How Odyssey rose from tech startup to manager of Texas’ $1B school voucher program

When Texas chose a company to roll out the state’s $1 billion private school voucher program, it passed over more established vendors in favor of a four-year-old tech startup that said it could do it for almost half the cost. Now, Odyssey must execute on its promises to meet an aggressive timeline while avoiding missteps that have dogged other program launches. The New York-based company has rapidly expanded in recent years, launching programs in eight states that subsidize students’ private education costs with taxpayer dollars.
A slate of new Texas laws go into effect December and January. Here’s what to watch.

Dozens of new Texas laws will take effect in December and January, bringing wide-ranging changes to the state’s education system, law enforcement, taxes and more. Over 800 laws from this year’s regular legislative session already took effect on Sept. 1, but more measures from that period as well as the second special session will soon activate. Some also had to wait for voters’ approval, such as more tax exemption for businesses’ inventory.
Heated Cy-Fair ISD school board race draws $370K in ...

Seven candidates and four local PACs have raised almost a combined $370,000 in funding for the heated board election for the state’s third-largest school district. A new tranche of campaign finance documents shows fundraising for Cy-Fair ISD candidates this election cycle has reached new heights, and local PAC spending is nearing $135,000 on seven candidates in three races, according to a Chronicle analysis of over 30 campaign finance records.
The best K-12 private schools in Houston

Every family has unique priorities when identifying the best private schools in Houston, but regardless of what’s on your must-have list, your perfect match may be listed here. The Houston K-12 private schools on this list were voted the Houston Chronicle’s Best of the Best Private Schools, giving them locals’ stamp of approval. These impressive schools offer students features like small class sizes, personalized attention and college preparation curricula to ensure higher test scores and post-secondary success. Review each school to find the best match for your young scholar.
Trials of two Uvalde school officers see delays amid federal lawsuit, venue change

Pete Arredondo, the district’s former police chief, and ex-officer Adrian Gonzales face charges over the slow law enforcement response to the 2022 school shooting. The trials for the two former school police officers facing charges over the slow law enforcement response to the 2022 school shooting in Uvalde will be delayed, and one will be moved out of the city where the attack occurred, their lawyers said Tuesday. Former Uvalde schools police chief Pete Arredondo and officer Adrian Gonzales have pleaded not guilty to dozens of counts of child endangerment and abandonment in connection with the massacre at Robb Elementary School. Both men were set to stand trial on Oct. 20. Gonzales’ trial will be moved to a January start in Corpus Christi, about 200 miles from the school, attorney Nico LaHood said Tuesday. Judge Sid Harle confirmed the agreement for a change of venue for Gonzales, but said no formal order had been filed yet.
Trials of two Uvalde school officers see delays amid federal lawsuit, venue change

Pete Arredondo, the district’s former police chief, and ex-officer Adrian Gonzales face charges over the slow law enforcement response to the 2022 school shooting. The trials for the two former school police officers facing charges over the slow law enforcement response to the 2022 school shooting in Uvalde will be delayed, and one will be moved out of the city where the attack occurred, their lawyers said Tuesday. Former Uvalde schools police chief Pete Arredondo and officer Adrian Gonzales have pleaded not guilty to dozens of counts of child endangerment and abandonment in connection with the massacre at Robb Elementary School. Both men were set to stand trial on Oct. 20. Gonzales’ trial will be moved to a January start in Corpus Christi, about 200 miles from the school, attorney Nico LaHood said Tuesday. Judge Sid Harle confirmed the agreement for a change of venue for Gonzales, but said no formal order had been filed yet.

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After blocking redistricting map, Judge Jeffrey Brown draws fire from Texas Republicans who once praised him

November 2008:30 AM

Until being labeled as the "radical left," Brown was widely supported by Texas Republicans, including Gov. Greg Abbott, who previously hired him as his clerk. Abbott called the ruling “clearly erroneous.” view article

Diboll school board hears update on bond project timeline

November 2008:30 AM

Superintendent Igor Gusyakov thanked the community for approving a $12 million bond issue earlier this month that will address infrastructure concerns mainly centered on the Diboll Junior High campus. Representatives of Claycomb Associates gave a presentation on the process. They will make regular monthly appearances before the school board for project updates. Bidding on construction is set for October 2026, with construction set to be completed in about two years. Gusyakov said sale of the bonds will be authorized at January’s board meeting, with the money available come February. In his monthly report, Gusyakov said attendance is at 95.12% this year. view article

Lufkin ISD trustees to consider purchase of metal detectors for 2 campuses

November 2008:28 AM

Lufkin ISD trustees will consider purchasing metal detectors for high school and middle school campuses. According to the board agenda, the trustees will meet at 5:15 p.m. Thursday to discuss the metal detectors among other items. view article

Houston ISD will use OpenAI’s new ChatGPT tool for special education compliance, official says

November 2008:23 AM

Houston ISD will become one of the first school districts in the country to use OpenAI's new education-focused artificial intelligence tool to help manage its special education compliance — a high-stakes area where federal deadlines and privacy are critical and that HISD must improve under the state takeover. view article

Houston ISD will use OpenAI’s new ChatGPT tool for special education compliance, official says

November 2008:22 AM

Corsicana ISD police officer injured by accidental firearm discharge at Bowie Elementary, officials say

November 2008:21 AM

A Corsicana ISD police officer was injured Wednesday morning after an accidental discharge of a firearm at an elementary school, district officials say. According to the district, the discharge happened at about 9:20 a.m., and came from someone who was authorized to carry a firearm on district property. view article

AUSTIN, TX — An Austin Independent School District teacher was recently detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), district officials confirmed.

November 2005:30 AM

AUSTIN, TX — An Austin Independent School District teacher was recently detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), district officials confirmed. The district sent a letter to families confirming that Roberto López Falcón, a teacher at Hart Elementary School, had been detained by ICE. School officials said they were not aware of complete details surrounding the incident but noted it did not occur at or near the campus. "Mr. Lopez Falcon is a valued member of our school, and their well-being is deeply important to us," Principal Larry Perez wrote in the letter. view article

Gov. Greg Abbott seeks to ban two Muslim groups and their members from owning land in Texas

November 2005:00 AM

Gov. Greg Abbott on Tuesday named two Islamic groups as terrorist and criminal organizations, banning them and those associated with the groups from purchasing or acquiring land in Texas. Abbott designated the Muslim Brotherhood and the Council on American-Islamic Relations, or CAIR, as transnational criminal organizations. In announcing the designation, Abbott accused the two groups of supporting terrorism across the world and of subverting Texas laws through harassment, intimidation and violence. “The actions taken by the Muslim Brotherhood and CAIR to support terrorism across the globe and subvert our laws through violence, intimidation, and harassment are unacceptable,” Abbott said in a statement. view article

‘Ripping our hearts out’: Austin ISD communities grieve proposed school closures

November 1909:00 AM

Nestled in Dove Springs between a public library, health clinic and city recreation center, Widén Elementary School, open since 1986, is as much a community gathering place as the rest of the buildings that surround it. view article

Texas AG suing Round Rock, Leander ISDs for allegedly refusing to display Ten Commandments in classrooms

November 1908:40 AM

Under Senate Bill 10, Texas public school districts are required to display donated copies of the Ten Commandments in classrooms. view article

City of Conroe lets variance, annexation requests from Willis ISD die with no motion

November 1908:31 AM

A tree ordinance variance request and the annexation of a new school from Willis ISD got no traction with Conroe city leaders on Thursday as the issues both died for a lack of motion. The district sought an exemption from Conroe's tree ordinance requirements, grandfathering in the site through 2027. In an unrelated agenda item, the district asked for the voluntary annexation of its new elementary school at 8150 MP Clark Road. The school is located in Conroe’s extraterritorial jurisdiction. view article

Federal judge orders Conroe ISD, 13 other Texas school districts to remove Ten Commandments displays

November 1908:31 AM

A federal judge has ordered 14 Texas school districts to remove Ten Commandments displays by December 1 and banned them from posting new displays. The public school districts named include Conroe ISD. The ongoing legal battle over the Ten Commandments began in June when Gov. Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 10 into law, requiring all public schools to display the Ten Commandments and specifying the minimum size required. view article

Texas AG suing Round Rock, Leander ISDs for allegedly refusing to display Ten Commandments in classrooms

November 1908:31 AM

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is taking two Central Texas school districts to court, accusing them of violating state law by refusing to display the Ten Commandments in classrooms. Paxton has filed a lawsuit against Round Rock ISD, Leander ISD and members of both districts' Board of Trustees. view article

Fort Worth ISD trustees vote 7-1 to appeal state takeover

November 1908:31 AM

The Fort Worth ISD board voted 7-1 Tuesday night to appeal a decision by state educators to assume control over the struggling district, a decision that injects new uncertainty into a takeover that has upended the district. The vote to request the State Office of Administrative Hearings to reconsider the intervention came at the end of a four-hour school board meeting. view article

Federal court blocks Texas from using new congressional gerrymander in 2026 midterms

November 1908:30 AM

The decision is a major blow for Republicans, in Texas and nationally, who pushed through the mid-decade redistricting at the behest of President Donald Trump. Attorney General Ken Paxton said he would appeal. Texas cannot use its new congressional map for the 2026 election and will instead need to stick with the lines passed in 2021, a three-judge panel ruled Tuesday. view article

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Killeen ISD board names Dr. King Davis as new superintendent

November 1908:29 AM

The Killeen Independent School District board voted Monday to name Dr. King Davis as the district’s new superintendent, the district announced. Davis has served as interim superintendent since Aug. 11. The board named him the lone finalist for the position on Oct. 20. The decision came after community input and board discussions about what qualities the district needed in its next leader. Board members said Davis embodies what they heard consistently from the community: experience, stability, transparency and a commitment to students and staff. view article

Dallas ISD administrator named sole finalist for EPISD superintendent

November 1908:29 AM

Brian Lusk, currently the deputy superintendent of academics and transformation at Dallas Independent School District, has been chosen as the sole finalist to be the next superintendent of the El Paso Independent School District. view article

El Paso ISD names Dr. Brian Lusk as lone finalist for superintendent

November 1908:29 AM

The El Paso Independent School District Board of Trustees has unanimously named Dr. Brian Lusk as the lone finalist for the position of superintendent. Board President Leah Hanany expressed confidence in Dr. Lusk's ability to advance the district's mission of providing high-quality education. view article

Ex-Celina ISD teacher, coach arrest: Investigation identifies 38 victims, officials say

November 1908:28 AM

Celina police say their investigation into a former Celina ISD teacher and coach who was arrested for invasive visual recording and possession of child pornography and indicted last week on federal charges of sexual exploitation of children identified 38 victims in digital data. William Caleb Elliott, 26, a former 6th-grade history teacher and 8th-grade coach at Celina ISD's Moore Middle School -- and the son of Celina ISD athletic director Bill Elliott -- was indicted by a federal grand jury last week on eight federal charges, including seven counts of production of child pornography and one count of attempted production of child pornography, officials say. If convicted, Elliott faces a maximum of 30 years in federal prison, officials say. view article

Paxton sues Leander and Round Rock school districts for not displaying Ten Commandments

November 1908:28 AM

Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against the Leander and Round Rock Independent School Districts and their respective board of trustee members for not displaying donated copies of the Ten Commandments in all classrooms. In the lawsuit that was filed Tuesday, Paxton's office said Round Rock ISD chose to “openly defy” state law after indicating it would not comply with Senate Bill 10 in a Sept. 15 email. view article

College Station ISD announces location of new admin building

November 1908:25 AM

College Station ISD has announced the location for its new administrative building. On Tuesday, the district met to discuss a new admin facility with its facilities team. The facility is planned to be built on Sebesta Road off Highway 6. The location is near the car dealerships along the highway, close to the Highway 6 and Texas Avenue split. Executive Director of Facilities, Paul Buckner, said the funding for the project will come from recently passed bonds and will not impact other upcoming projects. view article

Fort Worth ISD school board votes to appeal TEA takeover

November 1908:25 AM

The Fort Worth ISD school board voted 7-1 Tuesday night to appeal the state's takeover of the district. The district was eligible for state intervention because one of its campuses, The Leadership Academy at Forest Oak 6th Grade, received its fifth consecutive "unacceptable" academic rating for the 2022–2023 school year. FWISD has since closed the campus. view article

Huntington ISD reviews gains at elementary, considers LASO grant

November 1908:21 AM

Huntington ISD trustees heard Monday evening that Huntington Elementary has officially exited state school-improvement status after several years of improvement work, while administrators acknowledged the remaining accountability challenges and outlined new grant proposals aimed at sustaining academic gains and bringing more teachers into the district. view article

After Cleveland ISD crashes, Houston-area data shows most districts short on bus drivers

November 1908:18 AM

In August, Cleveland ISD had two major school bus crashes carrying dozens of students. So ABC13 started to look into what kind of training is required at school districts across our area and how shortages could be affecting it. Some say school bus drivers are essential in order to keep the well-oiled machine of schools running. view article

Zapata ISD police officer arrested on felony stalking charge

November 1908:11 AM

Laredo police arrested a Zapata ISD police officer on a third-degree felony stalking charge, and the incident remains under investigation. According to Laredo police, officers responded around noon Sunday, Nov. 16, to a report of an alleged assault in the 5700 block of U.S. 83. A woman called to report that her sister had been assaulted by a law enforcement officer making threats. view article

How a Dan Patrick Political Operative Is Literally Rewriting the Story of the Alamo

November 1905:00 AM

How a Dan Patrick Political Operative Is Literally Rewriting the Story of the Alamo: Months before top Republicans forced out the widely respected leader of the Alamo’s $500 million redevelopment for being too “woke,” a close political aide to Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick undertook a literal rewrite of the heritage site’s three-hundred-year history. Some time in the summer, Patrick tapped Sherry Sylvester, who worked as his adviser for five years of his tenure as lieutenant governor, to “review” the 20,000-word text panels in development for the new Alamo museum and visitors center, scheduled to open in 2027. Sylvester’s job was to get the drafts ready for Patrick’s eventual assessment. view article

Judge Orders Texas School Districts to Remove Ten Commandments Displays in Response to Second Lawsuit Filed by ACLU of Texas, Partners, and Families

November 1905:00 AM

SAN ANTONIO — In a win for religious freedom and church-state separation, a federal judge today issued a preliminary injunction requiring certain public school districts in Texas to remove Ten Commandments displays by Dec. 1, and prohibiting them from posting new displays. The order is in response to a new lawsuit filed Sept. 22 by a group of 15 multifaith and nonreligious families with children attending schools in the districts. In his order, U.S. District Judge Orlando L. Garcia wrote that “displaying the Ten Commandments on the wall of a public school classroom as set forth in Senate Bill 10 violates the Establishment Clause.” He added, “It is impractical, if not impossible, to prevent Plaintiffs from being subjected to unwelcome religious displays without enjoining Defendants from enforcing S.B. 10 across their districts.” view article

Abbott Sets January Runoff Date for North Texas Senate Race

November 1808:30 AM

The seat will be back on the ballot in November 2026, when voters will choose who will represent the district for the next full term. Gov. Greg Abbott has set Saturday, January 31, 2026, as the date for the special election runoffs in two major Texas races, including the contest to fill the Senate District 9 seat in North Texas. The Senate District 9 race will see Republican Leigh Wambsganss face Democrat Taylor Rehmet after the two advanced from November’s special election to succeed former Sen. Kelly Hancock, who resigned earlier this year to become acting comptroller. view article

Texas redistricting fight continues | To The Point with Alex Bell

November 1808:20 AM

Texas redistricting fight continues | To The Point with Alex Bell Get the news today live and weather with the free ABC10+ TV streaming app: https://www.abc10.com/article/about-u... … view article

Google To Bring More Data Centers to Texas

November 1805:04 AM

Amid a data center boom in Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott announced Google is making a $40 billion investment to build additional data centers in the state. “We must ensure that America remains at the forefront of the AI revolution, and Texas is the place where that can happen,” said Abbott on Friday. Sundar Pichai—the CEO of Google and its parent company, Alphabet—explained that the “$40 billion investment we announced today will bring three new data center campuses to the state to power the new era of AI innovation.” Data centers are surging in number around Texas—oftentimes meeting opposition from local residents due to the centers’ consumption of large amounts of energy and unknown amounts of water. According to Abbott’s office, the “investment in Texas will help support Texas businesses and the economy, creating robust career opportunities across North Texas, West Texas, and the Panhandle.” view article

Celina ISD Coach Hit With Federal Child Exploitation Charges

November 1805:00 AM

Now-former Moore Middle School coach Caleb Elliott faces eight federal felony charges of sexually exploiting children on top of three prior state charges. The Celina ISD middle school coach at the center of an illicit locker room recording scandal now faces federal felony child exploitation charges. Caleb Elliott was indicted by a federal grand jury on eight counts of sexual exploitation of children, specifically production of child sexual abuse material. The indictment filed Wednesday in a federal district court in Sherman alleges that between April and October 2025, Elliott coerced minors “to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing any visual depiction of such conduct.” The first seven counts cite seven individual victims exploited by Elliott. The eighth count is for attempted exploitation. Elliott was a 6th grade teacher and 8th grade coach at Moore Middle School in Celina Independent School District. He is also the son of Celina ISD’s celebrated Head Football Coach and Athletic Director Bill Elliott. view article

Paxton: State Board of Education Must Set Religious Literature Curriculum Standards

November 1805:00 AM

Attorney General Ken Paxton has issued an opinion formally concluding that the State Board of Education is legally required to adopt Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills standards for religious literature as a mandatory component of the public school enrichment curriculum. This directive comes in response to a request for legal clarification from SBOE Chair Aaron Kinsey, who asked whether the board must promulgate rules for religious literature instruction and how that instruction must be implemented in Texas schools. Kinsey also sought guidance as to whether the SBOE could incorporate religious literature into English or social studies courses or if it must be a stand alone course. According to Paxton’s opinion, the board is required to adopt TEKS for religious literature, as it is part of the state’s enrichment curriculum. view article

Greg Abbott Proposes Property Tax Changes For Texas

November 1708:35 AM

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has proposed a series of property tax changes for people living in the state. Speaking during an event launching his reelection campaign on Sunday, Abbott, a Republican, announced his intention to give voters more power to set tax rates including via referendums and other votes. view article

Property tax reform a key part of Gov. Abbott’s platform in his campaign for a fourth term

November 1708:35 AM

Texas Governor Greg Abbott formally launched his campaign last week to be elected to a record fourth term. In a campaign swing that began in Houston and continued in Tyler and Temple, Abbott has focused on property tax reform. While the state legislature has cut school property taxes for homeowners over the years, and for businesses starting next year, many Texans still believe their property taxes are too high. view article

Texas’ Top Voucher Vendor Taps Abbott Allies in Contract Bid, Program Rollout

November 1708:35 AM

Even before the Texas Legislature finally passed its private school voucher bill earlier this year, the race was on among the handful of firms in the burgeoning voucher vendor sector to win the lucrative contract to launch and administer what will be the largest program of its kind in the nation. That race is now over as the Texas Comptroller last month awarded the job to a New York firm called Odyssey. In winning the bid, and in its plans to ramp up the program, Odyssey cultivated close ties to the political world of Governor Greg Abbott. view article

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