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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Gladewater ISD board approves shift to four-day school week

April 2408:25 AM

In a unanimous vote, Gladewater ISD trustees have approved a four-day school week for the upcoming academic year, citing teacher shortages. Gladewater ISD joins 30 other East Texas school districts that have opted to shorten school weeks in a bid to attract and retain educators. view article

Longview ISD hopeful voters will approve of $450 million bond to add new buildings, aquatics center

April 2408:25 AM

Early voting has kicked off this week ahead of the May 4 election, and Longview ISD has one of the hottest items on the ballot. The district is asking voters to pass a more than $450 million bond proposal. "This is really not just about facilities this election, it’s about how do we answer the question of “how do we spend funds as a district," Wayne Guidry, assistant superintendent of finance at Longview ISD, said. view article

Houston ISD parent outraged after child given ‘artwork’ calling her ‘little BLACK monkey’ from another student

April 2408:25 AM

A Houston family is still traumatized after their daughter was given a racist piece of art by a student as a birthday gift. Khloe’ Colvin, an 8th-grade student at the school, says a 7th-grade student gave her a heart-shaped letter with her name on it and the message: “You Little BLACK Monkey.” view article

Report finds multiple shortcomings in Lago Vista ISD’s handling of unauthorized coach

April 2408:25 AM

A Central Texas school district is admitting fault after parents raised concerns about a private coach who was allegedly inappropriately contacting students. On Tuesday, Lago Vista ISD officials released the results of an independent investigation into how that person's presence at school events went unnoticed for so long. view article

College Station ISD addresses layoff rumors in email to parents

April 2408:25 AM

College Station ISD sent an email to parents Monday night addressing staffing changes within the district after rumors of layoffs spread across social media. The district said in the email that intervention positions are being ‘restructured’ to better serve students and address overarching budget concerns. However, it’s left parents with more questions than answers. view article

A closer look: Wylie ISD demonstrates how AI security system keeps students safe

April 2408:22 AM

In response to devastating school shootings, Abilene school systems have beefed up security measures. Most notably is Wylie ISD’s enrollment into a newer system called Angel Protection. As it’s on path to be the first school in Texas to fully implement the system, Wylie held a demonstration on Tuesday, inviting officials from area schools and other local leaders to learn all about it. view article

Round Rock ISD addresses budget deficit crisis for 2024-25 school year

April 2408:20 AM

School districts across the state are facing money troubles. That includes several independent districts across Central Texas that are heading into the next school year in a budget deficit. Round Rock Independent School District held a community meeting today to address a $31 million deficit that they say has been reduced. view article

Four Dallas ISD high schools earn top 10 ranking in Texas

April 2408:12 AM

For the second year in a row, Dallas ISD high schools earned the top three spots in Texas, according to the latest U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 Best High Schools rankings. Additionally, nine schools ranked in the top 50 in Texas. Out of 17,655 nationally-ranked schools and nearly 2,000 schools ranked in Texas, the School for the Talented and Gifted at Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Center was ranked No. 1 in Texas and sixth nationally. view article

Former Southside ISD teacher arrested, charged with improper relationship with student, records show

April 2408:12 AM

A 56-year-old man who taught in Southside ISD is accused of having an inappropriate relationship with a student, according to court records. Ernest Orlando Herrera, a former 8th-grade teacher at Losoya Middle School, was arrested on Monday. An arrest warrant affidavit from Southside ISD police states Herrera had sexual contact with a 13-year-old who was a student in his classroom. view article

Former Mesquite ISD teacher admitted to dating, sexual relationship with student, docs say

April 2408:12 AM

A former Mesquite ISD teacher facing a criminal charge for an alleged inappropriate relationship told an investigator that he and a student were dating and had sex, an arrest-warrant affidavit says. Cesar Antonio Jimenez, 32, faces a charge of improper relationship between educator and student. The girl, whom he taught in an automotive classes at Vroonland Vanguard High School, told police the relationship began with texts about her breakup and eventually included sending naked images, the affidavit states. view article

Arlington ISD memorializes legacy of esteemed coach in naming of new school

April 2408:10 AM

Emotions filled the air as dozens of attendees dressed in Sam Houston’s signature blue listened to speakers at the Arlington ISD board meeting. There was sadness. There was anticipation. Then came a flood of memories. In the first row, Lena Rodriguez was weeping as the first speaker finished talking about her husband’s legacy. view article

Two Katy ISD trustees who voted against transgender policy face opponents in re-election campaign

April 2408:05 AM

As early voting for the May 4th election begins this week, two Katy ISD board members are facing challenges to their seats. In August, Trustees Rebecca Fox and Dawn Champagne voted against a policy that would require teachers to notify parents whose kids came out as transgender. While the policy was hotly contested, their votes drew criticism from some conservative members of the community. view article

TEA appoints conservators to Socorro ISD to oversee district

April 2308:42 AM

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. view article

Nearly every HISD school fails to meet some indoor environmental quality standards, report finds

April 2308:41 AM

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. view article

Clear Creek ISD completes 86% of intruder detection audit, remedies exterior door audit findings

April 2308:40 AM

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. view article

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HISD high schools ranked among best in Texas in 2024 U.S. News rankings. Here’s how each campus did.

April 2308:40 AM

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. view article

Seattle Children’s Hospital won’t have to provide trans patient records to Texas under new settlement

April 2308:40 AM

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. view article

Governor Abbott Announces Over $2.1 Million In Career Training Grants To Seven Gulf Coast Area Schools

April 2308:35 AM

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. view article

It’s official: URHCS is sports medicine provider for WFISD, thanks to innovative agreement

April 2308:30 AM

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!" view article

Dr. Elaine Howard, New Leadership and Visions for Sharyland ISD

April 2308:30 AM

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. view article

‘They come home crying, they can’t eat, they can’t sleep’ | Texas families take action against STAAR

April 2308:30 AM

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. view article

l Paso ISD offering vocational training with a modern approach

April 2308:30 AM

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. view article

North Texas schools want $2.5B for safety, upgrades and more

April 2308:30 AM

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. ADVERTISEMENT “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. view article

Gov. Abbott ‘certain’ school vouchers will pass next session

April 2308:30 AM

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. view article

Longview: Trustees approve curriculum for new gaming program

April 2308:30 AM

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. view article

Migrant apprehensions are down at the Texas border. Have state policies had an impact?

April 2308:30 AM

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. view article

May 4 election: Here’s what’s on the ballot in Georgetown

April 2308:30 AM

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. view article

Opinion D.C.’s truancy problem won’t get better without involved parents

April 2308:30 AM

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? view article

Dr. Amy Anderson named Lone Finalist for Royse City ISD Superintendent

April 2308:29 AM

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. view article

Gladewater ISD opts out of Mondays with four-day school week move

April 2308:28 AM

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. view article

Kaufman: Local ISD Seeks Voter Approval of $171M Bond

April 2308:25 AM

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. view article

Cy-Fair ISD discusses budget-cut proposals

April 2308:25 AM

This special meeting came after a nearly $70 million budget shortfall. view article

Granger ISD teacher placed on leave after allegations of inappropriate behavior

April 2308:25 AM

A Granger ISD teacher has been placed on administrative leave following allegations of inappropriate behavior. Granger ISD said district officials have received reports of inappropriate behavior by a teacher in the classroom. Upon learning of the allegations, Granger ISD said it immediately contacted Child Protective Services (CPS) and placed the teacher on administrative leave. view article

West ISD placed on lockdown April 18 after student typed reference to gun in Google slides presentation

April 2308:21 AM

The West Independent School District was placed on lockdown April 18 after the school’s security software detected a student typing threatening language in reference to a gun in a Google slides presentation, the district told KWTX. West ISD said its Gaggle Safety Team sent administrators an alert about the student’s message at 1:47 p.m. “We received a notification from Gaggle, it’s our filter system, that there was some inappropriate language being typed into a Google product,” Assistant Superintendent Amanda Adams said. view article

11 Year Old Bryan ISD Student Is Charged With Assaulting An Educator Resulting In A Traumatic Brain Injury

April 2308:21 AM

The Bryan ISD school board hears from the husband of an educator who was assaulted by a student. During the public comment portion of the BISD board’s April 15th meeting, James Long said his wife sustained a traumatic brain injury. Among other things, Long said “Bryan ISD teachers are being assaulted and victimized across the district. And it appears that the district is not only not doing anything about it, but they are actively trying to cover it up.” 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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