147 measles cases reported in Texas so far this year, most of them in federal detention centers

Local officials report that 108 of the cases originated in a contracted detention facility in Hudspeth County. The largest outbreak is in a single contracted federal detention facility in Hudspeth County, as of March 18, according to DSHS. Hudspeth County Judge Joanna MacKenzie told The Texas Tribune that the 108 cases are all at the West Texas Detention Facility, which is managed by LaSalle Corrections, a private company. The facility has previously housed immigrant detainees, though it’s not clear if it still does. It does not appear on U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s list of detention facilities. “Not having jurisdiction, my office is not involved in response,” MacKenzie added in a statement, “however I remain in communication with DSHS and LaSalle, as I regularly do.”
Corpus Christi’s crucial refineries look for alternate water supplies amid looming water crisis

Corpus Christi’s crucial refineries look for alternate water supplies amid looming water crisis Companies that own refineries in Corpus Christi say they are working to secure alternative water sources to maintain operations and prevent a shortage of gasoline and jet fuel in Texas and beyond as the city scrambles to delay or avoid a rapidly-escalating water crisis. The city earlier this week said it could enter a water emergency in as soon as two months; at that point the city would have roughly six months before supply could no longer meet demand. With gasoline prices rising amid the U.S.-Israel war with Iran, water limitations in the Coastal Bend — a growing fuel and chemical hub — could further drive up prices, industry officials said.
Texas education board approves 4,200 corrections in Bible-infused curriculum

Taxpayers will bear the cost of fixing errors in learning materials published by the Texas Education Agency. The curriculum has drawn attention for its references to Christianity and the Bible. The Texas Education Agency received final approval Wednesday evening for roughly 4,200 corrections and changes to its elementary and secondary school curriculum. Voting 9-6, the State Board of Education approved the changes to Bluebonnet Learning after delaying a vote in January. Members had said they needed more time to review copyright concerns, formatting errors and typos.
Houston ISD trustees to make final decision on closing 12 schools

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Houston ISD officials are expected to finalize plans on Thursday to close 12 schools. RELATED: Houston ISD to close 12 schools in upcoming 2026-27 school year, district says This comes as multiple elected officials have asked the district to delay the decision, and, according to the district, 76 people have already signed up to speak at the HISD board meeting. District officials told Eyewitness News that there have been 24 meetings with HISD families over the past two weeks. ABC13 spoke with parents, teachers, and elected officials who say two weeks is not enough time for families to meaningfully participate in this process. HISD provided a list of these schools as being slated to close:
Galveston ISD becomes latest local school district to reject daily prayer periods, Bible readings

Houston ISD and several other area districts have voted against adopting designated prayer sessions, which are optional for students and staff under Senate Bill 11, while Magnolia ISD has approved them. All Texas districts face a March 1 deadline to make a decision about whether or not to implement them. Galveston ISD on Wednesday became the latest local school district to reject school prayer periods, which are permitted by a new Texas law.
Tyler-area school districts evaluate ties with Lifetouch amid corporate controversy

Several East Texas school districts are considering reviewing or terminating their contracts with Lifetouch following public scrutiny of the company’s corporate ownership. The controversy stems from alleged financial ties between Leon Black, the former CEO of Lifetouch’s parent firm, and convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, who died by suicide in 2019. Following the passage of the Epstein Files Transparency Act in late 2025, mandating the release of millions of previously sealed Department of Justice records, and the recent 3.5 million-page “document dump” of the files, the public has raised concerns about any entities with ties to the individual named in the Epstein files. Read more at: https://tylerpaper.com/2026/02/17/tyler-area-school-districts-evaluate-ties-with-lifetouch-amid-corporate-controversy/ Black was recently mentioned in the newly released files. He resigned from Apollo in 2021. at: https://tylerpaper.com/2026/02/17/tyler-area-school-districts-evaluate-ties-with-lifetouch-amid-corporate-controversy/

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South Texas Prosecutors Target Repeat Illegal Reentrants in Year-End Sweep

January 0608:30 AM

Federal prosecutors in South Texas closed out the year with another heavy round of border enforcement cases, underscoring how repeat illegal entry and criminal reentry remain a major strain on the region’s courts and communities. From Dec. 19 through Jan. 2, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas filed 399 cases tied to border enforcement. view article

Secretary of State Moves To Kill GOP Closed Primary Lawsuit

January 0608:30 AM

In a new filing, Jane Nelson argues the case is not ripe for judicial review.In a new filing, Jane Nelson argues the case is not ripe for judicial review.Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson is asking a federal judge to dismiss the Republican Party of Texas’ lawsuit seeking to close GOP primaries, arguing the case is premature because the party has not yet adopted a binding closed-primary system. view article

Odem ISD student charged with indecency with a child after reported assault on district school bus

January 0608:21 AM

An 18-year-old Odem ISD student is charged with indecency with a child after police say a juvenile was assaulted on a school bus returning from Hebbronville. view article

Manor ISD students not allowed at some local restaurants during their lunch

January 0608:11 AM

Recent confusion sparked in Manor over signs posted outside some local restaurants. However, the signs are not recent at all. The signs read: "Important Notice. No Manor ISD students are allowed on the premises between the hours of: Monday-Friday 8am-4pm unless accompanied by an adult. For any inquiries, contact the Manor ISD Police Department…" view article

Longtime Longview ISD administrator and community figure Doris McQueen dies

January 0608:10 AM

Longview community figure and longtime LISD admin Doris McQueen died on Jan. 1. According to Longview ISD, a memorial service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 10, at Longview EPC, 3800 Judson Road. McQueen’s obituary states she was born in Marshall on May 27, 1930. She graduated from Longview High School in 1947, already working as a bookkeeper in the district’s business office. view article

Blamed for the nation’s historic measles outbreak, West Texas Mennonites have hardened their views on vaccines

January 0508:44 AM

Months after public health officials say they caused the nation’s largest measles surge in 30 years, some West Texas Mennonites have grown more skeptical of the mainstream medical system. view article

From school vouchers to flood warning systems, these are the Texas developments to watch in 2026

January 0508:40 AM

Several court hearings and policies affecting education, health and more will roll out in the new year. view article

Trial begins for officer accused of failing to protect children during Uvalde school shooting

January 0508:40 AM

One of the first police officers to respond to the 2022 school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, goes on trial Monday on charges that he failed to protect children during the attack, when authorities waited more than an hour to confront the gunman view article

Dallas County sues Trump administration over clawback of public health funds

January 0508:35 AM

Dallas is the second Texas county to sue over public health cuts after a judge ordered the Trump administration to return $20 million to Harris County last summer. view article

Statewide battles, Latino voters and down-ballot contests: the biggest Texas political stories to watch in 2026

January 0508:30 AM

The Texas Tribune’s politics team has compiled five of the top stories we're watching this year, when voters will have their first chance to make their opinions known on the events of 2025. view article

Texas’ largest public transit system may come undone in 2026

January 0508:30 AM

DALLAS — A suburban mutiny against Texas’ largest public transit agency threatens to upend how tens of thousands of Texans get around in the state’s most populated urban area — at a time state transportation planners say the state needs more public transit. A quartet of Dallas suburbs — Plano, Irving, Farmers Branch and Highland Park — plan to vote in May on whether to leave Dallas Area Rapid Transit, or DART, following years of tensions between the suburbs and the North Texas region’s transit agency. Suburban officials complain that for how much they shell out to fund buses and light rail, their residents hardly use it. Among the four cities looking to pull out from DART, most kick in more sales tax dollars than they receive in bus service, rail and other forms of transit service, according to a consultant’s report last year. “We have just been dissatisfied with the service, the safety and certainly the ridership that is woefully low,” Plano Mayor John Muns said in an interview. “We’re paying an extraordinary amount for the service that we’re getting back.” view article

Dunbar honored with Texas Historical Marker

January 0508:16 AM

A historical marker was unveiled Saturday morning for Dunbar High School, commemorating its history and importance in the community. "A lot of familiar faces here, but I'm glad you are all in this room to celebrate this momentous occasion," Daniel Spikes said in his opening remarks. Kendrick Morris continued the ceremony, noting that Dunbar had undergone many changes over the years. "When I attended Dunbar, it was the intermediate school. I was here before it was changed to the education center," he said. "Today we are gathered at a site that represents much more than just bricks and mortar. view article

Preventive Law:Celebrate the Holidays

December 0208:35 AM

My favorite article that I have written over the years is one on official state holidays and recognitions. I find it fascinating to see which lobbyists succeed in recognitions for their cause. I look at this calendar and wonder why Monarch butterflies and veterinarian technicians get their own week, Lung Cancers Awareness gets only one day, Gold Star mothers get a day but not fathers, and there are no recognition days in December? Did you know that the 11 th day of each month is a recognition “day?”

Preventive Law: The False Claims Act and Civil Rights – What You Don’t Know Could Cost You

November 0508:35 AM

In case you are running low on things to worry about this semester, never fear. This article is dedicated to the False Claims Act (FCA), another tool the federal government appears happy to point in the direction of public schools.

Preventive Law: Negotiating With Vendors

October 0108:35 AM

Governments rely on private contractors, or vendors. Many times, using a vendor is either more efficient, less expensive, or gives the government access to expertise that it does not have. Given the ubiquitous nature of contracts with the private sector, devoting some time and attention to your vendor contracts is important.

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DAEP Placement Essentials: Legal Requirements, Practical Decisions, and Legislative Updates

April 23, 2026

Preventive Law: HB 6 and Special Education

August 1505:00 PM

During the 89th Regular Legislative Session, HB 6 made a number of changes to Chapter 37 of the Texas Education Code and the content of the 2025-2026 Student Code of Conduct. Many of these changes will likely be welcomed by Texas public schools, such as the ability to have more discretion in the determination of appropriate behavioral consequences for a student found in possession of a VAPE device.

Texas is getting older, but its child population is growing

July 0805:31 AM

Texas is growing older faster than the rest of the nation. While the number of young people in the U.S. has shrunk, the population of children in Texas has grown. The population of Texans age 65 and older grew faster than any other age group since the start of the decade, growing by 3.8% from 2023 to 2024, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. They grew faster than working-age adults and children under the age of 18. Their numbers show that people are living longer than in past generations. And, as they age, they'll increasingly rely on those of working age, a population that isn’t growing as quickly, said Holly Heard, vice president of data and analytics at Texas 2036. In Texas, which has the highest levels of people without health insurance, elder Texans will likely face more ailments as they age. view article

Preventive Law: Innovation Interrupted? Why It’s Time to Rethink Your DOI Plan

July 0209:01 AM

If you’re one of the many Texas school districts operating under a District of Innovation (DOI) Plan, you’ve already embraced flexibility and local control. But with each legislative session, it becomes increasingly important to reevaluate whether your plan still fits within the legal boundaries.

Preventive Law: More TEA “Special Investigations” are Imminent

June 0508:35 AM

During the 87th (2021) legislative session, the Legislature quietly expanded the authority of the Commissioner to investigate complaints against public schools and intervene beyond accreditation matters. These legislative revisions to Chapter 39 of the Texas Education Code (TEC) are resulting in a new wave of investigations into locally controlled policies and procedures like school district discipline procedures, bullying and harassment policies, and even student record keeping—previously considered the domain of local school officials and beyond the reach of officials in Austin. As a result, filing a complaint with TEA’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) has become the weapon of choice for anyone disgruntled with the actions of a public school.

Preventive Law: Hit the Ground Running: Setting Yourself up for Success at the Beginning of a Construction Program

May 0508:35 AM

Congratulations on passing your bond. It’s time to get to work. Let’s, for just a few minutes, set aside the beautiful architectural renderings and the excitement of the benefits that your construction program will bring to you community, and talk about ways to minimize the risk inherent in such a large undertaking.

Free medical services to be offered during Operation Border Health /Preparedness

July 2508:30 AM

SAN JUAN, Texas – From Monday, July 25, to Saturday, July 30, the Texas Health and Human Services will carry out Operation Border Health/Preparedness (OBHP). OBHP is a program that sets up sites around the Rio Grande Valley, offering residents free health services. Services include general physician services, immunizations, screenings, sport physicals, dental services, vision services, and more. Although assisting the public in maintaining their health is a goal of OBHP, the underlying purpose is to assist the community in preparing for disasters. State Sen. Juan Hinojosa, D-McAllen, said Operation Border Health Preparedness allows state, local, and nonprofit entities to practice setting up and operating health clinics that may be needed in the case of a public health emergency, while providing free care to the community. He said services include medical exams, immunizations for children and adults, sports physicals for students, health and diabetes screenings, and dental and vision exams. “Operation Border Health Preparedness is a great example of a smart policy that not only ensures we are prepared for future public health crises, but also provides an immediate public benefit in the process,” Hinojosa said. view article

Clint Independent School District approves pay raises, $2,500 payments for some employees

July 2208:27 AM

The Clint Independent School District on Thursday approved pay raises and a one-time $2,500 payment for qualifying employees during the upcoming school year. view article

After Uvalde school shooting, Texas police wonder how much training is enough — and will it matter?

June 1305:00 AM

Police officials and law enforcement experts say there’s no guarantee that officers will follow their training and confront a shooter — no matter how much training they have. In the weeks since officers in Uvalde waited more than an hour to confront a gunman who killed 19 children and two adults at an elementary school, police departments across the state have asked themselves a crucial question: If they faced a similar situation, would they be able to quickly stop the gunman? The images of parents and students pleading with officers to take action at Robb Elementary School on May 24 before a tactical team of federal agents finally breached a classroom and fatally shot the 18-year-old gunman deeply disturbed Marfa police Chief Estevan Marquez. view article

Report: Austin ISD has not met minimum TX exam standards for disabled students in 4 years

May 1208:28 AM

The Austin school district has not met minimum state exam standards for students with disabilities in the past four years, according to an independent review of the district’s special education programs. Stetson and Associates, a consulting firm, conducted a review of the Austin school district’s services for students with disabilities starting during the 2019-20 academic year, although the evaluation was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and a change in leadership at the district. view article

Watch: Dallas ISD softball coach trumpets national anthem before every home game

May 0308:29 AM

Who says you can't mix two passions together? For Dallas Independent School District softball Coach Mark Stout, he's done it weekly this season. Stout warms up his team at W.T. White High School every home game and then, for a brief moment, plays the national anthem on the trumpet to get to that exciting umpire line: play ball! He started doing it before games last season. view article

Manor ISD Breaking Ground on New Early College High School

March 1408:20 AM

Officials with the Manor Independent School District are celebrating the groundbreaking today of the new Early College High School. “This is a great day in Manor ISD,” said Dr. Andre D. Spencer, Manor ISD Superintendent. “We are breaking ground on a new building for a group of scholars who we expect to break ground academically in their respective fields of interest. We expect great things to come out of this facility and the scholars who will call this home.” view article

Extreme bus driver shortage affects local school district

March 1008:27 AM

Across the nation, school districts are having a hard time keeping and hiring bus drivers. One local school district, Comal ISD, is becoming greatly effected. As one of the fastest growing and largest districts in the San Antonio area, the district covers over 500 square miles in five different counties with over 27,000 students attending. view article

Many voting locations throughout Texas did not open because of staff shortages

March 0205:00 AM

In some voting locations where a party’s appointed polling judge didn’t show up, election officials allowed the other party’s judge to operate both parties’ voting machines in an effort to keep the polling place running. view article

Mesquite ISD Hiring From Within To Fill Superintendent Spot; Ángel Rivera Is Lone Finalist

February 1508:29 AM

The Mesquite ISD Board of Trustees announced its unanimous selection of Dr. Ángel Rivera as the lone finalist for the role of Superintendent of Schools on Monday, Feb. 14. Dr. Rivera currently holds the position of deputy superintendent for the district, which serves nearly 40,000 students. view article

Ysleta ISD sees uptick in COVID-19 related absences following winter break

January 3108:28 AM

An increase in COVID-19 cases among children in El Paso is resulting in more absences at some schools. "Last week my child had a light cough so we decided not to take her to school to not expose the other children to her cough," said El Paso ISD parent Guerrero Garcia. view article

BRENHAM ISD ATHLETIC DIRECTOR ELIOT ALLEN ACCEPTS NEW POSITION WITH BASTROP ISD

January 1808:00 AM

Brenham ISD Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Eliot Allen has accepted a position with a new school district. Brenham ISD announced this (Thursday) afternoon that Allen has been selected as Director of Athletics for Bastrop ISD. He will begin his new position next week. view article

Cy-Fair ISD board member faces calls to resign after comments about Black teachers, dropout rates

January 1408:24 AM

A growing number of Houston-area leaders are calling for the resignation of a Cy-Fair ISD board member after he made comments suggesting that the more Black teachers a district has, the greater the dropout rate. The comments were made Monday night during a work session about Cy-Fair ISD's equity audit report. view article

BRENHAM ISD PARENTS VOICE CONCERNS ABOUT SAFETY ON SCHOOL BUSES AMID DRIVER SHORTAGE

January 1208:12 AM

Some Brenham ISD parents are concerned about the safety of their children aboard school buses, while the district struggles to find people to drive them. Overcrowding and longer run times for some buses has parents worried and debating whether their children should be using school transportation. One parent, Cassi Harrison, has pulled her three children off after she says her daughter had to sit on the floor of her elementary school bus, which had students from two bus routes. Harrison says the safety of the children needs to be addressed. view article

Lewisville ISD trustees approve 2022-23 academic calendar

January 1208:01 AM

The Lewisville ISD board of trustees approved the district's 2022-23 academic calendar, which includes 177 instructional days. The 2022-23 calendar, which was approved during a Jan. 10 board meeting, will have an Aug. 10 start date with exams for the first semester to be completed before winter break, which runs Dec. 19-Jan. 4, 2023, according to the calendar. view article

Richardson ISD Brings Back Mask Mandate as COVID Cases Skyrocket

January 1108:25 AM

Saying positive cases of COVID-19 are climbing to "very high rates" in the district, the Richardson ISD says they are once again temporarily implementing a mask requirement for everyone inside K-12 schools. In a letter to parents, the district said active cases of COVID-19 have increased from 49 on Dec. 7 to 1,089 on Jan. 6, an increase of more than 2100%. The previous pandemic-high number of positive cases in RISD was 367 on Sept. 3. 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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