What to know before applying for Texas’ education savings accounts next year

The Texas comptroller’s office has released a set of rules to govern the state’s $1 billion education savings account program, or ESAs. Accepted families will receive thousands of dollars in state funds to send their children to a private school or homeschool them. The overview: Accredited private schools and education vendors can begin applying to join the program as soon as Dec. 9, and applications will open for interested families Feb. 4. Most families accepted into the program will receive about $10,300 per student, which can be spent on tuition at accredited private prekindergarten or K-12 schools and related expenses. Homeschooled students will receive up to $2,000 per year, while students with disabilities will be eligible for up to $30,000 annually.
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.
Lt. Gov. Patrick Counters Abbott’s Plan to Reduce Property Taxes

Gov. Greg Abbott, meanwhile, has proposed tackling rising appraisals and local tax increases. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick announced a property tax reform plan aimed at increasing the homestead exemption for millions of Texas homeowners. The plan falls short of many of the elements of the property tax cut proposal introduced by Gov. Greg Abbott just last month. At a Tuesday press conference, Patrick outlined reforms that build on past efforts to raise homestead exemptions. He also introduced a new initiative known as “Operation Double Nickel.”
Paxton Launches Financial Transparency Investigation Into Nearly 1,000 Cities

Attorney General Ken Paxton is escalating his confrontation with local governments over property tax compliance, launching a sweeping investigation into nearly 1,000 Texas cities. This comes just months after previously ordering four municipalities to pause their newly adopted tax rates amid allegations of audit violations. Paxton’s office said the widened review is aimed at ensuring strict adherence to Senate Bill 1851, the new state law that bars any city out of audit compliance from raising property taxes above the no-new-revenue rate.
UNT is the first college in the state to get a naloxone vending machine

The University of North Texas is the first public college in Texas to get a free naloxone vending machine, and Regan Browne, director of the Recovery and Intervention Support and Education Center — called RISE — considers it a win. Browne is new to the director’s chair at RISE, and she was among locals who attended the unveiling of a naloxone vending machine at Rubber Gloves Rehearsal Studios, a storied Denton music venue, in June. A teen survived an overdose there in April because a quick-thinking patron knew the signs and administered naloxone, the generic form of the brand-name drug Narcan. Naloxone is a nasal spray that can reverse the effects of opioids, even a potentially lethal dose.
A slate of new Texas laws go into effect December and January. Here’s what to watch.

Dozens of new Texas laws will take effect in December and January, bringing wide-ranging changes to the state’s education system, law enforcement, taxes and more. Over 800 laws from this year’s regular legislative session already took effect on Sept. 1, but more measures from that period as well as the second special session will soon activate. Some also had to wait for voters’ approval, such as more tax exemption for businesses’ inventory.

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Taylor ISD teachers receive grant, note student excellence

October 2208:12 AM

Taylor ISD teachers receive grant, note student excellence Recipients include esports program Taylor teachers and principals had a lot to celebrate at the monthly school board meeting with strides in student academic success and a financial boost from the Taylor Educational Enrichment Foundation. While many of the distributed grants were in the range of $1,000, Taylor High School Career and Technical Education robotics teacher Joseph Thompson received TEE’s “Game Changer” grant of $37,186 for the startup of an esports program at the high school. view article

City, Denton ISD swapping land: One middle school track in exchange for another that could become a park

October 2208:12 AM

The city is set to swap land with Denton ISD, exchanging 9.4 acres that are already used for school sports next to South Lakes Park for 3.4 acres on Congress Street that could one day become a city park. The Denton City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to approve the land exchange. view article

Spring Branch ISD case shows the harm of a gutted Voting Rights Act: ‘Your chances were slim to none’

October 2208:12 AM

As early voting begins for the Nov. 4 elections, I want to speak to those who feel their vote doesn't matter, who have tuned out or who have become ambivalent about their voting power. I know you've lost faith in the system, and I can't blame you. Like many concerned Americans, I listened to some of the U.S. Supreme Court's discussion about the Voting Rights Act of 1965 last week with a sick feeling in my stomach. The court heard oral arguments in Louisiana v. Callais, a case that scrutinizes the constitutionality of Section 2, a part of the Voting Rights Act that bans any voting practice or rule that discriminates based on race, color or language spoken. view article

Sweetwater ISD classes canceled due to water issue

October 2208:11 AM

Classes at Sweetwater ISD are canceled on Wednesday, October 22, due to a water main break. District officials say all campuses will be closed while crews work to restore service. No additional details have been released at this time. view article

Alvarado ISD teacher’s death leaves community in disbelief amid husband’s arrest

October 2208:10 AM

Days after 33-year-old Alvarado High School teacher Chelsea Spillers was found dead in her home, her neighbor says the community is grappling with guilt and disbelief. “I think we're all kind of feeling that, we wish we had known, or we wish we had taken more action,” said neighbor Ashley Crow, who lives nearby. view article

Full-circle moment: Alvin ISD alum works to wipe out student lunch debt

October 2208:05 AM

A former Alvin ISD student is giving back to the district that helped shape him by helping students who, like him, once struggled to afford lunch. Kelechi Iroegbu, a graduate of Alvin ISD, launched a GoFundMe campaign to pay off about $17,000 in student lunch debt across the district. He said the effort is about more than money. view article

Plan to pump billions of gallons of water from East Texas appears on hold

October 2205:00 AM

An East Texas farm sued the local groundwater conservation district that has authority over the aquifer that would be pumped. As part of a settlement, the district has voided its original permits. LUFKIN — An East Texas groundwater conservation district is negotiating a legal path that would pause a plan to pump billions of gallons of water out of the region. The Neches & Trinity Valleys Groundwater Conservation District is allowing its lawyers to settle a lawsuit with a poultry farm that sued the district, which gave preliminary approval to a Dallas-area company to install 40 high-capacity water wells above the Carrizo Wilcox Aquifer. The nascent settlement, which became public Monday, is the latest twist in a monthslong debate over the project, which drew the ire of community members, local businesses and lawmakers. It resulted in several community meetings and an 11-hour legislative committee hearing. The lawsuit was filed by Wayne-Sanderson Farms, a poultry business in East Texas. The lawsuit argued the project would hurt its business. view article

Texas Verifies All Voters’ Citizenship With SAVE Data

October 2205:00 AM

The secretary of state identified 2,724 potential noncitizens registered to vote in Texas. After running its entire list of more than 18 million voters through the SAVE database, Texas has identified 2,724 potential noncitizens who are registered to vote in the state. Secretary of State Jane Nelson announced Monday that her office had completed a full comparison of the state’s voter registration list against data in the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ SAVE database. view article

80-year-old grandmother becomes oldest woman to finish the Ironman World Championship

October 2205:00 AM

For most of Natalie Grabow's life, she didn't know how to swim. At age 59, she decided to change that, so she could face an even bigger challenge. "It was a big hurdle I had to overcome," Grabow told NPR via email, "in order to do a triathlon." [Whatever Happened To ... The 101-Year-Old Champion Runner From India?] Whatever Happened To ... The 101-Year-Old Champion Runner From India? Grabow is now being hailed as an inspiration. Not only did she learn to swim and then compete in a triathlon, but the 80-year-old grandmother just became the oldest woman to finish the grueling Ironman World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. "Absolutely incredible," the PA announcer said as Grabow crossed the finish line to loud cheers and a crowd chanting her first name. view article

A new South Texas data center will rely on untapped renewable energy

October 2109:09 AM

The new data center will work directly with a nearby windfarm to use energy the windfarm can’t send to the state’s electricity grid. view article

Trans Texas college students bearing more hostility as officials push binary gender definitions

October 2109:00 AM

When Liz Graff started their second year of law school this fall, the nonbinary transgender student noticed a shift in how their peers treated them. Male classmates stopped holding the door for Graff or bumped into them on the sidewalk. In class, students called transgender women “men.” Peers said publicly that people expressing gender identities that diverge from what was assigned at birth has gotten out of hand. To Graff, these actions add up to represent an increasing hostility on campus toward transgender students. view article

Lone Finalist Named in Killeen ISD

October 2108:29 AM

The Killeen Independent School District Board of Trustees voted 7-0 Monday. Oct. 20 to name Dr. King Davis the lone finalist for superintendent of schools, selecting an experienced educator known for a calm, steady presence and the ability to build trust in times of challenge. view article

Centerville school board will discuss superintendent’s future this week

October 2108:29 AM

The Centerville school board is set to meet this week for the first time since the school district’s leader was booked into the Leon County jail and charged with a crime. On Friday, we reported the arrest of Centerville ISD Superintendent Carole Dickey who remains employed by the school district and supported by the school board. The next school board meeting is set for Thursday, October 23rd. view article

Centerville school board continues to support indicted superintendent

October 2108:29 AM

The school board in Centerville ISD is pushing back against allegations against the district’s leader following her indictment this week by a grand jury in Leon County. According to court records shared with KBTX, Carole Dickey is accused of failing to notify the Texas Education Agency of an educator accused of having a romantic relationship with a student. Prosecutors said Dickey intentionally failed to report his resignation, with the intent to conceal alleged misconduct. view article

Lubbock ISD Superintendent Dr. Kathy Rollo fully exonerated following TEA investigation

October 2105:08 AM

The Texas Education Agency has officially closed its investigation into Lubbock ISD Superintendent Dr. Kathy Rollo, fully exonerating her after a complaint was filed earlier this year. “The TEA Educator Investigations Division found no evidence of wrongdoing and determined allegations were without merit, fully exonerating Dr. Rollo. The case is closed, and the investigative warning has been removed from her record,” according to a statement released by Lubbock ISD Board of Trustees President Ryan Curry. Curry also thanked Dr. Rollo for her full cooperation throughout the investigation. Dr. Rollo received notice of the TEA’s conclusion of the investigation on Friday, Oct. 17. view article

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Middle school matters more than you think for college prep, Crowley ISD says

October 2105:00 AM

Ethan Taylor recently attended his first class at Paul Quinn College in Dallas. He isn’t a college student. He isn’t even a high schooler. He’s an eighth grader at Summer Creek Middle School in Crowley. The experience was eye opening. “I’m very excited for college,” the 13-year-old said. “It’s more advanced stuff. I just want to learn more about everything.” view article

Texas voters to decide on 17 amendments starting Monday

October 2105:00 AM

AUSTIN (Nexstar) — Starting Monday, Texans can head to the polls to vote on 17 proposed amendments to the state constitution — decisions that could reshape tax policy, education funding, infrastructure investment, and more. view article

Big Tech paying millions to train teachers on AI, in push to bring chatbots into classrooms

October 2105:00 AM

SAN ANTONIO (AP) — On a scorching hot Saturday in San Antonio, dozens of teachers traded a day off for a glimpse of the future. The topic of the day’s workshop: enhancing instruction with artificial intelligence. After marveling as AI graded classwork instantly and turned lesson plans into podcasts or online storybooks, one high school English teacher raised a concern that was on the minds of many: “Are we going to be replaced with AI?” That remains to be seen. But for the nation’s 4 million teachers to stay relevant and help students use the technology wisely, teachers unions have forged an unlikely partnership with the world’s largest technology companies. The two groups don’t always see eye to eye but say they share a common goal: training the future workforce of America. view article

Rep. Wesley Hunt pitches himself as a younger Ken Paxton in U.S. Senate primary bid

October 2008:38 AM

Hunt, 43, said his entry into the race to defeat U.S. Sen. John Cornyn guarantees that a “conservative warrior” will be Texas’ next senator — and that only he and Paxton fit the bill. view article

Texas AG Ken Paxton to investigate UNT for not disciplining students accused of celebrating Charlie Kirk killing

October 2008:34 AM

Paxton called on the university to expel the students. Free speech experts have previously criticized state leaders who laud Kirk as a free speech champion while seeking to discipline those who have celebrated his death. view article

Texas State Technical College looks to voters to fund upgrades for old buildings and tools

October 2008:34 AM

Proposition 1 would create an $850 million endowment for the college system and its 11 campuses, which are struggling to accommodate a growing student population. view article

Gov. Greg Abbott names head of new office to investigate higher ed complaints

October 2008:33 AM

Supporters say the office will bring needed accountability to Texas universities, while faculty groups have said that, without due process protections, it is ripe for abuse. view article

“I feel sad,” Austin ISD faces backlash over plan to close 13 schools

October 2008:30 AM

It was a packed house Thursday night as Austin ISD’s Board of Trustees met for the first time since unveiling a draft plan that could close more than a dozen schools and redraw nearly all of the district’s boundaries. The proposed consolidation plan calls for closing 13 campuses, including 11 elementary schools and two middle schools, as the district works to address low enrollment and avoid possible state intervention. [Best Everyday Plantar Fasciitis Shoe, Orthopedic & Arch Support, view article

Texas voters have final say on $20 billion package to secure state’s water supply

October 2006:57 AM

No new taxes would be collected for the package that would give the state’s water department $1 billion to spend on projects like cleaning salty water, flood control and reservoirs. And this fall, state lawmakers hope voters will approve $20 billion for water projects over the next two decades. If voters agree, Proposition 4, on the November ballot, will be the biggest state investment in water in Texas history. view article

Austin ISD offers naming rights at district facilities to generate additional revenue

October 2005:11 AM

Voters in Richardson Independent School District are being asked to approve a $1.4 billion bond package on the November 4 ballot. But with interest, the district estimates the total cost to local property taxpayers would be $2.32 billion—66 percent more than the amount voters will see on the ballot. The bonds are divided into three ballot propositions: view article

In special election for Houston congressional seat, candidates confront a bewildered electorate

October 2005:01 AM

Voters in the heavily Democratic district have expressed confusion about who can vote — after the boundaries were upended by a GOP gerrymander — and what November’s special election is for. view article

17 statewide propositions will appear on the November ballot. Here’s what Texas voters need to know.

October 2005:00 AM

A majority of the proposed constitutional amendments address tax cuts for homeowners and businesses. On Nov. 4, Texas voters will get the final say on 17 constitutional amendments — usually listed as statewide propositions at the top of the ballot — including billions of dollars in property tax cuts for homeowners and businesses. Early voting begins Oct. 20 and runs through Oct. 31. Earlier this year, a two-thirds majority of the state Legislature passed the joint resolutions calling for the constitutional amendment elections, along with the state’s budget for the next two years, which includes $51 billion for property tax cuts. view article

Early voting in Williamson County starts today. Here’s what you need to know to cast your ballot.

October 2005:00 AM

Early voting for the Nov. 4 election has begun. Texans have the opportunity to weigh in on 17 proposed amendments to the state constitution. In Williamson County, several local city council races, as well as proposed tax rate increases from school districts are on the ballot. Here's what you need to know to vote in Williamson County. view article

3.5 million Texans will see food assistance halted if government shutdown continues

October 2005:00 AM

Texas officials say food stamp benefits, which go to 1.7 million children, would not be distributed in November under an extended shutdown. view article

Officials airlift evacuees to safety after the remnants of Typhoon Halong devastate Alaska villages

October 2005:00 AM

JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — Officials in Alaska rushed Tuesday to evacuate and find housing for people from tiny coastal villages devastated by the remnants of Typhoon Halong. But the remote location and severe damage are limiting their options as they race against other impending storms and the onset of winter. High winds and surging waters battered low-lying, isolated Alaska Native communities along the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta in southwest Alaska, nearly 500 miles (800 km) from Anchorage, over the weekend. The Coast Guard plucked two dozen people from their homes after the structures floated out to sea in high water, three people were missing or dead, and hundreds of people were staying in school shelters — including one with no working toilets, officials said. The system followed a storm that struck parts of western Alaska days earlier. view article

Leander ISD Bus Monitor Accused of Sex Crimes Against Student

October 1708:30 AM

A bus monitor for the Leander Independent School District is accused of sex crimes against a student. Steven Wade Lackey, 70, was arrested and charged with two counts of indecency with a child by sexual contact, a second-degree felony. The Cedar Park Police Department said Tuesday it had received a report from Leander ISD on October 8 regarding allegations of indecency with a child involving a district transportation employee. The Special Victims Unit investigated and obtained an arrest warrant. Cedar Park Police arrested Lackey on October 14 and he was booked into the Williamson County Jail. Bond was set at $250,000 for each charge. Jail records indicate the offenses occurred in August. view article

Austin ISD teacher detained by ICE

October 1708:28 AM

An Austin Independent School District teacher was recently detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), district officials confirmed. The district sent a letter to families confirming that Roberto López Falcón, a teacher at Hart Elementary School, had been detained by ICE. School officials said they were not aware of complete details surrounding the incident but noted it did not occur at or near the campus. view article

Austin ISD holds online meeting with parents over draft consolidation plan

October 1708:28 AM

Austin ISD faces a shortfall of more than $19.7 million, and the possibility of the TEA taking over if it does not get a grip on things. While nothing has been finalized yet, the district is hosting a series of meetings to address parents' questions and gather feedback on its rough draft plan. view article

Beaumont ISD approves school improvement plans to boost academic performance

October 1708:26 AM

Beaumont ISD has approved new school improvement turnaround plans aimed at addressing failing or low-performing campuses. The plans include a needs assessment and student outcome goals. during the meeting some key focuses are on improving reading and math scores for second through fifth grades. The district aims for campuses to score at or above grade level on STAAR performance rates by the 2025-2026 school year. view article

As early voting starts, PSJA ISD voters to consider $60M bond

October 1708:25 AM

With early voting starting Monday, PSJA ISD residents are set to consider a $60 million bond election for the district, which is divided into two propositions focused on district-wide view article

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