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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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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Lone Finalist	Iraan-Sheffield Collegiate ISD - Gary Laramore, Principal,Balmorhea ISD; Search by: Dr. Nelson Coulter assisted by Collegiate Edu-NationINFO
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Lone Finalist	Gold-Burg ISD - Jonathan Lloyd, Principal,Detroit ISD; Search by: Region 9 ESC, Darren Francis and Kenny Miller INFO
Lone Finalist	West Hardin Co. CISD - Donald Heseman, Principal,Clyde ISD; Search by: Dr. Byron Terrier, Exec. Dir. Region 5 ESCINFO
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Lone Finalist	Rogers ISD - Duana Brashear, Assistant Superintendent,Royal ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO
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New Super	White Oak ISD - William Paul, Superintendent,Windthorst ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO
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New Super	Glasscock County ISD - Mallory Marr, Chief Academic Officer,Sweetwater ISD; Search by: CCR Educational Consultants, Dr. Skip Casey, Staci Robertson, & Rod TownsendINFO
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Announcement of new Superintendent for New Home ISD:

April 1708:30 AM

The Board of Education for New Home Independent School District proudly announces Mr. Toby Tucker as the new Superintendent of Schools. This action was taken at a Board meeting after the state-mandated 21-day waiting period was met. Mr. Tucker was then officially hired as Superintendent. Mr. Tucker and his family are looking forward to becoming part of the New Home community.

Texas Republicans urge Senate Democrats to give Mayorkas a full impeachment trial

April 1708:30 AM

Two Texans are among 11 House impeachment managers initiating a trial of the Homeland Security secretary in the Senate. U.S. Reps. Michael McCaul, R-Austin, August Pfluger, R-San Angelo, and nine other Republican impeachment managers presented the articles of impeachment Tuesday against U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas to the Senate, urging Democrats to give the secretary a full trial. “We did our job in the House, and I pray that [Senate Majority Chuck] Schumer will do his job in the Senate as he is required to do under the Constitution,” McCaul said during a news conference with other managers and several senators after delivering the articles to the upper chamber. view article

Announcement of new Superintendent for Ropes ISD

April 1708:29 AM

The Board of Education for Ropes Independent School District proudly announces Mr. Dade Cosby as the new Superintendent of Schools. This action was taken at a Board meeting after the state-mandated 21-day waiting period was met. Mr. Cosby was then officially hired as Superintendent. Mr. Cosby has 14 years of experience in Texas public schools and is currently the Superintendent at Cross Plains ISD. Prior to that, he served as a principal at Cross Plains ISD and served at Lubbock Cooper ISD and Knox City-O’Brian ISD. He and his wife, Laura, have an 18-month old son, Deacon. Laura is in the retail business. The Cosby’s are looking forward to becoming part of the Ropes ISD community.

Whitehouse ISD names lone finalist for superintendent position

April 1708:29 AM

Whitehouse ISD on Monday named the lone finalist for its superintendent position. During a special board meeting, trustees approved Dr. Casey Whittle as the top candidate for the role. This comes after former Whitehouse ISD Superintendent Dr. Christopher Moran left the school district to become superintendent of San Angelo ISD. Moran had been superintendent since 2016. view article

Tuloso-Midway ISD move STAAR testing dates due to internet outage at certain campuses

April 1708:28 AM

Students and faculty over at Tuloso-Midway Independent School District experienced a temporary internet outage that primarily affected the intermediate school as STAAR testing was supposed to begin. The outage being caused by a downed powerline. view article

Treat of the Day: Bryan ISD elementary schools hold pep rallies for test week

April 1708:10 AM

Bryan ISD elementary schools held pep rallies and events last week to encourage students before STAAR testing week. Bonham, Bowen, Henderson, and Jones Elementary had guests and teachers cheer them on before the week began. The district said that the older students have already been in testing mode, and they wish all students the best of luck on the state tests. view article

Willis ISD approves $1,500 teacher raises

April 1706:51 AM

Willis ISD approves $1,500 teacher raises Editor's note: This story has been updated to reflect WISD Superintendent Kimberley James will be approved by the board at a special meeting on April 22. This story has also been updated to clarify which positions will receive the $1,500 salary increase and that the increase will be applied to the district's pay scales. At its April 10 meeting, the Willis ISD board of trustees unanimously approved a $1,500 salary increase for teachers, counselors, librarians and registered nurses for the 2024-25 school year. The raise will be applied to each level on the pay scales for the applicable positions. view article

2024 Senate Interim Charges Released

April 1703:43 AM

The Lieutenant Governor’s Office has released the 2024 Legislative Interim Charges for the Texas Senate. No hearings on the charges are posted at this time, but we anticipate they will begin in a few weeks. See some of the charges related to public schools.

Bobby Donald Browning - Obituary

April 1608:43 AM

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. view article

A South Texas candidate sues his town for records he says will prove his opponent’s corruption

April 1608:41 AM

Rio Grande City officials called Ediel Barrera’s requests “vague or ambiguous.” A South Texas political candidate is suing his town over a bevy of public records requests, accusing officials of delaying the release of records he wants to prove his opponent is corrupt. Rio Grande City officials took the unusual step of announcing on social media earlier this month that the request and subsequent lawsuit filed by Ediel Barrera was causing a backlog and that the public may have to wait longer than usual for their documents. view article

Tesla reportedly pauses Cybertruck deliveries amid issues

April 1608:41 AM

Tesla reportedly halted deliveries on its futuristic-looking Cybertruck that’s produced out of the EV-maker’s factory in Austin. Automotive website Carbuzz first reported on the temporary delivery break, after members of an online forum for Cybertruck owners noted that their deliveries got delayed. The culprit, buyers said, has to do with the accelerator pedal. Automotive website Carbuzz first reported on the temporary delivery break, after members of an online forum for Cybertruck owners noted that their deliveries got delayed. The culprit, buyers said, has to do with the accelerator pedal. Tesla hasn’t confirmed or shared why deliveries have stopped, but hundreds of the trucks were lined up at Giga Texas over the weekend, YouTuber Brad Sloan noted. Tesla hasn’t confirmed or shared why deliveries have stopped, but hundreds of the trucks were lined up at Giga Texas over the weekend, YouTuber Brad Sloan noted. view article

State Lawmaker Faces Heat for Employment by Lobbying Firm

April 1608:40 AM

State Rep. Gary VanDeaver is currently facing a primary runoff election against Chris Spencer. A new report reveals Republican State Rep. Gary VanDeaver of New Boston was a paid consultant for a lobbying firm. A 2022 personal financial statement, first reported by the Dallas Express, shows that VanDeaver was employed by Powell Law Group from 2020-2022. According to the firm’s website, the group offers “turnkey public policy and governmental affairs programs for school district leaders and businesses in the education space who want to influence local and state legislative and regulatory matters.” While VanDeaver claimed the Powell Group “is not a lobby firm,” the group’s own website states that their government relations services include lobbying. view article

Humble ISD Athletic Director retires after report cites sexual harassment claims

April 1608:40 AM

The suburban school district official reportedly created a hostile work environment and made sexual comments about coworkers' bodies and clothing. A former Houston area school official is facing backlash after recent controversial comments emerged last week leading to his abrupt retirement. Former Humble ISD Athletic Director Troy Kite is being accused of creating a hostile work environment and making sexually explicit comments toward coworkers, according to a recent report by the Houston Landing. view article

Federal judge fines Texas child welfare agency $100K per day for foster care failures

April 1608:40 AM

A federal judge has ordered Texas health and human services officials to pay $100,000 per day in fines for routinely neglecting investigations into allegations of abuse and neglect by children in the state’s beleaguered foster care system, according to a Monday order. U.S. District Judge Janis Jack found Texas Health and Human Services Commissioner Cecile E. Young in contempt of her court orders to fix the way the state investigates complaints by children in its care. It is the third time the state has been held in contempt of court orders since a 2011 lawsuit was filed about foster care conditions in the care of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, the child welfare arm of HHS. The judge’s decision was prompted by the “continued recalcitrance” to conduct thorough, accurate and timely abuse, neglect, and exploitation investigations by the agency’s Provider Investigations unit, which investigates those allegations, the 427-page decision reads. view article

AP Tennessee judge set to decide whether a Nashville school shooters’ journals are public records

April 1608:40 AM

Whether the journals of a Nashville school shooter can be released to the public will go before a Tennessee judge on Tuesday after nearly a year of legal wrangling over who can participate in the case.What started as a simple public records request has ballooned into a messy mix of conspiracy theories, leaked documents, probate battles and new legislation as different sides try to gain an advantage. And even though the main issue of which police investigative records can be released has finally made it to a court hearing, any decision by Chancery Court Judge I’Ashea Myles is likely to be appealed view article

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Faith-based film crew whose visit to Keller ISD school sparked controversy releases documentary: ‘God, Jesus, Trump’

April 1608:31 AM

More than a month after the fallout from a faith-based film crew’s visit to a Keller ISD school, the documentary series has released its episode. On Sunday, Netherlands-based Evangelische Omroep (EO), an Evangelical broadcast television network, released its new episode of ‘God, Jesus, Trump!’ view article

State Lawmaker Faces Heat for Employment by Lobbying Firm

April 1608:30 AM

A new report reveals Republican State Rep. Gary VanDeaver of New Boston was a paid consultant for a lobbying firm. A 2022 personal financial statement, first reported by the Dallas Express, shows that VanDeaver was employed by Powell Law Group from 2020-2022. According to the firm’s website, the group offers “turnkey public policy and governmental affairs programs for school district leaders and businesses in the education space who want to influence local and state legislative and regulatory matters.” While VanDeaver claimed the Powell Group “is not a lobby firm,” the group’s own website states that their government relations services include lobbying. view article

Parents of Slain Parkland Students Applaud Utah for $100M School Safety Bill

April 1608:30 AM

‘We put our money where our mouth is’ for future generations, Utah Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson says during ceremonial signing. The mother of Alyssa Alhadeff, a student who was killed in her English class during the 2018 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida, stood before a room full of lawmakers and state officials on Wednesday. Lori Alhadeff held a portrait of her daughter in her arms as she applauded Utah for becoming the sixth state to pass “Alyssa’s Law,” legislation mandating silent panic alarms in classrooms that are directly linked to law enforcement. “We are taking momentous steps forward in safeguarding our children’s well-being,” Alhadeff said, adding the bill represents “our collective commitment to providing a secure learning environment for every child in Utah.” view article

Central Texas School Districts use different strategies to help students on STAAR test

April 1608:30 AM

Waco, TX (FOX 44) — We’re in the middle of STAAR testing and school districts in our area have made instructional changes in the classroom to help students meet the mark. Waco and Academy ISD say they’re closing the gap on where student test scores were before Covid-19. Waco ISD used funds during Covid-19 to get additional intervention specialists to help students who were falling behind. “Our campuses have now incorporated that for next year into their campus budgets because we know that’s so important, so [we’re] really trying to provide extra intervention and really intervention that is really aligned from early elementary all the way up through high school,” said Deena Cornblum, Waco ISD Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction. view article

Biden administration agrees to provide $6.4 billion to Samsung for making computer chips in Texas

April 1608:30 AM

The Biden administration has reached an agreement to provide up to $6.4 billion in direct funding for Samsung Electronics to develop a computer chip manufacturing and research cluster in Texas. The funding announced Monday by the Commerce Department is part of a total investment in the cluster that, with private money, is expected to exceed $40 billion. The government support comes from the CHIPS and Science Act, which President Joe Biden signed into law in 2022 with the goal of reviving the production of advanced computer chips domestically. "The proposed project will propel Texas into a state-of-the-art semiconductor ecosystem," Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said on a call with reporters. "It puts us on track to hit our goal of producing 20% of the world's leading edge chips in the United States by the end of the decade." view article

State district judge recommends overturning Melissa Lucio’s death sentence

April 1608:30 AM

In a rare joint statement, the district attorney and the defense agreed that prosecutors withheld evidence that could point to a Rio Grande Valley woman’s innocence in the death of her toddler. A district judge who previously presided over a woman’s capital murder case recommended last week that the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals overturn Melissa Lucio's 2008 conviction after a district attorney’s office admitted that prosecutors withheld evidence from her defense. Decades after a jury sentenced Lucio to death for the murder of her 2-year-old daughter, the Cameron County district attorney and Lucio’s legal team cosigned court filings that found key evidence, which included interviews with Lucio’s other children, was suppressed by prosecutors at the time of the case. view article

Dozens of Texas water systems exceed new federal limits on “forever chemicals”

April 1608:30 AM

In Texas, 49 public water utility systems have reported surpassing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s first-ever limits for five “forever chemicals” in drinking water, according to data submitted to the federal agency. Experts say there are likely more since not all water systems have submitted their data. PFAS, or perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are widespread and long lasting in the environment. They are called “forever chemicals” because they don't break down and can persist in water and soil, and even human blood indefinitely. The chemicals have been used since the 1940s to repel oil and water and resist heat. They have been included in thousands of household products from nonstick cookware to industrial products like firefighting foam. There are more than 12,000 types of individual forever chemicals, but new EPA standards announced last week set new limits for five of them: PFOA and PFOS have a limit of 4 parts per trillion while PFHxS, PFNA, and HFPO-DA have a limit of 10 parts per trillion. view article

House Doubles Down on FISA Authorization, Rejects Motion to Reconsider

April 1608:30 AM

The House of Representatives on April 15 rejected a motion to reconsider its vote to reauthorize the controversial Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). Ahead of the vote on the motion to reconsider put forward by Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.), lawmakers voted to table the motion to avoid its consideration altogether. It was tabled in a 259–168 vote. Ms. Luna put the measure forward last week following the House’s passage of a two year reauthorization of Section 702 in a 273–147 vote. Consideration of the motion was postponed until this week, although it was largely expected to fail. The reauthorization passed last week didn’t include a requirement that intelligence agencies get a warrant to search Americans’ data and communications, as an amendment that would have mandated a warrant was rejected in a tie vote. view article

Supreme Court Issues 9–0 Decision in Big Win for US Property Owners | Facts Matter

April 1608:30 AM

In a unanimous decision on Friday, the U.S. Supreme Court delivered a rare victory for American property owners. Specifically, this Supreme Court ruling curbs the power of local governments to impose permitting fees. Or, in other words, it stops local government from being able to use the permitting process to force property owners to pay large development fees. Let’s go through the details of the case together. view article

Barber school provides another path for Lufkin High School students

April 1608:30 AM

As Jose Vazquez contemplated the value of barber school, he noted just how far the learning can reach. “It’s a skill that will last a lifetime,” he said. Jose and his wife Maria Vazquez own the Texan’s Barber School in the Lufkin Mall at 4600 S. Medford Drive, and they also serve as teachers there. The school has been open since 2016, and for the last two school years Maria and Jose Vazquez have been working with Lufkin ISD to enable Lufkin High School students to earn barber certification and school credit hours. The LHS students undergo a selection process to be admitted. “You get to graduate with your (barber) license,” said Dominique Buenda, a Lufkin High School junior. For her, she said, that “definitely adds more” to her high school degree. view article

Whitehouse ISD board approves Dr. Casey Whittle as lone finalist for superintendent

April 1608:29 AM

The Whitehouse ISD Board of Trustees approved Dr. Casey Whittle as the lone finalist for Superintendent of Schools during its April 15 meeting. With nearly twenty-five years dedicated to public education, Dr. Whittle brings a depth of experience and knowledge to WISD. Dr. Whittle has served as Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources at Wylie ISD since 2020. view article

Former Grapeland ISD employee arrested over inappropriate photo

April 1608:27 AM

A former Grapeland ISD employee has been arrested after allegedly showing an explicit image to a student. Joshua Jeremaine Kincade, 44, of Neches, was arrested on April 9 on a charge of displaying harmful material to a minor. According to a probable cause affidavit, police were notified that a complaint had been made at Grapeland Junior High School on Feb. 29. Kincade had been working for Grapeland ISD as a substitute teacher and IT assistant. He was fired for a separate incident, the affidavit says, and when a student heard he had been fired she spoke up to a teacher about a previous interaction. The student was sent to the Kalin Children’s Advocacy Center to meet with a forensic interviewer. view article

Counselors on hand at Somerville ISD following deadly crash on Highway 36

April 1608:09 AM

Troopers with the Texas Department of Public Safety are investigating a fatal crash along Highway 36. Details are limited but according to a DPS sergeant, the two-vehicle crash happened around 6:10 a.m. Monday south of Caldwell. One person was killed and there were multiple injuries, according to DPS. view article

Watch a 9 a.m. conversation on how new laws are affecting public education in Texas

April 1608:00 AM

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. view article

U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar warns that using federal aid to help migrants travel makes San Antonio a “magnet”

April 1508:41 AM

San Antonio’s migrant aid, which had been dwindling rapidly, will soon get an infusion of $17.8 million from the federal government, U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar announced Friday. But while announcing the money he helped fight for, the Laredo Democrat cautioned cities like San Antonio that their efforts to aid migrants may be contributing to a rise in the number of migrant arrivals. “My nonprofits in Laredo see the San Pedro site there in San Antonio as the ‘milk and honey center,’ ” he told reporters in a call on Friday. “A lot of the migrants say, carry [on] to San Pedro, not San Pedro, Monterrey, but San Pedro, the center there on San Pedro, by the mall.” view article

Patrick eyes end of property taxes

April 1508:41 AM

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick says “continued property tax relief” would be a top conservative priority when the Legislature reconvenes. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick says “continued property tax relief” would be a top conservative priority when the Legislature reconvenes. view article

Killeen school board hires architect for new HQ building

April 1508:40 AM

Killeen school board hires architect for new HQ building The actual request for this work is a modification to the existing “Standard Form of Agreement” between KISD as the owner and Huckabee, dated Oct. 1, 2020. The “Task Request” approved by the board Tuesday includes only architectural and engineering services to provide a plan for the interior of the building — a point Board President Brett Williams expressed during discussion with Adam Rich, KISD’s assistant superintendent for facilities services. view article

Harris County Democrat says if guaranteed income pilot program is struck down, school vouchers shouldn’t be allowed either

April 1508:40 AM

Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis responded on Inside Texas Politics after the Texas Attorney General filed a lawsuit to block the Harris County program. Calling it “plainly unconstitutional,” Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sued Harris County to block a guaranteed income program days before the payments were set to begin. Around 1,900 families would receive $500 in cash payments a month, for 18 months. And there would be no strings attached, and no rules on how they spend that money. view article

WFISD looks ahead in five-year community strategic planning meeting

April 1508:40 AM

WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL) — The next five years might seem far away, but they’ll be here sooner than you think. That’s why members of the Wichita Falls Independent School District want to get a head start on planning their future. “This five-year strategic plan will tell us where we are going in the future and, more importantly, how we are going to get there,” WFISD Superintendent Dr. Donny Lee said. “When we get there, are we making some positive results?” view article

UISD conducts lockdown drill at United High

April 1508:40 AM

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - United High School’s main campus hosted a lockdown simulation organized by the United Independent School District (UISD) on Thursday, April 11, to boost preparedness for potential emergencies. Officials from various agencies, including Laredo Fire, Laredo Police, Webb County Sheriff’s Office, ATF, FBI, DPS, and Border Patrol, were invited to observe the drill and learn about the school’s safety procedures. Ruben Ayala, UISD’s Safety and Crisis Response Manager, emphasized the importance of collaboration, stating, “The reason why we wanted to do this is that what we’ve realized is that the more communication and collaboration with outside agencies. If something would happen, we have a better chance of success. What we’re doing is trying to have everybody working together and learn from each other so that we can make sure that our students and staff are always safe.” view article

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TexasISD.com was the brainchild of Joe F. Smith. Joe retired early from a successful career as Superintendent of Schools for Hudson ISD, deep in the Piney Woods of East Texas. Due to a long battle with Post-Polio Syndrome the doctor made him hang it up and rest for six months. Never being the kind of person to sit still and also not being the person to listen to his doctor, Joe logged lengthy sessions in front of his PC researching school issues, reading papers and corresponding with his friends and colleagues in the education business.

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