The San Jacinto Monument—the tallest monument column in the world—is about to undergo a "transformative" $142-million upgrade after the Texas legislature kicked in the funds.

State Rep. Trent Ashby laid out his priorities for the current legislative session and shared his thoughts on the controversial school choice program in an interview with The Lufkin Daily News this week. view article

With school funding tied to enrollment numbers, Richardson Independent School District (RISD) is taking a new approach to student recruitment. The district has launched its first-ever “apartment blitz,” sending dozens of educators door-to-door to local apartment complexes to encourage families to enroll their children. view article

Arp ISD will dismiss students at 1:30 p.m. due to a water line break in the city. The ISD announced all school buildings will be without water until further notice. All school buses will run their regular afternoon routes at 1:30 when students are released. If a student is usually picked up, the ISD asks parents to make plans to have them picked up by 1:30 p.m. view article

Temple ISD is now looking to the future with its growth as the city continues to grow in population. Temple has grown 4% every year since 2020, and the district is looking to the future. Parent’s feedback is what Superintendent Dr. Bobby Ott say’s is crucial for planning out a road map for growth. There is a bond election expected to take place at the end of the year that is estimated to cost around $100 million to $130 million at the lowest. view article

Four employees at Midland ISD make more money than the maximum salary listed in the district's compensation manual. One staffer earns more than $50,000 above the max. view article

As the nearby Pauline Road Fire continues to burn, Cleveland ISD has made the decision to cancel classes and close on Thursday. The district posted the decision a little after 11 p.m. on Facebook, citing student, staff and family safety. view article

Mansfield ISD is two years ahead of a proposed state law that could shift the decision-making power of school district libraries from librarians to school boards. The proposed law, Senate Bill 13, is making its way through the Texas Legislature and would mandate that all library books and materials receive school board approval before appearing on shelves. It would also give parents the power to challenge any library book and have it removed until the school board decides whether the contested material is allowed. view article

Career training programs at Del Valle ISD and other Central Texas school districts are working to meet the need for skilled trades and other high-paying jobs. Expanding career training is one of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s seven emergency items during the current legislative session. view article

A lawsuit has been filed against the board president of the Canutillo Independent School District Armando Rodriguez, seeking his removal from his position. The lawsuit, which was served to Rodriguez during a board meeting, cites his previous arrests for driving while intoxicated since his election to the board in 2005.

Cleveland ISD has closed schools in the district today due to the threat of the Pauline Road Fire in the area. As of early Thursday morning, the fire impacted 2,000 acres in Montgomery County and San Jacinto County and had 10% containment. view article

Cleveland ISD has closed schools in the district today due to the threat of the Pauline Road Fire in the area. As of early Thursday morning, the fire impacted 2,000 acres in Montgomery County and San Jacinto County and had 10% containment. view article

Killeen ISD Superintendent Dr. Jo Ann Fey provides an update on district's response to deadly stabbing at Roy J. Middle view article

Feminine hygiene products will soon be available to all students across El Paso Independent School District schools, following a recent school board meeting. During the meeting, the Director of Health Services and the Director of Child Development updated board members on the initiative. view article

Texarkana Independent School District is proud to announce that Martha and Josh Morriss Math & Engineering Elementary has been named a Scholar Campus on the 2025 Texas Honor Roll, presented by Educational Results Partnership (ERP). This recognition celebrates top-performing schools that have excelled in closing achievement gaps and preparing students for future success. view article

Liberty Hill ISD is preparing to open a new maintenance warehouse that will have more than double the amount of storage space as its current facility. The board of trustees approved the schematic design for the new warehouse at a March 10 meeting following a presentation from VLK Architects Principal Tim Kunz. view article

For several years now, Waco Independent School District (I.S.D.) has hosted the Women’s Empowerment Summit, an event designed to inspire and equip young women to realize their full potential. This year’s theme, “Becoming,” encouraged attendees to embrace the process of growth, confidence, and leadership. view article

Midland ISD has plans to sell the district’s two apartment complexes. First Alert 7 viewers reached out to ask why the district was selling the property and when it would take effect. The district gave First Alert 7 the following information: As outlined in the public agenda, discussed in open meeting, and summarized in the board meeting recap that was shared with the media, staff, and stakeholders, Midland ISD’s board of trustees voted to put to market the district’s two apartment complexes at the February board meeting. view article

Houston ISD campuses are operating at 77% capacity, leaving room for more than 35,000 additional students, according to the latest report from Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy. There are close to 177,000 students enrolled in Texas’ largest district, a decline of about 40,000 in the last decade. Considering the 250-plus HISD campuses and permanent buildings, the district has the capacity to fit nearly 212,500 students. view article

Recently students from the Paris ISD Enrichment classes embarked on a remarkable educational journey with a field trip to Tailored Rides Equine Assisted Therapy. The day was filled with hands-on learning experiences that provided students with unique insights into the world of equine care and therapy. The field trip offered students the chance to engage directly with horses, an experience that was both exciting and educational. One of the highlights of the day was the opportunity to learn about leading a horse. Under the guidance of knowledgeable instructors, students learned the importance of communication and trust between a handler and a horse, skills that are vital for safely and effectively leading these majestic animals. view article

School leaders in Sinton approved the district's first-ever soccer team in a unanimous vote Monday night. It's something community members had been working toward for some time. Sinton Soccer Club President Kelly Self said it's a decision that will bring pride and joy to many Sinton Pirates. "The kids have wanted this so much," she said. view article

The Keller Independent School District’s board of trustees will not follow through with plans to split the district to deal with budget restraints. view article

Fort Worth City Council members say they want to protect Keller ISD schools in the city from incompatible development — a move that the district officials oppose. Zoning commissioners decided March 12 to approve the city-initiated request to change various ordinances — including intensive commercial and light industrial zoning — for 23 properties near schools to “CF” community facilities. view article

Childress ISD has announced that they will be closed on Friday due to extreme winds forecasted for the Panhandle. According to Childress ISD Superintendent Mark Dykes, the decision was made out of an abundance of caution. The extreme wind event is expected to have many impacts across the Panhandle on Friday, from dangerous travel conditions to extreme wildfire danger. view article

The La Porte ISD Board of Trustees on March 11 unanimously approved appointments to the positions of Deputy Superintendent of Administration and Support Services and Manager of District Facilities and Events. Dr. Bobby Martinez will assume the deputy superintendent role, which has been held by Dr. Dustin Bromley, who was recently named as the superintendent of Splendora ISD. Sam Zaborowski, a La Porte High School graduate and longtime La Porte ISD teacher, will be charged with scheduling and marketing events at district facilities including the new Bulldog Stadium and Legacy Complex. Dr. Bobby Martinez – Deputy Superintendent of Administration and Support Services Dr. Martinez comes to La Porte ISD with 17 years of experience in education, most recently in Alvin ISD where he currently serves as Associate Superintendent of Secondary Education. In his 12 years in Alvin, he has also served as junior high and high school principal, executive director and assistant superintendent. Prior to these experiences, he served for five years in Texas City ISD as a bilingual teacher, curriculum specialist and assistant principal. In addition to his school district roles, Dr. Martinez has served as a university adjunct professor in the education department. He holds a bachelor's degree in political science and Spanish from Texas State University, a master's degree in international studies and educational administration from the University of St. Thomas, and a Doctor of Education in Professional Leadership from the University of Houston. Sam Zaborowski – Manager, District Facilities & Events Mr. Zaborowski, a La Porte graduate and 22-year teacher in the district, is honored and humbled to be named Manager, District Facilities and Events. His dedication and pride in LP will serve the district well in this role. Mr. Zaborowski currently serves as a Career and Technical Education teacher at La Porte High School in the area of audio-visual productions. He also provides district leadership in video production and sports broadcasting. During his years in La Porte, he has also served as athletic coach, senior class sponsor, and coordinator for Shattered Dreams, a drug and alcohol awareness program that included district and city-wide collaboration in his efforts of educating our young people. Mr. Zaborowski holds bachelor’s and master's degrees in history from the University of Houston – Clear Lake. view article

Following the fatal stabbing of a 14-year-old student at Roy J. Smith Middle School, Killeen ISD District officials have announced changes to disciplinary policies. view article

Kody Smith, 35, has been charged with three felony counts of possession or promotion of child pornography. La Porte police say the investigation into Smith began in Nov. 2024, when they began to explore allegations that child pornographic material was downloaded. Investigators found the downloads originated at Smith's residence in La Porte. view article

Brownsville ISD Superintendent Jesus H. Chavez has resumed his leadership role with the district amid a warm welcome upon his return, BISD announced Tuesday. Chavez had been on a previously planned leave of absence for a medical procedure since December. Chief Financial Officer Alejandro Cespedes served as the district’s point of contact in his absence. view article

On Monday, top performing educators were awarded for their phenomenal work with nearly $170,000 divided up and given to 15 teachers at Jarrell Independent School District campuses, according to the district. This is all possible through the Texas Education Agency’s Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA), which provides those funds to “outstanding Texas teachers” with a goal of providing them with a six-figure salary, according to the TEA website. The program measures student success to gauge teacher eligibility. view article

“Serenity was a bright, loving, and compassionate young soul with a promising future ahead of her. She brought joy to everyone around her, and her kindness touched so many lives.” A GoFundMe account has been set up to help the family of Serenity Baker, who is the girl fatally stabbed during an altercation at a Killeen ISD middle school on Monday, according to a relative who spoke with KWTX. “The pain of her passing is unbearable, and our family is now faced with the overwhelming emotional and financial burden of laying her to rest,” the GoFundMe states. view article

Fort Bend ISD has expanded the number of campuses offering pre-K 4, a prekindergarten program for 4-year-old children, for the 2025-26 school year. This expansion comes amid demographers projecting FBISD’s enrollment will stabilize as the district reaches residential build-out and more families opt for alternative educational institutions such as charter schools. Population and Survey Analysts demographers predict kindergarten classes will become smaller as the population ages and fewer young families join the district. view article

A Dallas Independent School District teacher is offering parents tutoring sessions to help their children improve their test scores view article

Fort Worth ISD is reducing the number of schools on its list of possible closures. The district said it has to shut down several campuses to deal with a $17 million budget deficit and declining enrollment, and the options will continue to evolve throughout the process. view article

La Porte ISD’s Business Office has received its 11th consecutive Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Association of School Business Officials International. The award recognizes districts that have met the program’s high standards for financial reporting and transparency. La Porte ISD’s Certificate of Excellence is for its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the fiscal year ended 2024. “For over half a century, ASBO International’s Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting has been the gold standard in promoting and recognizing excellence in financial reporting,” said ASBO International Executive Director Jim Rowan. view article

The Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD decided Thursday to shut down four schools next school year, a decision also faced by two dozen other school districts across Texas. The district blamed Texas lawmakers for a lack of money for schools and declining enrollment as fewer young adults choose to have children. view article