Guardian/Defender Program starting this month. The Guardian/Defender Program was a House bill passed in 2023 requiring all school campuses in Texas to have armed personnel.

SRO coming to Baird ISD: A win for school & city safety

(KTAB/KRBC) During a recent Callahan County Commissioners meeting, members of the Callahan County Sheriff’s Office went to bat for Baird ISD about solidifying an SRO position for the school. An SRO, or School Resource Officer, serves as an on-campus law enforcement presence to aid in students’ safety; Baird ISD is the only school within Callahan County without one. Because of this, Baird ISD and the City of Baird have collectively pooled roughly $80,000 worth of funding to help provide the salary and other necessary equipment required to hire a deputy from the Callahan County Sheriff’s Office to serve as their SRO. Baird ISD’s superintendent, Dr. Tim Little, said the process has hit some hurdles.

Denton ISD students get bilingual homework help, thanks to a University of North Texas project that formed during COVID

(KERA) A group of faculty and graduate students at the University of North Texas have picked up awards for the project, but the real reward, said Mariela Nuñez-Janes, is seeing students succeed. The UNT professor of applied anthropology is a co-founder and project lead for Juntxs.

New legal filing calls for immediate removal of Keller ISD board members who supported plan to split

(CBS Texas) Although Keller Independent School District has abandoned its plan to divide the district in two, the fallout continues. New legal action calls for the removal of five Keller ISD school board members. “It’s a matter of public trust,” said Cary Moon, the chairman of the Heritage HOA Legal Task Force. The amended petition, which builds on the original filing on March 4, asserts that those board members have “continuously acted without property authority and hindered transparent governance.”

Texas man identified as suspect in Wisconsin middle school swatting incident

(WSAW) A 20-year-old Texas man has been identified as the suspect in a swatting incident that prompted an evacuation at Horace Mann Middle School in Wausau, WI., in December. Landon Tettleton, 20, is currently in custody in Texas. He’s facing multiple counts in several counties in Texas for similar incidents. Tettleton was arrested in Granbury, Texas on Dec. 12, 2024 — 3 days after staff at Horace Mann received the calls. Swatting is when a prank call is made to trigger a large law enforcement response. The caller indicates some sort of threat to public safety.

Mother of Serenity Baker calls for accountability at Killeen ISD board meeting

(KXXV) Over two weeks have passed since the 14-year-old Serenity Baker was stabbed and killed at Roy J. Smith Middle School, and her mother is demanding answers.

Conroe School Employee Arrested for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child

(Texas Scorecard) A Crime Stoppers “Featured Felon” arrested in Montgomery County on a charge of sexually abusing a child was found to be employed by Conroe ISD. Michael Alan Perry, 43, was arrested Wednesday and charged with continuous sexual abuse of a child, a first-degree felony. Perry works for the Conroe Independent School District. The district’s staff roster shows his position as “Lead Warehouse, Finance Department.”

‘The cloud over our head all year’: Emotional farewell as beloved San Antonio catholic school set to close after 70 years

(KENS) St. Paul Catholic School in San Antonio’s Jefferson neighborhood will close at the academic year’s end due to financial troubles, leaving families heartbroken.

Harris County’s Juvenile Justice Department draws national attention for rehabilitation programs

(Houston Chronicle) The once sterile concrete and metal facility that served as a high-security juvenile prison, holding children considered a threat to society, is now filled with color, laughter and a snack shop run by a former student. The Opportunity Center on Chimney Rock Road in southwest Houston is designed to help high school-aged students turn their lives around, rather than keep them from the rest of the world.

Pearland instructional aide arrested for sending inappropriate pictures, videos to student

(KPRC) A former instructional aide at Glenda Dawson High School in Pearland has been arrested for allegedly sending inappropriate images and videos to a 14-year-old student. According to the Pearland Police Department, 41-year-old Jerel Ward Griffin was taken into custody on March 26, on a charge of Online Solicitation of a Minor, a third-degree felony. Detectives uncovered that Griffin had provided the student with a cellphone in late 2024, allowing them to communicate directly. Over the course of several months, Griffin allegedly sent the student multiple text messages, as well as explicit images and videos, in an effort to build a relationship outside of school. A forensic analysis of electronic devices confirmed the allegations.

McCollum HS teacher accused of having relationship with a minor, records reveal

(KSAT) A Harlandale ISD educator on paid leave is accused of having an inappropriate relationship with a student, according to records obtained by KSAT on Thursday.

Body found on Jefferson High School campus, San Antonio police say

(KSAT) The man, who has not been identified and was not a student at the school, is believed to have died by suicide, police said.

The best-kept secret in West Texas high school sports

(KMID/KPEJ) The Andrews High girls’ golf program has a rich but quiet history. In the last 25 years, the program has won 19 state championships. With the way the girls have been playing this season, winning six out of their eight invitationals, all eyes are set for title 20. However, should the team win it all this year, that would make for their third consecutive title.

How high school sports have changed since COVID

(Dallas Morning News) The fallout from the pandemic, and the toll it took on high school athletes, is still being felt today. It’s not just from the increasing pressure that students feel in this new-look sports world.

March 27, 2025
Legislative Update:
DOGEing the Texas Education Agency

(Austin Chronicle) Is it a transitory blip on Texas’ political radar or something more interesting – the beginning of a movement? Last week, a group of conservative Texans traveled to Austin to stand behind Democratic Rep. Gina Hinojosa, one of the state’s most progressive lawmakers, as she introduced House Bill 5419, a bill to downsize the Texas Education Agency and redirect money from its budget to the state’s public schools.

Republicans Try Reviving Red-Light Camera Ticketing for School Buses

(Texas Scorecard) State Sen. Donna Campbell of Bulverde and State Rep. Tom Craddick of Midland filed matching measures that would allow Texas school districts to implement photo-enforced ticketing schemes using stop-arm cameras mounted on school buses. Opponents say photo-enforced ticketing is an unconstitutional form of policing that fails to make Texans safer.

Texas Senate bill looks to answer how much help school districts need to install seatbelts on buses

(KXAN) A bill in the Texas Senate will require school districts to have seatbelts on every single school bus in their fleet, no matter what year the bus was purchased. Districts that cannot afford to meet full compliance will be required to publicly report it to the Texas Education Agency so the state can better understand how it can financially help.

State Rep. Harrison Calls for End to UT Gender Studies Dept. After Attending ‘Transgender Conference’

(Texas Scorecard) Harrison said that he will advocate for ending all UT Austin state funding unless the school terminates the department. Harrison has introduced House Bill 2339 this session, which would prohibit courses relating to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer studies.

Do Houston school districts support more school discipline? Here’s what 7 of them say

(Houston Landing) The Landing contacted several Houston-area districts — Aldine, Alief, Cy-Fair, Houston, Katy, Pasadena and Spring ISDs — to ask where they stand on student discipline and House Bill 6. Here’s what they had to say.

Also Reported:
How did Texas school districts vote on school chaplain programs? Here’s the data

(Austin American-Statesman) About 35% of districts declined a chaplain program and about 19% chose to accept chaplains as either employees or volunteers, specifically for their clergy duties. The chart below includes the 713 districts that responded to Statesman requests by mid-March and will be updated as more responses come in. Related:

Deep Dive: How will Education Department cuts impact special education?

(K-12 Dive) Opponents predict lapses in civil rights protections and IDEA accountability, but supporters are embracing the promise of local flexibility.

Learning Curve: Texas students entering college with record-high number of credits

(Houston Landing) Texas high school students are earning more college credits than ever before, saving them time and money on a path to an associate or bachelor’s degree. The rise in college credit attainment comes as school districts improve their rates of college, career and military readiness, a key metric used by the state to measure how well districts are preparing students for success after graduation. Nearly two-thirds of the Class of 2023 was considered college-ready by the state.

38 students withdrew from Roy J. Smith Middle School after deadly stabbing, Killeen ISD superintendent says

(KWTX) Students at Roy J. Smith Middle School returned to school on March 25, two weeks after 14-year-old Serenity Baker was fatally stabbed on campus during an altercation. Killeen ISD Superintendent, Dr. Jo Ann Fey, said the school had a 93 percent attendance rate on Tuesday. Fey further said 38 students withdrew from Roy J. Smith, with many of those students returning to their home campuses within the district after having previously transferred to Roy J. Smith.

Do-it-yourself mental health: Community college students band together to pitch solutions

(Texas Tribune) Students from Texas and across the country are getting help to generate new ideas for campus support systems — and to turn those ideas into reality.

Early forecast shows $16M deficit in Round Rock ISD

(KXAN) Cuts could soon be on the way to a Central Texas school district that went into this year with a balanced budget. Last year Round Rock Independent School District set a balanced budget heading into the new school year. However, preliminary projections show it could be facing a $16 million deficit for the 2025-26 school year. “Until we get a bill that passes, that guarantees us more money, we have to be prepared for worst case scenario,” said RRISD Trustee, Amber Landrum, during a March 13 meeting.

San Antonio ISD trustees approve cutting at least 32 positions

(Texas Public Radio) The board of trustees for the San Antonio Independent School District voted on Monday to eliminate at least 32 positions at the end of the school year. The roles being eliminated are concentrated in the district’s central office. Most of the affected employees are tasked with writing curriculum. Deputy Superintendent Shawn Bird told trustees the district no longer needs employees to write curriculum because the district plans to use instructional materials approved by the state.

La Joya ISD anticipates more layoffs

(Progress Times) The chief of staff gave their monthly budget update at the March 12 La Joya ISD school board meeting, and they were clear about what it will take to continue chipping away at the district’s budget deficit — fewer employees.

Canutillo ISD announces workforce cuts amid $5.8 million deficit

(KFOX) Canutillo Independent School District is taking significant steps to address a nearly $6 million budget deficit, announcing workforce reductions across the district. The decision was made during a board meeting on Tuesday night, where officials outlined plans to reduce the deficit from $5.8 million to $2.3 million. Christina Rodriguez, a spokesperson for Canutillo ISD, said, “Unfortunately, we find ourselves in that situation where we need to face a reduction in force because of the lack of state funding, inflation, the price of for employees insurance has gone up.” Related:

Opening Frisco ISD: District open enrollment program to generate $3M

(Community Impact) With Frisco ISD enrollment numbers expected to plateau in the coming years, the district is opening up some of its campuses for students who live outside the district—an initiative expected to generate about $3 million in revenue.
Access Frisco will allow kindergarten through seventh grade students from surrounding areas to attend FISD schools starting in the 2025-26 school year. The district announced the program in late fall 2024.

East Texas elementary offering $10,000 payment for highly effective teachers

(CBS 19) Longview ISD announced the stipend will be awarded to teachers hired at Bailey Elementary with a proven track record of student achievement.

Beaumont ISD sees significant improvement in teacher recruitment

(KFDM) Beaumont ISD says it’s experiencing notable success in its efforts to recruit new staff, particularly teachers. The district has expanded its search, attracting educators with advanced degrees and years of experience. Brandon Basinger, Assistant Director of Human Resources, tells KFDM/Fox 4 that the number of highly qualified teachers has more than doubled, from 30 to 62.

Houston ISD’s 8 priorities for 2025-26 school year include $40M in health and safety upgrades

(Houston Chronicle) Houston ISD’s state-appointed Superintendent Mike Miles laid out the potential costs of eight “key actions” in its draft 2025-26 District Action Plan, including a $40 million investment in health and safety, 800 new Pre-K (age) 3 and Pre-K (age) 4 seats and a new teacher evaluation and compensation system at a Wednesday budget workshop meeting.

Millsap Elementary principal recommended daughter for Weatherford ISD job amid child abuse probe

(Fox 4 KDFW) Paxton Bean, one of the Millsap ISD educators accused of abusing an autistic 10-year-old boy, was unknowingly hired by Weatherford ISD while she was under investigation. Weatherford ISD said it hired her to work at Crockett Elementary after a typical background check and positive reference checks with no mention of a criminal investigation. One of the references was Bean’s mother, Millsap Elementary Principal Roxie Carter. She has not been criminally charged but was placed on leave. Weatherford ISD says Bean is no longer employed by its district. She was on the job for less than a week up until the day the boy’s mother publicly shared that video.

More North Texas students are turning to trade schools for faster, affordable career paths

(CBS Texas) As high school seniors prepare for their next steps, the path to a career looks different for everyone. While many are weighing college acceptances, others are exploring hands-on programs that offer faster, more affordable routes to stable, high-paying jobs.

Allen ISD Teacher on Leave Over ‘Inappropriate Communication’ With Students

(Texas Scorecard) On Tuesday, Allen ISD notified Curtis Middle School families that Trey Stolp had been removed from the classroom and placed on administrative leave while the Allen Police Department investigates “for criminal intent.” Stolp is an eighth grade English teacher who has taught at the school for eight years.

Unaccompanied immigrant children in Houston could be forced to represent themselves after federal funding cut

(Houston Public Media) This is the second time in about a month the Trump administration has tried to end legal representation for unaccompanied children. In February, the Galveston-Houston Immigrant Representation Project received a stop work order that was rescinded a few days later.

Midland College offers resource fair for local homeschoolers

(KMID/KPEJ) Midland College hosted its first free come-and-go event for local homeschoolers at Fasken Learning Resource Center on campus. The homeschooled families had a chance to sign up for free dual credit classes and learn more about the resources and opportunities Midland College has to offer. “Since we have free dual credit, we had a lot of questions if it was for them,” Director of Dual Credit Partnership Amy Webb said.

Hearing set to revoke probation of former Beaumont ISD electrician who stole $1.2 million from district

(KBMT) The former Beaumont Independent School District electrical contractor who defrauded the district of $1.2 million more than a dozen years ago will be headed back to court in May. Calvin Gary Walker, of Beaumont, is set to appear before Judge John Stevens in Jefferson County’s Criminal District Court on May 13, 2025, for hearing on a motion to revoke his probation. Prosecutor Pat Knauth revealed Walker had been instructed to sell properties to satisfy his debt but instead filed for bankruptcy.

Youth mental health: Corpus Christi ISD seeks to join lawsuit against social media companies

(Corpus Christi Caller-Times) The Corpus Christi ISD board of trustees voted Monday evening to approve a legal services contract with three law firms, requesting approval from the Texas attorney general to participate in the litigation. About 800 school districts have joined the lawsuit, Corpus Christi ISD board attorney Philip Fraissinet said during the Monday meeting. School districts have been dealing with the results of social media addiction, Fraissinet said, including having to hire additional mental health staff, facing bullying and discipline issues and losing learning opportunities. Related:

Dallas Educators Grow Sustainability in the Arts With NextGen Partnerships

(Dallas Observer) Dallas arts and entertainment is about to grow exponentially, according to Dallas College.

Dallas ISD’s Career Institutes Are Not Your Parents’ Vo-Tech

(D Magazine) Dallas ISD faced a tough problem: how to serve students who would never go to college? The solution involves flight simulators, among other things.

Fort Worth ISD apologizes to North Side cheerleaders following fall racist incident

(Fort Worth Report) Six months after North Side High School cheerleaders reported hearing racist remarks during a football game at Arlington Heights High School, they said their pain has been ignored and their demands unmet. During a Fort Worth ISD school board meeting March 25, Superintendent Karen Molinar acknowledged that district staff failed to validate the students’ experiences when it mattered most. Trustee Camille Rodriguez read a statement from the cheerleaders, who said they still feel “disrespected, disappointed, embarrassed (and) unsettled,” — sentiments they said had not gone away since the Sept. 13, 2024, incident. Arlington Heights and North Side are both FWISD schools.

Lubbock health official says federal funding cuts will hurt efforts to contain measles outbreak

(Texas Tribune) The Lubbock public health director said Wednesday local efforts to fight a measles outbreak will be affected by the federal government’s announcement that it’s pulling $11 billion in COVID-era funding for public health departments. In Lubbock, federal grants helped hire workers to help with measles testing, vaccination to combat the outbreak that has spread to 15 counties.

Resignation letters from former Harlingen CISD assistant super reveal sharp contrasts

(myRGV) Amid the school district’s financial crisis, former Assistant Superintendent Ramon Mendoza turned in two resignation letters before leaving office, months after withdrawing $23.2 million in cash reserves to cover the district’s operational costs, dropping the district’s fund balance to as low as $17.2 million.

Texas NAACP joins lawsuit over Trump Administration’s actions to dismantle Department of Education

(Fox 7 Austin) The lawsuit, filed by the national NAACP and other branches of the organization, states that getting rid of the department would threaten educational equality for students of color across the country.

Trump plans to dismantle an agency that helps fund libraries. What does that mean for Texas?

(Texas Standard) The Institute of Museum and Library Services was among seven federal agencies dismantled by executive order. Wendy Woodland, the director of advocacy and communication at the Texas Library Association, said the state receives $12.5 million in funding from the IMLS. “The money goes to the Texas State Library and Archives Commission, who provides a wide range of programs to support libraries,” she said. “The funding supports interlibrary loan, a talking book program, digital literacy programs, e-books, technology – really it just runs the gamut and provides a great deal of support to libraries across the state.”

New partnership opens pathway for degrees at Lamar State College in Orange

(KBMT) The program will allow a person to take classes from Lamar State College Orange and Lamar University on the Orange campus location.

Amid dropping reading levels, UT Austin professors find new ways to engage in a shifting classroom

(Daily Texan) Since the pandemic, student reading levels have dropped, showing little sign of recovery. Now, professors must find ways to adapt classes to changing student needs by cutting down on reading assignments and utilizing online resources.

Texas Tech generates $19B economic impact in Texas, report says

(Everything Lubbock) A report said the Texas Tech University System (TTU System) contributed a combined economic impact of $19.2 billion to the state of Texas in 2024, according to a press release. According to the report, the state’s economy received a return of nearly $21 for every dollar the Texas Legislature invested in the TTU System.

University of Houston Forms New Partnership with Delhi Technological University in India

(UH Newsroom) The University of Houston prides itself on its global reach, as it attracts students from around the world to study at one of the country’s top research institutions. The school’s ability to build interest internationally just got a little easier thanks to a Memorandum of Understanding that opens UH up to collaborate with Delhi Technological University in Delhi, India. The agreement will last five years with an option to renew it further in 2030.

UT Rio Grande Valley, Georgia Tech launch $2.8M AI research partnership

(UTRGV Newsroom) The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley has been awarded a $2.8 million grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) under the ExpandAI Program to lead a new partnership with Georgia Institute of Technology’s AI Institute for Advances in Optimization (AI4OPT). As part of the program, UTRGV will introduce specialized AI courses, strengthen its new doctoral program in computer science with interdisciplinary applications, and provide hands-on training for students and junior faculty.

Bexar County agrees not to use property taxes to fund new Spurs arena

(San Antonio Current) The county, city and Spurs have until July to figure how they’re going to pay for the $1.5 billion arena.

March 26, 2025
Legislative Update:
Speaker Dustin Burrows assures school choice legislation will pass Texas House

(KXAN) For the first time in almost six years, the “Big 3” of Texas — Gov. Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, House Speaker Dustin Burrows — held a news conference together to show their shared support in passing school choice legislation in the Lone Star State. Burrows assured the Texas House would do something it has failed to do multiple times: pass an education savings account program (ESA). “We can fully fund public education and do school choice at the same time,” Burrows said. He added that he expects the House proposal of the ESA and public school financing bill, HB 2 and HB 3, will pass committee next week and be debated on the House floor soon.

Billions more for tax relief and border security under budget approved by Texas Senate

(Texas Tribune) The Texas Senate signed off Tuesday on a $336 billion spending plan for the next two years that would use the state’s overflowing coffers to boost teacher pay, establish a school voucher program and cut property taxes, while staying under state spending caps that will leave billions of dollars unspent. The next step will be action in the state House, where budget writers have different plans for distributing property tax help.

Have Texas schools gone too soft on student discipline? These lawmakers and educators think so

(Houston Landing) Some Houston-area school districts and Republican state legislators are rallying around a bill that would give educators more power to discipline students, reversing the more progressive approach that kept more children in the classroom and on campus.

Five ways a funding overhaul has transformed Texas community colleges

(Texas Tribune) More than a year after Texas’ House Bill 8 took effect, some schools have offered free tuition, grown dual credit programs or helped students’ credits transfer when they move on to four-year schools.

School librarians warn against bill that gives more power to parents with ‘outsized’ voices

(San Antonio Report) Lawmakers in the Texas Senate want to give parents more power over which books students have access to in public school libraries. Last week, the Senate passed Senate Bill 13 in a 23-8 vote. The bill would change the way schools decide which books to put on library shelves: instead of having school librarians decide what to order for their catalogues, the school boards would have the ultimate say in which books get purchased. But school librarian advocates from San Antonio say school districts already have systems in place to handle book challenges from parents, and the bill could lead to greater marginalization of minority group students such as LGBTQ+ students or Black and Hispanic students.

Texas bill aims to protect school staff who address students, workers by their biological sex

(CBS 19) A Texas state senator authored a bill that would protect a school employee from being punished for addressing a student or staff as their biological sex. Sen. Bryan Hughes, R-Mineola, filed Senate Bill 810. It states that a school district or open-enrollment charter school cannot discipline, retaliate against or discriminate against a staff member who calls a student or employee in terms consistent with the biological sex of the student or worker.

Jewish Texans disagree on how to combat antisemitism in schools during hearing on Senate bill

(Texas Tribune) Lawmakers propose addressing antisemitism by requiring schools to use a set definition. Critics say the measure will stifle speech.

New Senate-approved $350M grant could help separate trains from Houston roads

(Houston Chronicle) The Texas Senate approved on Tuesday afternoon a new $350 million grant program earmarked for funding railroad-highway grade separation projects after the death of Houston ISD high school student Sergio Rodriguez.

Gov. Greg Abbott showing no rush to replace late U.S. Rep. Sylvester Turner

(Texas Tribune) Republicans hold a tiny majority in the U.S. House, creating an incentive for Abbott to hold off on calling an election for Turner’s seat, which would likely be filled by a Democrat.

Texas A&M testifies on new state NIL bill in House Higher Education Committee

(KBTX) A new bill in Texas over name, image, and likeness (NIL) had its day in committee Tuesday, with a representative from Texas A&M called as an expert witness. A&M University System attorney Brooks Moore spoke on how House Bill 126, filed by Rep. Carl Tepper (R- District 84), will prevent universities in the state from falling behind in recruiting by enabling athletic departments to offer NIL deals to prospective athletes.

Also Reported:
Texas measles outbreak 2025: 18 new cases reported in West Texas

(Fox 4 KDFW) More cases of measles have been reported in connection to a West Texas outbreak, according to new information from the Texas Department of State Health Services. 18 new cases of measles were reported in Texas. 327 cases have been confirmed in connection to the West Texas outbreak since early January. 40 people have been hospitalized and one child died due to complications with the disease. Related:

Houston ISD closed six locations providing free food to community members, citing lower demand

(Houston Chronicle) Houston ISD closed free food distribution sites in early March at six middle and high schools, referring patrons to nearby Sunrise Centers or other campuses to continue to obtain free produce, dairy and nonperishable foods.

‘There was no quid pro quo:’ Defense argues payments were just gifts in Houston ISD bribery trial

(Houston Landing) Defense attorneys for Brian Busby and Anthony Hutchison delivered a forceful rebuttal to the government’s case on Tuesday, asserting that although the two men formed a close friendship while Hutchison did business with the Houston Independent School District, there was no conspiracy to defraud the district out of millions.

Midland ISD board tables decision on Third Future Schools partnership for four elementary schools

(Midland Reporter-Telegram) The Midland ISD board of trustees discussed and debated a possible contract for an SB 1882 partnership between Midland ISD and Third Future Schools for the operation of Henderson Elementary, De Zavala Elementary, Long Elementary and Bonham Elementary. At the stroke of midnight, Trustee Josh Guinn made a motion to postpone the action item indefinitely, with Trustee Sara Burleson providing the second. The vote to indefinitely postpone the decision to a future board meeting was 7-0. Related:

Houston pastor makes homophobic remarks about Deer Park ISD superintendent pick

(Houston Chronicle) The online backlash against Pastor Douglas Harris’ statements at the pulpit was swift.

Ex-Professor Admits To Stealing Nearly $1 Million From Tarleton State University

(Texas Scorecard) A former Tarleton State University associate professor has pleaded guilty to stealing nearly $1 million from the school during her tenure. Dr. Julie Howell signed a plea agreement in January, admitting to one count of theft from a program receiving federal funds. According to court documents, Howell was the department head for Educational Leadership & Technology in the College of Education at Tarleton State University between April 1, 2022, and April 9, 2024. Howell is scheduled for sentencing on June 10 in Tarrant County federal court. She faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

Fort Worth ISD superintendent unveils plan to move instructional coaches into classrooms

(NBC DFW) Superintendent Karen Molinar’s plan impacts instructional coaches on school campuses. These are the people who help train teachers to better help students succeed. Now, those coaches will be required to teach in the classroom and work directly with students. They’ll still work to coach their peers but will also have to do hands-on work in the classroom. It will impact salaries, but the United Educators Association tells us they’ve heard few complaints from their members. Three high-level area superintendents would find their positions eliminated as well. The plan moves more than $27 million from administration to a model that touches classrooms more.

DATA: See which Greater Houston-area school districts saw enrollment losses, gains from 2020-25

(Community Impact) Community Impact analyzed data from the TEA to learn how many students were enrolled at public school districts for the 2024-25 school year compared to the 2020-21 school year five years ago. According to data for 28 Greater Houston-area school districts, the districts with the highest enrollments in 2020-21 and in 2024-25 were Houston, Cy-Fair and Katy ISDs.

New report shows how school districts outside the Houston Beltway are bursting with new students

(KTRK) A new report shows how some Houston-area schools are bursting with students, with one district experiencing an 80% growth from just five years ago. Experts said this isn’t about school choice or homeschooling, but amenities that were normally found in the city are now in the suburbs. As the region continues to add people, they believe more will head further out.

Argyle ISD board approves one-time payment for employees

(Community Impact) Members of the Argyle ISD board of trustees unanimously approved a one-time payment of $1,000 for professional staff and $500 for paraprofessionals and auxiliary employees at their regular board meeting March 24.

Austin ISD defends bus route changes as parents express concerns over new pickup model

(KVUE) Austin ISD plans to eliminate traditional bus routes for four schools, replacing them with a centralized pickup model as part of their efforts to address a $110 million budget deficit.

Killeen ISD’s Roy J. Smith Middle School students return to campus two weeks after fatal stabbing

(KBTX) Killeen ISD’s Roy J. Smith Middle School students returned to campus Tuesday morning for the first time since a middle school student stabbed and killed 14-year-old Serenity Baker nearly two weeks ago. In response to the incident and parents’ concerns, the district has enhanced security and disciplinary measures on all campuses. Related:

CPS Energy program pays off for Edgewood ISD

(Spectrum News) Edgewood ISD is one of the 19 districts across San Antonio taking part in CPS Energy’s Demand Response program, which asks commercial customers to lower its power consumption, so there’s enough to go around. Over the last decade, the district has received almost $2.7 million from the program. The money goes back into the general fund for district operations.

1 dead after North East ISD school bus crash on Northeast Loop 410

(KSAT) A person was killed after a two-vehicle crash involving a North East Independent School District school bus, according to the San Antonio Fire Department. The crash happened around 5 p.m. on Tuesday in the 2400 block of Northeast Loop 410. SAFD Public Information Officer Joe Arrington told KSAT that a person inside a sedan was pronounced dead on the scene. Nobody inside the school bus was injured, according to SAFD. A MacArthur High School student told KSAT that she was exiting the school bus when the crash happened.

Future of Electric School Bus Funding Remains Unknown, Warns Expert

(School Transportation News) Joe Annotti, the vice president of incentives for TRC Clean Transportation Solutions, attempted to provide some clarity in “an era of deregulation” on Sunday during STN EXPO East in Charlotte, N.C. He noted that despite the belief stated by media that President Donald Trump is making unprecedented changes and reevaluations of agencies and programs, the actions are normal. Annotti relayed that presidents come in all the time, stop and relook at programs, before funds get flowing again. What is unprecedented, however, is the amount of funding being allocated to school buses, primarily clean school buses. That, by way of the Clean School Bus Program, is now in peril. Other Trump News:

No charges against Fort Worth museum after allegations that exhibit included child porn

(KERA) A Tarrant County grand jury declined to take action against the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth or artist Sally Mann in a case of alleged child pornography at the museum, the district attorney’s office confirmed Tuesday. But police and the museum still aren’t commenting on what’s next for the four photos that were confiscated months ago from Diaries of Home, a temporary exhibition at the museum.

Pantex, West Texas A&M University to provide opportunities to students through new partnership

(KFDA) Pantex extends its arms to faculty, staff and students from West Texas A&M University for hands-on learning opportunities in the engineering world through a new partnership. The new partnership will help promote research and development for Pantex and WTAMU, including the advancement of technology at the new Palo Duro Research facility.

Texas A&M may have even bigger plans for downtown Fort Worth campus

(Fort Worth Star-Telegram) The new Texas A&M-Fort Worth campus could eventually have five buildings, according to a rendering the university recently posted on its website. One building, for the law school, is under construction now. Texas A&M is doing design work on a second building for research programs, and has previously announced a third “gateway” building. The rendering posted online shows a possible “Performance, Visualization and Fine Arts Building” along East Lancaster Avenue, and a second research building. Those projects are part of the university’s long-range plans for the campus. There is not a public timeline.

Brenham ISD reviewing allegations of teacher injuring student

(KBTX) The Brenham school district confirms it is looking into allegations that a teacher injured a student in a classroom this week. The alleged incident took place on Monday at the middle school, according to family members of the student involved. Because no charges have been filed and no arrests have been made, KBTX is not identifying the teacher accused.

Man arrested at Bryan ISD stadium, accused of threats during track meet

(KBTX) A Bryan man was arrested Friday at Bryan ISD’s Merrill Green Stadium during the district’s annual fourth grade track meet, according to a press release from the district. Bryan police arrested John Villapando, 29, for three counts of making a terroristic threat causing fear of imminent serious bodily injury. Bryan ISD said Villapando made a verbal threat to shoot several bystanders and was “quickly located and detained by Bryan Police Department School Resource Officers.”

San Antonio City Council looks likely to ban vape shops near schools, day cares in coming months

(San Antonio Current) San Antonio City Council’s Community Health Committee voted 5-0 on Monday to direct city staff to iron out rules that would bar such retailers from operating within 1,000 feet of a school or day care, the Express-News reports. The full council is likely to vote on the measure by early May.

Bexar County commissioners declare drug overdoses a public health crisis

(Texas Public Radio) Bexar County commissioners declared on Tuesday that drug overdoses in the county represented a public health crisis. County Public Health Director Andrea Guerrero-Guajardo explained that “our Bexar County medical examiner reports that in 2023, opioids specifically were involved in more than 40% of deaths that came through her office.” Commissioners also approved an agreement with the city that will eventually see a combined $200,000 applied to harm reduction strategies, such as the distribution of overdose reversal drugs to first responders.

Suspect in December murder linked to campus shooting at UT Austin

(KXAN) The suspect in a deadly December shooting also fired randomly at people on the UT Austin campus last July, according to police.

Gunman who killed 23 in racist attack at Texas Walmart is offered plea deal to avoid death penalty

(AP) The gunman who killed 23 people in a racist attack targeting Hispanic shoppers at a Walmart near the U.S.-Mexico border in 2019 would avoid the death penalty under a plea offer announced Tuesday, abruptly ending years of efforts by prosecutors to see that he face execution by lethal injection.

Teenage boy accused of shooting, killing 14-year-old classmate in Baytown charged with murder

(KPRC) The 13-year-old boy accused of shooting and killing a 14-year-old classmate after an argument on a school bus has been charged with murder. It happened last Friday around 4 p.m. at the Village Lane apartment complex in Baytown. Police say they were called to the complex for a reported shooting and found the girl, identified as Anaya Zachary, 14, by family members, near the complex playground with gunshot wounds. Anaya was transported to a hospital, where she later died. Police added a bystander, a woman who was holding her baby, sustained an injury from the fired rounds. She and the baby were taken to a hospital for evaluation, but were cleared and released.

March 25, 2025
Legislative Update:
Here’s why Texas students, lawmakers fear uncertainty from razing US Education Department

(Austin American-Statesman) Several lawmakers, students and educators spoke out Monday during a rally at the Texas Capitol against Trump’s executive order, signed Thursday, that would begin shuttering the federal education agency. The lack of clarity about how federal education money will flow to schools, however, could bolster already strained educator sentiments at a time when the state is recovering from high post-pandemic teacher turnover, said Zeph Capo, president of the Texas American Federation of Teachers. “A great way to double down on the worst educator retention rates in the history of the state of Texas is to add another level of deep uncertainty to the people that are employed by these dollars,” Capo said. Related:

Texas’ 2026–27 State Budget: Record Spending, Missed Opportunities

(Texas Policy Research) As the Texas Legislature debates Senate Bill 1 (SB 1)—the proposed General Appropriations Act for the 2026–27 biennium—taxpayers should pay close attention. At $336.1 billion in total spending, this is the largest state budget in Texas history. While it covers the usual bases — education, health care, public safety, and infrastructure — the trajectory of this budget reveals a troubling trend: unchecked government growth, unsustainable spending patterns, and missed opportunities to deliver meaningful relief to Texans.

Interim UT-Austin president seeks to walk fine line between faculty and lawmakers’ concerns

(Texas Tribune) Jim Davis told professors he’ll share their concerns with lawmakers about proposals that would increase oversight on curricula and hiring. Elsewhere on campus, former UT-Austin President Jay Hartzell criticized the bills.

Texas ‘school choice’ legislation could trigger influx of students to Catholic schools

(Catholic News Agency) A $1 billion “school choice” proposal moving through the Texas Legislature could dramatically expand private education and home schooling in the country’s second most populous state, winning praise from Catholic leaders while raising concerns among some public school advocates.

Nearly half of licensed child care centers at risk of closing in Texas, association claims

(KPRC) The Texas Licensed Child Care Association is urging lawmakers in Austin to increase funding for the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) to address the growing number of families relying on subsidy programs for child care. TWC directs funds to statewide initiatives dealing with child care. The association wants lawmakers to appropriate $1.8 billion to the commission.

State Rep. Pat Curry says he no longer intends to push House Bill 4938 to dismantle Texas Parks and Wildlife Dept.

(KBTX) While Curry’s about-face comes in the wake of widespread backlash on social media, the Central Texas Republican said his decision was made after a “series of productive conversations” with TPWD staff. “While this bill might have ruffled some feathers, I believe the conversation was necessary, and I appreciate TPWD’s willingness to work with me for the benefit of all Texans.”

Also Reported:
Millsap ISD superintendent resigns following arrest, child abuse investigation

(Fox 4 KDFW) Millsap ISD trustees formally accepted the superintendent’s resignation following her arrest in a child abuse investigation. Two other educators, Jennifer Dale and Paxton Bean, were also arrested and fired after a disturbing video surfaced showing what appears to be abuse of a special needs student. They are no longer employed by the district. Bean is the daughter of Millsap Elementary School Principal Roxie Carter, who is currently on administrative leave but has not been charged with crimes. The board also voted to establish a nepotism policy prohibiting employees from being supervised by an immediate family member.

District attorney dismisses case against ex-Connally High student accused of assaulting teacher

(KWTX) Jamorione Butler, 21, was set to stand trial Monday in Waco’s 54th State District Court on a third-degree felony assault against a public servant charge. However, prosecutor Bailey Bryson dismissed the charge before jury selection began Monday, telling the court that new evidence surfaced over the weekend that made the state question the strength of its case. Butler, who was 17 at the time, was charged with throwing Connally High School teacher Isabell Juliet Velo up against the wall after Velo tried to break up a fight in her classroom in October 2021. Velo suffered a concussion in the incident, according to court documents. “We felt justice required that we not prosecute the case because the evidence wasn’t strong enough to proceed,” Bryson said.

Hitchcock ISD providing free Narcan on all campuses, school buses

(Fox 26 Houston) Hitchcock ISD says they’re the first school district to provide Narcan through a free vending machine. The district has the opioid reversal drug inside all campuses and school buses. The Narcan was provided through the Gulf Coast Outreach Services.

Texas A&M can’t ban “Draggieland” drag show, federal judge rules

(Texas Tribune) Judge Lee H. Rosenthal said the student group that organizes Draggieland, the Queer Empowerment Council, was likely to succeed in showing the ban violates the First Amendment.

Advocates say Houston ISD makes enrolling hard for criminally-charged youth

(KTRK) When current Superintendent Mike Miles took over and made cuts to some programs serving at-risk students, Sarah Beebe, a supervising attorney with Disability Rights Texas’ Juvenile Probation Education Advocacy Program, said she saw an increase in juvenile justice-involved youth having a hard time enrolling at HISD. The Harris County Reentry Workgroup, which Beebe leads, sent a letter to HISD outlining their concerns. Some of the recent issues the group says they’ve identified include HISD claiming a student is too old to enroll in middle school or high school, or recommending that students get a GED instead, according to the letter.

Fort Bend ISD officials will review controversial Bluebonnet learning materials after board vote

(Houston Chronicle) Fort Bend ISD trustees voted on Monday to approve a pilot set of materials for the state-created Bluebonnet Learning, despite community opposition to its many references to the Bible as early as kindergarten. Trustees voted 5-2 to order the sample set of materials Monday night. While some trustees said they were not in favor of the curriculum, others said they wanted the district to review it to see if it would be a good fit. The district is also awaiting results of a literacy audit of their current elementary school reading curriculum, which was developed by district leadership and tailored to the needs of Fort Bend ISD.

San Antonio ISD cuts 16 staff positions but opens 30 new roles

(News4SA) San Antonio ISD trustees Monday night unanimously approved a reduction in force. “There are about 16 people in those positions,” Deputy Superintendent Dr. Shawn Bird said. “There are 30 positions that are now available. The jobs have been posted, and we will conduct interviews later this week so we can let those employees know.”

Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD looks to lower student-to-teacher ratios despite $10M deficit

(Fort Worth Report) The northwest Fort Worth district is considering a one-time maneuver to bank at least $12M to reduce class sizes starting in the 2025-26 school year. During a mid-March budget workshop, leaders proposed that the school board consider starting the district’s fiscal year earlier for a savings of at least $12 million. Along with that shift, administrators are looking at how to balance the number of teachers across the district and reduce the number of students in each class. The school board is expected to vote on the budget savings plan during its March 31 meeting.

Bryan ISD Board of Trustees discuss ‘uncertain’ budget development process

(KBTX) ‘Uncertain’ was one of the words used by Bryan ISD leadership when talking about the 2025-2026 school year budget development process at its board meeting Monday. With pending legislation at the state level and the future of the Department of Education in question, district leaders said this has made it challenging to build a financial plan. These budget conversations aren’t new. School districts across the state, including Bryan ISD, have felt the impacts of running 2025 campuses on 2019 dollars.

Richardson ISD fights back against enrollment drop with door-to-door campaign

(WFAA) Facing declining enrollment and stagnant funding, Richardson ISD launches an “apartment blitz,” sending educators door-to-door to boost enrollment.

Harris County LGBTQIA+ Commission Sets Date for ‘Banned Book’ Fair

(Texas Scorecard) Harris County’s LGBTQIA+ Commission will hold a “banned book fair” in June. The event seeks to promote books that have been removed from government school libraries, typically because the book contains inappropriate content and is not suitable for the library’s targeted age group. 

Brownsville, UT Rio Grande Valley form task force to reclaim classes, commencement

(myRGV) The Brownsville City Commission has approved a memorandum of understanding with the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley aimed at beefing up education programs and opportunities at the Brownsville campus.

Lufkin ISD names positions to be impacted by staff reduction

(CBS 19) Lufkin ISD board trustees released on Monday a list of employment areas that will be affected by a staff reduction. The board previously moved forward with a program change after approving the process to close Coston Elementary and Kurth Primary. These closures would happen before the start of the 2025-26 academic year.

Answer Key: Community college can get pricey. Here’s how to get help with textbooks, food, other needs

(Houston Landing) Houston Community College and Lone Star and San Jacinto colleges each offer different resources — including financial aid, food and technology — to students who need support. Here’s where to find them.

Young Texans rake in nearly $1.4M at RodeoHouston’s Junior Market Steer Auction

(KHOU) Record-breaking bids and emotional moments defined this year’s RodeoHouston Junior Market Steer Auction, where steers sold for over $600,000 each. Jacob Schickedanz, 16, of Perryton, Texas, claimed the Grand Champion title with his black crossbred steer, Kareem. The steer sold for $675,000, with an opening bid of $50,000 placed by Congressman Jake Ellzey, a family friend. Jett Hale, 17, of Miami, Texas, broke a record with his Reserve Champion Charolais Cross steer, Mike, selling for $690,000.

Midland ISD’s Fine Arts Department receives $1 million

(KOSA) The FMH Foundation awarded Midland ISD with a million-dollar grant for the district’s fine arts department. The million dollars will go directly towards providing students with brand new band and orchestra instruments to elevate the quality of music education at all secondary schools. Related:

‘Roadrunner Rocketeers’: UT San Antonio student engineers are aiming for the stars

(San Antonio Report) Four University of Texas at San Antonio students are part of a NASA-led project to design and build a rocket with hopes of test launching it later this spring.

UT Austin School of Engineering announces new graduate pharmacoengineering program

(Daily Texan) The Cockrell School of Engineering announced on March 10 a new graduate program aimed to give students multidisciplinary experience in pharmaceutical drug discovery and formulation.

St. Mary’s School of Law gets $5M to establish new business and transaction law center

(San Antonio Report) St. Mary’s University School of Law secured $5 million to establish a new business and transactional law center which includes a new business law clinic, a program where law students get hands-on experience helping community members who may not be able to afford private attorneys for their legal cases. The Oatman Hill Foundation, created by estate of law alumnus Bennie Walter Bock, donated the funds for St. Mary’s to create the Bennie W. Bock II Center for Business and Transactional Law.

Higher education, higher earnings? Here’s how advanced degrees pay off in Texas

(KVIA) A college degree has often been viewed as a ticket to the middle class and a requirement for the increasingly high-tech, high-skill jobs of tomorrow. Software developers, registered nurses, and accountants are some of the occupations requiring a college education that are projected to grow quickly, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

Arlington groups kick-start affordable higher education initiative for IT professionals

(Arlington Report) The Rotary Club of Arlington Highlands, in collaboration with Arlington-based RiseBack, announced the launch of the Affordable Higher Education Initiative, a program aimed at breaking down financial barriers and empowering individuals to achieve their educational and career aspirations via universities in India. Two students signed up for the program at the event.

County research project, exhibit honors 21 women whose names emblazon San Antonio ISD schools

(KSAT) In celebration of Women’s History Month, the Bexar County Historical Commission is honoring 21 women who have had San Antonio Independent School District schools named after them. The project and exhibit will be on display at 3 pm Saturday, March 29, at the San Antonio Central Library.

Edgewood ISD Police: Arrest made in connection to online threats made against three San Antonio schools

(KTSA) Edgewood ISD police investigated the threats and according to the district, they have arrested who they believe is responsible. No further details about the threats, or the person who was arrested have been released.

3 teen sisters arrested for trying to kill their mom after she turned off the Wi-Fi, Harris County Sherriff’s Office says

(KTRK) Three teenage girls are in custody after allegedly planning to kill their mother because she turned off the Wi-Fi in their home. The girls, ages 14, 15, and 16, reportedly grabbed kitchen knives and chased their mother through the house and into the street, attempting to stab her. Authorities say one of the teens struck the mother with a brick. Their grandmother was also knocked down while trying to protect the mother. Despite the violent attack, neither woman sustained serious injuries.

March 24 2025
Legislative Update:
Texas’ DEI debate centers on a disagreement about whether programs perpetuate or prevent discrimination

(KSAT) Often lost in the political rhetoric swirling around the clashing viewpoints are detailed discussions about what particular student clubs, DEI statements or multicultural centers actually do.

Proposed bill would make it easier to suspend students, a practice San Antonio schools use often

(San Antonio Report) House Bill 6, which is sponsored by nearly three-quarters of Republican representatives in the Texas House, greenlights the use of suspension for students below the third grade for conduct that results in “repeated or significant disruption in the classroom” or threatens the “immediate health and safety of other students.”

Dan Patrick has a clear warning for state agencies in Texas after THC, lottery issues

(Houston Chronicle) Lt. Gov Dan Patrick isn’t declaring war on the Texas bureaucracy quite like President Donald Trump has with the federal government. Still, it is clear his frustration is growing on two key fronts: the lottery and THC retailers.

550 Women Could Cost Texas State Health Plan $9,600,000.00

(RiskManagers.us) Texas legislators are considering gifting almost $10 million to pay for a new health plan benefit for approximately 550 plan members of the Texas state employee health plan. The “gift” is projected to cost 5% more each year due to medical inflation. The “gift” would be extended to TRS ActiveCare members for another $10.5 million. It is estimated this will benefit less than 1% of TRS ActiveCare plan members. Proposed Texas House Bill 618 would “amend portions of the Insurance Code to require certain government health benefit plans to include coverage for outpatient expenses that arise from in vitro fertilization procedures to the same extent that those plans provide benefits for certain other pregnancy-related procedures.”

Editorial: Legislature is considering several bills that would affect open government, information

(MyRGV) Advocates of open government, including media and civil rights organizations, are monitoring the nearly 8,000 bills that are being offered this session and identifying those that would affect public knowledge and officials’ accountability. These organizations also contact lawmakers voicing support or opposition or suggesting changes that might improve them. They also can provide written evaluations or testify during legislative hearings as the bills are being debated.

Kicking Politics Out of Texas Schools

(National Review) Texas Representative Steve Toth’s HB 4561 does three things: 1) It prohibits school districts from issuing excused absences for purposes of political protest or lobbying; 2) it prohibits academic standards, curriculum, or teacher professional development from promoting political student walkouts (often taught under euphemistic headings like “civic engagement” or “action civics”); and 3) it penalizes teachers, administrators, and school districts that permit, excuse, or orchestrate political student walkouts, with consequences that grow in severity for repeat offenders.

Texas spent $5 million on Ken Paxton’s impeachment trial, audit finds

(KERA) Texas spent more than $5.1 million on the impeachment trial of state Attorney General Ken Paxton in 2023, according to a state audit.

Also Reported:
Trump says student loans, special needs programs will be moved to new departments

(ABC News) President Donald Trump announced Friday that two key functions of the agency he is seeking to dismantle, the Department of Education, will be moved to new departments: The Small Business Administration will take on student loans, and the Department of Health and Human Services will take on special needs and nutrition efforts. Related:

After educators’ arrests, Millsap ISD school board delays action on superintendent contract

(Fort Worth Star-Telegram) The Millsap Independent School District board of trustees on Friday considered, in closed session and without voting on it, a separation agreement with Superintendent Edie Martin after she and two educators were arrested in connection with the alleged abuse of special education students. Board Vice President Jon Hartman announced the board would meet again on Monday night to discuss terminating Martin’s contract and placing her on administrative leave among other actions. Related:

Texas measles cases rise to 309. Here is what you need to know

(Texas Tribune) The West Texas outbreak has spread to three new counties –– Hockley, Hale and Garza –– for a total of 14 affected counties, as of Friday. Related:

With book bans, Texas librarians are on the frontlines of a culture war

(Houston Chronicle) The new documentary The Librarians, which showed at the South By Southwest Film & TV Festival after premiering at Sundance in January, digs into some of the “Thou Shalt Not Read” hotspots, including the Texas city of Granbury and Llano County, both of which targeted school librarians for daring to distribute books that suggest LGBTQ people are human and American race relations haven’t been peachy.

Houston ISD changes student progress guidelines used to evaluate Supt. Mike Miles, state takeover

(Houston Chronicle) Houston ISD will add to or amend more than half of the board goals that track student progress and help evaluate state-appointed Superintendent Mike Miles’ performance after a Board of Managers vote March 20. Related:

Texas private school’s use of new ‘AI tutor’ rockets student test scores to top 2% in the country

(Fox News) At Alpha School in Austin, Texas, students are placed in the classroom for two hours a day with an AI assistant, using the rest of the day to focus on skills like public speaking, financial literacy, and teamwork. “We use an AI tutor and adaptive apps to provide a completely personalized learning experience for all of our students, and as a result our students are learning faster, they’re learning way better. In fact, our classes are in the top 2% in the country,” Alpha School co-founder Mackenzie Price told “Fox & Friends.”

Keller ISD trustee says entire board knew of nonprofit membership; 2 say that’s not true

(Fort Worth Star-Telegram) Days after two Keller school board members said they weren’t aware of the district’s membership in a nonprofit organization that was providing guidance on the budget and other financial matters, another trustee said the entire board knew about it and took part in the discussions.

All three Lubbock-area school districts saw decline in STAAR/EOC test scores in 2024

(Lubbock Avalanche-Journal) The Texas Education Agency released the Texas Academic Performance Reports (TAPR) for the 2023-2024 school year. The Lubbock-Cooper, Frenship and Lubbock ISDs all experienced a decline in the percentage of students passing math, reading, and science standardized tests.

Which Texas public schools are meeting state standards? Here’s how you can learn more

(Corpus Christi Caller-Times ) With so many sources of information and data points to sift through, it might be hard for parents and community members to know where to look to answer their questions. Here’s what to know about school performance data.

United ISD student charged in connection to stun gun incident

(KGNS) A United ISD student is facing multiple charges for allegedly injuring another student with a stun gun. In a statement, UISD says the teen who was behind the alleged attack was charged with aggravated assault and resisting arrest, with more charges pending.

‘A wake-up call’: United ISD pilot program reveals drivers’ alarming neglect for children outside school buses

(Laredo Morning Times) United Independent School District is raising alarms over student safety after releasing data that showed more than 2,000 illegal school bus passing violations during a five-month pilot program on just two buses.

Fact brief: Can Texas school districts use voter-approved bonds for budget deficits?

(Fort Worth Report) No. Texas school districts can only use voter-approved bonds to pay for construction projects, purchasing land, school buses, security upgrades and technology.

North Texas School Districts Among The Wealthiest in Texas

(Dallas Observer) North Texas is home to seven of the state’s top 10 wealthiest school districts. Given the wealth of many of the region’s ZIP codes, perhaps this shouldn’t come as much of a surprise. 

Harlingen school district fund balance dips to $17.5 million

(myRGV) A $6 million shortfall in state funding helped spur the district’s cash reserves to dip to $17.5 million, dropping the fund balance from $21.2 million.

Liberty Hill ISD adding schools after enrollment increase

(Fox 7 Austin) “We’ve grown by over 1,000 kids a year. For the last six years, we’ve gone from 4,000 to almost 10,000 students. So that requires more schools,” says Liberty Hill ISD superintendent Steven Snell.

Lewisville ISD enrollment could decline by over 900 students in 2025-26 school year

(Community Impact) Slowed housing developments and declining student yields are diminishing enrollment in Lewisville ISD. Projections indicate that the district will serve over 3,400 fewer students in ten years, but that number could be even higher if lower yields persist, Zonda Education demographer Rocky Gardiner told trustees March 17.

Montgomery ISD predicts a balanced budget for 2025-26 fiscal year

(Community Impact) Montgomery ISD is predicting a balanced budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year, Superintendent Mark Ruffin said during a March 20 budget and financial outlook update meeting. With the passing of the $5.5 million voter-approval tax rate election in November 2024, Ruffin said the district is in the position of not seeing a deficit.

Federal trial begins for former Houston ISD Chief Operating Officer and an ex-NFL player in alleged bribery scheme

(Houston Landing) The weeks-long trial is expected to feature testimony from former HISD employees who have admitted their guilt in the alleged conspiracy.

Baytown family demands justice for 14-year-old girl allegedly killed by teenage classmate

(KHOU via KWTX) Police say 14-year-old Anaya “Naya” Zachary was fatally shot by a teenage boy, her classmate at Baytown Junior High School, on the playground of her apartment complex around 4 p.m. Friday after returning from school. The incident allegedly stemmed from an altercation between the two on the bus earlier in the day.

With strong UT El Paso ties, Bhutan’s place on draft travel ban raises concerns for El Paso

(El Paso Matters) Much of the institution’s buildings reflect Bhutanese architecture, and campus visitors will find examples of cultural artifacts and tapestries that were gifts from the kingdom. The university also enrolls many, if not the most, Bhutanese nationals who pursue higher education degrees in the United States. That could change because the Trump administration may include it on its list of countries whose residents are banned or restricted from traveling to America.

Plans to scrutinize nonprofit funding go out the window as San Antonio races to shore up social safety net

(San Antonio Report) In a Hail-Mary attempt to protect the “social safety net” of one of the poorest large cities in the country, San Antonio’s City Council is punting plans to take a hard look at the way the city funds local nonprofits.

President of northwest Houston little league club removed after thousands of dollars goes missing

(KTRK) An email was sent out to the thousands of families who are part of the Oaks Dads’ Club, one of Houston’s oldest youth sports leagues. The board stated in the email that it was “making the decision to remove the president due to financial mismanagement concerns.” Multiple sources tell ABC13 that ODC is missing more than $50,000 dollars from its coffers. It was subsequently learned that the club’s president, John Barcelo, had previously pleaded guilty, and received 10 years deferred adjudication, for a felony theft charge that alleged Barcelo had defrauded his former employee.

March 21, 2025
Legislative Update:
Ban on Taxpayer-Funded Lobbying Weakened in Texas Senate

(Texas Scorecard) In a late-night vote, the Texas Senate approved a ban on taxpayer-funded lobbying — but not before Democrats and a handful of Republicans weakened the legislation. Originally, SB 19 also barred nonprofit organizations representing cities, counties, and school districts from employing lobbyists. However, an amendment by State Sen. Robert Nichols (R–Jacksonville) removed that restriction, allowing groups like the Texas Association of School Boards, Texas Municipal League, and Texas Association of Counties to continue hiring full-time lobbyists with public funds.

Will Texas ban DEI in public schools? Here’s what the Senate approved

(Austin Amercian-Statesman) In a bid to expand prohibitions on diversity, equity and inclusion in education, the Texas Senate on Wednesday passed a proposal to ban DEI in all public school hirings and trainings as well as prohibit district-sponsored student clubs that are “based on sexual orientation or gender identity.”

Ted Cruz funds ads supporting pro-voucher lawmakers

(Texas Tribune) The ads praise 14 Texas Republicans, including House Speaker Dustin Burrows, for their support of education savings accounts.

Texas Legislature considers creating cyber command center to defend state from cyberattacks

(KUT) The steady increase in cyberattacks was highlighted during a hearing held by the Texas House’s Delivery of Government Efficiency (or DOGE) Committee on Wednesday. “In 2024 alone, as reported to the Office of the Attorney General, systems containing the sensitive personal information profiles of over 15 million Texans were compromised in data breaches,” said Southlake Republican Rep. Giovanni Capriglione. He was introducing House Bill 150, legislation he authored that would create a Cyber Command Center at the University of Texas at San Antonio, an idea Gov. Greg Abbott designated an emergency item for lawmakers during his State of the State address last month.

95,000 Texas children are waiting for state help to pay for day care

(Texas Tribune) Adding more funding to scholarships is just one way experts say state lawmakers could address Texas’ child care crisis.

Also Reported:
Trump signs order closing Education Department to ‘maximum extent appropriate’

(K-12 Dive) President Donald Trump on Thursday afternoon ordered U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon to “take all necessary steps to facilitate the closure of the Department of Education,” marking the boldest push from the president to shut down the agency since its establishment under the Carter administration over four decades ago. Trump also said prior to the signing that he intends to disperse the department’s core functions — such as Pell Grants, Title I funding, and providing funding and resources for students with disabilities — to other parts of the government.  Related:

Texas is poised to make measles a nationwide epidemic, public health experts say

(Texas Tribune) Public health experts say Texas needs better messaging on vaccinations and quarantining and more people conducting contact tracing to contain the spread. Related:

Houston ISD board approves new teacher evaluation system ahead of pay-for-performance plan

(Houston Landing) Houston ISD’s state-appointed board unanimously approved a new teacher evaluation system Thursday that will go into effect for the next school year. The model, which will be used to evaluate the district’s roughly 11,000 teachers, looks similar to the current system that emphasizes classroom observations and student test score growth. However, the district plans to use the evaluation scores to partially determine the salaries of many employees starting in 2026-27, a change that has angered the district’s largest teachers union. Related:

Fort Worth ISD looks to spur reading renaissance through literacy-infused budget

(Fort Worth Report) In front of cameras, Fort Worth ISD Superintendent Karen Molinar was steadfast in her declaration: “Literacy is our top priority.” Behind the scenes, top administrators have been working to put the district’s dollars where its proverbial mouth is and infuse literacy throughout a nearly $1 billion budget.

Here’s a Timeline of the Keller ISD Splitting Drama

(Dallas Observer) The highly controversial plan has taken some wild twists and turns over the past few months.

New Caney ISD increases bus driver pay, renews superintendent contract

(Community Impact) Bus drivers at New Caney ISD will see a $0.25 raise to their hourly rate for the 2025-26 school year after the district’s board of trustees approved a new compensation package March 17. The new hourly pay for NCISD bus drivers will be $18.90, said Scott Powers, NCISD’s executive director of public relations, via a March 19 email. The 2025-26 compensation plan also included bumps to some employee stipends.

Lufkin ISD staff reductions not to include teachers

(KLTV) After a pattern of low enrollment in the district, the Lufkin ISD Board approved on Thursday beginning the process of reducing district staff. The board voted unanimously to start a three-step program to not renew contracts for certain district educators. Superintendent Dr. James Hockenberry made sure to clarify the reductions will not include classroom teachers, but instead will include professional non-teaching, and admin positions.

Canutillo ISD Board of Trustees president served with lawsuit for removal

(KTSM) Canutillo Independent School District’s Board of Trustees President Armando Rodriguez was served with a lawsuit last Friday, March 14, on his removal from the board, according to the citation. The citation says Rodriguez has 20 days from when the lawsuit was filed to respond with a written answer. As we previously reported, a group of local citizens filed a petition to have Rodriguez removed from the board in May 2024, due to his previous arrest records of driving while intoxicated since his election into the board in 2005.

Online tip leads to arrest of Lubbock man making online school shooting threats

(KCBD) The man responsible for a series of online school shooting threats is behind bars thanks to a report submitted to the Texas Department of Public Safety’s (DPS) iWatchTexas program. Stephen Patrick Furr, 29, was arrested and charged by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in Lubbock on Feb. 3, 2025.

Police and Bryan ISD investigate report of student assault on school bus

(KBTX) The Bryan Police Department and Bryan Independent School District (Bryan ISD) have confirmed to KBTX that an investigation is underway into a reported assault that occurred on a school bus Monday afternoon.

5-year-old Granbury ISD boy killed in bus accident remembered for his joy

(Fox 4 KDFW) A candlelight vigil for 5-year-old Exodus Crockett was held Thursday evening in Granbury. He died early Monday after being struck while running toward his school bus. Authorities said the bus driver was pulling away from the neighborhood stop and did not see the child. Exodus is being remembered for his bubbly personality and his love for all things Spiderman.

No casino in Irving: City approves a pared down rezoning plan after community pushback

(KERA) Irving won’t be getting a casino — for now. The city council passed a pair of controversial rezoning ordinances pushed by Las Vegas Sands Corp., but only after the company removed a portion of the plan that could have paved the way for a casino-style resort.

Trinity University bans transgender women from competing in women’s sports

(San Antonio Express-News) Trinity University has banned transgender females from competing in women’s sports effective immediately, according to a university email obtained by the San Antonio Express-News. “The new policy limits competition in women’s sports to student-athletes assigned female at birth only,” Trinity officials said in the email, dated Wednesday.

Boyd ISD Teacher Arrested for ‘Improper’ Sexual Relationship With Student

(Texas Scorecard) Stephanie Lynn McGilvray, 31, was arrested Thursday and charged with improper relationship between educator and student, a second-degree felony punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison. The offense includes engaging in sexual contact or sexually explicit communications with a student. District officials learned of the allegations last September, after which McGilvray resigned. Boyd ISD Superintendent Tom Woody confirmed to Texas Scorecard that McGilvray was employed as a high school agriculture teacher from July 1, 2023, through September 27, 2024.

High school softball embraces tech with new coach-catcher communication rule

(Laredo Morning Times) Softball traditions have significantly changed this season—possibly for the better.

March 20, 2025
Legislative Update:
Different pace and priorities separate Texas Senate and House on school vouchers

(Texas Tribune) Even with support for school vouchers in both houses, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, left, and House Speaker Dustin Burrows will have to bridge differences if this Gov. Greg Abbott priority measure is to become law. Related:

Texas Senate approves bill changing how schools select library books

(Texas Tribune) Senate Bill 13 would create school library advisory councils largely made up of parents. It would give school boards, rather than librarians, the final say over new books. Related:

Texas Senate passes bill to put Ten Commandments in public school classrooms

(Texas Tribune) The Texas Senate on Wednesday evening passed a bill that would require public school classrooms to display the Ten Commandments. Senators passed Senate Bill 10 along party lines on a 20-11 vote. A day prior, the Senate gave final approval to Senate Bill 11, which would allow districts to provide students with time to pray during school hours, on a 23-7 vote. Both proposals, which are on Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick’s list of priority bills this session, are now headed to the House for consideration. Related:

Bill to ban Nondisclosure Agreements for child sexual abuse heads to Texas House after unanimous committee vote

(NBC DFW) House Bill 748, also known as Trey’s Law, took a major step forward when the Texas House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence Committee voted 10-0 to move it to the House floor. The bill seeks to ban NDAs in civil settlements related to sexual abuse and sex trafficking cases.

Texas representative calls for increased oversight of TEA spending

(KXAN) A Democrat from the Texas House is siding with Republican parents and public education advocates to highlight state education spending. Rep. Gina Hinojosa, D-Austin, recently filed a bill that would increase legislative oversight of state education spending and reallocate taxpayer dollars to directly benefit students and teachers in Texas. “I filed House Bill 5419, which is a DOGE of the Texas Education Agency,” Hinojosa said. “It is a zero base budgeting bill to cut through the nonsense and the bureaucracy and the vendor contracts and reprioritize that money to what matters. Teacher pay, school safety and closing the special education funding gap.”

Texas Senate passes hemp ban, a Dan Patrick priority

(Texas Tribune) Patrick says the measure will shut down the dangerous THC products business. The House’s proposal would tighten oversight of the industry without a full ban.

Will Texas ban DEI in public schools? Here’s what the Senate is proposing, advancing

(Austin American-Statesman) After several hours of impassioned debate, the Texas Senate on Wednesday gave its preliminary approval to a bill that would ban diversity, equity and inclusion practices in public schools.

Texas Ag Chief Sid Miller says Texas could profit from end of Parks and Wildlife Department

(Houston Chronicle) Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller is confident his department can take on the many duties of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, should it ever go away. State Rep. Pat Curry (R-Waco) has filed a bill to abolish TPWD and transfer its duties to three other state agencies: the General Land Office, the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Public Safety.

Also Reported:
Trump to sign order today to begin dismantling Education Department

(CBS Texas) President Trump on Thursday will sign an executive order to begin dismantling the Department of Education, according to the White House.

Texas AG Ken Paxton accuses Coppell ISD of violating Texas’ “critical race theory” ban

(Texas Tribune) The attorney general office’s lawsuit is based on an undercover video published in February by a conservative activist group. A request for comment sent to Coppell ISD spokespeople Wednesday returned an automatic response that the school system is closed this week for spring break.

Hundreds of Texas Teachers May Lose Jobs as Schools Struggle With Funding

(Newsweek) Hundreds of Texas teachers could lose their jobs this year as schools are forced to make budget cuts. Experts told Newsweek what that means for students and school districts alike.

Lufkin ISD board eyes reduction of district staff

(KTRE) The Lufkin ISD board is considering the non-renewal of employee contracts in the wake of campus closures. Almost a month after the Lufkin ISD School Board voted to close Coston Elementary and Kurth Primary School, board members are back in session, with another tough decision to make.

Petition against Conroe ISD’s use of Bible-infused curriculum picks up steam 

(Houston Public Media) A petition against Conroe ISD’s implementation of the controversial Bible-infused Bluebonnet Learning curriculum has gained traction, receiving more than 1,300 signatures as of Wednesday afternoon. In February, trustees for the school district north of Houston voted to adopt the state-developed curriculum for the upcoming 2025-26 school year.

Online fundraiser raises more than $15K to help with legal costs for girl accused in Killeen ISD middle school fatal stabbing

(Killeen Daily Herald) An online fundraiser has raised thousands of dollars to help with legal expenses for the girl accused in a fatal stabbing case at Smith Middle School in Killeen.

Fort Davis school board still mum on Superintendent Hicks leave decision 

(Big Bend Sentinel) The Fort Davis ISD School Board is continuing to decline to give a reason why longtime Superintendent Graydon Hicks was indefinitely placed on paid administrative leave on March 9. 

Cleveland ISD closed Thursday as Pauline Road Fire continues to burn

(KPRC) As the nearby Pauline Road Fire continues to burn, Cleveland ISD has made the decision to cancel classes and close on Thursday.

‘I thought I was in a nightmare’: China Spring and Robinson High School softball teams rally around injured player

(KTRE) The China Spring and Robinson High School softball teams rallied around China Spring High School sophomore, Sophia Garcia, after a head injury during Tuesday night’s game against Robinson High School. Sophia, 16, was injured during an accidental collision with another player. The impact caused Garcia to slip in and out of consciousness as both teams and her parents anxiously awaited the arrival of an ambulance. The China Spring and Robinson High School softball teams went to the hospital to support her. The gesture touched her mother, Natalie Garcia.

How ScholarShot Is Disrupting The Texas Education System

(D Magazine) The nonprofit has more than 160 students in its program, which aims to cut the rate of first-generation dropouts and increase access to realistic post-high school options.

Texas AG Ken Paxton’s lawsuit fails to halt women’s NCAA tournament over transgender policy

(WFAA) By denying a request from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton Tuesday, a Lubbock-area judge spared the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament from last-minute chaos. Paxton is suing the NCAA over its transgender participation policies. He contends the association is misleading consumers by labeling certain competitions as “women’s sports,” while allowing transgender athletes to participate. 

More than 2,000 migrants pass US Naturalization exam thanks to one teacher

(NBC DFW) A North Texas woman retired from the world of medicine and grant writing to teach permanent residents about the history of the U.S. and prepare them for an interview of a lifetime. NBC 5’s Alicia Barrera explains how Linda Flores helps thousands prepare for the U.S. citizenship test.

Stop having measles parties, officials warn

(KRLD) Intentionally exposing people to measles at “measles parties” is not a safe way to prevent infection with the virus amid growing outbreaks, according to public health officials. In Texas, public health officials have warned against these parties. Related:

Northwest ISD is spending $3 billion on new schools, stadiums. Here’s where projects stand

(Fort Worth Report) With nearly $3 billion in voter-approved bond projects, Northwest ISD continues to make progress on new schools, renovations and stadium expansions to meet the population boom. Some projects remain on schedule, while others — particularly high school stadiums — face possible delays. 

Houston ISD slashed staff helping students in need. Are kids ‘slipping through the cracks?’

(Houston Landing) Over the past several years, the state’s largest school district has hired wraparound specialists like Britt Perez-Williams for each of its 270 schools, providing dedicated support to students facing challenges including hunger, homelessness, violence at home and fear of parents getting deported. But this year, after state-appointed Superintendent Mike Miles largely dismantled the program by cutting 200-plus specialists and moving some services off-campus, HISD employees are documenting fewer instances of providing non-academic help to their roughly 180,000 students, data obtained by the Houston Landing show.

Pretrial hearing held in bribery case against former Houston ISD Chief Operating Officer Brian Busby

(KTRK) Jury selection for the case against former HISD COO Brian Busby and his alleged co-conspirator, Anthony Hutchinson, is set to begin on Monday.

U.S. Department of Agriculture cuts to food programs could impact Brazos Valley families and schools

(KBTX) At the Brazos Valley Food Bank, losing this support means they will need to look for other funding options and find other ways to source local food for the six counties they serve. Brazos Valley Food Bank executive director Theresa Mangapora said they still have sources of fresh food but the long-term effects of the cuts could mean fewer options for families that rely on them.

Waco ISD Women’s Empowerment Summit Focuses on ‘Becoming’

(Fox 44) The summit welcomed young women from 7th to 12th grade, offering a series of seminars and workshops aimed at building skills in areas such as confidence, networking, professionalism, and etiquette. The event provides an opportunity for personal and professional growth, and each year, the summit is hosted at a different campus to offer students a chance to explore new environments.

San Angelo Police Department: Teacher arrested, school officer placed on leave amid improper relationship investigation

(Concho Valley Homepage) The San Angelo Police Department stated that Abraham Gonzales, a 24-year-old San Angelo ISD teacher at Lakeview High School, turned himself into the Tom Green County Sheriff’s Office on the morning of March 19 “after a warrant had been issued for ‘Improper Relationship between Educator/Student (2nd Degree Felony).’” The agency said that, during its investigation, “it was alleged that a School Resource Officer had engaged in inappropriate communications with the same victim.” The SAPD said the officer was “immediately placed on administrative leave so an internal investigation could take place.”

Longview ISD student arrested after allegedly having gun on campus

(KLTV) A Foster Middle School student was arrested Tuesday morning after allegedly bringing a weapon to campus. According to the release from Longview ISD, school officials received reports of a photo that showed the student in a school restroom with a gun. They said the photo was linked to a Monday night incident during an after-school activity.

Intoxicated, near-naked suspect arrested after allegedly rear-ending school bus, and beating man

(KTRK) A man is recovering after he was attacked while working his landscaping job in downtown Houston. According to authorities, the suspect had already hit a bus full of students before beating down the victim, Ramon Bautista. A man Houston police identify as Dalton Draeger can be seen on video beating Bautista mercilessly. Draeger’s actions allegedly came right after he derailed a Fort Bend ISD field trip to Daikin Park. HPD said he rear-ended a bus full of 47 people, most of them fifth graders. Nine people were taken to the hospital, but fortunately, nobody was seriously injured. According to court records, the 30-year-old suspect was found to be intoxicated and disrobed before running from the scene.

‘Not a war museum’: Medal of Honor Museum, with focus on recipient stories, opening in Arlington

(KERA) The National Medal of Honor Museum opens March 25. “We wanted to not be a war museum, not be a history museum — we want to be a biography museum that helps people realize, when they walk in the door, that these recipients were just ordinary people, just like you and me,” museum executive vice president Cory Crowley said.

Opinion: University of Dallas vs. Sands Casino is a modern David and Goliath battle

(The College Fix) What will it mean for the University of Dallas if Las Vegas Sands lands their resort casino in its backyard? Related:

Accepted: Texas Woman’s University talks incentives for incoming class

(CBS Texas) Texas Woman’s University in Denton is increasing its focus on affordability and accessibility, ensuring students have the resources they need to pursue higher education. To ease the financial burden, TWU recently doubled its scholarships for transfer students, part of a broader effort to ensure students have access to high-quality education at a lower cost.

March 19, 2025
Legislative Update:
Texas Senate advances school prayer, Ten Commandment bills

(Texas Tribune) The Texas Senate on Tuesday advanced bills that would require public school classrooms to display the Ten Commandments and allow districts to provide students with time to pray during school hours. Senators gave final approval to Senate Bill 11, the school prayer bill, on a 23-7 vote. It now heads to the Texas House for consideration. All Republican senators and three Democrats voted for the bill. Lawmakers also gave initial approval to Senate Bill 10, the Ten Commandments bill, on a 20-10 vote. Both proposals are on Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick’s list of priority bills this session.

Plan to ban cell phones in Texas schools draws broad bipartisan support

(San Antonio Express-News) Students across Texas could soon be required to lock up their phones under a proposal moving through the state Legislature with strong bipartisan support. The bill, which is being led by state Rep. Caroline Fairly, an Amarillo Republican and the youngest member of the Legislature, would require school boards and charter schools to ensure phones and other devices are stored in a “secure, out-of-sight area” during classroom instruction. 

Lawmakers want to give schools more leeway to suspend Texas’ youngest and homeless students

(Texas Tribune) A proposal in the Texas House could make it a lot easier for schools to suspend the state’s homeless and youngest students. House Bill 6 — which a majority of House Republicans signed as co-authors in a show of support — would expand school districts’ authority to discipline students for classroom disruptions. The House Public Education Committee heard testimony on the bill Tuesday. The proposal aims to make working conditions safer for teachers but critics worry it could push the state’s most vulnerable students out of the classroom.

Time in detention for Harris County juveniles should be cut in half, new bill says

(Houston Chronicle) A lawmaker in the Rio Grande Valley is proposing a bill that would halve the amount of time juveniles spend in detention, citing mental health concerns and a flaw in the current law. Sen. Molly Cook, D-Houston, filed a companion bill in the Senate Friday. The bill comes amid increases in detentions for minors accused of making threats of mass violence in Harris County. Of those detained this fall for threats, the median time spent in detention was 12 days, according to data obtained exclusively by the Chronicle. The average age was 13. 

Lawmakers seek to bring filmmakers to Texas with $500 million incentive proposal

(Battalion) The proposal will offer $450 million in tax credits to large-scale productions and $48 million to local media companies.

Texas collected information on transgender drivers. It won’t say why

(KERA) The state of Texas collected information on transgender residents who have changed the sex listed on their identification documents. It’s unclear why the state is gathering this information, with whom it is sharing it and whether the effort is ongoing.

Texas jackpot winner will not get $83.5 million winnings… for now

(KXAN) The person who purchased the winning ticket for the $83.5 million Lotto Texas jackpot in the Feb. 17 drawing came forward to collect her prize Tuesday but was sent away empty-handed because of the mushrooming controversy over the use of third-party vendors who broker ticket sales through smartphone apps. Related:

Also Reported:
Texas measles outbreak grows to more than 300 cases across 3 states

(Dallas Morning News) State health officials on Tuesday reported 20 more cases of measles in the South Plains and Panhandle regions. That raised the number of confirmed cases since January to 279, with 36 patients hospitalized, though the state does not report how many of those have already been released. Related:

How at-large voting creates conservative majorities on Texas school boards

(Texas Tribune) In six Texas districts that used at-large voting systems, ideologically driven groups successfully helped elect school board members who have moved aggressively to ban or remove educational materials that teach children about diversity.

What will National Center for Education Statistics layoffs mean for the Nation’s Report Card?

(K-12 Dive) The U.S. Department of Education claims mandated tests like NAEP won’t be impacted, but laid-off employees beg to differ.

Affidavit: Axtell High School student threatened to produce A-I porn images of girls, share them on social media pages

(KWTX) An Axtell High School student is accused of coercing several female schoolmates by threatening to use artificial intelligence software to produce pornographic images using their image and likeness, investigators wrote in court documents obtained by KWTX. During the investigation, investigators also discovered multiple files of child pornography in one of the suspect’s two phones, the documents state. Zackary Connor Kruse, 17, is facing a slew of charges, including harassment, online solicitation of a minor, and multiple counts of possession of child pornography, according to online jail records. Kruse was released from the McLennan County Jail after posting a $34,000 bond.

School leaders on administrative leave as Killeen ISD investigates fatal stabbing at Roy J. Smith Middle School

(KWTX) Killeen ISD updated its Crisis Response Page Monday with more information about the fatal stabbing at Roy J. Smith Middle School, including details leading up to the incident and the standing of school leaders. The district said the principal, Fredrick Lilly II, and a staff member are on administrative leave as an internal investigation into safety procedures and processes is underway. The district emphasized that this does not indicate they were involved in any wrongdoing at this time.

South San ISD adopts controversial Bible-infused curriculum

(San Antonio Express-News) South San Antonio Independent School District is switching to a controversial, Bible-infused curriculum next year — but not before setting up a committee to vet the learning materials for “inappropriate” content. The South San ISD board of managers unanimously approved the purchase of the state-written lessons and textbooks known collectively as Bluebonnet Learning on Monday, at the district’s second meeting since being taken over by the Texas Education Agency.

Fort Bend ISD board hears from Bluebonnet curriculum critics

(Fort Bend Star) In an unusually contentious workshop meeting, the Fort Bend ISD board on Monday heard from several people opposed to a recently state-approved elementary school language arts curriculum which many critics say overemphasizes Christianity in its lesson plans.

5 years after COVID, San Antonio students bounce back in reading but still lag behind in math

(San Antonio Report) Overall, math test scores have not gone back to pre-pandemic levels, meaning most students are not meeting grade level criteria and fewer are mastering the content, data from the Texas Education Agency shows. However, the most current reading test scores show more students demonstrate that they’re on grade level or mastering the content compared to the 2018-2019 school year.

Midland ISD to sell apartment complexes that house teachers

(KOSA) Midland ISD has plans to sell the district’s two apartment complexes. First Alert 7 viewers reached out to ask why the district was selling the property and when it would take effect. The district gave First Alert 7 the following information: “As outlined in the public agenda, discussed in open meeting, and summarized in the board meeting recap that was shared with the media, staff, and stakeholders, Midland ISD’s board of trustees voted to put to market the district’s two apartment complexes at the February board meeting,” the statement says, adding: “Sale of the properties will enable these monies to be redirected toward educational priorities and reducing the budget deficit as well as eliminate the time and cost associated with apartment property management.”

REPORT: New Caney ISD projected to add up to 11.2K students over next decade

(Community Impact) New Caney ISD’s student enrollment is expected to grow by roughly 23%-58% over the next decade, which would require the addition of seven to eight new schools, according to a report presented on March 17 from demographics firm Population and Survey Analysts.

UIL basketball teams can’t play at Chipotle Nationals, but there is an alternative

(Dallas Morning News) While Faith Family and Dynamic Prep play at Chipotle Nationals, Allen will compete at The Throne national tournament.

Houston ISD Board of Managers will consider a new teacher evaluation system at upcoming meeting

(Houston Chronicle) Houston ISD’s Board of Managers will consider on Thursday a new teacher evaluation system for next academic year, ahead of the district’s shift to performance-tied compensation. Related:

Learning Curve: See how much federal money flows to schools in Texas, Greater Houston

(Houston Landing) The Trump administration’s effort to abolish the U.S. Department of Education leaves a key question in the balance: What happens to all the federal money sent from Washington to local school districts? Here’s what is at stake for Texas schools and how much federal money flows to them.

Irving officials recommend rezoning land for proposed resort and casino after hours of heated debate with residents

(CBS News) A proposal to build a multi-billion-dollar destination resort and casino in Irving sparked heated debate at a public meeting Tuesday night. The project, which some residents oppose, would require a change in Texas law before moving forward. The Irving Planning and Zoning Commission voted 5 to 4 to recommend rezoning the land to the Irving City Council.

North Texas community rallies to help family of 5-year-old killed in school bus accident

(WFAA) The community of Granbury is rallying to help the family of a 5-year-old boy who died Monday in an accident with a Granbury ISD school bus. With the help of a small army of Granbury volunteers, moms, dads, teachers and students, a certified GoFundMe page asks for “Community Love for the Crockett Family.” Donations are being accepted in the Crockett family name at First National Bank of Granbury. 

Houston lawyer, Harris County Department of Education Trustee Eric Dick arrested on misdemeanor assault charge

(Houston Landing) Well-known Houston lawyer and Harris County Department of Education Trustee Eric Dick faces a misdemeanor assault charge, adding to his legal and ethical troubles. The Houston Police Department arrested Dick on March 7 for hitting a female family member with his hand, according to a criminal complaint. Publicly available court records do not provide details about evidence obtained by police, statements made by witnesses and any injuries sustained by the alleged victim.

Tarrant Area Food Bank faces $4.2M shortfall after federal funding loss

(Fort Worth Report) The Tarrant Area Food Bank now faces a shortfall of $4.2 million — the equivalent of 2.5 million meals — after the U.S. Department of Agriculture canceled two federal programs that provided about $1 billion in funding to schools and food banks that purchase food directly from local farmers and suppliers. Related:

SMU pauses diversity course requirement in response to Department of Education letter

(Dallas Morning News) Southern Methodist University has temporarily frozen a diversity course requirement in response to guidance from the federal government, Provost Elizabeth Loboa said in a March 5 email reviewed by The Dallas Morning News.

UNT officials say they’re cooperating with civil rights investigation

(KERA) The Department of Education Office of Civil Rights named the University of North Texas among the universities it is investigating for “race-exclusionary practices” in their graduate programs. UNT officials said Monday they will work with the federal office in its investigation.

San Antonio ISD Burbank High School teacher accused of improper student relationship

(MySA) Another San Antonio teacher has been ousted, by force or resignation, after allegations of an inappropriate relationship with a student surfaced. A San Antonio Independent School District educator and coach is no longer with the district. On Tuesday, March 18, an SAISD spokesperson confirmed Luther Burbank High School teacher Matthew Almaraz was no longer with the district, though it’s unclear if he resigned or was fired.

Judge to rule on A&M’s Draggieland’s future before March 26

(Battalion) The first motion hearing in the federal case Texas A&M Queer Empowerment Council v. William Mahomes et al. took place in Houston Tuesday morning. The case, which was ignited last month after a Board of Regents resolution banned drag shows across the A&M System, will have an opinion released before March 26 by Judge Lee Rosenthal.

‘AI is no different’: A&M professors encourage students to use AI tools responsibly

(Battalion) What began as a controversial tool is now being used to teach, learn, research and work at A&M, according to a university website about “harnessing AI.” Professors and students alike have begun integrating AI into their research and coursework.

Higher ed options for soldiers, veterans expand at Fort Bliss

(El Paso Matters) El Paso Community College will offer certifications, associate of arts or associate of science degrees in health, education and technical fields.

March 18, 2025
Legislative Update:
Texas House Republicans call school funding plan “historic,” but advocates say it falls short

(CBS Texas) Texas House Republicans are calling their proposed $9 billion boost to public school funding “historic,” but education advocates argue that while the plan is a step in the right direction, it still falls short of what schools need to keep up with inflation and rising costs.

How Texas students, teachers could be impacted by a school discipline overhaul

(Dallas Morning News) The most prominent bill aimed at addressing misbehavior is House Bill 6. As the session goes on, other legislation likely will be discussed as well. Among the voices pushing for change is a group of district officials that formed the Student Behavior Management Coalition. They say more must be done to ensure disruptive students don’t detract from other children’s experiences and safety in school. However, some education advocates are concerned that Texas is swinging back toward zero-tolerance policies that were in place years ago. That approach disproportionately removed children of color and those with disabilities from class, data repeatedly showed.

Legal Challenges Lurk for Bill Requiring Ten Commandments in Classrooms

(Dallas Observer) Teachers’ advocates say third graders shouldn’t learn what it means to covet thy neighbor’s wife, but nevertheless, the Lege persists.

Texas lawmakers seek to transfer University of Houston-Victoria to Texas A&M system

(Texas Tribune) Sen. Lois Kolkhorst, R-Brenham, said Texas A&M is better positioned to grow the Victoria school and serve the region’s petrochemical and agriculture industries.

Also Reported:
Granbury ISD pre-K student hit, killed by school bus, according to Texas DPS

(NBC DFW) An Emma Roberson Early Learning Academy student has died after they were hit by a Granbury ISD school bus Monday morning, the district said. According to investigators, the school bus was traveling northeast on Pecos River Drive. The bus driver, a 66-year-old woman, stopped to pick up students and, as the driver started to pull away, a child ran up from the right front side of the bus and was struck. The 5-year-old child was taken to Lake Granbury Medical Center where he succumbed to his injuries according to Texas DPS. As of Monday afternoon, the agency had not clarified whether the driver of the bus is expected to face charges.

Students whose families earn less than $200K will get free tuition at Harvard

(KENS) Harvard University announced on Monday that students whose families make less than $200,000 annually will receive free tuition starting in the 2025-26 academic year. 

Killeen ISD says girls involved in fatal stabbing at Roy J Smith Middle had been on campus together for just four days

(KCEN) KISD said it is “committed to being as forthcoming as possible”, but is limited in some of the information it can share. Related:

Speaker kicked out of Fort Bend ISD’s Bluebonnet materials hearing after cursing trustee

(Houston Chronicle) A discussion about Texas’ controversial Bible-infused curriculum got so heated Monday night that police removed a woman who flipped off a Fort Bend ISD trustee and called him a fascist. The uproar over whether the Fort Bend ISD should review a sample of the Texas Education Agency’s Bluebonnet materials interrupted the meeting in Sugar Land, forcing officers to ask the public to leave so they could escort the woman off the premises. 

El Paso districts reaffirm protocols on possible immigration enforcement in schools

(El Paso Matters) In the days following a directive from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security rescinding protections against immigration enforcement in schools and other sensitive areas, educators across El Paso scrambled to understand how this could affect them and their students. In response to the directive, the El Paso and Ysleta school districts provided school leaders with existing guidelines to reinforce their protocols – primarily, that law enforcement officers are to be screened for entry and asked to provide a required warrant to conduct any enforcement actions, according to records obtained by El Paso Matters through public records requests.

Most Houston ISD campuses are operating under capacity, study finds

(Houston Public Media) The report by Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy comes weeks after the school district’s state-appointed board of managers revealed it’s considering closing an undisclosed number of schools for the 2026-27 school year. Related:

University of Texas System chairman says schools will not sponsor, host drag shows

(Austin American-Statesman) The University of Texas System will no longer allow its institutions, including UT in Austin, to sponsor or host drag shows, Chairman Kevin Eltife said in a statement shared with the American-Statesman.

After COVID, Texas is less prepared for the next pandemic

(Texas Tribune) Five years after Texas’ first COVID death, the state spends less on public health, vaccination rates have dropped and a distrust of authority has taken hold. Dozens of state and local health officials, health care workers, epidemiologists and academics say the hard-earned lessons from COVID have been drowned out by a growing distrust of science, expertise and authority.

To cut costs, Euless charter school to lose middle, high school grades

(KERA) Euless’s longtime Treetops School International charter operation said it will close its middle and high schools at the end of the year, citing falling finances and enrollment. Starting in the fall, it will only serve grades K-6. Treetops will also go to a four-day school week next year to retain teachers.

88th anniversary of New London school explosion offers chance to heal, remember

(KLTV) In 1937, the community of New London, Texas, experienced a tragedy that grabbed the world’s attention and sympathy.

Mercedes ISD security guard arrested on assault charge involving bus driver

(ValleyCentral) Bus duty ended in an assault caught on camera between a Harrel Middle School bus driver and a substitute security guard. On Feb. 25, Mercedes Police responded to Harrel Middle School in reference to an assault involving 44-year-old Guillermo Andre Ginez, who was a substitute security guard at the school.

Driver hits Fort Bend ISD school bus during field trip downtown and assaults yard worker nearby, HPD says

(KTRK) A Fort Bend ISD school bus was involved in a crash while on its way to a field trip to Daikin Park in downtown Houston on Monday, according to authorities. The Houston Police Department told Eyewitness News that a red SUV rear-ended the school bus on Rusk Street at about 10 a.m. HPD said the driver of the SUV exited his vehicle after the crash, assaulted a worker cutting grass nearby, and assaulted another person further up the road. Police said the driver was detained. According to Fort Bend ISD, there were no severe injuries, but nine students were taken to Texas Children’s Hospital as a precaution.

Houston ISD former middle school teacher pleads guilty to indecency with child, gets 10 years probation

(KPRC) Former Tanglewood Middle School teacher Dale Vanwright has entered a guilty plea to indecency with a child after being charged with multiple felonies involving inappropriate sexual conduct with a student. Vanwright was sentenced to deferred adjudication with 10 years probation.

Former La Joya ISD teacher’s certificate now under review

(Progress Times) The Texas Education Agency’s Educator Investigations Division began reviewing former La Joya ISD Rut Damaris Kazmierczak’s Texas educator certificate Friday after the Progress Times published a story about allegations that she’d inappropriately messaged a former student in 2023. La Joya ISD notified the State Board for Educator Certification and suspended Kazmierczak before allowing her to quietly resign in May 2023 through a separation agreement designed to be secret.

Belton ISD Identifies Another Teacher Arrested for Sex Crime Against Student

(Texas Scorecard) Tarver Elementary School’s Estevan Banda is the second Belton ISD teacher charged in one week for sexual misconduct.

‘He knew it was wrong’: Ropes ISD employee accused of child grooming

(Everything Lubbock) The Ropes Independent School District said an employee was arrested for Child Grooming after being accused of having inappropriate contact with a minor who is not a student at the school. Public records obtained by EverythingLubbock.com showed Scott David Strobel, 60, was arrested by the Wolfforth Police Department on March 15.

Houston Community College enrollment soars in the suburbs, shrinks in the city

(Houston Landing) Houston Community College has added thousands of students in Katy and other outlying suburbs, while enrollment is down in the region’s urban core.

UT Arlington West is coming to Parker County. Residents look at the many sides of growth

(Arlington Report) The University of Texas at Arlington announced plans for the new campus on the western edge of Fort Worth last August. This April, UTA will host an official groundbreaking of the UTA West campus.

Sinton ISD unanimously votes for district’s first-ever soccer program

(KIII) Sinton Soccer Club President Kelly Self said it’s a decision that will bring pride and joy to a lot of pirates.

How bogged down are Harris County courts? This Houston man was jailed for 18 years without a trial

(Houston Chronicle) Edric Wilson, 47, is one of about 230 people who county staffers identified last year had been in the Harris County Jail for more than 1,000 days. That number has since gone up, county data shows.

GEO Group can’t receive a $4 million state tax refund, Texas Supreme Court rules

(KERA) Private prison company GEO Group is not entitled to a $4 million sales tax refund, the Texas Supreme Court ruled Friday, affirming a lower court’s previous ruling. In a nearly unanimous decision, the state’s highest court rejected the company’s argument that it functions as a government entity while contracting with Texas and the federal government.

San Antonio and state agencies ready to help displaced federal workers

(Texas Public Radio) Workforce Solutions Alamo and the City of San Antonio’s Ready to Work Program stand ready to help federal workers displaced by the Trump administration. The collaboration was announced during a city hall news conference on Monday to address the free floating anxiety non-military federal employees in the area are experiencing as they wake up every morning, not knowing how long they’ll have their jobs.

FEMA seeks info on migrants helped by Texas nonprofits, local governments that got federal grants

(San Antonio Report) The Trump administration has asked local governments and nonprofit organizations that received federal grants to identify immigrants they have housed, suggesting in a letter that they may have violated human smuggling laws.

March 17, 2025
Legislative Update:
Opponents to school choice in Texas focus on potential long-term costs to taxpayers

(CBS Texas) As Texas Republicans push for taxpayer-funded education savings accounts, Democrats at the state Capitol and other opponents are raising another concern they have: the potential long-term cost of the program. 

Texas schools have leaned on uncertified teachers to fill vacancies. Lawmakers want to put a stop to it

(Texas Tribune) Tucked inside the Texas House’s $7.6 billion school finance package is a provision that would ban uncertified teachers from instructing core classes in public schools. House Bill 2 gives districts until fall 2026 to certify their K-5 math and reading teachers and until fall 2027 to certify teachers in other academic classes.

Texas may expand its Teacher Incentive Allotment. Here’s what that could mean for teachers

(Houston Chronicle) The Teacher Incentive Allotment would be expanded in both Senate and House bills.

Texas school districts hopeful lawmakers will help plug $1.7 billion gap in special education funding

(Texas Tribune) Under changes proposed in the Texas House and Senate, the amount of funding a school receives for special education for each student would be based on students’ individual needs.

How Texas students, teachers could be impacted by a school discipline overhaul

(Dallas Morning News) The most prominent bill aimed at addressing misbehavior is House Bill 6. As the session goes on, other legislation likely will be discussed as well.

New Legislation Would Block School Library Books Deemed Too Explicit for Prisons

(Texas Scorecard) The proposal, House Bill 5021 by State Rep. Andy Hopper (R–Decatur), would prohibit public schools from purchasing or possessing any books listed in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice’s register of books prohibited to prisoners. 

In Texas, Christian right grows confident and assertive

(Texas Tribune) Emboldened by court rulings and election victories, the Christian right is outspoken as it pushes its moral views through the Texas Legislature.

With his national profile on the rise, is a White House run in Greg Abbott’s future?

(Dallas Morning News) The Texas governor, in strong position for reelection in 2026, will have a decision to make when President Trump’s second term comes to a close.

Also Reported:
Texas Man Whose Daughter Died From Measles Stands by Failure to Vaccinate Her: “The Vaccination Has Stuff We Don’t Trust” “Everybody has to Die”

(Neoscope) Identified only as Peter, the father at the heart of this tragedy is, like many others in Seminole, the small West Texas town at the center of the outbreak, a member of the traditional-minded Christian sect known as Mennonites. There’s apparently nothing in that group’s doctrine barring modern medicine, but like many other conservative religious groups, many Mennonites are vaccine skeptics. “The vaccination has stuff we don’t trust,” Peter told The Atlantic. “We don’t like the vaccinations, what they have these days. We heard too much, and we saw too much.” Related:

Keller ISD drops plan to split the district in two

(Fox 4 KDFW) Keller ISD’s school board president says splitting the district to save money is no longer an option. The board learned that a split would actually cost the district tens of millions of dollars. The news comes a day after the TEA said it was reviewing complaints about the district’s governance. Related:

It’s been 2 years since Houston ISD’s state takeover announcement. Here’s what’s happened since

(Houston Chronicle) It’s been two years since Houston ISD staff and families were jolted by the news that the state was taking over Houston ISD, a span that has been filled with upheaval.

Here’s how much Houston charter schools paid teachers in 2023-24

(Houston Chronicle) The highest-paying charter school based in the Houston area, with 26 teachers, paid an average salary of $72,816 in the 2023-24 academic year, just above the U.S. average cited by the National Education Association of $69,597 for the year previous. That school, Houston’s Draw Academy near Westpark Drive, leads the pack among open-enrollment charter districts based in the region, a Houston Chronicle analysis shows.

Friendswood ISD projects $1.56M shortfall, tax rate decrease for FY 2025-26

(Community Impact) Friendswood ISD officials are projecting a $1.56 million shortfall for fiscal year 2025-26 with a projected tax rate of $0.98 per $100 of valuation, which is a $0.06 decrease from the 2024-25 tax rate of $1.04.

How much will Fort Worth ISD’s new superintendent earn? Here are the details from her contract

(Fort Worth Report) Newly hired Superintendent Karen Molinar will lead Fort Worth ISD at least for the next three years. The new superintendent will receive an annual salary of $360,000. Molinar’s salary is $22,516 more than the $337,484 her predecessor, Angélica Ramsey, earned. 

Complete game-changer: How UIL’s split division format reshaped TX high school basketball

(Fort Worth Star-Telegram) With the UIL’s new split-division playoff format, there were drastic changes to the state basketball tournament experience. Here is a look at the impact of split division, the University Interscholastic League’s goals and potential changes for future seasons. Related:

Concerns over Killeen ISD’s phone policy grow after fatal stabbing incident at middle school

(KXXV) Killeen ISD’s phone policy is facing some backlash after a student was stabbed at a middle school. Parents are expressing concerns about not being able to contact their children during emergencies. One parent took to social media saying “They want these kids to not have their cell phones on them and in that pouch but when incidents happen, parents are freaking out trying to make sure our kids are okay.”

New South San Antonio ISD superintendent to focus on ‘quality’ teachers to turn district around

(KSAT) Since being appointed the South San Antonio Independent School District’s new superintendent, Dr. Saul Hinojosa has hit the ground running. “We’re cutting down on certain administrative positions so that we can invest more in individuals who are going to have a direct impact in growing our building capacity and our teachers,” Hinojosa told KSAT.

Pearland ISD to partner with city of Pearland for large-scale emergency response, recovery operations

(Community Impact) The agreement allows the city to use the district’s facilities — including gyms, cafeterias, restrooms, showers and food preparation facilities — in the case of a disaster or major emergency, according to district documents. This includes using the district’s facilities as emergency shelters, disaster recovery centers or to distribute medical countermeasures in the case of a public health emergency, according to the agreement.

Fact brief: Can Texas school districts refuse to sell a building to a charter operator?

(Fort Worth Report) Yes. Texas law allows a school board to deny a charter school’s proposal to purchase a building owned by a school district. Independent school districts are required to allow charter schools to make an offer for a building that is for sale. However, a school board is not required to accept the charter school’s proposal. The law only allows charter schools that operate wholly or partly within the school district to extend an offer.

Kinkaid School student sells grand champion painting for record $276K at Houston rodeo art auction

(Houston Chronicle) The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s grand champion artwork raised a record-breaking $276,000 at the art program auction Sunday. Sophie Zhou, a junior at the Kinkaid School, created the grand champion artwork, an oil and acrylic painting titled “Nurture.” It raised $276,000 in Sunday’s auction, which is $1,000 more than the record set last year. The rodeo auctioned 90 selected student art pieces during the annual event, including the grand and reserve grand champion artwork, to raise money for educational programs and student scholarships. The top two pieces earned a combined $476,000 in the event, which is $1,000 more than the combined total from 2024.

City of Keller looks to create sports destination with $57M for athletic complex, park renovations

(Fort Worth Report) Keller intends to score economic growth by creating a Tarrant County sports destination with a planned $17 million athletic facility and $40 million in renovations to the city’s sports park. The City Sports complex — a one-story, 83,620-square-foot facility that will be built on nearly 8 acres at 401 Golden Triangle Blvd. — will be located at the northwest corner of Keller Sports Park, currently under renovation.

Austin ISD elementary school teacher used AI to create explicit images of students, principal says

(Fox 7 Austin) Carl Innmon, a former fifth-grade teacher at Baranoff Elementary, is facing two new charges that the school’s principal says are stemming from AI-generated materials made from photos of students in his own classroom. Principal Alex Hassett says in a March 15 letter to parents that Carl David Innmon, 50, was arrested on a charge of first-degree felony possession of child pornography, and is now facing additional charges. “I am deeply saddened to share that the latest charges stem from AI-generated materials he created using photos of students within his classroom. DPS and Austin ISD Police are working to identify and inform any families involved. Due to the ongoing nature of the investigation, we do not yet know the extent of students involved,” Hassett’s letter says.

Fort Worth ISD Teacher Arrested for Online Solicitation of a Minor

(Texas Scorecard) A Fort Worth Independent School District teacher was arrested after he was caught sending sexually explicit messages to someone he believed was a minor. Christopher Michael Rhodes, 44, worked as a science teacher at Young Men’s Leadership Academy in Fort Worth ISD. Rhodes was booked into the Tarrant County Jail at the end of February following a month-long investigation. A sting operation by online account DFW_Pedcatchers caught Rhodes sending sexually explicit messages via Instagram to someone he thought was a 14-year-old boy.

University of North Texas and Rice University under federal investigation for “race-exclusionary practices”

(Texas Tribune) The Texas universities are among dozens accused of violating the law by partnering with a group that had sought to increase diversity in graduate programs.

Texas A&M University-San Antonio and Tech Port want to make San Antonio a hub for esports

(San Antonio Report) The unique, growing partnership between Tech Port and Texas A&M University-San Antonio (TAMUSA) is transforming San Antonio into a Texas esports hub, said Aaron Jaggers, head esports coach and assistant director of recreation at TAMUSA.

After troubling years, experts find ‘relative stability’ in University of St. Thomas’ 2024 finances

(Houston Chronicle) The University of St. Thomas in Houston seems to have turned a corner with its finances in 2024, though its position remains precarious as the school posted a deficit in its operating budget for the seventh consecutive year, according to the institution’s most recent annual audit. 

Oil’s Houston Homecoming Overshadowed by Trade War, Price Drop

(Bloomberg) Oil executives gathering in Houston this week learned the hard way that US President Donald Trump’s pro-fossil fuel agenda comes with a catch: lower prices.

Exploring UT’s Underground Network of Tunnels is a Lesson in Energy

(Texas Exes Alcalde) It’s harder than you’d think to access a network of forbidden tunnels on the Forty Acres that reside just beneath our feet. And it’s easier than you’d imagine to access one of the largest microgrids in the United States.

March 14, 2025
Legislative Update:
Texas lawmakers and charter leaders push back on the $870K paid to Valere schools’ superintendent

(Texas Tribune) The rebuke from lawmakers and charter school leaders came after an investigation from ProPublica and The Texas Tribune revealed that Salvador Cavazos, who oversees fewer than 1,000 students, is among the most well-paid superintendents in the country.

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick lays out second round of Texas Senate priorities. Here’s the list

(Austin American-Statesman) Patrick’s second round of priority bills include a teacher pay bill that would give educators a raise of up to $10,000 and boost funding for the Teacher Incentive Allotment program, which is meant to reward high-performing teachers. SB 26 passed unanimously late last month.

Will $1 billion for school vouchers be enough? Not in Texas, budget experts say

(San Antonio Express-News) Republican state leaders pushing a private school voucher plan have emphasized it would transform the face of education in Texas. They also say its cost would be limited to $1 billion for the first year. But projections from the nonpartisan Legislative Budget Board show demand for the program providing students with taxpayer funds to subsidize homeschooling or private education options could quickly outpace that initial investment, pressuring lawmakers to pour more and more money into it, while pulling millions from public schools.

FURRIES Act filed by Texas lawmakers targets non-human student behavior in schools

(KVUE) A new bill filed in the Texas House would prevent students from behaving like anything other than a human being at schools in the state. The Forbidding Unlawful Representation of Roleplaying in Education, or FURRIES, Act, filed by Austin-area Republican State Rep. Stan Gerdes, would “prohibit any non-human behavior by a student, including presenting himself or herself, on days other than exempt days, as anything other than a human being.” Related:

Senate Bill 37 aims to curb faculty influence at Texas colleges and universities

(Houston Chronicle) A state senator from Conroe filed an expansive bill on Thursday to enforce stricter oversight of public higher education institutions – including by restructuring faculty senates and curbing their role in curriculum design.

House Republicans’ bill would let educators suspend Texas’ homeless students more often

(Houston Landing) Texas House Republicans have proposed new legislation that would give educators significantly more discretion over suspending homeless students, weakening legal protections for the state’s most vulnerable children.

Texas Southern University asks for $120 million to replace aging law school

(Texas Tribune) Law students might lose financial aid if TSU does not address health and safety concerns about the building.

Bill proposes to transfer University of Houston-Victoria to Texas A&M system

(Crossroads Today) State Sen. Lois W. Kolkhorst and Sen. Paul Bettencourt have filed a bill (SB2361) to transfer the University of Houston-Victoria to the Texas A&M University System.

Also Reported:
259 Texas Measles Cases Reported as of March 14

(Department of State Health Services) At this time, 259 cases have been identified since late January. Thirty-four of the patients have been hospitalized. There has been one fatality in a school-aged child who lived in the outbreak area. The child was not vaccinated and had no known underlying conditions. Related:

UT Rio Grande Valley notifies students, staff of confirmed TB case in Cameron County

(myRGV) The University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley on Thursday sent an email to students and staff informing them that Cameron County Public Health has confirmed a case of tuberculosis, or TB, “involving a member of the UTRGV campus community.”

Trump tariffs will kill 410,000 jobs in Texas, longtime state economist warns

(San Antonio Current) A brief released Thursday by Waco-based the Perryman Group cautions that Texas would bear more of the economic burden than any other state if the administration continues its tariffs on Mexico, Canada and China. Mexico accounted for $157.6 billion in Texas business last year, and the state also does substantial trading with Canada and China.

El Paso County’s $3.9M deal with AT&T to bring fiber internet to underserved areas

(KFOX ) Over 1,000 households in underserved areas of El Paso County will soon have access to high-speed internet. According to El Paso County, thanks to a partnership between AT&T, households in over 50 colonias will have access to fiber broadband internet as part of a $3.9 million deal.

Greg Abbott releases details on TEA probe into Houston ISD’s Bellaire High over student pronoun allegations

(Houston Chronicle) Gov. Greg Abbott called for employees at Houston ISD’s Bellaire High School to be investigated for potential child “abuse or neglect” after allegedly calling a student by a different name and pronouns. Abbott said in a letter Thursday that he has asked the Texas Education Agency to investigate whether employees at Bellaire High School had engaged in misconduct or if the school had violated any state policies after a local Moms for Liberty chapter alleged last month that teachers had been “socially transitioning” a student. The TEA confirmed that it was investigating the matter but declined further comment due to the ongoing investigation.

Edcouch-Elsa to consolidate sixth grade campus into its junior high

(myRGV) The Edcouch-Elsa school board voted Wednesday to consolidate its sixth grade campus into its junior high as a cost-saving measure to address its budget deficit and due to declining enrollment.

Chronic absenteeism remains a big obstacle to student success. How are Houston schools combating it?

(Houston Chronicle) In Texas, the share of students who are chronically absent — those who miss 10% or more of the school year — has almost doubled from 11% in 2019 to 26% despite districts’ efforts, according to a February report from the Education Recovery Scorecard. Like districts across the country, Houston ISD campuses are trying to use attendance incentives and other measures as chronic absenteeism continues to hinder students’ well-being and academic progress five years post-pandemic.

Clear Creek ISD trustees approve additional $646.5K for culinary arts project

(Community Impact) Clear Creek ISD’s board of trustees approved a $646,500 contract with Houston-based construction company Generocity Services for additional funding for the expansion of the culinary arts program at Clear Lake High School.

Fact brief: Does TCU’s tuition cost more than Harvard’s?

(Fort Worth Report) Yes. Texas Christian University in Fort Worth charged nearly $5,000 more for tuition than Harvard during the 2024-25 academic year.

New drone technology could help make schools safer

(Fox 7 Austin) An Austin company has developed drones that they say could actually stop an active shooter and save lives. Campus Guardian Angel’s co-founders say that these high-tech drones can slow down or even stop an active shooter by cutting through windows, deploying flash bangs or pepper launchers, or even hitting the shooter with the drone to injure them.

Q&A: Why one Houston-area community college will soon help adults get a high school degree

(Houston Landing) Two San Jacinto College leaders explain why the Houston-area college will soon help adults get a high school diploma — and workforce credentials to boot.

In lawsuit settlement, Texas Tech’s med school promises it won’t consider race in admissions

(Texas Tribune) A group led by Stephen Miller, President Donald Trump’s deputy chief of staff, is claiming victory after it got a commitment from Texas Tech’s medical school not to consider race in admission decisions, which the school continues to deny ever doing. Related:

NCAA taps this Texas-based Athletic Director to manage back-pay settlement, NIL future

(Houston Chronicle) Texas A&M’s Trev Alberts was among the 10 names on a list of athletic directors who will serve on a proposed NCAA committee overseeing revenue sharing between colleges and their athletes. The proposed House v. NCAA settlement is expected to be approved on April 7, meaning, schools will provide $2.78 billion over 10 years in back pay to thousands of college athletes seeking damages for being prohibited from receiving compensation through third parties for their name, image and likeness, as well as revenue sharing opportunities through the school.

Texas self-reports NCAA violations related to sports wagering amid new monitoring efforts

(Austin American-Statesman) The UT Austin athletics department self-reported five NCAA violations related to impermissible sports wagering between July 11 and Nov. 4 2024, according to documents obtained by the American-Statesman. The wagers were placed with PrizePicks, a “daily fantasy” sports website where users can wager money on athletes’ statistical performances. Traditional sports betting remains illegal in Texas, but daily fantasy sites like PrizePicks are legal.

UT San Antonio is the new owner of downtown Kallison Square property

(San Antonio Report) The University of Texas at San Antonio is continuing its march across downtown San Antonio, recently acquiring another 1.67 acres of prime real estate in the urban core. County records show UTSA bought the circa-1900 storefront buildings and parking lot known as Kallison Square in early March.

Former Belton ISD athletic trainer sentenced to federal prison for possession of child pornography

(KCEN) Former Lake Belton High School athletic trainer Trevor Swift has been sentenced to seven years in federal prison for possession of child sexual abuse material, or child pornography, according to the United States Department of Justice. Court documents reflect Trevor Swift was working as an athletic trainer at the Belton ISD high school in May 2022 when students saw him through his office window viewing images depicting child sexual abuse material on his phone. The students reportedly recorded Swift and reported him to administrators. Swift admitted to the Temple Police Department that he had viewed sexually explicit images, but said they were of adult men and women, court documents said. The DOJ stated that during the investigation, an SD memory card was seized from Swift’s office at the high school which revealed “pornographic images depicting prepubescent and pubescent children”, including male and female children as young as five years old, engaged in sexual acts.

Former Itasca ISD baseball coach, history teacher charged with improper relationship with a student

(KWTX) Adrian Buruato, 29, is charged with indecency with a child-sexual contact and improper relationship between an educator and student. On March 10, the Hill County Sheriff’s Office says they received a complaint of an improper relationship between a former Itasca ISD faculty member and an Itasca ISD student. The incident, according to HCSO, was alleged to have happened during the 2023-24 school year. At the time of the alleged incident, HCSO says Buruato was the head baseball coach and junior high history teacher with Itasca ISD and the victim was a 15-year-old female student with Itasca ISD. Buruato currently works for Fort Worth ISD.

Texas gives Elon Musk’s SpaceX $17.3M to expand manufacturing site near Austin

(KUT) The state of Texas will give Elon Musk’s SpaceX $17.3 million to help expand its Starlink manufacturing facility near Austin. Gov. Greg Abbott announced the funding on Wednesday. The money will be awarded to SpaceX subsidiary Starlink through Abbott’s Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund, an incentive program to encourage semiconductor research, development and manufacturing.

Students Spark Virtual Welding Torches at Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

(Houston Press) If you thought the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo was just about country music and farm animals, you’d be wrong on many counts. Youth and adults have been flocking this year to NRG Center to let virtual sparks fly at a new welding experience. Cameron High School student Owen Graham is one of hundreds who tried out the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s virtual reality welding simulator, hosted by Ohio-based Lincoln Electric Company.

Why a single company has resisted a Railroad Commission directive intended to curb earthquakes

(Texas Standard) The commission asked oil and gas companies to stop injecting wastewater underground, but Blackbuck Resources claims that its well could not be responsible for seismic activity.

Coastal Bend College Joins Growing List of Texas Schools Partnering With Uwill

(PR Newswire)  Coastal Bend College (CBC) has announced a strategic partnership with Uwill, the leading mental health and wellness solution for colleges and students, to strengthen the college’s counseling offerings and provide students with immediate, flexible support, becoming the ninth Texas school to partner with Uwill.

At UT Dallas, Texas students protest arrest of Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil

(LoneStar Live) Students from multiple North Texas universities demonstrated at the University of Texas at Dallas March 13 to protest the arrest and detention of Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil. “Mahmoud Khalil, a student organizer, was kidnapped by ICE for standing for justice,” said a student organizer with the UTD chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine. “His abduction is a direct attack on this movement.”

American girl with brain cancer reportedly deported while on way to Houston for treatment

(Houston Public Media) The 10-year-old girl along with her siblings and parents, who are from Mexico and had been living in Texas without legal status for more than a decade, were detained in early February at an immigration checkpoint in South Texas, according to the Texas Civil Rights Project.

March 13, 2025
Legislative Update:
House committee hearing on vouchers lasts nearly 24 hours

(ATPE) Over 700 people registered positions on the bill, with more than 500 of those registering to testify; at least 70% of the witnesses signed up in opposition to the bill. Related:

Texas Senate bill would criminalize AI-generated child pornography

(KFDM) Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick says a bill that would criminalize AI-generated child pornography is an important step in keeping up with advances in technology and eliminating loopholes in the law. Patrick released a statement following the unanimous passage of Senate Bill 20, Stopping Artificial Intelligence (AI) Generated Child Pornography, by Sen. Pete Flores, R-Pleasanton: Related:

Texas Lawmaker Grills School Board Association on Lobbying, Parental Rights, and DEI

(Texas Scorecard) During a hearing of the Delivering on Government Efficiency Committee (DOGE) in the Texas House, State Rep. Tony Tinderholt (R–Arlington) took aim at the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB), raising serious concerns about the organization’s use of taxpayer dollars, its policy positions, and potential lobbying efforts. Ending taxpayer-funded lobbying is a legislative priority of the Republican Party of Texas. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has prioritized a measure to ban the practice in the Senate.

Sen. Hughes bill banning certain additives from school meals gets senate approval

(KLTV) The Texas Senate has approved legislation from an East Texas senator which would prohibit certain additives in school-provided foods. The bill specifically mentions brominated vegetable oil (BVO), potassium bromate, propylparaben, azodicarbonamide, butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), and the dyes red three and titanium dioxide.

New Texas bill could unlock ‘mystery’ of what happens to students in truancy court

(KXAN) Newly filed legislation by a state senator could shore up the state’s collection of truancy court information and provide lawmakers and education leaders with a clearer picture of how the civil penalty system is affecting students. State Sen. Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, filed Senate Bill 1850 Tuesday. The bill would add numerous data related to truancy cases to be collected by the Office of Court Administration from justice of the peace and municipal courts where the cases are handled. Zaffirini’s district stretches from Laredo to South Austin.

Also Reported:
Education Department layoffs shutters civil rights office in Dallas

(KERA) The Education Department’s civil rights branch is losing nearly half its staff in the Trump administration’s layoffs, leading to the closure of the DOE civil rights office in Dallas. The closure also leaves a backlog of thousands of complaints from students and families in limbo. Related:

Baylor is scaling back class size, research plans fearing Trump cuts could cost university $80M

(Houston Chronicle) Uncertainty over health research funding is prompting the elite Baylor College of Medicine to scale back plans to expand the university’s research efforts and to reduce its incoming class size by about 15 students. The developments reflect the anxiety that has gripped the Texas Medical Center in recent weeks, as the Trump administration seeks to slash research funding and broadly target language that falls under the banner of diversity, equity and inclusion. A judge blocked the research funding cuts from taking effect earlier this week, but university officials are still bracing for future reductions.   

Maypearl ISD reopens primary school without fire chief’s approval

(Fox 4 KDFW) Maypearl ISD Superintendent Ritchie Bowling told parents during a Wednesday night emergency board meeting that while there’s no documentation to assure parents the school is safe, he says he’s had assurance from inspectors and HVAC professionals. The fire chief for Maypearl in Ellis County tells FOX 4 he never gave clearance to reopen Maypearl Primary School after air quality concerns caused it to shut down last week. Parents had reported their children feeling sick and said the district had been aware of the air quality issues since November.

Tarrant Appraisal District keeps reappraisal plan in place, leaving school districts in limbo

(Fort Worth Report) At least one local school district is at risk of significant state funding cuts after the Tarrant Appraisal District board of directors gave final approval to sweeping changes surrounding the property appraisal process. Superintendents, chief financial officers and school board members packed into the early morning meeting to make a final push against the changes. Representatives from Castleberry, Eagle Mountain-Saginaw, Fort Worth, Hurst-Euless-Bedford, Mansfield, Northwest and White Settlement ISDs all urged the board to at least pause and conduct a study on how the reappraisal plan would affect schools before they approved it. Northwest ISD estimated it could lose up to $10 million in revenue under the plan, while Mansfield estimated up to $15 million in losses.

In Texas, private firms cash in on property tax late fees, piling debt onto struggling homeowners

(Texas Tribune) Texans who fall behind on their property taxes face one of the most punitive systems in the nation, where private collection companies can tack up to 20% onto their bill.

Keller ISD school board’s talks on potentially splitting district prompt investigation by TEA

(WFAA) The Texas Education Agency Monday confirmed it’s investigating complaints about the “governance” of Keller ISD following a controversial proposal to split the district. In the letter sent Monday, which was obtained by WFAA, the TEA said “actions related to the detachment and creation of new school districts are local decision and do not fall within the agency’s purview,” but it was looking into other concerns reported.

Another North Texas school district voted to close schools. Now a parent is suing

(WFAA) A parent is suing Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District, alleging the district intentionally withheld information from parents before it voted to close schools last week.

Abilene ISD to join lawsuit against TikTok, Google, Snapchat and YouTube

(Abilene Reporter-News) Abilene ISD officials have decided to join over 200 districts nationwide in a federal lawsuit against media companies, contending they have negatively affected the youth mental health crisis.

Are Mike Miles’ reforms working? Some HISD NES schools excelled in new Children at Risk rankings

(Houston Chronicle) Some of Houston ISD’s overhauled New Education System (NES) schools saw the greatest gains in the region in 2024, according to an annual ranking by the Houston education nonprofit Children at Risk.

‘I feel more connected’: Mariachi arrives at last in Spring ISD, bridging community and culture

(Houston Landing) Spring ISD leaders believe a long-awaited mariachi ensemble will better serve students in a district with a fast-growing Hispanic population.

Fort Bend ISD expands pre–K 4 program to 6 new campuses

(Community Impact) This expansion comes amid demographers projecting FBISD’s enrollment will stabilize as the district reaches residential build-out and more families opt for alternative educational institutions such as charter schools. Population and Survey Analysts demographers predict kindergarten classes will become smaller as the population ages and fewer young families join the district.

Operation STEER Hands-On School Bus Emergency Training Expands in Texas

(School Transportation News) More than 200 transportation and emergency response professionals gathered recently for the second annual Operation STEER (Student Transportation Emergency Education and Response), a hands-on school bus safety training initiative aimed at improving emergency preparedness for school transportation personnel statewide.

Maintenance hole explosion at Texas Tech University causes fires, outages and cancels classes

(AP) An explosion inside a maintenance hole on the Texas Tech University campus in Lubbock set off fires and power outages, leading school officials to issue evacuation orders for several buildings and cancel classes for the rest of the week, university police said. The explosion happened Wednesday evening at the Engineering Key section of campus, which was evacuated. Texas Tech said spring break will begin immediately. It was originally scheduled to start on Monday.

Robert Morris, former Texas megachurch pastor and Trump adviser, indicted for child sex crimes

(Texas Tribune) Robert Morris, the Dallas-area megachurch pastor who resigned last year amid sexual abuse allegations, has been indicted in Oklahoma for child sex crimes that date back to the 1980s. Morris is a former spiritual adviser to President Donald Trump, and Gateway — one of the nation’s largest megachurches — has been particularly active in Dallas-area GOP politics. Related:

Austin ISD fifth grade teacher arrested, accused of possessing child porn

(KXAN) A fifth grade teacher at Baranoff Elementary School was arrested after he was accused of possessing child pornography, the school’s principal confirmed in a letter to families. The Texas Department of Public Safety alerted the Austin Independent School District Police Department Tuesday that Carl Innmon was being investigated on the possession of child pornography charge, which is a first degree felony, according to AISD.

Investigation ongoing after threat leads to massive police presence at Austin ISD’s McCallum High School

(KVUE) Dismissal was briefly delayed Wednesday after someone called in a bomb threat and said they were coming to shoot up the campus.

Victoria ISD employee arrested at Cade Middle School

(Crossroads Today) A Victoria ISD employee was arrested Tuesday afternoon at Cade Middle School on outstanding felony warrants, according to the Victoria County sheriff’s office. The warrants include one count of sexual assault of a child and two counts of indecency with a child. Caceres is listed as a maintenance mechanic on the Victoria ISD website.

Magnolia man pleads guilty to extorting sexually explicit videos from three teenage girls

(Houston Landing) The man, Andrew Venegas, admitted on Tuesday to coercing three teenagers into producing pornographic photographs and videos and threatening to leak the material if he did not receive more. He also admitted to possessing what a federal prosecutor called a “large and disturbing” collection of child pornography.

UT students rally in support of detained Palestinian activist

(KUT) Dozens of UT Austin students rallied Wednesday against crackdowns on free speech at college campuses. The demonstration, organized by the Students for a Democratic Society, was in response to the detention of Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University graduate student, and an “ongoing crackdown” on protests against Israel’s war in Gaza.

Bryan daycare employee arrested for slapping toddler

(KBTX) According to police reports, Royal Street KinderCare employee Manimala Dangeti, 37, of College Station was frustrated with the toddler when she would not lay down for nap time. That’s when another employee reported they saw her slapping the child on the cheek, leaving a red mark on her face. The employee who saw the incident notified the daycare director, who reportedly immediately notified authorities. Dangeti was charged with Injury to a Child with Intent of Bodily Harm.

Fort Bend County Libraries system faces website outage after ‘cybersecurity incident’

(Houston Public Media) The Fort Bend County Libraries system experienced a “cybersecurity incident” that caused a website outage, according to a library news release. Library staff became aware of the cyberattack on Feb. 24. Service was restored on Monday. The cause of the attack was still being investigated Wednesday, according to the library system.

March 12, 2025
Legislative Update:
Debate on House’s school voucher bill centers on a question: Should wealthy Texans be included?

(Texas Tribune) In a hearing on House Bill 3, Republicans argued the program should be open to all students while Democrats criticized outcomes in other states. Related:

As Keller ISD saga continues, lawmaker seeks to require public vote on school district splits

(Fort Worth Report) State Rep. David Lowe’s bill requires a vote on school district splits, raises threshold for detachment and shifts oversight to the state.

Klein ISD, local lawmakers craft bill requiring law enforcement notification for staff investigations

(Community Impact) On March 10, Klein ISD leaders announced House Bill 4125—authored by state Rep. Sam Harless, R-Spring—which would require law enforcement to notify school districts when employees are being investigated for certain crimes.

Texas high school athletes may soon be able to profit off their NIL

(KBTX) Texas House representatives Benjamin Bumgarner (D-63) and David Lowe (D-91) have both filed bills this legislative session that would allow Texas high school athletes to start monetizing their name, image and likeness (NIL). NIL deals have been in the headlines for the past few years after the NCAA allowed collegiate athletes to share in the profits made from their NIL starting back in 2021. Now, the conversation has shifted to whether or not high school athletes should have the same opportunity.

State Representative to Texas Lottery Director: ‘I Want My Money Back’

(Texas Scorecard) Texas Lottery Commission Executive Director Ryan Mindell faced a barrage of questions from lawmakers on the online courier issue and shady jackpot winnings. Related:

Deadly Montessori school crash leads to proposed safety measures across Texas

(KSAT) In response to a crash at a Montessori school in Bexar County that killed a 1-year-old girl and a preschool teacher, State Representative Ray Lopez has filed a bill to enhance safety measures at childcare centers across Texas. The proposed legislation comes in the wake of a deadly crash on Dec. 19, 2024, at the Excelled Montessori Plus School. A woman picking up her children accelerated her vehicle into another car, which rammed both vehicles through a fence. The crash resulted in the deaths of 22-year-old teacher Alexia Rosales and 1-year-old Mkaya Amrani, who died at a local hospital weeks later.

Gov. Abbott wants a San Antonio Cyber Command. UT San Antonio has a plan make that happen

(San Antonio Report) The University of Texas at San Antonio is set to play a pivotal role in transforming San Antonio into the central hub for Gov. Greg Abbott’s Texas Cyber Command, the university’s president told the San Antonio Report on Tuesday. “The bill for that just got filed last night to authorize it … and it’s out for comment from members of the appropriate committees up in Austin,” UTSA President Taylor Eighmy said, referring to Senate Bill 2176.

Rafael Cruz, father of Ted Cruz, wants Texas to require school lessons about “evil” of communism

(Texas Tribune) The prominent right-wing pastor told state lawmakers that an anti-communist curriculum is crucial to reaffirming that America is a “Christian country.”

Lobbyists Exploit Loophole To Get Reserved Capitol Parking

(Texas Scorecard) The State Preservation Board is allowing lobbyists to cheaply reserve prime parking at the Capitol.

Also Reported:
USDA cancels $1 billion in funding for schools and food banks to buy food from local supplier

(CBS News) The U.S. Department of Agriculture is cutting two federal programs that provided about $1 billion in funding to schools and food banks to buy food directly from local farms, ranchers and producers, part of what the agency said was a decision to “return to long-term, fiscally responsible initiatives.” The move cancels about $660 million in funding this year for the Local Food for Schools program, which is active in 40 U.S. states, as well as about $420 million for a second program called the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement, which helps food banks and other local groups provide food to their communities. Related:

Education Department announces massive layoffs, slashing nearly half its workforce

(K-12 Dive) The agency’s employee count will plummet from 4,133 when President Donald Trump was inaugurated to about 2,183. Related:

Killeen ISD announces tougher discipline after fatal school stabbing

(KCEN) Following the fatal stabbing of a 14-year-old student at Roy J. Smith Middle School, Killeen ISD District officials have announced changes to disciplinary policies. Superintendent Dr. Jo Ann Fey said the district will impose harsher consequences for violent behavior, including extending disciplinary placements and recommending expulsion in severe cases. “Any major offense on campus, to include mutual fighting and assaults, will face disciplinary placement at the DAEP Gateway ranging from 45 days up to a full school year,” Fey said. “Any student who assaults a staff member at KISD will be recommended for expulsion for up to a minimum of a calendar year.” Related:

Santa Fe ISD warns of harmful effects of smelling salts for athletes

(Houston Chronicle) Santa Fe ISD officials warn against student-athletes using smelling salts, after receiving reports that they were used in the athletic department, according to a recent news release. The drug is increasingly being marketed toward athletes as performance boosters during games. But the salts, while easily attainable, can come with adverse side effects for people with respiratory conditions like asthma, according to the Santa Fe ISD’s athletic department’s recent notice to parents.

Texas measles outbreak could grow as more parents opt out of vaccinating kids, doctors say

(CBS News) Many Texas doctors said they fear the current measles outbreak may be just the beginning, given how state data shows an increasing number of parents are opting out of vaccinating their children. As of Tuesday night, there were 223 confirmed measles cases in Texas, with the majority in the South Plains and Panhandle regions. Children under 18 make up about 78% of these cases — and one unvaccinated child has died.  Related:

Laredo Health officials report surge in Flu and COVID cases

(KGNS)The City of Laredo Public Health Department is reporting a surge in flu and COVID-19 cases within the community, prompting health officials to encourage vaccinations and preventative measures.

Video showing 2 Millsap ISD teachers hitting autistic boy in classroom under investigation

(Fox 4 KDFW) Millsap ISD says the elementary school’s principal and assistant principal were placed on administrative leave, and other educators are no longer with the district after a disturbing video surfaced. Carissa Cornelius says the boy in the video is her son, Alex Cornelius. In it, two educators can be seen slapping and hitting a child with special needs in a classroom. Millsap ISD says it also reported the incident to local law enforcement as well as CPS and the State Board for Educator Certification. The Parker County Sheriff’s Office says it “has an active current investigation.”

Houston ISD to give principals up to $11K for limiting loss of thousands of students to charter schools

(Houston Chronicle) Houston ISD is giving some principals stipends of up to $11,250 next month for limiting enrollment declines on their campuses, resources that experts say would be better spent addressing the issues that are prompting families to leave in the first place. 

Data reveals El Paso ISD’s minimal impact on enrollment and staff despite closing six schools

(KFOX) New data reveals that out of over 1,100 students from six schools set to close at the end of the year, only 64 will not return to the district. Norma De La Rosa, president of the El Paso Teachers Association, expressed concerns about the project.

San Angelo ISD to adopt Bluebonnet Learning curriculum

(ConchoValley) After a two-hour-long discussion at a school board meeting on March 10, SAISD board members approved Bluebonnet Learning. Board members approved the reading and language arts program for kindergarten through fifth grade in a 4-3 vote. The board also approved the math program for kindergarten through eighth grade in a 6-1 vote.

Frisco ISD working toward a balanced budget after facing $30M deficit

(Frisco Enterprise) Despite beginning the 2024-25 school year with a $30.8 million deficit, Frisco ISD officials are working toward entering the 2025-26 school year with a balanced budget.

Harlingen school board aiming to give employee raises

(myRGV) “We really, really, really, really want to take care of our people, because we know that to follow is going to be student achievement and the community’s going to be a better place for it,” board member Dr. Nolan Perez told teachers last week.
In the district’s central office, officials are working to develop an employee compensation plan aimed at boosting salaries.

Beaumont ISD adds robotics to boost science and math amid declining scores

(KFDM) Beaumont Independent School District’s Career Center is introducing robotics into the classroom as a potential solution to this educational crisis. Junior and senior students at the center are now working with robots donated by Controlled Fluids Inc.

Learning Curve: Texas universities say these are the big barriers facing transfer students

(Houston Landing) A lack of financial aid and issues with transferring credits hinder students looking to jump to Texas universities, school officials say.

Hays CISD bus driver flees after collision

(Hays Free Press) A Hays CISD school bus collided with a vehicle Jan. 13 and continued to drive away following the incident, according to the Hays County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO). Hays CISD Chief Communication Officer Tim Savoy noted that Lakaylah Williams, the bus driver, is no longer employed with the district, as she resigned the day the district was notified. She was later arrested by the Kyle Police Department with a warrant for “collision involving damage to vehicles greater than or equal to $200” Jan. 24, said HCSO. Williams was released the same day on a $5,000 bond.

University of Houston pauses new construction amid ‘uncertainty’ regarding federal, state funding

(Houston Public Media) The move comes after continued threats against publicly funded higher education from both the federal and state governments.

Tarrant County group is helping hundreds of soon-to-be graduates secure their first jobs

(Fort Worth Report) As college and high school graduation approaches, the educational organization Tarrant To & Through Partnership, also known as the T3 Partnership, has launched a campaign to help 200 of its graduating students — both from high school and college — secure entry-level jobs in growing industries.

Fort Worth eighth grader leads campaign to educate immigrant families

(Fort Worth Report) Trinity Basin Preparatory eighth-grader Alexa Jaramillo has rallied classmates to distribute 500-plus red cards detailing constitutional rights for immigrant families.

After leaving UIL to play national schedule, Faith Family wins title in elite prep league

(Dallas Morning News) As Dallas-area teams reigned supreme at the University Interscholastic League boys basketball state championships last weekend, Faith Family was in Phoenix, where it won a championship in one of the nation’s toughest prep school leagues.

Former Brazos Valley Softball Umpires Association president accused of stealing $16,000

(KBTX) The former President of the Brazos Valley Softball Umpires Association, Shad Collins, has been arrested after police say he allegedly stole close to $16,000 from the organization while working with them.

UT Arlington places faculty member known for activism, arrests on leave. He wonders why

(Fort Worth Report) Charlie Hermes, a University of Texas at Arlington faculty member who has been arrested three times over civil disobedience while protesting in the past year, has been placed on paid administrative leave at the university.

Elgin ISD Basketball coach indicted for inappropriate behavior with East Texas student

(KLTV) A Gregg County grand jury has indicted a man accused of soliciting an East Texas student while he was employed as a high school basketball coach. Devin Ryan Anderson, 26, of Manor, was arrested on Dec. 2, 2024, on charges of improper relationship between an educator and a student and possession of child pornography. On Feb. 26, 2025, an indictment was filed on the same charges. The document states Anderson was employed as a coach at Elgin ISD. The indictment accuses Anderson of carrying on an inappropriate relationship with an East Texas student during the time he was employed as a coach. It says Anderson solicited the student by email or text and had pornographic images of a minor.

Former La Porte PE teacher Kody Caleb Smith charged with possession of child pornography

(KTRK) A former La Porte ISD employee has been charged with three counts of possession of child pornography. A cyber tip launched an investigation into 35-year-old Kody Caleb Smith, according to court documents. At the time, Smith was employed by La Porte ISD as a PE teacher. The investigation led authorities to conduct a search of Smith’s home, where they reportedly found 77 files containing child pornography on his phones and laptop computers. They say he confessed to downloading hundreds of items of sexual content involving children for nearly three years. Smith resigned from the La Porte school district following the search warrant.

Former accountant for Tyler nonprofit accused of spending $96K on casino, other apps

(KLTV) A Bullard woman is accused of using almost $100,000 worth of nonprofit funding on apps including an online casino. Dawn Michelle Pitcock, 53, was booked into the Smith County Jail Monday on a charge of theft of property greater than or equal to $30K and less than $150K. According to an arrest affidavit KLTV requested from the county, the investigation began when Hand Up Network, a Tyler-based nonprofit organization, noticed a company debit card had been used at a Louisiana casino.

CTE class activity, perceived weapon, leads to brief Lumberton MS and HS lockdown

(KFDM) LISD says a staff member reported seeing a student with what appeared to be a weapon and immediately alerted administration. In response, school administrators ordered a lockdown of both campuses while Lumberton police and school resource officers arrived to check out the report. It was determined a high school CTE class was conducting a class activity under the supervision of their teacher and there was no real weapon or danger present. The lockdown was lifted at 9:19 a.m. and the campuses were given an all-clear.

Suspect arrested for killing 19-year-old Mansfield ISD Timberview HS shooting survivor

(WFAA) The suspect accused of shooting and killing 19-year-old Zacchaeus Selby-Mukum, who survived a 2021 shooting at Timberview High School, was arrested in Fort Worth Tuesday, Arlington police said.

Texas Southern debate team wins world championship in South Korea, building on coach Thomas Freeman’s legacy

(Houston Chronicle) Texas Southern University’s debate team won its fifth world championship on Sunday – and its first since the death of legendary founder and debate coach Thomas Freeman. The team took home the sweepstakes award at the Annual International Forensics Association’s Speech and Debate Tournament in Incheon, South Korea. Texas Southern students won 21 individual prizes, the most of the 27 teams to compete in events spanning various forms of speech and debate.

Baylor University Mourns Passing of Baylor Bear Mascot Judge “Joy” Reynolds

(KWTX) Baylor University bear Judge Joy Reynolds, known simply as “Joy,” beloved sister of Judge Sue “Lady” Sloan and a cherished member of the Baylor Family for 21 years, passed away peacefully today surrounded by her loving and dedicated caregivers, staff and veterinary team.

Battleship Texas CEO outlines next steps after securing Galveston berth

(Houston Chronicle) A tentative public reopening later this year may still be in play.

Youth Orchestras of San Antonio returns with new takes on old classics

(Texas Public Radio) Youth Orchestras of San Antonio (YOSA) returns this year with Classic Albums Live, its annual tradition of recreating the sound of popular bands using local musicians backed by the young musicians.

‘Old stump’ spotted by deer hunter is actually a mammoth tusk, Sul Ross University researchers say

(Fort Worth Star-Telegram) Will Juett had doubts when a hunter told him they’d found something on the 02 Ranch even more rare than a trophy buck. An ancient fossil, the hunter said, a piece of a long-dead beast. At first, even seeing wasn’t believing for Juett, Sul Ross State University, located in Alpine, said in a news release.

March 11, 2025
Legislative Update:
Teacher groups try to blunt ‘school choice’ momentum at rally day

(NBC DFW) A few hundred educators traveled to Austin during their first day of spring break to advocate for more public school funding and against school choice vouchers, a proposal allowing families to use public school dollars. The American Federation of Teachers Texas and the AFL-CIO organized a teacher advocacy Monday, including bringing four busloads of teachers down to Austin from Dallas, Garland, and Richardson. On Tuesday, lawmakers will hear from the public on the House version of the bill, HB 3.

How Voucher Vendors Could Make Millions from ‘School Choice’ in Texas

(Texas Observer) The Legislature’s current proposals put a handful of private contractors in the driver’s seat. Other states have already seen problems.

New poll shows most Texans oppose school vouchers, even if described as ‘school choice’

(San Antonio Current) The survey, released Monday by Washington D.C.-based Z to A Research, asked 1,275 likely midterm voters in Texas separate questions about whether they would support a “school voucher” plan or a “school choice” plan to fund private school tuitions. The majority opposed both descriptions of the proposal.

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick claims Texas House spent $4.4M on Paxton impeachment

(Fox 7 Austin) Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick is claiming the Texas House spent more than $4.4 million during its 2023 impeachment investigation of Attorney General Ken Paxton. By comparison, Patrick said the Senate only spent $435,000, less than 10% of what he claims the house spent.

Will lawmakers let Texas’ maternal mortality committee review abortion deaths?

(Texas Tribune) The Legislature is considering bills that would lift long-standing restrictions on how Texas’ panel can investigate maternal deaths and near-misses.

Also Reported:
Killeen ISD: Student at Roy J. Smith Middle School stabbed and killed by fellow classmate

(KWTX) Roy. J Smith Middle School was placed on lockdown Monday afternoon after a 14-year-old student was stabbed and killed earlier in the day. At about 11:25 a.m., an altercation between two female students resulted in a stabbing, said KISD Chief of Police Erik Hydorn. The attacker was quickly apprehended and the student who was stabbed was quickly transported to the Carl R. Darnell Army Medical Center. “The victim succumbed to her injuries” at the hospital, Hydorn said. A homicide investigation is underway. KISD Superintendent Dr. Jo Ann Fey made the decision to allow the students at Roy J. Smith Middle School to take time off until after spring break. Classes for students will resume on Monday, March 24. Related:

Texas measles cases grow to 223, mostly among children and teens

(ABC News) The measles outbreak in western Texas is continuing to grow with 25 cases confirmed over the last five days, bringing the total to 223 cases, according to new data published Tuesday. Related:

Threats of mass violence landing more Houston-area juveniles in custody, figures show

(Houston Chronicle) Lawyers, school district officials and law enforcement attribute the skyrocketing number of threats against schools to copycat activity after a mass shooting, like Georgia’s Apalachee High School shooting in September. But some question whether detaining students is the best option when threat assessments determine they may not have intended to harm others. And others are concerned with looming changes to the threat assessment system that would require districts to move away from guides developed specifically for the K-12 setting. 

The number of Houston-area students with dyslexia has doubled. Here’s how rates compare across Texas

(Houston Chronicle) A Houston Chronicle investigation in 2016 revealed that Texas was illegally barring thousands of children from special education services, triggering unprecedented legislative action. Nearly a decade later, the rate of public school children receiving services for dyslexia has soared.

Can 15,000 Texas counselors get 5.5M students on track to thriving careers?

(Dallas Morning News) High student-to-counselor ratios and insufficient resources limit the ability to provide support that gets them on track to careers or college, advocates say. In Texas, a single school counselor sees 300 to 450 students, according to the Texas School Counseling Association.

East Texas health experts, school leaders share impact on COVID-19 5 years later

(CBS 19) Monday marked five years since the first COVID-19 case hit East Texas, leading to shutdowns, cancellations, working from home and quarantine. Half a decade and over 150,000 cases later in East Texas, health experts and school officials are still feeling the lasting impact of the virus and adjusting.

Shot clocks could be coming soon to Texas high school basketball. Obstacles remain

(Fort Worth Star-Telegram) The majority of the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches has called for their implementation. University Interscholastic League Deputy Director Jamey Harrison said shot clocks could be in Texas’ future, depending on a survey that will be sent out to UIL member school superintendents “later this semester.” “That’s pretty much the last step to deciding yes, we’re going to do it. Or no, we’re not — it’s what our school leaders tell us,” Harrison said, adding that the change will only be made if schools are willing and able to handle the financial burden, which can be heavy. The Ogden Standard Examiner reported that shot clocks cost “anywhere between $3,500-$6,000.”

Texas Town of 16,000 Builds $35 Million High School Football Stadium

(KFMX) The town of Melissa has a population of just over 16,000 and has just opened up a $35 million high school football stadium. Pictures of the new stadium have gone viral on many different social platforms!

82% of nation’s K-12 schools recently experienced a cyber incident

(K-12 Dive) A startling majority — 82% — of K-12 schools experienced a cyber incident between July 2023 and December 2024, according to a report released Thursday by the nonprofit Center for Internet Security. The top cybersecurity threats schools faced include ransomware attacks, phishing and social engineering, data breaches, denial-of-service attacks, and malvertisement — a malicious software usually disguised as an ad that infiltrates networks to steal information, according to the center, which developed the report in partnership with the Consortium for School Networking. 

Texas AG: Mission city computers attacked by ransomware

(KVEO) According to a notice from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, at 2 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 28 Mission’s entire computer network suffered a cybersecurity incident. The AG’s office says this caused the city’s servers and backup servers to be encrypted by ransomware. City workers have been unable to access any records including birth certificates, police reports, contracts and personnel files. The breach affected every department, which also caused the city to be unable to comply with the Public Information Act’s requirements.

Spring ISD has the highest student suspension rates in the Houston area, district leaders promise change

(Houston Landing) Spring’s suspension rate, at 21 suspensions per 100 students, is roughly three times the state average. The history of disciplinary issues in Spring has frustrated students and teachers, who have made it “loud and clear” that the district needs to provide help with curbing bad behavior and keeping more kids in class, Superintendent Lupita Hinojosa said.

North Texas charter school is switching to a 4-day week. Here’s how it will work

(WFAA) Treetops School International, a charter school in Euless, announced Monday it will be moving to a four-day instructional week starting in the 2025-2026 school year.

Center ISD moves to 4-day school week for 2025-26 year

(CBS 19) Center ISD trustees approved the move recently and the transition will happen for the 2025-2026 school year. A copy of the official school calendar will be posted at a later date.

Construction underway on Bastrop ISD’s new $17.5 million police, operations building

(KVUE) Bastrop ISD is taking steps to strengthen its police force and improve safety at schools. Construction crews are getting started on an approximately 55,000-square-foot police and operations building. It is a $17.5 million facility that is part of a bond that voters approved in 2023. 

Lake Worth ISD board votes to close a school campus due to insufficient state funding

(CBS News) The Lake Worth ISD Board of Trustees voted to approve the district’s recommendation to close Effie Morris Early Learning Academy in the new school year. This comes amidst a $3.5 million deficit within the district. The decision to close the Effie campus will save approximately $700,000, according to the district. The board also voted to remove a staff daycare program called the Tadpole Learning Center. This resource has been within the ISD for decades to provide cheaper childcare for staff with children not yet of school age. The district says cutting the program will save $270,000 a year. Students at Howry STEAM Academy will relocate to the current Effie campus in the new school year.

Student led cattle company thriving in Wildorado

(KFDA) KFDA’s Ruben on the Road heads west on I-40 and makes a stop in Wildorado where he learns about a cattle company led by high school students.

At SXSW, Austin ISD superintendent lays out challenges, opportunities Austin schools are facing

(Austin American-Statesman) Keeping children safe and maintaining resources and opportunities for students are priorities for Austin school district, Superintendent Matias Segura said during a conversation at South by Southwest EDU last week. An ongoing budget deficit has already forced the district to slash millions in expenses, and the cuts might be different across schools since Austin serves students with varying levels of need, Segura said. Related:

Corpus Christi educators look to bridge gaps in math comprehension among Black students

(KIII) Texas Association of Black Personnel in Higher Education Corpus Christi Chapter Treasurer Tina Butler said the low college graduation rate seen in the Black community is something being noticed across the state. A few years back, her organization began offering free prep courses to help students meet those needs. She said the classes made a huge difference.

San Antonio ISD’s Travis Early College High School shortens teaching pathway. Is it a solution to teacher shortages?

(San Antonio Report) Last year, Travis ECHS launched the program for high school students who want to enter the teaching or human services industry. The pathway allows the students to earn an associate degree and secure three years of practicum experience, shortening the time it would take to complete a bachelor’s degree by two years and smoothening the transition from students to full-time certified teachers. The teaching program at Travis ECHS is financially supported by City Education Partners, a nonprofit organization that focuses on closing the education equity gap in San Antonio.

Answer Key: What should parents know about their local school board and its members?

(Houston Landing) Here’s what to know about how school board members are elected and how they are trained.

Rodeo Houston’s industrial craft competition has taken students to lifechanging careers

(KTRK) For some high school students, it’s not a scholarship from Rodeo Houston they’re after. It’s a six-figure job.

The Alamo prepares to be remembered over spring break amid construction

(KSAT) Construction on a $550 million expansion plan is still ongoing, but San Antonio’s biggest tourist attraction doesn’t expect it will have any trouble attracting visitors this spring break. Part of Alamo Plaza is blocked off. However, visitors will likely still have something new to see.

Belton ISD teacher charged with sexual assault of a child

(Fox 44) Belton Police officers arrested 29-year-old Logan Michael Demeny around 3:50 p.m. Monday. He is a teacher at South Belton Middle School. Officers received a report regarding the incident on February 22, 2025, which originally took place in 2021. The victim reported the assault occurred while they were a student in Demeny’s English class at South Belton Middle School, and did not occur on school grounds.

Harris County 17-Year-Old Charged Under Texas’ New Terrorism Law

(Texas Scorecard) Texas prosecutors say Laith Adil Shehzad planned to execute a mass shooting using a Glock semi-automatic firearm equipped with standard, extended, and drum-style magazines.

City of Houston hiring freeze takes effect amid $350M budget shortfall

(KTRK) In a continued effort to make the city more efficient, Mayor Whitmire has issued a citywide hiring freeze that took effect today. Only 10 positions are listed on the careers section of the city’s website. Those positions are for roles with the Houston Fire Department and Houston Police Department, which are excluded from the freeze. “We have too many city employees for a city our size,” Whitmire told ABC13 in an interview last week.

No criminal charges will be filed over Boerne fairgrounds bleacher collapse

(Texas Public Radio) The Kendall County District Attorney’s Office said it will not pursue criminal charges in connection to a deadly bleacher collapse at the Kendall County Fair’s rodeo last year. A 79-year-old woman, Vera Asher Smith, died, and several others were injured. The DA’s office said in a statement that there was insufficient evidence to prove a criminal case beyond a reasonable doubt.

March 10, 2025
Legislative Update:
Texas Senate poised to pass bill requiring classroom displays of Ten Commandments

(Dallas Morning News) The Texas Senate is poised to pass legislation requiring public school classrooms to display the Ten Commandments, one of several Republican-led efforts to blend religious concepts with education. Senate Bill 10 instructs elementary and secondary school classrooms to conspicuously display a 16-inch by 20-inch poster or framed copy of the Ten Commandments in type large enough to be legible for a person with average vision from anywhere in the classroom.

New poll explains a lot about what’s happening in the Texas legislature

(NBC DFW) Every few months, the pollsters ask Texans what they believe are the most urgent items lawmakers should be working on. They asked registered voters polled to tell them from a list of 15 subjects what was “extremely” or “very” important to them. The top four were: 84% said improving the reliability of the state’s energy grid, 81% said lowering the costs of everyday goods and services, 81% said improving the reliability of the state’s water supply, and 76% said reducing property taxes.

Thrust into the spotlight by a school shooting, Uvalde’s former mayor finds his footing as a lawmaker

(Texas Tribune) Don McLaughlin isn’t shy about speaking his mind and has disagreed with victims’ families and fellow Republicans. Now he brings his direct style to the Capitol.

Also Reported:
Trump’s education secretary says over 300 employees accepted the $25,000 buyout. Here’s her next move to overhaul the department

(Business Insider) Linda McMahon told NewsNation during a Friday interview that while she “could stand to be corrected on this,” over 300 employees accepted the Department of Education’s $25,000 buyout they were offered last week. She also said that she’s looking into transferring student loans and Pell Grants to other federal agencies. Related:

Under RFK Jr.’s Leadership, CDC Launches Large Study on Vaccines and Autism

(Newsweek) The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is moving forward with a study examining potential connections between vaccines and autism, according to multiple reports. The announcement has raised questions, given the extensive scientific research that has consistently found no link between vaccines and autism. Yet, despite overwhelming evidence debunking the claim, skepticism persists, fueled in part by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Former Keller ISD superintendent to earn $425K after resigning amid split proposal

(Fort Worth Report) Keller ISD will pay former Superintendent Tracy Johnson $425,384 through the end of 2025, according to her resignation agreement with the school board. The agreement, obtained by the Fort Worth Report through an open records request, outlines that Johnson will receive two lump-sum payments and retain her salary and benefits through Dec. 31, 2025. She will remain on the district payroll as superintendent emeritus, available to advise the board and assist the interim superintendent upon request of board President Charles Randklev until March 31, after which she will have no official duties, according to the agreement signed Feb. 20. Johnson’s last day as superintendent was Jan. 31. Her salary was $275,000.

San Benito school district sues over failed construction job

(myRGV) Four years after launching part of a $40 million bond-funded project, the San Benito school district is locked in a legal battle against three companies behind a failed $12 million construction job. The district is suing the Brighton Group, Davila Construction and Raba Kistner Inc., citing the failed project launched in 2021 aimed at building a $21.3 million performing arts theater and an $8.8 million aquatics center. Last year, the San Benito school board abandoned the project site off Interstate 69, citing construction flaws.

With crumbling public health infrastructure, rural Texas scrambles to respond to measles

(Texas Tribune) The measles outbreak in rural Texas has exposed how hospital buildings are ill-equipped. Meanwhile, long distances between providers makes testing people and transporting samples difficult. Related:

Plea made in Westwood ISD animal cruelty case

(Palestine Herald-Press) A plea was made and accepted Friday in the animal cruelty case against a Westwood Independent School District teacher. According to Anderson County District Attorney Allyson Mitchell, Emily Benner pleaded to Class A cruelty to non-livestock on Friday, Feb. 28, in the County Court of Law in Judge Jeff Doran’s court for her role in stitching up a cat in the presence of her WISD Agriculture Class. Mitchell said Benner, who is not a licensed vet technician, will be on deferred adjudication probation for six months, follow all standard terms and fees of probation and perform 35 hours of community service.

With Texas public school funding uncertain, are more campus closures coming?

(Dallas Morning News) More North Texas families face losing their neighborhood schools as districts confront financial struggles and uncertainty about how much state lawmakers will help. Related:

Vouchers aren’t pushing Fort Worth ISD to close schools, leaders say. Here’s what is

(Fort Worth Report) Officials cite two causes: Declining enrollment. Desire to better distribute resources.

Which Texas boys basketball teams won a state championship? Here are the results

(Lone Star Live) The Texas high school boys basketball state championships concluded Saturday night in exciting fashion. After crowning eight champions across the first two days, the final set of matchups were among the most exciting.

Insane Texas softball game ends with 91 runs, broken scoreboard

(Houston Chronicle) To see two high school teams put up a score of 48-43 in a game is normally not a big deal. Scores like that are common in games like basketball or football. However, for Dallas area high schools Irving MacArthur and Richardson Lake Highlands, their high score was consummated during a softball game earlier this week. The 91-run thriller left the scoreboard a mangled mess.

Mother accused of threatening to shoot up an Aldine ISD middle school in January now in custody

(KTRK) Cicerly Nicole Walker, 45, is charged with making a terroristic threat to Hoffman Middle School in Aldine ISD on Jan. 30, 2025, according to court records. Walker reportedly entered the school unauthorized at about 11:23 a.m. and walked into the cafeteria. There, she yelled allegedly at a 12-year-old girl and asked if the child had been bullying her child. Then, officials say, Walker threatened to shoot up the school in front of numerous students. Walker, who is a felon and not allowed to have a gun, eventually left the campus.

Northside ISD teacher resigns amid investigation into inappropriate student relations

(MySA) On January 31, Marcos Chapa, an instructional aid at Stevenson Middle School in Northside ISD, was placed on administrative leave after an investigation revealed he allegedly gave out his phone number to a female student and made “inappropriate comments” about another female student, according to district officials. He resigned the same day.

Man arrested, accused of injuring Zapata ISD elementary students

(KGNS) A man has been arrested for allegedly assaulting several students at an elementary school in the community of Zapata. It happened back on February 18th, with a report of several students being physically injured by a person. An investigation by the Zapata County Sheriff’s Office led to the arrest of 23-year-old Luis Gerardo Mendoza. He’s facing three charges of causing injury to a minor. The case is still under investigation.

Woman arrested after pointing firearm at ex-husband outside high school softball game, Hondo police say

(KSAT) A woman was arrested, accused of pointing a firearm at her ex-husband outside a Hondo High School softball game, according to the Hondo Police Department. The disturbance was a child custody dispute involving four people, auhorities said. A male who was involved in the disturbance “immediately disarmed” the woman. No shots were fired, and no one was injured.

Students, parents involved in fight prompt police presence at Permian High

(KMID/KPEJ) An Ector County ISD spokesperson has confirmed that a large police presence on the Permian High School campus Thursday morning involved students and parents in a fight. According to the spokesperson, initially two female students got into an altercation, which prompted several other girls to get involved. School officers and administrators gained control of the situation and the students involved were charged with Disorderly Conduct. A short time later, as one of the girls was leaving campus with her guardian, ECISD said the other girl involved in the original incident saw them outside the school and the two began to fight again. This time, the family members that were present got involved, which resulted in a large police response in the PHS parking lot. This also prompted ECISD to seek additional charges for the students involved and one parent.

Prosper ISD construction site catches fire, 1 firefighter injured

(WFAA) The Prosper Fire Department responded to a fire around 2:31 a.m. Friday at the Richland High School construction site. The school is currently under construction and is scheduled to open in August 2025. A firefighter who was injured was hospitalized and later released. The cause of the fire and the extent of the damages is under investigation.

Plans for $81M new theater and athletic center at San Antonio ISD’s Fox Tech High School earn approval

(San Antonio Report) The San Antonio Historic and Design Review Commission recently gave conceptual approval for the $81 million project approved last summer by the San Antonio Independent School District and supported by the district’s 2020 bond program. The project includes a new performing arts building with a 704-seat auditorium, a black box theater, athletics building and a surface parking lot.

University of Houston’s 25 top-paid employees: Renu Khator leads with the highest salary in Texas

(Houston Chronicle) University of Houston System Chancellor Renu Khator was the highest-paid public university employee in Texas in 2023, earning more than $1 million a year in base pay plus several other contract perks that put her total compensation package around $1.9 million. The records only show base pay, so many athletics coaches do not appear on a list of the top 25 highest-paid employees. For example, men’s basketball head coach Kelvin Sampson earned a $300,000 salary in base pay this academic year, but the Houston Chronicle reported in 2023 that he makes an average of $4.75 million even without incentives for winning. 

Teens scramble for safety after multiple shots fired on Galveston beach during ‘Senior Skip Day’

(KPRC) Police responded to multiple reports of shots fired throughout Friday as the chaos of ‘Senior Skip Day’ descended on Galveston beaches. Galveston Police Chief Doug Balli says his department expected several high school seniors to flood to the beaches in his city thanks to a social media post that was shared more than 30,000 times. While Balli initially claimed the large crowd of students were from Houston ISD, he later admitted there was no way to tell what school the kids were from. Related:

$70M facelift will bring the University of Texas Tower back to its former, gold glory: ‘Hugely overdue’

(Houston Chronicle) While the Tower still looms large, it has quite literally lost its shine, and university officials want to bring the flagship’s iconic landmark back to its former glory. They say a $70 million facelift should do the trick.

Ysleta ISD basketball player dies days after dad following Montana crash, Texas family says

(Fort Worth Star-Telegram) Kristina Butterfield, a 16-year-old high school basketball player for Hanks High School in Ysleta ISD, has died days after a car crash left her hospitalized and took the life of her father. Her father, David Butterfield, was a “respected teacher, and a long-time trainer” at Parkland High School in El Paso. An SUV reportedly crashed into their car as they passed through an intersection. A Go Fund Me account has been launched to help the family with medical and funeral costs.

Wylie man accused of killing Louisiana college student during fraternity hazing ritual

(Fox 4 KDFW) Police say Caleb McCray and two other men, while wearing boxing gloves, punched a Southern University fraternity pledge member in the chest several times before he had a seizure and died.

Report: Texas stands to lose thousands of jobs, billions in investment if Trump repeals CHIPS Act

(San Antonio Current) Texas could lose 15,000 high-paying jobs and $4.7 billion in investment if Congress acts on President Donald Trump’s request to repeal the bipartisan, Biden-era CHIPS and Science Act, data compiled by the Democratic National Committee shows.

Baylor no longer financially supporting public radio station KWBU as a part of budget reallocation

(KWTX) Baylor University announced it would no longer be financially supporting public radio station KWBU as a part of a campuswide budget reallocation. KWBU says the university will still provide them additional support, such as their office space, IT and accounting.

Tech giants reportedly prepare stocking new West Texas data center

(Houston Chronicle) Arguably the most impactful tech plan happening in the Lone Star State is part of the $500 billion Stargate Project, which comes from leaders of OpenAI, Oracle Corp. and SoftBank, and has been endorsed by President Donald Trump, and is considered an investment to build out U.S. intelligence infrastructure. The first step for Stargate is filling out a $100 billion data center in the West Texas city of Abilene. According to a Bloomberg report, the work to get that data center up and running will begin in months, with OpenAI and Oracle placing tens of thousands of powerful semiconductors into the facility about 150 miles west of Fort Worth.

Odessa dad pleads guilty in 2020 trampoline death of 8-year-old

(KMID/KPEJ) An Odessa father arrested in 2020 after his adopted daughter died when she was forced to jump on a trampoline amid triple digit heat as a punishment has pleaded guilty to one count of Manslaughter. He’s been sentenced to 18 years in prison.

Battleship Texas finds new permanent home at Galveston Pier

(Houston Public Media) The permanent home for the battleship had been in limbo for well over a year after the board had authorized and then backed out of, a leasing agreement. From August 2022 to March 2024, Battleship Texas was dry-docked in Galveston as it underwent repairs. After more than a year of uncertainty, Battleship Texas will now be moored at Pier 15 in Galveston.

March 7, 2025
Legislative Update:
Texas educators say proposed increases for school funding, teacher pay are inadequate

(Dallas Morning News) At a Thursday hearing at the Capitol, dozens of public school teachers and officials testified that a bill proposing $7.5 billion in school funding does not go far enough.

Here’s how the Texas House public education funding package could invest $8B in schools

(Austin American-Statesman) An omnibus $8 billion public education funding proposal could help relieve deficits many Texas school districts are grappling with as they prepare their financial plans for the upcoming school year, but some education leaders told lawmakers at a legislative hearing that the proposed investment would still leave them making tough budget decisions.

Texas Bill Seeks to Increase Power of Government Over Universities

(Dallas Observer) The proposal outlines a new framework under which university senates must operate, possibly hurting research efforts.

State proposals threaten free public education for students lacking immigration status

(K-12 Dive) The proposals in Oklahoma, Indiana, Texas, Tennessee and New Jersey vary. But they either seek to block students who lack permanent or temporary legal status from attending public schools or require proof of citizenship or immigration status for enrollment. 

House Lawmaker Seeks to Codify Ban on Race-based Scholarships

(Texas Scorecard) State Rep. Tony Tinderholt believes the bill is the next step in eliminating identity politics from higher education.

Texas’ DOGE committee takes inspiration from Elon Musk’s federal operation

(Texas Tribune) The new legislative panel has been tasked to reduce the size and scope of government. But Democrats say they’re not interested in replicating Musk’s slash-and-burn approach.

Also Reported:
McMahon: Trump ‘intends to sign’ order dismantling Education Department

(The Hill) Education Secretary Linda McMahon said Friday that President Trump is moving forward with an executive order to dismantle the Education Department. Trump was originally expected to sign such an order Thursday, but it did not come to fruition. A draft order obtained by multiple outlets directs McMahon to do all she legally can to dismantle the department but acknowledges an act of Congress would be needed to completely abolish the agency. The move could come as soon as Friday afternoon. Related:

Outrage after Texas pastor brags online about his school having the state’s lowest measles vaccination rate: ‘We celebrate it’

(Independent) Instagram users have some harsh words for a Texas pastor who is celebrating his Christian church’s private school having the state’s lowest vaccination rate for measles amid a deadly outbreak of the highly contagious virus. Related:

Q&A: How two sisters are helping educators, parents and students navigate the immigration process

(Houston Landing) Founded in 2018, ImmSchools teaches educators to create preventative immigration initiatives in schools and teaches them about the rights students and their families have if they are living in the country illegally. The organization employs about 15 people who work with schools in Texas, New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Texas and Florida Are Canary in Coal Mine of Schools Run by Uncertified Teachers

(Truthout) Public schools face teacher shortages. Some states are lowering qualifications as educators leave the poorly paid field.

Maypearl ISD school to remain closed after high carbon dioxide levels detected

(Fox 4 KDFW) Maypearl Primary School in Ellis County will remain closed until Monday after district officials say repairs to address high carbon dioxide levels and other air quality issues will not be completed in time to reopen on Friday. The Maypearl fire chief temporarily closed Maypearl Primary School on Tuesday due to elevated carbon dioxide (CO2) levels. The district has been aware of these concerning levels at least since November, according to inspection reports. The school board will hold a special meeting next Wednesday at the high school at 6:30 p.m. to discuss the matter.

Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD closing four schools, including popular elementary for gifted students

(NBC DFW) The Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD decided Thursday to shut down four schools next school year, a decision also faced by two dozen other school districts across Texas. The district blamed Texas lawmakers for a lack of money for schools and declining enrollment as fewer young adults choose to have children.

Socorro school board offers $2,500 bonus to retiring or resigning staff

(KFOX) The Socorro Independent School District (SISD) is offering a $2,500 bonus to the first 100 contracted staff members who choose to retire or resign by the end of the school year. The initiative, approved unanimously by the Socorro School Board, aims to address a significant budget deficit.

Houston ISD is considering school closures. Elected trustees want community involvement

(Houston Public Media) As Houston ISD’s state-appointed board of managers considers closing an undisclosed number of campuses for the 2026-27 school year, elected trustees are asking for community members to be involved in the process.

A drag show ban has turned into a rallying cry for free speech at Texas A&M

(Houston Chronicle) The Texas A&M University System’s recent ban of drag shows in campus event spaces prompted several hundred students to protest the new policy Thursday evening in the public flagship’s central courtyard – drag queens and kings among them. The demonstration came on the heels of a federal lawsuit against the system’s board members, its chancellor, and the main campus’ president, alleging that the ban violates students’ First Amendment rights. The board prohibited the pageant-style shows at its 11 universities during a meeting last week, drawing outrage from many Aggies and a LGBTQ student coalition that held an annual show, “Draggieland,” in the university theatre.

Names of patients in gender-affirming care lawsuit mistakenly released in public records request

(KERA) The names of patients at the center of the state’s lawsuits against physicians accused of violating Texas’ ban on gender-affirming care for minors were mistakenly released through a public records request to the Collin County District Clerk’s office. A Feb. 20 case filing by attorneys with Children’s Health hospital system provided to KERA News included the unredacted names and dates of birth of the 15 patients — some of them minors — implicated in Attorney General Ken Paxton’s lawsuit against pediatrician Dr. M. Brett Cooper. KERA News will not publish the patients’ names.

Llano County, former librarian Suzette Baker reach settlement in wrongful termination suit

(Austin American-Statesman) Llano County has agreed to settle a lawsuit over its firing of librarian Suzette Baker amid a pressure campaign to remove several books from its public libraries, according to a Thursday court filing. While the county and Baker have tentatively agreed to the “material terms” of the settlement, details will not be made public until they are finalized, Baker’s attorney told the American-Statesman.

Dallas leaders forced to pivot after drastic changes to future police academy plans at UNT-Dallas

(KERA) Dallas leaders are scrambling to finalize details of a new police academy site after council members were caught off guard last week by UNT-Dallas scrapping its original plans with the city.

Dallas Education Collective Launches With Bold Vision To Expand High-Performing School Options

(Dallas Express) On March 4, 2025, the Dallas Education Collective (DEC) officially launched its initiative to transform public education in Dallas, with the aim of expanding access to high-performing schools in historically underserved communities. The event brought together educators, community leaders, and advocates committed to ensuring that a student’s ZIP code no longer determines their educational opportunities.

United ISD high school baseball player arrested in hazing case

(Laredo Morning Times) A baseball player has been arrested in a hazing case reported at United South High School, according to the United ISD Police Department. On Feb. 26, the 18-year-old student was served with a warrant charging him with assault, a Class A misdemeanor. Webb County Jail records show that he posted bond that same day.

UIL issues 2024-2025 sports ban for players involved in Hull-Daisetta, Burkeville basketball brawl

(KBMT) All student-athletes involved in the incident will be suspended from all UIL activities for the remainder of the 2024-25 school year. Burkeville Head Basketball Coach Aaron Hallford, Hull-Daisetta Head Basketball Coach Trent Wallace, and Hull-Daisetta Assistant Coach Dannon Wafer were placed on two years of probation and received a public reprimand. The Burkeville and Hull-Daisetta athletic departments were placed on two years of probation.

Two teenagers facing criminal charges in connection with shooting near Austin ISD high school

(Austin American-Statesman) Two 14-year-olds are facing criminal charges in connection with the Tuesday afternoon shooting of a 17-year-old Akins Early College High School student at a city bus stop near the campus, officials said Thursday. The victim suffered a gunshot wound to the back, and is in stable but critical condition, an EMS spokesperson said. Investigators determined the victim had been in a verbal altercation with one of the 14-year-olds prior to the shooting, police said. There was no indication that the gun used in the shooting had been on the campus.

Fort Cavazos Orders Investigation Into Incident at Killeen ISD School, Parents Speak Up

(Texas Scorecard) Fort Cavazos’ commanding general has referred an incident at Meadows Elementary School to U.S. Army investigators, just days after a district investigation into a coach at the school concluded with no criminal referral. Killeen ISD contains some schools that primarily serve the children of U.S. military personnel stationed at Fort Cavazos, with Meadows Elementary School being one of them. The elementary school has turned into an epicenter of distress for military families after one of its physical education teachers, coach Travis Reaves, was accused of inappropriate conduct towards young girls at the school, including one as young as four years old.

‘We don’t feel safe’: San Antonio IDEA school employee says safety protocol wasn’t followed after reports of a gun in class

(KENS) The staff member said the standard communication process to employees and families was ignored — even before administrators confirmed the weapon was a BB gun.

Alvin ISD creates new website geared toward safety, security

(Community Impact) Students, parents and community members can now view Alvin ISD’s new safe and secure page on the district website.

Texas Tech Unveils $242M Womble Football Center Featuring Patrick Mahomes Walk-Through Room

(College Sports Network) The Texas Tech Red Raiders unveiled their new $242 million Womble Football Center ahead of the 2025 college football campaign. The images released to social media show a state-of-the-art facility that includes various modern features designed to help with team performance, recovery, and comfort, plus a tribute to TTU alumni Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

Venture Capitalist Gives $5M for Robotics at UT Austin

(Government Technology) The $5 million gift will create the Amy and Bill Gurley Endowment and match funds one-to-one for other philanthropists to establish endowments to support robotics. It will specifically support experiential learning, educational initiatives and research, according to a UT news release.

Inside the fight over what — and who — is causing earthquakes near Texas oilfields

(Houston Chronicle) Blackbuck Resources defied the Railroad Commission by operating near recent earthquakes.

Matagorda County nears full recovery following cyber attack

(Bay City Tribune) The Matagorda County Office of Emergency Management is in the final stages of recovery from a cyber attack that plagued operations two months ago, officials said Wednesday.

March 6, 2025
Legislative Update:
Texas may change how schools select library books. Critics say it could lead to more bans

(Texas Tribune) Senate Bill 13 would create school library advisory councils largely made up of parents. It would give school boards, rather than librarians, the final say over new books. The measure was approved Tuesday by a 10-1 vote in the Senate Committee on Education K-16. Introduced last month by Sen. Angela Paxton, R-McKinney, Senate Bill 13 would represent an overhaul of how schools decide what books are placed in their libraries.

Here’s how special education could change in Texas under a private school voucher program

(San Antonio Express-News) With Texas lawmakers closing in on a private school voucher plan, one of the big lingering questions is how, and to what extent, the program will impact the state’s tens of thousands of special education students. Neither the House nor the Senate bills address what to do if private schools refuse to take special education students, or if they run out of space. Related:

Texas is poised for a big fight over Trump’s top education priority

(Politico) Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is on the cusp of enacting a $1 billion school voucher program that will provide tens of thousands of students with taxpayer dollars to pay for private school tuition, providing a massive boost to the conservative school choice movement. He now has two crucial allies in his corner: President Donald Trump and Elon Musk, who have added to the public pressure on Texas Republicans to back the program.

Texas Senate committee advances bill to increase school safety funding to districts

(KVUE) On Wednesday, a Texas Senate panel advanced a bill to increase school safety funding for school districts. The Senate Finance Committee unanimously approved Senate Bill 260. The bill increases the per-student and per-campus school safety allotment by $500 million. The money will go toward safety measures and “hardening schools.”

Texas Senate bills target nutrition standards in public schools, grocery stores

(Community Impact) Two Texas senators are proposing tighter regulations on the food additives found in public school cafeterias and grocery store aisles. Their proposed bills are part of a plan to “get Texas healthy again” amid rising rates of chronic disease, Sen. Lois Kolkhorst, R-Brenham, said Feb. 26.

Texas House majority signs on to new bill restricting the use of bathrooms in public buildings by transgender people

(Texas Tribune) House Bill 239, which echoes a bathroom bill that failed in 2017, includes new provisions for shelters and prisons.

Following Trump’s lead, Abbott orders state workers to return to offices

(KUT) Gov. Greg Abbott’s office has quietly directed heads of state agencies to phase out hybrid-work schedules and require all employees to return to the office five days a week “as soon as practicable” under state law, according to multiple accounts from state employees.

Texas lawmakers scold juvenile justice department over scathing Department of Justice report

(Texas Tribune) Democratic state Rep. Gene Wu criticized the department for treating an August 2024 federal report as “nothing.”

Texas Employee Fired After Refusing to Remove Pronouns From Email

(Newsweek) A former employee of the Texas Real Estate Commission, a state agency, said he was fired from his job after refusing to remove pronouns from his email signature. Frank Zamora, 32, told the Austin American-Statesman that he viewed the directive, which came from Governor Greg Abbott, as “part of a broader effort to make LGBT+ people feel unwelcome in the state of Texas.”

Also Reported:
Trump to order McMahon to begin dissolving Education Department

(The Hill) President Trump is expected to issue an executive order directing Education Secretary Linda McMahon to take the necessary steps to shutter the department, according to multiple reports. The draft of the order reportedly recognizes that the president does not have the authority to abolish the department and that it would likely take 60 votes in the Senate, where Republicans hold only 53 seats.

Trump Has Made English the Official Language. What That Means for Schools

(Educaiton Week) K-12 educators in the United States are still federally required to support English learners’ acquisition of the English language, regardless of any official national language designation. That’s the main takeaway from researchers and former U.S. Department of Education directors in response to the executive order signed by President Donald Trump on March 1, which designates English as the official language of the country.

North Texas pastor celebrates private school’s lowest vaccination rate in the state: ‘We’ll take it’

(WFAA) A Fort Worth pastor is celebrating his school’s distinction as the least-vaccinated school in Texas. Related:

This charter school superintendent makes $870,000. He leads a district with 1,000 students.

(Texas Tribune) On paper, Salvador Cavazos earns less than $300,000 to run Valere Public Schools, a small Texas charter network. But taxpayers likely aren’t aware that his total pay makes him one of the country’s highest-earning superintendents.

North East ISD officials work to create ‘smooth transition’ during campus consolidation

(Community Impact) Following a Feb. 10 vote to close three schools, North East ISD officials said they have taken multiple steps to ensure students and families affected by the campus consolidation process have a smooth transition.

Fire department closes North Texas school due to high carbon dioxide levels

(Fox 4 KDFW) The Maypearl Fire Department forced the closing of Maypearl Primary School due to air quality concerns. FOX 4 obtained state records revealing elevated carbon dioxide (CO2) levels inside the Maypearl ISD school since at least December, around the same time parents started complaining about students feeling sick. In the most recent air quality test from the state, there was also evidence of water leaks, dust buildup, clutter and other issues that may cause respiratory or allergic problems. Maypearl ISD believes it’ll have repairs done in time to get kids back in school by Friday.

Fort Worth ISD spares four schools from closure or consolidation. More decisions loom

(Fort Worth Report) Four Fort Worth ISD schools are no longer being considered for closure or consolidation. As the district continues weighing a facilities master plan that could lead to the closure or consolidation of more than a dozen campuses over the next several years, officials stressed that options are ever-changing.

Dallas ISD absences spiked in January – and it could cost the district

(KERA) Dallas ISD could lose out on thousands of dollars in funding after student absences spiked in January. While county health records show flu and RSV activity accounted for some of the absences, community activist Susanna Garcia says many families kept their kids home in the days after the Trump administration announced schools were no longer “sensitive locations” protected from immigration enforcement.

Canutillo ISD trustees weigh potential layoffs, cutting programs amid budget woes

(El Paso Matters) The Canutillo Independent School District is considering laying off employees, increasing class sizes and cutting student programs as it faces potential financial exigency — the equivalent of bankruptcy for education institutions. The Canutillo ISD school board met Tuesday to discuss the budget for the 2025-26 school year and go over cost-saving options, including eliminating elementary school music classes, canceling district-funded travel and setting a hiring freeze on non-essential employees. Canutillo ISD communications director Gustavo Reveles said the board may vote on the layoffs by the next regularly scheduled board meeting March 25 to notify impacted employees in a timely manner.

New report tracks Cy-Fair ISD graduation rates in real time

(Community Impact) Cy-Fair ISD is using a new report to track high school graduation rates in real time. Previously, the school district relied on the Texas Academic Performance Reports, which are published each January and include data from two years prior. Christina Cole, CFISD’s chief officer for school leadership, said the new report improves data accuracy and allows the district to better evaluate students’ needs. “To measure progress toward graduation, a new metric was created in an attempt to have timely data,” Cole said at the March 3 board meeting. “This is the first time that we’ve been able to pull the data based on a snapshot date so that we can have a just-in-time moment of where our kids are.”

Judson ISD approves one-time incentive for special education teachers

(Community Impact) The Judson ISD board of trustees approved a one-time $750 retention incentive for special education and bilingual teachers and a $300 one-time retention incentive for special education and bilingual instructional paraprofessionals for the 2024-2025 school year Feb. 20. Funds for these incentives will be paid from 2024-2025 Every Student Succeeds Act Title II carryover funds.

California, Texas and D.C. Are Tops in Teacher Diversity, Report Finds

(The 74) California, Texas and Washington, D.C., lead the nation in teacher diversity, according to a recent report by the National Council on Teacher Quality. “We found that places like Texas are achieving [more teacher diversity], but with policies that have us concerned about the long-term health of the teacher pipeline,” said Ron Noble, the council’s chief of teacher preparation. “California and Washington, D.C., offer potential bright spots that might not have that same pitfall.”

Allen-Duncanville sellout was emblematic of issues with new UIL playoff basketball format

(Dallas Morning News) In the UIL’s new split-division playoff format that has drawn mixed reviews, two of the largest schools in the state didn’t have to travel far for their much hyped Class 6A Division I state semifinal, but the problem was that the gym at Coppell seats only 2,000. With Allen ranked No. 2 in the state and Duncanville ranked No. 6, there was high demand for tickets, and the game sold out in 45 minutes after they went on sale Monday.

Cheerleading giant Varsity Spirit to boost security after shooter scare at Dallas event

(Dallas Morning News) The powerhouse cheerleading organization behind last weekend’s national competition in Dallas that was derailed by an active shooter scare announced new safety measures on Wednesday aimed at improving security at future events. Related:

San Antonio Missions World Heritage Site hit with Trump lease terminations

(MySA) The closure could jeopardize safety and maintenance of Texas’ only UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Sinton ISD to return to school March 17 to allow air quality to improve following area wildfires

(KIII) Sinton students will not be expected to return to class until after Spring Break. The district announced that it has decided to forgo classes until March 17 to allow the air quality to improve and the smoke to settle that resulted from wildfires in the area.

Houston Community College, Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce partner to fund IT certifications 

(Community Impact) The Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce partnered with Houston Community College and other higher education institutions to provide full tuition to 300 students seeking short-term industry-driven certifications.

Houston Mourns Former Mayor Sylvester Turner … So What’s Next for the 18th Congressional District?

(Houston Press) Shortly after the news broke Wednesday morning of former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner’s death, speculation began about a special election for his U.S. Congressional seat — a post he’d held for just two months. Political experts say an election is likely to happen in May and could represent a generational change. Related:

Ferris high school golfer saves drowning opponent during tournament

(Fox 4 KDFW) It was par-4, hole seven at Country View Golf Club in Lancaster last week when Angel Lucio heard a cry for help. The Ferris High School senior ran down the hill to find another student from Crandall ISD struggling in the water.  Lucio grabbed him by the arms and pulled him out of the water. He later found out the freshman slipped into the water while trying to get a golf ball and didn’t know how to swim. The two were paired together during the tournament, and both felt fine to continue the game in their soaking wet clothes.  Lucio was recognized as Hero of the Month for Ferris High School, an award given by the Ferris ISD Police Department. 

United ISD school implements innovative plan to reduce vaping

(KGNS) To reduce vaping on campus, Alexander High School has implemented a plan to bring those numbers down. On Saturday, March 1, gates were put in place around restrooms on campus. Throughout the day, some restrooms will be closed while others remain open. With 2,400 students on campus, Alexander High School’s Assistant Principal, Joseph Byrd, says the plan was inspired by another school district north of I-35. “It’s something that I saw in Dilley High School, what they were doing is closing off certain bathrooms with these gates. The whole point was to reduce the whole flow of traffic or have any issues, so I thought it would be a good idea to implement in our school,” Byrd said.

LGBTQ student group sues Texas A&M system over campus drag show ban

(KERA) A student LGBTQ+ organization is suing Texas A&M University over its newly adopted policy banning drag performances on its public campuses. Related:

Original limestone quarry used for Alamo discovered at San Antonio Zoo

(KSAT) A monumental discovery has been made in the San Antonio Zoo, confirming the exact quarry that provided the limestone to build the Alamo and solving a mystery spanning centuries. The discovery was made after excavation for the zoo’s new gorilla habitat and event center.

Former Fort Worth Baptist seminary professor avoids jail time after guilty pleaa in federal case

(Fort Worth Report) A former professor and interim provost at Fort Worth’s Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary pleaded guilty to making false statements to the FBI investigating sexual abuse. The U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York charged Matt Queen with one count of falsification of records and one count of false statements to law enforcement during an investigation involving a sexual misconduct case that later led to an arrest of a student in January 2023. The case involving Queen and the seminary are part of the larger ongoing investigation.

Balfour Beatty to build student housing at UT Austin

(World Construction Network) The student housing project will offer 1,070 new beds in a single building. The $145M development, the first new residence hall on campus in nearly two decades, is scheduled to open in late 2027.

Harlandale ISD employee placed on leave amid investigation involving former student, district says

(KSAT) The district said on Tuesday afternoon that it is aware of an allegation involving an employee and a former student at McCollum High School. A district spokesperson told KSAT that the investigation remains ongoing.

A bomb threat forced three HEB ISD schools to evacuate Wednesday

(NBC DFW) Euless Police said the 3 campuses are now considered safe after police checked each school. Investigators don’t believe the threat was credible.

March 5, 2025
Legislative News
A Drive to Slash Property Taxes (Again) But At What Cost?

(Houston Press) If Texas legislators can agree on an approach, another round of massive property tax cuts is on the way.

In hearing, Texas Democrats criticize school leaders for being too “nice” about their funding needs

(Texas Tribune) A group of Texas superintendents on Tuesday had an opportunity to argue why lawmakers should increase the base amount of state funding their schools receive for each student. But not all of them did so, leading Democrats to criticize the district leaders for not taking a more assertive approach to an issue threatening the stability of public education.

Rural GOP lawmakers met with anger during townhall appearances about school vouchers and public education funding

(Quorum Report) Republican Texas House lawmakers holding townhall style meetings about school vouchers and public education funding in their districts were met with anger from people they represent over the weekend. House Public Education Committee Chairman Brad Buckley has been touring the state to appear alongside members in their districts. It isn’t going well so far. Related:

Part of pro-Palestinian student art exhibit at UNT removed amid antisemitism complaints by state lawmakers

(Texas Tribune) Five GOP lawmakers who targeted the exhibit also called for the cancellation of the “Palestinian Children and the Politics of Genocide” lecture, which is still scheduled.

Texas senators push through legislation for Ten Commandments and school prayer

(Houston Chronicle) Texas senators are a step closer to bringing the Ten Commandments and designated prayer time to Texas public schools. In a committee hearing on Tuesday, senators advanced Senate Bill 10 and Senate Bill 11, which would require public elementary and secondary schools to display the Ten Commandments in classrooms and dedicate time for prayer and the reading of religious texts. The bills have now passed out of committee and are headed to the Texas Senate for further consideration.

Lawmakers Consider Restricting College Degrees Leading to Low-Paying Jobs

(Austin Chronicle) State Rep. Carl Tepper, R-Lubbock, filed House Bill 281, which would rank degree programs at public universities based on their debt-to-earnings ratio. The bill would apply to undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs, with the difference being the time frame for evaluating each program after graduation. A 2021 study by the Texas Public Policy Foundation identifies several bachelor’s degrees that could be at risk of being phased out if this bill becomes law, including drama/theatre, film/video, studio art, music and psychology (in that order).

Advocates say $12 an hour for workers isn’t enough to keep Texas disability services afloat

(KERA) The base wage for workers who care for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities is $10.60 an hour in Texas. Lawmakers are considering a raise to $12, but advocates say that’s not enough.

Also Reported:
State reports 159 cases of measles in South Plains region

(Texas Public Radio) The outbreak of measles continues in West Texas. State health officials on Tuesday updated the number of confirmed cases to 159. So far, one fatality — an unvaccinated child — has been reported. Related:

Trump says any school that “allows illegal protests” will lose funding as Columbia faces review of federal contract

(CBS News) “All Federal Funding will STOP for any College, School, or University that allows illegal protests,” Mr. Trump posted on social media Tuesday morning. “Agitators will be imprisoned/or permanently sent back to the country from which they came. American students will be permanently expelled or, depending on the crime, arrested. NO MASKS!” Related:

“Out of control power struggle”: Mart ISD has good cause to terminate superintendent’s contract, independent TEA examiner concludes

(KWTX) Christian A. Bourgeacq, an independent hearing examiner with the Texas Education Agency, found the Mart Independent School District Board of Trustees has good cause to terminate Superintendent Elizabeth “Betsy” Burnett for insubordination, unprofessional conduct, misrepresentation of facts, failure to timely inform the Board of important matters, and violations of her contract and Board policies, according to the examiner’s recommendation document.

Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD faces $10M deficit in next budget, admins eye cuts

(Fort Worth Report) Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD likely won’t avert a budget deficit for the 2025-26 school year — even with the Texas Legislature’s proposed increases to public education funding. Projections presented to trustees in late February show the district heading toward a $10 million deficit. For the third year in a row, the growing school district in northwest Fort Worth faces more cuts and further depleted reserves.

Explainer: Brownsville ISD talks migrant farmworker education program

(myRGV) Brownsville ISD’s Migrant Education Program continues to provide services to the district’s 500 or so migrant farmworker families while also keeping an eye on developments in Washington. “They’re afraid. … The news has labeled immigrants as migrants, and now they’re afraid,” said BISD Migrant Education Director Alejandra Aldrete. “They’re not immigrants from another country. They’re migrant farmworkers who live in the United States, legally. That’s their job.”

Bus drivers’ overtime costs Houston ISD $4.5M in 2024 as driver shortage continues

(Houston Chronicle) Bus drivers swept all top 20 spots for largest shares of overtime pay earners among hourly Houston ISD employees, as the district continues to overhaul its long-beleaguered transportation department. Overtime pay accumulated to up to 104% of some bus drivers’ annual salaries, costing the district more than $4.5 million in 2024, according to a 2025 cost-reduction report from the district. Plagued with a $528 million districtwide budget shortfall, an ongoing bus driver shortage and per-pupil transportation spending that far exceeded the national average, the district has taken steps to eliminate routes, slash overtime costs and cut its student ridership list nearly in half since July 2024.

Learning Curve: The data behind Houston ISD’s shrinking schools as closures loom

(Houston Landing) As Houston ISD Superintendent Mike Miles’ administration looks to possibly close an unspecified number of campuses over the summer of 2026, the average number of students enrolled in district schools stands at a 20-year low, according to a Houston Landing analysis. The Landing crunched the data on how school size in the district has changed over time and how HISD stacks up compared to other large urban districts. Here’s what you need to know:

Arlington ISD cuts 27 junior high teaching positions through attrition, increases class sizes

(Arlington Report) A 20% student enrollment decline. A 6% smaller staff. A 14-point gap. Arlington ISD trustees stared at the bleak, misaligned numbers underlining the district’s rapid change over the past 10 years. They came to the same conclusion: The district had too many teachers for too few students. The school board Feb. 20 unanimously approved increasing Arlington ISD’s junior high student-to-teacher ratio from 24 students per teacher to 26 for the 2025-26 academic year. The move will erase about 27 junior high teaching positions through attrition, meaning no teachers who wish to continue working in the district will lose their jobs.

Fewer Dallas teachers will get bonuses as school turnaround model shifts

(Dallas Morning News) Dallas school leaders are overhauling how they support struggling schools in a move that will cut the number of campuses receiving intensive resources and curtail the number of teachers who qualify for bonuses. The district is moving to a new campus turnaround model, which will limit the number of schools targeted for extra support from more than 80 currently to roughly 50 after the change. Doing so will also shrink the number of educators eligible for salary stipends of up to $12,000.

Schools across Dallas-Fort Worth cancel class Wednesday due to power outages

(Dallas Morning News) Several schools in the Dallas-Fort Worth area announced they were still without power following Tuesday’s severe storms and would be closed Wednesday.

Cy-Fair ISD approves record 70 campuses open for student transfers in 2025-26

(Community Impact) Cy-Fair ISD’s board of trustees unanimously approved 70 campuses to be open for student transfers in the 2025-26 school year during a March 3 meeting—the most ever for CFISD. They include 46 elementary schools, 17 middle schools and seven high schools.

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

(Dallas Morning News) Texas students are falling behind in math, threatening their ability to thrive in tomorrow’s economy, advocates warn.

Beaumont ISD student arrested following TikTok threats against three schools

(KFDM) A student is under arrest following TikTok threats targeting Marshall Middle School, Sallie Curtis Elementary and Regina-Howell Elementary, according to an automated phone call BISD sent out to parents.

Medical examiner’s office releases cause of death for 83-year-old Pasadena Memorial shooting suspect

(KPRC) Investigators initially said 83-year-old Dennis Erwin Brandl Jr. died after suffering from a medical emergency while in custody. It was later confirmed that he died of “natural causes.” Brandl, while still in custody, was taken to Ben Taub Hospital on March 1 after experiencing internal bleeding from multiple sites in his small intestine. His family said he had no known gastrointestinal issues before his hospitalization, raising concerns about the possibility of an assault while at the Harris County Jail. The family and their attorney are demanding an outside investigation into Brandl’s death.

Former Fort Worth private school head sues over alleged contract breach, disparagement

(Fort Worth Report) Two months after a top administrator filed suit against Trinity Valley School for alleged gender discrimination, the Fort Worth private school faces a new legal challenge — this time from its former head, who claims the school violated a legal agreement by publicly disparaging her.

Former Copperas Cove ISD employee thinks district could be sued for sex discrimination

(Killeen Daily Herald) The Copperas Cove Independent School District Board of Trustees spent most of their time during their monthly meeting Tuesday recognizing students for their extracurricular and athletic achievements, but also heard a former and longtime employee give less than stellar feedback on a recent sports administration job shuffle, claiming it could be sex discrimination.

Teen seriously injured in shooting outside South Austin high school

(KVUE) An Akins High School student was taken to the hospital with serious injuries after a shooting outside the school in South Austin on Tuesday. According to the Austin Police Department, officers responded to reports of a shooting near a city bus stop around 2:22 p.m. Austin-Travis County EMS medics took a teenager to a local trauma facility with serious, potentially life-threatening injuries. Police located and detained a person nearby.

Deadly Montana crash kills El Paso high school coach, leaves daughter hospitalized

(KVIA) An El Paso family was involved in a deadly car crash in the state of Montana, leaving one man dead and his daughter fighting for her life. The community is grieving high school coach David Butterfield, a P.E. teacher at Ysleta ISD’s Parkland High School and Cesar Chavez Academy. He and his daughter Kristina were visiting family in Montana when the crash happened this past weekend.

Ex-Edgewood ISD teacher sentenced to 10 years probation for sending nude photos to high school student

(KSAT) A former Edgewood ISD teacher was sentenced to 10 years of probation for criminal charges that claim he sent nude photos to a John F. Kennedy High School female student, according to court records. Miguel Angel Nava, Jr. admitted to sending the photos and kissing the 17-year-old student but denied having sex with her, the affidavit stated. The girl also denied having a sexual relationship with Nava. Records show Nava was also ordered to pay the court $390 for a child abuse prevention fine and state and local court costs.

San Angelo PD: 4-year-old hit by car backing up in school zone, driver located

(Concho Valley Homepage) The San Angelo Police Department released information regarding a child who was struck by a vehicle in a school zone on Monday, March 3. SAPD reported that a 4-year-old girl was hit by a car that was backing up near Rio Vista Head Start. The girl received minor injuries, according to SAPD. The driver of the vehicle was located.

March 4, 2025
Legislative News
Voucher bills want to prioritize low-income families and be open to all students. Those goals might be at odds

(Texas Tribune) Neither of the Legislature’s voucher bills require private schools to accept certain students, which some warn could block the neediest children from access. Related:

Texas senators consider ‘parental rights’ bills to end DEI in schools

(KERA) Bills before a Senate education committee would eliminate Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs in public K-12 schools and establish a procedure to file grievances against districts that violate the ban. These programs were established to address or end historical inequities based on race, gender, and sexual orientation.

Taxpayer-funded Lobbying TASB Pays Massive Salaries

(Texas Scorecard) Records show a taxpayer-funded lobbying organization is paying over a dozen of its employees salaries that are more than the governor. The Texas Association of School Boards is a lobbying organization that is funded almost exclusively by Texas taxpayer dollars through school district dues. According to TASB’s most recent 990 form, at least 16 of its employees make more than the governor of Texas, who earns just over $153,000 each year. TASB paid a combined total of $927,644 to just two of its employees during fiscal year 2023.

These teachers lost pay for taking parental leave. Some lawmakers are working on a fix

(Houston Chronicle) Texas doesn’t provide paid parental leave for teachers or require that school districts cover it, leaving thousands like Friendswood ISD teachers Casey Candee and Brandy Mertz to rely on limited vacation time to bond with their newborns or newly adopted or fostered children. In Friendswood, the situation has become dire enough that Kelly Browning, a teacher who recently left the district, co-created a nonprofit last fall to crowdfund up to $500 grants for teachers whose pay has been slashed. State Sen. Nathan Johnson, a Dallas Democrat, has filed another bill this legislative session to mandate paid leave for teachers – his previous proposals have fallen flat in the GOP-led Senate. State Sen. Mayes Middleton, a Galveston Republican who represents Friendswood and who sits on the public education committee, said he is also looking for a statewide fix.

Also Reported:
Texas officials still don’t know how West Texas measles outbreak started

(Texas Tribune) “I cannot link this particular outbreak,” Dr. Jennifer Shuford, who oversees the Texas Department of State Health Services, told the House Committee on Public Health. During Monday’s hourlong discussion — the first time the Legislature has meaningfully addressed the outbreak in a hearing since the first case was reported in January. Shuford fielded questions about the state’s response, as well as those posed by Republican lawmakers about vaccine risks and whether the cause of the outbreak was due to illegal immigration. Related:

McMahon confirmed as education secretary

(K-12 Dive) Linda McMahon says she will end federal bureaucracy at the U.S. Department of Education but did not commit to closing the agency. Related:

Floresville ISD officials unanimously approve 4-day school week calendar

(KSAT) The Floresville Independent School District Board of Trustees voted unanimously on Monday in favor of implementing a hybrid four-day school week for the 2025-2026 school year. The hybrid calendar includes five-day weeks from the start of the school year until Oct. 10, when the four-day weeks begin through the remainder of the year. During the 18 non-holiday Fridays that school is off, childcare for pre-K through fifth grade students will be provided, according to the district.

Why Beaumont’s charter partner is leaving three schools early

(Beaumont Enterprise) Beaumont ISD’s school board is urging community members and district families to get more involved in local education as Third Future School’s plans to leave three schools. Third Future will be pulling out of Fehl-Price Elementary, Jones-Clark Elementary and Smith Middle School for the 2025-2026 school year after asking the district for $3 million more to run the schools. And this isn’t the first time the company has asked for more money to run Beaumont schools.

Fort Worth homeowners sue Keller ISD, alleging board illegally worked to divide district

(Fort Worth Report) A Fort Worth homeowners association joined a lawsuit against Keller ISD Monday, alleging that board trustees broke state law to orchestrate a plan to split the district in two. The suit alleges a faction of the board, referred to in the complaint as the “Rump Board,” violated the Texas Open Meetings Act by conducting deliberations outside of public view. The “Rump Board” consists of board President Charles Randklev and trustees Heather Washington, John Birt, Chris Coker and Micah Young.

Anti-Defamation League gives UT a ‘B’ for campus climate, combatting antisemitism

(Austin American-Statesman) The University of Texas received the highest score among Texas universities and colleges analyzed in the Anti-Defamation League’s (ADL) 2025 campus antisemitism report card, which rates how schools with “significant” Jewish student populations are successfully combatting antisemitism and how they are not. Texas A&M and Rice University each received a C rating, and the University of Houston received a D, according to the report. Students at all four universities have reported antisemitic harassment to the ADL.

Humble ISD spent $1.9M on outside counsel to litigate Title IX and related processes, report shows

(Houston Chronicle) A new itemized report reveals that Humble ISD spent nearly $2 million on a two-year legal saga involving the former superintendent and her husband, the district’s former athletic director.

Examining the literacy challenge at Fort Worth ISD: Behind the grade, inside two schools

(CBS News) Almost two months ago, the FWISD board passed a strategic reading plan to help boost academic progress. However, the work toward literacy was happening in the classroom before the plan. CBS News Texas went into two FWISD elementary schools to find the story behind the literacy challenge.

Houston ISD says it made more than 250 job offers at weekend hiring event

(Houston Chronicle) A Houston ISD spokesperson said the district made more than 250 job offers at a Saturday hiring event at Bellaire High School. More than 1,800 candidates showed up to the district’s first hiring event of the year and some interviewed on the spot, a spokesperson said in a Monday district online show. Campus leadership interviews include “a performance task and an understanding of the district’s employee value proposition,” a document outlining HISD’s job and workplace culture expectations.

SMU Researcher Awarded $14 Million Grant to Improve Math Learning Loss Nationwide, Setting SMU Record for Highest Single Award Total

(News Wise) SMU professor Leanne Ketterlin-Geller was awarded a $14 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education to nationally scale a math intervention designed to help students improve their fraction skills – the highest single total dollar amount in SMU’s history. The five-year project will provide support to 4th and 5th graders in rural settings and out-of-school programs across the United States.

Aldine ISD mother wanted after threatening to shoot up middle school while seeking bullies

(KPRC) The mother of an Aldine ISD middle school student is currently wanted after police say she entered her child’s school without authorization and yelled violent threats at students who she believed bullied her child. Cicerly Walker, 45, has been charged with making a terroristic threat, but has yet to be arrested.

Austin ISD apologizes for sending student data to wrong families

(KXAN) Austin Independent School District families are no longer receiving other students’ transcripts and data, according to the district. A concerned parent of a Bowie High School student reached out to KXAN on March 2. They said they received multiple letters with multiple students’ data. According to the parent, the letters all appeared to be about transfers between AISD schools. The letter the parent shared with KXAN was signed by Dr. Melvin Bedford, the principal of Austin High School. A follow-up letter signed by Bedford appologized for the error.

IDEA Round Rock assistant principal arrested after allegedly touching student inappropriately

(KVUE) A man has been arrested after allegedly touching a student inappropriately at IDEA Round Rock Tech in February. Round Rock police said 49-year-old Aaron Freeman of Pflugerville, the school’s assistant principal, has been charged with indecency with a child by contact. Police immediately investigated the incident following the student’s report. Following the investigation, the Travis County District Attorney’s Office obtained an arrest warrant for Freeman. He was later taken into custody by the U.S. Marshals.

Man charged in Pasadena Memorial High School band competition shooting dies

(Fox 26 Houston) The suspect accused of shooting a man during a band competition at Pasadena Memorial High School last month has died, officials confirm. Dennis Erwin Brandl, Jr., 83, was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Police say Brandl walked into the school where a band competition was being held last month and shot a man he did not know. According to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, Brandl was taken to Ben Taub Hospital on Friday for medical treatment. On Saturday, he was released into the care of medical providers and was no longer in jail custody, the sheriff’s office says. He died on Sunday.

Kilgore ISD receives $26,000 grant to fund sensory room for students

(CBS 19) Kilgore ISD will be creating a sensory room for fourth and fifth graders to have a place to process their feelings and regain focus. The room, which will be at the Kilgore Intermediate School, has been made possible through a $26,000 grant from the Moody Foundation in Galveston. Its purpose is to help students get their focus back and self-regulate when they are overstimulated.

Texas A&M-Fort Worth’s future programs are coming into focus

(Fort Worth Report) Texas A&M-Fort Worth campus will house both academic programs and hubs for innovation in different industries.

Heart healthy food pantry open to North Texas students and beyond

(NBC DFW) Response to the new food pantry inside Fort Worth ISD’s Cesar Chavez Elementary has surprised school leaders, who are happy to be able to help students and their families stay heart-healthy.

New book draws from wider perspectives to highlight Texas’ unique history

(Texas Standard) “Texas: An American History” aims to balance the state’s darker stories with the lighter, interesting tidbits.

UT Austin Child Development Center launches pilot grandparent program

(Daily Texan) The Child Development Center’s enrollment system is tiered. It gives priority to Tier One applicants, which are reserved for the children of full-time UT students, faculty and staff. Tier Two spots are for the children of UT affiliated groups and part-time students, faculty and staff. The center introduced the program on Feb. 7 to expand Tier Two enrollment to the grandchildren of full-time UT students, faculty and staff.

March 3, 2025
Legislative News
Rep. Cody Harris responds after controversial school choice town hall at Palestine High School ends abruptly

(CBS 19) The meeting, which was scheduled for two hours, came to an abrupt end after chaos erupted among the crowd, with Harris leaving the town hall prematurely. The town hall was held with the intent to lessen some of the concerns parents and teachers are having over the school choice and vouchers issue. Among the concerns raised at the town hall was Harris’s departure from his previous stance against school choice vouchers. “Unfortunately, some in the crowd chose to disrupt the conversation, turning it into a Palestinian-style protest that drowned out voices meant to inform, engage, and debate in good faith,” Harris said in a statement.

Texas House and Senate lawmakers have laid out their property tax cut proposals. How do they compare?

(Texas Tribune) House and Senate lawmakers plan to spend at least $6 billion on property tax cuts, but haven’t yet agreed on how much relief should go to homeowners over businesses.

State Senators to Freeze Funding Increases for Universities, Citing Noncompliance With DEI Ban

(Texas Scorecard) In their letter, State Sens. Brandon Creighton (R-Conroe), chair of the Senate Education Committee, and Paul Bettencourt (R-Houston), chair of the workgroup examining higher education funding, cited numerous instances of noncompliance with a law banning DEI in higher education institutions.

Uvalde parents, Texans for gun safety demand state raise minimum age, pass red flag law

(Austin American-Statesman) Nearly three years after an 18-year-old gunman killed 19 children at Robb Elementary School, parents from Uvalde are continuing to push state lawmakers to enact what they call “common-sense” gun safety measures, including a “red flag” law and legislation to raise the minimum age to purchase semiautomatic rifles.

Why Texas is considering state aid for coastal schools for windstorm insurance

(Corpus Christi Caller-Times) With property and casualty insurance costs rising for coastal schools, one local school district has opted for financial savings at the cost of losing some coverage. The Flour Bluff Independent School District board of trustees approved property, windstorm and flood insurance plans Thursday evening. The decision comes months after the district raised the alarm on the issue with local lawmakers, though the district was able to find additional savings. But for the future, state lawmakers are currently considering a bill that could provide some aid to coastal schools.

Controversy surrounding Texas Lottery isn’t helping supporters of casinos, sports betting

(Dallas Morning News) The recent controversies surrounding the lottery have dampened the prospects of Texas casino gambling and sports betting. If Texas can’t operate a lottery without allegations of mismanagement and corruption, the thinking goes, then how can it handle the complexities surrounding casinos and betting platforms? Even the most ardent supporters of expanding gambling have discussed the damage the lottery controversy has done to dreams of resort-styled casinos, including a Dallas palace that would include shops, restaurants and — perhaps — the Dallas Mavericks.

Texas leaders defend Black official after lawmaker’s public interrogation of DEI policies left her in tears

(Texas Tribune) Texas Water Development Board Chair L’Oreal Stepney wiped tears from her eyes Thursday as a House hearing turned into a tense line of questioning over race and the future of state hiring practices. The exchange left Stepney visibly distraught, ignited a broader discussion about political rhetoric and respect in state government and caught the eye of Texas’ “Big Three” — Gov. Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and House Speaker Dustin Burrows.

Texas lawmakers progressing in effort to create Bitcoin reserve

(Houston Chronicle) The effort to legitimize Bitcoin in Texas made progress recently, as lawmakers advanced a bill seeking to establish a state reserve designed to empower the cryptocurrency and those who use it. What’s going on in Texas is currently in line with President Donald Trump’s push to create a nationwide crypto reserve, though politicians in several states are beginning to reject such a notion of legitimacy.

San Antonio-area school districts navigate financial challenges amid Texas funding shortfalls

(Community Impact) “We are going into the red and facing a budget deficit despite not making any additional expenditures. I remember when this was happening years ago and asking the school district CFO how this could be possible when we were in the black the year prior,” said David Hornberger, Alamo Heights ISD board of trustees president. “We are facing the same inflationary costs that Texans are seeing across the state. School districts are struggling because of funding formulas.”

Also Reported:
Moms for Liberty, U.S. Education Department launch program to report teachers who promote diversity

(Salon) The department has created a tip line for people to report schools accused of promoting DEI policies. Related:

RFK Jr says Texas measles outbreak a ‘call to action’

(The Hill) Robert F. Kennedy Jr., secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), said the measles outbreak in west Texas is a “call to action,” as he encouraged parents to consider whether to get their children vaccinated. “All parents should consult with their healthcare providers to understand their options to get the MMR vaccine,” Kennedy wrote in an op-ed published on Fox News Digital. “The decision to vaccinate is a personal one,” he continued. “Vaccines not only protect individual children from measles, but also contribute to community immunity, protecting those who are unable to be vaccinated due to medical reasons.”
Related:

Dak Prescott Champions Girls’ Flag Football as Cowboys Launch High School League

(Dave Campbell’s Texas Football) The Dallas Cowboys launched its 2025 Spring High School Girls Flag Football League on Saturday with a Media Day and Jersey Reveal attended by quarterback Dak Prescott. This spring, 86 total high school campuses across Texas (54 from DFW, 13 in Austin, 19 in El Paso) will participate in girls’ flag football powered by the Dallas Cowboys. The league is a massive step in a broader effort by the Cowboys to make girls’ flag football a UIL-sanctioned sport. Fourteen other state high school athletic associations have done so currently. Girls flag footbal is also set for introduction in the 2028 Olympics.

Mondays no more: Kennedale ISD to switch to four-day school week in January 2026

(Fort Worth Star-Telegram) Starting in January 2026, students in Kennedale will attend school Tuesday through Friday, according to the new calendar. The district will begin the four-day schedule in the middle of the 2025-2026 school year to allow school communities to adjust to the new schedule, officials said. The first full year of the new schedule will be the 2026-2027 academic year. Related:

South San ISD’s new board president says he’s ‘transitioning off’ boards of local charter schools

(Texas Public Radio) A member of the new, state-appointed, board of managers for the South San Independent School District is also on the board of two local charter schools. Ray Tijerina is currently listed as both president of South San ISD’s board of managers and as board secretary for Legacy Traditional Schools and Royal Public Schools. However, Tijerina told TPR he plans to step down from his positions on the boards of the charter schools now that he is on the board of managers for South San.

Texas A&M System bans drag shows from its universities

(Texas Tribune) The move potentially sets up a new First Amendment fight between students and university administrators. Related:

‘Waves in the community’: Mid-year principal turnover slows compared to last year in Houston ISD

(Houston Chronicle) Houston ISD principal turnover has slowed in the second year under state-appointed Superintendent Mike Miles. Turnover dropped from 27 principal departures from August to December 2023 to nine in the same period in 2024 — signaling some change from the breakneck pace of turnover. Related:

Fact Check: Did a new sports stadium add to Socorro ISD’s financial problems?

(El Paso Matters) No.

More pay than promised: San Antonio ISD consultant earns beyond contract limits

(KSAT) SAISD has paid Brad Jupp more than $448K, records show.

Keller ISD grapples with potential $12.4M deficit as new split details emerge

(Fort Worth Report) For the third year in a row, Keller ISD leaders are asking themselves the same question: What do we cut? The answer — for the second year in a row: not enough. But before trustees could even begin discussing the district’s projected $12.4 million budget deficit for the 2025-26 school year — allocating for staff raises — concerns about an independent audit took center stage.

Third Future officially ends partnership with Beaumont ISD

(KBMT) Third Future Schools has officially announced an end to their partnership with Beaumont ISD according to a news release posted on their website. BISD school board members partnered with Third Future Schools back in 2023 to help bring Texas Education Agency ratings up at Jones-Clark Elementary, Smith Middle School and Fehl-Price Elementary. However, just one year into the partnership, friction arose when Third Future asked BISD to reconsider their original three-year contract by adding 13% compensation. Without this compensation Third Future threatened to pull out from the schools. With the deal now officially dead, both BISD and Third Future are working on a plan for a smooth transition in leadership for the 2025-2026 school year.

Motion to revoke probation of former Beaumont ISD electrician to be amended before judge acts on it

(KBMT) The former Beaumont Independent School District electrical contractor who defrauded the district of $1.2 million more than a dozen years ago was in court again Friday for a hearing on a motion to revoke his probation and left with a stern warning from the judge. For now, Walker remains out of jail, but prosecutors want that to change. The judge has given him a warning — show real progress in selling his property and paying restitution, or face the consequences.

Texas pays teachers more based on ‘effectiveness.’ Here’s how it works

(San Antonio Report) Adam Rodriguez is an eighth-grade math teacher at Cotton Academy High School, and he bought his first home a couple of years ago. When Rodriguez started teaching, he was making less than $50,000, so how could he afford a house on the city’s far West Side? Rodriguez became a designated “master teacher” under the state’s Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) program and now gets allotted between $18,000 to $20,000 — on top of his base salary — every year. Without the allotment, Rodriguez said he would probably still be renting and living with roommates.

DeSoto ISD bans backpacks at secondary schools for week before Spring Break

(Fox 4 KDFW) DeSoto ISD is implementing the no-backpacks rule at secondary schools starting on Monday, March 3 and running through Friday, March 7. Students who forget and bring a backpack will not be allowed to store them on campus, and will have to go back home. The district says the move is “out of an abundance of caution.” Spring Break is scheduled for next week.

Answer Key: What are the roles of school counselors, psychologists and social workers?

(Houston Landing) School counselors, psychologists and social workers serve students in many important ways — and contrary to popular belief, little of that work involves therapy.

Tarrant Appraisal Board approves more than $1M in technology upgrades

(Community Impact) Nearly a year after a ransomware attack, Tarrant Appraisal District is still investing money to upgrade technology. The board of directors approved five contracts that totaled more than $1 million during a Feb. 26 meeting in Fort Worth. The contracts awarded were for migration projects, technical support and consulting, network cabling, cybersecurity solutions, and backup capabilities.

UIL girls basketball scores: Final results from Texas high school state tournament

(Austin American-Statesman) Here are the final scores for the UIL State Tournament in the San Antonio Alamodome.

Katy ISD approves $2.66M contract to fill 30 bus routes

(Community Impact) Amid bus driver shortages facing Katy ISD in the last decade, trustees approved a contract with GoldStar Transit to fill 30 bus routes in the district at the Feb. 24 board meeting. Even with the contract, the district has struggled to fill vacancies for about 38 bus routes with growing student enrollment and high turnover rates across operations jobs, Chief Operations Officer Ted Vierling said at an earlier work study meeting.

School bus personnel training for emergency situations

(KXAN) School bus personnel and first responders from all around Texas gathered at the Hays CISD Transportation Training Facility for a school bus safety training on Saturday. The training event, called Operation STEER (Student Transportation Emergency Education and Response) consisted of a smoke-filled bus simulation, fire extinguisher training, first aid, railroad crossing evacuations and emergency student management.

AFFIDAVIT: Midway ISD police officer attempted to strangle woman during assault

(KWTX) Anthony R. Caudo III, 33, a police officer with the Midway ISD Police Department, and former Waco Police Department officer, was charged after he struck a woman in the face, resulting in the victim suffering a bleeding ear, arrest warrants state.

Fight between parents at national cheerleading competition in Dallas causes panic, stampede

(KERA) Dallas Police on Saturday said there were multiple non-life threatening injuries after crowds of people rushed out of the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center where a national cheerleading competition was underway. The rush happened after a fight among attendees caused multiple nearby poles to crash to the ground. The loud noises “contributed to panic inside the building” according to a statement from Dallas Police.

Man accidentally shoots himself at volleyball tournament in Farmers Branch

(KRLD) The incident occurred at the RYSE Energy StarCenter Multisport gym during the North Texas Region USA volleyball tournament on Saturday. Farmers Branch Police Department said the man had a gun in his back pocket when it accidentally discharged. The loud noise caused a brief moment of panic among the spectators, but no one else was injured. A referee at the tournament quickly called 911, and the man drove himself to a local hospital for treatment. Witnesses confirmed that the discharge was accidental, and the tournament continued without further incident. The Farmers Branch Police Department is investigating the incident to ensure all safety protocols were followed.

Suspect sought after two students shot near Pasadena Memorial High

(KPRC) Two students were injured in a shooting near Pasadena Memorial High School after a fight Friday. Someone pulled out a gun and began shooting. One student was shot in the chest, the other in the arm. Both are in stable condition. Witness videos are under review as police search for suspects. The district said the shooting happened across the street from the school after dismissal around 2:55 p.m.

‘Like my little brother’: Friend of Aldine HS student killed in shooting shares memories

(KPRC) KPRC 2 has learned the identity of the 17-year-old Aldine High School student killed in a shooting last week. His name was Irwan Paez. The shooting happened across from Aldine High School at the McDonald’s parking lot. Houston Police Department authorities said Paez was killed when a group of teenagers got into an altercation with a group of people inside a red Dodge pick-up truck. They said someone inside fired a shot, hitting and killing Paez. The truck left the scene.

Dallas looks for new site to build police academy as plans change for UNT Dallas project

(Dallas Morning News) The University of North Texas at Dallas will likely no longer host an academy for new police recruits, a major departure from plans unveiled by local officials, despite donations already committed to the project, according to city documents obtained by The Dallas Morning News. UNT Dallas’ campus in southern Dallas had been billed since 2021 as the training site for all future Dallas police hires. Now, the university is expected to only house a 7-acre, in-service academy — an advanced training facility for officers already in service, the documents show.

Elon Musk’s DOGE layoffs could make San Antonio’s weak housing market worse, study says

(San Antonio Current) The San Antonio metro area’s housing market is in disarray and likely to get worse as Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency continue slashing federal jobs, according to a monthly report from Realtor.com.

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