Leon|Alcala, PLLC

Congratulations to the following New Supers

 

89 Superintendent Vacancies Click to expand

Vacant Timpson 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 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 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 Centerpoint ISD; Search by: Danny Lovett, Powell Law GroupINFO
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” TrevinoINFO
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 MosesINFO
Vacant Lago Vista ISD; Search by: Leon|Alcala PLLCINFO
Vacant Goose Creek CISD; Search by: Thompson & Horton LLP - Dr. Mike MosesDavid Thompson & Dr. Curtis CulwellINFO
Vacant Howe ISD; Search by: Howe ISD Board of TrusteesINFO
Vacant Bynum ISD; Search by: Bynum ISD Board of TrusteesINFO
Vacant Canutillo ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO
Vacant Ingram ISD; Search by: Shaun Barnett Powell Law GroupINFO
Vacant West Rusk CCISD; Search by: Lawrence Coleman & West Rusk CCISD Board of TrusteesINFO
Vacant Era ISD; Search by: Impact Education Specialists - Doug Williams, Kevin Worthy, Blake Cooper, Keith Bryant and Stan SurrattINFO
Vacant Prairie Lea ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO
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” TrevinoINFO
Vacant LaPoynor ISD; Search by: LaPoynor ISD Board of TrusteesINFO
Vacant Newcastle ISD; Search by: Region 9 ESC, Darren Francis and Kenny MillerINFO
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 SurrattINFO
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 ESCDr. Dewitt SmithINFO
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 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
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 Marlin ISD - Alphonso Bates, Assistant Superintendent ,Lamar CISD; Search by: O’Hanlon, Demerath & CastilloINFO
Lone Finalist Rusk ISD - Mid Johnson, Superintendent,Timpson ISD; Search by: Arrow Educational ServicesINFO
Lone Finalist Martin's Mill ISD - Derek Driver, Principal,Harts Bliff ISD; Search by: Arrow Educational ServicesINFO
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 MillerINFO
Lone Finalist El Paso ISD - Dr. Brian Lusk, Deputy Superintendent,Dallas ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO
Lone Finalist Cushing ISD - Stefani Jackson, AssAsst. Supt.,Cushing ISD; Search by: Impact Education Specialists - Doug Williams, Kevin Worthy, Blake Cooper and Stan SurrattINFO
Lone Finalist Lamesa ISD - Bonnie Avey, Superintendent,Seagraves ISD; Search by: Impact Education Specialists - Doug Williams, Kevin Worthy, Blake Cooper, Keith Bryant and Stan SurrattINFO
New Super Plains ISD - Scott Mills, Principal,Quannah ISD; Search by: Leasor Crass, P.CINFO
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 Dilley ISD - Kelli Dubose, Interim Superintendent,Dilley ISD; Search by: O’Hanlon, Demerath & CastilloINFO
New Super Valley View ISD - James Womack, Superintendent,Richland Springs ISD; Education Solutions and Services Mike Smith & Letha HopkinsINFO
New Super Waco ISD - Dr. Tiffany Spicer, Superintendent,Buna ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO
New Super Onalaska ISD - Dr. Kenneth Fraga, Assistant Superintendent,Onalaska ISD; Search by: Onalaska ISD Board of TrusteesINFO
New Super Lueders-Avoca ISD - Dr. Joe Alcorta, Superintendent,Dalhart ISD; Search by: Ronnie KincaidINFO
New Super Calvert ISD - Latisha Crockett-Tennell, Interim Superintendent,Calvert ISD; Search by: O’Hanlon, Demerath & CastilloINFO
New Super Albany ISD - Daryl Stuard, Superintendent,Bremond ISD; Search by: Ronnie KincaidINFO
New Super Victoria ISD - Shelia Collazo, Deputy Superintendent,Somerset ISD; Search by: JCA Law, PLLC and Saul HinojosaINFO
New Super Hawkins ISD - Jeff Hutchins, Director of Operations,Van ISD; Search by: Impact Education Specialists - Doug Williams, Kevin Worthy, Blake Cooper and Stan SurrattINFO
New Super Monte Alto ISD - Rashad Javed Rana, Assistant Superintendent,Donna ISD; Search by: O’Hanlon, Demerath & CastilloINFO
New Super Utopia ISD - Joshua Ham, Principal,San Saba ISD; Search by: Utopia ISD Board of TrusteesINFO
New Super Buna ISD - Dr. Julie Motomura, Superintendent,​Schulenburg ISD; Search By: Buna ISD Board of Trustees INFO
New Super Splendora ISD - Dustin Bromley, Deputy Superintendent,La Porte ISD; Search by: Impact Education Specialists - Doug Williams, Kevin Worthy, Blake Cooper and Stan SurrattINFO
New Super Mount Calm ISD - Jay Underwood, Deputy Superintendent,Anna ISD; Search by: Powell Law Group, Shaun BarnettINFO
New Super Killeen ISD - Dr. King Davis, Interim,Killeen ISD; Search by: Thompson & Horton LLP - Dr. Mike MosesDavid Thompson & Dr. Curtis CulwellINFO

Supreme Court allows Texas to use Trump-backed congressional map in midterms

December 0505:00 AM
 

The ruling is a major win for the Trump administration and Texas Republicans, who engineered the map to give the GOP control of 30 of the state’s 38 congressional districts. view article  arw

Preventive Law:Celebrate the Holidays

December 0208:35 AM
 

My favorite article that I have written over the years is one on official state holidays and recognitions. I find it fascinating to see which lobbyists succeed in recognitions for their cause. I look at this calendar and wonder why Monarch butterflies and veterinarian technicians get their own week, Lung Cancers Awareness gets only one day, Gold Star mothers get a day but not fathers, and there are no recognition days in December? Did you know that the 11 th day of each month is a recognition “day?”

President Trump signs government funding bill, ending shutdown after a record 43-day disruption

November 1305:00 AM
 

WASHINGTON -- President Donald Trump signed a government funding bill Wednesday night, ending a record 43-day shutdown that caused financial stress for federal workers who went without paychecks, stranded scores of travelers at airports and generated long lines at some food banks.  The shutdown magnified partisan divisions in Washington as Trump took unprecedented unilateral actions -- including canceling projects and trying to fire federal workers -- to pressure Democrats into relenting on their demands.  The Republican president blamed the situation on Democrats and suggested voters shouldn't reward the party during next year's midterm elections. view article  arw

- Northwest - 2025 Operations Funding Election (Proposition A)

November 1005:06 AM
 

2025 Operations Funding Election (Proposition A)  Northwest ISD has called an operations funding election to provide voters with the opportunity to decrease class sizes in exchange for a 3-cent increase to the tax rate. Because of continued tax rate compression, voter approval of the measure would still result in a tax rate decrease from 2024. Combined with a $40,000 increase to the homestead exemption, most homeowners are expected to pay less in property taxes in 2025. view article  arw

Texans set to approve $3 billion dementia research fund

November 0705:06 AM
 

The Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas fund, a priority of Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, will provide $3 billion in grants to researchers.  Texas voters on Tuesday are on track to approve Proposition 14, the constitutional amendment that both establishes a Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (DPRIT) and authorizes the spending of $3 billion to set up the fund.  Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick led the effort this past legislative session to create DPRIT, modeling the center on the state’s cancer research fund. Senate Bill 5, by Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston, was passed earlier this year and effectively created the institute.   Now that the constitutional amendment has passed, the institute is to be funded with $3 billion in surplus state revenue. After this first year, the institute will see up to $300 million appropriated each year. view article  arw

Texas Education Agency takes over Fort Worth ISD, replacing its elected school board

October 2404:22 AM
 

The North Texas district is the 11th since 2000 to be taken over by the state and the second largest after Houston ISD. view article  arw

Arlington ISD’s enrollment projected to drop below 50,000 next year

December 0508:31 AM
 

In April, Arlington ISD trustees were told that a declining birth rate and charter schools are pushing the district’s enrollment to fall under 50,000 students by 2032. Now, the school board members know it may happen as soon as next year. Board President Justin Chapa said that the enrollment drop was a part of a larger issue. view article  arw

Dr. Josue D. Borrego named finalist for Canutillo ISD superintendent role

December 0508:29 AM
 

Dr. Josue D. Borrego has been named the lone finalist for the Canutillo Independent School District superintendency following a unanimous vote by the Board of Trustees on Tuesday. Borrego, currently an associate superintendent and senior executive director in the Houston Independent School District, is expected to assume the role in January after a state-mandated waiting period. view article  arw

Fort Worth ISD takeover: What we know about the board of managers applicants

December 0508:28 AM
 

Now that the deadline has passed to apply to serve on the board of managers for Fort Worth ISD, more details have emerged about the nearly 300 applicants. After opening applications for the board of managers following its announcement of its intent to appoint a board of managers and conservator to oversee Fort Worth ISD, the Texas Education Agency extended the deadline to apply from Nov. 21 to Dec. 1. view article  arw

Kansas school ditching Chromebooks for pencil and paper

December 0508:28 AM
 

A Kansas school is shelving Chromebooks for pencil and paper. On Tuesday, McPherson Middle School announced in a letter to families that students will be turning in their Chromebooks at the end of the semester. The school hopes that returning to “paper and pencil tasks” will “promote deeper thinking, handwriting fluency, and less screen fatigue.” view article  arw

Waymo’s self-driving vehicles pass Austin ISD school buses at least 20 times, district says

December 0508:26 AM
 

Austin ISD has videos showing Waymo, a self-driving vehicle, illegally passing its school buses 20 times since the first week of classes, August 2025, to now. Related view article  arw

New details emerge after Waymo vehicles seen on camera passing stopped Austin ISD school buses

December 0508:25 AM
 

Austin ISD says the autonomous vehicle company has been cited 20 times since the beginning of the school year for its vehicles passing stopped school buses. view article  arw

Aldine ISD teacher arrested for child sex assault 2 years after warrant was issued: court records

December 0508:23 AM
 

A teacher from Aldine ISD has been released on bond after being arrested on charges of child sexual assault, according to court records. Aldine ISD says Derrick Banks, 39, is an agriculture teacher at Eisenhower High School. Court records show he had two warrants for the first-degree felony offense of aggravated sexual assault of a child under the age of 14 for the past two years. view article  arw

Lamar University, Hamshire-Fannett ISD expand student teacher residency program

December 0508:22 AM
 

Lamar University and Hamshire-Fannett ISD are continuing a partnership that gives aspiring educators hands-on experience in local classrooms before they graduate. The student teacher residency program pairs education students with host teachers for a full year, allowing them to co-teach while completing their degrees. view article  arw

Bulletin Board

Submit Event »

Eichelbaum Wardell Hansen Powell & Muñoz, P.C.

View Bulletin Board »

Answers to 3 key questions about how Austin ISD’s school closure plan will proceed

December 0508:22 AM
 

After the Austin school district’s consequential decision last month to close 10 campuses, questions remain about the enrollment process, how students will be assisted with transitions and where staff will move. view article  arw

Dimmitt ISD to receive $218,000 for workforce development

December 0508:18 AM
 

Governor Greg Abbott announced Wednesday that Dimmitt ISD, along with five other school districts, will receive grant funds to support workforce development. Six dual credit grants totaling more than $1 million will go train students for high-demand, good-paying jobs after graduation. view article  arw

Victoria ISD considers elementary modernization plan through potential bond election

December 0508:15 AM
 

The Victoria Independent School District has identified some areas of need regarding the elementary schools within the district. Several require roof renovations, along with other upgrades to achieve the board's desire of modernizing more elementary and middle schools in the district. A Bond Action Committee approached the school board with a proposed plan that would involve a bond election in May for at least $200 million for the various projects the board seeks. view article  arw

Socorro ISD responds to questions on compliance with Texas armed officer mandate

December 0508:13 AM
 

KFOX14/CBS4 has been trying to get in contact with Socorro ISD to learn if it complies with Texas House Bill 3, which mandates an armed peace officer at every school campus. The law, effective in 2023, was updated by House Bill 121 during the most recent legislative session, which now allos the Texas Education Agency to commission officers to enhance school safety. view article  arw

Fort Worth ISD to offer district-wide CPR training

December 0508:11 AM
 

The Fort Worth ISD announced on Thursday that it will offer district-wide CPR training and emergency planning as part of the American Heart Association's "district of lifesavers" program. The program aims to turn bystanders into lifesavers and double the survival rate from cardiac arrest outside of hospitals. view article  arw

Harper ISD teacher arrested for allegedly recording student changing in his home

December 0508:11 AM
 

New details have been released after a Harper ISD Assistant Band Director was arrested for illegally recording a minor. On Thursday, Gillespie County released the full arrest affidavit of Pedro DeLuna III, who was arrested on Monday for allegedly recording a 15-year-old Harper High School student. view article  arw

Bus aide recovering after rollover crash involving Somerset ISD school bus

December 0508:07 AM
 

A bus aide from Somerset ISD is recovering following a rollover crash early this morning. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, the incident occurred around 5:45 a.m. on Highway 16 and Encino Drive when a vehicle pulled out in front of the bus. view article  arw

Somerset ISD bus crash sends aide to hospital; students uninjured

December 0508:03 AM
 

An aide was rushed to the hospital early Thursday after a Somerset Independent School District bus was involved in an accident in Atascosa County, said district officials. The crash happened around 6 a.m. on Highway 16 near Encino Road. view article  arw

Facing $37M budget deficit, Judson ISD hasn’t had a chief financial officer in more than a month

December 0409:46 AM
 

Despite being in financial straits, the school board for Judson Independent School District voted not to hire a candidate for chief financial officer. The role has been vacant for more than a month.   District staff had recommended the board approve a candidate for the CFO position, but Judson trustees voted 4-3 against the hire after spending nearly four hours in closed session during a board meeting on Nov. 6.  Board President Monica Ryan, who voted against filling the position, said the world of school district CFOs is very small, but she wants to wait on a new hire because the job is “very challenging even under normal circumstances.” view article  arw

Texas’ “bathroom bill” is about to go into effect. Here’s what it does.

December 0408:40 AM
 

Senate Bill 8, which takes effect on Thursday, places new restrictions on which restrooms transgender people can use in certain government-owned buildings and schools. view article  arw

New details emerge in arrest of McCollum High School teacher

December 0408:30 AM
 

A San Antonio high school teacher accused of sexually assaulting a student was placed behind bars on Wednesday, December 3, according to online jail records. The Bexar County Sheriff's Office made the arrest the day prior. view article  arw

Former youth pastor at north Texas church sentenced to 12 years in federal prison on child pornography conviction

December 0408:30 AM
 

DALLAS — A former youth pastor in a north Texas church was sentenced Wednesday to 12 years in federal prison for receiving child pornography.  This sentence was announced by U.S. Attorney Sarah R. Saldaña of the Northern District of Texas. This investigation was conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the Garland Police Department.  According to the factual resume filed in the case, Joshua Earls, 30, of Garland, Texas, admitted that while he was a youth pastor, he established a relationship with a girl at his church, "Jane Doe," who was 16 years old at the time. Earls had pleaded guilty plea in October 2013 to one count of receiving child pornography. In addition to the 144-month federal prison sentence, U.S. District Judge Barbara M. G. Lynn also sentenced Earls to a lifetime of supervised release. view article  arw

Fourth lawsuit filed against Celina ISD and former teacher over sexual misconduct allegations

December 0405:11 AM
 

Celina ISD now faces a fourth lawsuit over allegations that a former teacher recorded students changing in the boys’ locker room. And attorneys say new evidence shows the district may have been aware of the misconduct before it was reported  Caleb Elliott, a former eighth-grade football coach at Moore Middle School in Celina ISD, was arrested in October after a student reported that Elliott was intentionally photographing boys “in various states of undress” in the locker room. Elliott now faces39 criminal charges, including eight federal charges of sexual exploitation of children. He has been in custody since Nov. 7.  Texas House Rep. Mitch Little from Denton told reporters at a press conference outside the Collin County courthouse that multiple witnesses report another football coach at Moore Middle School confronted Elliott about his behavior before a student reported it to school principal Allison Ginn Oct.3. view article  arw

Gov. Abbott, Secretary Kennedy Announce Funding for Rural Healthcare


December 0405:08 AM
 

Appearing together at the state capitol, Gov. Greg Abbott and U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced the allotment of $500 million to develop rural healthcare in Texas. The action follows the passage of President Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill in July, which allotted $50 billion for a Rural Health Transformation Program.   In the new program, all states will be given half of the allotted dollars over the course of five years. The remainder will be distributed to states that fill out an application and submit proposals for how to use the funding. view article  arw

Oncor Pushing $33 Billion Power Project Expansion

December 0405:01 AM
 

California-owned energy company Oncor has ties to the project expansion, a move expected to boost its profits at the expense of Texans.  Records show that Oncor, the largest energy delivery company in Texas, played a pivotal role in transforming a regional reliability project into a statewide mega-expansion—one that will drive up Texans’ energy bills while benefiting the company financially.  The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), which oversees Texas’ energy grid, approved the TX 765-kilovolt (kV) Strategic Transmission Expansion Plan Comparison (STEP) project in August. Experts say this was done without legislative or public consent and will burden Texas’ energy prices for years to come.The proposed plan includes three 765kV Extra-High Voltage (EHV) electric transmission lines going into the Permian Basin area, as well as two 765kV EHV transmission line projects to connect the western and eastern loop point-to-point electrical connections. view article  arw

Lawsuit alleges Celina ISD covered up misconduct by former coach

December 0405:00 AM
 

CELINA, Texas - Attorneys representing 17 families who filed a new civil lawsuit against the Celina ISD and former middle school coach Caleb Elliott sharply criticized the Celina Police Department on Wednesday, accusing investigators of prematurely closing their inquiry and overlooking evidence that others may have known about Elliott’s alleged misconduct. view article  arw

Fort Bend ISD prepares to release a proposal to close and rezone elementary schools

December 0310:06 AM
 

Fort Bend ISD parents are bracing for school closures and rezoning after the district released a new timeline with its long-term boundary planning. On Monday, Fort Bend ISD board members met. The majority of the meeting was focused on the districts long-term boundary plan. view article  arw

Troy Nehls is just the latest Texas Republican planning to exit Congress. Here are the others.

December 0309:32 AM
 

U.S. Rep. Troy Nehls, the Republican from Richmond, is the latest in a growing number of GOP lawmakers who have announced their departure from Congress at the end of their terms, possibly threatening the party's chances of holding on to control of the U.S. House.   Nehls said he would retire at the end of his current term in 2027, making the announcement a day after the Thanksgiving holiday and just days after U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Georgia, announced she would resign in the middle of her term on Jan. 5.  In Texas, several Republican lawmakers also have said they will leave the U.S. House at the end of their terms, with some retiring and at least one seeking a higher office.  view article  arw

Lawsuit accusing Tarrant County of racial gerrymandering dropped, one remains

December 0309:00 AM
 

A group of Tarrant County residents who sued over the county’s new commissioners court precinct map withdrew their lawsuit Monday.  It’s not clear from court filings why the group that filed the case, titled Jackson et. al. v. Tarrant County, decided to drop it. But it ends one of two lawsuits accusing Tarrant County of illegal racial gerrymandering.  KERA News has reached out to attorneys on both sides for comment.  I  n an emailed statement, Republican County Judge Tim O’Hare welcomed the news.  “The Commissioners Court’s action to redistrict was constitutional from the outset and remains so,” he said. “With today’s legal development, Tarrant County will continue to stand as the best place to live and run a business in America.” view article  arw

In school voucher rules, Texas lets families get more for pre-K but rejects additional reporting requirements

December 0308:40 AM
 

Texas’ chief financial officer on Tuesday finalized rules for the state’s private school voucher program, clearing up confusion about funding for pre-kindergarten students and setting official dates for schools and families to apply — but declining to change certain special education components or tack on additional reporting requirements.  Private schools and vendors who currently participate in an existing state initiative for students with disabilities can apply on Dec. 9, while applications for nonparticipants are set to open shortly after.  The state will then allow families to start applying on Feb. 4, the date Texas’ finance chief and Odyssey — the finance and technology company helping administer the program — had agreed upon in their contract. The application window would remain open until mid-March, according to the agreement. The state then aims to provide status updates for approved students in early May.   view article  arw