Abbott touts Texas border initiatives at Republican National Convention. Here’s what he said

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott brought a familiar script with him to his prime time address to the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee on Wednesday night, hammering against Democratic President Joe Biden's border and immigration policies and touting the Lone Star State's response to the surge in migrants at the Texas-Mexico border. "Joe Biden deserted his duty on his first day in office," Abbott told the cheering delegates, many of who waved mass-produced bright blue placards saying "Mass Deportation Now!" "He gutted President (Donald) Trump's policies, and the result has been catastrophic. Under Joe Biden, illegal immigration has skyrocketed." Abbott affirmed to the convention that Trump, if elected, would "send them back," referring to undocumented immigrants. Since Biden ousted Trump from the White House after the 2020 election, Abbott swiftly assumed the mantle of the nation's loudest voice for beefed-up border security. And the three-term Republican governor of the U.S. state with largest border with Mexico made sure the GOP delegates inside Milwaukee's Fiserv Forum knew it. Abbott has been a Trump stalwart dating back to the former president's first campaign in 2016. This cycle Abbott gave Trump his endorsement in November 2023, and in February the governor and the former president joined forces in Eagle Pass where Abbott had amassed a militarized encampment in that border city as part of his $11 billion Operation Lone Star initiative.
Explained: Everything voters need to know about Austin ISD’s tax rate election

The Austin school board last month adopted a $1.2 billion budget for the 2024-25 school year that depends on voters in November approving a tax rate of 92.87 cents per $100 of property valuation. The approved budget would leave Austin schools with a $41 million deficit for the upcoming school year. However, district officials said the proposed tax rate would keep the district from having a $78 million budget shortfall. Statewide, many school districts are grappling with ailing budgets as the Legislature last year did not pass any meaningful increases to public school funding to keep up with rising inflationary costs and demands for additional programming and services as well as employee pay raises — leaving districts to turn to local taxpayers to close the gap.
Explained: Everything voters need to know about Austin ISD’s tax rate election

The Austin school board last month adopted a $1.2 billion budget for the 2024-25 school year that depends on voters in November approving a tax rate of 92.87 cents per $100 of property valuation. The approved budget would leave Austin schools with a $41 million deficit for the upcoming school year. However, district officials said the proposed tax rate would keep the district from having a $78 million budget shortfall. Statewide, many school districts are grappling with ailing budgets as the Legislature last year did not pass any meaningful increases to public school funding to keep up with rising inflationary costs and demands for additional programming and services as well as employee pay raises — leaving districts to turn to local taxpayers to close the gap.
Longview ISD releases contract details, First 100-Day Plan for new Superintendent Dr. Marla Sheppard

Dr. Marla Sheppard's official contract with Longview ISD includes an annual salary of $275,000 and is effective from July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2027. Terms of the contract include providing professional development and other benefits, including reimbursement for moving expenses and the requirement that Dr. Sheppard reside within the district. More information about Dr. Sheppard's contract is available on the district website: w3.LISD.org/leadership July 8, 2024 also marks Dr. Sheppard's first official workday as Superintendent and the new chief is not wasting any time! Her First 100-Day Plan outlines some of the immediate goals of her administration toward developing a long-term strategic vision for the entire district. The plan emphasizes building transparent relationships with the board, fostering community engagement, and enhancing academic excellence, as well as fostering trust and buy-in within the greater Longview community. Community members are encouraged to review the plan on the district website: w3.LISD.org/leadership For more information please contact LISD Communications at ask@lisd.org or call 903-381-2235.
Billions in taxpayer dollars now go to religious schools via vouchers

Billions in taxpayer dollars are being used to pay tuition at religious schools throughout the country, as state voucher programs expand dramatically and the line separating public education and religion fades. School vouchers can be used at almost any private school, but the vast majority of the money is being directed to religious schools, according to a Washington Post examination of the nation’s largest voucher programs. Vouchers, government money that covers education costs for families outside the public schools, vary by state but offer up to $16,000 per student per year, and in many cases fully cover the cost of tuition at private schools. In some schools, a large share of the student body is benefiting from a voucher, meaning a significant portion of the school’s funding is coming directly from the government.
H-E-B’s Charles Butt spends big to boost public schools. Why did he cut back before key elections?

Gov. Greg Abbott and pro-voucher groups pumped a record-breaking $15 million into flipping state House seats ahead of the March primaries, while the grocery giant’s political action committee spent just under $2 million supporting GOP incumbents. After bruising defeats in the first round, Butt spent even less in May’s runoffs, in which four more pro-voucher candidates won, securing a presumed majority in the House to pass Abbott’s plan next year to divert taxpayer dollars to private and religious schools. The week before the defeats, Butt’s political committee reported that it had left more than $10 million unspent in its account.

News Category

TexasISD.com
Endorsed Products

TexasISD.com
Advertising

TexasISD.com
Quick Links

67 Superintendent Vacancies Click to expand Click to collapse

Vacant	Tom Bean ISD; Search by: Tom Bean ISD Board of Trustees & Kelly Lusk INFO
Vacant	Montgomery ISD; Search by: Thomposon & Horton LLP - Dr. Mike Moses & David Thompson INFO
Vacant	Santa Rosa ISD; Search by: O’Hanlon, Demerath & CastilloINFO
Vacant	Uvalde CISD; Search By: Region 20 ESC INFO
Vacant	Fairfield ISD; Search by: Walsh, Gallegos, Trevino, Kyle & Robinson P.C.& Education Consultant Dr. Ann DixonINFO
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 Martel INFO
Vacant	Ben Bolt-Palito Blanco ISD; Search by: O’Hanlon, Demerath & CastilloINFO
Vacant	Carrizo Springs ISD; Search by: O’Hanlon, Demerath & CastilloINFO
Vacant	Dickinson ISD; Search by: Dickinson ISD Board of TrusteesINFO
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	Kermit ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO
Vacant	Burton ISD; Search by: Powell Law Group, Dr. Danny Lovett INFO
Vacant	Union Hill ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO
Vacant	Socorro 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 Lyon INFO
Vacant	Hutto ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO
Vacant	Hereford ISD; Hereford ISD Board of Trustees & Region 16 ESC, Dr. Tanya Larkin, Exec. Dir.INFO
Vacant	Region 10 ESC Executive Director; Thomposon & Horton LLP - David Thompson & Dr. Mike Moses INFO
Vacant	Pettus ISD - Jesus Hernandez III, Chief of Staff,Southwest ISD; Search by: JCA Law, PLLC and DBU Educational Leadership Consulting Corporation.INFO
Vacant	San Benito CISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO
Vacant	Carroll ISD; Search by: Carrrol ISD Board of TrusteesINFO
Vacant	Louise ISD; Search by: Leon\|Alcala PLLCINFO
Vacant	University of Texas High School Special Purpose District; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO
Vacant	Waco ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO
Vacant	Del Valle ISD; Search by: O’Hanlon, Demerath & CastilloINFO
Vacant	Rio Vista ISD; Search by: Leasor Crass, P.CINFO
Vacant	Mathis ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO
Vacant	Lipan ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO
Vacant	Onalaska ISD; Search by: Onalaska ISD Board of TrusteesINFO
Vacant	Victoria ISD; Search by: JCA Law, PLLC and Saul Hinojosa INFO
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 Kincaid INFO
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 Surratt INFO
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 ESC INFO
Lone Finalist	Cypress-Fairbanks ISD (Deadline Updated); Search by: Thomposon & Horton LLP - Dr. Mike Moses & David Thompson INFO
Lone Finalist	San Angelo ISD - Dr. Christopher Moran, Superintendent,Whitehouse ISD; Search by: Thomposon & Horton LLP - David Thompson & Dr. Mike Moses INFO
Lone Finalist	Rotan ISD - Michael Rudewick, Assistant Principal,San Angelo ISD; Search by: Ronnie Kincaid INFO
Lone Finalist	Duncanville ISD - Dr. T. Lamar Goree, Superintendent,Caddo Parish Public Schools; Search by: Thompson & Horton LLP - Dr. Mike Moses & David Thompson INFO
Lone Finalist	Iowa Park CISD - Kevin McCasland, Superintendent,Olton ISD; Search by: Impact Education Specialists - Doug Williams, Kevin Worthy, Blake Cooper and Stan Surratt INFO
Lone Finalist	Corrigan-Camden ISD - Mr. Brian Aiken , Assistant Superintendent,Crockett ISD; Search by: Leon\|Alcala PLLCINFO
Lone Finalist	Prairiland ISD - Jason Hostetler, Principal,Prairieland ISD; Search by: Prairieland ISD Board of Trustees and Supt. Jeff Ballard INFO
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 Surratt INFO
Lone Finalist	Weimar ISD - Chase Seelke, Assistant Superintendent,Paradise ISD; Search by: Region 3 ESC, Exec. Dir. Morris Lyon INFO
Lone Finalist	Mason ISD - Sean Leamon, Superintendent,Winters ISD; Search by: Region 15 ESC INFO
Lone Finalist	Normangee ISD - Justin Vercher, Principal,Hillsboro ISD; Search by: N2 Learning, Dr. Eddie Coulson & Dr. Brad Lancaster (Updated Deadline)INFO
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 Thompson INFO
Lone Finalist	Lufkin ISD - Dr. James Hockenberry, Assistant Superintendent,Longview ISD; Search by: Thompson & Horton LLP - Dr. Mike Moses & David Thompson INFO
Lone Finalist	Willis ISD - Dr. Kimberly James, Deputy Superintendent,Corpus Christi ISD; Search by: Thomposon & Horton LLP - Dr. Mike Moses & David Thompson INFO
Lone Finalist	Panhandle ISD - Dr. John Sherrill, Principal,Archer City ISD; Search by: 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 Johnson INFO
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 Thompson INFO
Lone Finalist	Royse City ISD - Dr. Amy Anderson, Interim Superintendent,Royse City ISD; Search by: Thompson & Horton LLP - Dr. Mike Moses, David Thompson & Dr. Curtis Culwell INFO
Lone Finalist	Valley View ISD - James Womack, Superintendent,Richland Springs ISD; Education Solutions and Services Mike Smith & Letha Hopkins INFO
Lone Finalist	Tenaha ISD - Jerrod Campbell, Principal,Timpson ISD; Search by: Tenaha ISD Board of TrusteesINFO
Lone Finalist	Elkhart ISD - Kyle Johnson, Assistant Superintendent,Westwood ISD; Search by: Arrow Educational Services INFO
Lone Finalist	Lumberton ISD - Dr. John Mathews, Assistant Superintendent,Celina ISD; Search by: Arrow Educational Services INFO
Lone Finalist	Olton ISD - Michael Michaleson, Principal,Lockney ISD; Search by: Region 17 ESC, Kyle Wargo Exec. DirectorINFO
Lone Finalist	Muenster ISD - Matthew Quick, Principal,Tatum ISD; Search by: Impact Education Specialists - Doug Williams, Kevin Worthy, Blake Cooper and Stan Surratt INFO
Lone Finalist	Dew ISD - Kent Reynolds, Superintendent,Hallsburg ISD; Search by: Impact Education Specialists - Doug Williams, Kevin Worthy, Blake Cooper and Stan Surratt INFO
Lone Finalist	Richland Springs ISD - Jeff Kirby, Superintendent,Poolville ISD; Search by: Region 15 ESC INFO
Lone Finalist	Early ISD - Joan Otten, Director,Katy ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO
Lone Finalist	Richards ISD - Michael Smith, Chief Operations Officer,West Hardin ISD; Search by: Leon\|Alcala PLLCINFO
Lone Finalist	Friona ISD - Daniel Rosales, Director,Friona ISD; Friona ISD Board of Trustees & Region 16 ESC, Dr. Tanya Larkin, Exec. Dir.INFO
Lone Finalist	United ISD - Gerardo Cruz, Assistant Superintendent,Laredo ISD; Search by: TASB Executive Search ServicesINFO
Lone Finalist	Brock ISD - Dr. Shannon Luis, Superintendent,Era ISD; Search by: CCR Educational Consultants, Dr. Skip Casey, Staci Robertson, & Rod TownsendINFO
Lone Finalist	Northside ISD (Wilbarger Co.) - Paul Ryan, Superintendent,Rio Vista ISD; Search by: Region 9 ESC, Darren Francis and Kenny Miller INFO
New Super	Presidio ISD - Carmen Rubner, Interim Superintendent,Presidio ISD; Search by: Arrow Educational Services INFO
New Super	Henrietta ISD - Jaime Clark, Chief of Schools,Lewisville ISD; Search by: Region 9 ESC, Darren Francis and Kenny Miller INFO
New Super	Gorman ISD - Bill Morgan, Principal,Rains ISD; Search by: Ronnie Kincaid INFO
New Super	Cross Plains ISD - Jason Henry, Principal,Eastland ISD; Search by: Ronnie Kincaid INFO
New Super	Doss CCISD; Search by: Walsh, Gallegos, Trevino, Kyle & Robinson P.C.& Education Consultant Dr. Ann DixonINFO
New Super	Canadian ISD (Extended Timeline) - Dr. Julia McMains, Superintendent,Eustace ISD; Search by: Walsh, Gallegos, Trevino, Kyle & Robinson P.C.& Education Consultant Dr. Ann DixonINFO
New Super	Cotulla ISD - Dr. Ramiro Nava, Assistant Superintendent,Somerset ISD; Search by: Walsh, Gallegos, Treviño, Kyle & Robinson P.C., & Education Consultant Dr. Saul HinojosaINFO
New Super	Johnson City ISD - Ben Eubanks, Superintendent,Glasscock County ISD; Search by: Walsh, Gallegos, Trevino, Kyle & Robinson P.C.& Education Consultant Dr. Ann DixonINFO

How do I get my SuperSearch on TexasISD.com?Click Here for More Vacancies & Details! »

Owner of security firm once employed by North Texas ISD accused of child sexual assault

July 2508:15 AM

The owner of a security company employed by a North Texas school district has been accused of sexually assaulting a child, police say. Kirk Stanley Grable, 54, was booked July 16 in Parker County jail and faces charges of prohibited sexual conduct and sexually assaulting a child, according to booking records. Grable posted $500,000 in bond the next day and was released. view article

Democrats in Phelan’s Leadership Team Back Kamala Harris for President

July 2508:15 AM

Several Democrat members of Speaker Dade Phelan’s leadership team have endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for President, following an announcement by President Joe Biden this weekend stating he would not accept his party’s nomination for a second term. view article

51 Texas school districts are not complying with state ban on hairstyle discrimination, ACLU says

July 2508:11 AM

The ACLU of Texas said Wednesday it found 51 school districts in violation of the Texas CROWN Act, which bans race-based hair discrimination, and urged them to update their dress code policies. The Texas CROWN Act prohibits schools, workplaces and housing authorities from discriminating against hairstyles historically associated with race such as dreadlocks, cornrows or afros. view article

Carroll ISD Secures Preliminary Injunction on Biden Administration’s Title IX Rewrite

July 2508:10 AM

A federal judge has granted Carroll Independent School District’s request for a preliminary injunction against the Biden administration’s Title IX rewrite. view article

Panhandle ISD implements new STEM-based rocketry program

July 2508:06 AM

Panhandle ISD is giving high school students the opportunity to participate in a rocketry class after partnering with a STEM-based curriculum organization, Systems Go. “One of the things that developed into a priority in some of our trainings is that we want each student to have the critical skills necessary to think through a problem, sometimes to understand their end result,” said Panhandle Superintendent Dr. John Sherrill. view article

Cleveland ISD featured in Newsweek’s education series

July 2408:49 AM

In Newsweek’s America’s Education Series, released last week, Cleveland ISD and its Superintendent Stephen W. McCanless were highlighted for the District’s remarkable growth and innovative approaches to education. Recognized in 2019 by the Texas Education Agency as the fastest-growing district in Texas, Cleveland ISD’s student population has surged to more than 12,300, with projections to reach 27,000 by 2031. view article

Canyon ISD rejects price increase to school lunches, will seek waiver

July 2408:36 AM

Pushing back against the recommendation to raise school meal prices, the Canyon Independent School District voted unanimously to forgo the state’s recommended increase and to seek a waiver for raising prices for the school year. The proposed price increase would have raised all meal prices by 10 cents across the board. All elementary lunches would have gone from $2.60 to $2.70, and secondary lunches from $2.80 to $2.90. Breakfast would have increased from $1.80 to $1.90 for both secondary and elementary students. No changes would have been made to the free or reduced lunch program. This price adjustment was to be done in accordance with the Texas Department of Agriculture’s guidance and federal standards. view article

‘The trust broke’: Humble ISD board fires superintendent following frayed relationship

July 2408:35 AM

In a narrow 4-3 vote, Humble ISD trustees fired Superintendent Elizabeth Fagen Tuesday night for failing to maintain a good relationship with the board. The close vote follows months of mounting leadership divisions and controversy in the 48,000-student districts, during which trustees have described the leadership’s relationship as “broken” and many community members have aired their distrust in the outgoing superintendent and board members. Fagen was placed on paid leave in mid-May without a stated reason. view article

Q&A: What to know about Texas public school funding challenges

July 2408:32 AM

As July comes to a close, many Texas families are preparing to send their children back to school. Meanwhile, public school district boards across Texas are adopting large budget shortfalls amid high operating costs and stagnant state funding. Last year, public education advocates urged lawmakers to increase the basic allotment, or the base amount of money schools receive per student. The basic allotment has not changed since 2019, when it was raised to $6,160. To break down the Lone Star State’s complex school finance system, Community Impact spoke with Bob Popinski, the senior policy director for Raise Your Hand Texas, an education policy nonprofit. This interview has been edited for length and clarity. view article

Texas coach killed after she was struck by stray bullet while visiting San Antonio

July 2408:31 AM

A Jasper ISD coach identified as Ayden Burt, 28, has died after being shot in the upper back while sitting outside at a downtown patio bar early Tuesday morning, KENS TV, the CBS affiliate in San Antonio, confirmed. The Jasper Independent School District also confirmed the coach’s death in a Facebook post. Burt reportedly coached track, volleyball and the cheer team. view article

Kamala Harris to speak at national teacher convention in Houston

July 2408:30 AM

Fresh off winning enough delegates to earn the Democratic party's nomination, Kamala Harris is coming to Houston Thursday to speak to educators. The visit, first reported by the Houston Chronicle Tuesday, marks Harris' second trip to Texas this month after delivering an address to the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority convention in Dallas two weeks prior and one of Harris' first campaign stops since declaring her presidential candidacy Sunday. The AFT, the nation's largest teachers' union, announced its endorsement of Harris Monday, following in the footsteps of over 60 labor unions nationwide. Now, Harris will touch down in her namesake Harris County to return the favor. view article

Humble ISD trustees vote to terminate Superintendent Elizabeth Fagen’s contract

July 2408:29 AM

The decision to remove Fagen is coming more than two months after trustees voted to place her on paid administrative leave. She will now have an opportunity to appeal the board’s decision to the Texas Education Agency, which district officials said could take months to conclude. Fagen was not present for the July 23 meeting. view article

‘Guardians’ protect students at Plainview ISD; District arms staff to comply with state law

July 2408:26 AM

Plainview students will see some new signs as they walk in for their first day of school next month. They show school staff members are armed and trained to protect their students. With limited funding, the Plainview ISD police chief says that’s how the district is adapting to new state laws. view article

Community Conversations: Ysleta ISD superintendent discusses initiatives for school year

July 2408:25 AM

In today's Community Conversations, Ysleta Independent School District Superintendent Xavier De La Torre joined the KFOX14 Morning News to talk about the upcoming school year. July 29 is the first day of school for Ysleta ISD. De La Torre explained the initiatives the school district is bringing in the new school year. view article

Brownsville ISD to host border health initiative

July 2408:25 AM

he Brownsville Independent School District will host Operation Border Health Preparedness this week at Rivera Early College High School, 6955 FM 802. In partnership with the Department of State Health Services, BISD annually hosts Operation Border Health Preparedness, formerly known as Operation Lone Star, an exercise to help the community get ready for disasters. This year’s event will again offer medical services at no cost to the community. The initiative is from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Friday. view article

Bulletin Board

Submit Event »

Eichelbaum Wardell Hansen Powell & Muñoz, P.C.

2024 Texas Title IX Administrator Conference

October 15-16, 2024

Midland ISD to test 2024 school year security measures

July 2408:24 AM

view article

Family sues Winnsboro ISD after allegations of ignored verbal, sexual abuse

July 2408:23 AM

A Winnsboro family is suing the school district over what they say are ignored reports of verbal, physical sex-based and disability-based harassment of their child by two WISD students. According to the lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, the case was brought because of “actions and omissions” of Winnsboro ISD and the board of trustees of WISD, who they say failed to comply with legal mandates under federal law when the family made complaints of serious verbal and physical sex-based and disability-based bullying, harassment, discrimination, stalking and retaliation committed toward their child by two students at WISD. The board members specifically mentioned in the lawsuit are Duncan McAdoo, Brandon Green, Stacy Brown, Jay Murdock, Kristie Amason, Billy Saucier, and Brian Busby. The principal involved is Jeff Akin. The superintendent named is Dave Wilcox. The Athletic Director, Josh Finney, is also mentioned in the suit. view article

Angleton ISD served with lawsuit

July 2408:15 AM

Angleton ISD is accused of violating federal law in a suit filed in district court, official documents state. The lawsuit, brought by the Brewer Storefront law firm on behalf of plaintiff Laura Jaso and filed in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, Galveston Division, takes issue with Angleton ISD’s Board of Trustees election system. view article

FIRST DAY: London ISD celebrates arrival of new superintendent

July 2308:29 AM

Dr. Bill Chapman said he is wishing London ISD students a happy first day of school. The new superintendent is happy to be home for his first year at the district. view article

Del Valle ISD continues search for new superintendent

July 2308:25 AM

Those interested have approximately one month left to submit their applications. view article

Houston ISD launches new app to provide news from the district

July 2308:23 AM

The Houston Independent School District has launched a new app which will provide news from the district to families. The HISD Source app is an app designed to keep families, staff, and community members informed and connected, according to the district. view article

London ISD has its first day of school, district anticipates 5-6% student increase this school year

July 2308:21 AM

London ISD kicked off this school year today with lots of excitement as they have new buildings that opened today. Those are actually opening up when our kids come in on [today]. Brand new buildings," Dr. Chapman said. view article

Security chief hired to protect Northwest ISD schools arrested on child sex charges

July 2308:19 AM

The owner of the security firm hired to protect five Northwest ISD elementary schools is facing charges for allegedly sexually assaulting a child. 54-year-old Kirk Stanley Grable was booked into the Parker County jail this past Tuesday and charged with the sexual assault of a child and prohibited sexual contact. view article

Mesquite ISD expands free meals for students in the upcoming school year

July 2308:18 AM

All Mesquite ISD students will continue to receive free nutritious breakfast and lunch for the 2024-25 school year. No application will be required, according to the school district. Items outside the standard meal, such as chips, bottled water and cookies, will be available for purchase. Parents can add funds to their student’s account through the School Cafe app or website. view article

Tyler ISD Board approves dual credit agreement with TVCC in cosmetology

July 2308:18 AM

“We’ve had a cosmetology program here for quite some time, since 2015,” said Tyler ISD Executive Director of College and Career Kristen Walls. “The difference is we are giving our students the opportunity to earn dual credit for that.” view article

Texarkana ISD mourns passing of longtime board member

July 2308:18 AM

It is with profound sadness that Texarkana Independent School District (TISD) announces the passing of Gerald Brooks, a dedicated and longtime member of our community and the TISD Board of Trustees. Mr. Brooks passed away Sunday leaving behind a legacy of service, education, and commitment to the betterment of our community. view article

Brownsville ISD to host border health initiative

July 2308:15 AM

The Brownsville Independent School District will host Operation Border Health Preparedness this week at Rivera Early College High School, 6955 FM 802. In partnership with the Department of State Health Services, BISD annually hosts Operation Border Health Preparedness, formerly known as Operation Lone Star, an exercise to help the community get ready for disasters. This year’s event will again offer medical services at no cost to the community. view article

Marlin ISD installing air purifiers with the goal of improving attendance, academic results

July 2308:11 AM

A Central Texas school district is having new technology installed this week to purify the air for its students as they prepare to return to the classroom for the new school year. The hope is to have better attendance and better academic results. Marlin ISD purchased protectED wall mounted air purification devices. view article

Back to School rally at Hutto ISD helps students prepare for first day

July 2308:11 AM

The first day of school is right around the corner for several school districts. On Tuesday (7/23) afternoon, Hutto ISD is hosting their annual Back to School Rally to help families get ready for the big day. The district is calling all the hippos to come out to the Hutto Memorial Stadium for a night of fun. view article

Biden’s exit positions Doug Emhoff to become the first Jewish White House spouse

July 2308:10 AM

Biden’s exit positions Doug Emhoff to become the first Jewish White House spouse the White House in Washington, May 20, 2024. (Jacquelyn Martin/AP) JTA — Joe Biden’s decision to end his presidential campaign and endorse Kamala Harris could make American Jewish history: If Harris is nominated and wins, her husband Doug Emhoff would be the first Jewish spouse in the White House. A Harris victory, of course, would make her the first woman president. It would make Emhoff the inaugural first gentleman. He’s embraced being second gentleman and has been a visible presence in Harris’s campaigns. Since he came into the role in 2021, Emhoff has especially leaned into his position’s Jewish aspects, from lighting a menorah in the official residence to focusing on antisemitism and Holocaust remembrance. view article

Texas insurance company says Beryl will cost half of its catastrophe reserve

July 2308:00 AM

The Texas Windstorm Insurance Association voted in favor of a 10-percent premium increase for residential and commercial policyholders. The Texas Windstorm Insurance Association voted in favor of a 10-percent premium increase for residential and commercial policyholders. view article

Republican former state Rep. Jim Pitts has died at 77

July 2208:40 AM

"People trusted Jim because they liked him and saw in him a person of character, integrity, and goodness," Straus wrote on social media. "He was strong but never mean. Jim brought real joy to public service and to the lives of all who came in contact with him, and we will always remember him as a source of light in the Legislature and in our lives." U.S. Rep. Jake Ellzey, a Republican whose congressional district includes Ellis County, also praised Pitts. view article

America’s biggest education experiment is happening in Houston. Could it change U.S. schools?

July 2208:35 AM

That's how Arturo Monsiváis described life this year for his fifth-grade son, who attends Houston ISD's Raul Martinez Elementary School. Teachers raced through rapid-fire lessons. Students plugged away at daily quizzes. Administrators banned children from chatting in the hallways. Sitting in the parent pickup line on the last day of school, Monsiváis said his son often complained that the new assignments were too difficult. But Monsiváis, a construction worker, wouldn't accept any excuses: Study hard, he advised. view article

A fatal field trip: Texas bus crash shattered victims’ lives, revealed regulatory lapses

July 2208:30 AM

Jessica Flores awoke her young son about 7 a.m. March 22. By then, she had made breakfast and driven her husband, Christopher Reza, to work in time for his 6 a.m. start as a stonecutter. She also had prepared her son’s lunch: a ham sandwich, cookies, water, juice, diced apples and a mandarin. It was the first day Mauro was to be farther away than school. She felt a strong desire to keep him home. She called her husband. view article

North TX man gets 120 years in prison in child pornography, child molestation case

July 2208:30 AM

A North Texas man convicted of child pornography and recording himself molest a toddler was sentenced on Thursday to 120 years in prison, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton announced in a news release. Leslie Michael Alt, 40, of Forney, was indicted in Sept. 2022 and pleaded guilty a year later to two counts of production of child pornography and three counts of transportation of child pornography. U.S. District Judge Ada Brown gave him his sentence on Thursday. Alt admitted to using concealed cameras to record sexually explicit videos of two preteen girls, according to court documents. view article

388 Richardson Rd.
Lufkin, Texas 75904

P: (936) 622-3411
F: (877) 242-4228

Subscribe to TexasISD

Socialize:

About TexasISD.com

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.

TexasISD.com Endorsed Products

TexasISD.com Advertising

TexasISD.com Quick Links

Bulletin Board

Eichelbaum Wardell Hansen Powell & Muñoz, P.C.

2024 Texas Title IX Administrator Conference October 15-16, 2024

Get in Contact

About TexasISD.com

TexasISD.com
Endorsed Products

TexasISD.com
Advertising

TexasISD.com
Quick Links

2024 Texas Title IX Administrator Conference

October 15-16, 2024