NO MORE EXCUSES: Texas Set to End Schools’ ‘Sovereign Immunity’ in Sex Abuse Cases

The State Senate unanimously approved a House measure to hold school districts accountable for protecting students from sexual predators.
Supreme Court Sets Month-Long Briefing Schedule for Quorum Busters Case

Gov. Greg Abbott wants the Supreme Court of Texas to declare Gene Wu’s seat vacant. The Supreme Court of Texas has announced a briefing schedule in Gov. Greg Abbott’s bid to remove the House Democrat Caucus chairman, Gene Wu of Houston, from the legislature. It combined that with the case brought by Attorney General Ken Paxton against Wu and a dozen other quorum-busting lawmakers. The Court requires briefing papers to be filed from Wednesday, August 20, through Thursday, Sept. 14.
Special Session Ending, and Starting, Today

Even though the 30-day clock is not set to expire until Tuesday, the House and Senate are expected to adjourn out of the special session today. They will, however, be called immediately by the governor into a second special session that restarts the legislative process. The Senate has completed all of the work set forth by the governor in the original special session call. In contrast, nothing was accomplished in the House because Democrats—rather than fight—fled out of the state to disrupt the quorum requirements for conducting legislative business. The governor has said this second special session will have the same agenda, including congressional redistricting. Speaking at an event in Williamson County yesterday, State Sen. Charles Schwertner said he expects his chamber to move quickly to re-file and pass all the legislation again within the first few days. Constitutionally, the legislative process must start anew with each special session.
Some Texas private schools hire relatives and enrich insiders. Soon they can do it with taxpayer money.

An investigation by ProPublica and The Texas Tribune found more than 60 instances of nepotism, self-dealing and conflicts of interest among 27 private schools that likely would have violated state laws had the schools been public.
Liberty Hill ISD proposes potential tax-rate election

LHISD has lowered the tax rate 37 cents over six years. Prop A would add 6 pennies back to the tax rate. Prop A adds funding for teacher salary increases, instructional programs, and extracurricular programs. State and federal officials have cut education funding. At the same time, inflation has driven up LHISD operating costs such as utilities, fuel, and insurance. LHISD has already cut $2 million in expenses. If Prop A does not pass, LHISD will have to make additional cuts, which may include up to 10 percent of our teaching staff.
Abbott’s bid to expel the House Democratic leader goes to a court filled with his appointees

The Texas Supreme Court said in 2021 the Constitution allows members to thwart legislation by leaving the state. Abbott wants them to reconsider. Texas Democrats had been out of state for less than 48 hours when Gov. Greg Abbott moved to have their seats declared vacant. The emergency legal filing represents an unprecedented escalation of Abbott’s effort to pass a new congressional map that adds additional GOP seats, as demanded by President Donald Trump. It flies in the face of Texas’ own founding documents, centuries of legal precedent and a recent Supreme Court of Texas ruling, legal experts say. Even Attorney General Ken Paxton, a fellow Republican, threw cold water on Abbott’s strategy, filing his own brief saying that while he “appreciates the Governor’s passion,” he does not have the authority to bring this type of case.

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College Station ISD board members talk phones, zoning, and teacher pay

July 1708:26 AM

The College Station ISD Board of Trustees met Tuesday evening for a workshop and regular meeting where the district’s top priorities took center stage: Student phone policies, school zoning, and staff pay. During the workshop discussion, trustees explored how the district plans to comply with House Bill 1481, a new state law that bans student use of personal communication devices such as cell phones on campus during the school day. view article

Principals at Dallas ISD find purpose amid educational hurdles

July 1708:25 AM

Outside Thomas Jefferson High School, educational pressures have been building. But inside was where Dallas ISD principals reverted to their “why.” “I’m a principal where I grew up,” Cedar Crest Elementary Principal Stacy Ray said. Having brought the school from a state grade of an “F” to a “B,” Ray said her focus has been on improving the school’s climate and culture. view article

Sherman ISD announces pay raises for all positions in district

July 1708:21 AM

The starting teacher salary now sits at $60,000. As the new school year approaches, Sherman ISD staff got some good news Tuesday evening. “We were able to implement a $3,100 raise for teachers with 0 to 4 years of experience, a 5 thousand dollar raise for teachers with 5+ years experience,” Thomas O’Neal, Sherman ISD Superintendent, said. view article

Nonprofit hopes to offer Ten Commandments posters to all Montgomery County schools

July 1708:19 AM

Montgomery County school districts are making plans to comply with a new state law requiring the Ten Commandments to be on display in each Texas classroom. Gov. Greg Abbott in June signed off on Senate Bill 10, which states "a public elementary or secondary school shall display in a conspicuous place in each classroom of the school a durable poster or framed copy of the Ten Commandments." view article

Judson ISD is paying $1,500 a day for a financial consultant

July 1708:15 AM

The Judson Independent School District is paying an outside consultant $1,500 a day to help the school board understand the budget and reduce the deficit. That’s according to the consultant’s contract, obtained by TPR through an open records request. view article

Round Rock ISD Awarded $100,000 Grant from Rainwater Charitable Foundation

July 1708:15 AM

Round Rock ISD has been awarded a $100,000 grant from the Rainwater Charitable Foundation to support an innovative initiative aimed at improving student outcomes in English Language Arts (ELA) through the use of emerging educational technology. The district’s proposal was selected for full funding as part of the Foundation’s Emerging Ed Tech grant opportunity for the 2025–2026 school year. According to the Foundation, Round Rock ISD’s project stood out for its innovation, potential for impact, and precise alignment with the grant's goals. view article

Feds charge 3 current or former Louisiana police chiefs in an alleged visa fraud scheme

July 1708:00 AM

Federal authorities have charged three current or former Louisiana police chiefs with taking bribes in exchange for filing false police reports that would allow noncitizens to seek a visa that lets certain crime victims stay in the U.S. U.S. Attorney Alexander C view article

Texas disaster preparedness and flooding committee will visit Kerr County

July 1705:37 AM

The Senate panel consists of seven Republicans and two Democrats. It first meets in Austin next week, then in Kerrville on July 31. Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick on Monday named the nine state senators who will serve on the joint Disaster Preparedness and Flooding committee in response to the devastating floods that tore through Central Texas over the July Fourth weekend. The House and Senate joint committee will first meet on July 23 in Austin and then in Kerrville on July 31 to hear from Hill Country residents regarding their flood-related concerns. “Right now, we must focus on the recovery of those still missing, then rebuilding communities in flooded areas,” Patrick said in a July 10 press release. “In the coming year, and into the next regular legislative session, we will gather all the facts and answer the many questions to which the public demands answers.” House Speaker Rep. Dustin Burrows, R-Lubbock, has yet to name the nine representatives that have been selected for its committee. Patrick and Burrows have both stated that their committees will meet jointly to find solutions. view article

Harlingen doctor becomes first Democrat to challenge GOP Rep. Monica De La Cruz for South Texas congressional seat

July 1705:23 AM

The 15th Congressional District is the only Republican-held seat in Texas that Democrats are targeting under the current map. view article

“You can’t replace memories”: Volunteers seek to return personal items after Texas floods

July 1705:11 AM

Volunteers are hoping to find the owners of stuffed animals, photographs and other keepsakes salvaged from the debris. view article

Appeals court orders release of Uvalde school shooting records

July 1705:00 AM

Eighteen news organizations including The Texas Tribune have been seeking the records since 2022, when 19 children and 2 teachers were killed at Robb Elementary School. view article

Camp Mystic leader may not have seen urgent alert before Texas flood, family spokesman says

July 1705:00 AM

A spokesman for Camp Mystic, the Texas enclave devastated by a July 4 flash flood, is raising concerns about communication failures during the disaster view article

Supreme Court allows Trump to proceed with mass firings at Education Department

July 1705:00 AM

CNN — The Supreme Court on Monday said President Donald Trump may proceed with his plan to carry out mass layoffs at the Department of Education in the latest win for the White House at the conservative high court. In an unsigned order, the justices lifted for now a lower court ruling that had indefinitely paused Trump’s plan. The Supreme Court’s decision puts that ruling on hold while the legal challenge plays out. Within two hours, the Department of Education sent notices to employees indicating it is immediately resuming its plans to shrink the department. view article

Rain, storms and possible tropical depression aiming for the Gulf Coast

July 1704:13 AM

The storm system is expected to reach the coast of Louisiana by Thursday. A low-pressure system offshore of Florida's east coast, now designated as Invest 93L, is making its way westward across the Florida Panhandle and is likely to emerge or redevelop over the northern part of the Gulf on Wednesday. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) reported on Wednesday morning that the tropical disturbance is forecasted to head toward the far northeastern to north-central part of the Gulf in the late afternoon or potentially evening hours. The disorganized activity is still expected to reach the coast of Louisiana by Thursday. view article

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Midland ISD celebrates record-breaking AP scholar achievements

July 1610:05 AM

The 344 students recognized as AP Scholars for their outstanding performance on the May 2025 Advanced Placement (AP) exams marks a 47 percent increase in number of students from the previous year, with all four high school campuses contributing to this achievement. view article

Dallas ISD left with $22 million gap after Trump education funding freeze

July 1608:35 AM

The Trump administration’s decision to freeze billions of dollars in education funding will leave Dallas schools with a $22 million gap, according to district officials. That money covers roughly 150 staff positions, DISD Superintendent Stephanie Elizalde said Tuesday at a meeting with The Dallas Morning News editorial board. view article

Rio Grande Valley’s biggest free health clinic event of the year is canceled due to federal cuts

July 1608:30 AM

It’s the first time Operation Border Health has canceled in 26 years. More than 6,600 people received check-ups, dental services, diabetes screenings and more last year. It’s the first time Operation Border Health has canceled in 26 years. More than 6,600 people received check-ups, dental services, diabetes screenings and more last year. view article

Cell phone policy gets A+ from Amarillo ISD principals and teachers

July 1608:27 AM

Two Amarillo Independent School District principals presented a report to the AISD Board of Trustees Monday evening, July 14 about the recent cell phone policy enacted by the district and how it worked for students, teachers and parents. view article

Brownsville ISD scrambles after loss of federal funding

July 1608:27 AM

The Brownsville Independent School District is scrambling to keep $8.3 million in federal programs operating after President Donald Trump’s administration unexpectedly froze nearly $7 billion in funding previously approved by Congress. The developments on Monday came as the Supreme Court cleared the way for the Trump administration to proceed with plans to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education. view article

Federal funding freeze threatens Lufkin ISD after-school care

July 1608:25 AM

Lufkin ISD is now no longer able to access over $2 million worth of funding. Three weeks from school starting, they say they are not sure if they can provide after school care for their students. “I’m not real optimistic but I am hopeful,” said Lufkin ISD Superintendent Dr. James Hockenberry. Lufkin ISD is one of thousands of schools around the country affected by the $6 billion education funding freeze. view article

Copperas Cove ISD boosts teacher pay scale with $3,000 starting salary increase

July 1608:25 AM

The Copperas Cove ISD Board of Trustees meeting on Tuesday, July 15 approved an increase to the teacher pay scale. The trustees also agreed on a 3% raise from the midpoint for all of CCISD's administrative, clerical and auxiliary employees. With this approval, CCISD's starting teacher salary rose to $56,000, an increase of $3,000. With this increase in wages, alongside the recently approved House Bill 2, teachers with more than two years experience will receive a $2,500 increase in pay and teachers with more than five years experience will receive a $5,000 increase. view article

Denton ISD’s top 3 construction projects set to open for new school year

July 1608:18 AM

Denton ISD has kept a busy construction schedule for the last decade, and progress hasn’t let up. This fall, the district has three major projects on schedule to open in the fall. view article

San Antonio ISD approves sale for final piece of land in proposed downtown ballpark

July 1608:16 AM

The San Antonio Independent School District Board of Trustees unanimously approved the sale of a critical piece of land that is expected to become the future home of the San Antonio Missions. The board approved the resolution during its Monday meeting to sell the property to Bexar County after discussing the move in a closed session. The projected $160 million, 4,500-seat stadium would replace Wolff Stadium, which does not meet current Major League Baseball (MLB) standards. view article

El Paso ISD updates dress code, including requirements for high school

July 1608:10 AM

El Paso Independent School District has updated its student dress code for the upcoming 2025-26 school year, including uniform requirements for high-school students, the district announced on Tuesday night, July 15. The new updated code reflects “the district’s commitment to creating inclusive student-centered campuses that honor the diversity of every learner and support families with clear, practical guidance,” the district said. view article

New El Paso ISD dress code claims to simplify school life with universal uniform colors

July 1608:10 AM

El Paso Independent School District announced updates to its student dress code for the 2025-26 school year. EPISD officials said the revised guidelines were developed with input from campus leaders, educators, and families, and are designed to support safe learning environments while simplifying expectations for families. view article

Del Valle ISD teachers rally to oppose new daily 30-minute workday extension

July 1608:09 AM

Teachers in Del Valle ISD are calling on district leaders to reconsider a recent decision that extends their daily work schedules by 30 minutes. The change, which teachers said was announced over summer break, is set to take effect when students return next month, and it’s already frustrating some educators. view article

Houston-area teacher arrested after trying to have sex with 15-year-old, Precinct 1 constable says

July 1608:09 AM

A Texas City High School teacher is in custody and charged with online solicitation of a minor, according to the Harris County Precinct One Constable's Office. John Derrick Taylor, 55, is a math teacher and power-lifting coach for boys and girls at the Texas City ISD school. Taylor was arrested at his home in Manvel on Tuesday by detectives with Precinct One’s Internet Crimes Against Children Unit. view article

North East ISD’s Enchilada Wednesday demonstrates both flavor and nutrition

July 1608:05 AM

North East Independent School District nutrition staff shared the importance of both flavor and nutrition with school districts attending the School Nutrition Association’s Annual Conference. During the conference, which took place at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, they focused on their iconic Enchilada Wednesday, which students look forward to. view article

Inside Elon Musk’s stellar year at the Texas Capitol

July 1607:15 AM

While Elon Musk took Washington, D.C., by storm, his company representatives and lobbyists were also notching up big political wins in Texas. While Elon Musk took Washington, D.C., by storm, his company representatives and lobbyists were also notching up big political wins in Texas. It was April 2013, and Musk stood at a podium in a small committee room in the basement of the Texas Capitol. The Tesla CEO asked the legislators gathered before him to change state law, allowing him to bypass the state’s powerful car dealership lobby and sell his electric vehicles directly to the public. He painted a bleak picture of what could happen if they didn’t give him his way. “We would, I’m afraid, we would fail,” Musk told the assembled representatives. “So for us, it’s a matter of life or death.” Clad in a dark suit instead of his now ubiquitous black T-shirt and baseball hat, the younger Musk was unable to persuade lawmakers in Austin. That year, the bill he wanted to pass died. More than a decade later, however, Musk’s fortunes inside the Texas Capitol have changed — dramatically. view article

City of Austin Unveils Another Record-Setting Budget

July 1606:12 AM

This budget will raise more total property taxes than last year’s budget by $69,443,984 or 6.2%, and of that amount $12,251,418 is tax revenue to be raised from new property added to the tax roll view article

Democrat Nathan Johnson Launches Bid for Attorney General

July 1605:21 AM

Democrats have not won a statewide election in Texas since 1994. view article

Conroe ISD to discuss compensation plan for teachers and staff, rezoning

July 1605:01 AM

Conroe ISD will hold a meeting July 15 to discuss multiple items, including its compensation plan and zoning for its new schools. At the June 24 meeting, CISD Chief Financial Officer Karen Garza presented the 2025-26 compensation plan, which includes 6% raises for teachers and staff and a 4% raise for police and other administrative positions, as previously reported by Community Impact. view article

Jesse Gene Coach Walker

July 1605:00 AM

Funeral services for Jesse Gene “Coach” Walker, 86, of Lufkin will be held Friday, July 18, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. in the Carroway Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Walker McWilliams and Eric Wright officiating. Interment will follow in the Garden of Memories Memorial Park. Jesse Gene Walker was born June 3, 1939 in Huntington, Texas, Ora community, to the late Naomi (McClure) Walker and Eugene Etheral Walker and passed away at his home, surrounded by his family, on July 13, 2025. view article

As Trump looks to net five GOP seats through Texas redistricting, Democrats grasp for response

July 1605:00 AM

President Donald Trump said he thinks Republicans could flip a handful of congressional districts in Texas next year through “just a very simple redrawing." Texas Democrats in Congress sharply criticized President Donald Trump’s plan to redraw their state’s political map in the middle of the decade, labeling it a threat to democracy — and warning their GOP counterparts that an aggressive gerrymander could come back to haunt them. The Republican-controlled Texas Legislature is poised to consider a new set of congressional maps during a special session that kicks off next week. With their party locked out of power in Austin, Democrats from the state’s congressional delegation said they expect the new districts to continue Texas' history of violating the federal Voting Rights Act by diluting the votes of racial minorities. 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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Quick Links

Legal Issues for School Secretaries - Virtual Conference

September 16-18, 2025