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Congratulations to the following New Supers
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Superintendent Vacancies
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| Vacant | Elkhart ISD; Search by: Arrow Educational ServicesINFO | Vacant | Lumberton ISD; Search by: Arrow Educational ServicesINFO | Vacant | Presidio ISD; Search by: Arrow Educational ServicesINFO | Vacant | Tom Bean ISD; Search by: Tom Bean ISD Board of Trustees & Kelly LuskINFO | Vacant | Montgomery ISD; Search by: Thomposon & Horton LLP - Dr. Mike Moses & David ThompsonINFO | Vacant | Goldthwaite ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO | Vacant | Santa Rosa ISD; Search by: O’Hanlon, Demerath & CastilloINFO | Vacant | Uvalde CISD; Search By: Region 20 ESCINFO | Vacant | Brenham ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO | Vacant | Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO | Vacant | Ingleside ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO | Vacant | Fairfield ISD; Search by: Walsh, Gallegos, Trevino, Kyle & Robinson P.C.& Education Consultant Dr. Ann DixonINFO | Vacant | Woodsboro ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO | Vacant | Calvert ISD - Latisha Crockett-Tennell, Interim Superintendent,Calvert ISD; Search by: O’Hanlon, Demerath & CastilloINFO | Vacant | Blooming Grove ISD; Search by: Blooming Grove ISD Board of Trustees & Gary MartelINFO | Vacant | Ben Bolt-Palito Blanco ISD; Search by: O’Hanlon, Demerath & CastilloINFO | Vacant | Carrizo Springs ISD; Search by: O’Hanlon, Demerath & CastilloINFO | Vacant | Sabinal ISD; Search by: Richard W Grill & Sabinal ISD Board of TrusteesINFO | Vacant | Valley View ISD; Education Solutions and Services Mike Smith & Letha HopkinsINFO | Vacant | Dickinson ISD; Search by: Dickinson ISD Board of TrusteesINFO | Vacant | Muenster ISD; Search by: Impact Education Specialists - Doug Williams, Kevin Worthy, Blake Cooper and Stan SurrattINFO | Vacant | La Gloria ISD; Search by: La Gloria ISD Board of TrusteesINFO | Vacant | Whitney ISD; Search by: Whitney ISD Board of TrusteesINFO | Vacant | Dickinson ISD; Search by: SPALDING NICHOLS LAMP LANGLOISINFO | Vacant |
Pineywoods Community Academy (Lufkin); Search by: SPALDING NICHOLS LAMP LANGLOISINFO |
Vacant | Dilley ISD; Search by: O’Hanlon, Demerath & CastilloINFO | Vacant | Grand Prairie ISD; Search by: O’Hanlon, Demerath & CastilloINFO | Vacant | Clyde CISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO | Vacant | Kermit ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO | Vacant | Olton ISD; Search by: Region 17 ESC, Kyle Wargo Exec. DirectorINFO | Vacant | Tenaha ISD; Search by: Tenaha ISD Board of TrusteesINFO | Vacant | Prairie Lea ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO | Vacant | Pewitt CISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO | Vacant | Burton ISD; Search by: Powell Law Group, Dr. Danny LovettINFO | Vacant | Region 14 ESC Executive Director; Search By: Association of Educational Service Agencies (AESA)INFO | Vacant | Union Hill ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO | Vacant | Decatur ISD; Search by: Decatur ISD Board of TrusteesINFO | 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 LyonINFO | Vacant | Early ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO | Vacant | Gorman ISD; Search by: Ronnie KincaidINFO | Vacant | Cross Plains ISD; Search by: Ronnie KincaidINFO | Vacant |
Doss CCISD; Search by: Walsh, Gallegos, Trevino, Kyle & Robinson P.C.& Education Consultant Dr. Ann DixonINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Iraan-Sheffield Collegiate ISD - Gary Laramore, Principal,Balmorhea ISD; Search by: Dr. Nelson Coulter assisted by Collegiate Edu-NationINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Henrietta ISD - Jaime Clark, Chief of Schools,Lewisville ISD; Search by: Region 9 ESC, Darren Francis and Kenny MillerINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Thorndale ISD - Zach Kleypas, Principal,Pflugerville ISD; Search by: Danny Lovett, Powell Law GroupINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Bloomington ISD - Eric Cormier, Principal,Brazos ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO |
| Lone Finalist | City View ISD - Dr. Jesse Thomas, Interim Superintendent,City View ISD; Search by: Region 9 ESC, Darren Francis and Kenny MillerINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Pawnee ISD - Anthony Annis, Assistant Principal,San Antonio ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Windthorst ISD - Jason Nolan, Principal,Burkburnett ISD; Search by: Region 9 ESC, Darren Francis and Kenny MillerINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Perryton ISD - Greg Brown, Superintendent,Claude ISD; Search by: Perryton ISD Board of Trustees & Region 16 ESC, Dr. Tanya Larkin, Exec. Dir.INFO |
| Lone Finalist | Gold-Burg ISD - Jonathan Lloyd, Principal,Detroit ISD; Search by: Region 9 ESC, Darren Francis and Kenny MillerINFO |
| Lone Finalist | West Hardin Co. CISD - Donald Heseman, Principal,Clyde ISD; Search by: Dr. Byron Terrier, Exec. Dir. Region 5 ESCINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Spurger ISD - Jeff Burnthorn, Director,Silsbee ISD; Search by: Dr. Byron Terrier, Exec. Dir. Region 5 ESC (Short Timeline)INFO |
| Lone Finalist | Roby CISD - Kenny Border, Assistant Superintendent,Sweetwater ISD; Search by: Ronnie KincaidINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Cotulla ISD - Dr. Ramiro Nava, Assistant Superintendent,Somerset ISD; Search by: Walsh, Gallegos, Treviño, Kyle & Robinson P.C., & Education Consultant Dr. Saul HinojosaINFO |
| Lone Finalist | McAllen ISD - René Gutiérrez, Superintendent,Brownsville ISD; Search by: O’Hanlon, Demerath & CastilloINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Ponder ISD - Dr. James Hill, Director of Operations,Frisco ISD; Search by: Impact Education Specialists - Doug Williams, Kevin Worthy, Blake Cooper and Stan SurrattINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Hale Center ISD - Jance Morris, Superintendent,Savoy ISD; Search by: Region 17 ESC, Kyle Wargo Exec. DirectorINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Rocksprings ISD - Justin Del Bosque, Principal,Georgetown ISD; Search by: Region 15 ESCINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Cypress-Fairbanks ISD (Deadline Updated); Search by: Thomposon & Horton LLP - Dr. Mike Moses & David ThompsonINFO |
| Lone Finalist | San Angelo ISD - Dr. Christopher Moran, Superintendent,Whitehouse ISD; Search by: Thomposon & Horton LLP - David Thompson & Dr. Mike MosesINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Rotan ISD - Michael Rudewick, Assistant Principal,San Angelo ISD; Search by: Ronnie KincaidINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Boerne ISD - Kristin Craft, Associate Superintendent,Spring Branch ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Johnson City ISD - Ben Eubanks, Superintendent,Glasscock County ISD; Search by: Walsh, Gallegos, Trevino, Kyle & Robinson P.C.& Education Consultant Dr. Ann DixonINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Duncanville ISD - Dr. T. Lamar Goree, Superintendent,Caddo Parish Public Schools; Search by: Thompson & Horton LLP - Dr. Mike Moses & David ThompsonINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Iowa Park CISD - Kevin McCasland, Superintendent,Olton ISD; Search by: Impact Education Specialists - Doug Williams, Kevin Worthy, Blake Cooper and Stan SurrattINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Corrigan-Camden ISD - Mr. Brian Aiken , Assistant Superintendent,Crockett ISD; Search by: Leon|Alcala PLLCINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Kennard ISD - Chad Smith, Interim Superintendent,Kennard ISD; Search by: Arrow Educational ServicesINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Hamlin Collgiate ISD - Dr. Chanda Bloch, Director,San Marcos CISD; Search by: Collegiate Edu-Nation, Dr. Nelson CoulterINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Prairiland ISD - Jason Hostetler, Principal,Prairieland ISD; Search by: Prairieland ISD Board of Trustees and Supt. Jeff BallardINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Laneville ISD - Terry Young, Director,Woodville ISD; Search by: SPALDING NICHOLS LAMP LANGLOISINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Greenville ISD - Joe Lopez, Superintendent,Kermit ISD; Search by: Impact Education Specialists - Doug Williams, Kevin Worthy, Blake Cooper and Stan SurrattINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Weimar ISD - Chase Seelke, Assistant Superintendent,Paradise ISD; Search by: Region 3 ESC, Exec. Dir. Morris LyonINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Brooks County ISD - Scott Rogers, Superintendent,Brazos ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Mason ISD - Sean Leamon, Superintendent,Winters ISD; Search by: Region 15 ESCINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Normangee ISD - Justin Vercher, Principal,Hillsboro ISD; Search by: N2 Learning, Dr. Eddie Coulson & Dr. Brad Lancaster (Updated Deadline)INFO |
| Lone Finalist | Sharyland ISD - Elaine Howard, Deputy Superintendent,Boerne ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Rockport-Fulton ISD - Dr. Lesley Austin, Deputy Superintendent,Trinity Basin Prep, Dallas; Search by: Walsh, Gallegos, Trevino, Kyle & Robinson P.C.& Education Consultant Mrs. Charlotte BakerINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Abilene ISD - Dr. John Kuhn, Superintendent,Mineral Wells ISD; Search by: Leasor Crass, P.CINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Pflugerville ISD - Dr. Quintin Shepherd, Superintendent,Victoria ISD; Search by: Thompson & Horton LLP - Dr. Mike Moses & David ThompsonINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Lufkin ISD - Dr. James Hockenberry, Assistant Superintendent,Longview ISD; Search by: Thompson & Horton LLP - Dr. Mike Moses & David ThompsonINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Rains ISD - Joe Nicks, Assistant Superintendent,Kaufman ISD; Search by: Arrow Educational ServicesINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Willis ISD - Dr. Kimberly James, Deputy Superintendent,Corpus Christi ISD; Search by: Thomposon & Horton LLP - Dr. Mike Moses & David ThompsonINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Corsicana ISD - Stephanie Howell, Deputy Superintendent,Corsicana ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Panhandle ISD - Dr. John Sherrill, Principal,Archer City ISD; Search by: Panhandle ISD Board of Trustees & Region 16 ESC, Dr. Tanya Larkin, Exec. Dir.INFO |
| Lone Finalist | Claude ISD - Brent Kirkland, Principal,Panhandle ISD; Search by: Claude ISD Board of Trustees & Jody JohnsonINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Lorenzo ISD - Dr. Greg Nelson, Assistant Superintendent,Lamesa ISD; Search by: Region 17 ESC, Kyle Wargo Exec. DirectorINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Wilson ISD - Wesley Jones, Principal,Cross Plains ISD; Search by: Region 17 ESC, Kyle Wargo Exec. DirectorINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Rogers ISD - Duana Brashear, Assistant Superintendent,Royal ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Whitehouse ISD - Dr. Casey Whittle, Assistant Superintendent,Wylie ISD; Search by: Thompson & Horton LLP - Dr. Mike Moses & David ThompsonINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Royse City ISD - Dr. Amy Anderson, Interim Superintendent,Royse City ISD; Search by: Thompson & Horton LLP - Dr. Mike Moses, David Thompson & Dr. Curtis CulwellINFO |
| New Super | White Oak ISD - William Paul, Superintendent,Windthorst ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO |
| New Super | Midway ISD - Chris Allen, Superintendent,Marble Falls ISD; Search by: N2 Learning, Dr. Eddie Coulson & Dr. Brad Lancaster INFO |
| New Super | Anton ISD - Freddie Tobias, Principal,Anton ISD; Search by: Region 17 ESC, Kyle Wargo Exec. DirectorINFO |
| New Super | Navarro ISD - Mandy D. Epley, Assistant Superintendent,Comal ISD; Search by: Walsh, Gallegos, Treviño, Kyle & Robinson P.C., & Education Consultant Dr. Sherri BaysINFO |
| New Super | Hedley ISD - Tracey Bell, Principal,Vega ISD; Search by: Hedley ISD Board of Trustees & Region 16 ESC, Nathan Maxwell, Associate Exec. Dir.INFO |
| New Super | Venus ISD - Patrick Torres, Superintendent,Denver City ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO |
| New Super | Yantis ISD - Robyn Derington Deputy Supt. Banquete ISD, Deputy Superintendent,Banquete ISD; Search by: Powell Law Group, LLP, Dr. Shaun Barnett (Short Timeline!)INFO |
| New Super | Morton ISD - Mario Aguirre, Principal,Slaton ISD; Search by: Region 17 ESC, Dr. Kyle Wargo, Exec. DirectorINFO |
| New Super | Comfort ISD - Dr. Yvonne J. Munoz, Director,San Diego ISD; Search by: Walsh, Gallegos, Treviño, Kyle & Robinson P.C., & Education Consultant Dr. Ann DixonINFO |
| New Super | Coupland ISD - Dr. Earl W. Parcell, Chief Financial Officer,Copperas Cove ISD; Search by: Walsh, Gallegos, Trevino, Kyle & Robinson P.C.& Education Consultant Dr. Saul HinojosaINFO |
| New Super | Miami ISD - Krista Solis, Superintendent,Hart ISD; Search by: Interim Supt. Steve Post and Miami ISD Board of TrusteesINFO |
| New Super | Knippa ISD - Benny Hernandez, Superintendent,Mathis ISD; Search by: Knippa ISD Board of TrusteesINFO |
| New Super | Irion County ISD - Dr. Sara "Nikki" Moore, Principal,Coldspring-Oakhurst ISD; Search by: Region 15 ESCINFO |
| New Super | Liberty-Eylau ISD - Jeff Wright, Interim Superintendent,Liberty-Eylau ISD; Search by: Leasor Crass, P.CINFO |
| New Super | Keller ISD (Short Timeline) - Dr. Tracy Johnson, Chief of Human Resources,Keller ISD; Search by: Leasor Crass, P.CINFO |
| New Super | New Diana ISD - Marshall Moore, Superintendent,Crowell ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO |
| New Super | Sam Rayburn ISD - Dr. Dustin Evans, Assistant Superintendent,Bland ISD; Search by: Sam Rayburn ISD Board of TrusteesINFO |
| New Super | Burnet CISD - Dr. Aaron J. Peña, Assistant Superintendent,Midway ISD; Search by: Walsh, Gallegos, Trevino, Kyle & Robinson P.C.& Education Consultant Dr. Sherri BaysINFO |
| New Super | Archer City ISD - Jon Hartgraves, Superintendent,Hico ISD; Search by: Region 9 ESC, Darren Francis and Kenny MillerINFO |
| New Super |
Glasscock County ISD - Mallory Marr, Chief Academic Officer,Sweetwater ISD; Search by: CCR Educational Consultants, Dr. Skip Casey, Staci Robertson, & Rod TownsendINFO |
| New Super | Ira ISD - Garrett Luft, Assistant Principal,Lubbock ISD; Search by: CCR Educational Consultants, Dr. Skip Casey, Staci Robertson, & Rod TownsendINFO |
| New Super | Anahuac ISD - Dr. Cody Abshire, Interim Superintendent,Anahuac ISD; Search by: Dr. Byron Terrier, Exec. Dir. Region 5 ESCINFO |
| New Super |
Pilot Point ISD - Shannon Fuller, Chief Instructional Officer,East Central ISD; Search by: Pilot Point ISD & Abernathy, Roeder, Boyd and Hullett, consultant Karen RueINFO |
| New Super | Colmesneil ISD - Sharon Tule, Interim Superintendent,Colmesneil ISD; Search by: Fisher FirmINFO |
| New Super | New Home ISD - Toby Tucker, Director,ESC 16; Search by: Region 17 ESC, Kyle Wargo Exec. DirectorINFO |
| New Super | Ropes ISD - Dade Cosby, Superintendent,Cross Plains ISD; Search by: Region 17 ESC, Kyle Wargo Exec. DirectorINFO |
How do I get my SuperSearch on TexasISD.com?Bonham ISD hires new superintendent, Dr. Joy Wilson
The board unanimously approved hiring Dr. Joy Wilson as the new superintendent and approving the superintendent contract. The meeting adjourned amid applause for the new superintendent. Wilson signed the contract after the meeting ended and then stayed for multiple photographs, including one with Audrey Rayford, who was Wilson’s Head Start teacher in Bonham many years ago.
A First: Texans to Elect Appraisal District Directors in May
Voters in Texas counties with a population of 75,000 or more will elect three new members to their appraisal district board of directors. On May 4, many Texans will have their first opportunity to elect representatives to the governing boards of their local appraisal districts, making the agencies that assess property values for tax purposes more accountable to citizens. A new property tax relief law, passed last year and approved in November by voters statewide, included a provision for voters in counties with a population of 75,000 or more to elect three new members to their county appraisal district board of directors. The three elected board members will serve alongside the five appointed directors and the county tax assessor-collector, who will become an ex-officio board member. Directors elected in May will take office on July 1 and serve a term that expires on December 31, 2026.
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Houston ISD’s teacher evaluation system offers on-the-spot training and evaluations, but is it making a difference?
HOUSTON – As the school year comes to an end, we can’t help but discuss the plethora of changes across the Houston Independent School District campuses, starting with the appointment of Superintendent Mike Miles. The Texas Education Agency said its goal was simple, to improve teacher effectiveness and better prepare the kids of HISD for the future. The problems in the district didn’t go unnoticed as several campuses were “underperforming” for years. But since the state takeover, has much changed? ‘I am concerned for my now former colleagues:’ Former HISD principal shares what he’s learning from employees
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Gov. Abbott wants to end property taxes, but is that realistic?
AUSTIN, Texas — After months of delay, a plan to cut your property taxes is on the fast-track. On Wednesday, the Texas Senate passed a key portion of an $18 billion package that would help both homeowners and businesses. What You Need To Know On Wednesday, the Texas Senate passed a key portion of an $18 billion package that would help both homeowners and businesses While Democrats joined Republicans in passing the bills, they raised concerns about a lack of new money for schools One even criticized House leadership for removing a Senate-backed amendment to give teachers a bonus, which Republicans say that will be addressed in the next special session The full property tax relief package is expected to be voted on and sent to Gov. Greg Abbott on Thursday While Democrats joined Republicans in passing the bills, they raised concerns about a lack of new money for schools. One even criticized House leadership for removing a Senate-backed amendment to give teachers a bonus. Republicans say that will be addressed in the next special session
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Property Tax Relief and Higher Ed Reform Among Patrick’s Charges Ahead of Next Session
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has announced his interim charges for the Senate, a set of 57 issues he is calling on Senate Committees to investigate and research ahead of the legislative session next year. The list of charges runs the gamut of issues conservatives have called on the legislature to address, including property tax relief, protecting Texas land from hostile foreign ownership, and strengthening laws preventing electioneering by school districts and other political subdivisions. “The Senate’s work to study the list of charges will begin in the coming weeks and months. Following completion of hearings, committees will submit reports with their specific findings and policy recommendations before December 1, 2024,” said Patrick.
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Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick lists housing affordability, fighting antisemitism on campus among 2025 priorities
Examining charitable bail organizations and banning Delta 9 were also among Patrick’s priorities in the next legislative session. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick put improving housing affordability, fighting antisemitism on college campuses and examining charitable bail organizations among 57 items on a to-do list for senators before the next legislative session begins in January. Patrick, who oversees the Senate and wields tremendous power over bills passed into law, said the list was whittled from hundreds of ideas submitted from the state’s 31 senators, which the lieutenant governor reviewed with his staff. “Come January 2025, the Senate will hit the ground running at the start of the 89th Legislative Session,” Patrick said in a statement. “The priorities of the conservative majority of Texans will be accomplished, including school choice, continued property tax relief, and strengthening the power grid.”
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Lufkin ISD taps James Hockenberry as superintendent finalist
James Hockenberry is now the lone finalist for the job of superintendent at Lufkin ISD, positioning him to be appointed once the state’s 21-day mandatory waiting period elapses. The Lufkin ISD Board of Trustees voted unanimously to nominate Hockenberry as the lone finalist during a special meeting Monday. Wayne Haglund, the Lufkin ISD legal counsel, said that based on state law the board must wait 21 days after announcing a superintendent candidate before entering into a contract. Hockenberry has served for the last four years as assistant superintendent of Longview ISD, part of his 29 years of work as an educator. He also served as superintendent of Center ISD and Chireno ISD for a total of 13 years, said Lufkin ISD Board president Kristi Gay as she introduced Hockenberry. She also noted his experience as a teacher — including four years as a high school science teacher.
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Preventive Law: Blackhole Consequences of Shooting STAAR
We see it every year: parents trying to opt their child out of STAAR testing. Some claim it’s against their religious beliefs, some claim it’s bad for their children’s mental health, and some have no problem stating they just don’t want to participate. Below we’ll discuss the constellation of consequences that students may face for their parent’s choice of opting out, and what issues your school district might encounter if more and more parents begin to follow this trend.
Bonham ISD names superintendent lone finalist by MyParisTexas March 21, 2024
Bonham ISD Board of Trustees named Dr. Joy Wilson as the lone finalist for Superintendent of Schools for Bonham ISD at their Mar. 20, 2024, meeting. After the state-required 21-day waiting period, Dr. Wilson is set to become the district’s next leader following the retirement of current BISD superintendent, Kelly Trompler. Dr. Wilson is delighted to return to Bonham ISD where she began her education, attending kindergarten at Stephenson School. Her mother, a class of 1969 Bonhi graduate, is thrilled to have her daughter serve as the next superintendent at her alma mater.
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PARENT: Allen ISD Principal Berates Students After Active Shooter Drill
After a few students made noise during the drill, the principal allegedly yelled at the 5th grade class until they cried and then took photos of them. ALLEN—According to a parent, a lockdown drill at her daughter’s elementary school quickly got out of hand when a substitute teacher and principal overreacted. After the experience, Brooke Wilcox pulled her daughter out of the school. Texas Scorecard offered Allen ISD the chance to respond to Wilcox’s allegations. Their response is printed in full at the bottom of this article.
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Texas State Board of Education faces takeover by GOP challengers backed by influential donors
For more than 20 years, Fort Worth Republican Pat Hardy has been a reliably conservative voice on the State Board of Education. Hardy has fought for Moses to be included in social studies standards, advocated for presenting creationism alongside evolution in science textbooks and said she was an early voice to call for the banning of critical race theory from the state’s public schools. But in 2024, Hardy is not conservative enough for Republican voters: She lost her primary election earlier this month against Brandon Hall, a former youth pastor who has pitched himself as a fighter for Christian conservative values. In addition to Hardy’s outright loss, two other Republicans on the board — Pam Little and Tom Maynard — were forced into runoff elections against opponents pitching themselves as stronger conservatives. All three challengers received heavy financial support from Texans for Educational Freedom, a right-wing advocacy group that cut its teeth trying to sway local school board elections but has turned its attention to overhauling the state board, spending more than $300,000 this year.
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Court order puts Texas law allowing police to arrest migrants who cross illegally back on hold
A federal appeals court late Tuesday issued an order that again prevents Texas from arresting migrants suspected of entering the U.S. illegally, hours after the Supreme Court allowed the strict new immigration law to take effect. The decision by the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals comes weeks after a panel on the same court cleared the way for Texas to enforce the law by putting a pause on a lower judge’s injunction. But by a 2-1 order, a panel of the appeals court lifted that pause ahead of arguments before the court on Wednesday. Texas authorities had not announced any arrests made under the law. Earlier Tuesday a divided Supreme Court had allowed Texas to begin enforcing a law that gives police broad powers to arrest migrants suspected of crossing the border illegally as the legal battle over the measure played out. The conservative majority order rejected an emergency application from the Biden administration, which says the law is a clear violation of federal authority that would cause chaos in immigration law. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott had praised the order clearing the way for the law that allows any police officer in Texas to arrest migrants for illegal entry and authorizes judges to order them to leave the U.S.
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Low property values could cost Coleman ISD $500,000 in state funding
COLEMAN, Texas — Coleman ISD could lose up to $500,000 in state funding this year. The State Comptroller on all school district property values recently released its report for the Property Value Study conducted for Coleman ISD. The results from that study estimates the school district will lose $500,000 in lost revenue for 2024. State law requires values to be at least 95% of sales prices but the report shows values are much lower than that requirement. The Coleman County Central Appraiser, Eva Bush, said the state's appraisal of the district came in higher than her appraisal which resulted in the shortfall.
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CLAY GILLENTINE NAMED LONE FINALIST FOR BRENHAM ISD SUPT.
Acting Brenham ISD Superintendent Clay Gillentine was named as the lone finalist for the Superintendent position at the Brenham School board meeting Thursday night. Trustees voted at their last meeting on February 19th to reopen the search for superintendent to internal applicants only. The School Board now has 21 days to wait before it can vote to formally name Gillentine as the next Superintendent of Brenham schools.
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Eichelbaum Wardell Hansen Powell & Muñoz, P.C.
TEA appoints conservators to Socorro ISD to oversee district
SOCORRO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — The Texas Education Agency has appointed two conservators for the Socorro Independent School District on Thursday. The TEA appointed Dr. Michael Hinojosa as the lead conservator and Andrew Kim as a conservator to specifically focus on the system improvements to Socorro ISD. According to TEA, the conservators will provide TEA assurances that the district makes every effort to comply with applicable statutes and regulations.
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Nearly every HISD school fails to meet some indoor environmental quality standards, report finds
The district also had more than 80 schools with high lead levels in drinking water sources, according to analysis conducted in fall 2023. Nearly every Houston ISD campus failed to meet at least one indoor environmental quality recommendation in 2023, including irregular indoor temperature, abnormal carbon dioxide levels and high lead levels in drinking water, according to findings from a recent assessment of district facilities. Professional Service Industries, a construction engineering consulting firm, conducted a review of indoor environmental quality parameters that could impact “general environmental comfort,” airborne contaminants, lead levels in drinking water, moisture issues and secondary water damage in 259 HISD schools from Sept. 30 to Dec. 5.
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Clear Creek ISD completes 86% of intruder detection audit, remedies exterior door audit findings
Clear Creek ISD has completed 86% of its intruder detection audit, or IDAs, throughout the district and has had to remedy nine doors throughout the entire district based on audit findings. What you need to know The Texas School Safety Center, or TxSSC, provides safety and security information through research, training and technical assistance for K-12 schools, according to the center’s website. Through Region 4, the TxSSC conducts comprehensive IDAs to assess the security measures of school campuses on an annual basis.
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HISD high schools ranked among best in Texas in 2024 U.S. News rankings. Here’s how each campus did.
Two Houston ISD high schools continue to rank among the best 10 public secondary schools in the state, according to the 2024 rankings from U.S. News & World Report. U.S. News listed Carnegie Vanguard High School at No. 5 and DeBakey High School for Health Professions as No. 8 in Texas in its annual ratings Tuesday. The two HISD high schools also were ranked as No. 31 and No. 70, respectively, in the U.S. among a list of nearly 17,660 charter, magnet and traditional public schools.The annual review ranks schools based on six factors: college readiness, student performance on Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate and state standardized exams, graduation rates and academic outcomes for Black, Hispanic and low-income students. The data is based on scores from exams taken during the 2021-2022 academic year.
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Seattle Children’s Hospital won’t have to provide trans patient records to Texas under new settlement
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton suspected the hospital was helping Texas kids access puberty blockers or hormone treatments that are outlawed for juveniles. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton will drop his quest to seize transgender patients’ information from a Seattle children’s hospital, according to a court settlement Paxton’s office announced on Monday. Seattle Children’s Hospital officials have said in sworn depositions that the facility does not have staff who treat trans kids in-person within Texas or remotely from Washington. As part of the settlement, the hospital will withdraw its business license in Texas, though it wasn’t immediately clear Monday for what purposes that license was used. The agreement comes as Paxton and the hospital face off over a November investigation opened by the attorney general two months after a new Texas law banned the use of puberty blockers and hormone therapy for transgender youth.
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Governor Abbott Announces Over $2.1 Million In Career Training Grants To Seven Gulf Coast Area Schools
Governor Greg Abbott today announced seven Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grants totaling $2,103,320 have been awarded to seven schools in the Gulf Coast area by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC). The JET grants will support career and technical education (CTE) training programs by helping the schools purchase and install equipment to initially train more than 1,500 students for high-demand occupations as welders, registered nurses, heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers, and more.
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It’s official: URHCS is sports medicine provider for WFISD, thanks to innovative agreement
An innovative partnership to step up sports medicine care for student athletes in Wichita Falls ISD heralds a new era of community involvement, WFISD School Board President Katherine McGregor said.
United Regional Health Care System and WFISD recently announced a groundbreaking agreement to improve athletic care for student-athletes, according to a media release. The partnership means URHCS is the official sports medicine provider for WFISD athletics.
A staff member at the United Regional Center for Advanced Orthopedics provides a demonstration Tuesday, April 16, 2024, as Wichita Falls ISD and United Regional Health Care System enter into a sports medicine partnership for student athletes.
"The partnership is another example of our larger community working together, and our local families and students are the winners," McGregor said in a statement. "What a blessing for all!"
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Dr. Elaine Howard, New Leadership and Visions for Sharyland ISD
Sharyland, TX – On Friday, April 19, 2024, Sharyland ISD welcomed a new chapter in its history with the introduction of Dr. Elaine Howard, the incoming superintendent. The event, hosted by Superintendent Dr. Maria M. Vidaurri and the Sharyland ISD Board of Trustees, provided an opportunity for Texas Border Business and community members to engage in meaningful dialogue with Dr. Howard. Getting to Know Dr. Elaine Howard Originally from Albuquerque and a longtime resident of San Antonio, Dr. Howard brings over 17 years of educational experience to Sharyland ISD. “This feels like coming home,” she shared, emphasizing her connection to the community despite being new to the Rio Grande Valley. With a robust background in educational leadership, including a tenure as deputy superintendent at Bernie ISD, Dr. Howard is ready to tackle the challenges of her new role.
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‘They come home crying, they can’t eat, they can’t sleep’ | Texas families take action against STAAR
TEXAS, USA — UPDATE: 'A constant insane amount of pressure' | Central Texas mom opts student out of STAAR test, despite TEA saying the law does not allow for it
Texans are taking action against the state's testing program, known as STAAR. Parents are opting out of the assessment which is possible but not easy.
A minimum of 95% of students must participate in STAAR testing or the state might penalize the district, according to the Texas Education Agency (TEA). However, students and parents face no consequences for opting out.
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l Paso ISD offering vocational training with a modern approach
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — You might call El Paso ISD’s Center for Career and Technology Education its secret weapon. For the past 30 years, CCTE has been teaching students marketable skills and trades while getting them ready for a profession, not just a job, said longtime Principal Matthew Farley. “We have traditional shops. We have (automotive) collision. We have welding. We have the traditional cosmetology, cosmetology nails but we have unique programs like cyber security, 3D animation, vet tech where kids can become certified vet assistants and actually work with veterinarians in the clinics,” Farley said.
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North Texas schools want $2.5B for safety, upgrades and more
Safety improvements, technology, new campuses and stadium upgrades are on the ballot for North Texas schools this May.
Voters will decide billions of dollars worth of bond packages as about a dozen area districts have proposals on the May 4 ballot.
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“It’s really about upgrading the learning environment for our students so that it can make it more conducive to learning,” Cedar Hill ISD Superintendent Gerald Hudson said. “Not only for the students but also for the teachers.”
The districts’ appeals come as the success of school bonds has diminished in recent years. In 2019, for example, Texas voters approved about 77% of such propositions, according to state data.
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Gov. Abbott ‘certain’ school vouchers will pass next session
Texas Governor Greg Abbott's push for school vouchers has been a large part of the 2024 election cycle.
Education savings accounts, also known as school vouchers, failed to pass in the Texas Legislature multiple times in 2023.
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Longview: Trustees approve curriculum for new gaming program
The Longview ISD Board of Trustees unanimously approved curriculum plans for new grant-funded gaming and multimedia programs, during their regular meeting Monday, April 22. Board members received a presentation from Ms. Rewa Conner, LISD Gaming Coordinator, about the proposed Gaming Development & Digital Multimedia Art Pathway courses for Bailey Elementary, Forest Park Middle, and Longview Early Graduation High. "The courses requested for approval are: (Level 1) Video Game Design, (Level 2) Game Programming and Design, (Level 3) Web Game Development, and (Level 4) Career Preparation I or Student to Industry Connection," Conner said.
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Migrant apprehensions are down at the Texas border. Have state policies had an impact?
Abbott has credited his Operation Lone Star for a recent drop in migrant encounters on the Texas-Mexico border. To Gov. Greg Abbott, the results of his multibillion-dollar border security initiative are clear. In a recent television interview, Abbott highlighted a decrease in the number of migrants trying to enter the country through the Rio Grande into Eagle Pass after he ordered the state National Guard to seize a 50-acre public park there. He also noted another statistic: Texas has more than two-thirds of the U.S.-Mexico border, but has recently seen fewer illegal crossings than other border states. “We are having a profound impact in stopping the flow of illegal immigration into the state of Texas,” Abbott said in the interview, crediting Operation Lone Star, the border security initiative he launched in March 2021. Federal statistics confirm Abbott’s claim that overall more migrants were encountered by Border Patrol agents outside of Texas each of the first three months of this year. During the 2023 fiscal year, Texas on average accounted for roughly 59% of migrant encounters along the southwest border. During the first half of the 2024 fiscal year, which began in October, Texas has on average accounted for 43% of migrant encounters.
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May 4 election: Here’s what’s on the ballot in Georgetown
Voters throughout Texas—including those in Georgetown—will head to the polls to vote for city council members, school board trustees and local propositions. With early voting underway, here's a quick guide to what's on the ballot.
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Opinion D.C.’s truancy problem won’t get better without involved parents
Opinion D.C.’s truancy problem won’t get better without involved parents Mr. King has done D.C. a service on this vexing and chronic issue once again. He very correctly points out the shortcomings of the D.C. government’s policies in this problem area. Clearly, the deputy mayor for education and the schools need to play a crucial role in dealing with this. But, as Mr. King points out, unless and until the parents are required (and helped) to meet their responsibilities, major improvements are unlikely to happen. Two issues remain unaddressed, however: First, does the deputy mayor have the will and capacity to take the needed actions? And second, to what degree are poverty and, say, single-mother households behind the problem, and if so what problem-solving options do we have?
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Dr. Amy Anderson named Lone Finalist for Royse City ISD Superintendent
At a special meeting on Monday, April 22, the Royse City ISD School Board approved by unanimous vote the naming of Dr. Amy Anderson as the lone finalist in the superintendent search. Dr. Anderson has served as the interim superintendent since the retirement of longtime superintendent Kevin Worthy in December. She first joined Royse City ISD in the Summer of 2022 as chief academic officer and was later promoted to deputy superintendent. Texas state law requires school districts to implement a 21-day waiting period before an official contract may be offered. Dr. Anderson is scheduled to sign her contract on Monday, May 13.
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Gladewater ISD opts out of Mondays with four-day school week move
Gladewater ISD board of trustees unanimously made the decision on Monday to move to a four-day school week and opted not to have classes on Mondays. Unlike other districts that decided on having a four-day school week with Fridays off, the district of Gladewater will not be in session Mondays of the coming school year. The school board president said this will help attract and retain teachers, giving them more flexibility in their personal lives.
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Kaufman: Local ISD Seeks Voter Approval of $171M Bond
Voters in Kaufman ISD, located just 45 minutes southeast of Dallas, will consider a $171 million bond to improve safety and security and create more space to address aging facilities.
The district is expected to reach over 5,000 students in five years. Kaufman County is the second-fastest growing county in the United States.
Enrollment has increased by almost 10% over the last three years, according to the district.
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Cy-Fair ISD discusses budget-cut proposals
This special meeting came after a nearly $70 million budget shortfall.
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