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Reported Elsewhere

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Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024
Juvenile arrested in Washington State for San Marcos High School swatting hoax

(CBS Austin) A juvenile suspect has been arrested in Washington state in connection with a September hoax call that prompted a massive police response at San Marcos High School, authorities announced Tuesday. The call triggered a response from more than 150 emergency personnel, but police found no evidence of shots fired or injuries.

Former Carroll ISD superintendent sues district for breach of contract

(KERA) A former superintendent at Carroll ISD sued the district Monday after alleging it paid him lower retirement benefits than what was agreed upon in his contract. David Faltys, who served as superintendent for 15 years before stepping down in 2021, claims in the suit the district breached its voluntary retirement agreement with him.

These 8 charts explain what’s straining Texas school budgets

(Dallas Morning News) Campus closures and staff cuts are among the tough decisions officials face to address shortfalls.

Harlingen school district working to cut millions in costs

(MyRGV) School district officials are planning to offer retiring and resigning professionals $1,000 “incentives” while “absorbing” nearly 50 positions as they work to cut millions of dollars in costs after former Superintendent J.A. Gonzalez’s administration pulled $23.2 million in cash reserves to cover unbudgeted expenses. Now, the district’s fund balance stands at $19.8 million, board member Rickey Leal said Tuesday. As they work to develop the district’s new fiscal plan, officials are focusing on key funding sources such as student enrollment and average daily attendance.

Three North East ISD schools could close permanently in May

(Texas Public Radio) Another San Antonio school district is considering closing schools to make better use of funding amid declining enrollment. A committee for the North East Independent School District has recommended closing three campuses at the end of the current school year: Driscoll Middle School, Wilshire Elementary School, and Clear Spring Elementary School.

HISD now projecting a $250 million budget deficit. Here’s what to know

(Houston Landing) Houston ISD Superintendent Mike Miles plans to draw on recently announced savings to increase spending by about $125 million more than initially budgeted this school year, further ballooning the district’s large projected deficit. HISD board members approved a budget amendment Tuesday that brings the district’s forecasted deficit for 2024-25 to about $250 million. While HISD can cover such a large deficit this year with its ample savings, the district likely would need to find significant new revenues or make large-scale budget cuts — possibly including more staff layoffs — to balance future budgets.

Drama at final HISD board meeting of 2024 as board members and families clash

(KTRK) It was a wild HISD board meeting to wrap up 2024. Board members lectured and kicked out speakers. Others cheered, booed, and read profane-laced excerpts from books they want banned from schools. Others also sang reimagined Christmas carols to slight Mike Miles and the district. It was a chaotic board meeting even for HISD standards, but some agenda items did get attention.

Houston ISD offers to help cover funeral cost for teen killed in train collision, defends school

(Houston Public Media) Just over a day after a Milby High School student died after being struck by a train on their way to school, Houston ISD is offering to help the family cover the funeral cost. Houston ISD Chief of Public Affairs and Communication Alexandra Elizondo said that the attendance policy at Milby accounted for the possibility of train delays and that such instances were not supposed to affect a student’s attendance record. Related:

Investigation finds El Paso ISD paused absence notification in 2022

(El Paso Matters) The El Paso Independent School District in 2022 temporarily stopped sending parents a legally required notice when their children had unexcused absences that could have led to legal consequences, an administrative investigation later found. The investigation stemmed from an October 2022 complaint filed by Mark Mendoza, then the director of student retention and truancy prevention, alleging that his supervisor, Glenn Nathan, then an assistant superintendent, verbally directed him in August 2022 to stop sending parents the Notice of Absence. Several hundred students likely were affected by the directive not to send out the notices.

Learning Curve: Severe school discipline spiked in Texas after pandemic, vaping law

(Houston Landing) The sudden rise in kids sent to a Disciplinary Alternative Education Program, or DAEP, follows the passage of a new state law meant to curb vaping, as well as increased student behavioral issues post-pandemic. While most districts saw an increase, not all of them are experiencing the trend equally.

Texas beats nation on teacher diversity, but research shows work is needed to reflect students

(KERA) Texas’ teacher workforce is more diverse than that of the U.S., but it’s still not reflective of the state’s students, according to a new dashboard released Tuesday by the National Council on Teacher Quality.

Central Texas school districts talk next steps for Bible-infused curriculum

(KXXV) There’s been talk about an optional Bible-infused curriculum in Texas public elementary schools since final approval last month by the Texas State Board of Education. 25 News’ Bobby Poitevint checked in with some of Central Texas school districts to see what their next steps are.

Increased Christianity in schools opens the door to Satanic Temple education programs

(The Hill) The Satanic Temple is increasing its work in schools across the country, trying to combat a rise in religious teachings.

State agency to ask lawmakers for $300 million to fix “significant neglect” in Texas’ Medicaid enrollment system

(Texas Tribune) The request, which includes hiring more staff and updating the online application system, comes as applicants must wait for months to receive approval for benefits.

Alex Jones keeps Infowars for now after Houston Judge rejects The Onion’s winning auction bid

(AP) A federal judge in Texas rejected the auction sale of Alex Jones’ Infowars to The Onion satirical news outlet, criticizing the bidding for the conspiracy theory platform as flawed as well as how much money families of the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary shooting stood to receive.

Marlin ISD cancels classes on Wednesday, Dec. 11, due to lack of water in town

(KWTX) Due to ongoing water pressure issues within the City of Marlin, the Marlin Independent School District announced it will remain closed on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024. The school district had already closed all campuses on Tuesday due to the low water pressure.

Texas Wesleyan ‘groundbreaking initiative’ eliminates tuition for Pell Grant recipients

(NBC DFW) The university says the initiative is designed to attract students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds.

Dangerous pipelines near roads often have little protection against vehicle crashes

(Houston Landing) Above-ground pipelines are everywhere in Houston. The Deer Park explosion reveals loose rules that allow companies to decide how much protection a pipeline needs.

UT Austin releases video of ceiling collapse at campus building

(KUT) On Sunday, Nov. 24, at around 12:49 p.m., the ceiling of an outdoor patio at the Norman Hackerman Building suddenly collapsed. The building, which opened about 15 years ago, houses classrooms and labs for biology and chemistry. A university spokesperson said no one was injured and no research equipment was damaged.

Ector County ISD opens ‘Reading Garden’ for the community

(KMID/KPEJ) Ector County ISD held the grand opening of its new ‘Reading Garden’ on December 10th. The goal of the garden is to encourage reading, learning and connecting with nature.

Henderson ISD teacher arrested after alleged relationship with student

(KLTV) According to a statement from Henderson ISD administration, the district was informed Tuesday of a report made to authorities of a Henderson High School teacher allegedly having an inappropriate relationship with a student.

Laredo Educator Arrested for Production of Child Pornography

(Texas Scorecard) Carlos Jobany Castaneda Lechuga was a lecturer at Texas A&M International University, but has since been removed from the staff directory.

Father and officer’s personal journey inspires El Paso police autism training initiative

(KFOX 14) The El Paso Police Department is taking proactive steps to improve its response to calls involving individuals with Autism and Down Syndrome. Officer James Tobias, who has a personal connection to the cause, is leading the charge.

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