Small Rusk County school districts report positive results from four-day school week

School administrators in Overton, Laneville and Leverett’s Chapel ISDs say the recent adoption of a four-day school week had a positive impact on students, faculty and the community, and they intend to keep the schedule with minor adjustments. “It’s met or exceeded all of our expectations as far as our goals for doing the change,” said Overton ISD Superintendent Larry Calhoun. “We did learn some things, and it’s going to be better moving forward.” view article  

Fort Worth ISD to purchase 15 electric buses with bipartisan infrastructure grant

The 2023 Clean School Bus Program awarded over $26 million in funds to several Texas school districts, including Fort Worth ISD, to purchase electric buses   Fort Worth ISD will soon begin transforming its school bus fleet from diesel-burning buses to electric buses, thanks to over $6.1 million in funding from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean School Bus Program.  The EPA announced in a June 20 press conference that Fort Worth ISD is one of several Texas school districts included in its second round of funding and will allow the district to purchase 15 electric school buses.  “These school buses are going to be one of the first steps taken to help improve the air quality for all of our young people,” said Rep. Marc Veasey (TX-33), who attended Fort Worth ISD schools  Veasey championed and voted for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law passed in 2021, which provides funding for the EPA's multiple grant and rebate opportunities. Over five years, the Clean School Bus Program will provide $5 billion to replace existing school buses with zero-emission and clean ones. view article  

Longview ISD hires Dr. Marla Sheppard as Superintendent of Schools

Longview ISD is now officially under the leadership of a new Superintendent. Trustees formally hired Dr. Marla Sheppard as Longview ISD Superintendent of Schools during their special meeting. "I am honored to be chosen to serve the Longview community," said Dr. Sheppard. "I am grateful to the board for their trust in me. I look forward to creating long-lasting relationships with the students, staff, and greater community." With her tenure now official, Dr. Sheppard is developing a 100-day plan "for listening and learning from the community." "My first priority is to listen and learn from the families, young people, leaders, and other stakeholders of the Longview area, to deeply understand their needs, aspirations, and perspectives," she said. "Only then can we chart the path forward together." view article  

As more Texans struggle with housing costs, homeownership becoming less attainable

More Texas homeowners and renters than ever are struggling with high housing costs — and the state’s high home prices have potentially put the dream of owning a home out-of-reach for a growing number of families. That’s according to a new report from Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies, which also found that home prices and rents remain well above where they stood before the COVID-19 pandemic. The Texas housing market has cooled amid high interest rates after steep increases brought on by the state’s recent red-hot economic growth. So would-be homebuyers now need to make more money than ever before in order to buy a home in Texas’ major urban areas. The number of Texas homeowners and renters who struggle to keep a roof over their head also now sits at an all-time high. view article  

Five abortions a month: How Dobbs changed Texas

Before Roe v. Wade was overturned two years ago, the monthly average was around 4,400. view article  

Conroe ISD names new schools after prominent members of the district

Conroe ISD trustees approved names for new schools under construction that are funded by the 2023 bond voters approved in November. The school board voted at the June 18 meeting to name each of the following schools: High school in the Conroe area: Timber Mill High School Elementary in the Oak Ridge and Caney Creek feeder areas: Mittie J. Campbell Elementary Elementary in The Woodlands High School feeder area: Robert Eissler Elementary The details When deciding on the names, the board took into consideration the location and names of people who were known and admired in the community. Mittie J. Campbell was the first African American school principal in CISD. Campbell’s name was brought to the attention of the district thanks to the Montgomery County Historical Association. view article  

Prosper ISD officials project $20.3M shortfall in FY 2024-25

Expenses for the FY 2024-25 budget are expected to be $363.44 million, while revenue is expected to reach $343.14 million—leaving a shortfall of $20.3 million—according to a preliminary budget discussion held during a June 17 board meeting. “We’re looking at a $20 million deficit, which is hard to swallow,” PISD Chief Financial Officer Michele Seese said. In spite of budget restraints, district officials approved a 3% raise for teachers and staff in FY 2024-25. view article  

Prosper ISD officials project $20.3M shortfall in FY 2024-25

Expenses for the FY 2024-25 budget are expected to be $363.44 million, while revenue is expected to reach $343.14 million—leaving a shortfall of $20.3 million—according to a preliminary budget discussion held during a June 17 board meeting. “We’re looking at a $20 million deficit, which is hard to swallow,” PISD Chief Financial Officer Michele Seese said. In spite of budget restraints, district officials approved a 3% raise for teachers and staff in FY 2024-25. view article  

Fort Stockton School board votes no to year-round school

FORT STOCKTON, Texas (KOSA) - During a school board meeting Monday, the Fort Stockton ISD School board voted against the 2024-2025 schedule to year-round school. This comes as an effort to improve academics after STAAR test scores decreased throughout the state. The new schedule would extend the school year into June, with some exceptions. The superintendent says that if students meet certain requirements throughout the school year, they will be exempt from the extra school days. view article  

El Paso school district freezes teacher salaries amid $18.4 million budget deficit

EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — Teachers and employees at the El Paso School District will not have pay increases for the 2024-2025 school year.  On Monday, the El Paso ISD School Board voted to not offer pay increases for employees.  The board adopted its budget for the upcoming school year with a deficit of $18.4 million.  Funds from the deficit will go toward general expenses and maintenance for the district.  The district will look for funding for a possible one-time stipend for employees throughout the year. view article  

Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD approves 2% raise for teachers, staff

Three months ago, trustee William Boaz wasn’t sure if Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD could provide raises. He kept coming back to a single number: zero. He thought the district’s 2024-25 budget was shaping up to be a doozy.  Now, the budget is in a better spot, and so are pay increases. The Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD school board unanimously approved a 2% raise on all full-time employees’ salaries.  “I think this is the most exciting 2%,” Boaz said during a recent meeting as other board members audibly agreed. view article  

Austin ISD implements strategies to improve student achievement (En español)

Results of the 2024 STAAR are now available and show Austin ISD, along with other Texas school districts, still struggling to get scores back on track post-pandemic. Why it matters: While test scores aren’t the only measure of academic knowledge, the tests show how our students are mastering course material so we can create plans to address gaps in knowledge. What they’re saying: “For us it’s a data point,” said Superintendent Matias Segura. “The STAAR is a tool that helps us understand where we are and how we compare to other school districts around the state.” By the numbers: 2024 scores for the district show an increase in reading proficiency from June 2019, but a decrease in math scores. Sixth grade test scores showed the greatest margin of increase in reading proficiency from 39% to 54%. Third grade math tests scores from Spring 2019 to Spring 2024 show a decrease of 10 percentage points, from 52% to 42%. Closing the gap: Austin ISD uses a balanced assessment system to have a fuller picture of our students’ progress. Teachers are continuously collecting data on students to monitor and adjust teaching and learning. And ultimately, students' learning needs have changed in a post-pandemic climate. Here’s how we’re changing our tactics to support students: view article  

When does school start in August? Mark your calendar for Austin-area’s first day of school

When does school begin again? Though many students are just now getting into their second month of summer, some parents are ready for school to start up again. These are the dates Austin-area students will be back in the classroom and how many days of summer each district had. Here are all the Austin-area schools' start dates: view article  

Education commissioner asks board to approve lackluster charter applications that will cost school districts additional millions of dollars

‘Honored to be chosen’: Longview ISD board officially hires new superintendent

Longview ISD's new superintendent will take over leadership of the district July 1. Trustees voted unanimously Tuesday night to hire Marla Sheppard, who has been serving as the deputy chief of academics of KIPP Texas Public Schools in Houston. Kipp is a national organization of charter schools. Sheppard has a doctor of education in professional leadership from the University of Houston. view article  

‘It won’t compromise education’ | Temple ISD brings Artificial Intelligence into the classroom

Temple ISD is navigating using Artificial Intelligence in its classrooms. It will be a multi-year process focusing on generative AI. The district may use it for assessment, instruction and measuring student progress. view article  

Parents React to Katy ISD Personal Device Ban

The Katy ISD Board of Trustees voted and approved this week a revised Discipline Management Plan that restricts the use of personal devices such as cell phones and smart watches. Starting next year, all students will have a Chromebook device. view article  

Waco ISD to take control of transportation department, increase bus drivers pay

Waco ISD announced Tuesday they will be taking control of the transportation department and increasing bus drivers pay. The change will go into effect on July 1, 2024, after Waco ISD contracted the service since 1988. view article  

Hallsville ISD OKs $118K for special education iPads

The Hallsville ISD Board of Trustees recently approved a purchase of 120 iPads for the special education department in the amount of $118,260. The motion to consider the approval of purchasing iPads to assist teachers and students in the Special Education department was presented by Special Education Director Amy Collins. She said that there were three proposals included in the motion, with the option to purchase directly from Apple resulting in the least expensive option available. view article  

Killeen ISD superintendent says her budget will be cut 20 percent, and said others will follow to close in on the multi-million dollar deficit

Killeen Independent School District's superintendent addressed the several million dollar deficit the district is facing. This is the second time Dr. Jo Ann Fey has been in the budget planning process for KISD, but this year the district is faced with what she describes as a 'perfect storm.' view article  

Brownsville ISD places 17 schools on Texas Honor Roll

The Brownsville Independent School District announced that it placed 17 schools on the 2023 Texas Honor Roll compiled by the Educational Results Partnership, a nonprofit that applies data science to help improve student outcomes and career readiness throughout the educational system. view article  

Marion ISD named School Board of the Year for Region 20

A big congratulations is in order for the Marion ISD Board of Trustees, which has been selected as one of the top school boards in Texas. The Marion school board has been named the 2024 Regional School Board of the Year for Education Service Center 20. Marion ISD Superintendent Don Beck is thrilled by the recognition. Dr. Beck says this is a well-deserved recognition for this particular group of trustees. view article  

Northwest ISD adopts deficit budget

Northwest ISD will once again be operating in a deficit for the new fiscal year. At its regularly scheduled meeting Monday, the NISD Board of Trustees adopted the 2024-2025 budget that includes a roughly $15.8 million deficit. view article  

Beaumont ISD board approves proposal for 5% pay raise for employees

On Tuesday night, the Beaumont Independent School District board voted to approve a proposal for employee raises. However, voters are the ones who get the final say on the November ballot. If the proposal is approved by voters, all full-time employees will receive a 5% raise that would take effect in December 2024. While the raise would come from taxpayers, BISD says the increase in salary would attract more employees amid a national teacher shortage. view article  

Lockhart ISD adopts balanced budget with raises for teachers, free student supplies

Lockhart Independent School District will enter next year with a balanced budget. Last night, its board of trustees approved the budget for next year which will include pay raises for teachers and staff. “In Lockhart, we have a saying that we like to say, ‘Lockhart leading,’” said Lockhart ISD Superintendent Mark Estrada. view article  

Texas Education Agency moves to appoint conservators for Austin ISD

Austin ISD's board of trustees said in a statement Friday evening that conservators selected by the TEA would work with the district to provide special education services to students with disabilities. The board also said the district has a right to appeal the conservatorship, but did not state whether it would do so. "We are focused on our students, and we welcome collaboration with TEA to help us catch up on long-overdue evaluations. We are united in our focus to ensure that all students receive what they need, when they need it," the statement read. The board plans to hold a public meeting to address the conservatorship and allow for public comment on Monday evening. The TEA shared with The Texas Tribune the final report of its investigation into Austin ISD. In it, the agency said the district failed to evaluate students in need of special education sAustin ISD's board of trustees said in a statement Friday evening that conservators selected by the TEA would work with the district to provide special education services to students with disabilities. The board also said the district has a right to appeal the conservatorship, but did not state whether it would do so. "We are focused on our students, and we welcome collaboration with TEA to help us catch up on long-overdue evaluations. We are united in our focus to ensure that all students receive what they need, when they need it," the statement read. The board plans to hold a public meeting to address the conservatorship and allow for public comment on Monday evening. The TEA shared with The Texas Tribune the final report of its investigation into Austin ISD. In it, the agency said the district failed to evaluate students in need of special education services and to provide those services to eligible students. The district was placed on an improvement plan but did not make significant fixes, the report said.ervices and to provide those services to eligible students. The district was placed on an improvement plan but did not make significant fixes, the report said. view article  

LA PORTE ISD TO HOLD JOB FAIR ON JUNE 27

LA PORTE ISD TO HOLD JOB FAIR ON JUNE 27        La Porte Independent School District will hold a job fair from 4-5:30 p.m. on June 27 to fill classroom teacher and paraprofessional positions.      The district is recruiting:  

ICE to close nation’s largest migrant detention center in South Texas

McALLEN, Texas (Border Report) — A South Texas migrant detention center that has the most detainees of any U.S. facility will be shutting down, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said. The South Texas Family Residential Center, in Dilley, Texas, will be closing to save costs, according to ICE, which said it is “the most expensive facility in the national detention network.”  ICE detention facilities at highest levels since 2020, report finds  The Dilley facility is operated by the Tennessee-based CoreCivic, a private prison operator for whom it generated $156.6 million in revenue in 2023, according to Dow Jones. view article  

HISD bond proposal includes $580M for ‘co-location’ of 15 schools, raising concerns for some

Houston ISD's $4.4 billion bond proposal includes plans to spend over half a billion dollars to house more than a dozen schools under shared roofs as the district attempts to address its decaying infrastructure amid a hulking budget deficit and declines in student enrollment. Under the historic bond plan — which will be on the ballot in November pending approval by HISD's appointed Board of Managers — eight schools would be relocated to seven nearby, existing campuses, which would be renovated or rebuilt to accommodate the incoming students and rectify preexisting building needs, in moves known as "co-location." The total cost of relocating, renovating and rebuilding those 15 schools would exceed $580 million. The details of each merger have yet to be finalized, but schools on the same campus would operate independently of each other, district officials say, retaining their own staffs and programming while sharing larger communal areas, such as cafeterias and gymnasiums. While the district says each school will retain its independence, some community members worry that moving to another facility will present challenges for students and staff, and effectively flatten their school's identity and sense of community. view article  

Chapel Hill Principal heading to Harvard

Tyler —  [Chapel Hill Principal heading to Harvard] The Charles Butt Foundation, a non-profit pursuing a more equitable and prosperous future for all Texans through education and community partnerships, has selected Bethany Moody, Principal of Kissam Intermediate, as one of 30 principals from traditional and charter school districts across Texas to attend a weeklong summer institute at the Principals’ Center at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, led by Harvard faculty and other national and international experts. view article  

Five abortions a month: How Dobbs changed Texas

Before Roe v. Wade was overturned two years ago, the monthly average was around 4,400. Before Roe v. Wade was overturned two years ago, the monthly average was around 4,400..  In the last two years, Texas abortion clinics closed, legal challenges raced through the court system, towns tried to ban out-of-state travel, conservative activists made abortion pills and emergency oms into battlegrounds, and woman after woman after woman came forward with stories of medical care delayed or denied because of confusion over Texas’ abortion laws.  A nd five women were able to get an abortion, on average, each month.  Texas, with 30 million residents and 10% of the women of reproductive age in the nation, used to see about 4,400 abortions a month.  Now, five. view article  

Students scoring zeroes on STAAR test spike as TEA shifts to new, computer-based grading system

The number of elementary school students who received a zero on their state standardized essay test questions this spring increased by about 20% from last year. Among all third to eighth graders, just over 35% received no credit on essay questions this year compared with about 30% last year on the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness, according to data available through the Texas Education Agency. That’s a raw increase of nearly 140,000 students. Houston- and San Antonio-area school districts closely followed the statewide trends, although Houston-area students received slightly fewer zeroes than the statewide rates, while San Antonio students received slightly more. view article  

TX ISD Breaks Silence on Abuse Scandal

Lorena ISD issued a statement to the community last week explaining its silence regarding a sex abuse scandal that involved pre-K students. A lawsuit filed last year by the family of a 5-year-old sex abuse victim accused the Lorena Primary School principal, April Jewell, of ignoring warnings from multiple staff members about inappropriate behavior on the part of former substitute teacher Nicolas Scot Crenshaw toward young female students. view article  

Spring Branch ISD to vote on Title IX resolution citing Biden’s policy update, possibly lose $56M fed funds

Title IX enacted in 1972 is a civil rights law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in schools or education programs that receive federal funding. The Biden administration’s new regulations are set to go into effect August 1 making clear that Title IX also prohibits discrimination based on gender identity of sexual orientation. view article  

Houston: HISD parent alleges misconduct after administrator’s ‘scoreboard’ remarks

The administrator repeatedly yelled "scoreboard" while parents interjected Superintendent Mike Miles's presentation on STAAR testing results last week. view article