- News Category
- Accountability/Accreditation
- Charter Schools
- Child Nutrition
- Construction/Bond Issues
- Governance
- Grants
- Health/Safety
- Joe's Commentaries
- Legal
- Legislative
- National News
- Newspapers
- Personnel
- Property Tax
- Risk Management
- School Finance
- Special Articles
- State Board of Education
- SuperSearch Page
- Technology in Education
- TexasISD General News
- Transportation
- Preventive Law
TexasISD.com
Endorsed Products
TexasISD.com
Advertising
TexasISD.com
Quick Links
Congratulations to the following New Supers
88
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 | 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 | Centerpoint ISD; Search by: Danny Lovett, Powell Law GroupINFO | 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 | 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 | 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 | Vacant | El Paso ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO | 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 | Lamesa ISD; Search by: Impact Education Specialists - Doug Williams, Kevin Worthy, Blake Cooper and Stan SurrattINFO | Vacant | Era ISD; Search by: Impact Education Specialists - Doug Williams, Kevin Worthy, Blake Cooper and Stan SurrattINFO | Vacant | Prairie Lea ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO |
| 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 |
| Lone Finalist | Onalaska ISD - Dr. Kenneth Fraga, Assistant Superintendent,Onalaska ISD; Search by: Onalaska ISD Board of TrusteesINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Graham ISD; Search by: Impact Education Specialists - Doug Williams, Kevin Worthy, Blake Cooper and Stan SurrattINFO |
| 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 |
| 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 | Kermit ISD - Oscar Muniz, Superintendent,Ralls ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO |
| 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 |
| New Super | Plains ISD - Scott Mills, Principal,Quannah ISD; Search by: Leasor Crass, P.CINFO |
| New Super |
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 | Dilley ISD - Kelli Dubose, Interim Superintendent,Dilley ISD; Search by: O’Hanlon, Demerath & CastilloINFO |
| New Super | East Chambers ISD; Search by: SPALDING NICHOLS LAMP LANGLOISINFO |
How do I get my SuperSearch on TexasISD.com?All 20 surviving hostages freed by Hamas under Gaza peace deal
Hamas released all 20 living Israeli hostages on Monday morning as part of the Gaza peace deal brokered by the Trump administration. Why it matters: The Israeli hostages, most of them civilians, were held in captivity in Gaza for more than two years. Finally, all of the hostages who survived are now free.
view article 
Israel and Hamas agree on the ‘first phase’ of Gaza ceasefire deal
TEL AVIV, Israel — Israel and Hamas have agreed to the "first phase" of a ceasefire deal intended to end the devastating Gaza war that unleashed the deadliest fighting ever between Israelis and Palestinians. The two sides were set to sign the agreement in Cairo after all-day negotiations Wednesday that stretched into the early hours of Thursday in the Egyptian Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh.
view article
Preventive Law: Negotiating With Vendors
Governments rely on private contractors, or vendors. Many times, using a vendor is either more efficient, less expensive, or gives the government access to expertise that it does not have. Given the ubiquitous nature of contracts with the private sector, devoting some time and attention to your vendor contracts is important.
Educator no longer with Weatherford ISD after video shows restraint of autistic boy
Weatherford ISD says an educator who was seen on video holding a student with special needs on the ground between her legs is no longer with the district. The incident happened last year, but the students’ parents say they only found out about it months later. The boy’s mother posted the video to Facebook on Wednesday, and it now has more than 60,000 views on her page. The family now wants accountability.
view article
White Cane Day: Celebrating Independence and Accessibility in Texas
Every October 15th, Texans join people around the nation to celebrate White Cane Day, honoring the independence, safety, and confidence that the white cane represents for people who are blind or visually impaired. The white cane is more than a mobility tool. It serves as a symbol of self-reliance, access, and equal opportunity. White Cane Day is a reminder that all Texans benefit when our communities are designed to be inclusive and accessible.
view article
Inside the Texas town where locals are running out of water because huge energy plants are guzzling the supply
Residents of a Texas city are running out of water due to huge energy plants hoarding the supply, according to officials. B name companies, including Exxon Mobil and Tesla, have gone on to call South Texas their home in recent years so they can scoop up cheap energy, land and copious amounts of water. Over the past 20 years, the companies have shelled out billions of dollars to build massive plants that use up tons of water turn fossil fuels into gasoline, and other products like jet fuel.
view article
More Texas kindergarteners are coming to school without measles vaccination proof or exemptions
In school districts and charter networks with the most vaccine delinquencies, as many as 44% of kindergarteners were not complying with state requirements.
view article
This beloved children’s book was just banned in Texas—along with hundreds more
A Houston-area school district has unleashed another wave of banned books—including a children's book on a girl who eats too many cupcakes and turns pink. Lamar Consolidated ISD has removed nearly 300 works from their libraries and classrooms ahead of the 2025-2026 school year, according to data obtained by the Texas Freedom to Read Project.
view article
Manor ISD tackles bus driver shortage with new ideas
It’s a problem nationwide and right here in central Texas — the need for more bus drivers. The Manor Independent School District is putting out the call for more drivers while also being creative to get people to apply. “All the routes are going out,” said Transportation Director Fernanda Travagliante. In all, Manor ISD said it needs about ten drivers, but would like more than that to make sure it has people able to cover shifts of those who might call out sick or be on vacation.
view article
“I feel sad,” Austin ISD faces backlash over plan to close 13 schools
It was a packed house Thursday night as Austin ISD’s Board of Trustees met for the first time since unveiling a draft plan that could close more than a dozen schools and redraw nearly all of the district’s boundaries. The proposed consolidation plan calls for closing 13 campuses, including 11 elementary schools and two middle schools, as the district works to address low enrollment and avoid possible state intervention.
view article
Only on 13: Video shows Alief ISD student nearly hit by HPD cruiser
A viewer video sent to ABC13 is raising questions about protocols for bus drivers. The viewer video shows a student nearly getting hit by a passing Houston Police Department cruiser after getting off the Alief ISD school bus. The incident happened on Tuesday afternoon on South Drive in the Alief area.
view article
Killeen ISD employee arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement
Ofelia Negrete-Arriaga worked as a custodian for Killeen ISD for close to 20 years.
view article
Killeen ISD employee arrested by ICE after tip from ‘concerned person’
The Immigrations and Customs Enforcement agency released new details Friday on the Killeen Independent School District employee who was arrested for allegedly falsifying employment paperwork. According to an ICE spokesperson, Ofelia Negrete-Arriaga, 57, falsified employment documents and misrepresented her immigration status for close to 20 years.
view article
Celina ISD employee arrested, on administrative leave after altercation, police say
An employee of Celina ISD was arrested, charged and placed on administrative leave following an altercation Tuesday night in Prosper, police said. According to the Prosper Police Department, Kristine Coates, 50, of Prosper, was taken into custody after getting into an altercation with a man in the 400 block of North Church Street, down the road from Robert and Robbie Reynolds Middle School.
view article
UT-Austin To Host Teaching Seminar on ‘Communism and Dissent’
The University of Texas at Austin is preparing to host a teaching seminar that will train faculty members to instruct students on the horrors of communism. UT-Austin’s School for Civic Leadership partnered with the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation to host “Teaching the Twentieth Century: Communism and Dissent.” The event is scheduled for October 16 through October 18. Attendees will participate in four sample class sessions from a senior professor. They will also attend four sessions on potential syllabi and pedagogy.
view article
Eichelbaum Wardell Hansen Powell & Muñoz, P.C.
Leon Alcala, PLLC
WEBINAR:When to Worry: Preventing and Detecting Financial Fraud
Presented by: Stephanie Ritchie
Read more and register here...
Texas Redistricting Trial Day 9: Final Witness Testimony & Closing Arguments
EL PASO—Day nine of Texas’ redistricting trial saw prolonged and contentious questioning of the State’s expert witness, Dr. Sean Trende, despite a prior informal courtroom agreement to keep cross-examination brief. Following Trende’s questioning, both parties made final arguments. At issue is Texas’ latest congressional map, which creates five new GOP-opportunity districts. The case will determine whether Texas’ new boundaries are used in the 2026 midterm election.
view article
Texas GOP Approves Censures of Five House Republicans, Stops Short of Ballot Ban
Five other censures were rejected, including one for Speaker Dustin Burrows.
view article
Court of Criminal Appeals Delays Execution of Convicted Child Killer Robert Roberson
Roberson was slated to be executed on October 16 for the murder of two-year-old Nikki Curtis.
view article
Redistricting Trial Day 8: Texas Lawmakers Defend Process, Intent
The case is set to determine whether Texas’ new congressional boundaries may be used in the 2026 elections On the eighth day of Texas’ ongoing high-profile redistricting trial, proceedings centered on the testimony of Dr. Jeffrey Lewis, an expert witness for the State, and two lawmakers in charge of the redistricting process. At issue is Texas’ latest congressional map, which creates five new GOP-opportunity districts. The case will determine whether Texas’ new boundaries are used in the 2026 midterm election. Plaintiffs suing over the map include the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF), and the Mexican American Legislative Caucus (MALC). The Plaintiffs’ have argued that Texas’s latest legislative maps discriminate against minority voters. However, the State contends the process was strictly guided by partisan objectives.
view article
Houston ISD Board of Managers terminates union leader
Houston ISD's Board of Managers terminated a teachers' union president Thursday — an action the labor leader has characterized as retaliation. This is the second time Houston Education Association President Michelle Williams, a 26-year teaching veteran, faced disciplinary action under state-appointed Superintendent Mike Miles. HISD hired Williams back in 2024 after an independent hearing examiner ruled in her favor and found that the district violated the Texas Open Meetings Act.
view article
Uvalde CISD to officially open Legacy Elementary School with ribbon cutting ceremony
UVALDE, Texas - Over three years since one of the most horrific mass shootings in U.S. history, the community is set to receive its newest elementary school. On Tuesday, the Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District (CISD) announced that Legacy Elementary School will be officially opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10 a.m. on Oct. 10. This opening marks the end of a 20-month construction timeline and will educate third, fourth, and fifth graders from across the Uvalde area.
view article
Houston METRO To Comply With Gov. Abbott’s Order To Remove Rainbow Crosswalks
Gov. Greg Abbott ordered the removal of politically themed road markings across Texas, prompting Houston’s Metro agency to once again repaint the city’s rainbow crosswalks in Montrose. Abbott’s order, issued Wednesday, instructed cities and counties across Texas to eliminate “symbols, flags, or other markings conveying social, political, or ideological messages” or risk penalties. Those penalties could include the withholding or denial of state and federal road funds, as well as possible suspension of TxDOT agreements.
view article
Paxton Expands Investigation Into Discord After Platform Linked to Charlie Kirk’s Assassination
The attorney general had previously announced an investigation to determine whether Discord is effectively safeguarding children online. Attorney General Ken Paxton announced that his office has expanded its investigation into the online chat platform Discord following reports that the platform was used by the alleged assassin of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The move broadens Paxton’s ongoing probe under the Securing Children Online Through Parental Empowerment (SCOPE) Act, which authorizes investigations into digital platforms accused of endangering minors. Paxton said the expansion responds not only to Discord’s reported connection to the assassin but also to growing concerns that the platform exposes children to sexual exploitation and extremist content and contains addictive features designed to keep minors engaged.
view article
Fort Worth’s generosity helps Uvalde open new elementary school
A new elementary school is scheduled to open Friday in Uvalde more than three years after 19 elementary students and two teachers were killed in the deadliest school shooting in Texas history. Fort Worth philanthropic leaders jump-started a more than $60 million fundraising effort to build the campus that replaces Robb Elementary. Uvalde school leaders plan to hold a ribbon cutting Friday for Legacy Elementary. The new campus is expected to welcome students later in October. Beverly Powell, a former state senator, assembled a coalition of Fort Worth groups to build the school. Powell plans to attend the opening of Legacy Elementary.
view article
Texas Education Agency refutes Lubbock ISD’s claims of superintendent not being investigated
The Texas Education Agency is refuting the Lubbock ISD trustee president's claims about a new policy when it comes to investigating educators — specifically the investigation into the district's superintendent for alleged misconduct. On Tuesday, Lubbock Independent School District Board of Trustees President Ryan Curry stated in a letter to the LISD community and local media outlets that the TEA has "a new policy by which they 'flag' a certificate any time a complaint is filed, regardless of the nature of the complaint." Original Reporting: Lubbock ISD responds as superintendent's teaching certificate under review by TEA However, the TEA informed the Avalanche-Journal that "There is no new policy regarding investigatory flags" and "if the agency is simply reviewing a complaint, there is no flag."
view article
$100 million development to bring 800-plus homes to Celina
$100 million development to bring 800-plus homes to Celina More than 800 new homes are planned for Celina as part of a new development called Serenade Texas. Huffines Enterprises announced the $100 million master-planned community in an Oct. 2 news release. The site will have 875 homes on offer with the potential for more in the future. The development could be expanded to include 1,100 homes. The project will span about 414 acres and include a $6 million amenity center. There will also be a 16-acre lake on the property, as well as 150 acres of open space.
view article
This Houston boys’ school just took a radical step against student cell phones
After years of students—and even their parents—ignoring the rules, a Houston boys' school is taking a dramatic new approach: bring your phone to school, and they will destroy it.
view article
A North Texas community will vote to form a city in an effort to quiet down a crypto mine
Leaders of the effort say they moved to rural Hood County for its quiet country charm, which was shattered by what locals call “that roar” from the facility. HOOD COUNTY — Danny Lakey and his wife have spent countless evenings sitting on rocking chairs on their front porch, watching the sun slowly dip behind the cows grazing on their neighbor’s ranch. It was the calm country life they dreamed of in 2021 when they bought their log home, tucked into the woodlands of rural Hood County, southwest of Fort Worth. Danny Lakey proudly calls their home their “personal Cracker Barrel,” where they have more cows and horses as neighbors than people. But ever since a noisy cryptocurrency facility moved in about half a mile away in 2023, he said their rocking chairs have mostly sat empty. Other nearby residents also say they don’t spend much time outside anymore because of what many call “that roar.”
view article
Carthage ISD band director resigns, citing new law requiring Ten Commandments in classroom
A Carthage ISD band director said he resigned due to a newly passed law requiring the Ten Commandments to be put up in classrooms. Johnnie Cotton says he has been working in education for 42 years. On Monday, however, he resigned from his role at Carthage ISD for personal reasons, the district told CBS19. Cotton said the decision came after he was asked to install the Ten Commandments in his classroom as required by state law.
view article
Killeen ISD employee arrested for allegedly falsifying employment paperwork
A Killeen ISD employee has been arrested for allegedly falsifying employment paperwork, the district has announced.
Killeen ISD said a federal arrest warrant was issued for the employee on Oct. 3. The district said the matter was "not related to student or staff safety."
view article
Parents voice concern after Brownwood ISD students create ‘death list’
Last week, several Brownwood Independent School District parents received a notice stating that their child’s name appeared on a so-called “death list.” The list, allegedly created by two students, was later shared on social media. Now, parents are voicing concerns about their children’s safety and questioning how the district responded to the situation.
view article
Father of slain middle schooler Serenity Baker files lawsuit against Killeen ISD, maker of weapons detection system
The father of Serenity Baker, the Killeen teenager who was stabbed and killed at school, has filed a lawsuit against Killeen ISD and Evolv Technologies Inc., the company that produces and provides the district’s weapons detection system. The lawsuit states that Serenity Baker’s death was a result of the Defendants’ negligence and wrongful conduct. Serenity Baker was 14 years old when she was stabbed and killed by a fellow classmate in the hallway of Roy J. Smith Middle School on March 20.
view article
Leander ISD returns dozens of books to classrooms after review of compliance with new state law
A Central Texas school district is returning dozens of books to classroom shelves after pulling them for review last month to ensure they comply with a new state law. Leander ISD decided to temporarily pause and review the 40 books because of Senate Bill 12, which went into effect on Sept. 1.
view article
Texas Universities Are Auditing Curricula
The accountability measures are mandated by a new state law. More university systems in Texas are initiating audits of classes and curricula in order to comply with a new state law. This follows Texas A&M, Texas Tech, and the University of Texas-Austin announcing that they were running similar audits. “Texas Woman’s University System is in the process of establishing a review of academic courses and programs, in accordance with all applicable state and federal laws,” a spokesperson for the Denton-based system told Texas Scorecard on Wednesday. It was widely reported that on September 29, Michael Williams, the chancellor of TWUS’ neighbor, the University of North Texas System, had ordered a streamlined review of academic curricula and programs, including syllabi, to meet all relevant executive orders, court rulings, and state and federal laws. UNT campuses have a January 1 deadline to comply. The UNT System did not respond to a request for comment.
view article
North East ISD officials defend cell phone policy against state review
Officials at North East Independent School District have decided to defend their cell phone policy amid an ongoing review from the Texas Education Agency. A new state law requires schools to bar students from using cell phones and other electronic devices during the school day. The NEISD board voted in August to define the school day as instructional time, which allows students to use phones at lunch and during passing periods.
view article
