- News Category
- Accountability/Accreditation
- Charter Schools
- Child Nutrition
- Construction/Bond Issues
- Governance
- Grants
- Health/Safety
- Joe's Commentaries
- Legal
- Legislative
- National News
- Newspapers
- Personnel
- Property Tax
- Risk Management
- School Finance
- Special Articles
- State Board of Education
- SuperSearch Page
- Technology in Education
- TexasISD General News
- Transportation
- Preventive Law
TexasISD.com
Endorsed Products
TexasISD.com
Advertising
.png)
TexasISD.com
Quick Links
Congratulations to the following New Supers
91
Superintendent Vacancies
Click to expand 
| Vacant | Rusk ISD; Search by: Arrow Educational ServicesINFO | Vacant | Martin's Mill ISD; Search by: Arrow Educational ServicesINFO | Vacant | Dickinson ISD; Search by: Dickinson ISD Board of TrusteesINFO | Vacant | Whitney ISD; Search by: Whitney ISD Board of TrusteesINFO | Vacant | Dilley ISD; Search by: O’Hanlon, Demerath & CastilloINFO | Vacant | Kermit ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO | Vacant | Burton ISD; Search by: Powell Law Group, Dr. Danny LovettINFO | Vacant | Union Hill ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO | Vacant | Socorro ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO | Vacant | Grape Creek ISD; Search by: Grape Creek ISD Board of TrusteesINFO | Vacant | Santa Maria ISD; Search by: O’Hanlon, Demerath & CastilloINFO | Vacant | Vysehrad ISD; Search by: Region 3 ESC, Exec. Dir. Morris LyonINFO | Vacant |
Pettus ISD - Jesus Hernandez III, Chief of Staff,Southwest ISD; Search by: JCA Law, PLLC and DBU Educational Leadership Consulting Corporation.INFO |
Vacant | University of Texas High School Special Purpose District; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO | Vacant | Scurry-Rosser ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO | Vacant | Huntington ISD; Search by: Kelli Karczewski, Fisher FirmINFO | Vacant | Granger ISD; Search by: Leasor Crass, P.CINFO | Vacant | Bremond ISD; Search by: Bremond ISD Board of TrusteesINFO | Vacant | Santa Rosa ISD; Search by: O’Hanlon, Demerath & CastilloINFO | Vacant | San Isidro ISD (Short Timeline); Search by: Region One ESC, Exec. Dir. Dr. Daniel P. KingINFO | Vacant | Queen City ISD; Search by: Danny Lovett, Powell Law GroupINFO | Vacant | Commerce ISD - Search by: Commerce ISD Board of Trustees; INFO | Vacant | Gonzales ISD; Search by: Walsh, Gallegos, Kyle, Robinson & Roalson P.C.& Education Consultant Charlotte Baker,INFO | Vacant | Decatur ISD; Search by: Decatur ISD Board of Trustees INFO | Vacant | Bells ISD; Search by: Bells ISD Board of TrusteesINFO | Vacant | Gustine ISD - Coy Barker, Principal,McCamey ISD; Search by: Ronnie KincaidINFO | Vacant | Comstock ISD; Comstock ISD Board of Trustees and O.K. Wolfenbarger IIIINFO | Vacant | Lubbock-Cooper ISD; Search by: Impact Education Specialists - Doug Williams, Kevin Worthy, Blake Cooper and Stan SurrattINFO | Vacant |
Frank Liu Jr. Academy of Music and Art (Houston) ; Thompson & Horton LLP - David Thompson & Dr. Mike MosesINFO |
Vacant | Lake Worth ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO | Vacant | East Chambers ISD; Search by: SPALDING NICHOLS LAMP LANGLOISINFO | Vacant | Webb CISD; Search by: O’Hanlon, Demerath & CastilloINFO | Vacant | Moulton ISD; <p>Search by: Region 3 ESC, <a href="mailto:mlyon@esc3.net">Exec. Dir. Morris Lyon</a></p>INFO | Vacant | Hidalgo ISD; Search by: O’Hanlon, Demerath & CastilloINFO | Vacant | Dawson ISD; Search by: Powell Law Group, Danny LovettINFO | Vacant | Seguin ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO | Vacant | Banquete ISD; Search by: Powell Law Group, Rick AlvaradoINFO | Vacant | Gunter ISD; Search by: Impact Education Specialists - Doug Williams, Kevin Worthy, Blake Cooper and Stan SurrattINFO | Vacant | Royal ISD; Search by: Impact Education Specialists - Doug Williams, Kevin Worthy, Blake Cooper and Stan SurrattINFO | Vacant | Levelland ISD; Search by: Region 17 ESC, Kyle Wargo Exec. DirectorINFO | Vacant | Priddy ISD; Search by: Region 15 ESCINFO | Vacant | Sweeny ISD; Search by: Walsh, Gallegos, Kyle, Robinson & Roalson P.C.& Education Consultant Dr. Ann DixonINFO | Vacant | Ramirez CSD; Search by: O’Hanlon, Demerath & CastilloINFO | Vacant | Cameron ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO | Vacant | Mart ISD; Search by: Mart ISD Board of TrusteesINFO | Vacant | Frost ISD; Search by: Leasor Crass, P.CINFO | Vacant | Cedar HIll ISD; Search by: Leasor Crass, P.CINFO | Vacant | Bowie ISD; Search by: Region 9 ESC, Darren Francis and Kenny MillerINFO | Vacant | Abernathy ISD; Search by: Region 17 ESC, Kyle Wargo Exec. DirectorINFO | Vacant | Kingsville ISD; Search by: O’Hanlon, Demerath & CastilloINFO | Vacant | Millsap ISD; Search by: CCR Educational Consultants, Dr. Skip Casey, Staci Robertson, & Rod TownsendINFO | Vacant | La Pryor ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO | Vacant | Industrial ISD; Search by: Walsh, Gallegos, Kyle, Robinson & Roalson P.C.& Education Consultant Charlotte BakeINFO | Vacant | Rotan ISD; Search by: Ronnie KincaidINFO | Vacant | Groom ISD; Region 16 ESC, Dr. Tanya Larkin, Exec. Dir.INFO | Vacant | Clarendon ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO | Vacant | Spring ISD; Search by: Spring ISD Board of TrusteesINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Valley View ISD - James Womack, Superintendent,Richland Springs ISD; Education Solutions and Services Mike Smith & Letha HopkinsINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Waco ISD - Dr. Tiffany Spicer, Superintendent,Buna ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Onalaska ISD - Dr. Kenneth Fraga, Assistant Superintendent,Onalaska ISD; Search by: Onalaska ISD Board of TrusteesINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Graham ISD; Search by: Impact Education Specialists - Doug Williams, Kevin Worthy, Blake Cooper and Stan SurrattINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Lueders-Avoca ISD - Dr. Joe Alcorta, Superintendent,Dalhart ISD; Search by: Ronnie KincaidINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Lipan ISD - Jimmie Dobbs, Interim Superintendent,Lipan ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Calvert ISD - Latisha Crockett-Tennell, Interim Superintendent,Calvert ISD; Search by: O’Hanlon, Demerath & CastilloINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Albany ISD - Daryl Stuard, Superintendent,Bremond ISD; Search by: Ronnie KincaidINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Victoria ISD - Shelia Collazo, Deputy Superintendent,Somerset ISD; Search by: JCA Law, PLLC and Saul HinojosaINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Hawkins ISD - Jeff Hutchins, Director of Operations,Van ISD; Search by: Impact Education Specialists - Doug Williams, Kevin Worthy, Blake Cooper and Stan SurrattINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Monte Alto ISD - Rashad Javed Rana, Assistant Superintendent,Donna ISD; Search by: O’Hanlon, Demerath & CastilloINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Grandfalls-Royalty ISD - Carlos Contreras, Superintendent,Dell City ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Copperas Cove ISD - Brent Hawkins, Superintendent,Livingston ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Utopia ISD - Joshua Ham, Principal,San Saba ISD; Search by: Utopia ISD Board of TrusteesINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Buna ISD - Dr. Julie Motomura, Superintendent,Schulenburg ISD; Search By: Buna ISD Board of Trustees INFO |
| Lone Finalist | Ector County ISD - Search by: TASB Executive Search Services, Keeley Boyer,Ector County ISD; INFO |
| Lone Finalist | Splendora ISD - Dustin Bromley, Deputy Superintendent,La Porte ISD; Search by: Impact Education Specialists - Doug Williams, Kevin Worthy, Blake Cooper and Stan SurrattINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Mount Calm ISD - Jay Underwood, Deputy Superintendent,Anna ISD; Search by: Powell Law Group, Shaun BarnettINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Waskom ISD - Chris Guastella, Principal,Ferris ISD; Search by: Leasor Crass, P.CINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Deer Park ISD - Dr. Tiffany Reagan, Assistant Superintendent,Deer Park ISD; Search by: Deer Park ISD Board of TrusteesINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Seminole ISD - Glen Teal, Superintendent,Jim Ned ISD; Search by: Impact Education Specialists - Doug Williams, Kevin Worthy, Blake Cooper and Stan SurrattINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Needville ISD - Dr. Paul Drake, Superintendent,Chester ISD; Search by: Arrow Educational ServicesINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Livingston ISD - Jeff Peck, Deputy Superintendent,Dickinson ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Groesbeck ISD - Scott Cummiungs, Superintendent,Westphalia ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Holland ISD - Jennisty Thomason, Principal,Holland ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO |
| Lone Finalist |
Compass Academy Charter School (Odessa) - Mark Dominguez, Principal,Pecos-Barstow-Toyah ISD; Search by: Kathy Killingsworth, Interim Superintent assisted by Larry Lee, Leadership Consultant with Region 18INFO |
| Lone Finalist | Bonham ISD - Lance Hamlin, Assistant Superintendent,Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD; Search by: Impact Education Specialists - Doug Williams, Kevin Worthy, Blake Cooper and Stan SurrattINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Waxahachie ISD - Rebecca “Becky” McCutchen, Superintendent,Levelland ISD; Search by: Walsh, Gallegos, Kyle, Robinson & Roalson P.C.& Education Consultant Dr. Ann DixonINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Ennis ISD - Greg Bradley, Deputy Superintendent,Prosper ISD; Search by: Impact Education Specialists - Doug Williams, Kevin Worthy, Blake Cooper and Stan SurrattINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Muleshoe ISD - Scott Bicknell, Superintendent,Jayton-Girard ISD; Search by: Impact Education Specialists - Doug Williams, Kevin Worthy, Blake Cooper and Stan SurrattINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Forsan ISD - Michael Valencia, Superintendent,McCamey ISD; Search by: Region 18 ESC, Dr. Dewitt SmithINFO |
| Lone Finalist |
Edgewood ISD (Region 7) - Scott Tyner, Superintendent,Martins Mill iSD; Search by: Impact Education Specialists - Doug Williams, Kevin Worthy, Blake Cooper and Stan SurrattINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Central Heights ISD - Justin Keeling, Superintendent,Douglass ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Jim Ned CISD - Will Brewer, Superintendent,Paradise ISD; Search by: Ronnie KincaidINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Chester ISD - Cory Hines, Superintendent,Neches ISD; Search by: Dr. Byron Terrier, Exec. Dir. Region 5 ESCINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Smithville ISD - Molley Perry, Deputy Superintendent,Elgin ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Borger ISD - Daniel Fuller, Superintendent,Sweeny ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Monahans-Wickett-Pyote ISD - Stacy Parker, CFO,Marlin ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO |
| Lone Finalist | New Home ISD - Julia Stephen, Director,Amarillo ISD; Search by: Region 17 ESC, Kyle Wargo Exec. DirectorINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Nacogdoches ISD - Grey Burton, Superintendent,Rusk ISD; Search by: Arrow Educational ServicesINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Palmer ISD ; Search by: Arrow Educational ServicesINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Hallsburg ISD - Dr. Staci Coleman-Kirk, Principal,Hubbard ISD; Search by: Powell Law Group, Shaun BarnettINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Slidell ISD - Dr. Christopher M. Heskett, Superintendent,Covington ISD; Search by: Powell Law Group, Shaun BarnettINFO |
| New Super | Mathis ISD - Todd White, Superintendent,Santa Anna ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO |
| New Super | Dickinson ISD - Dr. Rebecca Brown, Deputy Superintendent,La Porte ISD; Search by: SPALDING NICHOLS LAMP LANGLOISINFO |
| New Super | Hereford ISD - Dr. Ralph Carter, Superintendent,Lipan ISD; Hereford ISD Board of Trustees & Region 16 ESC, Dr. Tanya Larkin, Exec. Dir.INFO |
| New Super | Crockett ISD; Search by: Arrow Educational ServicesINFO |
| New Super | Plains ISD - Scott Mills, Principal,Quannah ISD; Search by: Leasor Crass, P.CINFO |
| New Super | Hudson ISD - Search by: TASB Executive Search Services; INFO |
| New Super | Throckmorton Collegiate ISD - Nick Heupel, Superintendent,May ISD; Search by: Region 9 ESC, Darren Francis and Kenny MillerINFO |
| New Super |
Olney ISD (Young Co.) - Dr. Matt Caffey, Principal,Olney ISD; Search by: Region 9 ESC, Darren Francis and Kenny MillerINFO |
| New Super | La Gloria ISD - Lupe Martinez; Search by: La Gloria ISD Board of TrusteesINFO |
| New Super | Ben Bolt-Palito Blanco ISD; Search by: O’Hanlon, Demerath & CastilloINFO |
| New Super | Carrizo Springs ISD - Rose Saldana Pearson, Director,Medina Valley ISD; Search by: O’Hanlon, Demerath & CastilloINFO |
| New Super |
Pineywoods Community Academy (Lufkin) - Dr. Damon Adams, Assistant Superintendent,Copperas Cove ISD; Search by: SPALDING NICHOLS LAMP LANGLOISINFO |
| New Super | Karnes City ISD - Jamie Robinson, Principal,Granbury ISD; Search by: Walsh, Gallegos, Kyle, Robinson & Roalson P.C.& Education Consultant Dr. Ann DixonINFO |
| New Super | Dew ISD - Kent Reynolds, Superintendent,Hallsburg ISD; Search by: Impact Education Specialists - Doug Williams, Kevin Worthy, Blake Cooper and Stan SurrattINFO |
| New Super | Early ISD - Joan Otten, Director,Katy ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO |
| New Super | Richards ISD - Michael Smith, Chief Operations Officer,West Hardin ISD; Search by: Leon|Alcala PLLCINFO |
| New Super | Carroll ISD - Dr. Jeremy Glenn, Superintendent,Grandbury ISD; Search by: Carrrol ISD Board of TrusteesINFO |
| New Super | Northside ISD (Wilbarger Co.) - Paul Ryan, Superintendent,Rio Vista ISD; Search by: Region 9 ESC, Darren Francis and Kenny MillerINFO |
| New Super | Hutto ISD - Jeni Neatherlin, Superintendent,Granger ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO |
| New Super | Louise ISD - Richard Wright, Superintendent,Agua Dulce ISD; Search by: Leon|Alcala PLLCINFO |
| New Super | San Benito CISD - Alfredo Perez, Interim Superintendent,San Benito ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO |
| New Super | Grandbury ISD - Dr. Courtney Morawski, Assistant Superintendent,Fayetteville Arkansas; Search by: Arrow Educational ServicesINFO |
How do I get my SuperSearch on TexasISD.com?From vouchers to a cellphone ban, this year’s lawmaking session brought transformative changes to Texas schools
An agenda driven by conservative priorities, schools’ financial duress and teacher needs led to an $8.5 billion boost, new discipline rules, more Christianity in classrooms and a DEI ban. Texas’ 2025 legislative session will likely be remembered for its education agenda. From private school vouchers to a public school funding boost, through a heavier emphasis on Christianity and student discipline, to bans on cellphones and diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, lawmakers advanced bills that will have a lasting impact on students, teachers and parents for years to come. One proposal that would have scrapped the state standardized test fell through in the final days of session, while the much-awaited school funding package changed drastically from an earlier version school officials favored more. When signed by Gov. Greg Abbott, much of the legislation approved by lawmakers will take effect in September, right around the time schools get going for the 2025-26 academic year. Here is a recap of the most significant legislative developments this session.
view article 
Preventive Law: Hit the Ground Running: Setting Yourself up for Success at the Beginning of a Construction Program
Congratulations on passing your bond. It’s time to get to work. Let’s, for just a few minutes, set aside the beautiful architectural renderings and the excitement of the benefits that your construction program will bring to you community, and talk about ways to minimize the risk inherent in such a large undertaking.
Legislature Adjourns—Now the Governor Has the Last Word The Texas House and Senate have adjourned sine die.
140 days and 1,200 bills later, the Texas Legislature officially adjourned sine die on Monday, marking the end of the 89th Regular Legislative Session. The Latin term “sine die” means “without a day,” signaling that lawmakers are not scheduled to reconvene—at least not yet. While the regular session has concluded, the possibility always remains that lawmakers could be called back to the Capitol for a special session anytime during the next 18 months. That authority rests solely with Gov. Greg Abbott, who can summon the Legislature to address specific issues of his choosing. At the moment, it is not clear that Abbott will call a special session. If he does, however, one issue appears most likely to be the focus: efforts to strengthen bail reform measures aimed at keeping violent repeat offenders and illegal aliens accused of violent crimes behind bars.
view article
Texas Education Agency extends Houston school district takeover through 2027
Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath applauded the district for its improvements while citing the need for more time to “achieve lasting success for students.” The state takeover of the Houston Independent School District will continue for two more years, the Texas Education Agency announced Monday. Education Commissioner Mike Morath had until June 1 to decide next steps for the state’s largest school district, whose former superintendent and elected school board members were ousted and replaced in 2023 due to years of poor academic outcomes at a single campus and allegations of leadership misconduct.
view article
The 2025 regular Texas legislative session is over. Here’s what lawmakers did.
The Legislature wrapped up without the same drama that defined the end of the last two sessions, with state GOP leaders checking off nearly everything on their to-do lists.
view article
San Antonio Educator Arrested for Sexual Assault of 12-Year-Old Student
Christopher Uresti met his alleged victim while working for Southwest ISD. A former San Antonio substitute teacher and special education aide was jailed on charges that he sexually assaulted a 12-year-old student multiple times. Christopher Patrick Uresti, 23, was arrested and charged with aggravated sexual assault of a child, a first-degree felony. Uresti reportedly met the girl when she was a fifth grade student at Kriewald Road School of the Arts, an elementary school in Southwest Independent School District, where he was a substitute teacher. The girl told authorities Uresti would buy her snacks.
view article
Immigration Enforcement Bill Heads to Abbott After House, Senate Approve Deal
The Texas House and Senate have approved a bill that mandates sheriffs in counties with jails to partner with ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) for immigration enforcement. The bill, Senate Bill 8, requires these sheriffs to enter into agreements with ICE, allowing local deputies to carry out certain federal immigration duties. It now heads to Governor Greg Abbott for his signature.
view article
What Texas lawmakers did after the state’s largest wildfire
LUBBOCK — Texas lawmakers approved a series of bills this year that aim to better prepare Texas for wildfires and to mitigate their damage. The legislation includes a study on wildfire risk zones, increasing funding for rural volunteer fire departments, and creating a statewide inventory of firefighting equipment that is accessible to all fire departments in Texas. The legislative package was inspired by the state’s largest wildfire in history. The Smokehouse Creek fire scorched more than 1 million acres in the Panhandle and killed three people. A special House committee was formed following the fires to investigate the cause and make legislative recommendations.
view article
Lufkin ISD approves pay increase for new hire teachers, staff
The Lufkin ISD school board unanimously approved a new pay scale for selected employees for the upcoming school year at Monday’s special board meeting. The starting salary pay for new teachers, librarians, and registered nurses begins at $50,000. The previous starting pay was $47,000, an increase of about six percent. This comes from after a pay system review done by the Texas Association of School Boards. The district voted to close Coston Elementary and Kurth Primary School due to low enrollment rates in February.
view article
Texas Supreme Court To Decide if State Judges Have Freedom of Religion
Both the Supreme Court of Texas and lower-level courts are considering whether Texas judges can refuse to officiate same-sex weddings. After she refused to officiate a same-sex wedding, the State Commission on Judicial Conduct issued McLennan County Justice of the Peace Dianne Hensley a “Public Warning” in November 2019. Hensley sued the commission, which is responsible for investigating allegations of judicial misconduct, citing her religious objections to performing the weddings.
view article
‘I’m Coming Home’: Tinderholt Announces Retirement From Texas House
State Rep. Tony Tinderholt, a six-term member of the Texas House, announced Monday he will not seek re-election. “The 89th Legislative Session marks my 6th Legislative Session in this chamber representing House District 94,” Tinderholt told members in an emotional floor speech. “There have been ups and downs, amendments and points of order, disagreements and achievements. It’s been one of the highlights of my life.” A veteran lawmaker and former military officer, Tinderholt has been a prominent figure in the Texas House’s conservative wing. In 2023, he mounted a challenge to then-Speaker Dade Phelan—a move that underscored growing dissatisfaction among grassroots Republicans with House leadership. He has also served as a mentor to many of the chamber’s newly elected conservatives.
view article
TEA announces extension of Houston ISD takeover following ‘comprehensive evaluation’
The Texas Education Agency has announced an extension of its takeover of Houston ISD. A letter sent out by TEA head Mike Morath on Monday morning states that the state's takeover of the district will now be extended until June 2027.
view article
‘We’re all at war with each other’ | Leander ISD considers consolidating some schools, drawing backlash from parents
As a parent of three students at Faubion Elementary, Lindsey King cherishes her close connection to the campus. "I live two blocks from Faubion and so my kids walk to school and I know people in this neighborhood do as well," King said. But the future of the school could be up in the air along with others. Several elementary school campuses at Leander ISD are operating below capacity, under 60%, and enrollment is slowing down in certain portions of the district.
view article
Texas Education Agency extends Houston school district takeover through 2027
The state takeover of the Houston Independent School District will continue for two more years, the Texas Education Agency announced Monday. Education Commissioner Mike Morath had until June 1 to decide next steps for the state’s largest school district, whose former superintendent and elected school board members were ousted and replaced in 2023 due to years of poor academic outcomes at a single campus and allegations of leadership misconduct.
view article
Houston: HISD principal changes at Patrick Henry, Peck, Foster and more schools
Houston ISD replaced principals at five schools, according to email and social media posts. South Division Executive Director Sandra Doria announced Sunday that La Kenya Spriggs, Felicia James, and Jamelle Ryan Settles would be placed at Whidby Elementary School, Foster Elementary School and Peck Elementary School respectively. Separately, a May 12 email from the district's North Division sent via a school office manager indicates Patrick Henry Middle School's principal Erika Vigil "made the decision to transition from her position at the end of the current school year."
view article
Leon Alcala, PLLC
Half-Day Seminar: Effectively Managing Bond Construction Projects From Concept to Completion
Where: ESC 12, Waco, Texas
Read more and register here...
Join in person at ESC 12 in Waco or attend this workshop virtually. Register today!
Texas lawmakers voted to ban consumable THC products. Will Gov. Greg Abbott sign — or veto — the bill?
Texas lawmakers voted to ban consumable THC products. Will Gov. Greg Abbott sign — or veto — the bill? Gov. Greg Abbott is facing intense political pressure over a bill that would ban products containing tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, as hemp industry leaders mount a full-court press urging the governor to veto the measure while Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and his allies urge Abbott to sign it into law. The issue has sparked backlash from both sides of the aisle, including from conservatives ordinarily supportive of Patrick’s hardline agenda. An April statewide survey by the Texas Politics Project at the University of Texas at Austin found that 55% of Republicans believe Texas’ marijuana and cannabis laws should be less strict or left as they are now, compared to 40% who said they should be stricter.
view article
Austin ISD student dies after complications related to ‘incident at 8th grade celebration’
Counselors and mental health professionals will be at Covington Middle School on Friday after an 8th-grade student passed away Thursday morning. In a letter to parents, Covington Middle School Principal Cedric Maddox says the student died from complications related to an 'incident at the 8th grade celebration.'
view article
Bill to scrap STAAR test dies in the Texas Legislature
A legislative effort to scrap the STAAR test to respond to concerns that the test puts unnecessary pressure on students died in the last days of the legislative session. House Bill 4, authored by state Rep. Brad Buckley, would have swapped the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness test for three shorter tests given throughout the school year. The Senate and House failed to come out of closed-door negotiations with a compromise in time, missing a key legislative deadline this weekend. Legislators in the House and Senate agreed that Texas schools needed to do away with the STAAR test. But in the end, the two chambers could not close the gulf over what they wanted to see out of the new test and from the A- ratings system, which uses standardized test results to grade schools’ performance. Tensions had come to a head in recent years when a dispute over how ratings should be calculated led to two years of scores to be held up in court. The Senate wanted to solidify the Texas Education Agency commissioner’s authority to set stricter standards for the ratings system. And to discourage schools from taking legal action again, the upper chamber’s version of the bill gave the TEA commissioner authority to appoint a conservator to districts that initiate lawsuits. The House version, meanwhile, required the TEA to get approval from the Legislature before making major changes to the ratings system. And it left an avenue for districts to sue to challenge the TEA in the future, while setting up a fast-track court process so those lawsuits would not halt the release of the ratings. The two chambers also differed over whether to keep or do away with a mandatory social studies test, with the House in favor of less testing. Keep tabs on Texas politics and policy with our morning newsletter Keep tabs on Texas politics and policy with our morning newsletter
view article
Texas Legislature approves $338 billion two-year spending plan with a focus on property tax relief
Texas lawmakers signed off Saturday on a $338 billion two-year spending plan that directs billions toward hiking teacher pay, cutting property taxes and shoring up the state’s water infrastructure, after House and Senate budget writers ironed out their differences and won approval from both chambers on their final draft. The budget now heads to Comptroller Glenn Hegar, who is expected to verify there is enough revenue to cover the Legislature’s planned spending — the last step before the 1,056-page bill reaches Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk The spending plan doles out the money to run the state’s business for the next two years, from September through the end of August 2027. It includes the underlying funding for some of the biggest bills passed this session, much of it paid for with general revenue, Texas’ main source of taxpayer funds used to cover core services. A large chunk of the budget — more than one out of every seven dollars — is devoted to maintaining and providing new property tax cuts, a tab that has grown to $51 billion. For the last several years, lawmakers have tried to rein in Texans’ property tax bills by sending billions of dollars to school districts to reduce how much in property taxes they collect from homeowners and businesses.
view article
How will Houston ISD continue to fund its sweeping reforms? Here’s an overview.
Texas' largest school district will slash more than 340 central office staff to help fund its bifurcated budget that invests more money into historically underserved students. HISD will enter its third year under state-appointed leadership implementing what's called the New Education System (NES) at 130 campuses. The strategy is to pour funding into schools that need to improve, totaling thousands of dollars more per student amid long stagnant levels of state funding. Despite the budget squeeze, Houston ISD's Chief of Staff Monica Zdrojewski said the district can sustain this higher level of funding for NES and work toward a balanced budget. Right now, cuts to communications; facilities, maintenance operations; and purchased services are the district's answer to keeping cuts away from classrooms.
view article
Texas Legislature gives new city of Starbase authority to shut down local beach for SpaceX launches
Texas lawmakers agreed to give the new city of Starbase the authority to periodically close down a South Texas beach, giving more power to municipal officials with close ties to SpaceX over the objections of local activists trying to preserve access to the beach. After previous versions of the measure died earlier during the legislative session, a last-minute addition to a bill related to the Texas Space Commission successfully granted Starbase officials the authority to temporarily close down Boca Chica Beach for SpaceX launches. House Bill 5246 revises the power and duties of the Texas Space Commission and the Texas Aerospace Research and Space Economy Consortium.
view article
Austin ISD 8th grader dies after incident at celebration: principal
Covington Middle School eighth-grade student has passed away Principal says he died from complications after a medical emergency at a field trip CMS will be open Friday, May 30 as a counseling center
view article
Houston ISD schools under Mike Miles’ reform model would receive $3,500 more per student under proposed budget
Under Houston ISD Superintendent Mike Miles' proposed budget for the 2025-26 school year, campuses under his instructional reform program would receive around $3,500 more per student compared to other schools.
Miles said during a budget workshop meeting last week that schools in his New Education System (NES) — 130 of the district's lowest-performing campuses — would receive $10,635 per student, while other campuses would receive $7,103. He attributed the difference to additional learning coaches and special education costs at the NES schools.
view article
Union-backed trustees, now a majority, flex muscle on Northside ISD board
The May 3 election put union-backed trustees in control of the Northside Independent School District board. On Tuesday, they locked down all three officer positions. Trustees selected Karla Duran to serve as president of the seven-member for the next year. Newly elected Sonia L. Jasso was chosen board vice president on her first night on the dais, and trustee David Salcido was reelected board secretary.
view article
Leander ISD considers school consolidations amid budget deficit, despite new state funding
As state lawmakers tout new investments in public education, Leander ISD leaders say it’s still not enough to prevent school closures and deep staffing cuts.
During a packed school board meeting Thursday night, families, students, and educators pleaded with trustees to save their neighborhood campuses from possible consolidation.
view article
Denton ISD land purchase conflicts with neighborhood’s fight to preserve Hartlee Field area
For nearly a year, neighbors in northeast Denton have been working to preserve the Hartlee Field area, with its historic World War II hangars, from development by turning it into a state park. They’re not anti-development, but for this area they say it makes sense to preserve it, especially given Denton’s dwindling green spaces.
view article
Aldine ISD Celebrates Teachers Earning TIA Designations, $7.6 Million in Incentives
Aldine ISD honored 279 teachers during its annual Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) Reception on May 29, recognizing educators across the district who earned a new or higher designation this school year through the state’s TIA program. This year, Aldine ISD generated more than $8.4 million through the TIA, with more than $7.6 million allocated directly to teachers. Teachers were celebrated for their impact on student achievement and instructional excellence: 152 earned the Recognized designation, 84 were named Exemplary, and 43 reached the highest designation, Master.
view article
Travis County DA: ‘Insufficient evidence’ to charge Austin ISD executive for tampering
Travis County prosecutors say there is insufficient evidence to charge a long-time Austin Independent School District executive with tampering with government records.
In a court record filed on Wednesday, the Travis County District Attorney’s Office stated that it would not file charges.
view article
2 accused in Longview ISD elementary abuse case appear in court
Two women accused in the abuse of multiple disabled Longview elementary students appeared in court Friday. Cassandra James, 51, of Hallsville and Linda Lister, 63, of Longview, are two of six people accused of abusing 11 students at J.L. Everhart Elementary from 2019 to 2021. A $2.5 million settlement was reached between Longview ISD and the affected families in 2023.
view article
Northside ISD investigates incident in which San Antonio teacher shared alcoholic beverages with students
Campus administrators at Pease Middle School in the Northside ISD said Friday they are conducting an investigation after a special education teacher brought several cans of Hard Mountain Dew Blast, a drink that contains alcohol, to the school and made them available to students in three classes. This occurred on Thursday, May 29, the last day of school. In a statement, district officials explained that the staff member brought the drinks, not realizing that they contained alcohol, as a treat for students.
view article
La Vega ISD launches free summer meal program
La Vega Independent School District will kick off its 2025 Seamless Summer Option Feeding Program on Monday, June 2, offering free meals to children through July 24. The program provides complimentary breakfast and lunch every Monday through Thursday to all children, regardless of age, residency, or school enrollment. No paperwork or registration is required.
view article
How RFK Jr., Democrats and Republicans found common ground over food labels in Texas
Months ago, when Texas Senate Health and Human Services Committee Chair Lois Kolkhorst first held a hearing on Senate Bill 25 — requiring among other things, warning labels on foods containing certain additives — the first person to speak was Calley Means, a top adviser to U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy.
view article
Waco ISD addresses concerns over high school demolition
What some mistook for an “explosion” at Waco High was actually part of scheduled demolition work, Waco ISD said, as the district prepares for a new facility opening in fall 2025. Waco ISD released a statement to reassure concerned residents: “Waco ISD is in the regularly scheduled abatement and demolition process of the old Waco High School in preparation for the new facility opening in fall 2025.”
view article
Exclusive: HISD state takeover will continue for 2 more years, TEA commissioner Morath says
The state takeover of Houston ISD will continue for two more years before the Texas Education Agency announces the timeline for the transition back to elected board members overseeing the district. TEA Commissioner Mike Morath said in a letter that HISD has made "tremendous" improvements in student academic performance during the first year of state intervention, as well as gains in finance, operations, special education compliance and school board governance.
view article
