Treadwell accepts interim job

After 24 hours of uncertainty, Lloyd Treadwell officially accepted the interim superintendent job at Alvord ISD. The school board approved his hire with a 5-0 vote Monday night, but Treadwell's availability was uncertain due to another job opportunity on the table. He accepted the Alvord post Wednesday. Moving forward, Treadwell understands his role as a caretaker until the permanent hire is made, but he is happy to be in Alvord. view article  

Willis ISD increases teacher salaries, approves additional personal days

The Willis ISD board approved an adjustment to salary pay scales for teachers and district staff Tuesday for the 2015-16 school year. There will be a $1,580 pay increase for all teachers, while the starting pay for teachers with a bachelor's degree will be $44,000 – a $1,000 increase over the 2014-15 school year. view article  

Where are the specific protections for LGBTQ students in North Texas schools?

Last week's news that students at a middle school in the McKinney ISD were asked to leave for wearing 'Gay is OK' t-shirts in support of a bullied classmate points out the glaring lack of LGBTQ-specific anti-bullying and anti-harassment protections for public school students across North Texas. Now that the school year has ended across the region, the time is now to make changes and improve protections for LGBTQ students view article  

Burns weighs in on legislative session

State Rep. DeWayne Burns, R-Cleburne, characterized the recently wrapped 84th Legislature as productive generally speaking, albeit a bit of a learning curve from his standpoint. “I worked with [members of the Texas Legislature] 20 years ago in advisory roles,” Burns said. “But it's different being on the other side of that desk for sure. Of course, I'm sure each session is always different from the next as well and you never know what to expect.” view article  

Mentor program aims to get students college ready

Letzny Leyva's inspiration started in high school. As a senior at Veterans Memorial Early College High School she was introduced to Blanca Davila, then a student ambassador. Leyva credits Davila for pushing her to complete the necessary paperwork for college. Leyva was inspired then to give back to the program. view article  

Steve Blow: As school year ends, teachers deserve our praise — one in particular for me

And so another school year comes to an end, marking a perfect time to honor all the hardworking teachers who gave it their best. But I'd like to honor one teacher especially — one who isn't just ending a school year but also a 34-year career in public education. That would be the teacher I'm married to. view article  

COMMENTARY: Texas Legislature improves the Texas model with conservative budget

The end of the 84th Texas Legislature is the day free market folks in Texas look forward to every two years. There are fewer opportunities to block progress when they are not in Austin. Taking a macro view of this session's fiscal outcomes, it was largely successful with passage of a conservative budget and historic tax relief. view article  

Karnack graduates walk across stage for last time as school prepares to close

A special night for special people is how Sheldon Harrison described Friday night's commencement ceremony for Karnack Junior and Senior High School as he addressed the 2015 graduating class - the last class to graduate from the soon-to-be closed sc view article  

Jose Espinoza: Team Socorro ISD continues to show improvements for students

Helen Keller said, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” As the Socorro ISD superintendent, my first goal was to build a unified team that would work together to ensure globally competitive graduates. view article  

Spring ISD launches Slide into Summer Reading Program

Spring Independent School District launched its summer reading program recently at the Chick-fil-A on FM 1960 with hundreds of families attending. “We know May is a busy time for families and we want to make sure that everyone in our district has an opportunity to participate in Slide into Summer Reading,” said Lupita Hinojosa, Spring ISD academics chief. “This program will continue throughout the summer, so families who weren't able to attend the launch can still get involved.” view article  

My Take on the Legislative Session by Glenn Hegar

When my wife and I work on our family budget, we talk about how to make the best use of the money we have. We set aside funds for necessities and plan for our long-term goals, and never stop looking for ways to spend and save smarter. The Texas Legislature goes through a similar process every other year. During the 2015 session, Texas legislators crafted a responsible budget for the next two years, passed laws to make tax collection more efficient and reduced the tax burden for many Texans.

Mansfield ISD teacher arrested for child sex assault

A Mansfield Independent School District employee was arrested Monday and charged with the aggravated sexual assault of a child, the district said in a written statement. view article  

Dallas ISD administrators, residents unite to solve Gaston Middle School student issues

Early this year, Brennan Johnson moved into his Dixie Lane ranch home just one street east of Gaston Middle School. Once a 1950s duplex, it was renovated into a single-family home. Now, he might relist it in a few years. Leo Landin, who lives across the street at the corner of Mariposa Drive and Dixie Lane, has talked of moving out then, too. That’s when the lease on his duplex ends. view article  

Swift Water Pushes Northwest ISD Bus Off Road

Heavy rain and high water pushed a Northwest Independent School District bus off the road, where it became stuck Thursday morning, according to authorities. The bus was stopped at a red light on Texas 114 near Farm-to-Market Road 156 when swift water in a heavy rainstorm overtook the road and pushed the bus onto the shoulder, according to Emily Conklin, the district's communications director. view article  

Aldine ISD student hit by vehicle while getting on bus

A student from Parker Intermediate School was struck by a vehicle as he was getting on his school bus Monday morning in north Harris County. view article  

Spring ISD will unveil its strategic plan May 21

Spring ISD Superintendent Rodney Watson is planning to unveil his much anticipated five-year strategic plan to the Spring ISD board of trustees on May 21. The meeting will be begin at 6 p.m. and will be held atFallbrook Church, 12512 Walters Road in Houston. view article  

Tyler ISD Career and Technology center has opened

Tyler ISD on Monday commemorated opening its Career and Technology Center as a long-sought facility to produce workforce-ready graduates. The $34 million, two-story 147,000-square-foot structure on Earl Campbell Boulevard was among a half dozen projects funded with a bond issue approved at the polls in May 2013. view article  

Longview ISD evaluating bids to demolish T.G. Field Auditorium

Longview ISD officials are evaluating bids to demolish the vacant T.G. Field Auditorium in downtown. Trustees voted 4-3 in January not to sell the auditorium for $200,000, despite district Assistant Superintendent Lynn Marshall saying he didn't see the district having a use for the property. view article  

Garland ISD Officer Injured, 2 Dead in Shooting Outside Culwell Center in Garland

Two gunmen were killed Sunday night in Garland after opening fire on a security officer outside a provocative contest for cartoon depictions of Prophet Muhammad, and a bomb squad was called in to search their vehicle as a precaution, authorities said. Police were using robotic detection equipment to search the vehicle. No device has been found so far. view article  

A Look at How House, Senate Budgets Compare

As the Texas House and Senate prepare to hash out a compromise on the state budget in the coming weeks, their members will have plenty of issues to resolve. The House passed a $209.8 billion budget two weeks ago after nearly 18 hours of debate. This week, the Senate is expected to pass its own version of the budget, which totals $211.4 billion. view article  

House Public Ed Committee Meets at 8:00 AM today

More school finance today as Chairman Aycock starts the House Education Meeting at 8:00 AM.  HB 1759 (notice w/bills)  made public last week is on the agenda today for public testimony.   View meeting

Shallowater ISD Teacher/Coach Reinstated After Sheriff’s Office Closes Investigation

On April 6, 2015, the Shallowater ISD administration was informed by the Lubbock County Sheriff’s Department that it had completed its investigation into an incident that occurred between an employee of the district and a student during an athletic period on March 31, 2015, and that it was closing the matter without recommending any further action by law enforcement.  view article  

Dealing with school vouchers

There is a lot to appreciate when certain state legislators advocate giving us a voucher worth thousands of dollars with the freedom to educate our children as we choose. Come to think about it, those are my tax dollars. And, as a parent, I am responsible for my child’s education. Besides, reformers keep telling me public schools are failing and I have the right to enroll my child in a school of my choice.  view article  

Spring ISD superintendent recommends termination of 5 faculty members

A scheduling mix-up could jeopardize graduation for many seniors in the Spring Independent School District. Dr. Rodney E. Watson, superintendent of the Spring ISD, wants to fire five faculty members connected to that mix-up. view article  

Dallas ISD seeks short- & long-term funding for schools

The Dallas Independent School District presented a draft version of a comprehensive plan for facilities and academic improvement to the board of trustees on Thursday. The long-range plan, which calls for $1.5 billion in funding, would be directed at school choice, pre-k expansion and career readiness, according to DISD officials. view article  

Taft ISD finds success in new daycare

At the beginning of the school year, Taft ISD opened the doors to their first daycare for the children of employees and there's been a lot of progress since our first visit. In August, Taft ISD's Early Learning Academy looked like this...now these classrooms are bright, cheerful, and full of activity. With positive response from parents, like Maisavel Saldivar, who's able to nurse and visit her 6 month old throughout the day while teaching with the district. view article  

February 0208:01 AM

 

Killeen Independent School District Board of Trustees are one step closer to rezoning Ellison High School. Thursday night after a second discussion, board members decided to hold a public hearing at a date to be determined to talk to residents and listen to concerns before making a final decision on redrawing attendance zones to handle overcrowding.

Spring ISD superintendent shakes things up

Dallas ISD home-rule commission votes not to write charter

The Dallas ISD home-rule commission voted Tuesday not to write a proposed charter that could have overhauled how the district operates and is governed. The commissioners voted 10 to 5 not to move forward with a proposed charter, effectively ending the contentious effort to convert Dallas ISD into the state’s first home-rule charter district. Despite that vote, the commissioners decided to continue meeting in the coming months to discuss DISD and eventually write recommendations for the school board. Unlike a proposed charter, however, the recommendations would not be binding. view article  

January 1907:45 AM

 

Members of the Burleson ISD's board of trustees are a functional, productive unit, they were told Monday in unison by administrators from the district's 15 campuses.  "One thing we appreciate is how personable this board is," said Joy Burchfield, principal at Bransom Elementary. "We all hear stories from around the state [concerning other school boards] and you are second to none."  

TEA Taking Closer Look at Donna ISD

The Texas Education Agency is taking a close look at the Donna Independent School District. The TEA is meeting with district leaders because many of their students are underperforming. Superintendent Jesus Rene Reyna said the TEA is also meeting with parents within the district. view article  

Study: Eat school lunch after recess

Because of a federal rule, kids throw away millions of dollars of fruits and vegetables every single day at school. But a new study shows a simple, no-cost trick that should leave federal policy makers saying, “Why didn’t I think of that?” When recess takes place before kids sit down to eat – instead of after - fruit and vegetable consumption increases by 54%. view article  

Waco ISD to expand GED, literacy classes for parents

More local parents will now be able to receive free literacy instruction as McLennan Community College and Waco Independent School District expand their parent enrichment classes starting with an orientation session Tuesday. A Texas Workforce Commission grant pays MCC instructors to teach basic literary instruction, GED and citizenship classes twice a week at Cesar Chavez PDS Middle School. view article  

Dallas ISD home-rule panel to decide on charter in January

The Dallas ISD home-rule commission will decide next month whether to create a charter that could determine how the district is operated and governed. Voters would need to approve it in an election with at least a 25 percent turnout. view article  

Tyler ISD board OKs resignation of principal

Tyler Independent School District trustees accepted the resignation of Peete Elementary School Principal John Dees during their Monday meeting. Dees has been principal since July 2012. He previously was assistant principal in Grand Prairie Independent School District for about five years. In an unrelated action, the board accepted bids for new fitness equipment for weight rooms at John Tyler and Robert E. Lee high schools. Purchase price for each school is $119,893, for a total of $239,786. view article