Texts among Kerr County officials show confusion about missing campers during July 4 floods

The first 911 call from the historic Camp Mystic on the Guadalupe River came in at 3:57 a.m., when a caller told the dispatcher she was stranded on a hill and cabins around her were filling with water. Around the same time, the swelling river swept away Camp Mystic’s owner and his son, the family’s lawyer said, along with a number of campers. But it wasn’t until 6:34 a.m. — more than two hours later — that a Kerr County sheriff’s office captain sent the first text message to a group of emergency response leaders about what he called potential “issues” at Camp Mystic.
Former, current Winnsboro ISD superintendents arrested

Jail staff confirmed that Brian David Wilcox, 50, of Texarkana, and Aaron David Nation, 39, are being processed. Winnsboro ISD confirmed Ashley Wilcox, who was employed with the district until the summer of 2025, has also been arrested. — Criminal charges have been filed against the current and former superintendents of Winnsboro ISD. Jail staff confirmed that Brian David Wilcox, 50, of Texarkana, and Aaron David Nation, 39, were booked into the Wood County Jail. As of 6:15 p.m. Monday, Nation had bonded out; he had been held on $40,000 bond.
What to know before applying for Texas’ education savings accounts next year

The Texas comptroller’s office has released a set of rules to govern the state’s $1 billion education savings account program, or ESAs. Accepted families will receive thousands of dollars in state funds to send their children to a private school or homeschool them. The overview: Accredited private schools and education vendors can begin applying to join the program as soon as Dec. 9, and applications will open for interested families Feb. 4. Most families accepted into the program will receive about $10,300 per student, which can be spent on tuition at accredited private prekindergarten or K-12 schools and related expenses. Homeschooled students will receive up to $2,000 per year, while students with disabilities will be eligible for up to $30,000 annually.
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.
Hundreds of private schools are being shut out of Texas’ voucher program

Hundreds of private schools have been shut out of Texas’ new school voucher program while the state comptroller’s office awaits a decision in its bid to block some Islamic and allegedly Chinese-linked institutions. Nearly all schools accredited by Cognia, the largest private school accreditor in Texas, have been unable to submit applications in the month since the state began accepting them. As of Tuesday, only 30 of the 600 schools accredited solely by the nonprofit were added to the list of approved vendors, most of them offering only pre-K and kindergarten. The majority of those were added overnight on Monday, after Hearst Newspapers began inquiring about the issue.
TribCast: Can Texas zero out property taxes?

We’re a year out from the next legislative session and already, the battle lines are forming around a key issue that’s sure to divide Texas Republicans — how to go about lowering property taxes. Gov. Greg Abbott has shared his proposal, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has thrown his pitch, and we’ll all spend the next year nervously assessing whether their disagreement portends a special session or two in 2027. To discuss all this, Eleanor and Matthew are joined by John Diamond, director of the Center for Tax and Budget Policy at the Baker Institute for Public Policy.

News Category

TexasISD.com
Endorsed Products

TexasISD.com
Advertising

TexasISD.com
Quick Links

88 Superintendent Vacancies Click to expand Click to collapse

Vacant	Timpson ISD; Search by: Arrow Educational Services INFO
Vacant	Burton ISD; Search by: Powell Law Group, Dr. Danny Lovett INFO
Vacant	Union Hill ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO
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 Lyon INFO
Vacant	Pettus ISD - Jesus Hernandez III, Chief of Staff,Southwest ISD; Search by: JCA Law, PLLC and DBU Educational Leadership Consulting Corporation.INFO
Vacant	University of Texas High School Special Purpose District; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO
Vacant	Scurry-Rosser ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO
Vacant	Huntington ISD; Search by: Kelli Karczewski, Fisher FirmINFO
Vacant	Granger ISD; Search by: Leasor Crass, P.CINFO
Vacant	Bremond ISD; Search by: Bremond ISD Board of TrusteesINFO
Vacant	San Isidro ISD (Short Timeline); Search by: Region One ESC, Exec. Dir. Dr. Daniel P. KingINFO
Vacant	Commerce ISD - Search by: Commerce ISD Board of Trustees; INFO
Vacant	Decatur ISD; Search by: Decatur ISD Board of Trustees INFO
Vacant	Bells ISD; Search by: Bells ISD Board of TrusteesINFO
Vacant	Gustine ISD - Coy Barker, Principal,McCamey ISD; Search by: Ronnie Kincaid INFO
Vacant	Comstock ISD; Comstock ISD Board of Trustees and O.K. Wolfenbarger III INFO
Vacant	Frank Liu Jr. Academy of Music and Art (Houston) ; Thompson & Horton LLP - David Thompson & Dr. Mike Moses INFO
Vacant	Webb CISD; Search by: O’Hanlon, Demerath & CastilloINFO
Vacant	Moulton ISD; <p>Search by: Region 3 ESC, <a href="mailto:mlyon@esc3.net">Exec. Dir. Morris Lyon</a></p>INFO
Vacant	Hidalgo ISD; Search by: O’Hanlon, Demerath & CastilloINFO
Vacant	Banquete ISD; Search by: Powell Law Group, Rick Alvarado INFO
Vacant	Priddy ISD; Search by: Region 15 ESC INFO
Vacant	Sweeny ISD; Search by: Walsh, Gallegos, Kyle, Robinson & Roalson P.C.& Education Consultant Dr. Ann DixonINFO
Vacant	Ramirez CSD; Search by: O’Hanlon, Demerath & CastilloINFO
Vacant	Mart ISD; Search by: Mart ISD Board of TrusteesINFO
Vacant	Abernathy ISD; Search by: Region 17 ESC, Kyle Wargo Exec. DirectorINFO
Vacant	Kingsville ISD; Search by: O’Hanlon, Demerath & CastilloINFO
Vacant	Groom ISD; Region 16 ESC, Dr. Tanya Larkin, Exec. Dir.INFO
Vacant	Clarendon ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO
Vacant	Spring ISD; Search by: Spring ISD Board of TrusteesINFO
Vacant	Huffman ISD - Angeles Perez, Interim,Huffman ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO
Vacant	Jim Hogg County ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO
Vacant	Hart ISD; Search by: Juan Dominguez and Hart ISD Board of TrusteesINFO
Vacant	Hitchcock ISD (Interim Search); Search by: Hitchcock ISD Board of Trustees & Region V ESC - Dr. Rolando “Rudy” Trevino INFO
Vacant	Laredo ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO
Vacant	Premont ISD; Search by: Doug Arnold & Arte AlmendarezINFO
Vacant	Executive Director Region 11 ESC; Thompson & Horton LLP - David Thompson & Dr. Mike Moses INFO
Vacant	Lago Vista ISD; Search by: Leon\|Alcala PLLCINFO
Vacant	Goose Creek CISD; Search by: Thompson & Horton LLP - Dr. Mike Moses, David Thompson & Dr. Curtis Culwell INFO
Vacant	Bynum ISD; Search by: Bynum ISD Board of Trustees INFO
Vacant	Canutillo ISD - Dr. Josue Borrego, Associate Super,Houston ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO
Vacant	West Rusk CCISD; Search by: Lawrence Coleman & West Rusk CCISD Board of TrusteesINFO
Vacant	Clarksville ISD; Search by: Leasor Crass, P.CINFO
Vacant	Stafford MSD; Search by: Stafford ISD Board of Trustees & Region V ESC - Dr. Rolando “Rudy” Trevino INFO
Vacant	LaPoynor ISD; Search by: LaPoynor ISD Board of TrusteesINFO
Vacant	Newcastle ISD; Search by: Region 9 ESC, Darren Francis and Kenny Miller INFO
Vacant	Fort Davis ISD; Search by: Walsh, Gallegos, Kyle, Robinson & Roalson P.C.& Education Consultant Mr. Jim McClellanINFO
Vacant	Pleasanton ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO
Vacant	South Texas ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO
Vacant	Panhandle ISD; Search by: Panhandle ISD Board of TrusteesINFO
Vacant	Elkhart ISD; Search by: Impact Education Specialists - Doug Williams, Kevin Worthy, Blake Cooper, Keith Bryant and Stan Surratt INFO
Vacant	Rockdale ISD; Search by: Danny Lovett Powell Law GroupINFO
Vacant	Loraine ISD; Search by: Region 14 ESC, Chris Wigington Exec. DirectorINFO
Vacant	Bullard ISD; Search by: Impact Education Specialists - Doug Williams, Kevin Worthy, Blake Cooper, Keith Bryant and Stan Surratt INFO
Vacant	Maypearl ISD; Search by: Impact Education Specialists - Doug Williams, Kevin Worthy, Blake Cooper, Keith Bryant and Stan Surratt INFO
Vacant	Haskell CISD; Search by: CCR Educational Consultants, Dr. Skip Casey & Rod TownsendINFO
Vacant	Merkel ISD; Search by: Ronnie Kincaid INFO
Vacant	Hubbard ISD; Search by: Shaun Barnett Powell Law GroupINFO
Vacant	Frisco ISD; Search by: Impact Education Specialists - Doug Williams, Kevin Worthy, Blake Cooper, Keith Bryant and Stan Surratt INFO
Vacant	Ector ISD; Search by: Rod Townsend INFO
Vacant	Westbrook ISD; Search by: Region 14 ESC, Chris Wigington Exec. DirectorINFO
Lone Finalist	Deer Park ISD - Dr. Tiffany Reagan, Assistant Superintendent,Deer Park ISD; Search by: Deer Park ISD Board of TrusteesINFO
Lone Finalist	Seminole ISD - Glen Teal, Superintendent,Jim Ned ISD; Search by: Impact Education Specialists - Doug Williams, Kevin Worthy, Blake Cooper and Stan Surratt INFO
Lone Finalist	Needville ISD - Dr. Paul Drake, Superintendent,Chester ISD; Search by: Arrow Educational Services INFO
Lone Finalist	Compass Academy Charter School (Odessa) - Mark Dominguez, Principal,Pecos-Barstow-Toyah ISD; Search by: Kathy Killingsworth, Interim Superintent assisted by Larry Lee, Leadership Consultant with Region 18INFO
Lone Finalist	Bonham ISD - Lance Hamlin, Assistant Superintendent,Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD; Search by: Impact Education Specialists - Doug Williams, Kevin Worthy, Blake Cooper and Stan Surratt INFO
Lone Finalist	Waxahachie ISD - Rebecca “Becky” McCutchen, Superintendent,Levelland ISD; Search by: Walsh, Gallegos, Kyle, Robinson & Roalson P.C.& Education Consultant Dr. Ann DixonINFO
Lone Finalist	Ennis ISD - Greg Bradley, Deputy Superintendent,Prosper ISD; Search by: Impact Education Specialists - Doug Williams, Kevin Worthy, Blake Cooper and Stan Surratt INFO
Lone Finalist	Forsan ISD - Michael Valencia, Superintendent,McCamey ISD; Search by: Region 18 ESC, Dr. Dewitt Smith INFO
Lone Finalist	Edgewood ISD (Region 7) - Scott Tyner, Superintendent,Martins Mill iSD; Search by: Impact Education Specialists - Doug Williams, Kevin Worthy, Blake Cooper and Stan Surratt INFO
Lone Finalist	Jim Ned CISD - Will Brewer, Superintendent,Paradise ISD; Search by: Ronnie Kincaid INFO
Lone Finalist	Palmer ISD ; Search by: Arrow Educational Services INFO
Lone Finalist	Hallsburg ISD - Dr. Staci Coleman-Kirk, Principal,Hubbard ISD; Search by: Powell Law Group, Shaun Barnett INFO
Lone Finalist	Slidell ISD - Dr. Christopher M. Heskett, Superintendent,Covington ISD; Search by: Powell Law Group, Shaun Barnett INFO
Lone Finalist	Seguin ISD - Dr. Jack Lee, Superintendent,Bullard ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO
Lone Finalist	Royal ISD - Dr. Megan Pape, Superintendent,Snook ISD; Search by: Impact Education Specialists - Doug Williams, Kevin Worthy, Blake Cooper and Stan Surratt INFO
Lone Finalist	Socorro ISD - James Vasquez, Interim Superintendent,Socorro ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO
Lone Finalist	Gunter ISD - Dr. Brandon Enos, Superintendent,Cushing ISD; Search by: Impact Education Specialists - Doug Williams, Kevin Worthy, Blake Cooper and Stan Surratt INFO
Lone Finalist	Rotan ISD - Trevor Edgemon, Superintendent,Happy ISD; Search by: Ronnie Kincaid INFO
Lone Finalist	Millsap ISD - Harper Stewart, Superintendent,Hamilton ISD; Search by: CCR Educational Consultants, Dr. Skip Casey & Rod TownsendINFO
Lone Finalist	Conroe ISD - Dr. David Vinson, Superintendent,Wylie ISD; Search by: Texans for Excellence in Education, President, John Petree, 432-557-6581INFO
Lone Finalist	La Pryor ISD - Cody Miller, Director,Northside ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO
Lone Finalist	Deweyville ISD - Grady Welborn, Principal,Bridge City ISD; Search by: Dr. Byron Terrier, Exec. Dir. Region 5 ESCINFO
Lone Finalist	West Hardin Co. CISD; Search by: Dr. Byron Terrier, Exec. Dir. Region 5 ESCINFO
Lone Finalist	Rusk ISD - Mid Johnson, Superintendent,Timpson ISD; Search by: Arrow Educational Services INFO
Lone Finalist	Martin's Mill ISD - Derek Driver, Principal,Harts Bliff ISD; Search by: Arrow Educational Services INFO
Lone Finalist	Snook ISD - Kimberly Giesenschlag, Assistant Superintendent,Snook ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO
Lone Finalist	Nederland ISD - Dr. Steven Beagle, Assistant Superintendent,Nederland ISD; Search by: Dr. Byron Terrier, Exec. Dir. Region 5 ESCINFO
Lone Finalist	Munday CISD - Andrew Eudy, Director,Forsan ISD; Search by: Region 9 ESC, Darren Francis and Kenny Miller INFO
Lone Finalist	Cushing ISD - Stefani Jackson, AssAsst. Supt.,Cushing ISD; Search by: Impact Education Specialists - Doug Williams, Kevin Worthy, Blake Cooper and Stan Surratt INFO
Lone Finalist	Lamesa ISD - Bonnie Avey, Superintendent,Seagraves ISD; Search by: Impact Education Specialists - Doug Williams, Kevin Worthy, Blake Cooper, Keith Bryant and Stan Surratt INFO
Lone Finalist	Howe ISD - Ritchie Bowling, Assistant Superintendent,Howe ISD; Search by: Howe ISD Board of TrusteesINFO
Lone Finalist	Era ISD - Jeff Webb, Associate Superintendent,Royse City ISD; Search by: Impact Education Specialists - Doug Williams, Kevin Worthy, Blake Cooper, Keith Bryant and Stan Surratt INFO
Lone Finalist	Prairie Lea ISD - Martha Melissa Gilmore, Interim,Prairie Lea ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO
Lone Finalist	Ingram ISD - Dr. Justin Turner, Superintendent,Hubbard ISD; Search by: Shaun Barnett Powell Law GroupINFO
Lone Finalist	Dawson ISD - Andrea Farish, Principal,Dawson ISD; Search by: Powell Law Group, Danny Lovett INFO
New Super	Onalaska ISD - Dr. Kenneth Fraga, Assistant Superintendent,Onalaska ISD; Search by: Onalaska ISD Board of TrusteesINFO
New Super	El Paso ISD - Dr. Brian Lusk, Deputy Superintendent,Dallas ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO
New Super	Queen City ISD - Casey Nichols, Superintendent,Ashdown Public Schools Ashdown, Arkansas; Search by: Danny Lovett, Powell Law GroupINFO
New Super	Center Point ISD - Joshua Limmer, Principal,Center Point ISD; Search by: Danny Lovett, Powell Law GroupINFO
New Super	Santa Rosa ISD - Isaac Rodriguez, Superintendent,Monte Alto ISD; Search by: O’Hanlon, Demerath & CastilloINFO
New Super	Marlin ISD - Alphonso Bates, Assistant Superintendent ,Lamar CISD; Search by: O’Hanlon, Demerath & CastilloINFO
New Super	Gonzales ISD - Dr. Dana Arreola, Superintendent,Bessemer City Schools in Bessemer, Alabama; Search by: Walsh, Gallegos, Kyle, Robinson & Roalson P.C.& Education Consultant Charlotte Baker,INFO

How do I get my SuperSearch on TexasISD.com?Click Here for More Vacancies & Details! »

Marshall ISD Cheer Coach Pleads Guilty to Sex With Student

January 1208:30 AM

Claire Burris was sentenced to 180 days in jail and 10 years of probation.. An East Texas teacher and cheer coach pleaded guilty to having sex with a student and was sentenced to 180 days in jail and 10 years of probation. Margaret Claire Burris, 26, appeared in court Thursday to enter the plea and receive her sentence. Burris affirmed to the judge that she had engaged in sexual intercourse with a Marshall High School student in 2024 while she was employed by the Marshall Independent School District. She waived her rights to a grand jury and jury trial and agreed to a stipulation of evidence. Visiting Judge Rebecca Simpson presided over the hearing in 115th District Court in Upshur County. view article

Abilene ISD Band Director Busted for Child Sex Abuse Material

January 1208:30 AM

Lance Mosley taught at Mann STEAM Academy, which serves 6th-8th grade students. view article

Tarrant GOP Challenges Democrat Judicial Candidates’ Ballot Filings 

January 1208:30 AM

Seven judicial candidates are under scrutiny for submitting defective candidacy forms. view article

Houston Man Faces $10M Lawsuit in Alleged AI Deepfake Case

January 1208:30 AM

A Houston business owner already charged in connection with an alleged AI-generated impersonation scheme is now facing a civil lawsuit. view article

Former TEA board of managers member gives perspective on Connally ISD transition

January 1208:28 AM

A former El Paso ISD board of managers talks expectations and scrutiny ahead of the TEA takeover of Connally ISD following some campuses not meeting state testing standards in recent years. view article

Garland ISD could be released from 50-plus-year-old desegregation order

January 1208:25 AM

A motion has been filed that could see certain federal oversight over Garland ISD's desegregation policies dating back to the 1970s end. view article

Celina ISD board members are set to discuss Caleb Elliott’s employment in closed session

January 1208:23 AM

Caleb Elliott, a former teacher and coach in the district, was arrested last year for sex crimes involving dozens of students. He has been in jail since October 2025 for allegedly recording videos of middle school students undressing in a boy's locker room and allegedly forcing two of them to perform sexually explicit exercises. 10h ago view article

‘Messed with the wrong mama’: Mother says substitute teacher slapped her 4-year-old daughter; Spring ISD investigating

January 1208:19 AM

A Spring ISD mother says her four-year-old daughter was slapped twice in the face by a substitute teacher inside her Pre-K classroom, an allegation now under investigation by the district. “Messed with the wrong mama that’s all I gotta say I will not back down until this is figured out and until this is done,” Braughton said. Marissa Braughton says the incident happened Tuesday afternoon at Smith Elementary School. She says her daughter was screaming and crying when she picked her up. view article

Arlington ISD’s Blanton Elementary could close as district reviews aging campuses

January 1208:17 AM

Another North Texas school district is considering campus closures, this time in Arlington ISD, where Blanton Elementary School could close as soon as the end of this school year. District leaders say additional closures may follow. Blanton’s campus along South Collins Street on the city's east side is nearly 70 years old, and Arlington ISD officials said Thursday the cost of keeping the building operational continues to climb. view article

Italy ISD confirms school is in session amid ongoing boil water notice

January 1208:15 AM

The city of Italy has issued a boil water notice Sunday evening due to a water main break. According to the city, residents should boil any water they use prior to consumption, such as drinking, washing or brushing their teeth. The water should be brought to a vigorous boil for at least two minutes, officials say, and then cooled prior to consumption. view article

New Deal ISD hosting open house for new elementary and middle school

January 1208:15 AM

The New Deal Independent School District will cut the ribbon Monday on a new elementary and middle school, along with other renovations across the district. The improvements stem from a $37 million bond project that voters approved in 2021. The 112,000-square-foot building includes classrooms, a cafeteria, gymnasium and storm shelter, as well as a band hall and spaces for arts, science and extracurricular activities. The facility features state-of-the-art safety and security technology. view article

After killing planned desalination plant, Corpus Christi tries to drill its way out of a water crisis

January 1208:01 AM

NUECES COUNTY — Texas’ eighth-largest city has seen the water crisis coming for years, and now it’s here: Its two main reservoirs are at historic lows amid a persistent drought and city leaders have told residents they’re less than a year away from major water cuts that could force them to reduce their water use by 25% or face extra fees. Industry associations representing companies like Valero and LyondellBasell have warned city officials they might have to reduce their local operations or shut down completely if the city fails to secure more water supply. view article

Did Texas A&M Really ‘Censor’ Plato—or Did Left-Wing Faculty Manufacture a Scandal?

January 1205:00 AM

Texas A&M University removed one reading from a single philosophy class. view article

Texas Supreme Court Rejects State Agency’s Attempt To Misinterpret Religious Freedom Comment

January 1205:00 AM

The Court clarified that judges may refuse to perform same-sex weddings while continuing to perform opposite-sex weddings. view article

About 200 Texas A&M courses could change due to new restrictions on teaching gender, race

January 0909:00 AM

Faculty at Texas A&M University were told this week that roughly 200 courses in the College of Arts and Sciences could be affected by a new system policy restricting classroom discussions of race and gender, the implementation of which has already led administrators to direct a philosophy professor to remove Plato readings from a core course. The changes are being made days before the semester begins and after some students have registered to attend. The Texas Tribune obtained emails sent by college administrators showing the policy has already led to courses being cancelled or renumbered to remove them from core curriculum credit, with professors directed to alter course content or teach different classes. view article

Bulletin Board

Submit Event »

Eichelbaum Wardell Hansen Powell & Muñoz, P.C.

What to Expect from Your Architect, Contractor, and Construction Manager

February 4, 2026

Leon Alcala, PLLC

Webinar: Transparency in Action: Understanding the Texas Public Information Act

Presented by: Victoria Olivarez

Read more and register here...

Witnesses to Uvalde school shooting give emotional testimony in first day of ex-officer’s trial

January 0908:42 AM

Emotions ran high Tuesday during opening statements and testimony in the trial of Adrian Gonzales, the former Uvalde school district police officer facing 29 counts of child endangerment for what prosecutors say was his failure to act during the 2022 mass shooting at Robb Elementary School that led to the deaths of 21 people, including 19 students. view article

Emotional testimony delivered by teachers and staffers Thursday in trial for Uvalde CISD officer Adrian Gonzales

January 0908:40 AM

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — There were hours of testimony in the trial of former Uvalde CISD officer Adrian Gonzales Thursday. Gonzales is the first person to face charges with how authorities responded to the shooting at Robb Elementary School in May 2022. Defense attorneys began the day by cross-examining the teacher whose testimony was thrown out. A day earlier, attorneys for Adrian Gonzales had asked for a mistrial, arguing they were blindsided by new information in the teacher's testimony that had never been disclosed as required by law. view article

These Are the Known Gangs Operating in Texas in 2026

January 0908:32 AM

(KNUE-FM) As a kid in Texas, you’re taught so many things, one of the most important would be to avoid dangerous people or situations. For example, we find out at an early age that drugs can cause serious harm to ourselves and our families. So we’re encouraged to stay away from them. view article

Former superintendent named conservator to oversee Lake Worth ISD, TEA confirms

January 0908:31 AM

Texas Education Agency Commissioner Mike Morath has appointed a conservator to oversee the Lake Worth ISD after saying in December that the district suffered from a ‘chronic inability to support students.' The TEA said on Thursday that Andrew Kim, a former superintendent now serving as a co-conservator for the Socorro ISD in El Paso, has been appointed conservator to oversee the Lake Worth ISD's board of trustees, superintendent, and school administrators. Kim is expected to hold the position for approximately two years, during which time the district will be under the control of the Texas Education Agency. view article

Austin ISD says recent threats against schools came from outside US

January 0908:31 AM

Austin ISD has provided an update following a recent social media threat that named three district campuses. District leaders say the threat mentioned 14 schools statewide, including Andrews, Baranoff and Barrington elementary schools in Austin. view article

Newly elected Houston ISD trustees sworn in even though they can’t vote

January 0908:24 AM

At Houston ISD's headquarters Thursday morning, incumbents Bridget Wade and Myrna Guidry, alongside newcomers Felicity Pereyra, Maria Benzon and Mike McDonough, were officially sworn in to the board of trustees. But under the ongoing takeover by the Texas Education Agency, which began in 2023, elected trustees in the state's largest school district have been sidelined in favor of a state-appointed board of managers. The elected board members will not regain voting power until after the state's intervention, which last summer was extended until at least 2027. view article

Plea deal denied for former Tyler ISD substitute teacher accused of assaulting disabled student

January 0908:20 AM

A Smith County judge has rejected a plea deal for a former Tyler ISD substitute teacher accused of physically assaulting a student with special needs by throwing her to the floor. Joacim Castro-Lacayo, 29, of Tyler, pleaded guilty to the charge of injury to a disabled child. According to an arrest affidavit, Castro-Lacayo threw the student to the ground and restrained her for several minutes at Moore Middle School. view article

Campus closures, leases and sales on agenda for Bexar County school districts

January 0908:19 AM

It’s a new year, but public schools are facing the same fiscal difficulties, with lower student enrollment and budget shortfalls. On Monday, the Judson Independent School District school board will review the results of a school consolidation vote. The district faces a growing $18 million shortfall. The board will discuss the closure of two elementary schools, a middle school and the elimination of a Spanish immersion program. view article

Houston ISD’s proposal to shutter magnet programs sparks community outcry

January 0908:18 AM

Dozens of parents gathered in a Heights High School performance hall Tuesday night to ask questions and voice their concerns over Houston ISD's proposal to sunset several magnet programs across 10 different high schools in the district. "This plan has not had any community input and this meeting was only added when we made an uproar," said Latrice Ferguson, president of the Heights High School PTO. view article

Parents plan protest over proposed Fort Bend ISD boundary changes

January 0908:16 AM

Parents in Fort Bend County are planning to protest outside Arizona Fleming Elementary on Friday morning as concerns grow over Fort Bend ISD’s proposed attendance boundary changes. While Fort Bend ISD says the plans are still in draft form, families say the uncertainty surrounding the proposal is already taking an emotional toll. view article

Dallas and Williamson counties end countywide voting sites for primary election day

January 0908:12 AM

In an about-face, Dallas County Republicans last week decided against hand-counting ballots in Texas’ March primary, saying they weren’t able to line up enough workers, among other hurdles. That leaves just two counties where Republicans will hand-count their primary ballots: Gillespie County, west of Austin, and Eastland County, southwest of Fort Worth. view article

State incentive program could bring six-figure pay to some Arlington ISD teachers

January 0908:09 AM

Arlington ISD is considering joining a state program that could allow some teachers to earn tens of thousands of dollars in bonuses, as the district seeks to boost pay and attract experienced educators. District leaders are weighing whether to participate in the Teacher Incentive Allotment, a state-funded program that rewards high-performing teachers, particularly at high-need schools. view article

Texas, facing doctor shortage, eases path for foreign-trained physicians

January 0906:08 AM

Texas joins 17 other states that are making it easier for foreign medical graduates to work as doctors here. About a quarter of the state’s licensed doctors were trained outside the U.S. view article

TEA appoints conservator to oversee Connally schools

January 0905:50 AM

Texas Commissioner of Education Mike Morath on Thursday named Andrew Kim, a former superintendent of the Comal and Manor school districts, as the conservator for Connally Independent School District. The appointment is part of the Texas Education Agency's takeover of Connally ISD, announced last month, in response to five consecutive years of failing state accountability ratings for Connally Elementary School and Connally Junior High School. view article

Texas hands over complete list of registered voters to Trump administration

January 0905:00 AM

Texas officials have turned over the state’s voter roll to the U.S. Justice Department, according to a spokesperson for the Texas Secretary of State’s Office, complying with the Trump administration’s demands for access to data on millions of voters across the country. The Justice Department last fall began asking all 50 states for their voter rolls — massive lists containing significant identifying information on every registered voter in each state — and other election-related data. The Justice Department has said the effort is central to its mission of enforcing election law requiring states to regularly maintain voter lists by searching for and removing ineligible voters. view article

More than 160 Texas faith leaders urge school districts to reject prayer policy under new state law

January 0904:00 AM

Rabbi Gideon Estes vividly remembers the weird looks he got at his California public school when he skipped “See You at the Pole,” a student-led Christian prayer rally held on campuses nationwide. The pressure to participate in a Christian, student-led event at a taxpayer-funded school is one reason why he joined a coalition of more than 160 Texas faith leaders who sent a letter to public school board members and superintendents opposing Senate Bill 11. view article

Texas AG collects 1,100+ mystery seed packages from China, issues another warning

January 0809:00 AM

Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller is again warning Texans about mysterious packages of seeds being sent from China. Unsolicited packages of unidentified seeds began arriving in 2020 and continue to be sent to people across the state. The Texas Department of Agriculture is urging Texans who receive unsolicited seeds not to open the package, not to plant the seeds, and not to throw them into the trash, where they'll end up in a landfill. Since February 2025, the TDA said it has collected 1,101 seed packages sent to more than 100 locations across the state. The TDA said the seeds could pose a serious threat to the state's agricultural and environmental safety. view article

Houston ISD’s proposal to shutter magnet programs sparks community outcry

January 0808:45 AM

During the first of several planned community information sessions, parents challenged the district’s reliance on labor market data and warned of consequences for students and neighborhood schools. view article

Arlington ISD considers Texas’ pay-for-performance teacher program

January 0808:28 AM

Arlington ISD teachers at 24 at-need schools could receive merit-based raises of up to $36,000 in the next few years. District leaders are considering piloting Texas’ Teacher Incentive Allotment program. The program is meant to incentivize teachers to instruct in high-need schools. view article

388 Richardson Rd.
Lufkin, Texas 75904

P: (936) 622-3411
F: (877) 242-4228

Subscribe to TexasISD

Socialize:

About TexasISD.com

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.

TexasISD.com Endorsed Products

TexasISD.com Advertising

TexasISD.com Quick Links

Bulletin Board

Eichelbaum Wardell Hansen Powell & Muñoz, P.C.

What to Expect from Your Architect, Contractor, and Construction Manager February 4, 2026

Leon Alcala, PLLC

Webinar: Transparency in Action: Understanding the Texas Public Information Act

Get in Contact

About TexasISD.com

TexasISD.com
Endorsed Products

TexasISD.com
Advertising

TexasISD.com
Quick Links

What to Expect from Your Architect, Contractor, and Construction Manager

February 4, 2026