Retired East Texas educator to receive proclamation from Texas Senate

Congratulations Ray! - Ray Deason spent 50 years working in education guiding numerous school districts and a multitude of students. The former Ore City ISD assistant superintendent’s service will be recognized next week as he receives a Texas Senate proclamation for exemplary service from Sen. Robert Nichols, R-Jacksonville. Deason is set to be honored at 6:30 p.m. Monday at the Ore City ISD board meeting.

Katy ISD board split over how to choose next superintendent

The longest serving trustee on the Katy ISD school board and its newest members are pushing for a formal search to help find a new superintendent to replace the outgoing and embattled Lance Hindt. But a majority of the board members support hiring from within for the district’s top job. view article  

Houston:  ISD trustees opt against seeking partnership bids, risking sanctions in 2019

Houston ISD trustees narrowly voted Thursday to not seek proposals from outside organizations to run long-struggling schools, a decision that keeps those campuses under local control but sets the stage for a possible state takeover of the district’s school board. view article  

Houston:  EDUCATION HISD to keep superintendent search closed

HOUSTON - The HISD School Board voted 6-3 Thursday night to conduct a closed search for a new superintendent.  The closed search means the applicants will be kept confidential.  Critics say an open search is more transparent, but the majority decided a closed search will encourage more candidates to apply. view article  

Houston to Perform Closed Search for Superintendent

In a 6-3 vote, the board of trustees decided Thursday to perform a closed search for Houston ISD's next superintendent.

Parents cheered after the HISD board of trustees decided in a 5-4 vote not to place control of at least four failing schools into the hands of a private entity.

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- A big group of parents and community leaders showed up Thursday night to voice their concern at a meeting of the HISD board of trustees.  Their message was clear: they didn't want any type of separation for their children. A series of tense moments came before the board finally voted on whether to consider turning over some failing schools to a private group under Texas Senate Bill 1882, which essentially means the district would partner with an open-enrollment charter school or eligible entity to operate a district campus.   view article  

Superintendent Search: Italy ISD is Searching for a New Superintendent

The Italy ISD Board of Trustees is searching for an outstanding, qualified administrator to lead the school district. Details and updates will appear on our search page as things progress.

Superintendent Search: Fairfield ISD is Searching for a New Superintendent

The Fairfield ISD Board of Trustees is searching for an outstanding, qualified administrator to lead the school district. Details and updates will appear on our search page as things progress.

Superintendent Search: Plains ISD Hires Leasor Crass to Conduct Search

Plains ISD Board of Trustees voted to hire Leasor Crass to conduct a search for a new superintendent. Details and updates will appear on our search page as things progress.

Preventive Law: Protecting Employee Data

We all know the importance of keeping employee information in a secure location, but did you know that you have the same responsibility to protect employee data electronically? In a recent case from the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, Dittman v. UPMC, the court found an employer has a legal duty to exercise reasonable care to safeguard its employees' sensitive personal information stored by the employer on an internet-accessible computer system. The employees alleged that a data breach had occurred through which personal and financial information, including names, birth dates, social security numbers, addresses, tax forms, and bank account information of all 62,000 current and former employees was accessed and stolen from company computer systems. The employees further alleged that the stolen data, which consisted of information the company required the employees to provide as a condition of their employment, was used to file fraudulent tax returns on behalf of the victimized employees, resulting in actual damages. The court agreed with the employees and found that the company was negligent in protecting employee data.

New From TEA

• 2019–2020 and 2020–2021 Testing Calendars 12/13
• TEA releases final 2018 academic accountability ratings 12/13
• Applications Open for Joining the System of Great Schools Network 12/7
• Update to HHSC ‘Third Party Liability for SHARS Interim Claims’ 12/7
• Required Residential Facility Tracker Data Collection – Students with Disabilities 11/16
• Official Notification of the 2017–2018 Release of Final FIRST Ratings 11/16
• Statewide Indirect Cost Rate Proposal and Additional Costs Workbook Training 11/16

Weatherford: District leaders discuss status of schools

Weatherford ISD Superintendent Jeffrey Hanks and Aledo ISD Superintendent Susan K. Bohn were the guest speakers at the East Parker County Chamber of Commerce monthly luncheon and both discussed important and upcoming things going on at each district. “All the schools in Parker County are outstanding schools and we’re very fortunate to live in a community such as the one that we get to enjoy that values the education of their children the way that Parker County schools benefit,” Hanks said. “Just like all schools in Parker County and the county itself, we’re growing.” The district enrollment is currently about 8,116 students and is projected to grow to 8,164 by the 2018-19 school year.  view article  

As Austin considers closing schools, here’s what Texas’ controversial Robin Hood system is about

As Austin's school district considers closing 12 schools, Texas' controversial Robin Hood system is up for debate once again. Austin's school board was presented with a draft during their Dec. 10 work session that included the closure proposal. A school district representative said, "these are drafted options as part of our budget process, which will be complete in June 2019." view article  

POLL: Ten Commandments in Texas Schools?

An East Texas Republican has re-introduced a bill allowing the Ten Commandments inside school classrooms. State Rep. Dan Flynn of Van, says teachers should be allowed to put the Ten Commandments in their classroom, just like Halloween, Thanksgiving or any other decorations.  “You walk into the Supreme Court, the first thing you see is a scroll of the Ten Commandments,” he says.  “You come here to the state capitol of Texas and we have a monument to the Ten Commandments. It goes back to virtue and integrity, it doesn't have anything to do with religion.” view article  

UTRGV, Harlingen CISD to form high school to medical school pipeline for health professions

In an effort to cultivate more homegrown health providers, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley is entering into a new partnership with the Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District. UTRGV and Harlingen CISD on Tuesday, Dec. 11, signed a letter of intent to create a pipeline to help students in the Harlingen High School of Health Professions prepare for entering the university’s Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences (BMED) program and the UTRGV School of Medicine. The university and school district are developing a memorandum of understanding that will define the relationship in greater detail. view article  

Special meeting set on Athens ISD 4-day week

Athens ISD trustees are scheduled to discuss district officials' proposed four-day instruction week in a special meeting on Friday. On Dec. 4, AISD Communications Coordinator Toni Clay distributed a press release explaining that research shows a shorter week offers many benefits to students, especially those in high school. A day earlier, Superintendent Blake Stiles called a districtwide meeting to talk about the plan, prompting applause. Over the next half hour, Stiles, joined by Deputy Superintendent Dr. Janie Sims and Assistant Superintendent Jami Ivey, explained the key components of the proposed new calendar — stressing that the Monday-through-Thursday instructional week remains only a proposal and, if implemented, would be launched as a three-year pilot program. view article  

Dalhart High School disconnects cell phones to reconnect with peers

Students at Dalhart High School socialize through social media daily. However, the school wants to increase face-to-face interactions in hopes of creating a more caring school culture. Inspired by Rachel’s Challenge, students and teachers came together to plan the Disconnect to Reconnect day. “So Rachel’s challenge, it comes from Rachel Scott who was one of the victims of columbine.” said President of Student Council at Dalhart High School Konnor White. “Our school has sort of taken that and making it part of us and so we do everything that we can to make students feel welcome and that they want to come here and that they can talk to people.” view article  

Students thankful for teachers, families, first responders and military

Students thankful for teachers, families, first responders and military. Leander ISD is part of a wonderful, caring and supportive community that values public education and the well-being of its young people. In November, we asked students to tell us what they are thankful for and to share stories of people to whom they would like to say “thank you.” view article  

Leander ISD reviewing options for 2019-20 academic calendar

Planning for Leander ISD's 2019-20 and 2020-21 academic calendars is underway, with a proposal for next school year's calendar due to the Board of Trustees in January. The district says that LISD staff will consider creating a working draft of the 2020-2021 academic calendar for community planning purposes. To aid in preparing recommendations for the Board of Trustees, LISD administration will seek input and feedback from community members, parents, district staff, teachers, principals and district administrators. “As in years past, we want to be attentive and responsive to our community throughout this process,” said LISD Superintendent Dan Troxell. “We understand how families build their schedules around the academic calendar, so we will carefully and deliberately solicit feedback as we move forward.” view article  

Perryman: The Long-Term Outlook for the Texas Economy

The Texas economy has been among the fastest growing in the nation for a number of years.  With more major corporate relocations and expansions than any other state, Texas is expected to continue to outperform most areas.  Here is a look at key patterns affecting performance and a summary of my latest long-term forecast.  The United States is currently in the process of negotiating or renegotiating several trade agreements which are vitally important. The fewer impediments to trade, the better the Texas economy will perform. About $1 of every $6 of U.S. trade is from Texas; the future of trade and the future of Texas are inextricably linked. view article  

Investigation Finds No Altered Grades at Krum ISD

A law firm was hired by the district to investigate concerns of alleged grade tampering or an unfair grading scale.    An independent investigation into the grading scandal at Krum ISD found no evidence of wrongdoing.  A law firm was hired by the district to investigate concerns of alleged grade tampering or an unfair grading scale.  “A lot of people in the community appear to have demanded that those accused prove their innocence," said Dallas attorney Aric Stock. "I strongly caution the district this is a dangerous precedent.”  One of the rumors was that teachers were ordered to change the grades of the high school principal's daughter. view article  

Texas School Finance Commission Outlines Recommendations To Overhaul Education Funding

The state commission tasked with recommending ways to overhaul k-12 education funding is close to issuing a final report to Texas lawmakers.  The commission met Tuesday to discuss a preliminary draft of the report.  The draft also recommends providing additional funding based on student performance — a suggestion some commission members found controversial. view article  

Kilgore ISD board to set qualifications for permanent superintendent

KILGORE, Texas (LNJ) - Kilgore ISD trustees will consider items Monday related to their superintendent search.  According to our newspaper partners, the Longview News Journal, board members will discuss and approve qualifications and characteristics for the position. view article  

Authorities Respond to Bomb Threats Across United States

Law enforcement authorities around the United States on Thursday were responding to a wave of bomb threats that demanded bitcoin and targeted schools, hospitals and businesses. In a statement released just after 3 p.m. ET, the FBI said it was "aware of the recent bomb threats made in cities around the country, and we remain in touch with our law enforcement partners to provide assistance." In New York City, Bronx Science said it evacuated its building at 11 a.m. after it received a bomb threat by phone. The school said students were "well supervised at neighboring schools." view article  

Austin’s Bowie High School closed Thursday due to property damage

Classes and events have been canceled Thursday at Bowie High School after property damage was discovered on campus. At first, school leaders were planning on just having a delayed opening, but less than an hour after announcing a delayed opening on Twitter, they announced classes and events would be canceled for the day. view article  

North Texas Lawmaker Pushes Bill to Keep Universities Informed When Accused Sex Offenders Try to Transfer

A North Texas lawmaker has introduced a bill that would make it more difficult for students accused of sexual assault -- like ex-Baylor fraternity president Jacob Anderson -- to transfer quietly to another university. State Representative Chris Turner, a Democrat from Arlington, filed House Bill 449earlier this month for consideration during the upcoming legislative session. It would require all colleges and universities in Texas -- both public and private -- to make a disciplinary note on a student's transcript if he or she is suspended or expelled from school. view article  

What to know about the ‘Robin Hood’ school funding system

Parents, taxpayers and school board members like me tend to get sticker shock when we learn how much money our school districts have to send back to the state as part of the recapture, or “Robin Hood,” program. This often-criticized element of our school-finance system redistributes locally collected property taxes to the state to distribute to lower-wealth districts and charter schools. I have come to learn, however, that recapture is both an innovative system to boost equity in education and a tiny piece of the broader challenges with our school-finance system. Texas enjoys a growing economy, and our public school-finance system should give all children a fair shot, regardless of where they live. Though it is the state’s responsibility to provide a substantial share of school funding, Texas relies heavily on local property taxes to fund our schools. view article  

Partnership bids, executive coach on Houston ISD meeting agenda

Houston ISD trustees on Thursday are expected to discuss and possibly vote on whether to seek proposals for private partnerships with organizations to run long-struggling schools, as well as an offer from a top Texas Education Agency official to help dramatically overhaul board operations. The two potential votes could dramatically shape the future of HISD, which faces the possibility of forced campus closures or a state takeover of the district's school board due to chronically low performance at four schools. view article  

Florida school massacre panel recommends arming teachers

The panel investigating the Florida high school massacre recommended Wednesday that teachers who volunteer and undergo extensive background checks and training be allowed to carry concealed guns on campus to stop future shootings. The Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Commission voted 13-1 to recommend the Legislature allow the arming of teachers, saying it's not enough to have one or two police officers or armed guards on campus. Florida law adopted after the Feb. 14 shooting that left 17 dead allows districts to arm non-teaching staff members such as principals, librarians and custodians — 13 of the 67 districts do, mostly in rural parts of the state. view article  

‘It’s basically an Apocalypse Now’: Cops detail confusion of Parkland mass shooting

As a state commission concluded that the police response to Florida’s deadliest school shooting was marred by mismanagement, prosecutors released official accounts Wednesday from the cops who plunged headfirst into the chaos. In their words: view article  

Could Austin ISD Shutter 12 Schools?

Austin Independent School District officials are considering closing 12 campuses, among other actions, to reduce the district's $29 million budget deficit, according to a document obtained by the Chronicle. The draft report says that each closed campus could save the district about $1 million, but it does not list which schools could be closed. The document does indicate that two campuses could be closed next year, seven in the 2020-21 school year, and three more in 2021-22. A total of 91 potential budget reductions are listed in the document, which was not widely shared with the public or with members of the district's own Budget Stabilization Task Force, which has been working to finalize its own report on the topic. Of the items, which total about $55.1 million in potential savings annually, more than half would primarily impact AISD's central administration rather than its individual campuses and students, but the most controversial options would definitely be felt among the broader community. view article  

PRIVATE DONATIONS ARE GREAT, BUT ADEQUATE SCHOOL FUNDING IS THE STATE’S JOB

When the state leadership fails to adequately pay for public education, as it has failed to do for years, parents and local businesses step up, not only with higher property tax payments but also, in many cases, with private donations.  These donations, although well-intended, worsen an already inequitable funding system, not only among school districts but also among schools within the same district. And, to no surprise, the low-income kids who often need the most help are left behind. view article  

Beckville ISD considers tax ratification election in 2019

Beckville ISD is considering a tax ratification election some time next year — going to the voters to ask for a tax increase on their maintenance and operations side of the budget.  “We’ve been struggling with this the last couple years,” Superintendent Devin Tate said at Monday’s school board meeting. “We know that there’s a short fall of revenue, and then the state has continued to pull back and pull back, and gone down to like around 37, 38 percent for the typical school funding, and so money’s got to come from somewhere. view article  

Former Austin ISD Board Trustee says budget crisis is a ‘manufactured crisis’

AUSTIN — The Austin Independent School District is considering closing up to a dozen campuses to make up for a budget deficit.  That is just one of 91 different ideas on how to make up for a $55 to $60 million budget shortfall. Other options include cutting 150 to 200 jobs and increasing high school class size. view article