Keller superintendent clears out office ahead of vote on separation agreement

Keller superintendent Tracy Johnson has cleaned out her office ahead of a vote on a voluntary separation agreement with the district, according to a school board member. Trustee Joni Smith confirmed that Johnson has vacated her office in a text message to the Star-Telegram. Johnson did not respond to a text message and voicemail seeking comment. At a special meeting of the board on Jan. 16, she announced that she had already written up her letter of resignation.
In historic first, Texas House approves private school voucher program

The Texas House gave final approval Thursday to a bill that would create a $1 billion private school voucher program, crossing a historic milestone and bringing Gov. Greg Abbott’s top legislative priority closer than ever to reaching his desk.The lower chamber signed off on its voucher proposal, Senate Bill 2, on an 86-61 vote. Every present Democrat voted against the bill. They were joined by two Republicans — far short of the bipartisan coalitions that in previous legislative sessions consistently blocked proposals to let Texans use taxpayer money to pay for their children’s private schooling. “This is an extraordinary victory for the thousands of parents who have advocated for more choices when it comes to the education of their children,” Abbott said in a statement, vowing that he would “swiftly sign this bill into law” when it reached his desk.
The Texas House is set to vote on school vouchers and public school funding. Here’s what you need to know.

The vote will be the proposal’s biggest test yet and will show whether Gov. Greg Abbott has built enough support since a similar bill died in the lower chamber in 2023. The Texas House is expected to vote Wednesday on bills to create a $1 billion private school voucher program and give public schools more funding per student, setting up what could be a dramatic floor showdown over the two marquee education proposals of the session. The House vote is the voucher bill’s biggest hurdle, and it will mark the first official test of whether Gov. Greg Abbott and his allies have built enough support in the lower chamber since a coalition of House Democrats and rural Republicans sank the previous voucher proposal in 2023.
Keller ISD faces new legal fight over proposed spli

I’m David Moreno, arts and culture reporter for the Fort Worth Report.
School voucher bill gets initial approval in the Texas Senate, heads over to a more skeptical House

The Senate also approved Senate Bill 2, which would infuse $5.2 billion to school districts to help them with teacher raises and rising costs. Gov. Greg Abbott said he would add those items to the special session’s agenda once lawmakers approve a voucher program.
First measles death reported in West Texas outbreak

LUBBOCK — A person who was hospitalized with measles has died from measles in West Texas, the first death in an outbreak that began late last month.

News Category

TexasISD.com
Endorsed Products

TexasISD.com
Advertising

TexasISD.com
Quick Links

90 Superintendent Vacancies Click to expand Click to collapse

Vacant	Nacogdoches ISD; Search by: Arrow Educational Services INFO
Vacant	Palmer ISD ; Search by: Arrow Educational Services INFO
Vacant	Ben Bolt-Palito Blanco ISD; Search by: O’Hanlon, Demerath & CastilloINFO
Vacant	Carrizo Springs ISD; Search by: O’Hanlon, Demerath & CastilloINFO
Vacant	Dickinson ISD; Search by: Dickinson ISD Board of TrusteesINFO
Vacant	La Gloria ISD; Search by: La Gloria ISD Board of TrusteesINFO
Vacant	Whitney ISD; Search by: Whitney ISD Board of TrusteesINFO
Vacant	Pineywoods Community Academy (Lufkin); Search by: SPALDING NICHOLS LAMP LANGLOISINFO
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 Lovett INFO
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 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	Grandbury ISD; Search by: Arrow Educational Services INFO
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	Plains ISD; Search by: Leasor Crass, P.CINFO
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 Kincaid INFO
Vacant	Comstock ISD; Comstock ISD Board of Trustees and O.K. Wolfenbarger III INFO
Vacant	Lubbock-Cooper ISD; Search by: Impact Education Specialists - Doug Williams, Kevin Worthy, Blake Cooper and Stan Surratt INFO
Vacant	Frank Liu Jr. Academy of Music and Art (Houston) ; Thompson & Horton LLP - David Thompson & Dr. Mike Moses INFO
Vacant	Olney ISD (Young Co.); Search by: Region 9 ESC, Darren Francis and Kenny Miller INFO
Vacant	Throckmorton Collegiate ISD; Search by: Region 9 ESC, Darren Francis and Kenny Miller INFO
Vacant	Lake Worth ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO
Vacant	East Chambers ISD; Search by: SPALDING NICHOLS LAMP LANGLOISINFO
Vacant	New Home ISD; Search by: Region 17 ESC, Kyle Wargo Exec. DirectorINFO
Vacant	Webb CISD; Search by: O’Hanlon, Demerath & CastilloINFO
Vacant	Schulenburg ISD; Search by: Texans for Excellence in Education, John Petree INFO
Vacant	Moulton ISD; <p>Search by: Region 3 ESC, <a href="mailto:mlyon@esc3.net">Exec. Dir. Morris Lyon</a></p>INFO
Vacant	Sweetwater ISD; Search by: CCR Educational Consultants, Dr. Skip Casey, Staci Robertson, & Rod TownsendINFO
Vacant	Hidalgo ISD; Search by: O’Hanlon, Demerath & CastilloINFO
Vacant	Dawson ISD; Search by: Powell Law Group, Danny Lovett INFO
Vacant	Seguin ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO
Vacant	Slidell ISD; Search by: Powell Law Group, Shaun Barnett INFO
Vacant	Banquete ISD; Search by: Powell Law Group, Rick Alvarado INFO
Vacant	Hallsburg ISD; Search by: Powell Law Group, Shaun Barnett INFO
Vacant	Royal ISD; Search by: Impact Education Specialists - Doug Williams, Kevin Worthy, Blake Cooper and Stan Surratt INFO
Vacant	Priddy ISD; Search by: Region 15 ESC INFO
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
Lone Finalist	Valley View ISD - James Womack, Superintendent,Richland Springs ISD; Education Solutions and Services Mike Smith & Letha Hopkins INFO
Lone Finalist	Dew ISD - Kent Reynolds, Superintendent,Hallsburg ISD; Search by: Impact Education Specialists - Doug Williams, Kevin Worthy, Blake Cooper and Stan Surratt INFO
Lone Finalist	Early ISD - Joan Otten, Director,Katy ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO
Lone Finalist	Richards ISD - Michael Smith, Chief Operations Officer,West Hardin ISD; Search by: Leon\|Alcala PLLCINFO
Lone Finalist	Northside ISD (Wilbarger Co.) - Paul Ryan, Superintendent,Rio Vista ISD; Search by: Region 9 ESC, Darren Francis and Kenny Miller INFO
Lone Finalist	Carroll ISD - Dr. Jeremy Glenn, Superintendent,Grandbury ISD; Search by: Carrrol ISD Board of TrusteesINFO
Lone Finalist	Hutto ISD - Jeni Neatherlin, Superintendent,Granger ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO
Lone Finalist	Louise ISD - Richard Wright, Superintendent,Agua Dulce ISD; Search by: Leon\|Alcala PLLCINFO
Lone Finalist	San Benito CISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO
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 Surratt INFO
Lone Finalist	Lueders-Avoca ISD - Dr. Joe Alcorta, Superintendent,Dalhart ISD; Search by: Ronnie Kincaid INFO
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 Kincaid INFO
Lone Finalist	Victoria ISD - Shelia Collazo, Deputy Superintendent,Somerset ISD; Search by: JCA Law, PLLC and Saul Hinojosa INFO
Lone Finalist	Hawkins ISD - Jeff Hutchins, Director of Operations,Van ISD; Search by: Impact Education Specialists - Doug Williams, Kevin Worthy, Blake Cooper and Stan Surratt INFO
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 Surratt INFO
Lone Finalist	Mount Calm ISD - Jay Underwood, Deputy Superintendent,Anna ISD; Search by: Powell Law Group, Shaun Barnett INFO
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 Surratt INFO
Lone Finalist	Needville ISD - Dr. Paul Drake, Superintendent,Chester ISD; Search by: Arrow Educational Services INFO
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 Surratt INFO
Lone Finalist	Hudson ISD - Search by: TASB Executive Search Services; 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	Muleshoe ISD - Scott Bicknell, Superintendent,Jayton-Girard 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	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 Kincaid INFO
Lone Finalist	Karnes City ISD - Jamie Robinson, Principal,Granbury ISD; Search by: Walsh, Gallegos, Kyle, Robinson & Roalson P.C.& Education Consultant Dr. Ann DixonINFO
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
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	Region 10 ESC Executive Director - Dr. Jana Melsheimer, Deputy Director,Region 10 ESC; Thomposon & Horton LLP - David Thompson & Dr. Mike Moses INFO
New Super	Crockett ISD; Search by: Arrow Educational Services INFO
New Super	Guthrie CSD - Jason Lawson, Principal,Krum ISD; Search by: Region 17 ESC, Kyle Wargo Exec. DirectorINFO
New Super	Pasadena ISD - Toni Lopez, Assistant Superintendent,Pasadena ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO
New Super	Pearsall ISD - Dr. Jodi H. Spoor, Assistant Superintendent,Southside ISD; Search by: Walsh, Gallegos, Kyle, Robinson & Roalson P.C.& Education Consultant Charlotte Baker,INFO
New Super	Dell City ISD - Michael Steck, Consultant; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO
New Super	Uvalde CISD - Ashley Chohlis, Superintendent,Poth ISD; Search By: Region 20 ESC INFO
New Super	Blooming Grove ISD - John Griggs, Principal,Mexia ISD; Search by: Blooming Grove ISD Board of Trustees & Gary Martel INFO

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

Spring Branch Education Foundation doles out 149 scholarships worth $177,675

May 2607:45 AM

Thanks to the Spring Branch Education Foundationmany area students will have a boost in paying for their advanced education next year. A record 149 Spring Branch Independent School District seniors received a total of $177,675 in scholarships at the SBEF 2017 Bright Stars of SBISD, Celebrating Academic Excellence awards program on May 18 at The Westin Houston, Memorial City. The event honored scholarship recipients as well as 2016-17 Teachers and Principals of the Year. view article

Texas Voucher Clash Kills Sweeping School Finance Fix

May 2607:45 AM

A standoff between the Texas House and Senate over vouchers killed a major school finance fix Wednesday. The House tried to pump $1.6 billion dollars more into public schools. The Senate didn't want that much and countered by tacking on their own priority. The author of the House Bill 21 rejected the changes made to it in the Senate, saying they don't go far enough. Last year, the Texas Supreme Court ruled that the system was barely constitutional. So the House approved pumping $1.6 billion additional dollars into it but that plan came out of the Senate reduced to $530 million. view article

Lindale High School wins UIL Academic State Championship

May 2607:45 AM

Lindale High School's UIL Academic Team made history history Tuesday as they took home first place at the state championship in Austin. This win marks the first championship since 2006 and their first ever as a 5A team. "They work so, so hard. The kids give up Saturdays and after school time," said UIL Coordinator Rory McKenzie. "I was actually a member of the state championship team back in 2004 and 2005, so it has been a lot of fun." Three juniors we spoke with Wednesday have been competing on the speech and debate team since their freshman years. view article

Partnership offers Cy-Fair students chance at college science degree

May 2607:45 AM

Some Cypress Fairbanks Independent School District students will have the opportunity to graduate with a high school diploma and an associates of science degree. At a recent school board meeting, the administration provided the board with information on a pilot initiative in partnership with Lone Star College CyFair, the College Academy, which will provide 2017-18 freshman students at Cypress Lakes High School with an opportunity to graduate with a high school diploma and an associates of science degree. view article

Gov. Abbott expected to sign measure that creates harsher punishments for teacher-student relationships

May 2607:45 AM

Texas lawmakers have given final approval to a measure cracking down on inappropriate relationships between teachers and students. The bill requires principals and superintendents to report inappropriate teacher-student relationships or face jail time and fines up to $10,000. The teacher's family could also lose access to the teacher's pension. view article

Patrick declares legislation on school finance, vouchers dead

May 2607:45 AM

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick declared a key school funding bill dead Wednesday, saying he was "appalled" the House would refuse to go along with the Senate's plan to create a school voucher program for students with disabilities. "Although Texas House leaders have been obstinate and closed-minded on this issue throughout this session, I was hopeful when we put this package together last week that we had found an opening that would break the logjam," Patrick said in a statement. "I simply did not believe they would vote against both disabled children and a substantial funding increase for public schools." view article

Curriculum Management Audit to improve student learning

May 2607:45 AM

At the center of our district’s Learning Model, one of our Guiding Documents that directs all we do in LISD, is “focus on student learning.” After all, the whole reason our district exists is to provide an education to the children in our boundaries. While our teachers and staff have done an outstanding job over the years working to foster a challenging, supportive and effective learning experience, we recognize the benefit of taking a step back every so often to ensure our many educational pieces are creating a cohesive puzzle. Our last official audit was conducted nearly 20 years ago under Superintendent Tom Glenn. Since then, we have experienced incredible population growth in our area, as well as great strides in the teaching and assessment arenas. view article

Abbott enlists aid of school districts to fight Zika virus

May 2607:45 AM

As the school year draws to a close and mosquito season begins in earnest, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is enlisting the aid of school districts across the state to educate students and their families about the Zika virus. “As hubs of your community, we are asking for your help in preventing the spread of Zika by providing your students and their families with additional information,” said a letter sent out Wednesday to school superintendents and members of local school boards. The letter was signed by Abbott, as well as Education Commissioner Mike Morath and Texas Department of State Health Services Commissioner John Hellerstedt. view article

STEM passion contagious in Stafford district’s robotics group

May 2607:45 AM

Robert Bostic, a self-described evangelist for science, technology, engineering and math, really started something when he became the superintendent of the Stafford Municipal School District in 2014. The Stafford High Robotics Program, which began two years ago, competed May 19-20 in Austin as one of 32 teams from the state invited to the 2017 University Interscholastic League Robotics FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Division State Championship based on the points it earned at earlier competitions. view article

College Station ISD, Baylor Scott and White Hospital celebrate special-needs workforce entry

May 2607:45 AM

With a small and, at times, teary program, the College Station school district kicked off a series of graduation ceremonies by celebrating the introduction of special-needs students into the workforce. The graduation ceremony at Baylor Scott and White Hospital marked the year's end of a internship partnership between the hospital and the school district. The two graduating interns also were offered jobs, marking a sizable leap toward independent living. The internship program enables those with special needs who are at least 18 years of age to, for a year, do various rotations of jobs at Baylor Scott and White hospital, where they are taught job skills and "everyday living skills." view article

2017 Student Heroes show caring and compassion

May 2607:45 AM

Tutoring, preparing bags of essential items for foster care children, creating a drum line, assisting students with disabilities and hosting birthday parties for homeless children are just some of the caring and compassionate activities undertaken by 15 students selected to receive the State Board of Education’s 2017 Student Heroes Award. The board created the award to celebrate and highlight students who voluntarily perform acts of kindness that benefit fellow students, their school or community. One award recipient is selected per State Board district. This year, they range from a third-grade student to a high school senior. Each winner receives a plaque in recognition of their volunteerism. view article

Texas Lawmaker Starts Crowdfunding Campaign for School Lunches

May 2607:45 AM

A state lawmaker is looking for donations to pay off debt Texas students rack up in school cafeterias. Partnered with Feeding Texas, Representative Helen Giddings, D-DeSoto, launched a statewide crowdfunding campaign Tuesday, in an effort to prevent what she calls “lunch shaming.” At some Texas schools, students with lunch debt or empty accounts are denied a hot lunch and given a cheese sandwich instead. “The cruelty and lack of compassion for children who suffer the humiliation, the labeling and not to mention the hunger pains of so-called lunch shaming, it is inconceivable,” Giddings said. view article

Judge dismisses Ahmed Mohamed ‘Clock Boy’ suit against Irving ISD

May 2208:25 AM

A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed against Irving ISD and the city of Irving by Ahmed Mohamed's family, according to Dallas Morning News. Ahmed made headlines when he was 14 years old and made a clock in school that was mistaken for a bomb in 2015. His family stated that his civil rights were violated when he was arrested at MacArthur High School and charged with making a "hoax bomb." The charge was later dropped, but he was still suspended. view article

More than 500 people complete North East ISD’s Parent Academy program

May 1607:45 AM

More than 500 San Antonio-area parents, grandparents and members of the community were honored Friday for completing an eight-month-long Parent Academy program in the North East Independent School District. After dedicating hours of their time, the graduates were finally able to cross the stage at Roosevelt High School. Their journeys started in September. Since then, they've learned parenting and literacy skills, along with how to better manage finances. Some of them earned a GED in the process. view article

Delay Tactics Leave Bills ‘Mostly-Dead’ After Crucial House Deadline

May 1607:45 AM

Texas lawmakers wrap up a very busy week at the Capitol today, and last night had a little bit of everything that you’ll find at the end of a legislative session. Bills as amendments With just over two weeks left in the legislative session, lawmakers are scrambling to get their bills to the governor’s desk. That scramble often has lawmakers looking for ways to add their bills to other legislation. That’s exactly what Sen. Larry Taylor (R-Friendswood) did Thursday morning when he added a provision to create a school voucher system onto a school finance bill. “It establishes the educational savings account program administered by the comptroller, which provides parents with funds to pay for education needs of their child,” Taylor said as he added the amendment to the House bill in the Senate Education committee. But even this addition isn’t everything the Senate Education chair wanted. The addition only provides money for private school tuition or tutoring for children with disabilities. view article

Bulletin Board

Submit Event »

Eichelbaum Wardell Hansen Powell & Muñoz, P.C.

Construction Bootcamp: Rise of the Procurist

May 13, 2025

New Crosby High School trades convention for innovation in its new design

May 1607:45 AM

Perhaps one of the most striking characteristics of the new Crosby High School is the flood of natural light flowing throughout the building. Windows line the hallways, classrooms, offices, cafeteria, library and other rooms that would traditionally be encased in brick and mortar. The new Crosby High School opened in August 2016. It was a part of the $86.5 million bond passed in May 2013, which incorporated the high school, stadium renovations and the new baseball and softball complex. This year's freshmen students may not have anything to compare the new high school to. But, as its inaugural school year draws to an end, some may wonder what the new building looked like through the eyes of those who did walk the halls of the former Crosby High School. view article

Leading on education reform

May 1607:45 AM

Over the last two years, I’ve been working with students, teachers, parents and taxpayers to improve the way that we’re providing education to Texas students. During the current legislative session, some of those efforts are beginning to show results. The Texas House of Representatives where I serve, has passed three bills to improve the “Robin Hood” program, A-F rating system, and standardized testing. In overhauling the entire funding of our public education system, House Bill 21 will address a problem that has long plagued our West Texas districts. The “Robin Hood” scheme has been a detriment to school districts in our region, and under this bill we will be reducing the burden on our local school districts bear by allowing them to keep more of their hard-earned money. view article

Perry ‘will vote for the money’ on Senate school finance, despite school choice amendment

May 1607:45 AM

The state Senate Education Committee tweaked the House's school finance bill -- HB 21 -- to add funding for educational savings accounts for students with disabilities. Lubbock Sen. Charles Perry said he will approve it because small, rural schools in his district need other funding the House measure offers. "You could say it's brilliant strategy -- and it is," Perry said. "It's politics at its best or its worst, depending on what side of the equation [you're on]." Perry said the ESAs would open up school choice opportunity for a limited number of families, but that's not the main appeal for the House measure to him; Perry says the $1.6 billion the measure would provide to schools would protect districts affected by the end of the 2006 Additional State Aid for Tax Reduction program in September. view article

Shoemaker AVID students earn nearly $2.24 million in scholarships

May 1607:45 AM

When the school year started, the 66 seniors in a Shoemaker High School college-preparatory class called AVID set a goal for scholarship money earned — $2 million. They were way off. Those students hit the $2 million mark in February. With just less than a month to go before graduation, the scholarship money thermometer recently stood at nearly $2,240,000 and counting. The elective class AVID stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination and is offered in all Killeen ISD high schools and middle schools. view article

Why school vouchers may be back from the dead

May 1607:45 AM

The Texas House thought it had killed school vouchers. The Senate is resurrecting them.A Senate committee last week attached a plan offering vouchers to special education children while approving a $1.6 billion House proposal to begin overhauling Texas' troubled school finance system. House Public Education Committee Chairman Dan Huberty, a Houston Republican, has championed the school finance fix. Now, his counterpart in the Senate, Republican Sen. Larry Taylor of Friendswood, may make Huberty choose between accepting vouchers or sacrificing his legislative baby.Taylor spent months carefully shepherding a separate, sweeping voucher bill through the Senate that the House refused to even consider, instead overwhelmingly passing an amendment saying public funds should stay in public schools. He, and school vouchers' biggest supporter in Texas, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, could now have their revenge. view article

School board reviews budget recommendations

May 1607:45 AM

The Frisco ISD School Board heard a summary of the proposed 2017-18 budget during its meeting on Monday. No action was taken. More than 50 budget recommendations were outlined in April to trim spending and generate additional revenue to address funding challenges. The recommendations were the result of months of work by employees, trustees, parents and citizens who shared ideas and input on possible solutions. Monday’s presentation included discussion of the remaining budget timeline, as well as a look at proposed budgets for both the maintenance and operations (M&O) fund, which pays for day-to-day expenses such as staff salaries, as well as the interest and sinking (I&S) fund, which pays off debt from issuing bonds to build new schools and fund other projects. view article

Texas makes mess of taxes

May 1607:45 AM

Count on the Texas Legislature to come up with a painfully complicated and inefficient way to repeal a painfully complicated and inefficient tax. Lawmakers deserve praise for targeting the Texas Franchise Tax, but their methods are unsound. The franchise tax, also called the margins or business tax, ranks consistently as one of the worst taxes anywhere in the country. It was the convoluted response to the Texas Supreme Court declaring the public school finance system unconstitutional. Lawmakers had to lower property taxes to comply with the court order, so to find replacement funds they rewrote the franchise tax, what businesses pay for the privilege to operate in our great state. view article

Abbott skirting traditional media surprising, effective

May 1607:45 AM

When Gov. Greg Abbott signed one of his top legislative priorities into law, the key players who shepherded perhaps the most controversial bills through Capitol’s sausage-grinding process were not at his side to receive a commemorative pen or to take part in a photo-opportunity handshake. Neither were the constituency groups and activists who clamored for the clamp-down on so-called sanctuary cities. As for the reporters who had filed the daily dispatches about the protests and side deals that go along with passing divisive legislation, they were at home about to sit down to Sunday dinner. About 20 minutes earlier, they received a cryptic message urging them to log onto the governor’s Facebook page, where the first-term Republican would announce to a video camera that showed a near-empty office that his signature was on Senate Bill 4. view article

Winners & losers in Round Rock ISD school bond election mull future

May 0908:10 AM

The Round Rock school board is focused today on the end of the school year. But it will need to regroup after all three of their school bond proposals were voted down on Saturday The district had half a billion dollars in projects riding on this vote. $572 million to be exact. view article

Gravely & Pearson, LLP Donates $1 Million to the “Restore West Foundation”

May 0808:10 AM

Gravely & Pearson, LLP, a leading Texas law firm specializing in insurance and construction defect litigation, will donate $1 million to the West Independent School District's "Restore West Foundation," four years after the April 17, 2013 West Fertilizer Plant Explosion. On May 10th, 2017, Gravely & Pearson will formally present the check during the district's May board meeting. view article

Q&A: Why is Houston ISD voting on recapture, and what is recapture anyway

May 0508:31 AM

On Saturday, voters who live within the Houston ISD will go to the polls to determine how - or if - the district will pay the state millions in "recapture" fees. Whatever voters decide on Proposition 1, the Houston ISD will take a financial hit, officials say. Recapture, and school finance, can be difficult to grasp. To help, here are the answers to some questions about the ballot measure. view article

Public support of STEM education is key to student success

May 0507:45 AM

Gov. Greg Abbott has rightly pointed out that if Texas were a country, its economy would rank 10th in the world. Our businesses here in Houston, and across the state, regularly invest in science, technology, engineering and math industries, making us a significant producer of the most sought-after goods and services in the global marketplace. To maintain our position of strength, we must align our education system to our state's employment needs. Maintaining a pre-eminent economy and workforce begins with giving students the skills needed to adapt across multiple jobs and even careers within a lifetime. view article

Texas Board of Education approves changes to biology standards for public schools

May 0507:45 AM

Texas may change how your child understands biology when taught in a public high school classroom. The Texas' Board of Education tentatively approved changes to portions of the states Biology curriculum. Instead of asking Texas public school students to “evaluate” scientific explanations for the origins of DNA and the complexity of certain cells, the state will now ask that the students "examine" the scientific explanations for the origins of DNA and complexity of certain cells. In the past, some educators have argued that the word "evaluate" encouraged students to challenge the scientific theory of evolution and opened the door to teaching creationism. view article

Solis named TREA Superintendent of Year

May 0507:45 AM

Gene Solis who has served as superintendent of the Whitney ISD since 2008 was recently named the Texas Rural Education Associations’ Superintendent of the Year. Solis will be honored at the TREA Summer Conference on June 24 at the DFW Marriott Hotel in Fort Worth. The TREA awards committee was impressed with his servant leadership and ability to motivate his instructional staff to make Whitney ISD an excellent rural school district. Gene Solis is a 1978 graduate of Spur High School view article

Texas Senate passes anti-cyberbullying bill David’s Law 31-0

May 0507:45 AM

It was unanimous. The Texas Senate voted 31-0 to approve SB 179, legislation that will crack down on online bullying in state schools. SB 179 is, also known as David's Law named for David Molak, a local student who took his own life at just 16 years old. His family says he was tortured by cyberbullies from Alamo Heights High School. view article

DeSoto ISD board punts amid report football coach’s job was in danger

April 2508:06 AM

The concerned citizens who spoke at the DeSoto school board meeting Monday in defense of football coach Todd Peterman numbered only four, because reports that the board might vote against his return began circulating just an hour and a half before the meeting was scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. view article

Pharr: PSJA ISD Officials: Middle Schooler Hid Unloaded Pistol in Backpack

April 1208:06 AM

Police in San Juan took a middle schooler into custody after the student took an unloaded pistol to school. According to a PSJA ISD press release, the Raul Yzaguirre Middle School student showed the pistol to a classmate. The eighth-grader had the weapon and some bars of Xanax hidden inside his backpack. We’re told the classmate immediately reported the incident to school staff. The student was removed from the classroom. He’s expected to face legal consequences and the maximum school discipline. view article

Abilene: AISD sees challenges and reacts

April 0508:25 AM

The Abilene ISD has begun looking in earnest at its near future, a challenging task because change moves rapidly these days. The district has hired a consultant to work with a group that is studying the direction of the district the next five years. view article

CAR HITS CONROE ISD SCHOOL BUS WITH STUDENTS ON BOARD

April 0308:00 AM

Several Conroe ISD elementary school students had minor injuries after a car slammed into their school bus. School officials said 58 students from Ford Elementary were on board at the time of the incident this morning. view article

Shakeup in Marfa ISD’s head football coach & AD

March 3107:30 AM

According to Oscar Aguero, Marfa ISD Superintendent, Wayland Jenkins is no longer Marfa High School Head Football Coach and Athletic Director. Jenkins left the district the in January to pursue an 11 man coaching job according to Aguero. 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.

Construction Bootcamp: Rise of the Procurist May 13, 2025

Get in Contact

About TexasISD.com

TexasISD.com
Endorsed Products

TexasISD.com
Advertising

TexasISD.com
Quick Links

Construction Bootcamp: Rise of the Procurist

May 13, 2025