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.
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
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.
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.
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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ANALYSIS: Why Are They Afraid of Questions?

April 1909:00 AM

No one in the crony establishment—not the bureaucrats, lobbyists, or media shills—likes it when people have the temerity to start asking questions. We’re just supposed to accept the dictates of the status quo without question. As an example, consider the unhinged diatribe of leftwing columnist Chris Tomlinson opining against Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick’s charges to the Texas Senate for study over the eight months until the start of the 2025 regular legislative session. In particular, Tomlinson was horrified that Patrick asked the Senate to establish and report on the cost of eliminating: o School maintenance and operation property taxes; o All school property taxes; and o All property taxes. view article

Huffman ISD Accuses AG’s Office of Election Interference in Response to Electioneering Lawsuit

April 1908:45 AM

Attorneys representing Huffman Independent School District have accused Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s office of trying to sway the outcome of the March 5 Republican primary election. Paxton’s office first announced on March 1 that it filed a civil lawsuit against the district’s superintendent and board of trustees. The lawsuit was in response to a leaked audio recording of Superintendent Benny Soileau encouraging school staff to vote for the “sweet 16” anti-school choice Republicans facing challengers in the primary. In a Monday legal filing, Huffman ISD contended that the potential election interference committed was the result of the OAG’s lawsuit and not the superintendent’s actions. view article

Kaufman ISD Residents to Consider $387 Million Bond

April 1908:42 AM

Residents are also being asked to approve a $950 million bond in the county’s first water district. Kaufman Independent School District is pushing for a bond that would cost taxpayers more than $387 million when factoring in interest. It is a significant jump from the $170 million that voters will see on the ballot, which does not factor in estimated principal and interest debt. Kaufman ISD is specifically seeking funds for district-wide security projects, such as security camera upgrades, security film, and security fencing. The district would also like to add classrooms to its aging Helen Edwards Early Childhood Center, which it claims is “at functional capacity,” and a new agricultural barn for Career & Technical Education Classes. In addition, Kaufman ISD wants to construct a new campus for Norman Junior High School, which is currently at capacity, to serve 1,200 students. view article

Houston ISD Expected to Seek Multibillion Dollar Bond

April 1908:40 AM

While the district hasn’t said how much a proposed bond would cost, a local paper reported that a recent estimate was for between $3.5 and $5 billion. Houston ISD’s appointed board of managers signaled the district’s intention to move forward with a multi-billion dollar bond package this November. At its recent board meeting, the board members voted to allow Superintendent Mike Miles and his administration to use district resources that would be refunded to the general fund by future bond proceeds and to begin developing a November 2024 bond package. view article

Humble ISD superintendent up for job in Nevada in wake of Title IX investigation into her husband

April 1908:31 AM

Elizabeth Fagen, who has led the Houston-area school district since 2016, is among the finalists for a superintendent role in Reno, Nevada. Her husband, Troy Kite, recently retired as Humble ISD’s athletics director after an investigation into a Title IX complaint made against him reportedly determined that he should be fired. view article

Texas Leads Nation In Annual Job Creation

April 1908:30 AM

AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott today celebrated Texas again leading the nation in annual job creation following the release of March employment numbers showing Texas gained the most jobs over the last 12 months. Through March, Texas has added more than 2.3 million jobs under Governor Abbott’s leadership. “The most dynamic economy in the nation is built by Texans,” said Governor Abbott. “I am proud that Texas again leads all states in annual job creation. This continued momentum is a testament to the strength of our young, skilled, diverse, and growing workforce, our welcoming business climate, and the strategic investments we continue to make in education, workforce development, and critical infrastructure. These are the Texas advantages that help us attract and retain job-creating businesses that are growing in diverse industries across every region of our great state. Texas truly is the best place to live, work, build a business, and raise a family.” view article

Texas county celebrates helping 100,000 migrants reach destination in US

April 1908:30 AM

EL PASO, Texas (Border Report) – El Paso County officials are celebrating a milestone when it comes to dealing with the years-long humanitarian migrant crisis. Their Migrant Support Services Center has now helped 100,000 asylum-seekers reach their destination of choice. “This achievement underscores the critical role the center has played in the lives of tens of thousands, highlighting its pivotal position in the ongoing effort to humanely welcome and support those in desperate need,” the county said in a statement Wednesday. view article

Harris County Audit Finds Purchasing Issues

April 1908:30 AM

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo wants to move vendor contracting authority after a new report from the County Auditor highlighted several long-running issues. Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo wants to change the way the county contracts with vendors after a new report from the County Auditor highlighted several long-running deficiencies. The audit found that in departments like Engineering, Toll Road Authority, and Flood Control, there was little documentation on bidder selection—and whether county employees selecting vendors had conflicts of interest disclosures on file—and no formal policy requiring personnel involved in selection to even document conflicts. The audit shows the issue dates back to 1977. In response, Hidalgo held a press conference during which she urged the four county commissioners to relinquish control of contracting to the purchasing department. view article

Buckholts ISD holds bond meeting after calling for over $11 million bond to renovate deteriorating facilities

April 1908:25 AM

The Buckholts Independent School District held a bond information night on Thursday after the district’s board of trustees called for an over $11 million bond in the upcoming May 2024 election. The district says the $11.145 million bond proposal is expected to add a new middle school to the high school, convert the current middle school into an elementary school and help with significant renovations to all campuses. view article

Retired Humble ISD athletic director denies sexual harassment claims

April 1908:25 AM

Newly released documents detail shocking sexual harassment allegations involving former Humble ISD Athletic Director Troy Kite. The claims are part of a Title IX investigation conducted by an outside agency, which centered on allegations of a hostile and inappropriate work environment allegedly fostered by Kite. view article

Port Arthur ISD support center renovation full go; district leaders outline plans and timeline

April 1908:25 AM

The future home of Port Arthur Independent School District’s Support Center is abuzz with activity as crews transform the former Catholic high school and health center at 9th Avenue and Texas 73. The $13.1 million building project at 3601 Texas 73 is going to host a multitude of district services in one central location. They include maintenance, transportation, records, custodial, police, shipping and receiving, technology, instructional materials and a print shop, according to Phyllis Geans, assistant superintendent of operations. view article

Austin ISD updates how it will respond to vaping on campus

April 1908:25 AM

Austin Independent School District is changing how it responds to e-cigarettes on campus. A new Texas law, House Bill 114, requires public school districts to send students to a District Alternative Learning Education Program (DAEP) if they are caught having, using or selling an e-cigarette on campus or within 300 feet of a school. view article

Del Valle ISD looking to hire 90 teachers

April 1908:25 AM

As the school year comes to an end many districts across Central Texas will now look to fill vacant positions for the upcoming year. In Del Valle ISD, District officials tell KXAN they are looking to fill 90 teaching positions. “Math and science has always been a huge need and now English, language arts, secondary teachers is a big need,” said Del Valle ISD Superintendent Annette Tielle. view article

As STAAR testing is underway, some Houston ISD parents are opting their children out

April 1908:24 AM

STAAR testing statewide has kicked off this month and some parents in Houston ISD are choosing to allow their students to opt out of the state-mandated test. The Texas Education Agency recognizes the STAAR (the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness) exam as a state-mandated test designed to measure the extent to which a student has learned and is able to demonstrate they have mastered the curriculum at each grade level. view article

Pittsburg ISD approves calling $93.8 million bond after previous failed election

April 1908:23 AM

“We went back to the community and you know we obviously, we still have needs that we need to address and we want to listen to the community,” said Superintendent Terry Waldrep about calling for another bond. view article

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May 23, 2024

Beaumont ISD board approves new rebranded stadium name

April 1908:22 AM

In a 6-0 vote, the board approved the name "Doggett Family Stadium" and showed a rendering of the stadium with the new name. view article

McGregor ISD proposing $82 million bond, says a new junior high is a top priority

April 1908:22 AM

"I just think it's a really good way to invest in our community and our kids,” said McGregor resident Stephanie Thompson. Investing in the kids — it's something McGregor ISD is aiming to do. The district is proposing an $82 million bond. view article

West ISD put on lockdown after student accesses teacher’s PowerPoint, references gun

April 1908:22 AM

The West Independent School District was put on lockdown after a student gained access to a teacher’s PowerPoint and began typing threatening language in reference to a gun, the district said in a statement. West ISD says their Gaggle Safety Team sent them an alert about the incident at 1:47 p.m. Thursday afternoon. West Middle and High School immediately enacted their Emergency Operations Plan and were put on hold while campus police found the student, according to West ISD. view article

TEA appoints 2 conservators to help oversee Socorro ISD

April 1908:21 AM

The Texas Education Agency appointed two conservators on Thursday to manage the Socorro Independent School District after a state investigation exposed widespread failings for improperly graduating students, failing to disclose a trustee’s potential conflict of interest with a vendor, and paying $283,000 in unauthorized stipends. view article

Del Valle ISD looking to hire 90 teachers

April 1908:20 AM

Katy ISD teacher and husband arrested in home renovation scheme, accused of gambling away client money

April 1908:20 AM

A Houston-area couple is in custody, accused of taking thousands of dollars from home renovation clients and never finishing the work. Aleck Steven Miller, 55, and Andrea Pierce Miller, 52, were contracted to complete home renovation projects across Katy, Friendswood, Sugar Land and Cypress. Investigators say the couple pocketed tens of thousands of dollars in payments for the work, and the jobs were never completed. view article

25 years after Columbine, trauma shadows survivors of the school shooting

April 1808:48 AM

A quarter of a century after the Columbine High School shooting, the trauma from the attack has remained with survivors Hours after she escaped the Columbine High School shooting, 14-year-old Missy Mendo slept between her parents in bed, still wearing the shoes she had on when she fled her math class. She wanted to be ready to run. Twenty-five years later, and with Mendo now a mother herself, the trauma from that horrific day remains close on her heels. It caught up to her when 60 people were shot dead in 2017 at a country music festival in Las Vegas, a city she had visited a lot while working in the casino industry. Then again in 2022, when 19 students and two teachers were shot and killed in Uvalde, Texas. view article

‘We are devastated’: Parents of sons killed in Hays CISD bus crash file lawsuits

April 1808:42 AM

The families of Ryan Wallace and Ulises Rodriguez Montoya filed separate wrongful death lawsuits stemming from the crash caused by a concrete truck driver. The respective families of a man and a boy killed in a school bus crash in Bastrop County last month filed separate wrongful death lawsuits against the truck driver of a concrete truck company, as well as the company and its owner. view article

Hudson’s Cassels, Dunning named National Merit Scholar Finalists

April 1808:42 AM

HUDSON — National Merit Scholar Finalists are a rarity. In fact, Hudson High School had only had three in its history prior to this year. Now they can add two more to that list as Scott Cassels and Joey Dunning were each honored with the prestigious award. In addition, they will both receive full-ride scholarships when they enroll at the University of Texas-Dallas for the fall semester. "It means a lot to me," Cassels said. "To be able to be judged for what you accomplished is important." In order to be eligible for the award, students must first have an outstanding PSAT score. Each year, the top 50,000 PSAT scores get commendation letters from the National Merit program. Of those, 16,000 qualify as semifinalists. Of those semifinalists, 15,000 will be considered finalists, with half of those finalists eventually chosen as Merit Scholarship winners. In order to become a finalist, those going through the process must complete an application, have a high academic performance throughout high school and be fully endorsed for a National Merit Scholarship by their high school principal. UT-Dallas is considered a priority school, meaning it covers scholarships for those who choose to attend it. view article

‘Gut Wrenching’ | Texas high school senior says school pulled her valedictorian title one month before graduation due to ‘miscalculation’

April 1808:41 AM

Maya Veliz told our sister station, WFAA, that she's worked for four years to end up first in her class. BLUE RIDGE, Texas — Blue Ridge High School Senior Maya Veliz will graduate high school next month. What should be one of the most exciting few weeks of her life is anything but. "It's almost the end of the year," Maya said, tears in her eyes. "And I kind of saw this going a different way." Maya told WFAA she set a goal four years ago to graduate first in her class from high school as valedictorian. view article

Pttsburg ISD ask voters to approve bond measure for campus upgrades

April 1808:41 AM

PITTSBURG, Texas (KETK) – After failing to pass the first two times, the Pittsburg Independent School District is hoping a bond proposal passes to give multiple campuses major upgrades. Sulphur Springs talks economy following Total Solar Eclipse On May 4, voters will decide whether to approve Pittsburg ISD’s $93.8 million bond proposal. “Hopefully that can be done and help our kids in a positive way,” Pittsburg ISD superintendent Terry Waldrep, said. The bond is divided into two propositions. On Tuesday, school officials showed residents the work they are planning for their middle school students. view article

Texas Taxpayers Continue to Fund Sky-high Superintendent Salaries

April 1808:40 AM

A total of 89 top school administrators take home salaries of $300,000 or more. Last school year, 77 superintendents received taxpayer-funded salaries above $300,000, with five making $400,000 or more. During the 2021-22 school year, 60 superintendents scored salaries at or above $300,000. view article

Dan Patrick Releases 57 Interim Charges Covering Border, Squatters, AI

April 1808:40 AM

Patrick listed 57 interim charges in his release with a potential second list of issues to come. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has released the Texas Senate’s 2024 Interim Legislative Charges. Interim charges are priorities that lawmakers will focus on in the lead-up to the regular session. “The 57 interim charges I released today reflect issues that Texans have asked us to study. Our 31 senators submitted hundreds of ideas, with many senators sharing similar proposals,” Patrick wrote in a press release. The charges include having the Border Security Committee review local and state agencies’ participation in border security, monitoring the implementation of a variety of border-related laws, and support for personnel at the border. Border security is an issue that remains on the minds of voters across political lines as problems continue to mount in relation to the large number of illegal immigrants attempting to enter the country. The Texas Energy Fund was front and center in Patrick’s conversation earlier this year with BlackRock CEO Larry Fink. It is addressed in the legislative charges as the Business and Commerce Committee is tasked with reviewing the impact of how grants and loans will be employed in the future construction and use of electric power plants in Texas. view article

POLLING FOR DOLLARS: New Braunfels ISD bond election to determine future of NBHS construction, stadium plans

April 1808:40 AM

With New Braunfels ISD’s upcoming $313 million bond election in May, voters will determine if the district’s new Long Creek High School will have its own stadium and whether to approve phase two of New Braunfels High School’s reconstruction. The board of trustees called the bond election during the February board meeting. The $313 million bond is split into three propositions. Proposition A includes phase two of the New Braunfels High School replacement, school safety and security projects, an upgraded agricultural sciences facility and more. The total cost for Proposition A is about $267 million. view article

Magnolia ISD names deputy superintendent as lone superintendent finalist

April 1808:40 AM

During its April 15 meeting, the Magnolia ISD board of trustees approved naming Jason Bullock as the lone superintendent finalist, according to an April 16 news release. The details Bullock will replace outgoing Superintendent Todd Stephens, who announced his retirement in late March after serving since 2009. “I am incredibly honored to be chosen as [the] lone finalist for the superintendent position here in Magnolia ISD,” Bullock said via news release. “This is a special community filled with great people. I look forward to continuing to work with our board as we strive to be the best district in the state of Texas.” view article

Spring ISD to request community feedback on potential tax rate election

April 1808:38 AM

On April 9, Spring ISD trustees voted to create a community survey for a possible voter-approval tax rate election ballot initiative, or VATRE, that would be held in November if called. What’s happening As SISD faces a $25 million budget shortfall for fiscal year 2024-25, trustees discussed the possible November VATRE for the second time April 9. Trustees voted 6-1—with board Secretary Kelly P. Hodges dissenting—in favor of ordering a community survey. The survey is expected to cost $21,000-$28,000, Chief Financial Officer Ann Westbrooks said April 4, and the results should be available in May. The cost of holding a VATRE would be about $200,000, but SISD would be required to pay that cost anyway if any trustees up for election in November are opposed, Westbrooks said. view article

6th grade student accused of making threat so he could get out of school

April 1808:30 AM

CLERMONT COUNTY, Ohio (WKRC) — An 11-year-old middle school student is in juvenile detention after allegedly confessing to making a threat Wednesday. The boy reported he found a note in the restroom with a bomb threat and threats to shoot the school just before 8 a.m. at West Clermont Middle School. While being interviewed by detectives, the sheriff's office said he confessed to making the note and putting it in the restroom. He said he had no intentions of carrying out any threats and there was no bomb. He reportedly said he just wanted out of school. view article

Kaufman ISD Residents to Consider $387 Million Bond

April 1808:30 AM

Kaufman Independent School District is pushing for a bond that would cost taxpayers more than $387 million when factoring in interest. It is a significant jump from the $170 million that voters will see on the ballot, which does not factor in estimated principal and interest debt. Kaufman ISD is specifically seeking funds for district-wide security projects, such as security camera upgrades, security film, and security fencing. The district would also like to add classrooms to its aging Helen Edwards Early Childhood Center, which it claims is “at functional capacity,” and a new agricultural barn for Career & Technical Education Classes. view article

TLR to Help Dade Phelan Raise Money in Houston

April 1808:30 AM

The Houston event is part of a series of fundraisers Phelan has hosted after coming in second place to former Orange County GOP Chairman David Covey in the March primary. view article

Kinney County Officials Ask Gov. Abbott for Immediate Special Session on Border Security

April 1808:30 AM

The border officials want lawmakers to establish a new statewide agency to protect the public from transnational criminal organizations. As illegal aliens continue to pour across the southern border into Texas, three border county officials are calling for an immediate special session to establish a statewide law enforcement agency tasked with fighting border-related crimes. In a letter sent to Gov. Greg Abbott, Kinney County Judge John Paul Schuster, County Attorney Brent Smith, and Sheriff Brad Coe asked that Abbott call a legislative session “to allow for the passage of Rep. Ryan Guillen’s bill, which establishes a new Texas Homeland Security Division…” view article

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TexasISD.com was the brainchild of Joe F. Smith. Joe retired early from a successful career as Superintendent of Schools for Hudson ISD, deep in the Piney Woods of East Texas. Due to a long battle with Post-Polio Syndrome the doctor made him hang it up and rest for six months. Never being the kind of person to sit still and also not being the person to listen to his doctor, Joe logged lengthy sessions in front of his PC researching school issues, reading papers and corresponding with his friends and colleagues in the education business.

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