Health Insurance Costs Could Drive Texas Teachers To Leave

DALLAS (CBS11 I-TEAM) – Another increase in health insurance costs could drive some Texas teachers out of the classroom.  For a teacher making $40,000 a year to have average health insurance for themselves and their family, it is now going to cost them half of their paycheck.  Since 2002, health insurance premiums have more than doubled for Texas teachers. view article  

Lufkin ISD trustees hiring consulting firm to help with superintendent search

Lufkin school trustees selected Mike Moses and David Thompson as consultants in the search for a new superintendent during a special meeting Monday morning. Moses is a former Dallas superintendent and the former Texas education commissioner. Thompson is a lawyer at the firm Thompson and Horton in Houston.  Lufkin trustees decided to wait to post the superintendent's job until they had meet with Thompson and Moses and officially sign a contract. That will happen during another special meeting set for noon Thursday at the LISD administration building. view article  

Angleton ISD makes superintendent pick

ANGLETON — Phillip Edwards doesn’t view himself as just moving to a new school district. The man selected as the lone finalist to be Angleton ISD’s next superintendent sees it as more than a job.  “I cannot wait to be part of the Angleton family,” Edwards said after trustees voted to offer him the opportunity during a special meeting Monday night. view article  

Partnership vote awaits HISD trustees amid questions about plan

Houston ISD trustees face a vote Tuesday on whether to move forward with plans to temporarily give up control over 10 low-performing campuses to a charter school operator, an unprecendented surrender designed to prevent school closures or a state takeover of HISD’s locally elected school board.  The scheduled vote comes as community members and local education leaders clamor for more information about Energized For STEM Academy, the local charter school nonprofit that would take control of the 10 campuses. HISD leaders divulged the name of Energized For STEM Academy, which already runs four in-district HISD charters, on Friday without releasing details on the arranagement. Already, the region’s largest teachers union and some education advocates have railed against the proposal and alleged Energized For STEM Academy’s leaders have engaged in questionable real estate practices. view article  

TRS Board Meets, Votes on Rate of Return Assumption

The Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) Board of Trustees met today to discuss changing the rate of return assumption for the pension fund. The TRS Board of Trustees took two votes on changing the rate of return assumption. Neither vote passed. As a result, the board will postpone voting on the issue again until its July meeting. The first vote to change the rate of return assumption was proposed by Trustee James Nance. Nance and three other members voted to change the rate of return assumption to 7.5 percent. However, the measure required five votes to pass. Subsequently, Trustee Christopher Moss proposed to change the rate of return assumption to 7.25 percent. His measure also didn’t receive the five-vote minimum to pass. view article  

Houston ISD partnership proposal met with skepticism, questions

A long-awaited proposal from Houston ISD to temporarily surrender control over 10 of its lowest-performing schools is facing mixed reviews ahead of a crucial vote Tuesday.  Case in point: the president of Houston’s largest teachers union, Zeph Capo, blasted the proposal to allow Energized For STEM Academy to run all 10 schools as ill-conceived and hastily arranged, saying he has “no confidence that this is in the best interest of children.” Meanwhile, Board of Trustees President Rhonda Skillern-Jones defended the arrangement as “the best choice of all the bad choices” available to HISD, which faces forced campus closures or a state takeover of its locally elected school board without a partnership. view article  

Preventive Law: Independent Educational Evaluations Check Your District’s Criteria!

Did you know that every time your special education staff completes an evaluation for a special education student, the parent of that student can request the same evaluation be performed by an outside person, with the cost of that evaluation paid out of district funds? The parent’s right to this request--called an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE)—is outlined in §300.502 of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (IDEA.) More and more parents are asking for IEEs, and the costs can have a big impact on special education budgets.

2017 Tax Ratification Elections/Results

Election information related to all Tax Ratification Elections in 2016

New From TEA

• 2018 Summer School Program for English Learners (ELs) in Kindergarten and First Grade
• Waiver Request to the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) 4/13
• Reminder of Senate Bill 1882 Timeline, Processes, & Important Information 4/9
• Important Updates for the 2018 Spring STAAR Administrations 4/6
• Division of College, Career, and Military Preparation Survey  3/28
• 2017–2018 IDEA-B Formula and IDEA-B Preschool Grants: Extension of Project End Date 3/22
• TEA posts draft strategic plan for special education
• High-Enrollment-Growth Instructional Materials Allotment Adjustment 3/9
• Safety Options for School Districts and Charters 3/5
• Important Changes to Principal Surveys to Evaluate Texas Educator Preparation Programs 3/5

Waco ISD leaders’ frustration mounts as deadline nears for deal on struggling schools

Waco school officials are still trying to close a deal with the state to keep five underperforming schools from closing by forming a new in-district charter school system.  But their patience with the Texas Education Agency is wearing thin as they encounter what they describe as an ever-changing web of rules and requirements that would add new layers of bureaucracy.  Now Superintendent A. Marcus Nelson is going a step further, suggesting that the school district may challenge the state in federal court over its threat to close the schools. view article  

Houston:  HISD considers charter partnership

Energized For STEM Academy Inc., an organization run by NAACP Houston Branch President James Douglas and former Houston ISD trustee Paula Harris, has been selected as the potential partner to run 10 long-struggling HISD schools at risk of triggering major state sanctions this year.  HISD trustees are scheduled to vote Tuesday on negotiating and executing a contract with Energized For STEM Academy, which already runs seven in-district charter schools in HISD, to take over operations of the 10 schools ahead of the 2018-19 school year, according to a public meeting notice posted Friday.  view article  

Houston:  ‘Funeral’ held ahead of Houston ISD charter vote Tuesday

HOUSTON – Houston ISD trustees have a big decision to make Tuesday.  They will vote on whether to move forward with plans to temporarily give up control over 10 low- performing schools, allowing a charter school operator to take over  There's already a planned protest, and the opposition isn't just calling it a protest. They're calling it a funeral for those schools. view article  

TASBO: Courses for Certification

TASBO will offer four courses over two days in Kilgore (Region 7 ESC). This series is ideal for anyone working towards a TASBO certification or interested beginning the process. view article  

Victoria:  VISD to conduct closed meetings before naming superintendent choice

The Victoria school district Board of Trustees will have two special meetings before they select the finalist for its superintendent position.  Board members are expected to announce their choice for superintendent April 24. Then they will negotiate a contract before the permanent choice is made May 15.  Current Superintendent Robert Jaklich announced in December he plans to retire effective Aug. 31. view article  

Shutdown of Texas schools probe shows Trump administration pullback on civil rights

Beside a highway in Bryan, Texas, tucked between a motorcycle bar and the county jail, stands a low-slung, sprawling complex with tinted windows, sandstone walls and barbed wire lining parts of its roof. A roadside sign identifies it as the Brazos County Juvenile Justice Center.  One Friday afternoon last October, after an incident at nearby Arthur L. Davila Middle School, a police officer arrested 13-year-old Trah’Vaeziah Jackson and brought her to the juvenile detention facility. She cried as employees patted her down, cut off her hair extensions, and took her photo and fingerprints. She was served dinner — chicken nuggets, mashed potatoes and an apple in a styrofoam box with a carton of milk — but had no appetite. view article  

None injured in crash with Kilgore ISD bus

No one was injured in a traffic accident involving a Kilgore ISD school bus Monday morning, according to KISD Superintendent Cara Cooke.  Gregg County sheriff’s deputies responded to the crash just after 7 a.m. on Texas 31.  Cooke said paramedics were called to the accident to check the children on the bus for any injuries received in the wreck. view article  

Today is Texas redistricting day at SCOTUS

The nine justices of the U.S. Supreme Court will take their seats Tuesday morning to hear a case that could remake the political map of Texas. Hidden in the legalese of “interlocutory injunctions” and “statutory defects” is this simple question for the justices to dissect: Did the Republican-led state Legislature purposely draw its last legislative and congressional boundaries to subvert the voting power of Latino and African-American voters?  The answer, expected by June, could influence the racial and partisan makeup of the state’s political districts, culminating a long, high-stakes legal battle that has the potential to turn Texas a little more blue. view article  

Park Cities:  Residents Resist What They See as Inappropriate Architecture

Some Park Cities residents look at Highland Park ISD’s plans for rebuilding Bradfield Elementary School and see what’s missing.  Architectural drawings show no pitched roof, no double-hung windows, and no cast stone decorative quatrefoils like those common on the 91-year-old school building facing demolition.  “Quatrefoil is basically our town logo,” Kristen Woolery, an interior designer and one of many residents fighting for changes, told the Highland Park Town Council in April. “We can’t neglect our architectural integrity. We have a responsibility to future generations.” view article  

Lexington ISD faces challenging budget cuts after mine closure

Lexington ISD is struggling with how to balance an anticipated $700,000 budget shortfall. That's the worst-case scenario after a mine outside of Elgin started shutting down this year. The small community, about 40 miles east of Austin, hasn't seen their school district tax rate increase in a decade. However, this year that rate could jump to the state maximum after Luminant -- a major payer on their property tax role -- shuttered their Three Oaks Mine.  "There's been rumors for years that there's the possibility of a closing but it finally came to pass in January," says Lexington ISD Superintendent Tonya Knowlton. view article  

Texas: Disgusting State Pressure by Texas Education Agency on Schools Serving Black and Brown Students

Jullian Vasquez Heilig got the right terminology: The Texas Education Agency has pulled a “gangster move” on black and brown children in Houston public schools. TEA has warned the Houston Independent School Board that it must privatize the 10 lowest performing schools or face a state takeover. view article  

Texas’ low teacher pay is ‘shameful,’ largest educators lobby says

Texas remains in the bottom third of states in per-student funding of public schools but is holding steady. On teacher pay, though, its ranking among states has slipped, the country's largest teachers lobby reported Monday. This school year, average pay is $53,167 in Texas, compared with a national average of $60,483, according to the National Education Association. view article  

Art Martin Discusses Issues In Lubbock ISD School Board Race

Monday on The Chad Hasty Show, Art Martin, candidate for Lubbock ISD School Board, joined Chad in the KFYO studio to discuss issues in the race. Martin described his history and experience qualifying him for the position, and discussed issues in the race including school funding and budgeting. view article  

Copperas Cove ISD will consider resignation agreement with Jack Welch

The Copperas Cove ISD Board of Trustees will consider and possibly approve a resignation and retirement agreement with Athletic Director Jack Welch, whose absence was first reported last week.  Welch has been the head football coach since 1994. Last week, multiple sources told Channel 6 his office had been cleaned out and the locks had been changed. view article  

Hays CISD board approves turning Fuentes Elementary into a fine arts-focused school

After a nearly year-long process, Hays CISD board of trustees approved Fuentes Elementary School becoming a fine arts-focused campus Monday night.  During the Hays CISD board of trustees meeting on April 16, Fuentes Elementary School Principal Regina Butcher presented what would be needed for the 632 students currently enrolled at Fuentes to have a curriculum with emphasis on fine arts. view article  

Texas City: Help us touch tomorrow — today, support TCISD bond

On Feb. 13, the Texas City Independent School District trustees unanimously voted to call a bond election to be placed on the May 5 ballot. The single proposition totaling about $136.1 million, will address these three main elements of critical need: 1. Aging facilities: Build new Manuel Guajardo Jr. Elementary, La Marque Primary School, La Marque Elementary School, La Marque Middle School and repair and/or replace several other roofs and parking lots. view article  

Federal money to connect Texas schools to fiber at risk, officials say

Delays and denials by the federal government are putting Texas schools at risk of losing millions of dollars in potential subsidies that would help pay for installing high-speed fiber internet in classrooms, according to state officials. Last year, state lawmakers approved $25 million to help school districts over the 2018-19 budget period replace or install fiber-optic cable, arguably the fastest, most reliable and scalable form of internet access available. In return, the federal government promised to match the state money dollar-for-dollar through the E-Rate Program, administered by the Federal Communications Commission through a nonprofit organization called the Universal Service Administrative Company, or USAC. Texas will shell out $6 million this year and, based on applications from school districts, the state is estimated to pay $16.4 million next year. view article  

The Two Sides of the Arguments Against San Angelo ISD’s $148.9 Million Bond

The San Angelo ISD Board of Trustees wants its citizens to consider increasing the district’s debt by $148.9 million to build new facilities and to rehab other facilities. The major projects proposed include a brand new McGill Elementary School building and three additional elementary schools to be more than 80 percent rebuilt. The McGill building is estimated to cost at least $22 million alone. Also included is a $31 million multi-purpose gymnasium building for Central High School. A new alternative education campus is also proposed. view article  

Salado ISD voters to consider $49.4 million bond

SALADO — Early voting for the $49.4 million proposed Salado school bond began Monday, and the district will hold a final presentation Thursday evening for those who need more information on the issue.  If approved, the bond will pay for a new middle school, new baseball and softball facilities, and other campus improvements. The majority of the bond, $42 million, would be used to build the middle school campus and additional hallways near other school buildings.  Election Day is May 5. Early voting continues daily through Tuesday, May 1. view article  

DeSoto ISD Considering Big Changes to Administrative Staff

The DeSoto Independent School District is considering sweeping changes in the administrative staff.  The school board is considering a controversial   recommendation to not renew contracts for several administrators.  This comes after the former superintendent was "relieved of his duties" last month. At Monday's school board meeting, many of the agenda items were related to changing the way the district does business, from the national search for a new superintendent, to how kids are being taught in the classroom. view article  

2 bond project updates OK’d at Grapevine-Colleyville ISD trustees meeting

The Grapevine-Colleyville ISD board of trustees approved two updates to the district’s bond projects at their meeting April 23. GCISD Chief Operations Officer Paula Barbaroux and Superintendent Robin Ryan detailed the updates and their respective costs to the board Monday night. view article  

STEM Day inspires, fascinates

It’s all about hands-on learning when the Judson Independent School District rolls out its annual STEM Day. This year’s expo at Wagner High School was no exception. Thousands of students and parents flocked to the school April 7 to engage in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics-based activities that not only demonstrate scientific properties, but are fun to do. view article  

Bellmead: La Vega ISD considers pre-K for 3-year-olds

BELLMEAD, Texas (KWTX) The La Vega Independent School District is considering adding a pre-kindergarten class for 3-year old students.  According to the district's Facebook page, La Vega is considering adding a pilot pre-kindergarten class.  According to Lisa Seawright, principal of La Vega Primary School, the pilot class would accept 22 three-year-old students.  She said the district has been getting a lot of calls from parents inquiring about a class for younger children. view article  

Big Spring ISD addresses alleged threats at high school

BIG SPRING, TX (KWES) -  Big Spring ISD has released a statement on their Facebook page regarding numerous alleged threats at Big Spring High School.  You can read Big Spring ISD's full statement below:  "Notice: There has been activity on social media in the last 24 hours alleging that a student or students have threatened to do harm to students on the BSHS campus. According to one post, a student made a threat within hearing of a teacher.  view article  

Amarillo ISD partners with parents to keep students safe on social media

AMARILLO, TX (KFDA) - The Amarillo Independent School District is providing families with information and tips to keeps students safe while online through parent forums. The forums focus on how the district is teaching digital citizenship and how parents can reinforce these lessons at home as they guide and monitor their children.   view article