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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 | Dickinson ISD; Search by: Dickinson ISD Board of TrusteesINFO | Vacant | Whitney ISD; Search by: Whitney ISD Board of TrusteesINFO | Vacant | Dilley ISD; Search by: O’Hanlon, Demerath & CastilloINFO | Vacant | Kermit ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search 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 | Gunter ISD; Search by: Impact Education Specialists - Doug Williams, Kevin Worthy, Blake Cooper and Stan SurrattINFO | Vacant | Levelland ISD; Search by: Region 17 ESC, Kyle Wargo Exec. DirectorINFO | 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 | Millsap ISD; Search by: CCR Educational Consultants, Dr. Skip Casey, Staci Robertson, & Rod TownsendINFO | Vacant | La Pryor ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO | Vacant | Industrial ISD; Search by: Walsh, Gallegos, Kyle, Robinson & Roalson P.C.& Education Consultant Charlotte BakeINFO | Vacant | Rotan ISD; Search by: Ronnie KincaidINFO | 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 | Conroe ISD; Search by: Texans for Excellence in Education, President, John Petree, 432-557-6581INFO | Vacant | Kermit ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO | Vacant | Huffman ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO | Vacant | Jim Hogg ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO | Vacant | Hart ISD; Search by: Juan Dominguez and Hart ISD Board of TrusteesINFO |
| 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 | Lipan ISD - Jimmie Dobbs, Interim Superintendent,Lipan ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO |
| 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 | Grandfalls-Royalty ISD - Carlos Contreras, Superintendent,Dell City ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Copperas Cove ISD - Brent Hawkins, Superintendent,Livingston ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO |
| 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 | Ector County ISD - Search by: TASB Executive Search Services, Keeley Boyer,Ector County ISD; 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 | Livingston ISD - Jeff Peck, Deputy Superintendent,Dickinson ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Groesbeck ISD - Scott Cummiungs, Superintendent,Westphalia ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Holland ISD - Jennisty Thomason, Principal,Holland ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search 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 | Muleshoe ISD - Scott Bicknell, Superintendent,Jayton-Girard 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 | Central Heights ISD - Justin Keeling, Superintendent,Douglass ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Jim Ned CISD - Will Brewer, Superintendent,Paradise ISD; Search by: Ronnie KincaidINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Smithville ISD - Molley Perry, Deputy Superintendent,Elgin ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Borger ISD - Daniel Fuller, Superintendent,Sweeny ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Monahans-Wickett-Pyote ISD - Stacy Parker, CFO,Marlin ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO |
| Lone Finalist | New Home ISD - Julia Stephen, Director,Amarillo ISD; Search by: Region 17 ESC, Kyle Wargo Exec. DirectorINFO |
| 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 | Cameron ISD - Mistie Dakroub, Assistant Superintendent,Cameron ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO |
| 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 | Lubbock-Cooper ISD - Aaron Waldrip, Superintendent,Abernathy 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 |
| 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 | Nacogdoches ISD - Grey Burton, Superintendent,Rusk ISD; Search by: Arrow Educational ServicesINFO |
How do I get my SuperSearch on TexasISD.com?Preventive Law: Innovation Interrupted? Why It’s Time to Rethink Your DOI Plan
If you’re one of the many Texas school districts operating under a District of Innovation (DOI) Plan, you’ve already embraced flexibility and local control. But with each legislative session, it becomes increasingly important to reevaluate whether your plan still fits within the legal boundaries.
Videos::exas Scorecard’s Joseph Trimmer covered the aftermath on the ground.
Texas Scorecard's Joseph Trimmer covered the aftermath on the ground. The videos he shot are available on ��. Catastrophic flash floods swept across Central Texas over the Fourth of July holiday weekend. According to state officials, more than 100 people are dead and dozens more are missing.
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New State Law Limits School Superintendents’ Severance Pay
Tax-funded severance payments to government executives will be limited to 20 weeks’ worth of compensation.
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Camp Mystic, a haven for generations of Texas girls, becomes a center of tragedy
Girls remain missing from the camp, which has hosted the daughters of governors and one president.
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Beloved Humble ISD teacher killed in Kerrville flooding, district says; wife and son missing
The Humble Independent School District is mourning the loss of teacher Jeff Wilson, who died in the Kerrville flooding. In a post on X, Humble ISD said Wilson was a 30-year veteran in the district, located north of Houston. He taught at Kingwood Park High School in Kingwood and previously worked at Humble High School.
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‘He left a legacy’: Kerrville ISD teacher among those killed in tragic Central Texas flood
A Kerrville ISD teacher and high school soccer coach is among those who were killed in catastrophic flooding in Central Texas over Fourth of July weekend. Reece Zunker and his wife Paula died in the flash flood, Kerrville ISD officials said in a Facebook post. Reece worked at Tivy High School, where he was the head coach of the boys soccer team. Officials called Reece a “passionate educator and a beloved soccer coach.”
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Northwest ISD officials break ground on district’s first early childhood center
Northwest ISD officials took the next step in the construction of the Dr. Hicks Early Childhood Center and broke ground for the campus July 7. The early childhood center, named after former NISD superintendent Dr. David Hicks, will be a pre-kindergarten facility for Northwest ISD residents with a capacity of 450 students, district officials said. The facility, which is located off FM 156 between Hillshire Drive and East Bonds Ranch Road, will focus on experiential and play-based learning.
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Liberty Hill ISD Partners with Raptor Technologies to Enhance School Emergency Response with Wearable Alert System
Raptor Technologies, the leading provider of school safety software, announced its partnership with Liberty Hill Independent School District to implement Raptor Badge Alert, the most advanced wearable panic alert system fully integrated into a school emergency management platform.
The district will deploy Raptor Badge Alert across all campuses, equipping staff with a fast, reliable way to initiate emergency alerts and improving real-time communication with first responders. Raptor Badge Alert is a fully managed, end-to-end solution built for K-12 schools. It delivers scalable, compliant emergency response technology to help school districts meet safety mandates and respond quickly to critical incidents.
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Two Weeks Out, Questions Remain Ahead of Special Legislative Session
With just two weeks remaining until lawmakers return to Austin, Gov. Greg Abbott has yet to announce what issues will be on the agenda for the upcoming special legislative session, leaving legislators and observers in a holding pattern. What Is a Special Session? Unlike regular legislative sessions, which occur every two years for up to 140 days, special sessions can be called by the governor at any time and may last no more than 30 days. Crucially, lawmakers can only take up the issues that the governor places on the call. Until Abbott releases the official agenda, legislators are unable to file bills, even on widely speculated topics.
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Texas is getting older, but its child population is growing
Texas is growing older faster than the rest of the nation. While the number of young people in the U.S. has shrunk, the population of children in Texas has grown. The population of Texans age 65 and older grew faster than any other age group since the start of the decade, growing by 3.8% from 2023 to 2024, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. They grew faster than working-age adults and children under the age of 18. Their numbers show that people are living longer than in past generations. And, as they age, they'll increasingly rely on those of working age, a population that isn’t growing as quickly, said Holly Heard, vice president of data and analytics at Texas 2036. In Texas, which has the highest levels of people without health insurance, elder Texans will likely face more ailments as they age.
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ULTIMATE THREAD DOCUMENTING FLOODING DISASTER IN TEXAS HILL COUNTRY WITH FIRST HAND VIDEO
ULTIMATE THREAD DOCUMENTING FLOODING DISASTER IN TEXAS HILL COUNTRY WITH FIRST HAND VIDEO - Joseph Trimemer - Texas Scorecard I spent 2 days documenting the recovery, search and rescue efforts ON THE GROUND in the devastated areas - Joseph Trimmer - post on "X"
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Texas floods death count surpasses 100 as recovery efforts continue
Camp Mystic says it’s grieving 27 campers and counselors. At least two dozen people were reported missing across the region Monday, though it is not clear how many people in total are still unaccounted for. The number of people killed in devastating Central Texas floods surpassed 100 on Monday as emergency officials spent another day searching through snapped trees and wrecked homes for those who remain missing — and as clouds threatened to bring more rain and flooding to the region. A deluge of rainfall inundated the Guadalupe River in Kerr County on Friday before dawn and unleashed a gush of fast-moving water that plucked cabins off their foundations and ravaged the area. At least 103 people were killed across the region, including 28 children and 56 adults in Kerr County. At least seven people died in Travis County, six in Kendall County, three in Burnet County, two in Williamson County and one in Tom Green County. Portraits of those killed emerged on social media and news outlets over the weekend, including kids who texted their relatives that they loved them.
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Attorney General Paxton Says State Will Continue Defending Border Security Law After Setback
While Texas’ law was blocked by a federal appeals court last week, Paxton says the state is not giving up.
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State New Texas Laws Protect Parental Rights
This session, lawmakers passed legislation to place checks on Child Protective Services’ powers and strengthen parental rights. Although the Texas Family Code explicitly ensures that parents have the right to direct the moral and religious upbringing of their children as well as the duty to support their children with medical care, those rights have sometimes been curtailed by state agencies In a House Human Services Committee hearing, State Rep. Valoree Swanson (R–Spring) reported that one of her constituents had her daughter taken away by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) because her daughter’s injuries had been falsely attributed to physical abuse, rather than her pre-existing medical condition.
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New Texas Laws Protect Parental Rights
This session, lawmakers passed legislation to place checks on Child Protective Services’ powers and strengthen parental rights. Although the Texas Family Code explicitly ensures that parents have the right to direct the moral and religious upbringing of their children as well as the duty to support their children with medical care, those rights have sometimes been curtailed by state agencies.
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Eichelbaum Wardell Hansen Powell & Muñoz, P.C.
Texas A&M System Joins Fellow Republican-led State Universities in New Accreditation Agency
The Texas A&M University System will join several other university systems from Republican-led states to launch a new accreditation agency. According to U.S. News and World Report, the Texas A&M University System will join the university systems of Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina to launch the Commission for Public Higher Education. Accreditation is a process where an outside entity evaluates a college or university to determine if it meets certain standards. Typically, these standards relate to programs, faculty, and resources.
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Houston’s Taxpayer-Sponsored LGBT Parade Featured Sexualized Performances Near Children
Despite promotional claims of being “family-friendly,” the Houston Pride Festival and Parade included open drug use and sexualized displays—all occurring in shared public spaces where children were present. Texas Scorecard documented numerous instances during the event, which was officially promoted by the City of Houston and sponsored by multiple taxpayer-funded entities. The event, organized by Pride Houston 365, featured many men masquerading as women and dancing provocatively in front of children.
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Austin ISD Considers Consolidating Schools Amid Budget Shortfalls
Facing a $110 million budget deficit, Austin ISD’s trustees are receiving input from the public on a plan to consolidate some schools for the 2026–27 school year. Austin Independent School District trustees are considering merging several schools to reduce costs in the wake of budget shortfalls. During a board of trustees meeting Thursday, district leaders weighed community concerns and the economic benefits of consolidating schools as the district faces a massive $110 million budget deficit for the 2025-26 fiscal year. Trustees focused on a survey taken by roughly 14,000 parents and members of the public who named a range of potential concerns and benefits associated with consolidation.
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Allen ISD Elementary Teacher Indicted for Sexual Contact With Students
An elementary teacher in Allen Independent School District has been charged with multiple child sex crimes involving students. Austin Douglas White, 29, was indicted on four counts of indecency with a child by sexual contact, a second-degree felony punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison. White taught at Preston Elementary School. In October 2024, Allen ISD notified families that White had “potentially engaged in inappropriate communication/conduct with a student” at Curtis Middle School.
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As property values lag, San Antonio mulls raising tax rate for first time in decades
For the first time in more than three decades, San Antonio city leaders are considering raising the property tax rate for the 2026 fiscal year. For the average home within city limits, valued at $235,000 with a homestead exemption, the change would cost the homeowner an extra $57 to $67 on their next property tax bill. “The city has not raised the tax rate since I was in college, so it’s been some time,” City Manager Erik Walsh told the City Council at a budget goal-setting session on Friday. “I suspect it won’t be a positive reaction.” City Council will approve a tax rate and budget in September, and have already been looking at spending cuts to stave off a potentially ballooning deficit. Walsh alerted council members in May that low consumer confidence was negatively impacting many facets of city revenue, including hotel occupancy tax, the airport development services and residential and commercial building permits.
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State Lawmakers Ask Abbott To Add Conservative Priorities to Special Session Agenda
Multiple state lawmakers are calling on Gov. Greg Abbott to include several conservative priorities that did not receive a vote during the regular session on the agenda of the upcoming special session. State Sen. Mayes Middleton (R–Galveston) sent a letter to the governor requesting that specific measures that were not considered by the House during the general session be placed on the upcoming session’s agenda. “While this session boasts many conservative victories, each of these unfinished items is essential to securing a conservative future for Texas, ” wrote Middleton. “There has never been a more critical time to make these priorities the law of this Great State.”
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Harlandale Independent School District Superintendent Gerardo Soto was named the region’s superintendent of the year by the Texas Association of School Boards.
Harlandale Independent School District Superintendent Gerardo Soto was named the region’s superintendent of the year by the Texas Association of School Boards. Region 20 includes all school districts in Bexar County, stretches out toward Kerr and Atascosa counties and reaches parts of the Southwest Texas border. Each year, the TASB picks one superintendent from each region to recognize “achievement and excellence in public school administration.” “I’m honored to serve a community that believes so deeply in the power of education,” Soto said in a statement after his family, campus leadership and school board members surprised him with the announcement on Tuesday morning.
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Diboll ISD approves faculty and staff raises
DIBOLL — The Diboll ISD board of trustees unanimously approved an update to its compensation plan, including faculty and staff raises, during its regular June meeting Monday in the cafeteria of the H.G. Temple Elementary/Intermediate School campus. First-year teachers will receive a base salary of $50,000, with $500 increases after each of one and two years. Teachers with three or four years of experience will receive a $4,000 raise, and teachers with five or more years will receive an $8,000 raise. Board president Jay Wyatt called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m., followed by the pledges of allegiance.
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Trump heads to “Alligator Alcatraz” to tout new Florida migrant lockup
President Trump heads back to Florida on Tuesday to tour "Alligator Alcatraz," a controversial new detention facility in the Everglades to incarcerate those who immigrated illegally or face deportation. Why it matters: The $450 million 1,000-bed facility of trail ers and tents is the largest of its kind and solidifies Florida's position as the top state cooperating with Trump's immigration crackdown. Florida already leads the nation in cross-deputizing local police to enforce federal immigration laws, a priority of Gov. Ron DeSantis. The idea and name of "Alligator Alcatraz" is the brainchild of Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, who was appointed by DeSantis after serving as his chief of staff.
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Katy ISD advocate dies following son’s alleged hammer attack
A Katy woman known for her advocacy at Katy ISD school board meetings has died from injuries sustained in a brutal hammer attack allegedly carried out by her son, according to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. COMING SOON: The Dryer to open in Katy, transforming historic rice dryer into dining, music venue Lisa Babin, 62, died June 20 — nine days after she was found severely injured in the backyard of her Katy home.
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Inside Elon Musk’s stellar year at the Texas Capitol
While Elon Musk took Washington, D.C., by storm, his company representatives and lobbyists were also notching up big political wins in Texas. While Elon Musk took Washington, D.C., by storm, his company representatives and lobbyists were also notching up big political wins in Texas. It was April 2013, and Musk stood at a podium in a small committee room in the basement of the Texas Capitol. The Tesla CEO asked the legislators gathered before him to change state law, allowing him to bypass the state’s powerful car dealership lobby and sell his electric vehicles directly to the public. He painted a bleak picture of what could happen if they didn’t give him his way. “We would, I’m afraid, we would fail,” Musk told the assembled representatives. “So for us, it’s a matter of life or death.” Clad in a dark suit instead of his now ubiquitous black T-shirt and baseball hat, the younger Musk was unable to persuade lawmakers in Austin. That year, the bill he wanted to pass died. More than a decade later, however, Musk’s fortunes inside the Texas Capitol have changed — dramatically.
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Faith leaders and families sue to block Texas’ new Ten Commandments in schools law
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — A group of Dallas-area families and faith leaders have filed a lawsuit seeking to block a new Texas law that requires copies of the Ten Commandments be posted in every public school classroom. The federal lawsuit, filed Tuesday, claims the measure is an unconstitutional violation of the separation of church and state. Texas is the latest and largest state to attempt a mandate that has run into legal challenges elsewhere. A federal appeals court on Friday blocked a similar law in Louisiana. Some families have sued over Arkansas' law. The plaintiffs in the Texas lawsuit are a group of Christian and Nation of Islam faith leaders and families. It names the Texas Education Agency, state education Commissioner Mike Morath and three Dallas-area school districts as defendants. “The government should govern; the Church should minister," the lawsuit said. "Anything else is a threat to the soul of both our democracy and our faith.”
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Senate Passes Megabill With Vance Casting Tie-Breaker
The Senate passed the sweeping policy bill after a marathon debate and vote session that started late on June 28. The bill now heads back to the House. WASHINGTON—The Senate passed its version of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act at midday on July 1 after a “vote-a-rama” that began the previous day and continued through the night. Vice President JD Vance broke a 50–50 tie to secure passage of the bill. Sens. Rand Paul (R-Ky.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), and Susan Collins (R-Maine) voted in opposition.
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Gov. Greg Abbott Announces July 21 Special Session
Gov. Greg Abbott has announced that a special session of the Texas Legislature will begin on Monday, July 21, after he signed 1,155 bills and vetoed 26 others from the 89th Regular Legislative Session. “All seven of Governor Abbott’s emergency priorities were passed and signed into law,” his office noted, including measures on property tax relief, teacher pay raises, school choice, and the creation of the Texas Cyber Command. “Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, Speaker Dustin Burrows, and the Texas House and Senate worked hard to send critical legislation to my desk,” Abbott said. “This session has seen monumental success, but there is more we can do.”
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Texas schools still struggle with deficits despite HB 2 funding boost
Many local school districts expect to collect millions from House Bill 2, an $8.5 billion funding package passed through the Texas Legislature and signed into law by the governor this month. The bill was the first comprehensive funding package state lawmakers have passed since 2019, though districts have received funding increases in areas such as tutoring, instructional materials and school safety. For many districts in Central Texas, HB 2 will provide some relief after two years of budget slashing, campus closures and staff layoffs. Despite the infusion of state funding, many local school leaders are still turning their attention to austerity measures next year to reduce lingering budget deficits.
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Texas lawmakers have gotten used to state budget surpluses. That era may be ending.
The era of massive state budget surpluses in Texas could be coming to an end. As the last of the federal government’s COVID-19 emergency funds are spent and sales tax revenues return to historic averages after a large spike, budget analysts say state lawmakers will have far less wiggle room when it comes to funding their spending priorities. “I don’t think we’re in any kind of crisis, but I think the days of big budget surpluses are probably over,” said Bill King, a fellow in public finance for Rice University’s Baker Institute of Public Policy. “We’re going to be very careful how we spend money.” In addition to federal pandemic aid, sales tax revenues from inflation and a post-lockdown economic rebound led to state budget surpluses. Texas lawmakers leaned on a $33 billion surplus in 2023 to pay for an $18 billion property tax-cut package, a $5 billion infusion for the new Texas Energy Fund and a host of infrastructure projects. Lawmakers entered this year’s legislative session with a $24 billion surplus, which helped to maintain previous tax-cuts; upgrade energy, water and broadband infrastructure; and cover other new spending items in the upcoming two-year budget cycle.
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Gov. Greg Abbott sets Nov. 4 special election for open state Senate seat
The contest coincides with the state’s November uniform election, when voters across Texas will already be at the polls to decide local offices and ballot measures.
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Texas schools still struggle with deficits despite HB 2 funding boost
Many local school districts expect to collect millions from House Bill 2, an $8.5 billion funding package passed through the Texas Legislature and signed into law by the governor this month. The bill was the first comprehensive funding package state lawmakers have passed since 2019, though districts have received funding increases in areas such as tutoring, instructional materials and school safety. For many districts in Central Texas, HB 2 will provide some relief after two years of budget slashing, campus closures and staff layoffs. Despite the infusion of state funding, many local school leaders are still turning their attention to austerity measures next year to reduce lingering budget deficits.
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Up in the air: Pasadena City Council member Bianca Valerio wins coin flip to retain seat
Many forms of gambling are outlawed in Texas, but chance decided who would represent District B on the Pasadena City Council. The seat was chosen Monday by a coin toss – incumbent council member Bianca Valerio was sworn in for another term minutes after successfully calling heads at Pasadena City Hall, located about 20 miles southeast of Houston. "I freak out when I lose $20, so to lose an entire position of representation, it's a lot to put on the line," Valerio said after the toss. "And it's not something that I can work for – that's what's really important to me. I would have rather had the chance to go and campaign again and get some more (votes), but that wasn't an option this time."
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As Birdwell plans retirement from Senate, Cook launches campaign to be his successor
AUSTIN — In a further reshuffling of Tarrant County’s legislative delegation, state Sen. Brian Birdwell, R-Granbury, announced his plans to retire after 15 years in the Texas Legislature’s upper chamber while Rep. David Cook, R-Mansfield, unveiled his candidacy for Birdwell’s seat. Birdwell’s planned departure deals a second blow to Tarrant County’s seniority in the Republican-led Senate, coming just over a week after former Sen. Kelly Hancock, R-North Richland Hills, resigned from his North Texas Senate seat to become head of the Texas comptroller’s office.
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