Long lines linger at Houston’s biggest airport as TSA agents miss work during partial government shutdown

The ongoing partial government shutdown has led to long security lines at airports across the country, but no airport has felt the effects as acutely as George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston. On Thursday, wait times at Bush, one of the nation’s busiest airports, reached four hours or more, with lines extending outside its terminals. Passenger volume at Bush is expected to get worse this weekend, driven by major events in Houston, including the NCAA Men’s basketball tournament. The lines are a result of many Transportation Security Administration officers — who aren’t getting paid during the shutdown — not coming to work. As airline passengers waited in long lines and congressional negotiators appeared far from a deal to fund the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, President Donald Trump late Thursday said on social media that he will sign an emergency order for the department, which oversees TSA, to immediately pay TSA officers. He did not elaborate where the money for the agency, unfunded by Congress for more than a month, would come from.
Northside ISD has nearly $200 million in 2022 bond project ‘on hold’

Nine school improvement projects totaling nearly $200 million from Northside Independent School District's 2022 bond issue are "on hold" with no indication of when the projects will be built. Just four years after its nearly $1 billion bond election, San Antonio's largest school district intends to seek voter approval in November on a bond package for security upgrades and other improvements. Northside's Building Committee got an update Wednesday on the $198.47 million in projects that were approved nearly four years ago but have not since been executed. Superintendent John Craft told a panel of trustees he wants to "be careful in not putting millions and millions of dollars into these facilities and then having to come back in a very short amount of time (and saying), 'Well, we really need more science labs.'
147 measles cases reported in Texas so far this year, most of them in federal detention centers

Local officials report that 108 of the cases originated in a contracted detention facility in Hudspeth County. The largest outbreak is in a single contracted federal detention facility in Hudspeth County, as of March 18, according to DSHS. Hudspeth County Judge Joanna MacKenzie told The Texas Tribune that the 108 cases are all at the West Texas Detention Facility, which is managed by LaSalle Corrections, a private company. The facility has previously housed immigrant detainees, though it’s not clear if it still does. It does not appear on U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s list of detention facilities. “Not having jurisdiction, my office is not involved in response,” MacKenzie added in a statement, “however I remain in communication with DSHS and LaSalle, as I regularly do.”
Why an East Texas rancher donated part of his water rights to the state

JEFFERSON COUNTY — Bob Sanders bumps along the dirt roads of his 1,100-acre ranch in a beat up burgundy Chevrolet Suburban, the engine roaring as his sprawling cattle operation, known locally for its wagyu beef, stretches around him. A shotgun rides in the passenger seat and battered binoculars sit on the dashboard. The sloping pasture where his rust-colored cows graze gives way to trees that flank a narrow ribbon of water. It doesn’t look like much, just a slow-moving channel threading through sweetgums and cypress, but this 2.6-mile stretch of the Big Cypress Bayou carries a lot of weight — it connects Lake O’ the Pines, the region’s main water supply, to Caddo Lake, the state’s only natural lake. Water feels abundant in the area. But even in this lush corner of the state, water is increasingly top of mind. For Sanders and many of his neighbors, the bayou represents something increasingly fragile in Texas: water that still belongs to the landscape it came from. The sloping pasture where his rust-colored cows graze gives way to trees that flank a narrow ribbon of water. It doesn’t look like much, just a slow-moving channel threading through sweetgums and cypress, but this 2.6-mile stretch of the Big Cypress Bayou carries a lot of weight — it connects Lake O’ the Pines, the region’s main water supply, to Caddo Lake, the state’s only natural lake. Water feels abundant in the area. But even in this lush corner of the state, water is increasingly top of mind. For Sanders and many of his neighbors, the bayou represents something increasingly fragile in Texas: water that still belongs to the landscape it came from.
Muslim parents, private schools sue Texas over exclusion of Islamic institutions in voucher program

The federal lawsuits argue Texas officials are engaging in religious discrimination by preventing Islamic private schools from accessing state voucher money. Four Muslim parents and three private schools have sued Texas leaders for excluding Islamic private schools from participating in the state’s private school voucher program. The two federal lawsuits ask the court to block the voucher program from discriminating on the basis of religion. The first suit, filed March 1 by a parent acting on behalf of two children who attend a Houston private school, names Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, Acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock and Education Commissioner Mike Morath as defendants. A second suit filed March 11 by three parents and three schools names Hancock and Mary Katherine Stout, education savings account program manager, as defendants. Here’s what to know.
As Superintendent Karen Molinar exits takeover, Texas signals a hard reset for Fort Worth ISD

FWISD Superintendent Karen Molinar observed the children learning as she visited classrooms Monday and Tuesday, knowing the clock on her three decades in Fort Worth schools was winding down. Molinar, 51, learned her time in the district that grew her from a reading teacher into a principal and, eventually, the leader of its schools was over after the Texas education commissioner told her last week she won’t serve during the state takeover. She informed families and staff Wednesday that she will not remain as superintendent. “I promised them at the beginning of this that I would be transparent, and I would give them updates,” Molinar told the Fort Worth Report. “I had to do that even when it came to what would happen to me personally and professionally. I had to stand up to my word.” Her impending departure from FWISD drew mixed reactions. Some teachers, parents and city leaders praised Molinar’s decades of service and insisted she should remain in the role during the takeover. Others argued new leadership is necessary as state leaders try to turnaround years of failing academics in Fort Worth.

News Category

TexasISD.com
Endorsed Products

TexasISD.com
Advertising

TexasISD.com
Quick Links

Congratulations to the following New Supers

Submit SuperSearch News »

97 Superintendent Vacancies Click to expand Click to collapse

Vacant	Grapeland ISD; Search by: Arrow Educational Services INFO
Vacant	Medina Valley ISD; Search by: Arrow Educational Services INFO
Vacant	Seagraves ISD; Search by: Arrow Educational Services INFO
Vacant	Burton ISD; Search by: Powell Law Group, Dr. Danny Lovett INFO
Vacant	Union Hill 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 Lyon INFO
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	Bremond ISD; Search by: Bremond ISD Board of TrusteesINFO
Vacant	San Isidro ISD (Short Timeline); Search by: Region One ESC, Exec. Dir. Dr. Daniel P. KingINFO
Vacant	Commerce ISD - Search by: Commerce ISD Board of Trustees; 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 Kincaid INFO
Vacant	Comstock ISD; Comstock ISD Board of Trustees and O.K. Wolfenbarger III INFO
Vacant	Frank Liu Jr. Academy of Music and Art (Houston) ; Thompson & Horton LLP - David Thompson & Dr. Mike Moses INFO
Vacant	Webb CISD; Search by: O’Hanlon, Demerath & CastilloINFO
Vacant	Moulton ISD; Search by: Region 3 ESC, Exec. Dir. Morris Lyon INFO
Vacant	Hidalgo ISD; Search by: O’Hanlon, Demerath & CastilloINFO
Vacant	Banquete ISD; Search by: Powell Law Group, Rick Alvarado INFO
Vacant	Priddy ISD; Search by: Region 15 ESC INFO
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	Mart ISD; Search by: Mart ISD Board of TrusteesINFO
Vacant	Kingsville ISD; Search by: O’Hanlon, Demerath & CastilloINFO
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
Vacant	Huffman ISD - Angeles Perez, Interim,Huffman ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO
Vacant	Jim Hogg County ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO
Vacant	Hart ISD; Search by: Juan Dominguez and Hart ISD Board of TrusteesINFO
Vacant	Hitchcock ISD (Interim Search); Search by: Hitchcock ISD Board of Trustees & Region V ESC - Dr. Rolando “Rudy” Trevino INFO
Vacant	Laredo ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO
Vacant	Premont ISD; Search by: Doug Arnold & Arte AlmendarezINFO
Vacant	Executive Director Region 11 ESC; Thompson & Horton LLP - David Thompson & Dr. Mike Moses INFO
Vacant	Lago Vista ISD; Search by: Leon\|Alcala PLLCINFO
Vacant	Goose Creek CISD; Search by: Thompson & Horton LLP - Dr. Mike Moses, David Thompson & Dr. Curtis Culwell INFO
Vacant	Bynum ISD; Search by: Bynum ISD Board of Trustees INFO
Vacant	Canutillo ISD - Dr. Josue Borrego, Associate Super,Houston ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO
Vacant	West Rusk CCISD; Search by: Lawrence Coleman & West Rusk CCISD Board of TrusteesINFO
Vacant	Clarksville ISD; Search by: Leasor Crass, P.CINFO
Vacant	Stafford MSD; Search by: Stafford ISD Board of Trustees & Region V ESC - Dr. Rolando “Rudy” Trevino INFO
Vacant	LaPoynor ISD; Search by: LaPoynor ISD Board of TrusteesINFO
Vacant	South Texas ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO
Vacant	Panhandle ISD; Search by: Panhandle ISD Board of TrusteesINFO
Vacant	Maypearl ISD; Search by: Impact Education Specialists - Doug Williams, Kevin Worthy, Blake Cooper, Keith Bryant and Stan Surratt INFO
Vacant	Bluff Dale ISD; Search by: Leasor Crass, P.CINFO
Vacant	Blanco ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO
Vacant	Angleton ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO
Vacant	Columbus ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO
Vacant	Culberson County-Allamoore ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO
Vacant	Grapevine-Colleyville ISD; Search by: Walsh, Gallegos, Kyle, Robinson & De Los Santos P.C.& Education Consultant Dr. Sherri BaysINFO
Vacant	Huntsville ISD; Search by: Thompson & Horton LLP - Dr. Mike Moses & David Thompson INFO
Vacant	Lorena ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO
Vacant	Brooks County ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO
Vacant	Trinity ISD; Walsh, Gallegos, Kyle, Robinson & De Los Santos P.C.& Education Consultant Mr. Jim McClellanINFO
Vacant	Dumas ISD; Search by: Region 16 ESC, Dr. Nathan Maxwell, Deputy Executive DirectorINFO
Vacant	Alvin ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO
Vacant	Allen ISD; Search by: Thompson & Horton LLP - Dr. Mike Moses & David Thompson INFO
Vacant	Fredericksburg ISD; Search by: Impact Education Specialists - Doug Williams, Kevin Worthy, Blake Cooper, Keith Bryant and Stan Surratt INFO
Vacant	Edna ISD - Search by: TASB Executive Search Services; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO
Vacant	Mount Vernon ISD; Search by: Impact Education Specialists - Doug Williams, Kevin Worthy, Blake Cooper, Keith Bryant and Stan Surratt INFO
Vacant	Silverton ISD; Search by: Region 16 ESC, Dr. Nathan Maxwell, Deputy Executive DirectorINFO
Vacant	Meadow ISD; Search by: Meadow ISD Board of TrusteesINFO
Vacant	Alvord ISD; Search by: CCR Educational Consultants, Dr. Skip Casey & Rod TownsendINFO
Vacant	D'Hanis ISD; Search by: D'Hanis ISD Board of TrusteesINFO
Vacant	Troy ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO
Vacant	Blue Ridge ISD; Search by: Impact Education Specialists - Doug Williams, Kevin Worthy, Blake Cooper, Keith Bryant and Stan Surratt INFO
Vacant	Harper ISD; Search by: Region 15 ESC INFO
Vacant	Irion County ISD; Search by: Region 15 ESC INFO
Vacant	Gruver ISD; Search by: Region 16 ESC, Dr. Nathan Maxwell, Deputy Executive DirectorINFO
Vacant	Chico ISD; Search by: CCR Educational Consultants, Dr. Skip Casey & Rod TownsendINFO
Vacant	La Villa ISD; Search by: O’Hanlon, Demerath & CastilloINFO
Vacant	Buckholts ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO
Vacant	Klondike ISD; Search by: Region 17 ESC, Kyle Wargo Exec. DirectorINFO
Vacant	Miller Grove ISD; Search by: Danny Lovett Powell Law GroupINFO
Vacant	Spearman ISD; Walsh, Gallegos, Kyle, Robinson & De Los Santos P.C.& Education Consultant Dr. Sherri BaysINFO
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 Surratt INFO
Lone Finalist	Needville ISD - Dr. Paul Drake, Superintendent,Chester ISD; Search by: Arrow Educational Services INFO
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 Surratt INFO
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 Surratt INFO
Lone Finalist	Forsan ISD - Michael Valencia, Superintendent,McCamey ISD; Search by: Region 18 ESC, Dr. Dewitt Smith INFO
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 Surratt INFO
Lone Finalist	Jim Ned CISD - Will Brewer, Superintendent,Paradise ISD; Search by: Ronnie Kincaid INFO
Lone Finalist	Palmer ISD ; Search by: Arrow Educational Services INFO
Lone Finalist	Hallsburg ISD - Dr. Staci Coleman-Kirk, Principal,Hubbard ISD; Search by: Powell Law Group, Shaun Barnett INFO
Lone Finalist	Slidell ISD - Dr. Christopher M. Heskett, Superintendent,Covington ISD; Search by: Powell Law Group, Shaun Barnett INFO
Lone Finalist	Seguin ISD - Dr. Jack Lee, Superintendent,Bullard ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO
Lone Finalist	Royal ISD - Dr. Megan Pape, Superintendent,Snook ISD; Search by: Impact Education Specialists - Doug Williams, Kevin Worthy, Blake Cooper and Stan Surratt INFO
Lone Finalist	Socorro ISD - James Vasquez, Interim Superintendent,Socorro ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO
Lone Finalist	Gunter ISD - Dr. Brandon Enos, Superintendent,Cushing ISD; Search by: Impact Education Specialists - Doug Williams, Kevin Worthy, Blake Cooper and Stan Surratt INFO
Lone Finalist	Rotan ISD - Trevor Edgemon, Superintendent,Happy ISD; Search by: Ronnie Kincaid INFO
Lone Finalist	Millsap ISD - Harper Stewart, Superintendent,Hamilton ISD; Search by: CCR Educational Consultants, Dr. Skip Casey & Rod TownsendINFO
Lone Finalist	Conroe ISD - Dr. David Vinson, Superintendent,Wylie ISD; Search by: Texans for Excellence in Education, President, John Petree, 432-557-6581INFO
Lone Finalist	La Pryor ISD - Cody Miller, Director,Northside ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO
Lone Finalist	Deweyville ISD - Grady Welborn, Principal,Bridge City ISD; Search by: Dr. Byron Terrier, Exec. Dir. Region 5 ESCINFO
Lone Finalist	West Hardin Co. CISD; Search by: Dr. Byron Terrier, Exec. Dir. Region 5 ESCINFO
Lone Finalist	Rusk ISD - Mid Johnson, Superintendent,Timpson ISD; Search by: Arrow Educational Services INFO
Lone Finalist	Snook ISD - Kimberly Giesenschlag, Assistant Superintendent,Snook ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO
Lone Finalist	Nederland ISD - Dr. Steven Beagle, Assistant Superintendent,Nederland ISD; Search by: Dr. Byron Terrier, Exec. Dir. Region 5 ESCINFO
Lone Finalist	Munday CISD - Andrew Eudy, Director,Forsan ISD; Search by: Region 9 ESC, Darren Francis and Kenny Miller INFO
Lone Finalist	Cushing ISD - Stefani Jackson, AssAsst. Supt.,Cushing ISD; Search by: Impact Education Specialists - Doug Williams, Kevin Worthy, Blake Cooper and Stan Surratt INFO
Lone Finalist	Lamesa ISD - Bonnie Avey, Superintendent,Seagraves ISD; Search by: Impact Education Specialists - Doug Williams, Kevin Worthy, Blake Cooper, Keith Bryant and Stan Surratt INFO
Lone Finalist	Elkhart ISD - Reese Briggs, Chief Operations Officer,Splendora ISD; Search by: Impact Education Specialists - Doug Williams, Kevin Worthy, Blake Cooper, Keith Bryant and Stan Surratt INFO
Lone Finalist	Howe ISD - Ritchie Bowling, Assistant Superintendent,Howe ISD; Search by: Howe ISD Board of TrusteesINFO
Lone Finalist	Era ISD - Jeff Webb, Associate Superintendent,Royse City ISD; Search by: Impact Education Specialists - Doug Williams, Kevin Worthy, Blake Cooper, Keith Bryant and Stan Surratt INFO
Lone Finalist	Prairie Lea ISD - Martha Melissa Gilmore, Interim,Prairie Lea ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO
Lone Finalist	Ingram ISD - Dr. Justin Turner, Superintendent,Hubbard ISD; Search by: Shaun Barnett Powell Law GroupINFO
Lone Finalist	Dawson ISD - Andrea Farish, Principal,Dawson ISD; Search by: Powell Law Group, Danny Lovett INFO
Lone Finalist	Hubbard ISD - Colt Carmichael, Assistant Superintendent,Blum ISD; Search by: Shaun Barnett Powell Law GroupINFO
Lone Finalist	Ector ISD - Morganne Mandrell, Principal,Hamlin ISD; Search by: Rod Townsend INFO
Lone Finalist	Bullard ISD - Dr. Micah Dyer, Superintendent,Cuero; Search by: Impact Education Specialists - Doug Williams, Kevin Worthy, Blake Cooper, Keith Bryant and Stan Surratt INFO
Lone Finalist	Merkel ISD - Dr. Nikki Moore, Superintendent,Irion County ISD; Search by: Ronnie Kincaid INFO
Lone Finalist	Weatherford ISD - Dr. Sean Scott, Deputy Superintendent,Mansfield ISD; Search by: CCR Educational Consultants, Dr. Skip Casey & Rod TownsendINFO
Lone Finalist	Haskell CISD - Wade Calloway, Superintendent,Grover ISD; Search by: CCR Educational Consultants, Dr. Skip Casey & Rod TownsendINFO
Lone Finalist	Westbrook ISD - Donald Tosh, Assistant Superintendent,Bandera ISD; Search by: Region 14 ESC, Chris Wigington Exec. DirectorINFO
Lone Finalist	Frisco ISD - Todd Fouche , Deputy Superintendent,Frisco ISD; Search by: Impact Education Specialists - Doug Williams, Kevin Worthy, Blake Cooper, Keith Bryant and Stan Surratt INFO
Lone Finalist	Hale Center ISD - Hector Dominguez, Superintendent,Runge ISD; Search by: Impact Education Specialists - Doug Williams, Kevin Worthy, Blake Cooper, Keith Bryant and Stan Surratt INFO
Lone Finalist	Texline ISD - Serapio Arguijo, Campus Admin,Andrews ISD; Region 16 ESC, Dr. Tanya Larkin, Exec. Dir.INFO
Lone Finalist	Lazbuddie ISD - Artemio Ontiveros, Principal,Brownfield ISD; Search by: Region 16 ESC, Dr. Nathan Maxwell, Deputy Executive DirectorINFO
New Super	Onalaska ISD - Dr. Kenneth Fraga, Assistant Superintendent,Onalaska ISD; Search by: Onalaska ISD Board of TrusteesINFO
New Super	El Paso ISD - Dr. Brian Lusk, Deputy Superintendent,Dallas ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO
New Super	Center Point ISD - Joshua Limmer, Principal,Center Point ISD; Search by: Danny Lovett, Powell Law GroupINFO
New Super	Marlin ISD - Alphonso Bates, Assistant Superintendent ,Lamar CISD; Search by: O’Hanlon, Demerath & CastilloINFO
New Super	Rockdale ISD - Dr. Michael Watson, Deputy Superintendent,Hays CISD; Search by: Danny Lovett Powell Law GroupINFO
New Super	Granger ISD - Stephen Brosch, Acting Superintendent,Granger ISD; Search by: Leasor Crass, P.CINFO
New Super	Loraine ISD - Lacy Brauchle, Principal,Mathis ISD; Search by: Region 14 ESC, Chris Wigington Exec. DirectorINFO
New Super	Pleasanton ISD - Dr. John Prezas, Asst. Principal,Corpus Christi ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO
New Super	Newcastle ISD - Melissa (Missy) Hemby, Principal,Newcastle ISD; Search by: Region 9 ESC, Darren Francis and Kenny Miller INFO

How do I get my SuperSearch on TexasISD.com?Click Here for More Vacancies & Details! »

Preventive Law: Viewing AI Risk Through a School Law Lens

April 0710:28 AM

Artificial intelligence (“AI”) use is on the rise in Texas schools. From lesson-planning platforms to student-facing chatbots, AI is reshaping how instruction happens. But as more people use AI, one question lingers: Who is responsible when mishaps occur? In Texas, AI creates legal complexities where education law already demands careful attention to student privacy, curriculum standards, and teacher certification. Because AI provides a new way to violate state and federal laws, even inadvertently, educators and administrators must be mindful when using AI to ensure that the law is still being followed.

Texas is cutting undocumented immigrants off from school, work and driving

April 0708:40 AM

The sweeping rule changes, all enacted outside the typical legislative process, have upended life for noncitizens, including those who are here legally. Over the last year, Texas Republicans have enacted sweeping regulatory and legal changes that have upended all facets of life for noncitizens. The state has limited who can get an occupational license; register or buy a car; obtain commercial driver’s licenses; and get in-state tuition at colleges and universities. Over the last year, Texas Republicans have enacted sweeping regulatory and legal changes that have upended all facets of life for noncitizens. The state has limited who can get an occupational license; register or buy a car; obtain commercial driver’s licenses; and get in-state tuition at colleges and universities. The changes are wreaking havoc on the 1.7 million people without documentation in Texas, as well as tens of thousands of refugees and people with protected legal status, like Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. Already, more than 6,400 refugees and DACA recipients have lost their commercial driver’s licenses. Many more noncitizens are expected to lose the ability to work in licensed industries from construction and medicine to air conditioning and cosmetology.The changes are wreaking havoc on the 1.7 million people without documentation in Texas, as well as tens of thousands of refugees and people with protected legal status, like Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. Already, more than 6,400 refugees and DACA recipients have lost their commercial driver’s licenses. Many more noncitizens are expected to lose the ability to work in licensed industries from construction and medicine to air conditioning and cosmetology. view article

Texas Moves To Block Professional & Commercial Licenses for Illegal Aliens

April 0705:00 AM

The rule comes after a recent opinion by Attorney General Ken Paxton requiring licensing authorities to obtain social security numbers from applicants. Beginning May 1, Texas will bar individuals who cannot prove they are lawfully present in the U.S. from obtaining or renewing state‑issued professional licenses. It will also impact occupational and trade licenses. Commissioners for the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) approved a new rule on Tuesday to check the lawful presence of people applying for or renewing state licenses when they are flagged for verification. The new rule requires TDLR to verify an applicant’s eligibility under federal immigration law when that applicant is selected for verification under department procedures. It applies across all TDLR‑regulated licenses. If an applicant is selected, they must submit documentation before a license can be issued or renewed. view article

GRAPELAND ISD HIRES JIM DUNLAP OF ARROW EDUCATIONAL SERVICES TO CONDUCT SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH

April 0208:35 AM

The board of trustees of the Grapeland Independent School District has contracted with Mr. Jim Dunlap of Arrow Educational Services, Inc. to assist them in their search for a new superintendent. He will be assisted by GISD superintendent Mr. Terry Myers. Information and the application process is available on arrowsearchinc.com and the TASA Supersearch page. view article

Bullard ISD officially names Dr. Micah Dyer as superintendent

March 1805:00 AM

The Bullard ISD Board of Trustees officially named Dr. Micah Dyer as the district’s new superintendent during a special meeting Tuesday. Trustees had previously selected Dyer as the lone finalist in February, with state law requiring a 21-day waiting period before a formal hire. He will begin his new role on March 30, following Interim Superintendent Dr. Jan Hill’s last board meeting next Monday. “She’s been a blessing to this district and helping them with this transition,” Dyer said. “I look forward to the opportunity to get to work with her as I transition into this job full time.” Read more at: https://tylerpaper.com/2026/03/18/bullard-isd-officially-names-dr-micah-dyer-as-superintendent/ view article

These Texans want better schools for Black students. They disagree on vouchers as the answer.

April 0808:44 AM

One Black Texan sees education savings accounts as an escape from a burning house. Another fears they threaten a robust public school system. Jennifer Lee and Kyev Tatum agree that Texas’ Black students do not receive the same academic support as their peers, that schools punish them unfairly and that recent state laws silence Black history and perspectives in the classroom. But the two Black Texans sharply diverge on whether the state’s new voucher program will make education in Texas better or worse for students who look like them. view article

Typhus Cases Surge in Texas: Symptoms and Prevention

April 0808:40 AM

Texas sees a resurgence of flea-borne typhus, with cases rising sharply since the 1990s. Health officials warn of symptoms, spread, and prevention methods. Health officials are warning Texans about flea-borne typhus, a once-rare disease that is making a comeback in Texas, with cases higher than in past decades.Once considered uncommon enough that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stopped tracking cases in 1987, the disease is now reappearing in Central and North Texas. Historically, typhus was a widespread threat. In the 1940s, San Antonio was a hotspot and even served as a site for experimental studies. view article

TribCast: Anti-Muslim rhetoric in Texas politics

April 0808:40 AM

Rep. Salman Bhojani, one of the first Muslim state legislators, joins TribCast to talk about the backlash his community has experienced in state government. view article

Podcast project reshapes reading in Grapevine-Colleyville ISD second-grade class

April 0808:30 AM

Reading teacher Christi Cooper had an important question as her second-grade students gathered around a table with a laptop, an iPhone and handwritten scripts scattered across the top. “Do you want the fuzzy one or the squishy one?” Cooper asked. Picking the right type of microphone was important for her students before Cooper hits record on her phone. Cooper’s class at Heritage Elementary hosts a podcast called “Only Readers in the Building” where students discuss the books they’ve recently read. The fuzzy mic is a favorite among the Grapevine-Colleyville ISD students as they record the podcast that replaces the traditional book report. view article

Waskom ISD board appoints interim superintendent Read more at: https://marshallnewsmessenger.com/2026/04/08/waskom-isd-board-appoints-interim-superintendent/

April 0808:29 AM

Waskom ISD trustees have named Ross Boyett as interim district leader after the March death of former Superintendent Chris Guastella. Boyett was Waskom ISD’s director of student services and safety. Read more at: https://marshallnewsmessenger.com/2026/04/08/waskom-isd-board-appoints-interim-superintendent/ view article

Carthage ISD superintendent resigns before end of school year

April 0808:29 AM

Carthage ISD Superintendent Jarrod Bitter has announced his resignation ahead of the end of the school year, according to a statement released by the district. In a press release, district officials said an agreement was reached between Bitter and the Board of Trustees allowing him to step down and “pursue other interests” while the board begins its search for a new superintendent. view article

‘More than housing.’ Lockhart ISD approves housing partnership for staff

April 0808:26 AM

The Lockhart Independent School District Board of Trustees on Monday night approved an innovative housing partnership, marking an initiative the district says is a “step forward” in addressing housing challenges for district employees. In a press release, the district said the approved partnership is with Upward Communities and Public Private Development Corporation. The approved community, Wildflower at Juniper Springs, will be developed by Upward Communities, and be built by BOSC Construction, a Perry Homes company. view article

New Wylie ISD campus gym to double as a storm shelter

April 0808:26 AM

It's severe weather season here in West Texas which means it’s the perfect time for Wylie ISD to show off its new storm shelter at it’s South Elementary school campus. For Mike Thompson, Wylie ISD’s communications director, safety is always at the top of his mind. view article

Austin ISD projects $181M deficit, cuts to staff and art programs

April 0808:26 AM

More cuts are likely coming to Austin Independent School District campuses next year — including school-level staff layoffs and teacher planning time changes — as district officials seek to reduce a deficit that could reach $181 million next school year. view article

Austin ISD faces growing budget shortfall

April 0808:25 AM

Austin ISD Superintendent Matias Segura is warning staff and families about deeper budget cuts as the district faces a growing financial crisis. view article

Bulletin Board

Submit Event »

Eichelbaum Wardell Hansen Powell & Muñoz, P.C.

Student Searches in Schools: Legal Foundations, Cell Phones, and Vaping Issues

April 9, 2026

Leon, Alcala, Morse & Reynolds, PLLC

Upcoming Webinar

Presented by: John Janssen

Read more here...

Hutto ISD teacher receives Milken Educator Award

April 0808:25 AM

A Hutto elementary school teacher received a life-changing surprise during a school assembly on Tuesday. Hutto kindergarten teacher Olivia Joseph is now the state’s only honoree for the 2025-26 school year and the first ever from Hutto ISD to receive the Milken Educator Award. view article

Taft High administrator bitten after trying to pet Northside ISD police K-9 without muzzle

April 0808:25 AM

A female school administrator was injured after a Northside Independent School District Police K-9 bit her on Tuesday, according to a district spokesperson. The incident occurred around 11:45 a.m. in the office area at Taft High School. view article

Podcast project reshapes reading in Grapevine-Colleyville ISD second-grade class

April 0808:24 AM

What Lubbock ISD schools are at risk of closure? See list

April 0808:23 AM

The Lubbock Independent School District has approved and laid out a list of criteria schools need to meet before district leadership weighs in on whether to close the campus. In early 2026, Lubbock ISD's Board of Trustees approved the District Optimization Plan that laid out three criteria a school has to hit before the district engages in talks about the possible closure and consolidation of the campus. view article

Sherman ISD holds event to help families get future Kindergarten students ready for next school year

April 0808:20 AM

Sherman ISD held a “Kindergarten Round-Up” event Tuesday to help families get ready for next school year. The event helped families enroll incoming Kindergarten students for next year. view article

Hutto ISD kindergarten teacher surprised with $25K national award

April 0808:19 AM

A kindergarten teacher in Hutto Independent School District (ISD) received a major honor and a big surprise on Tuesday. Olivia Joseph at Howard Norman Elementary was presented with a $25,000 "Milken Educator Award" during a school assembly. The award recognizes outstanding educators for their impact in the classroom and future potential. view article

Brownsville ISD Board of Trustees names interim superintendent

April 0808:15 AM

The Brownsville Independent School District Board of Trustees has appointed an interim superintendent. Alda Benavides was officially named as the interim superintendent on Tuesday during a regular school board meeting. view article

Austin ISD projects $181M budget shortfall in 2026-2027 school year, superintendent says

April 0808:14 AM

Austin ISD is projecting a $181 million budget shortfall in the 2026-2027 academic year. In a message sent Tuesday night to families and staff, AISD superintendent Matias Segura said declining enrollment, rising costs and a dip in Austin's property values are all factors behind the current projections. view article

No injuries reported in crash involving Rio Grande City Grulla ISD bus

April 0808:11 AM

No injuries were reported in a crash involving a Rio Grande City Grulla Independent School District bus on Tuesday morning. School district officials say school bus No. 12 was involved in a crash while taking students to Ringgold Middle School. view article

April is National Volunteer Month. Did you know:

April 0708:40 AM

April is National Volunteer Month, a time to recognize the people who give their time and energy to strengthen their communities. Here in Fulshear, that includes residents who serve on local boards and commissions, roles that may not always be visible but play a meaningful part in how our city grows and evolves. view article

Real Texans: Daniel Hayworth on the Threat of Islamification

April 0708:40 AM

On this edition of Real Texans, Michael Quinn Sullivan visits with Pastor Daniel Hayworth. As a former Army officer, school planter, and now full-time pastor, Daniel explains why Texans must understand the threats posed by the Islamification of the Lone Star State. view article

UT-Austin Accelerates Consolidation of Ethnic and Gender Studies Programs

April 0708:38 AM

The move had previously been anticipated for fall 2027. The University of Texas at Austin appears poised to expedite a previously announced consolidation of ethnic and gendr studies coursework within the College of Liberal Arts. Interim liberal arts Dean David Sosa sent an email to faculty late last week in which he stated that the consolidation “will be finalized by Fall 2026.” A left-wing media outlet reported the provost’s office wants these changes to be in lace before state lawmakers return in January 2027. A university spokesman disputed this characterization, stating that “the academic calendar is what’s driving the timeline.” “Anytime we implement structural changes to academic units we want those completed by the start of an academic year to avoid disruption,” the spokesman continued. “This is a common-sense administrative practice.” view article

South Texas Federal Prosecutors File Record-Breaking Number of Illegal Immigration Cases 

April 0708:30 AM

The U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the southern and western districts of Texas continue to report a high volume of illegal immigration cases and related crimes.  The U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the southern and western districts of Texas continue to report a high volume of illegal immigration cases and related crimes.  Last week, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas reported over 500 cases filed, a new record high set since the implementation of Operation Take Back America. These cases include charges filed for illegal entry, reentry following prior removal, and human smuggling crimes. The district reports that many of these individuals have prior felony charges, which include narcotics, assault, immigration offenses, and firearm charges. view article

Where Fort Worth ISD Ranks In Texas Superintendent Pay During State Takeover

April 0708:29 AM

Fort Worth ISD’s new superintendent, Peter Licata, will be paid $1,384.62 per day as acting superintendent, a prorated rate based on former Superintendent Karen Molinar’s $367,000 base salary. As previously reported by The Dallas Express, the Texas Education Agency recently took over Fort Worth ISD’s school board and superintendent position. Licata will serve as the acting superintendent, replacing former superintendent Karen Molinar. view article

Carthage ISD Superintendent Resigns; Interim Named

April 0708:29 AM

The Carthage ISD Board of Trustees accepted the voluntary resignation of Superintendent Jarrod Bitter during a special-called meeting held Monday evening. Following the resignation, the board appointed Dr. Glen Hambrick to serve as interim superintendent. The appointment is effective immediately. view article

Waskom ISD names interim superintendent after previous superintendent’s death in Shreveport crash

April 0708:29 AM

The Waskom Independent School District Board of Trustees has appointed an interim superintendent after the previous one recently died in a car wreck in Shreveport. On Monday, April 6, the school district announced the appointment of Ross Boyett as interim superintendent. Boyett has nearly three decades of experience in education; the school district says he has a strong track record of “supporting students, empowering staff, and leading with integrity.” view article

Carthage ISD school board accepts superintendent’s resignation

April 0708:29 AM

An administrative change has occurred following a special-called school board meeting Monday night. According to the district, Supt. Jarrod Bitter submitted his resignation to the board during that meeting. The resignation was expected. Dr. Glen Hambrick, a former Carthage ISD superintendent and still a Carthage resident, has been appointed interim superintendent. view article

Chris Clark officially named Leander ISD superintendent, effective immediately

April 0708:27 AM

Leander ISD has officially hired Chris Clark, Ed.D., as the district’s superintendent, finalizing the decision during the Board of Trustees’ April 2 meeting. The board’s vote came after the state-required 21-day waiting period that followed Clark being named the lone finalist in March. Clark assumes the role effective immediately. view article

Georgetown ISD delays opening of 2 campuses until 2027

April 0708:26 AM

Georgetown ISD leaders are delaying the opening of a new elementary and middle school until 2027 after seeing lower enrollment projections. view article

Most charges against Millsap ISD, former faculty dismissed in alleged child abuse case

April 0708:26 AM

A lawsuit filed against Millsap ISD, its former superintendent, an elementary school principal and two former educators regarding the alleged abuse of autistic children has been almost entirely dismissed, court records show. Former Millsap ISD superintendent Edie Martin and two former educators -- Jennifer Dale, 44, and Paxton Kendal Bean, 25 -- were arrested in March 2025 after a video of a February incident showed educators allegedly abusing an autistic child in a classroom. view article

388 Richardson Rd.
Lufkin, Texas 75904

P: (936) 622-3411
F: (877) 242-4228

Subscribe to TexasISD

Socialize:

About TexasISD.com

TexasISD.com was the brainchild of Joe F. Smith. Joe retired early from a successful career as Superintendent of Schools for Hudson ISD, deep in the Piney Woods of East Texas. Due to a long battle with Post-Polio Syndrome the doctor made him hang it up and rest for six months. Never being the kind of person to sit still and also not being the person to listen to his doctor, Joe logged lengthy sessions in front of his PC researching school issues, reading papers and corresponding with his friends and colleagues in the education business.

TexasISD.com Endorsed Products

TexasISD.com Advertising

TexasISD.com Quick Links

Bulletin Board

Eichelbaum Wardell Hansen Powell & Muñoz, P.C.

Student Searches in Schools: Legal Foundations, Cell Phones, and Vaping Issues April 9, 2026

Leon, Alcala, Morse & Reynolds, PLLC

Upcoming Webinar

Get in Contact

About TexasISD.com

TexasISD.com
Endorsed Products

TexasISD.com
Advertising

TexasISD.com
Quick Links

Student Searches in Schools: Legal Foundations, Cell Phones, and Vaping Issues

April 9, 2026