Memorial Day

New From TEA

• Required Data Collection: General Application of Assurances (GAA), Updated for ESSA 5/23
• P-TECH and Industry Cluster Innovative Academy Planning and Designation Applications Open 5/14
• Public Comments on Proposed Rulemaking
• Adequate and Appropriate School Safety Measures
• Hurricane Relief Grants Part 1 5/8
• Process for Certification of 2018–2019 Indirect Cost Rates (Independent School Districts Only) 5/1
• 2017-2018 Additional State Aid for Ad Valorem Tax Credits under Texas Economic Development Act 5/1
• Industry Certification Recommendation Survey 5/1
• Trustee Training Requirement and Senate Bill 1566 

Miles ISD New Superintendent

Starting as Miles ISD's new superintendent, Clint Askins will officially take over June 18; a decision announced during a school board meeting Monday, May 14. Askins comes to Miles from Floresville ISD, where he was the director of special education, and said he is looking forward to maintaining what Gibson built. "It's a great school district," he said. "It's got great academics, it's got great teachers, great leadership; it's just a great opportunity for me to become part of a great organization."  Originally from Big Spring, Askins has been a principal at school districts in Mason, Veribest and Junction. He's been a educator for 22 years, and earned his bachelors degree from Tarleton State University and his masters degree from Angelo State University.  view article  

LC-M CISD names Stacey Brister as lone finalist for superintendent-elect position

Press release from Little Cypress-Mauriceville CISD:  Tonight (May 24, 2018), the Little Cypress-Mauriceville Board of Trustees named Stacey Brister Lone Finalist for the District's Superintendent-Elect position. She will assume that position on July 1 and will move into the Superintendency in January 2019. view article  

Miles ISD superintendent retires after 19 years as an educator

MILES — Superintendent Robert Gibson is leaving behind a legacy of unmatched leadership. After 19 years with Miles Independent School District, Gibson is retiring June 29, 2018.   "Everyday it's a pleasure to come to work and see the kids and the teachers," he said. "Everyone has always been very friendly. It's just a family-style atmosphere here at Miles, and the community has always supported the school in anything that we do."  view article  

Edgewood ISD board names superintendent finalist

Eduardo Hernandez is the lone finalist for superintendent of Edgewood the district’s board members decided Thursday evening. The five-member board voted unanimously to name Hernandez, now a chief academic officer in Duncanville Independent School District, as their choice for the top post. By law, trustees must wait 21 days after naming a finalist before making the hire. Edgewood Independent School District board members have set June 19 as the hiring date. view article  

State leaders seek campus security upgrades, but hefty bill looms

Less than a week after the Santa Fe High School shooting that left 10 people dead and 13 others injured, political and education leaders across Texas are proposing ways to avoid the next campus shooting: more law enforcement officers, more counselors, more metal detectors. All of which requires more money — something many cash-strapped school districts do not have right now. Legislators and school district governing boards soon will start grappling with how to pay for expensive upgrades designed to keep Texas schoolchildren safe, as state leaders seek more secure campuses in light of last Friday’s massacre. The cost of those improvements, however, likely will extend into the hundreds of millions of dollars statewide, at a time when many school districts are dipping into reserves to balance their budgets. view article  

Preventive Law: SB 585 Take Ten for Patriotic Societies

In another example of the Texas Legislature taking over classroom instruction, beginning this year the Legislature has told us we must now step down and stop education in order to permit “Patriotic Societies” to have ten minutes to make a presentation to our students. Moreover, this practice should be in place by now. So what does this involve?

TEA waives passing requirement for students hit by STAAR glitches

Texas fifth- and eighth-graders will not be held back this year if their computers were affected by glitches during State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness, or STAAR, exams, state education officials said Thursday. It is not clear precisely how many fifth- and eighth-grade students were disrupted while taking tests in recent weeks, but the two glitches impacted tens of thousands of students across the state. Texas Education Agency officials said an April 10 disruption hit about 41,700 students in grades four through 12 on 3,870 campuses statewide view article  

After Santa Fe massacre, Texas shooting survivors give lawmakers policy solutions

Last Friday, Santa Fe High School senior Grace Johnson walked into the hallway from the band practice room, where she had been taking a nap, and saw one of her classmates get shot and fall to the ground. Almost a week after the massacre in her Houston-area school, Johnson stood in the Texas Capitol Thursday and gave Gov. Greg Abbott and Texas lawmakers recommendations about how to prevent future school shootings. Johnson was among dozens of other students, parents and educators impacted by recent shootings at Santa Fe High School, Sutherland Springs' First Baptist Church last November, and Alpine High School in 2016, at the last of three roundtable discussions convened by Abbott to discuss school safety and gun violence. view article  

Parents on edge in Pasadena, La Porte school districts

La Porte resident Sarah Polley was in junior high school when the Columbine High School massacre occurred in 1999. She remembers wondering how something like that could occur but saw it as an event that happened far away. “I wasn’t really scared,” she said. “It was the first time I had ever heard of something like that, and it didn’t affect me like it does kids now. It wasn’t a real thing, like, ‘That can’t happen here.’” Now, after the Santa Fe shooting on May 18 that killed 10 people, the issue of school safety is hitting close to home. Polley is now considering home-schooling her eight children, who attend La Porte ISD campuses. view article  

Five struggling schools in Waco ISD to remain open for at least two years

WACO, TX (KXXV) - Five underperforming schools in Waco ISD at risk of closing will remain open for at least two years, even if they don't meet accountability standards this year.  This comes after the Texas Education Agency approved Waco ISD's eligibility for an in-district charter partnership with Prosper Waco this week, contingent on making a technical modification to the performance contract.  Under the proposed in-district charter, Prosper Waco would oversee six campuses within the district, making decisions ranging from staffing to curriculum. In addition, the partnership would allow the six schools to receive $3.5 million additional funds from the state. view article  

McAllen ISD holds TRE presentation for Citizens League

McALLEN — School district trustees and top officials met with the local citizens league Thursday to cover the upcoming Tax Ratification Election proposal that will more than likely be put before the board next month.  The lunch meeting at the McAllen Salvation Army was one of many similar presentations planned before the board’s vote to clarify what this election is about.  “We are here not asking for new money,” McAllen school district Superintendent Jose Gonzalez said. “We are asking to continue operating the way we have been operating over the last two years by swapping pennies.”  If approved by the board, the election, known as TRE, will ask voters to allow the district to take all 11.5 pennies from the Interest and Sinking fund, known as I&S, and move these to the Maintenance and Operations side, or M&O. view article  

Here Are 22 Ideas Gov. Abbott Shared For Stopping School Shootings

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is hosting three roundtable discussions this week in response to the school shooting in Santa Fe, Texas. The first roundtable, held Tuesday, focused on "school and community safety." The meeting was private, but afterward Abbott read reporters “a list of suggestions and ideas that came out of" the discussions. He said these ideas will help Texas lawmakers come up with new policy to stop gun violence.  view article  

Graduate is first African-American valedictorian of Angleton High School

When Destiny Jackson delivers her valedictory speech at Angleton High School’s graduation ceremony tonight, she will be the first African-American to do so. The milestone comes 51 years after black students first were allowed to attend Angleton High School after integration. view article  

Abbott hears from shooting victims

In a small room on the second floor of the Texas Capitol, Gov. Greg Abbott surrounded himself Thursday with dozens of people whose loved ones were shot and killed in mass shootings. The families lost children, parents, friends. Speaking at the governor’s third roundtable of the week, they were grasping for solutions. For something good to come of their pain. The people hailed from Sutherland Springs and Santa Fe — sites of the two most recent massacres — as well as Alpine and Killeen. view article  

Alice ISD Trustees honor Interim Superintendent

The Alice Independent School District recently thanked their Interim Superintendent for his hard work in the last six months during a school board meeting.  Willie Ruiz took the reigns at Alice ISD after Dr. Alma Charles submitted her resignation.  Ruiz has been with the district for nearly 30 years. Before his position as interim superintendent he was the director of operations. He has also been a paraprofessional and an elementary principal with the district. Ruiz has 34 years in the field of education. view article  

Santa Fe students make emotional plea to governor for safety upgrades

AUSTIN (Nexstar) - A 3-day roundtable discussion series on school safety and gun violence wrapped up on Thursday with emotional pleas from Santa Fe students, parents and educators. Members of the Sutherland Springs community and Alpine ISD also joined the meeting.  Several students spoke face-to-face with Gov. Greg Abbott, listing various ideas about what they'd like to see, including ways to improve mental health resources and security and school campuses. Grace Johnson detailed the timeline of events of what she experienced last Friday.  view article  

New Questions About Investigation Into Grand Prairie Spending

A Consumer Justice investigation into the perks paid to local superintendents has led to questions about another investigation at Grand Prairie ISD. It’s been nearly a year since the district promised to look into spending at the superintendent’s home, which is owned by GPISD. The district bought the property for $694,500 in 2016. Dr. Susan Hull pays $1,000 a month to rent the home. view article  

Grand Prairie ISD Expected To Release Investigation Findings

Superintendent Dr. Susan Hull lives in a home owned by the district. Board members promised to look into the purchase and renovation of the home after two invoices surfaced, dated one day apart, totaling $70,000 for work done to the home on Carrier Parkway. Any expense over $50,000 requires board approval. In June 2017, the board hired an outside law firm to handle the investigation. view article  

Edgewood ISD Names New Leader from Suburban Dallas District

The Edgewood Independent School District board of managers voted Thursday night to name Eduardo Hernandez, the chief academic officer from Duncanville ISD, as the new superintendent. Hernandez will become superintendent effective June 19, board President Roy Soto said. The board selected Hernandez from a pool of 47 applicants. Soto said the board was particularly impressed with Hernandez’s experience as chief officer of academics and innovation and chief of schools in Duncanville ISD, a suburban Dallas school district that Soto described as similar to Edgewood. view article  

Superintendent Search: Sinton ISD has announced a Lone Finalist

Iola ISD Board of Trustees has chosen Michael “Chad” Jones, Superintendent of Iola ISD, as the Lone Finalist for Sinton ISD Superintendent of Schools. Details and updates will continue to appear on our search page as things progress.

Angleton ISD celebrates Dr. Pat’s retirement

At the proclamation of Angleton Mayor Jason Perez, May 23, 2018, will always be “Dr. Patricia Montgomery Day” in the city of Angleton. “Dr. Pat is a pillar of our community and has gained respect from our community members, business and industry leaders, city and state leaders from all over,” he said. “She has helped lay the foundation for our city’s future by cultivating our most prized commodity, the children.” view article  

Ralls ISD Armed and Ready: School district continues armed staff policy

In light of the third roundtable discussion about school safety at the state capitol today, a West Texas school district reinforced their decision to have an armed staff policy, called the Guardian Plan. For the fifth year in a row, Ralls Independent School District allows faculty to be armed on campus, if they have passed the required training prior. "They have to go through extensive training, there's psychological testing to have the right to carry," Superintendent Chris Wade said. "So we make sure everybody is capable of carrying and performing if needed." view article  

Hawley ISD coach raps back after popular vlogger disses teachers in viral video

Hawley ISD coach and teacher Matt Preston is gaining internet fame after uploading an original rap in response to a viral video from vlogger Jake Paul ditching teachers. In the video, Preston features his co-workers at Hawley ISD as he raps about everything that makes teachers great with witty one-liners such as "a few bad apples don't make the grove bad. Some of these kids see me more than their own dad." view article  

Salaries, taxes and start times: 3 takeaways from the Pearland ISD board meeting

The Pearland ISD board of trustees on Tuesday approved raises for teachers and set a meeting to discuss its tax rate. The board also began the discussion on changing school start times, but assured the district that no changes will be made this year. The board also swore in trustees Sean Murphy and Crystal Carbone. Carbone is replacing Pam Boegler, who is stepping down after serving as a trustee with the district for eight years. view article  

Leander ISD expands two-way dual-language program to new schools as demand rises

In the 2018-19 academic year, Leander ISD will be adding two more elementary schools to its two-way dual-language program. Knowles and Bagdad elementaries will join Whitestone and Reed elementaries in offering the program. LISD began offering dual-language services in 2009 for students who qualified for bilingual education services, said Tina Dozier, LISD English Language Learners director. Up until four years ago, one-way dual language—which works with students who primarily speak Spanish to help them become proficient in English—was the only option for dual-language education. Two-way dual-language differs in that primary Spanish and English speakers learn together, receiving lessons in both languages, according to Dozier. view article  

Wichita Falls ISD Class of 2018 valedictorians, salutatorians celebrated

An all-girls slate of honor students comprise the list of \valedictorians and salutatorians for the Wichita Falls Independent School District's Class of 2018. The young scholars showcase a variety of college interests and destinations. view article  

Little Elm ISD honors 2018 top ten graduates

Some described it as more than just a luncheon, but a gathering of what seemed to be family for the last four years. Recently, Little Elm High School top 10 graduating seniors were honored with a luncheon. Each student was accompanied by family members and chose their favorite teacher who had made an impact during their time in Little Elm ISD. Teachers introduced the students and parents gave tearful and emotional speeches as they reminisced about the early childhood of their graduate and praised the young adult they have become. view article  

Four Denton ISD campuses come under new leadership

With the last day of school officially in the books, Denton ISD officials are playing the familiar principal shuffle as they look at campus leadership for the new school year. McMath Middle School, along with Borman and Adkins elementaries, will see some familiar district faces at the helm next year. Meanwhile, Myers Middle School will welcome a new face to Denton ISD. James Whitfield will take over for Angela Ricks at Myers. Ricks was recently promoted to the district’s director of student and campus support services. view article  

Longview ISD teams with 4-year school for program

Although Longview ISD has ended funding for its Early College High School, the program will continue with new partnerships with four-year schools to focus on core classes. The program started in the 2015-16 school year to give students a cost-free way to earn an associate degree or at least 60 credit hours from Kilgore College. The program started with a group, or cohort, of 92 freshmen, and every cohort since was limited to about 100 students. Entering its fourth year, LISD no longer will offer students in the program free tuition from KC but has entered additional partnerships with Stephen F. Austin State University and the University of Texas. view article  

Campus police officers coming soon to New Braunfels ISD

The New Braunfels ISD board of trustees will contract with the New Braunfels Police Department to implement a school resource officer at each of its four secondary campuses beginning in the 2018-19 school year. “All schools need to have some form of security, and we are excited to work with NBISD for starting this new chapter of security for their schools,” NBPD Communications Coordinator David Ferguson said. The school board’s unanimous decision to introduce campus SROs was made during an executive session at its regular meeting Monday night. Ferguson said the officers will be present on campus throughout the school day to respond to any criminal or safety-related issues. view article  

Mission Marshall hands out new bikes to Marshall ISD students for Read to Ride

Some Marshall ISD students took home a new set of wheels on Thursday as part of Mission Marshall’s annual Read to Ride program, which is handing out 324 brand new bicycles and helmets this week for improved reading skills. The 53 students at Price T. Young Elementary School were the first on Thursday to receive their bicycles and helmets from Mission Marshall Director Misty Scott. “Our goal for the district was to have 75 percent of third graders reach their reading goal and earn a bicycle and helmet,” Scott said. “We surpassed our district goal this year, with 78 percent of the district’s third graders meeting their reading goals.” view article  

Somerset ISD hiring armed officers to place on majority of campuses

The Somerset Independent School District plans to hire four full-time police officers to allow the district's police department to place a uniformed, armed officer on six out of seven campuses. The hiring will more than double the district’s police force, bringing the total number of full-time officers to seven. “Every morning driving to work, I say a little prayer. I say, ‘Lord, not today,’” said Somerset ISD Police Chief Rick Valdez, thinking about the series of school shootings across the nation. view article