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84 Superintendent Vacancies Click to expand

Vacant Rusk ISD; Search by: Arrow Educational ServicesINFO
Vacant Martin's Mill ISD; Search by: Arrow Educational ServicesINFO
Vacant Burton ISD; Search by: Powell Law Group, Dr. Danny LovettINFO
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 LyonINFO
Vacant Pettus ISD - Jesus Hernandez III, Chief of Staff,Southwest ISD; Search by: JCA Law, PLLC
and DBU Educational Leadership Consulting Corporation.INFO
Vacant University of Texas High School Special Purpose District; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO
Vacant Scurry-Rosser ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO
Vacant Huntington ISD; Search by: Kelli Karczewski, Fisher FirmINFO
Vacant Granger ISD; Search by: Leasor Crass, P.CINFO
Vacant Bremond ISD; Search by: Bremond ISD Board of TrusteesINFO
Vacant Santa Rosa ISD; Search by: O’Hanlon, Demerath & CastilloINFO
Vacant San Isidro ISD (Short Timeline); Search by: Region One ESC, Exec. Dir. Dr. Daniel P. KingINFO
Vacant Queen City ISD; Search by: Danny Lovett, Powell Law GroupINFO
Vacant Commerce ISD - Search by: Commerce ISD Board of Trustees; INFO
Vacant Gonzales ISD; Search by: Walsh, Gallegos, Kyle, Robinson & Roalson P.C.& Education Consultant Charlotte Baker,INFO
Vacant Decatur ISD; Search by: Decatur ISD Board of Trustees INFO
Vacant Bells ISD; Search by: Bells ISD Board of TrusteesINFO
Vacant Gustine ISD - Coy Barker, Principal,McCamey ISD; Search by: Ronnie KincaidINFO
Vacant Comstock ISD; Comstock ISD Board of Trustees and O.K. Wolfenbarger IIIINFO
Vacant Frank Liu Jr. Academy of Music and Art
(Houston)
 ; Thompson & Horton LLP - David Thompson & Dr. Mike MosesINFO
Vacant East Chambers ISD; Search by: SPALDING NICHOLS LAMP LANGLOISINFO
Vacant Webb CISD; Search by: O’Hanlon, Demerath & CastilloINFO
Vacant Moulton ISD; <p>Search by: Region 3 ESC, <a href="mailto:mlyon@esc3.net">Exec. Dir. Morris Lyon</a></p>INFO
Vacant Hidalgo ISD; Search by: O’Hanlon, Demerath & CastilloINFO
Vacant Dawson ISD; Search by: Powell Law Group, Danny LovettINFO
Vacant Banquete ISD; Search by: Powell Law Group, Rick AlvaradoINFO
Vacant Priddy ISD; Search by: Region 15 ESCINFO
Vacant Sweeny ISD; Search by: Walsh, Gallegos, Kyle, Robinson & Roalson P.C.& Education Consultant Dr. Ann DixonINFO
Vacant Ramirez CSD; Search by: O’Hanlon, Demerath & CastilloINFO
Vacant Mart ISD; Search by: Mart ISD Board of TrusteesINFO
Vacant Frost ISD; Search by: Leasor Crass, P.CINFO
Vacant Cedar HIll ISD; Search by: Leasor Crass, P.CINFO
Vacant Bowie ISD; Search by: Region 9 ESC, Darren Francis and Kenny MillerINFO
Vacant Abernathy ISD; Search by: Region 17 ESC, Kyle Wargo Exec. DirectorINFO
Vacant Kingsville ISD; Search by: O’Hanlon, Demerath & CastilloINFO
Vacant 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 Marlin ISD; Search by: O’Hanlon, Demerath & CastilloINFO
Vacant Centerpoint ISD; Search by: Danny Lovett, Powell Law GroupINFO
Vacant Kermit ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO
Vacant 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 Snook ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO
Vacant Hitchcock ISD (Interim Search); Search by: Hitchcock ISD Board of Trustees & Region V ESC - Dr. Rolando “Rudy” TrevinoINFO
Vacant Laredo ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO
Vacant Killeen ISD; Search by: Thompson & Horton LLP - Dr. Mike Moses, David Thompson & Dr. Curtis CulwellINFO
Vacant Premont ISD; Search by: Doug Arnold & Arte AlmendarezINFO
Vacant Executive Director
Region 11 ESC; Thompson & Horton LLP - David Thompson & Dr. Mike MosesINFO
Vacant Nederland ISD; Search by: Dr. Byron Terrier, Exec. Dir. Region 5 ESCINFO
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 CulwellINFO
Vacant Howe ISD; Search by: Howe ISD Board of TrusteesINFO
Vacant Cushing ISD; Search by: Impact Education Specialists - Doug Williams, Kevin Worthy, Blake Cooper and Stan SurrattINFO
Vacant Munday CISD; Search by: Region 9 ESC, Darren Francis and Kenny MillerINFO
Vacant El Paso ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO
Lone Finalist Valley View ISD - James Womack, Superintendent,Richland Springs ISD; Education Solutions and Services Mike Smith & Letha HopkinsINFO
Lone Finalist Waco ISD - Dr. Tiffany Spicer, Superintendent,Buna ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO
Lone Finalist Onalaska ISD - Dr. Kenneth Fraga, Assistant Superintendent,Onalaska ISD; Search by: Onalaska ISD Board of TrusteesINFO
Lone Finalist Graham ISD; Search by: Impact Education Specialists - Doug Williams, Kevin Worthy, Blake Cooper and Stan SurrattINFO
Lone Finalist Lueders-Avoca ISD - Dr. Joe Alcorta, Superintendent,Dalhart ISD; Search by: Ronnie KincaidINFO
Lone Finalist Calvert ISD - Latisha Crockett-Tennell, Interim Superintendent,Calvert ISD; Search by: O’Hanlon, Demerath & CastilloINFO
Lone Finalist Albany ISD - Daryl Stuard, Superintendent,Bremond ISD; Search by: Ronnie KincaidINFO
Lone Finalist Victoria ISD - Shelia Collazo, Deputy Superintendent,Somerset ISD; Search by: JCA Law, PLLC and Saul HinojosaINFO
Lone Finalist Hawkins ISD - Jeff Hutchins, Director of Operations,Van ISD; Search by: Impact Education Specialists - Doug Williams, Kevin Worthy, Blake Cooper and Stan SurrattINFO
Lone Finalist Monte Alto ISD - Rashad Javed Rana, Assistant Superintendent,Donna ISD; Search by: O’Hanlon, Demerath & CastilloINFO
Lone Finalist 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 Splendora ISD - Dustin Bromley, Deputy Superintendent,La Porte ISD; Search by: Impact Education Specialists - Doug Williams, Kevin Worthy, Blake Cooper and Stan SurrattINFO
Lone Finalist Mount Calm ISD - Jay Underwood, Deputy Superintendent,Anna ISD; Search by: Powell Law Group, Shaun BarnettINFO
Lone Finalist Waskom ISD - Chris Guastella, Principal,Ferris ISD; Search by: Leasor Crass, P.CINFO
Lone Finalist Deer Park ISD - Dr. Tiffany Reagan, Assistant Superintendent,Deer Park ISD; Search by: Deer Park ISD Board of TrusteesINFO
Lone Finalist Seminole ISD - Glen Teal, Superintendent,Jim Ned ISD; Search by: Impact Education Specialists - Doug Williams, Kevin Worthy, Blake Cooper and Stan SurrattINFO
Lone Finalist Needville ISD - Dr. Paul Drake, Superintendent,Chester ISD; Search by: Arrow Educational ServicesINFO
Lone Finalist Compass Academy Charter School
(Odessa) - Mark Dominguez, Principal,Pecos-Barstow-Toyah ISD; Search by: Kathy Killingsworth, Interim Superintent assisted by Larry Lee, Leadership Consultant with Region 18INFO
Lone Finalist Bonham ISD - Lance Hamlin, Assistant Superintendent,Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD; Search by: Impact Education Specialists - Doug Williams, Kevin Worthy, Blake Cooper and Stan SurrattINFO
Lone Finalist Waxahachie ISD - Rebecca “Becky” McCutchen, Superintendent,Levelland ISD; Search by: Walsh, Gallegos, Kyle, Robinson & Roalson P.C.& Education Consultant Dr. Ann DixonINFO
Lone Finalist Ennis ISD - Greg Bradley, Deputy Superintendent,Prosper ISD; Search by: Impact Education Specialists - Doug Williams, Kevin Worthy, Blake Cooper and Stan SurrattINFO
Lone Finalist Forsan ISD - Michael Valencia, Superintendent,McCamey ISD; Search by: Region 18 ESC, Dr. Dewitt SmithINFO
Lone Finalist Edgewood ISD
(Region 7) - Scott Tyner, Superintendent,Martins Mill iSD; Search by: Impact Education Specialists - Doug Williams, Kevin Worthy, Blake Cooper and Stan SurrattINFO
Lone Finalist Jim Ned CISD - Will Brewer, Superintendent,Paradise ISD; Search by: Ronnie KincaidINFO
Lone Finalist Palmer ISD ; Search by: Arrow Educational ServicesINFO
Lone Finalist Hallsburg ISD - Dr. Staci Coleman-Kirk, Principal,Hubbard ISD; Search by: Powell Law Group, Shaun BarnettINFO
Lone Finalist Slidell ISD - Dr. Christopher M. Heskett, Superintendent,Covington ISD; Search by: Powell Law Group, Shaun BarnettINFO
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 SurrattINFO
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 SurrattINFO
Lone Finalist Rotan ISD - Trevor Edgemon, Superintendent,Happy ISD; Search by: Ronnie KincaidINFO
Lone Finalist Millsap ISD - Harper Stewart, Superintendent,Hamilton ISD; Search by: CCR Educational Consultants, Dr. Skip Casey, Staci Robertson, & 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
New Super Plains ISD - Scott Mills, Principal,Quannah ISD; Search by: Leasor Crass, P.CINFO
New Super Olney ISD
(Young Co.) - Dr. Matt Caffey, Principal,Olney ISD; Search by: Region 9 ESC, Darren Francis and Kenny MillerINFO
New Super Ben Bolt-Palito Blanco ISD; Search by: O’Hanlon, Demerath & CastilloINFO
New Super San Benito CISD - Alfredo Perez, Interim Superintendent,San Benito ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO
New Super Industrial ISD - Michael B. Colvin, Director,Comfort ISD; Search by: Walsh, Gallegos, Kyle, Robinson & Roalson P.C.& Education Consultant Charlotte BakeINFO
New Super Whitney ISD - Todd Southard, Superintendent,Pilot Point ISD; Search by: Whitney ISD Board of TrusteesINFO
New Super Dilley ISD - Kelli Dubose, Interim Superintendent,Dilley ISD; Search by: O’Hanlon, Demerath & CastilloINFO
New Super Muleshoe ISD - Scott Bicknell, Superintendent,Jayton-Girard ISD; Search by: Impact Education Specialists - Doug Williams, Kevin Worthy, Blake Cooper and Stan SurrattINFO
New Super New Home ISD - Julia Stephen, Director,Amarillo ISD; Search by: Region 17 ESC, Kyle Wargo Exec. DirectorINFO
New Super Lubbock-Cooper ISD - Aaron Waldrip, Superintendent,Abernathy ISD; Search by: Impact Education Specialists - Doug Williams, Kevin Worthy, Blake Cooper and Stan SurrattINFO
New Super Levelland ISD - Dr. Don Heseman, Superintendent,West Hardin CCISD; Search by: Region 17 ESC, Kyle Wargo Exec. DirectorINFO

Amarillo area school district cell phone policies

August 0708:19 AM
 

After Governor Greg Abbott recently signed the bill banning cell phones in Texas schools, NewsChannel 10 is gathering the new or updated policies for area school districts. view article  arw

DPS Offers Reminders for a Safer School Year

August 0708:18 AM
 

As students begin heading back to school, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) reminds all Texans to exercise heightened caution and adhere to safety measures implemented to protect students, staff and fellow drivers this school year. This includes tips on how to safely drop off and pick up your child from school, drive cautiously through school zones and talk to your family and loved ones about staying safe this school year and beyond. view article  arw

How Central Texas schools are implementing the 10 Commandments

August 0708:16 AM
 

Several Central Texas school districts are inching closer to the first day of school. KWTX is tracking new laws put into place in the Lone Star State education system. Come September, classrooms will be required to display the 10 Commandments. The law states the poster of the commandments must measure at 16 inches and 20 inches tall. view article  arw

Texas Data Centers Thirst for Water, Challenging State Infrastructure

August 0708:00 AM
 

Texas has become a hotspot for tech companies, attracting business from data companies that need larger campuses to meet national demand. In the midst of a water crisis, data centers create additional demand for this vital resource.  According to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), there are 64 public water systems currently limiting usage in order to avoid shortages. The TCEQ’s drought map shows severe alerts being issued throughout Central Texas and the Rio Grande Valley.  This year, what Gov. Greg Abbott called “Texas-sized investments” were made with the passage of Senate Bill 7 and House Joint Resolution 7, which appropriated billions of dollars toward water infrastructure and conservation. view article  arw

Trump orders work on new census, says people in US illegally ‘WILL NOT BE COUNTED’

August 0706:00 AM
 

Trump orders work on new census, says people in US illegally 'WILL NOT BE COUNTED'  President Donald Trump declared in a Thursday morning Truth Social post that he has directed the Commerce Department to start working on a new census, noting that illegal aliens in the U.S. will not be included in the population count.  "I have instructed our Department of Commerce to immediately begin work on a new and highly accurate CENSUS based on modern day facts and figures and, importantly, using the results and information gained from the Presidential Election of 2024," the president said in the post.  view article  arw

Texas Senate OKs stricter limits on city, county property tax revenue

August 0705:57 AM
 

The proposal would put tighter limits on how much property tax revenue cities and counties of a certain size can collect each year.  The Texas Senate advanced a proposal Wednesday aimed at gut-checking city and county property tax bills as Republican lawmakers seek ways to rein in the state’s high property taxes.  But the bill faces an uncertain future in the state House, where lawmaking has stalled as Democratic House members have booked it out of the state to thwart a GOP-led redistricting push sought by President Donald Trump. The redrawing of congressional lines is meant to shore up the number of Republican seats and stave off any potential losses in next year’s midterm elections.  Texas senators voted 18-3 to approve Senate Bill 9, which would tighten state limits on how much more in property tax revenue cities and counties can collect each year without asking voters. That limit stands at 3.5% right now. The bill would further limit that growth to 2.5% — though only for cities and counties with at least 75,000 residents. view article  arw

Georgetown ISD approves pay raises, reinstates key positions with new state funding

August 0705:01 AM
 

Georgetown ISD teachers with three or more years of experience and other staff members will receive pay raises next school year through new state funding.  Additionally, GISD will provide raises for new and beginner teachers, and reinstate several positions that were previously eliminated from the district’s fiscal year 2025-26 budget. view article  arw

Texas Senate OKs stricter limits on city, county property tax revenue

August 0705:00 AM
 

The Texas Senate advanced a proposal Wednesday aimed at gut-checking city and county property tax bills as Republican lawmakers seek ways to rein in the state’s high property taxes.  But the bill faces an uncertain future in the state House, where lawmaking has stalled as Democratic House members have booked it out of the state to thwart a GOP-led redistricting push sought by President Donald Trump. The redrawing of congressional lines is meant to shore up the number of Republican seats and stave off any potential losses in next year’s midterm elections.  Texas senators voted 18-3 to approve Senate Bill 9, which would tighten state limits on how much more in property tax revenue cities and counties can collect each year without asking voters. That limit stands at 3.5% right now. The bill would further limit that growth to 2.5% — though only for cities and counties with at least 75,000 residents. view article  arw

Zavalla water issues cancel first day of school

August 0705:00 AM
 

Zavalla ISD has rescheduled the first day of school due to water safety concerns. Both the City of Zavalla and ZISD say they will be sending out updates on the situation Thursday. The city asks the public to be vigilant and report anyone who is seen around the water wells. view article  arw

HISD has zero F-rated schools this year, according to the latest state accountability ratings

August 0705:00 AM
 

HOUSTON, Texas – Houston Independent School District, the largest school district in Texas, announced Tuesday that it expects 74% of its schools to receive an A or B rating in the state’s 2024-2025 accountability ratings.  This would be an increase from two years ago, when only 35% of HISD schools earned those ratings. view article  arw

What to know about the $8.4B boost headed to Texas public schools

August 0705:00 AM
 

Over the next two years, Texas’ nearly 9,000 public schools will receive about $8.4 billion in new funding after Gov. Greg Abbott signed House Bill 2 into law in June.  The overview: Nearly half of that funding will be spent on raises for educators and support staff, such as bus drivers, janitors and librarians. State lawmakers estimated in May that schools will receive “north of $17,700” per student under the long-negotiated school funding package—up from about $15,502 in the 2022-23 school year, according to Texas Education Agency data.  The funding increase comes as some school Texas districts across Community Impact’s coverage areas grapple with growing budget shortfalls, leading some districts to consider closing campuses, cutting staff and slashing elective courses. view article  arw

Texas Rep. James Talarico calls Democrats’ redistricting exodus an act of faith

August 0704:20 AM
 

RNS) — Texas state Rep. James Talarico, a seminarian who has joined dozens of other Democratic state legislators in leaving his state to oppose mid-decade redistricting efforts, said he views their protests as an act of faith, reflecting both his personal beliefs and his faith in democracy.  Talarico, who is a student at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Texas, discussed the protest in a webinar Tuesday (Aug. 5) co-sponsored by the Center for American Progress Action Fund and Interfaith Alliance. view article  arw

Abbott’s bid to expel the House Democratic leader goes to a court filled with his appointees

August 0704:06 AM
 

The Texas Supreme Court said in 2021 the Constitution allows members to thwart legislation by leaving the state. Abbott wants them to reconsider. Texas Democrats had been out of state for less than 48 hours when Gov. Greg Abbott moved to have their seats declared vacant. The emergency legal filing represents an unprecedented escalation of Abbott’s effort to pass a new congressional map that adds additional GOP seats, as demanded by President Donald Trump. It flies in the face of Texas’ own founding documents, centuries of legal precedent and a recent Supreme Court of Texas ruling, legal experts say. Even Attorney General Ken Paxton, a fellow Republican, threw cold water on Abbott’s strategy, filing his own brief saying that while he “appreciates the Governor’s passion,” he does not have the authority to bring this type of case. view article  arw

China Spring ISD students head back to school

August 0608:31 AM
 

News 10 This Morning's Olivea Herzberg chats with Temple ISD Superintendent Bobby Ott about their 10 Commandments policy. view article  arw

‘Water hostage crisis’ at new Willis ISD middle school leaves hundreds of families in limbo

August 0608:25 AM
 

Just days before the first day of school at the newly constructed Homer C. Calfee Middle School, part of Willis ISD, the City of Conroe shut off the school’s water service. The school is set to welcome more than 800 students on August 13, but parents said important back-to-school events like orientation have been postponed because of the water permitting problem. view article  arw

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‘I did black out’: Months after student attack, former Judson ISD teacher seeks better protections

August 0608:25 AM
 

A former Judson Independent School District special education teacher is still recovering after he said a student attacked him in a classroom. Christopher Johnson said he has endured months of pain and medical visits. view article  arw

15 Fort Worth ISD schools to have longer school year

August 0608:20 AM
 

A new school year means even more classroom time for students at 15 Fort Worth ISD schools, the district announced. To accelerate academic growth, the Fort Worth ISD School Board approved a plan to add additional school days at 15 campuses. At these schools, the school year will begin Aug. 12 and extend to June 30. The plan adds 25 more instructional days for students at those campuses. view article  arw

No more phones in Texas classrooms? These are the new rules parents need to know

August 0608:10 AM
 

As students prepare to return to class, HISD is rolling out a new cell phone ban under a new state law that takes effect this school year. The law, House Bill 1481, requires all Texas school districts to restrict students from using personal electronic devices during the school day. That includes cell phones, tablets, smartwatches, headphones, and earbuds. view article  arw

Bryan ISD approves cellphone policy, eyes $400 million bond

August 0608:01 AM
 

With less than two weeks to go before the first day of school, Bryan ISD trustees approved a new cellphone policy and received bond updates Monday afternoon. The Bryan ISD Board of Trustees approved the 2025-2026 Student Code of Conduct, which includes the district’s policy to comply with House Bill 1481, a new statewide law banning student use of personal communication devices during the school day. “We want them to know that there is a gradual increase in what the incidents could result in as far as any kind of consequence,” Bryan High School Principal Greg Bowhuis told KBTX. view article  arw

Major retailers offer deals on school supplies, tech ahead of Texas’ Tax-Free Weekend

August 0606:27 AM
 

The countdown for returning to class is on with most Houston-area students starting a new school year next week. This weekend also marks Tax-Free Weekend where shoppers can purchase many school essentials without paying sales tax. To help out, many major retailers across the country and in the Houston area currently have deals to help students return to class or to college without breaking the bank.   Here are some of the deals:  view article  arw

Live redistricting updates: Trump says Republicans “entitled” to more Texas seats

August 0605:37 AM
 

Texas House Democrats have fled the state to block Republicans from redrawing congressional districts in a bid to flip five U.S. House seats held by Democrats. Their departure deprives the Texas Legislature’s lower chamber from the number of members needed to pass legislation and leaves the current special legislative session in limbo. view article  arw

Students at China Spring ISD begin new school year as leaders plan for the future

August 0605:00 AM
 

WACO, Texas (KWTX) - Greeted by rain and waves from school staff, students in China Spring returned to class kicking off the start of a new school year.  As students begin their studies, Superintendent Marc Faulkner is already preparing for the financial needs of the district.  He’s hopeful a VATRE, or voter approval tax rate election. will be accepted. The district is asking for a $0.06 increase to help it raise new revenue.  Over the summer, a survey was complete to find out what stakeholders value. view article  arw

TribCast: How long can Texas Democrats hold out?

August 0605:00 AM
 

In this week’s episode, Matthew and Eleanor speak with state Rep. Gina Hinojosa, D-Austin, about her and her colleagues’ decision to flee the state, the potential financial and criminal penalties and her opposition to the state’s proposed new congressional map. view article  arw

House Democrats helped Dustin Burrows win the gavel. Their departure from the state marks a pivotal moment for him.

August 0605:00 AM
 

The situation is an opportunity for the speaker to bolster his credibility with the right, but he has limited tools to combat a prolonged Democratic absence. view article  arw

HHS Winds Down mRNA Vaccine Development Under BARDA

August 0605:00 AM
 

“BARDA is terminating 22 mRNA vaccine development investments because the data show these vaccines fail to protect effectively against upper respiratory infections like COVID and flu. We’re shifting that funding toward safer, broader vaccine platforms that remain effective even as viruses mutate.” view article  arw

Texas school cellphone ban sparks parent outrage

August 0605:00 AM
 

House Bill 1481 is a new state law that requires public and charter schools to adopt policies restricting personal device use during instructional time. Students at all Texas campuses are banned from using personal electronic devices—including cellphones, smartwatches, tablets, earbuds and headphones—from when they arrive until the last bell rings. The bill does provide some flexibility for school districts, allowing them to decide whether to allow cellphone use during extracurricular activities. Schools can also decide whether to restrict cell phone use by prohibiting students from bringing their devices to school or designating a “secure storage” space. view article  arw

Public schools try to sell themselves as more students use vouchers

August 0605:00 AM
 

At least six Texas House Democrats are in Austin, as sergeants fan out to bring truant members back to the Capitol.  Speaker Pro Tempore Joe Moody, D-El Paso, checked in at the quorum call. So did Democratic Reps. Terry Canales of Edinburg, Oscar Longoria of Mission, Armando Martinez of Weslaco and Richard Raymond of Laredo. Sergio Muñoz of Mission failed to register present but was on the floor. Multiple members say Bobby Guerra of Mission was also in the Capitol.  Canales and at least two other Democrats have met with Speaker Dustin Burrows “to talk about what sort of changes we could institute to the maps,” Canales told The Blast. During his press conference later, Burrows declined to comment on his conversations with Democrats, and the speaker’s office did not confirm Canales’ claim. view article  arw

HISD has no F-rated schools in 2025, Mike Miles says ahead of official TEA rating release

August 0605:00 AM
 

Zero Houston ISD schools received an "F" in the Texas Education Agency's A-F accountability ratings this year, while 18 received a "D," according to preliminary scores released by state-appointed Superintendent Mike Miles Tuesday afternoon.  In 2023, 121 of the district's 274 campuses received a "D" or "F" rating on the annual statewide ratings, which measure school achievement and progress primarily through State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness exams. Two years into the state takeover, the state's largest district had just 18, all of which were D's.  Nearly three-quarters of the district's students are now attending "A" and "B" rated schools, up from 35% two years ago, Miles said in a live presentation. view article  arw

Denying quorum has been a Texas political strategy since 1870

August 0508:45 AM
 

While the Democrats could technically derail the GOP’s redistricting map, such efforts have been largely symbolic and had limited success blocking past legislation, experts say. view article  arw

Houston ISD Rolls Out Cell Phone Ban Amid New State Mandate

August 0508:41 AM
 

Under district guidelines, students must keep devices powered off and out of sight from campus arrival until dismissal, including during lunch and transitions. Houston Independent School District has unveiled a comprehensive cell phone policy prohibiting student use of personal devices during the entire school day, aligning with a new Texas law to curb electronic interruptions in public schools.  The policy, effective for the 2025-2026 school year, comes as districts statewide grapple with implementing the legislation passed during the 89th Legislative Session, which mandates bans on cell phones, smartwatches, tablets, and similar devices to enhance focus and academic performance.  Under Houston ISD’s guidelines, students must keep devices powered off and out of sight from campus arrival until dismissal, including during lunch and transitions.  view article  arw

Texas lawmakers propose replacing STAAR exam with three shorter tests

August 0508:40 AM
 

The tests would be administered at the beginning, middle and end of the school year. But the proposal’s fate is unclear with the House in limbo over a redistricting fight.  Lawmakers in the Texas House and Senate introduced Monday similar bills to scrap the state’s standardized test, signaling newfound agreement between chamber leaders to finish a task they left incomplete earlier this year.  This year’s special legislative session is legislators’ second chance to revamp the test after negotiations between chambers on STAAR broke down in the final hours of the regular session.  But whether they’ll succeed remains uncertain. The proposal — like every other bill under consideration during the special session — is in limbo after Texas House Democrats fled the state over redistricting, depriving the chamber of the number of members required to advance any legislation. view article  arw

Wesley Hunt tests waters of a Senate bid, setting up possible heavyweight primary with Cornyn and Paxton

August 0508:40 AM
 

The Houston Republican’s case rests on the notion that Sen. John Cornyn cannot win the primary and his challenger, Attorney General Ken Paxton, could jeopardize the seat in November. view article  arw

Public schools are closing as Arizona’s school voucher program soars

August 0508:37 AM
 

Arizona, with a marketplace of school options, offers a window into the GOP vision for K-12 education  The party at John R. Davis Elementary School was in full swing, but at the snow cone station, the school’s librarian was in tears.  In the cafeteria, alumni marveled at old photographs on display and shook their heads. On a wall of the library, visitors posted sticky notes to describe their feelings: “Angry,” read a purple square. “Anxious,” said a pink one. “Annoyed.” “Heart broken.” “Bummed.” And more than any other word: “Sad.” view article  arw

Montgomery County Arrests School Employee for Soliciting a Minor Online

August 0508:34 AM
 

A former Montgomery County school employee was jailed in connection with an online child exploitation investigation.  Jaime J. Gonzalez, 63, was arrested and charged with online solicitation of a minor, a second-degree felony, as well as possession of a controlled substance, a third-degree felony.  Gonzalez is a former employee of both Tomball and Magnolia Independent School Districts. view article  arw

Report: Texas Democrats Fundraising for Another Quorum Break

August 0506:27 AM
 

Democrats would need just over $1 million per month to sustain a walkout.  As redistricting hearings continue taking place in the Texas Legislature, a new report reveals that Democrats are already preparing to flee the state … again. view article  arw

 
 
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