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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 |
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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.
Harris County Officials Approve Property Tax Hike Amid Budget Confusion
Harris County officials voted to raise property taxes, even while sparring over whether a budget deficit exists.
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Harris County Officials Approve Property Tax Hike Amid Budget Confusion
Harris County officials voted to raise property taxes, even while sparring over whether a budget deficit exists.
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“Operation Lone Star 2.0”: DPS arresting thousands of undocumented immigrants across Texas to aid Trump’s mass deportation
The Department of Public Safety has shifted from Biden-era border enforcement to helping expel people from the country, a job once exclusively done by federal authorities. Texas Department of Public Safety officers have helped arrest more than 3,000 undocumented immigrants across the state this year, according to public records obtained by The Texas Tribune that provide the most detailed glimpse yet of how state police are shifting their focus from the border toward aiding the Trump administration’s mass deportation crusade — an effort that state officials have kept largely under wraps. From late January through early September, DPS recorded 3,131 previously unreported arrests connected to specialty teams created at the direction of Gov. Greg Abbott to help President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown, the agency’s records show.
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State education board rejects far-right push for more focus on Texas history, less world culture
The Republican-led State Board of Education rejected a proposal favored by conservative activists to overhaul the state’s social studies curriculum by requiring a heavier concentration of Texas history taught across six grades, instead of the current two. Instead, after a marathon meeting Wednesday, the board settled on an approach that will more closely integrate state, national and global history, and also focus more lessons on the founding of Western civilization and democracy. Under the plan, Texas history will be the focus of grades three and eight; U.S. history will be the focus of grades four and seven; and grades five and six will center on world history. Supporters said it would create an “identity” of Texan and American heritage for children at earlier ages.
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Houston now has highest poverty rate among America’s most populous cities, new census data shows
Houston has the highest poverty rate among the country’s 10 most populous cities. About 21.2% of Houston’s population lived below the poverty line last year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data released Thursday. That means more than 500,000 Houstonians made less than the federal poverty income threshold, which is $15,940 for one person and $32,130 for a household of four. Houston’s high rate put the city just ahead of Philadelphia’s 19.7% and New York City’s 18.0%. Houston’s ranking above Philadelphia fell within the 1.2% margin of error, meaning the two cities' true positions could be swapped.
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DOJ Releases Guidance To Protect Parental Rights
Attorney General Pam Bondi warned that school officials will be held accountable if they threaten law-abiding parents. The U.S. Department of Justice has announced that the Civil Rights Division will help uphold parental rights in America’s educational system by watching for violations. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi explained that the direction is a response to parents having been targeted for speaking out against the radical gender and racial ideologies taught in government-run schools. Her office is seeking to undo the damage to parental rights pursued by the Biden administration.
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DOJ Releases Guidance To Protect Parental Rights
Attorney General Pam Bondi warned that school officials will be held accountable if they threaten law-abiding parents.
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Texas State Terminates Professor Who Called for Overthrow of US Government
Texas State University has terminated the employment of a professor who called for the overthrow of the U.S. government over the weekend. “After a thorough review was conducted of the video recordings of the statements, it became clear to me that their actions amounted to serious professional and personal misconduct,” Texas State University President Kelly Damphousse stated late Wednesday. “Conduct that advocates for inciting violence is directly contrary to the values of Texas State University. I cannot and will not tolerate such behavior.” “As a result, I have determined that their actions are incompatible with their responsibilities as a faculty member at Texas State University,” Damphousse continued. “Effective immediately, their employment with Texas State University has been terminated.” Damphousse was referring to Tom Alter, who was previously an associate professor of history at Texas State.
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Lt. Gov. Patrick Questions Welsh’s Future at Texas A&M
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick is weighing in on the growing controversy at Texas A&M University, openly questioning the leadership of President Mark Welsh following revelations that a children’s literature course included instruction on introducing LGBT topics to minors. In a post on X, Patrick blasted Welsh’s handling of the scandal:
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State education board rejects far-right push for more focus on Texas history, less world culture
The Republican-led State Board of Education rejected a proposal favored by conservative activists to overhaul the state’s social studies curriculum by requiring a heavier concentration of Texas history taught across six grades, instead of the current two. Instead, after a marathon meeting Wednesday, the board settled on an approach that will more closely integrate state, national and global history, and also focus more lessons on the founding of Western civilization and democracy. Under the plan, Texas history will be the focus of grades three and eight; U.S. history will be the focus of grades four and seven; and grades five and six will center on world history. Supporters said it would create an “identity” of Texan and American heritage for children at earlier ages.
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Goose Creek CISD teacher under fire for comments about Charlie Kirk’s death
An online campaign to fire a Goose Creek Consolidated ISD teacher has gone viral following her comments regarding the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, one of several teachers facing backlash for their response. Screenshots of Jennifer Courtemanche’s Facebook post surfaced on multiple platforms Wednesday afternoon, garnering calls for her dismissal from the school district.
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Gov. Greg Abbott orders minors banned from THC products
The governor’s order came shortly after the Legislature failed to ban or further regulate hemp-derived THC products by the end of this year’s second special session. THC products will remain largely legal in Texas, but will be banned for minors under a new executive order by Gov. Greg Abbott.
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Viral Westfield valedictorian DaVion Tatum is now a Harvard grad making history again in Spring ISD
When DaVion Tatum made history as Westfield High School's inaugural Black, male valedictorian four years ago, his college application story went viral. He applied to more than 20 universities, including seven Ivy League schools. On Ivy Day, when all eight Ivy League schools release their admission decisions for first-year students, Tatum was shocked to learn that all of his applications had been accepted. At the time, 2021 marked a record-low acceptance rate for Tatum's dream school, Harvard University. Out of 57,435 applicants, just 1,968 students made the cut that year — fortunately, Tatum was one of them.
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Charlie Kirk to receive Presidential Medal of Freedom, Trump says at 9/11 memorial
Slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk will be posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, President Donald Trump said during a 9/11 memorial ceremony on Thursday. Before paying tribute to people who lost their lives during and in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, the president praised Kirk’s advocacy for conservatism, particularly for young people.
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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.
Whitesboro Postpones Property Tax Increase Over Legal Concerns
Council members tabled votes on the tax rate and budget after State Rep. Shelley Luther questioned the city’s compliance with a new state law. Whitesboro’s elected city officials tabled consideration of a controversial property tax increase over concerns it might not be legal due to a new state law that limits tax rates if municipalities fail to comply with audit requirements. Council members were prepared to vote Tuesday night on a tax rate that is 51 percent higher than last year’s rate and would cost average Whitesboro homeowners an extra $498 in city property taxes—a 61 percent increase. A standing-room-only crowd of Whitesboro residents showed up to speak against the increase, which they said would have a devastating impact on home and business owners.
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After THC Ban Stalls in Legislature, Abbott Responds With Executive Action
Gov. Abbott’s executive order bans THC products for those under the age of 21. After two special sessions failed to produce a legislative deal on banning the sale of intoxicating THC products in Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott has taken unilateral action—though limited in scope. On Wednesday, he issued an executive order implementing a series of new restrictions aimed at limiting access to the controversial substances. The move comes after the House declined to take up Senate bills that would have outlawed nearly all psychoactive cannabis-derived products currently sold in vape shops and convenience stores. The Senate passed the bill during both special sessions this summer, but the House adjourned without addressing it. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who championed the ban, had blamed the breakdown on a lack of agreement among the state’s top leaders.
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State Fair of Texas Keeps Controversial Firearms Ban In Place
The policy was first adopted in 2024 and has been continually challenged in Texas’ courts In preparation for the upcoming State Fair of Texas, the board of directors has released this year’s safety policies, which still include prohibiting the licensed carrying of firearms by attendees. According to the State Fair of Texas’ safety and security policies for this year’s event, even those with a license who would normally be allowed to carry a firearm on state-owned property will not be permitted to do so. After allowing lawful carrying for 135 years, the event banned firearms in 2024 following a 2023 incident in which an unlicensed attendee shot and injured three people.
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Texas A&M Is Offering a ‘Race and Ethnicity’ Course This Fall
Students are assigned leftist readings, including an article by Ibram X. Kendi. Texas A&M is offering a sociology course at its College Station campus this fall that promotes a racialized worldview. The university is already under fire after undercover recordings exposed an instructor encouraging the promotion of the LGBT agenda to children. The class, Introduction to Race and Ethnicity, is part of the university’s core curriculum. Its syllabus outlines key topics, including “European colonization and its racial implications,” “racialized systems in modern American society,” race and wealth inequality, and immigration The course textbook is “Racial and Ethnic Groups” by R.T. Schaefer. While a preview of the required textbook was not available, chapter titles and topics from the 15th edition are available.
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Gatesville ISD Teacher Pleads Guilty To Sexting 15-Year-Old Student
Christine Cockrell was sentenced to eight years of probation as part of her plea deal. A now-former Gatesville Independent School District teacher was sentenced to eight years of probation after she pleaded guilty to sending a 15-year-old male student nude pictures on Instagram. The victim’s family reportedly approved of the plea deal. Christine Paige Cockrell, 54, was an eighth grade teacher at Gatesville Junior High when she was arrested in May 2024 for exchanging sexually explicit messages with the Gatesville High School student.
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Texas State University fires associate professor for ‘controversial statements,’ inciting violence
Texas State University fires associate professor for 'controversial statements,' inciting violence Texas State University announced Wednesday that it had fired associate history professor Thomas Alter for “controversial statements” at a conference that advocated “for inciting violence.” University President Kelly Damphousse said in a statement that he learned Alter had made comments this weekend that amounted to “serious professional and personal misconduct.” Damphousse said he fired Alter after determining that his actions were incompatible with his responsibilities as a faculty member.
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Mother demands answers after daughter mistakenly sent home on wrong San Antonio ISD bus demands answers after daughter mistakenly sent home on wrong San Antonio ISD bus
SAN ANTONIO - A mother is demanding answers from San Antonio Independent School District after her 6-year-old daughter was sent home on a school bus she was never supposed to be on.
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Pasadena ISD addresses comments reportedly made by employee in wake of Charlie Kirk’s death
Pasadena ISD issued a statement late Wednesday night denouncing comments reportedly made by an employee after the shooting death of 31-year-old conservative political commentator Charlie Kirk.
The district described the comments as "inappropriate and insensitive."
It's unclear what was actually said in the comments.
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Pasadena ISD addresses employee comments on Charlie Kirk’s death
Pasadena Independent School District said it is addressing inappropriate and insensitive comments made by an employee regarding the recent death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. In a statement posted online Wednesday, Superintendent Toni Lopez said the remarks are being handled administratively and emphasized they do not reflect the district’s values, standards, or expectations.
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Beaumont ISD sees fewer distractions in classrooms after Yondr pouch implemented
A new state law requiring students to lock away phones and other devices during the school day is already showing results in Beaumont ISD classrooms, according to district officials. It’s been just a month since students returned to school without their phones, but staff say the change has improved focus and interaction. “The kids are actually really conversing more with their instructor, conversing more with themselves,” said Randall Maxwell, the district’s senior director of student support.
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Austin ISD considers possible school closures after poor state performance
The future of many Austin ISD schools is uncertain after several campuses have not met state standards year after year.
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Midland ISD responds to city’s frustrations over roads projects
The city of Midland has been vocal about its frustration with Midland ISD over it having to come up with funding to build and modify roads for the school district’s new high schools. Midland ISD has since responded.
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Baylor graduate student interning at Midway ISD removed after ‘inappropriate’ comment about Charlie Kirk
A Baylor University graduate student assigned to Midway Middle School as an intern made “highly inappropriate posts and comments” on social media following the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, said Midway Middle School Principal Kayla Brown
Principal.
Brown said the individual who made the posts is not a Midway ISD employee, rather, a student-teacher intern. He will no longer be student-teaching with Midway ISD.
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Kemp ISD teacher arrested for child grooming
A Kemp ISD teacher was arrested for child grooming Sept. 9 by Kemp ISD Police.
According to a statement from Kemp ISD Superintendent Dr. James Young Sept. 5, KISD Police and Administration were made aware of a concern regarding the actions of a Kemp High School employee. The district and administration immediately began reviewing and investigating an allegation of the employee engaging in inappropriate conduct.
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Arlington ISD reduces property tax rate by 1 cent. Here’s what homeowners can expect
Arlington ISD officially lowered its tax rate by around a cent per $100 after a delay due to new property tax laws Sept. 4.
The new tax rate of $1.0929 per $100 of property valuation, which was adopted with a unanimous vote, represents a consistent drop in the rate over the past few years.
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Canutillo ISD receives donations from Goodwill, enhancing student transition programs
The cash made through donations at each of the 10 Goodwill Industries Inc. bins placed at campuses in the Canutillo ISD was delivered to the District in a ceremony. Goodwill representatives delivered the donation during a check presentation on Wednesday at Canutillo High School.
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TEA investigation finds SST Bayshore campus failed to update student’s Individualized Education Plan
An investigation by the Texas Education Agency found the School of Science and Technology Bayshore campus failed to properly administer and update a student’s individualized education plan (IEP) as he struggled with behavioral issues. Katie and Justin Parker said they fought a long, frustrating battle to get their son's IEP updated.
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Texas State fires professor accused of trying to incite political violence in video
Thomas Alter is the second professor in the state to be terminated for allegedly violating university policy after a video was posted on social media.. A Texas State University professor was fired on Wednesday after he was accused of inciting violence in a video of him speaking at a socialism conference posted on social media. In a video circulated on social media platform X, Thomas Alter, an associate history professor, can be seen talking during a Zoom meeting as part of the Revolutionary Socialism Conference, an online meeting organized by several socialist groups. During his talk, Alter explains how he feels socialists in the United States can organize an effective party, and criticizes the Democratic Party, the Democratic Socialists of America, China and anarchists for their methods of organization.
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Texas educators praise new school cellphone ban
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 would 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. “At one of our campuses, for example, they had to get some Uno cards and other things for students to do during lunch because they wanted that engagement, so there’s a lot more face-to-face conversation going on,” said John Khun, the superintendent at Abilene ISD.
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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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