How Odyssey rose from tech startup to manager of Texas’ $1B school voucher program

When Texas chose a company to roll out the state’s $1 billion private school voucher program, it passed over more established vendors in favor of a four-year-old tech startup that said it could do it for almost half the cost. Now, Odyssey must execute on its promises to meet an aggressive timeline while avoiding missteps that have dogged other program launches. The New York-based company has rapidly expanded in recent years, launching programs in eight states that subsidize students’ private education costs with taxpayer dollars.
Heated Cy-Fair ISD school board race draws $370K in ...

Seven candidates and four local PACs have raised almost a combined $370,000 in funding for the heated board election for the state’s third-largest school district. A new tranche of campaign finance documents shows fundraising for Cy-Fair ISD candidates this election cycle has reached new heights, and local PAC spending is nearing $135,000 on seven candidates in three races, according to a Chronicle analysis of over 30 campaign finance records.
The best K-12 private schools in Houston

Every family has unique priorities when identifying the best private schools in Houston, but regardless of what’s on your must-have list, your perfect match may be listed here. The Houston K-12 private schools on this list were voted the Houston Chronicle’s Best of the Best Private Schools, giving them locals’ stamp of approval. These impressive schools offer students features like small class sizes, personalized attention and college preparation curricula to ensure higher test scores and post-secondary success. Review each school to find the best match for your young scholar.
Trials of two Uvalde school officers see delays amid federal lawsuit, venue change

Pete Arredondo, the district’s former police chief, and ex-officer Adrian Gonzales face charges over the slow law enforcement response to the 2022 school shooting. The trials for the two former school police officers facing charges over the slow law enforcement response to the 2022 school shooting in Uvalde will be delayed, and one will be moved out of the city where the attack occurred, their lawyers said Tuesday. Former Uvalde schools police chief Pete Arredondo and officer Adrian Gonzales have pleaded not guilty to dozens of counts of child endangerment and abandonment in connection with the massacre at Robb Elementary School. Both men were set to stand trial on Oct. 20. Gonzales’ trial will be moved to a January start in Corpus Christi, about 200 miles from the school, attorney Nico LaHood said Tuesday. Judge Sid Harle confirmed the agreement for a change of venue for Gonzales, but said no formal order had been filed yet.
Trials of two Uvalde school officers see delays amid federal lawsuit, venue change

Pete Arredondo, the district’s former police chief, and ex-officer Adrian Gonzales face charges over the slow law enforcement response to the 2022 school shooting. The trials for the two former school police officers facing charges over the slow law enforcement response to the 2022 school shooting in Uvalde will be delayed, and one will be moved out of the city where the attack occurred, their lawyers said Tuesday. Former Uvalde schools police chief Pete Arredondo and officer Adrian Gonzales have pleaded not guilty to dozens of counts of child endangerment and abandonment in connection with the massacre at Robb Elementary School. Both men were set to stand trial on Oct. 20. Gonzales’ trial will be moved to a January start in Corpus Christi, about 200 miles from the school, attorney Nico LaHood said Tuesday. Judge Sid Harle confirmed the agreement for a change of venue for Gonzales, but said no formal order had been filed yet.
Central Texas School District Confirms ‘Alphabet Soup’ Club on Hold Pending Review

A new state law prohibits school districts from authorizing or sponsoring a student club based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

News Category

TexasISD.com
Endorsed Products

TexasISD.com
Advertising

TexasISD.com
Quick Links

90 Superintendent Vacancies Click to expand Click to collapse

Vacant	Timpson 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	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 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; <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 Lovett INFO
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	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	Centerpoint ISD; Search by: Danny Lovett, Powell Law GroupINFO
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	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	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 Surratt INFO
Vacant	El Paso ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO
Vacant	Bynum ISD; Search by: Bynum ISD Board of Trustees INFO
Vacant	Canutillo ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO
Vacant	Ingram ISD; Search by: Shaun Barnett Powell Law GroupINFO
Vacant	Lamesa ISD; Search by: Impact Education Specialists - Doug Williams, Kevin Worthy, Blake Cooper and Stan Surratt INFO
Vacant	West Rusk CCISD; Search by: Lawrence Coleman & West Rusk CCISD Board of TrusteesINFO
Vacant	Era ISD; Search by: Impact Education Specialists - Doug Williams, Kevin Worthy, Blake Cooper and Stan Surratt INFO
Vacant	Prairie Lea ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO
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	Newcastle ISD; Search by: Region 9 ESC, Darren Francis and Kenny Miller INFO
Vacant	Fort Davis ISD; Search by: Walsh, Gallegos, Kyle, Robinson & Roalson P.C.& Education Consultant Mr. Jim McClellanINFO
Vacant	Pleasanton ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO
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, 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
Lone Finalist	Marlin ISD - Alphonso Bates, Assistant Superintendent ,Lamar CISD; Search by: O’Hanlon, Demerath & CastilloINFO
Lone Finalist	Rusk ISD - Mid Johnson, Superintendent,Timpson ISD; Search by: Arrow Educational Services INFO
Lone Finalist	Martin's Mill ISD - Derek Driver, Principal,Harts Bliff 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	Killeen ISD - Dr. King Davis, Interim,Killeen ISD; Search by: Thompson & Horton LLP - Dr. Mike Moses, David Thompson & Dr. Curtis Culwell INFO
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
New Super	Plains ISD - Scott Mills, Principal,Quannah ISD; Search by: Leasor Crass, P.CINFO
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	Dilley ISD - Kelli Dubose, Interim Superintendent,Dilley ISD; Search by: O’Hanlon, Demerath & CastilloINFO
New Super	Bowie ISD - Dr. Donna Hale, Assistant Superintendent,Perryton ISD; Search by: Region 9 ESC, Darren Francis and Kenny Miller INFO
New Super	Frost ISD - Leroy Joffre, Principal,Cedar HIll ISD; Search by: Leasor Crass, P.CINFO
New Super	Waskom ISD - Chris Guastella, Principal,Ferris ISD; Search by: Leasor Crass, P.CINFO
New Super	Cedar HIll ISD - Dr. Maria Gammel, Chief HR Officer,Cedar Hill ISD; Search by: Leasor Crass, P.CINFO
New Super	Valley View ISD - James Womack, Superintendent,Richland Springs ISD; Education Solutions and Services Mike Smith & Letha Hopkins INFO
New Super	Waco ISD - Dr. Tiffany Spicer, Superintendent,Buna ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO
New Super	Onalaska ISD - Dr. Kenneth Fraga, Assistant Superintendent,Onalaska ISD; Search by: Onalaska ISD Board of TrusteesINFO
New Super	Lueders-Avoca ISD - Dr. Joe Alcorta, Superintendent,Dalhart ISD; Search by: Ronnie Kincaid INFO
New Super	Calvert ISD - Latisha Crockett-Tennell, Interim Superintendent,Calvert ISD; Search by: O’Hanlon, Demerath & CastilloINFO
New Super	Albany ISD - Daryl Stuard, Superintendent,Bremond ISD; Search by: Ronnie Kincaid INFO
New Super	Victoria ISD - Shelia Collazo, Deputy Superintendent,Somerset ISD; Search by: JCA Law, PLLC and Saul Hinojosa INFO
New Super	Hawkins ISD - Jeff Hutchins, Director of Operations,Van ISD; Search by: Impact Education Specialists - Doug Williams, Kevin Worthy, Blake Cooper and Stan Surratt INFO
New Super	Monte Alto ISD - Rashad Javed Rana, Assistant Superintendent,Donna ISD; Search by: O’Hanlon, Demerath & CastilloINFO
New Super	Utopia ISD - Joshua Ham, Principal,San Saba ISD; Search by: Utopia ISD Board of TrusteesINFO
New Super	Buna ISD - Dr. Julie Motomura, Superintendent,Schulenburg ISD; Search By: Buna ISD Board of Trustees INFO
New Super	Splendora ISD - Dustin Bromley, Deputy Superintendent,La Porte ISD; Search by: Impact Education Specialists - Doug Williams, Kevin Worthy, Blake Cooper and Stan Surratt INFO
New Super	Mount Calm ISD - Jay Underwood, Deputy Superintendent,Anna ISD; Search by: Powell Law Group, Shaun Barnett INFO

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

Corporal punishment in Texas schools

October 0608:31 AM

The study Corporal Punishment in Texas Schools by C. Farrell explores the persistence and recent resurgence of paddling and spanking in Texas public schools. Texas now leads the nation in school paddlings, with over 11,000 incidents reported in the 2021–22 school year. While elementary schools have reduced the practice, high schools—especially in rural areas—have reintroduced it, often as an alternative to suspensions. Community support remains strong in these regions, with some parents and students preferring spankings to avoid missing extracurricular activities. The study highlights how researchers can use the Texas Public Information Act to access detailed disciplinary data, including offense types and demographic breakdowns. Legally, corporal punishment is permitted if deemed “reasonable,” and although parental consent isn’t required, many districts have adopted opt-in forms. Since 2019, these consent systems have become more common, and some districts now allow coaches to paddle athletes. Public reactions vary, with social media showing both shock and local acceptance. The study proposes future research questions on the effectiveness, equity, and cultural drivers of corporal punishment. Ultimately, while overall use has declined, a countertrend is emerging in rural high schools, prompting calls for deeper analysis using public records. view article

Introducing the Austin Current: A new voice for Central Texas

October 0608:30 AM

We are thrilled to announce the launch of the Austin Current, a bold, new local newsroom built to keep pace with Austin’s explosive growth. Our mission is simple but urgent: deliver journalism that is innovative in approach, uncompromising in standards and deeply connected to the needs of our community. When we imagined this newsroom, we envisioned more than headlines. We want to become a civic resource that closes information gaps, builds trust through collaboration and provides timely and relevant coverage that matters to Austinites. view article

River Road ISD under investigation by TEA for teacher’s controversial post on Charlie Kirk

October 0608:26 AM

River Road ISD is among the 127 school districts being investigated by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) after nearly 300 complaints were filed against teachers for social media posts they made after the death of political activist Charlie Kirk. view article

Celina ISD teacher, coach accused of invasive visual recording

October 0608:25 AM

William Caleb Elliott, 26, was arrested Friday night and booked into the Collin County Jail. Celina ISD said Elliott is a sixth grade history teacher and eighth grade coach at Moore Middle School. In a release, the district said Elliott was placed on administrative leave "indefinitely." Elliott is the son of Celina High School head football coach Bill Elliott. view article

Corrigan-Camden ISD student athlete dies after having collapsed on sidelines

October 0608:25 AM

Corrigan-Camden ISD says a student athlete has died after he suffered a medical emergency at a game last week. Daniel Rivera collapsed on the sidelines of a game on Sept. 26 in a medical emergency unrelated to the game, the ISD said previously. He was in critical condition at that time. The ISD announced on Saturday that Rivera has died. view article

Houston ISD lays off, reassigns hundreds of teachers

October 0608:24 AM

Houston Independent School District laid off 160 uncertified teachers and 54 staff members as part of “staff leveling” efforts “to align teachers with student enrollment,” according to a district announcement on Monday. Additionally, 232 teachers were reassigned to unfilled positions. view article

Austin ISD to release school closures list on Friday

October 0608:23 AM

A long-awaited list of which Austin ISD campuses will close for the 2026-2027 school year will be released to parents at 5:30 p.m. on Friday. In an Instagram video, Superintendent Matias Segura said the late-in-the-week announcement is “very very intentional.” view article

Garland ISD employee on leave after arrest for indecency with a child allegation, district says

October 0608:21 AM

A Garland ISD staffer who works at one of the district's high schools was placed on leave after being arrested for an indecency with a child allegation outside of Dallas County, the district says. Garland ISD officials became aware Sept. 30 that Shamond Hamilton, a staff member at North Garland High School, was arrested for an indecency with a child allegation from another county, according to a letter from North Garland High School principal John Fishpaw sent to parents. view article

Investigation into Humble ISD superintendent after lynching remark finds no policy violation

October 0608:19 AM

An investigation into Humble ISD Superintendent Roger Brown found that no policies were violated after he allegedly said he wanted to “lynch the mayor" for being without power during Hurricane Beryl. Back in late March, Brown made the remark at a leadership meeting with more than 100 employees while discussing the lives of settlers in western U.S. Henry Phipps, the district's chief education support services officer, later at a board meeting brought up that he was offended by the use of a racially charged word. view article

Laredo ISD principals selected for statewide leadership program

October 0608:18 AM

Laredo ISD recently earned statewide recognition for its commitment to strong leadership development. Through the Holdsworth Center’s Aspiring Principal Program (APP), two of the District’s leaders, Mario Mireles, principal of Raymond & Tirza Martin High School, and Amy Cruz, principal of J.C. Martin, Jr. Elementary School, are serving as rotation principals. By opening their campuses and sharing their leadership practices, Mireles and Cruz are giving aspiring administrators from throughout the state a real-world look at effective school leadership in action. Their participation underscored not only their individual success but also LISD’s role in shaping the future of education in Texas. view article

Plano ISD temporarily closes middle school for environmental remediation

October 0608:17 AM

The Murphy Middle School campus in Plano ISD will close for a week starting Oct. 6 for environmental cleanup following two independent air quality assessments, the district announced view article

Houston ISD to control coverage of district by hiring own news crew

October 0608:17 AM

Houston ISD is moving to phase out direct contact with external news media in favor of a district-controlled communication strategy, according to the 2025–2026 District Improvement Plan obtained by Chron. The shift comes amid mounting community frustration over transparency, ongoing staffing cuts and broad district changes. view article

More than a dozen Austin ISD schools are set to close before next school year

October 0608:16 AM

Austin ISD is looking to close 13 campuses before the 2026-27 school year as part of a sweeping plan to fix its nearly $20 million budget deficit. Officials said the move could save the district more than $25 million. The plan, released Friday, includes closing 10 elementary schools — Barrington, Becker, Bryker Woods, Dawson, Maplewood, Oak Springs, Palm, Ridgetop, Sunset Valley and Widen — along with Bedichek and Martin middle schools and Winn Montessori. view article

Economic boom or environmental disaster? Rural Texas grapples with pros, cons of data centers

October 0608:15 AM

Local leaders see data centers, which help power the world’s shift to artificial intelligence, as a way to keep their towns open. Residents worry their way of life — and water — is at stake. view article

Parkdale Elementary parent receives Waco ISD Community Partner Award

October 0608:14 AM

Adrian Musquiz, a parent at Parkdale Elementary School and the General Manager of Peter Piper Pizza, was honored with Waco ISD's Community Partner Award for September, as announced on Thursday, Sept. 30. Each month, Waco ISD honors individuals within the community who make a positive impact on students through its Community Partner Award. view article

Bulletin Board

Submit Event »

Eichelbaum Wardell Hansen Powell & Muñoz, P.C.

Construction Quick Hits Webinars

November 2025

Austin ISD proposes closing 13 schools, rezoning thousands of students

October 0608:11 AM

view article

Trustees to vote on whether it will close a Coppell ISD elementary school

October 0607:35 AM

The board meeting will start at 5:30 this evening. view article

ICE arrest reveals hidden past of an Iowa schools superintendent

October 0605:03 AM

Ian Roberts was a beloved leader in the Des Moines public school system. Then parents learned he was an undocumented immigrant with a criminal past. DES MOINES — When the Des Moines School Board announced former Olympic athlete Ian Roberts as superintendent in 2023, he was praised as a “career educator” and a “proven champion for creating equitable opportunities for all students to thrive.” More than two years later, his tenure at Iowa’s largest school district has come to an abrupt end. In late September, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested Roberts, surprising the education world by revealing him as an undocumented immigrant with a final order of deportation. Investigators said they found him with “a loaded handgun, $3,000 in cash and a fixed blade hunting knife.” view article

Lamar CISD Proposes Bond Package Totaling Over $2 Billion 

October 0605:02 AM

The district currently has $3.096 billion in outstanding bond debt. According to Lamar CISD, the proposed bonds would not change the current tax rate of $1.1469 per $100 of taxable valuation. view article

Redistricting Trial Day 4: Democrats Present First Witness Directly Supporting Racial Gerrymandering Claims

October 0605:01 AM

EL PASO—Court proceedings continued Saturday, as the fourth day of Texas’ 2025 federal redistricting trial saw Plaintiffs finally present a witness who provided evidence directly addressing the heart of their racial gerrymandering claims. The latest congressional map creates five new GOP-opportunity districts. Plaintiffs suing over the map include the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF), and the Mexican American Legislative Caucus (MALC). view article

Texas Redistricting Lawsuit: Day 2 Testimony Further Undermines Democrats’ Case

October 0308:37 AM

Democrats are alleging that Texas’ new congressional map is racially discriminatory, rather than a permissible partisan redraw that creates five new GOP-opportunity districts. view article

Feds Arrest Southlake Substitute Teacher for Facilitating Financier’s ‘Sex Dungeon’

October 0308:33 AM

Jennifer Powers is charged with trafficking women for violent sex with her then-boss Howard Rubin in New York before she moved to Texas and taught in Carroll ISD. view article

Texas attorney general tells 4 cities to drop tax hikes amid investigations into incomplete audits

October 0308:32 AM

Most of the cities — Odessa, La Marque, Tom Bean and Whitesboro — said they are following the law and Ken Paxton’s office is jumping the gun on enforcing new state rules. view article

Paxton Orders Cities to Halt Tax Hikes Amid Potential Audit Law Violations

October 0308:30 AM

Four cities are in the crosshairs for potentially raising taxes illegally. - Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is ordering multiple Texas cities to halt their newly adopted property tax increases while his office investigates whether the hikes are illegal under a new state law designed to protect taxpayers. The first city in Paxton’s sights is Whitesboro, where just this week the city council approved a 61 percent tax rate increase despite warnings that the move could violate state law. Senate Bill 1851, passed during this year’s legislative session and signed into law by Gov. Greg Abbott, prohibits cities that fail to meet annual audit deadlines from adopting a tax rate above the no-new-revenue rate, which generally keeps property tax bills flat. view article

Renewed focus on Roberson case is latest in deluge of political pressure aimed at Texas judiciary

October 0308:30 AM

Standing in front of the state Capitol Wednesday afternoon, Dallas businessman and GOP donor Doug Deason urged all nine Republican judges of the state’s highest criminal court to grant death row inmate Robert Roberson a new trial. In doing so, he offered the elected judges a little political reassurance. “All we're trying to do is … reach the Court of Criminal Appeals directly to them and say that, ‘Hey there, you've got a lot of cover. There are a lot of Republicans in this state who believe that Robert deserves another trial,’” Deason said at a press conference convened by a GOP state lawmaker. view article

Marlin ISD names Alphonso Bates of Lamar CISD as superintendent lone-finalist

October 0308:29 AM

The Marlin ISD school board has named Alphonso Bates of Lamar Consolidated Independent School District as their lone-finalist for superintendent of schools. Bates currently serves as Deputy Superintendent for Lamar CISD in Rosenburg, TX, about 150 miles down the road from Marlin. The decision to name a superintendent has been tedious and not without obstacles. The decision to name Bates comes after the district already named Brandon Hubbard of Chilton ISD as their lone-finalist. view article

Texas Universities Are Auditing Curricula

October 0308:29 AM

The accountability measures are mandated by a new state law. More university systems in Texas are initiating audits of classes and curricula in order to comply with a new state law. This follows Texas A&M, Texas Tech, and the University of Texas-Austin announcing that they were running similar audits. “Texas Woman’s University System is in the process of establishing a review of academic courses and programs, in accordance with all applicable state and federal laws,” a spokesperson for the Denton-based system told Texas Scorecard on Wednesday. It was widely reported that on September 29, Michael Williams, the chancellor of TWUS’ neighbor, the University of North Texas System, had ordered a streamlined review of academic curricula and programs, including syllabi, to meet all relevant executive orders, court rulings, and state and federal laws. UNT campuses have a January 1 deadline to comply. The UNT System did not respond to a request for comment. view article

Teachers’ free speech rights tested as Texas investigates 351 complaints

October 0305:00 AM

Texas teachers don’t give up their First Amendment rights when they step into a classroom or when they speak outside of it, but protections are limited when what is expressed is considered disruptive, legal experts say. The Texas Education Agency’s decision to investigate educators accused of praising or excusing the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk puts free speech protections to the test. It has educators uncertain about what they can safely say off the job — a question Fort Worth ISD wrestled with in 2019 when a teacher was fired over anti-immigrant posts, highlighting the murky boundaries of educators’ First Amendment rights. As of Oct. 1, TEA has received 351 complaints tied to social media posts from public school employees across the state. Spokesperson Jake Kobersky said that number does not represent separate individuals and includes certified educators as well as other school staff. Each complaint is being reviewed and investigated, he said. view article

Denton ISD Voters Will Decide on Permanent School Property Tax Increase

October 0208:52 AM

School trustees unanimously voted to place the excess tax rate increase on the November ballot. view article

Plano Private School Teacher Gets 20 Years for Sex Crimes Against Student

October 0208:32 AM

Jacob Allred pleaded guilty to sexually exploiting a 15-year-old girl at Great Lakes Academy, which specializes in students with learning disorders. view article

Houston ISD terminates or reassigns nearly 450 employees as enrollment decline continues

October 0208:31 AM

Houston ISD has terminated or reassigned nearly 450 employees amid ongoing enrollment declines. The changes include cutting 160 uncertified teachers and 54 staff members as well as reassigning 232 teachers who are both certified and uncertified. In a video announcement Monday, district spokesperson Trey Serna called the process "standard." view article

Parents react as state pressures North East ISD to tighten cellphone ban policy

October 0208:31 AM

The Texas Education Agency is investigating North East Independent School District’s (NEISD) cellphone ban policy after receiving a complaint that it does not comply with the new controversial law. The district’s current policy states, “Students are prohibited from using a personal communication device while on school property during the school day, except under the circumstances described in this policy.” view article

Wife of Wells ISD superintendent dies following downtown Lufkin wreck

October 0208:29 AM

A Pollok woman died following a Monday wreck in downtown Lufkin, Lufkin police confirmed. Morgan Wright, 40, had been taken to the hospital following a two-vehicle wreck around 1 p.m. Monday. Wright was a speech pathologist at Lufkin ISD, and the district offered condolences to her family and friends on Tuesday. view article

Kingsville Athletic Booster Club disbands after volleyball coaches’ removal

October 0208:25 AM

Kingsville ISD is facing a major shakeup after the district confirmed two volleyball coaches were removed from their positions. The decision has prompted the Kingsville Athletic Booster Club to dissolve, raising questions about the future of support for student-athletes. view article

Academy ISD employee charged with sexual assault of a child, sheriff’s office says

October 0208:21 AM

The suspended Academy ISD employee jailed on a charge of displaying harmful material to a minor is now facing additional charges, including child sex assault, The Bell County Sheriff’s Office said. Earlier this week, deputies arrested William “Will” Anthony Blackburn, Sr. 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