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Congratulations to the following New Supers
75
Superintendent Vacancies
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| Vacant | Elkhart ISD; Search by: Arrow Educational ServicesINFO | Vacant | Lumberton ISD; Search by: Arrow Educational ServicesINFO | Vacant | Presidio ISD; Search by: Arrow Educational ServicesINFO | Vacant | Tom Bean ISD; Search by: Tom Bean ISD Board of Trustees & Kelly LuskINFO | Vacant | Montgomery ISD; Search by: Thomposon & Horton LLP - Dr. Mike Moses & David ThompsonINFO | Vacant | Goldthwaite ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO | Vacant | Santa Rosa ISD; Search by: O’Hanlon, Demerath & CastilloINFO | Vacant | Uvalde CISD; Search By: Region 20 ESCINFO | Vacant | Brenham ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO | Vacant | Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO | Vacant | Ingleside ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO | Vacant | Fairfield ISD; Search by: Walsh, Gallegos, Trevino, Kyle & Robinson P.C.& Education Consultant Dr. Ann DixonINFO | Vacant | Woodsboro ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO | Vacant | Calvert ISD - Latisha Crockett-Tennell, Interim Superintendent,Calvert ISD; Search by: O’Hanlon, Demerath & CastilloINFO | Vacant | Blooming Grove ISD; Search by: Blooming Grove ISD Board of Trustees & Gary MartelINFO | Vacant | Ben Bolt-Palito Blanco ISD; Search by: O’Hanlon, Demerath & CastilloINFO | Vacant | Carrizo Springs ISD; Search by: O’Hanlon, Demerath & CastilloINFO | Vacant | Sabinal ISD; Search by: Richard W Grill & Sabinal ISD Board of TrusteesINFO | Vacant | Royse City ISD; Search by: Thompson & Horton LLP - Dr. Mike Moses, David Thompson & Dr. Curtis CulwellINFO | Vacant | Valley View ISD; Education Solutions and Services Mike Smith & Letha HopkinsINFO | Vacant | Dickinson ISD; Search by: Dickinson ISD Board of TrusteesINFO | Vacant | Muenster ISD; Search by: Impact Education Specialists - Doug Williams, Kevin Worthy, Blake Cooper and Stan SurrattINFO | Vacant | La Gloria ISD; Search by: La Gloria ISD Board of TrusteesINFO | Vacant | Whitney ISD; Search by: Whitney ISD Board of TrusteesINFO | Vacant | Dickinson ISD; Search by: SPALDING NICHOLS LAMP LANGLOISINFO | Vacant |
Pineywoods Community Academy (Lufkin); Search by: SPALDING NICHOLS LAMP LANGLOISINFO |
Vacant | Dilley ISD; Search by: O’Hanlon, Demerath & CastilloINFO | Vacant | Grand Prairie ISD; Search by: O’Hanlon, Demerath & CastilloINFO | Vacant | Clyde CISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO | Vacant | Kermit ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO | Vacant | Olton ISD; Search by: Region 17 ESC, Kyle Wargo Exec. DirectorINFO | Vacant | Tenaha ISD; Search by: Tenaha ISD Board of TrusteesINFO | Vacant | Prairie Lea ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO | Vacant | Pewitt CISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO | Vacant | Burton ISD; Search by: Powell Law Group, Dr. Danny LovettINFO | Vacant | Region 14 ESC Executive Director; Search By: Association of Educational Service Agencies (AESA)INFO | Vacant | Union Hill ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO | Vacant | Decatur ISD; Search by: Decatur ISD Board of TrusteesINFO | 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 | Early ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO | Vacant | Gorman ISD; Search by: Ronnie KincaidINFO | Vacant | Cross Plains ISD; Search by: Ronnie KincaidINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Iraan-Sheffield Collegiate ISD - Gary Laramore, Principal,Balmorhea ISD; Search by: Dr. Nelson Coulter assisted by Collegiate Edu-NationINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Henrietta ISD - Jaime Clark, Chief of Schools,Lewisville ISD; Search by: Region 9 ESC, Darren Francis and Kenny MillerINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Thorndale ISD - Zach Kleypas, Principal,Pflugerville ISD; Search by: Danny Lovett, Powell Law GroupINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Bloomington ISD - Eric Cormier, Principal,Brazos ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO |
| Lone Finalist | City View ISD - Dr. Jesse Thomas, Interim Superintendent,City View ISD; Search by: Region 9 ESC, Darren Francis and Kenny MillerINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Pawnee ISD - Anthony Annis, Assistant Principal,San Antonio ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Windthorst ISD - Jason Nolan, Principal,Burkburnett ISD; Search by: Region 9 ESC, Darren Francis and Kenny MillerINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Perryton ISD - Greg Brown, Superintendent,Claude ISD; Search by: Perryton ISD Board of Trustees & Region 16 ESC, Dr. Tanya Larkin, Exec. Dir.INFO |
| Lone Finalist | Gold-Burg ISD - Jonathan Lloyd, Principal,Detroit ISD; Search by: Region 9 ESC, Darren Francis and Kenny MillerINFO |
| Lone Finalist | West Hardin Co. CISD - Donald Heseman, Principal,Clyde ISD; Search by: Dr. Byron Terrier, Exec. Dir. Region 5 ESCINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Spurger ISD - Jeff Burnthorn, Director,Silsbee ISD; Search by: Dr. Byron Terrier, Exec. Dir. Region 5 ESC (Short Timeline)INFO |
| Lone Finalist | Roby CISD - Kenny Border, Assistant Superintendent,Sweetwater ISD; Search by: Ronnie KincaidINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Cotulla ISD - Dr. Ramiro Nava, Assistant Superintendent,Somerset ISD; Search by: Walsh, Gallegos, Treviño, Kyle & Robinson P.C., & Education Consultant Dr. Saul HinojosaINFO |
| Lone Finalist | McAllen ISD - René Gutiérrez, Superintendent,Brownsville ISD; Search by: O’Hanlon, Demerath & CastilloINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Ponder ISD - Dr. James Hill, Director of Operations,Frisco ISD; Search by: Impact Education Specialists - Doug Williams, Kevin Worthy, Blake Cooper and Stan SurrattINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Hale Center ISD - Jance Morris, Superintendent,Savoy ISD; Search by: Region 17 ESC, Kyle Wargo Exec. DirectorINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Rocksprings ISD - Justin Del Bosque, Principal,Georgetown ISD; Search by: Region 15 ESCINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Cypress-Fairbanks ISD (Deadline Updated); Search by: Thomposon & Horton LLP - Dr. Mike Moses & David ThompsonINFO |
| Lone Finalist | San Angelo ISD - Dr. Christopher Moran, Superintendent,Whitehouse ISD; Search by: Thomposon & Horton LLP - David Thompson & Dr. Mike MosesINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Rotan ISD - Michael Rudewick, Assistant Principal,San Angelo ISD; Search by: Ronnie KincaidINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Boerne ISD - Kristin Craft, Associate Superintendent,Spring Branch ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Johnson City ISD - Ben Eubanks, Superintendent,Glasscock County ISD; Search by: Walsh, Gallegos, Trevino, Kyle & Robinson P.C.& Education Consultant Dr. Ann DixonINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Duncanville ISD - Dr. T. Lamar Goree, Superintendent,Caddo Parish Public Schools; Search by: Thompson & Horton LLP - Dr. Mike Moses & David ThompsonINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Iowa Park CISD - Kevin McCasland, Superintendent,Olton ISD; Search by: Impact Education Specialists - Doug Williams, Kevin Worthy, Blake Cooper and Stan SurrattINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Corrigan-Camden ISD - Mr. Brian Aiken , Assistant Superintendent,Crockett ISD; Search by: Leon|Alcala PLLCINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Kennard ISD - Chad Smith, Interim Superintendent,Kennard ISD; Search by: Arrow Educational ServicesINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Hamlin Collgiate ISD - Dr. Chanda Bloch, Director,San Marcos CISD; Search by: Collegiate Edu-Nation, Dr. Nelson CoulterINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Prairiland ISD - Jason Hostetler, Principal,Prairieland ISD; Search by: Prairieland ISD Board of Trustees and Supt. Jeff BallardINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Laneville ISD - Terry Young, Director,Woodville ISD; Search by: SPALDING NICHOLS LAMP LANGLOISINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Greenville ISD - Joe Lopez, Superintendent,Kermit ISD; Search by: Impact Education Specialists - Doug Williams, Kevin Worthy, Blake Cooper and Stan SurrattINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Weimar ISD - Chase Seelke, Assistant Superintendent,Paradise ISD; Search by: Region 3 ESC, Exec. Dir. Morris LyonINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Brooks County ISD - Scott Rogers, Superintendent,Brazos ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Mason ISD - Sean Leamon, Superintendent,Winters ISD; Search by: Region 15 ESCINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Normangee ISD - Justin Vercher, Principal,Hillsboro ISD; Search by: N2 Learning, Dr. Eddie Coulson & Dr. Brad Lancaster (Updated Deadline)INFO |
| Lone Finalist | Sharyland ISD - Elaine Howard, Deputy Superintendent,Boerne ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Rockport-Fulton ISD - Dr. Lesley Austin, Deputy Superintendent,Trinity Basin Prep, Dallas; Search by: Walsh, Gallegos, Trevino, Kyle & Robinson P.C.& Education Consultant Mrs. Charlotte BakerINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Abilene ISD - Dr. John Kuhn, Superintendent,Mineral Wells ISD; Search by: Leasor Crass, P.CINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Pflugerville ISD - Dr. Quintin Shepherd, Superintendent,Victoria ISD; Search by: Thompson & Horton LLP - Dr. Mike Moses & David ThompsonINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Lufkin ISD - Dr. James Hockenberry, Assistant Superintendent,Longview ISD; Search by: Thompson & Horton LLP - Dr. Mike Moses & David ThompsonINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Rains ISD - Joe Nicks, Assistant Superintendent,Kaufman ISD; Search by: Arrow Educational ServicesINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Willis ISD - Dr. Kimberly James, Deputy Superintendent,Corpus Christi ISD; Search by: Thomposon & Horton LLP - Dr. Mike Moses & David ThompsonINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Corsicana ISD - Stephanie Howell, Deputy Superintendent,Corsicana ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Panhandle ISD - Dr. John Sherrill, Principal,Archer City ISD; Search by: Panhandle ISD Board of Trustees & Region 16 ESC, Dr. Tanya Larkin, Exec. Dir.INFO |
| Lone Finalist | Claude ISD - Brent Kirkland, Principal,Panhandle ISD; Search by: Claude ISD Board of Trustees & Jody JohnsonINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Lorenzo ISD - Dr. Greg Nelson, Assistant Superintendent,Lamesa ISD; Search by: Region 17 ESC, Kyle Wargo Exec. DirectorINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Wilson ISD - Wesley Jones, Principal,Cross Plains ISD; Search by: Region 17 ESC, Kyle Wargo Exec. DirectorINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Rogers ISD - Duana Brashear, Assistant Superintendent,Royal ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO |
| Lone Finalist | Whitehouse ISD - Dr. Casey Whittle, Assistant Superintendent,Wylie ISD; Search by: Thompson & Horton LLP - Dr. Mike Moses & David ThompsonINFO |
| New Super | White Oak ISD - William Paul, Superintendent,Windthorst ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO |
| New Super | Midway ISD - Chris Allen, Superintendent,Marble Falls ISD; Search by: N2 Learning, Dr. Eddie Coulson & Dr. Brad Lancaster INFO |
| New Super | Anton ISD - Freddie Tobias, Principal,Anton ISD; Search by: Region 17 ESC, Kyle Wargo Exec. DirectorINFO |
| New Super | Navarro ISD - Mandy D. Epley, Assistant Superintendent,Comal ISD; Search by: Walsh, Gallegos, Treviño, Kyle & Robinson P.C., & Education Consultant Dr. Sherri BaysINFO |
| New Super | Hedley ISD - Tracey Bell, Principal,Vega ISD; Search by: Hedley ISD Board of Trustees & Region 16 ESC, Nathan Maxwell, Associate Exec. Dir.INFO |
| New Super | Venus ISD - Patrick Torres, Superintendent,Denver City ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO |
| New Super | Yantis ISD - Robyn Derington Deputy Supt. Banquete ISD, Deputy Superintendent,Banquete ISD; Search by: Powell Law Group, LLP, Dr. Shaun Barnett (Short Timeline!)INFO |
| New Super | Morton ISD - Mario Aguirre, Principal,Slaton ISD; Search by: Region 17 ESC, Dr. Kyle Wargo, Exec. DirectorINFO |
| New Super | Comfort ISD - Dr. Yvonne J. Munoz, Director,San Diego ISD; Search by: Walsh, Gallegos, Treviño, Kyle & Robinson P.C., & Education Consultant Dr. Ann DixonINFO |
| New Super | Coupland ISD - Dr. Earl W. Parcell, Chief Financial Officer,Copperas Cove ISD; Search by: Walsh, Gallegos, Trevino, Kyle & Robinson P.C.& Education Consultant Dr. Saul HinojosaINFO |
| New Super | Miami ISD - Krista Solis, Superintendent,Hart ISD; Search by: Interim Supt. Steve Post and Miami ISD Board of TrusteesINFO |
| New Super | Knippa ISD - Benny Hernandez, Superintendent,Mathis ISD; Search by: Knippa ISD Board of TrusteesINFO |
| New Super | Irion County ISD - Dr. Sara "Nikki" Moore, Principal,Coldspring-Oakhurst ISD; Search by: Region 15 ESCINFO |
| New Super | Liberty-Eylau ISD - Jeff Wright, Interim Superintendent,Liberty-Eylau ISD; Search by: Leasor Crass, P.CINFO |
| New Super | Keller ISD (Short Timeline) - Dr. Tracy Johnson, Chief of Human Resources,Keller ISD; Search by: Leasor Crass, P.CINFO |
| New Super | New Diana ISD - Marshall Moore, Superintendent,Crowell ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO |
| New Super | Brownsville ISD - Jesus H. Chavez, Executive Director,South Texas Association of Schools; Search by: O’Hanlon, Demerath & CastilloINFO |
| New Super | Sam Rayburn ISD - Dr. Dustin Evans, Assistant Superintendent,Bland ISD; Search by: Sam Rayburn ISD Board of TrusteesINFO |
| New Super | Burnet CISD - Dr. Aaron J. Peña, Assistant Superintendent,Midway ISD; Search by: Walsh, Gallegos, Trevino, Kyle & Robinson P.C.& Education Consultant Dr. Sherri BaysINFO |
| New Super | Archer City ISD - Jon Hartgraves, Superintendent,Hico ISD; Search by: Region 9 ESC, Darren Francis and Kenny MillerINFO |
| New Super |
Glasscock County ISD - Mallory Marr, Chief Academic Officer,Sweetwater ISD; Search by: CCR Educational Consultants, Dr. Skip Casey, Staci Robertson, & Rod TownsendINFO |
| New Super | Ira ISD - Garrett Luft, Assistant Principal,Lubbock ISD; Search by: CCR Educational Consultants, Dr. Skip Casey, Staci Robertson, & Rod TownsendINFO |
| New Super | Anahuac ISD - Dr. Cody Abshire, Interim Superintendent,Anahuac ISD; Search by: Dr. Byron Terrier, Exec. Dir. Region 5 ESCINFO |
| New Super |
Pilot Point ISD - Shannon Fuller, Chief Instructional Officer,East Central ISD; Search by: Pilot Point ISD & Abernathy, Roeder, Boyd and Hullett, consultant Karen RueINFO |
| New Super | Colmesneil ISD - Sharon Tule, Interim Superintendent,Colmesneil ISD; Search by: Fisher FirmINFO |
| New Super | New Home ISD - Toby Tucker, Director,ESC 16; Search by: Region 17 ESC, Kyle Wargo Exec. DirectorINFO |
| New Super | Ropes ISD - Dade Cosby, Superintendent,Cross Plains ISD; Search by: Region 17 ESC, Kyle Wargo Exec. DirectorINFO |
How do I get my SuperSearch on TexasISD.com?A First: Texans to Elect Appraisal District Directors in May
Voters in Texas counties with a population of 75,000 or more will elect three new members to their appraisal district board of directors. On May 4, many Texans will have their first opportunity to elect representatives to the governing boards of their local appraisal districts, making the agencies that assess property values for tax purposes more accountable to citizens. A new property tax relief law, passed last year and approved in November by voters statewide, included a provision for voters in counties with a population of 75,000 or more to elect three new members to their county appraisal district board of directors. The three elected board members will serve alongside the five appointed directors and the county tax assessor-collector, who will become an ex-officio board member. Directors elected in May will take office on July 1 and serve a term that expires on December 31, 2026.
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Houston ISD’s teacher evaluation system offers on-the-spot training and evaluations, but is it making a difference?
HOUSTON – As the school year comes to an end, we can’t help but discuss the plethora of changes across the Houston Independent School District campuses, starting with the appointment of Superintendent Mike Miles. The Texas Education Agency said its goal was simple, to improve teacher effectiveness and better prepare the kids of HISD for the future. The problems in the district didn’t go unnoticed as several campuses were “underperforming” for years. But since the state takeover, has much changed? ‘I am concerned for my now former colleagues:’ Former HISD principal shares what he’s learning from employees
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Bonham ISD hires new superintendent, Dr. Joy Wilson
The board unanimously approved hiring Dr. Joy Wilson as the new superintendent and approving the superintendent contract. The meeting adjourned amid applause for the new superintendent. Wilson signed the contract after the meeting ended and then stayed for multiple photographs, including one with Audrey Rayford, who was Wilson’s Head Start teacher in Bonham many years ago.
Bobby Donald Browning - Obituary
Bob was a principal in Laneville, Duncanville, and Desoto ISD, then became a Superintendent in Tyler, Elysian Fields (twice), Waxahachie, and Hallsville. Not known for always following the rules, he definitely followed his heart in serving people- especially kids.
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Patrick move to eliminate Texas property taxes would destroy public schools
MESQUITE, Texas — The U.S. Marshals Service North Texas Fugitive Task Force arrested a Mesquite ISD teacher on Wednesday accused of having an inappropriate relationship with a student. The suspect, 32-yearold Cesar Jimenez, was a teacher in the automotive program at Vanguard High School. In a statement on Tuesday, Mesquite ISD said Jimenez had resigned from his position after learning of the district's concerns and the police investigation. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick’s fantasy of abolishing property taxes would set the state up for financial failure and end public education as we know it by placing a greater burden on low- and medium-income Texans. The most powerful man in Texas politics wants you to believe he’s looking out for homeowners, but there’s always an unacknowledged goal for significant initiatives like this one. You need only look at who deposited $3 million in Patrick’s campaign account and who gave the record $6 million donation to Gov. Greg Abbott to boost private religious schools.
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Watch a 9 a.m. conversation on how new laws are affecting public education in Texas
As we approach the end of the school year, we’ll review how public schools were impacted by new legislation, how they’ve reacted and what challenges remain.
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Gov. Abbott wants to end property taxes, but is that realistic?
AUSTIN, Texas — After months of delay, a plan to cut your property taxes is on the fast-track. On Wednesday, the Texas Senate passed a key portion of an $18 billion package that would help both homeowners and businesses. What You Need To Know On Wednesday, the Texas Senate passed a key portion of an $18 billion package that would help both homeowners and businesses While Democrats joined Republicans in passing the bills, they raised concerns about a lack of new money for schools One even criticized House leadership for removing a Senate-backed amendment to give teachers a bonus, which Republicans say that will be addressed in the next special session The full property tax relief package is expected to be voted on and sent to Gov. Greg Abbott on Thursday While Democrats joined Republicans in passing the bills, they raised concerns about a lack of new money for schools. One even criticized House leadership for removing a Senate-backed amendment to give teachers a bonus. Republicans say that will be addressed in the next special session
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Property Tax Relief and Higher Ed Reform Among Patrick’s Charges Ahead of Next Session
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has announced his interim charges for the Senate, a set of 57 issues he is calling on Senate Committees to investigate and research ahead of the legislative session next year. The list of charges runs the gamut of issues conservatives have called on the legislature to address, including property tax relief, protecting Texas land from hostile foreign ownership, and strengthening laws preventing electioneering by school districts and other political subdivisions. “The Senate’s work to study the list of charges will begin in the coming weeks and months. Following completion of hearings, committees will submit reports with their specific findings and policy recommendations before December 1, 2024,” said Patrick.
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Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick lists housing affordability, fighting antisemitism on campus among 2025 priorities
Examining charitable bail organizations and banning Delta 9 were also among Patrick’s priorities in the next legislative session. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick put improving housing affordability, fighting antisemitism on college campuses and examining charitable bail organizations among 57 items on a to-do list for senators before the next legislative session begins in January. Patrick, who oversees the Senate and wields tremendous power over bills passed into law, said the list was whittled from hundreds of ideas submitted from the state’s 31 senators, which the lieutenant governor reviewed with his staff. “Come January 2025, the Senate will hit the ground running at the start of the 89th Legislative Session,” Patrick said in a statement. “The priorities of the conservative majority of Texans will be accomplished, including school choice, continued property tax relief, and strengthening the power grid.”
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Lufkin ISD taps James Hockenberry as superintendent finalist
James Hockenberry is now the lone finalist for the job of superintendent at Lufkin ISD, positioning him to be appointed once the state’s 21-day mandatory waiting period elapses. The Lufkin ISD Board of Trustees voted unanimously to nominate Hockenberry as the lone finalist during a special meeting Monday. Wayne Haglund, the Lufkin ISD legal counsel, said that based on state law the board must wait 21 days after announcing a superintendent candidate before entering into a contract. Hockenberry has served for the last four years as assistant superintendent of Longview ISD, part of his 29 years of work as an educator. He also served as superintendent of Center ISD and Chireno ISD for a total of 13 years, said Lufkin ISD Board president Kristi Gay as she introduced Hockenberry. She also noted his experience as a teacher — including four years as a high school science teacher.
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Preventive Law: Blackhole Consequences of Shooting STAAR
We see it every year: parents trying to opt their child out of STAAR testing. Some claim it’s against their religious beliefs, some claim it’s bad for their children’s mental health, and some have no problem stating they just don’t want to participate. Below we’ll discuss the constellation of consequences that students may face for their parent’s choice of opting out, and what issues your school district might encounter if more and more parents begin to follow this trend.
Bonham ISD names superintendent lone finalist by MyParisTexas March 21, 2024
Bonham ISD Board of Trustees named Dr. Joy Wilson as the lone finalist for Superintendent of Schools for Bonham ISD at their Mar. 20, 2024, meeting. After the state-required 21-day waiting period, Dr. Wilson is set to become the district’s next leader following the retirement of current BISD superintendent, Kelly Trompler. Dr. Wilson is delighted to return to Bonham ISD where she began her education, attending kindergarten at Stephenson School. Her mother, a class of 1969 Bonhi graduate, is thrilled to have her daughter serve as the next superintendent at her alma mater.
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PARENT: Allen ISD Principal Berates Students After Active Shooter Drill
After a few students made noise during the drill, the principal allegedly yelled at the 5th grade class until they cried and then took photos of them. ALLEN—According to a parent, a lockdown drill at her daughter’s elementary school quickly got out of hand when a substitute teacher and principal overreacted. After the experience, Brooke Wilcox pulled her daughter out of the school. Texas Scorecard offered Allen ISD the chance to respond to Wilcox’s allegations. Their response is printed in full at the bottom of this article.
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Texas State Board of Education faces takeover by GOP challengers backed by influential donors
For more than 20 years, Fort Worth Republican Pat Hardy has been a reliably conservative voice on the State Board of Education. Hardy has fought for Moses to be included in social studies standards, advocated for presenting creationism alongside evolution in science textbooks and said she was an early voice to call for the banning of critical race theory from the state’s public schools. But in 2024, Hardy is not conservative enough for Republican voters: She lost her primary election earlier this month against Brandon Hall, a former youth pastor who has pitched himself as a fighter for Christian conservative values. In addition to Hardy’s outright loss, two other Republicans on the board — Pam Little and Tom Maynard — were forced into runoff elections against opponents pitching themselves as stronger conservatives. All three challengers received heavy financial support from Texans for Educational Freedom, a right-wing advocacy group that cut its teeth trying to sway local school board elections but has turned its attention to overhauling the state board, spending more than $300,000 this year.
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Court order puts Texas law allowing police to arrest migrants who cross illegally back on hold
A federal appeals court late Tuesday issued an order that again prevents Texas from arresting migrants suspected of entering the U.S. illegally, hours after the Supreme Court allowed the strict new immigration law to take effect. The decision by the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals comes weeks after a panel on the same court cleared the way for Texas to enforce the law by putting a pause on a lower judge’s injunction. But by a 2-1 order, a panel of the appeals court lifted that pause ahead of arguments before the court on Wednesday. Texas authorities had not announced any arrests made under the law. Earlier Tuesday a divided Supreme Court had allowed Texas to begin enforcing a law that gives police broad powers to arrest migrants suspected of crossing the border illegally as the legal battle over the measure played out. The conservative majority order rejected an emergency application from the Biden administration, which says the law is a clear violation of federal authority that would cause chaos in immigration law. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott had praised the order clearing the way for the law that allows any police officer in Texas to arrest migrants for illegal entry and authorizes judges to order them to leave the U.S.
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Eichelbaum Wardell Hansen Powell & Muñoz, P.C.
Low property values could cost Coleman ISD $500,000 in state funding
COLEMAN, Texas — Coleman ISD could lose up to $500,000 in state funding this year. The State Comptroller on all school district property values recently released its report for the Property Value Study conducted for Coleman ISD. The results from that study estimates the school district will lose $500,000 in lost revenue for 2024. State law requires values to be at least 95% of sales prices but the report shows values are much lower than that requirement. The Coleman County Central Appraiser, Eva Bush, said the state's appraisal of the district came in higher than her appraisal which resulted in the shortfall.
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CLAY GILLENTINE NAMED LONE FINALIST FOR BRENHAM ISD SUPT.
Acting Brenham ISD Superintendent Clay Gillentine was named as the lone finalist for the Superintendent position at the Brenham School board meeting Thursday night. Trustees voted at their last meeting on February 19th to reopen the search for superintendent to internal applicants only. The School Board now has 21 days to wait before it can vote to formally name Gillentine as the next Superintendent of Brenham schools.
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ANALYSIS: Why Are They Afraid of Questions?
No one in the crony establishment—not the bureaucrats, lobbyists, or media shills—likes it when people have the temerity to start asking questions. We’re just supposed to accept the dictates of the status quo without question. As an example, consider the unhinged diatribe of leftwing columnist Chris Tomlinson opining against Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick’s charges to the Texas Senate for study over the eight months until the start of the 2025 regular legislative session. In particular, Tomlinson was horrified that Patrick asked the Senate to establish and report on the cost of eliminating: o School maintenance and operation property taxes; o All school property taxes; and o All property taxes.
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Huffman ISD Accuses AG’s Office of Election Interference in Response to Electioneering Lawsuit
Attorneys representing Huffman Independent School District have accused Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s office of trying to sway the outcome of the March 5 Republican primary election.
Paxton’s office first announced on March 1 that it filed a civil lawsuit against the district’s superintendent and board of trustees.
The lawsuit was in response to a leaked audio recording of Superintendent Benny Soileau encouraging school staff to vote for the “sweet 16” anti-school choice Republicans facing challengers in the primary.
In a Monday legal filing, Huffman ISD contended that the potential election interference committed was the result of the OAG’s lawsuit and not the superintendent’s actions.
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Kaufman ISD Residents to Consider $387 Million Bond
Residents are also being asked to approve a $950 million bond in the county’s first water district. Kaufman Independent School District is pushing for a bond that would cost taxpayers more than $387 million when factoring in interest.
It is a significant jump from the $170 million that voters will see on the ballot, which does not factor in estimated principal and interest debt.
Kaufman ISD is specifically seeking funds for district-wide security projects, such as security camera upgrades, security film, and security fencing.
The district would also like to add classrooms to its aging Helen Edwards Early Childhood Center, which it claims is “at functional capacity,” and a new agricultural barn for Career & Technical Education Classes.
In addition, Kaufman ISD wants to construct a new campus for Norman Junior High School, which is currently at capacity, to serve 1,200 students.
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Houston ISD Expected to Seek Multibillion Dollar Bond
While the district hasn’t said how much a proposed bond would cost, a local paper reported that a recent estimate was for between $3.5 and $5 billion. Houston ISD’s appointed board of managers signaled the district’s intention to move forward with a multi-billion dollar bond package this November. At its recent board meeting, the board members voted to allow Superintendent Mike Miles and his administration to use district resources that would be refunded to the general fund by future bond proceeds and to begin developing a November 2024 bond package.
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Humble ISD superintendent up for job in Nevada in wake of Title IX investigation into her husband
Elizabeth Fagen, who has led the Houston-area school district since 2016, is among the finalists for a superintendent role in Reno, Nevada. Her husband, Troy Kite, recently retired as Humble ISD’s athletics director after an investigation into a Title IX complaint made against him reportedly determined that he should be fired.
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Texas Leads Nation In Annual Job Creation
AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott today celebrated Texas again leading the nation in annual job creation following the release of March employment numbers showing Texas gained the most jobs over the last 12 months. Through March, Texas has added more than 2.3 million jobs under Governor Abbott’s leadership. “The most dynamic economy in the nation is built by Texans,” said Governor Abbott. “I am proud that Texas again leads all states in annual job creation. This continued momentum is a testament to the strength of our young, skilled, diverse, and growing workforce, our welcoming business climate, and the strategic investments we continue to make in education, workforce development, and critical infrastructure. These are the Texas advantages that help us attract and retain job-creating businesses that are growing in diverse industries across every region of our great state. Texas truly is the best place to live, work, build a business, and raise a family.”
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Texas county celebrates helping 100,000 migrants reach destination in US
EL PASO, Texas (Border Report) – El Paso County officials are celebrating a milestone when it comes to dealing with the years-long humanitarian migrant crisis. Their Migrant Support Services Center has now helped 100,000 asylum-seekers reach their destination of choice. “This achievement underscores the critical role the center has played in the lives of tens of thousands, highlighting its pivotal position in the ongoing effort to humanely welcome and support those in desperate need,” the county said in a statement Wednesday.
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Harris County Audit Finds Purchasing Issues
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo wants to move vendor contracting authority after a new report from the County Auditor highlighted several long-running issues. Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo wants to change the way the county contracts with vendors after a new report from the County Auditor highlighted several long-running deficiencies. The audit found that in departments like Engineering, Toll Road Authority, and Flood Control, there was little documentation on bidder selection—and whether county employees selecting vendors had conflicts of interest disclosures on file—and no formal policy requiring personnel involved in selection to even document conflicts. The audit shows the issue dates back to 1977. In response, Hidalgo held a press conference during which she urged the four county commissioners to relinquish control of contracting to the purchasing department.
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Buckholts ISD holds bond meeting after calling for over $11 million bond to renovate deteriorating facilities
The Buckholts Independent School District held a bond information night on Thursday after the district’s board of trustees called for an over $11 million bond in the upcoming May 2024 election. The district says the $11.145 million bond proposal is expected to add a new middle school to the high school, convert the current middle school into an elementary school and help with significant renovations to all campuses.
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Retired Humble ISD athletic director denies sexual harassment claims
Newly released documents detail shocking sexual harassment allegations involving former Humble ISD Athletic Director Troy Kite. The claims are part of a Title IX investigation conducted by an outside agency, which centered on allegations of a hostile and inappropriate work environment allegedly fostered by Kite.
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Port Arthur ISD support center renovation full go; district leaders outline plans and timeline
The future home of Port Arthur Independent School District’s Support Center is abuzz with activity as crews transform the former Catholic high school and health center at 9th Avenue and Texas 73. The $13.1 million building project at 3601 Texas 73 is going to host a multitude of district services in one central location. They include maintenance, transportation, records, custodial, police, shipping and receiving, technology, instructional materials and a print shop, according to Phyllis Geans, assistant superintendent of operations.
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Austin ISD updates how it will respond to vaping on campus
Austin Independent School District is changing how it responds to e-cigarettes on campus. A new Texas law, House Bill 114, requires public school districts to send students to a District Alternative Learning Education Program (DAEP) if they are caught having, using or selling an e-cigarette on campus or within 300 feet of a school.
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Del Valle ISD looking to hire 90 teachers
As the school year comes to an end many districts across Central Texas will now look to fill vacant positions for the upcoming year. In Del Valle ISD, District officials tell KXAN they are looking to fill 90 teaching positions. “Math and science has always been a huge need and now English, language arts, secondary teachers is a big need,” said Del Valle ISD Superintendent Annette Tielle.
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As STAAR testing is underway, some Houston ISD parents are opting their children out
STAAR testing statewide has kicked off this month and some parents in Houston ISD are choosing to allow their students to opt out of the state-mandated test. The Texas Education Agency recognizes the STAAR (the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness) exam as a state-mandated test designed to measure the extent to which a student has learned and is able to demonstrate they have mastered the curriculum at each grade level.
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Pittsburg ISD approves calling $93.8 million bond after previous failed election
“We went back to the community and you know we obviously, we still have needs that we need to address and we want to listen to the community,” said Superintendent Terry Waldrep about calling for another bond.
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Beaumont ISD board approves new rebranded stadium name
In a 6-0 vote, the board approved the name "Doggett Family Stadium" and showed a rendering of the stadium with the new name.
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McGregor ISD proposing $82 million bond, says a new junior high is a top priority
"I just think it's a really good way to invest in our community and our kids,” said McGregor resident Stephanie Thompson. Investing in the kids — it's something McGregor ISD is aiming to do. The district is proposing an $82 million bond.
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