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Congratulations to the following New Supers
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Superintendent Vacancies
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| Vacant | Rusk ISD; Search by: Arrow Educational ServicesINFO | Vacant | Martin's Mill ISD; Search by: Arrow Educational ServicesINFO | Vacant | Burton ISD; Search by: Powell Law Group, Dr. Danny LovettINFO | 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 LyonINFO | 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 | Santa Rosa ISD; Search by: O’Hanlon, Demerath & CastilloINFO | Vacant | San Isidro ISD (Short Timeline); Search by: Region One ESC, Exec. Dir. Dr. Daniel P. KingINFO | Vacant | Queen City ISD; Search by: Danny Lovett, Powell Law GroupINFO | Vacant | Commerce ISD - Search by: Commerce ISD Board of Trustees; INFO | Vacant | Gonzales ISD; Search by: Walsh, Gallegos, Kyle, Robinson & Roalson P.C.& Education Consultant Charlotte Baker,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 KincaidINFO | Vacant | Comstock ISD; Comstock ISD Board of Trustees and O.K. Wolfenbarger IIIINFO | Vacant |
Frank Liu Jr. Academy of Music and Art (Houston) ; Thompson & Horton LLP - David Thompson & Dr. Mike MosesINFO |
Vacant | East Chambers ISD; Search by: SPALDING NICHOLS LAMP LANGLOISINFO | 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 | Dawson ISD; Search by: Powell Law Group, Danny LovettINFO | Vacant | Banquete ISD; Search by: Powell Law Group, Rick AlvaradoINFO | Vacant | Priddy ISD; Search by: Region 15 ESCINFO | 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 | Frost ISD; Search by: Leasor Crass, P.CINFO | Vacant | Cedar HIll ISD; Search by: Leasor Crass, P.CINFO | Vacant | Bowie ISD; Search by: Region 9 ESC, Darren Francis and Kenny MillerINFO | 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 | Marlin ISD; Search by: O’Hanlon, Demerath & CastilloINFO | Vacant | Deweyville ISD; Search by: Dr. Byron Terrier, Exec. Dir. Region 5 ESCINFO | Vacant | Centerpoint ISD; Search by: Danny Lovett, Powell Law GroupINFO | Vacant | Kermit ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO | Vacant | 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 | Snook ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO | Vacant | Hitchcock ISD (Interim Search); Search by: Hitchcock ISD Board of Trustees & Region V ESC - Dr. Rolando “Rudy” TrevinoINFO | Vacant | Laredo ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO | Vacant | Killeen ISD; Search by: Thompson & Horton LLP - Dr. Mike Moses, David Thompson & Dr. Curtis CulwellINFO | Vacant | Premont ISD; Search by: Doug Arnold & Arte AlmendarezINFO | Vacant |
Executive Director Region 11 ESC; Thompson & Horton LLP - David Thompson & Dr. Mike MosesINFO |
Vacant | Nederland ISD; Search by: Dr. Byron Terrier, Exec. Dir. Region 5 ESCINFO | Vacant | West Hardin Co. CISD; Search by: Dr. Byron Terrier, Exec. Dir. Region 5 ESCINFO | 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 CulwellINFO | Vacant | Howe ISD; Search by: Howe ISD Board of TrusteesINFO | Vacant | Cushing ISD; Search by: Impact Education Specialists - Doug Williams, Kevin Worthy, Blake Cooper and Stan SurrattINFO | Vacant | Munday CISD; Search by: Region 9 ESC, Darren Francis and Kenny MillerINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Valley View ISD - James Womack, Superintendent,Richland Springs ISD; Education Solutions and Services Mike Smith & Letha HopkinsINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Waco ISD - Dr. Tiffany Spicer, Superintendent,Buna ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO |
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| Lone Finalist | Lueders-Avoca ISD - Dr. Joe Alcorta, Superintendent,Dalhart ISD; Search by: Ronnie KincaidINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Calvert ISD - Latisha Crockett-Tennell, Interim Superintendent,Calvert ISD; Search by: O’Hanlon, Demerath & CastilloINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Albany ISD - Daryl Stuard, Superintendent,Bremond ISD; Search by: Ronnie KincaidINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Victoria ISD - Shelia Collazo, Deputy Superintendent,Somerset ISD; Search by: JCA Law, PLLC and Saul HinojosaINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Hawkins ISD - Jeff Hutchins, Director of Operations,Van ISD; Search by: Impact Education Specialists - Doug Williams, Kevin Worthy, Blake Cooper and Stan SurrattINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Monte Alto ISD - Rashad Javed Rana, Assistant Superintendent,Donna ISD; Search by: O’Hanlon, Demerath & CastilloINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Utopia ISD - Joshua Ham, Principal,San Saba ISD; Search by: Utopia ISD Board of TrusteesINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Buna ISD - Dr. Julie Motomura, Superintendent,Schulenburg ISD; Search By: Buna ISD Board of Trustees INFO |
| Lone Finalist | Splendora ISD - Dustin Bromley, Deputy Superintendent,La Porte ISD; Search by: Impact Education Specialists - Doug Williams, Kevin Worthy, Blake Cooper and Stan SurrattINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Mount Calm ISD - Jay Underwood, Deputy Superintendent,Anna ISD; Search by: Powell Law Group, Shaun BarnettINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Waskom ISD - Chris Guastella, Principal,Ferris ISD; Search by: Leasor Crass, P.CINFO |
| 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 SurrattINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Needville ISD - Dr. Paul Drake, Superintendent,Chester ISD; Search by: Arrow Educational ServicesINFO |
| 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 SurrattINFO |
| 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 SurrattINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Forsan ISD - Michael Valencia, Superintendent,McCamey ISD; Search by: Region 18 ESC, Dr. Dewitt SmithINFO |
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Edgewood ISD (Region 7) - Scott Tyner, Superintendent,Martins Mill iSD; Search by: Impact Education Specialists - Doug Williams, Kevin Worthy, Blake Cooper and Stan SurrattINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Jim Ned CISD - Will Brewer, Superintendent,Paradise ISD; Search by: Ronnie KincaidINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Palmer ISD ; Search by: Arrow Educational ServicesINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Hallsburg ISD - Dr. Staci Coleman-Kirk, Principal,Hubbard ISD; Search by: Powell Law Group, Shaun BarnettINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Slidell ISD - Dr. Christopher M. Heskett, Superintendent,Covington ISD; Search by: Powell Law Group, Shaun BarnettINFO |
| 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 SurrattINFO |
| 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 SurrattINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Rotan ISD - Trevor Edgemon, Superintendent,Happy ISD; Search by: Ronnie KincaidINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Millsap ISD - Harper Stewart, Superintendent,Hamilton ISD; Search by: CCR Educational Consultants, Dr. Skip Casey, Staci Robertson, & 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 |
| New Super | Plains ISD - Scott Mills, Principal,Quannah ISD; Search by: Leasor Crass, P.CINFO |
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Olney ISD (Young Co.) - Dr. Matt Caffey, Principal,Olney ISD; Search by: Region 9 ESC, Darren Francis and Kenny MillerINFO |
| New Super | Ben Bolt-Palito Blanco ISD; Search by: O’Hanlon, Demerath & CastilloINFO |
| New Super | San Benito CISD - Alfredo Perez, Interim Superintendent,San Benito ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO |
| New Super | Industrial ISD - Michael B. Colvin, Director,Comfort ISD; Search by: Walsh, Gallegos, Kyle, Robinson & Roalson P.C.& Education Consultant Charlotte BakeINFO |
| New Super | Whitney ISD - Todd Southard, Superintendent,Pilot Point ISD; Search by: Whitney ISD Board of TrusteesINFO |
| New Super | Dilley ISD - Kelli Dubose, Interim Superintendent,Dilley ISD; Search by: O’Hanlon, Demerath & CastilloINFO |
| New Super | Muleshoe ISD - Scott Bicknell, Superintendent,Jayton-Girard ISD; Search by: Impact Education Specialists - Doug Williams, Kevin Worthy, Blake Cooper and Stan SurrattINFO |
| New Super | New Home ISD - Julia Stephen, Director,Amarillo ISD; Search by: Region 17 ESC, Kyle Wargo Exec. DirectorINFO |
| New Super | Lubbock-Cooper ISD - Aaron Waldrip, Superintendent,Abernathy ISD; Search by: Impact Education Specialists - Doug Williams, Kevin Worthy, Blake Cooper and Stan SurrattINFO |
| New Super | Levelland ISD - Dr. Don Heseman, Superintendent,West Hardin CCISD; Search by: Region 17 ESC, Kyle Wargo Exec. DirectorINFO |
How do I get my SuperSearch on TexasISD.com?Preventive Law: Legislative Update on School District Construction - Bills Passed During the 89th Legislative Session Affecting School District Construction/Procurement
During the 89th Legislative Regular Session, the Texas Legislature passed several bills that impact school district construction projects and procurement of construction-related services. Although this session was not particularly heavy on construction-related legislation, the following bills may have significant effects on procurement processes, conflicts of interest in bidding on and awarding of projects, hiring restrictions due to contractor/subcontractor conduct, audits, and defect claims.
Central Texas Teacher, Coach Arrested for Sex With Underage Boys
Shelby Lashombe was reported for misconduct while at West ISD before joining Valley Mills ISD, but her victims reportedly were not students where she taught. A Central Texas high school teacher and girls’ coach who was previously reported to the state for sexual misconduct was arrested for having sex with underage boys. Shelby Dawn Lashombe, 25, was charged with one count of sexual assault of a child and two counts of improper relationship between educator and student—although Lashombe said the boys were not students at the schools where she worked. Both offenses are second-degree felonies punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison.
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Austin ISD to host meetings on closures as 12 more schools are flagged for failing grades
A dozen schools in the Austin Independent School District will need to close or make significant changes after receiving three consecutive failing grades from the state. The Texas Education Agency ratings were released last month. Austin ISD saw some improvements from last year, but roughly one third of the district’s 116 campuses still had unacceptable ratings.
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Austin ISD faces tough decisions for failing schools amid TEA ratings
Austin Independent School District (AISD) has some tough decisions to make about its failing campuses. The district is forced to submit turnaround plans for 24 schools after receiving failing grades from the Texas Education Agency's (TEA) accountability ratings, which were released last month.
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These Charter Superintendents Are Some of the Highest Paid in Texas. Their Districts Are Among the Lowest Performing.
Three charter school superintendents who are among the highest paid in Texas are overseeing some of the lowest-performing districts in the state, newly released records show. One of them is at risk of closure by school year’s end.
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McMahon, Morath visit Austin school using artificial intelligence
U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon toured an Austin private school on Tuesday, which claims it helps students “Learn 2x in 2 Hours.” Alpha School Austin is part of an upstart network of Alpha Schools across the country, focused on using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to help students progress through their coursework faster. “Fundamentally, we believe that kids are limitless,” co-founder MacKenzie Price said. “When kids receive personalized learning that goes at their pace and level, their learning is able to go exponentially faster than in a traditional classroom.”
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Cy-Fair ISD board votes to update board operating procedure in controversy’s wake
Trustees in Cypress-Fairbanks ISD voted 6-1 Monday to adopt updated board operating procedures after a controversy over audio recordings and concerns over trustees' requests for information prompted the board to revisit the document. The updated procedures require trustees to ask for consent when recording conversations with a community member, Cy-Fair ISD employee or another trustee. The procedures also clarify the process for board members to make formal requests for both information.
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Texas Education Agency Updates First Aid Guidelines After Controversy Over Withheld Medical Care
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has released updated guidelines for how Texas public schools should approach the implementation of Senate Bill (SB) 12, known as the “Parent Bill of Rights,” after recent reports of school nurses not providing first aid to students.
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San Antonio ISD opens bids for repurposing closed campuses
After nearly two years, the San Antonio Independent School District opened the bidding process to lease buildings and property at campuses it closed amid declining enrollment. The district is soliciting proposals from individuals, organizations and developers interested in leasing vacant school buildings or the land around them for residential, commercial or other uses, according to the bid website.
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Houston: HISD asks community leaders to ‘adopt’ low-rated schools in push for no C-rated campuses by 2027
Two years into its state takeover, Houston ISD Superintendent Mike Miles has set his sights on an ambitious new goal: By 2027, he said HISD schools will receive only As or Bs from the Texas Education Agency. To get there, the district has pitched an opportunity for business leaders to "adopt" one of the 64 non-charter schools that received a C or D in the state's accountability ratings this year, HISD's Alexandra Elizondo said at a press conference Tuesday.
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U.S. Secretary of Education highlights AI in classrooms during visit to Austin private school
The U.S. Secretary of Education was in Austin on Tuesday, visiting a private school that's using new technology to teach kids. Linda McMahon stopped by the Alpha School in South Austin to spotlight the importance of artificial intelligence in education. The Secretary toured the school and participated in a roundtable discussion on AI literacy and the evolving role of technology in education. The school utilizes AI learning in conjunction with life skills courses. The school doesn't have teachers but instead uses what it calls "guides."
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Email the SBOE! Support Texas History at the Texas State Board of Education!
Tomorrow, Wednesday, the Texas State Board of Education (SBOE) will vote on a framework for the Social Studies standards (TEKS) that will be drafted later this year. Currently, Texas students have two opportunities to learn Texas history (4th and 7th grade). But this could change! The SBOE should vote on a framework where students have multiple opportunities to learn about our rich Texas heritage. The SBOE should REJECT any attempt to minimalize or reduce the amount of American and Texas History that is taught to our Texas students. The framework can influence how the Social Studies standards are written in the upcoming months.
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Are Texas Public Schools Being Extorted? w/ Marc Gravely | Parent Empowerment with Mandy Drogin
Taxpayers on on the hook for millions upon millions of dollars in damages and other issues thanks to nebulously worded contracts, poorly regulated risk pools, and other sorts of legal drama. Marc Gravely, a legal expert and construction defect lawyer, breaks down how our public schools are being tricked or even extorted by outside groups.
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Edgewood ISD board votes to sanction its youngest member again
Edgewood Independent School District’s board voted in favor of sanctioning its youngest trustee Michael Valdez during a special meeting Monday night. In a 6-1 vote, the board sanctioned 21-year-old Valdez for violating board policies because he did an interview with KENS 5 without authorization from the board president. Valdez was the lone “no” vote.
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Arp ISD seeks to fire assistant principal accused of failing to report child sex assault
The Arp ISD Board of Trustees is seeking to fire an assistant principal accused of failing to report knowledge of a sexual assault of a child allegedly committed by her adult son. The school board voted Monday to begin the start of the termination process for Karla Florence, who was arrested in August and charged with Class A failure to report and Class B false report to a peace officer.
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Leon Alcala, PLLC
WEBINAR:Increased Liability Updates: Hiring, Investigating, and Reporting Misconduct
Presented by: Sarah Reynolds
Presented by: Michelle Alcala
Read more and register here...
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Eichelbaum Wardell Hansen Powell & Muñoz, P.C.
TEA issues new guidance after school nurses complain law prohibits even giving out bandages to students
The Texas Education Agency issued new guidance Monday on a state law that requires parental consent before students receive healthcare services. The announcement comes after districts said it prohibited them from simply offering children bandages, leading to a 5-year-old being sent home from school covered in vomit, his mother said.
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Texas Comptroller visits TSTC to promote new $1B school choice program
The welding lab at Texas State Technical College runs three shifts around the clock to keep up with demand. Come January, even more students could join those sparks flying as Texas launches its first statewide school choice program. Acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock toured the TSTC Waco campus on Tuesday, Sept. 9 to highlight how families will be able to use the new Education Savings Account program to pay for technical training that leads directly to high-paying careers.
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TEA issues new guidance for school nurses
NBC 5’s Larry Collins is tracking new guidance for nurses across the state that was recently released by the Texas Education Agency.
High home prices are hurting enrollment in Round Rock ISD, new study says
A new report from Zonda Education shows high home prices in Round Rock are threatening future enrollment in that district.
The study shows home sales within the district dropped by half over the past three years.
High prices and interest rates make it tough for young families to buy homes there, and it's impacting the school district because the amount of state funding is determined by enrollment numbers.
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Huntsville ISD mother says fight at elementary school left 9-year-old son hospitalized with severe head injuries
A Huntsville ISD mother says her 9-year-old son’s life has been turned upside down after a fight at school left him hospitalized with severe head injuries. The incident happened Friday around 1:30 p.m. inside the gymnasium at Samuel Walker Houston Elementary School. According to a letter sent home to parents, the campus went into “temporary hold” status while an ambulance was called to handle the situation.
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Fort Worth ISD CFO Carmen Arrieta-Candelaria resigns to lead El Paso County finances
Fort Worth ISD’s Chief Financial Officer, Carmen Arrieta-Candelaria, is leaving the district later this month to take on a new role as Director of Budget and Finance for the County of El Paso, the district confirmed Tuesday. The move gives her a chance to return to her hometown and contribute to the community in South Texas.
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Victoria ISD principal arrested overnight with DWI charge
A Victoria Independent School District principal faces a driving while intoxicated charge after a single-vehicle crash Sunday night. Sarah Young, principal of Rowland Elementary School, was arrested following the accident on North Navarro, according to police reports. Officers administered field sobriety tests at the scene, which they say Young failed to pass.
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Former Decatur ISD athletic trainer arrested for child sex assault
Fernando Escobar, 42, was arrested last week and charged with the sexual assault of a child. Police said the alleged crime happened more than 10 years ago when Escobar was an athletic trainer for Decatur ISD. The victim was a minor at the time.
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Texas educators praise new school cellphone ban
The new state ban took effect on Sept. 1, and Texas’ more than 1,200 public school districts have adopted policies ranging from secure phone pouches to increased monitoring. School officials say that in the wake of Texas’ new cellphone ban in public K-12 schools, students have become more engaged in and outside of classrooms. The ban on cellphones, laptops and tablets has prompted Texas’ more than 1,200 school districts to adopt policies ranging from secure device pouches to increased monitoring as the academic year has begun. While some officials were concerned that schools w uld face pushback from students and parents, administrators from across the state said that hasn’t happened. Instead, school officials say they’re seeing signs of positive change after years of concerns that cellphones and addictive social media apps distracted students during instructional time.
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San Benito School Employee On Leave Over ‘Inappropriate’ Messages
School officials say the alleged victim is not a student in the district. An unnamed South Texas school employee is on leave following allegations of “inappropriate” messaging with a child who is not a student in the district. San Benito Consolidated Independent School District posted a statement to social media on September 6:
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Texas A&M faculty fired after gender identity included in class lesson
COLLEGE STATION, Texas — A Texas A&M professor has been fired, per a social media post from Governor Greg Abbott, and the Texas A&M University System will perform an audit of all courses, according to the Houston Chronicle -- two new developments following a recorded confrontation between a student and professor regarding the inclusion of gender identity in a classroom discussion. The exchange, which took place in a children’s literature class, was captured on video and circulated by State Representative Brian Harrison of Midlothian. The footage shows a student questioning whether a professor’s remarks about gender identity were lawful, citing Governor Greg Abbott’s position that “there are only two genders” and his pledge to freeze funding for programs promoting what he calls “gender ideology.”
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Pressure Builds for Ousting A&M President After LGBT Class Controversy
Syllabi and new audio show more about what’s happening in Aggieland. After first defending the course, Texas A&M President Mark Welsh has announced the termination of a professor who included instruction on introducing LGBT topics to minors in a children’s literature class. The professor had ignited statewide controversy after a viral video and recorded audio displayed university leaders defending the class content even as lawmakers and the governor demanded accountability and firings.
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Cruz, Abbott Slam Houston Imam’s Call for Boycotts Over Pork and Alcohol
Calls for Muslim businesses in Houston to comply with Sharia law have drawn sharp rebukes from Texas officials, including Sen. Ted Cruz and Gov. Greg Abbott.
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Angelina County hires outside firm as lawsuits, records demands pile up
Threatening biblical plagues, demanding new taxes and firing off requests in foreign languages, Angelina County resident David Stua has turned Texas’ open records law into a weapon that county officials say is draining resources and costing taxpayers. Stua is not a public official, but he has become a fixture in county government through an unrelenting campaign of public information requests and legal threats. In the past few months alone, officials say he has filed hundreds of records requests, some seeking searches of thousands of email addresses, others written entirely in Italian. Stua has recently filed three new lawsuits against Angelina County in district court. To handle the cases, commissioners formally hired the Austin law firm Allison, Bass & Magee. Under the retainer approved Tuesday, Aug. 26, principals will bill at $400 per hour, associates at $300 per hour and paralegals at $150.
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LISD back to normal operations after unloaded firearm found in trash can
Lufkin High School was placed on a "SECURE" earlier this morning after reports of a possible weapon on campus, according to a release from Lufkin ISD. An unloaded firearm was located in a restroom trash can following a swift investigation, and the school has resumed normal operations, according to the press release. The school said it appreciated the quick and professional response from Lufkin ISD administration and police as well as the City of Lufkin Police Department in keeping students and the campus safe.
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Potential Federal Investigation of Texas A&M Over Transgender Indoctrination
Brian Harrison shared audio he says is of TAMU president Mark Welsh defending teaching transgenderism. Texas A&M could face a federal investigation following revelations that a course instructor removed a student from class over objections to a discussion about exposing children to transgenderism. At issue is a video, obtained by State Rep. Brian Harrison (R–Midlothian), that shows a discussion about transgender topics in a children’s literature class.
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Whitesboro Again Aims for Huge Property Tax Increase
The city’s proposed tax rate would increase average homeowners’ property tax bills by 61 percent. For a second year in a row, elected officials in the small North Texas city of Whitesboro are proposing a big property tax increase, which could raise residents’ tax bills by more than 60 percent without a public vote. On Tuesday night, Whitesboro City Council members will consider adopting a property tax rate for 2025 that would hike the average homeowner’s city taxes by $498—a 61 percent increase. The proposed increase, which would also raise 61 percent more total tax revenue, is below the city’s calculated voter-approval rate.
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Open or Closed? The Future of Texas Primary Elections
The Republican Party of Texas is challenging Texas’ open primary system. With the Republican Party of Texas challenging the state’s open primary system in court, the debate over who should decide each party’s nominees has reached a historic crossroads. Texas’ open primaries trace back to the early 20th century and the passage of the Terrell Election Law of 1903. This landmark law introduced primary elections for nominating candidates and replaced the convention system with state-run primaries for major political parties.
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Texas GOP Ballot Will Ask Voters About Property Taxes, Immigration, and Sharia Law
While the outcomes don’t create law or amend the state constitution, they do send a clear signal to lawmakers about what the Republican base expects from its elected officials. When Republican primary voters head to the polls next year, they won’t just be choosing candidates. They’ll also be asked to weigh in on a series of ballot propositions that will help shape the party’s direction heading into the next legislative session. The 10 propositions, approved by the State Republican Executive Committee during its meeting in Corpus Christi this past weekend, are not binding. Instead, they function as survey questions, designed to gauge grassroots opinion on major issues. Voters are asked to mark “yes” if they agree with each proposition or “no” if they disagree.
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Report: UT Researchers Worked With Chinese Military-Linked Academics
Research projects were backed by the U.S. Department of War, formerly known as the Department of Defense. A congressional report found researchers at two University of Texas campuses collaborated with academics linked with the Chinese military on U.S. Department of Defense projects. This follows troubling reports about research security at UT’s MD Anderson Cancer Center. The U.S. Congress’ Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party released a 79-page report on research security in U.S. Department of Defense-backed projects. The report includes case studies on projects involving researchers from multiple American universities.
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