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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Gov. Abbott: Texas DPS ‘on heightened alert’ after threat against lawmakers

June 1708:41 AM

Gov. Abbott says Texas DPS is on "heightened alert" after a man allegedly threatened Texas lawmakers. An arrest was made in La Grange, according to Texas DPS. No charges have been filed at this time. view article

School shootings have become routine – political assassinations are next

June 1708:41 AM

For a long time, the only attacks you were likely to face as an American politician would come at the hands of the press or political rivals.But with a rising tide of political violence across the country, lawmakers now have to confront the increasing likelihood they could be targeted by a gunman or have their homes burned down. By comparison, a stinging opinion column does not look so bad. Attacks on politicians have become a regular occurrence – much like school shootings, which in other countries would have prompted a national reckoning, but in the US now struggle to make the news. Experts say the US is becoming an increasingly fractious, polarised country where violence has become part of the political discourse. Not so long ago, deadly attacks might at least have meant “thoughts and prayers” before the news cycle moved on. But now, politicians themselves are being accused of fanning the flames of the violence. view article

With only 8% built, Texas quietly defunds state border wall program

June 1708:40 AM

Texas officials suggested the federal government could pick up construction. However, during President Trump’s first term, his administration built about one-third of what the state was able to put up in the same amount of time. view article

Texas Education Agency Releases Spring 2025 STAAR® Results for Grades 3–8

June 1708:36 AM

AUSTIN, Texas – June 17, 2025 – The Texas Education Agency (TEA) today released the 3-8 Spring 2025 State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR®) results. The results include assessments in reading language arts (RLA) and mathematics in grades 3-8, as well as 5th and 8th grade science and 8th grade social studies. This year’s results bring promising news in reading language arts, as the statewide performance of students meeting grade level surpasses pre-pandemic levels. This is a clear indication that the targeted instructional supports and recovery strategies are yielding meaningful outcomes for Texas students. view article

Texas DPS makes arrest after warning state lawmakers of “credible threats” tied to Capitol protest

June 1708:35 AM

The agency said there was no additional active threat, as Austin demonstrators took aim at the Trump administration. view article

South Padre Island officials worried about FEMA’s potential disaster spending cuts

June 1708:31 AM

The Trump administration is proposing limits to the recreational facilities — including beaches — that are eligible for federal assistance. view article

$1 billion deal would make Texas coast a major player in icebreaking

June 1708:30 AM

Almost half a world away, shipyards along the Texas Gulf Coast are poised to play an important role as the world's polar regions quickly become a national-security priority. In other words, the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard want to acquire specially outfitted ships known as icebreakers as soon as possible. The pieces are moving. Last week, the Canadian shipbuilding firm Davie announced its plans to spend $1 billion to acquire, modernize, and expand facilities in Galveston and Port Arthur from the Texas-based Gulf Copper & Manufacturing Corporation. Davie's CEO, James Davies, said the deal would turn the Texas coast into a "world-class" production hub of icebreakers and other complex vessels. view article

Eanes ISD superintendent to retire, return to the National Baseball Hall of Fame

June 1708:29 AM

After nearly a decade with the district, Eanes ISD Superintendent Dr. Jeff Arnett is retiring next month. "Leaving Eanes ISD after nine wonderful years is an emotional decision," Arnett said. "Although the Board graciously extended my contract, I believe this is the right time for fresh ideas and new energy to lead the district forward. It has been the greatest honor of my career to serve this exceptional community." view article

Austin ISD’s proposed school turnaround plan based on Dallas model

June 1708:25 AM

To help three struggling North Austin middle schools improve their academic scores, the Austin school board is scheduled to vote by the end of this month on improvementplans that are largely based on a decade-old model born out of Dallas. Though the program has proven expensive, much of the data for this turnaround model – called Accelerating Campus Excellence, or ACE – have yielded strong results for student outcomes in districts that have mimicked it. view article

Tyler ISD set to implement teacher pay raises

June 1708:24 AM

With the regular session of the 89th Texas Legislature over, Tyler ISD is set to implement some changes, among them- pay raises for teachers. During Monday night’s school board meeting, Tyler ISD Superintendent Dr. Marty Crawford outlined how the district will be impacted by HB 2, which provides $8.5 billion for public education funding, including teacher pay raises. He said the certified starting teacher salary for those with one year of experience is expected to increase by $1,500 to $52,000, with salary bumps for educators with more years of experience. view article

Four Midland ISD campuses selected for leadership program

June 1708:15 AM

Four Midland ISD campuses have been selected to participate in The Holdsworth Center’s Campus Leader Program, a two-year professional development journey aimed at strengthening campus leadership and improving student outcomes. The 2025 cohort includes General Tommy Franks Elementary, Bonham Elementary, Alamo Junior High, and San Jacinto Junior High. This honor highlights the district’s dedication to growing educators and improving student outcomes. view article

San Antonio ISD hosting Summer Educator Career Fair for 2025-2026 school year

June 1708:10 AM

The San Antonio Independent School District(SAISD) is hosting a Summer Educator Career Fair for the 2025-2026 school year. SAISD is hiring elementary, middle, and high school teachers and instructional assistants. The in-person hiring event will take place on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at Brackenridge High School from 2 to 4 p.m. view article

Comal ISD could actually lose money under ‘historic’ $8.5B public school funding bill

June 1609:07 AM

During a state legislative session where education issues took center stage and Gov. Greg Abbott promised to fund public schools, one San Antonio area school district could potentially lose money under the new bill. view article

Photos: “No Kings” protests across Texas

June 1608:44 AM

Eight Tribune photographers in eight Texas cities covered Saturday’s “No Kings” protests. Here is some of their work. Houston City Hall and protesters are reflected in Cristina Medina’s glasses during the "No Kings" demonstration on Saturday, June 14, 2025. Credit: Antranik Tavitian for The Texas Tribune view article

What to know about Texas ending in-state tuition for undocumented students

June 1608:39 AM

Texas will no longer allow students living in the state who are undocumented to pay in-state tuition following demands from the Trump administration to end the policy. Soon after the federal government sued Texas last week over a state law allowing the practice, Texas quickly asked the court to side with the feds and deem the law unconstitutional. U.S. District Judge Reed O’Connor’s ruling did just that and immediately blocked the law. This is what is known so far about the ruling and its implications. This story will be updated as more information becomes available. view article

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HISD Superintendent Mike Miles gets $82,000 raise as part of 5-year contract extension

June 1608:29 AM

Houston ISD's state-appointed Superintendent Mike Miles will see an increase in base salary from $380,000 to $462,000 after the Board of Managers approved an amended contract Thursday to keep him for five more years. Nearly two weeks after the Texas Education Agency replaced half of its board, the newly configured board approved a $2.1 billion budget and new contract for Miles. view article

Houston ISD Superintendent’s 5-year contract released following Board of Managers approval on Thursday

June 1608:29 AM

We're learning more information regarding a 5-year contract that was approved for Superintendent Mike Miles by the Houston Independent School District Board of Managers on Thursday night. According to the contract, which was received around 4:30 p.m. by e-mail, Miles' new annual base salary will be set at $462,000, which is an $82,000 increase in pay from his base salary of $380,000 that was set on June 1, 2023. view article

What to know about Texas ending in-state tuition for undocumented students

June 1608:28 AM

Some implications of the ruling ordering the policy’s end are still unknown. College access experts urged affected students not to withdraw from school while they assess their options. Texas will no longer allow students living in the state who are undocumented to pay in-state tuition following demands from the Trump administration to end the policy. Soon after the federal government sued Texas last week over a state law allowing the practice, Texas quickly asked the court to side with the feds and deem the law unconstitutional. U.S. District Judge Reed O’Connor’s ruling did just that and immediately blocked the law. This is what is known so far about the ruling and its implications. This story will be updated as more information becomes available. view article

Pearland ISD trustees approve nearly $8.7M in staff pay raises, stipends

June 1608:25 AM

Teachers and employees in Pearland ISD will be getting a pay bump in the upcoming school year after the district’s board approved $8.7 million in raises and stipends at its June 10 meeting. The compensation package includes nearly $8.4 million in salary increases and about $310,000 in stipends, district agenda documents show. view article

Former Judson ISD teacher sentenced to 60 years for continuous sexual abuse of a child

June 1608:25 AM

A former elementary school teacher in the Judson Independent School District was sentenced Thursday to 60 years in prison for the continuous sexual abuse of a child. Ryan Patrick England, 39, was convicted by a Bexar County jury in April. view article

Houston ISD celebrates STAAR testing results as parents, students remain frustrated over superintendent’s spending

June 1608:25 AM

Thursday was an emotional evening at the Houston Independent School District’s board meeting. Parents expressed emotional frustration over what many said was a beloved librarian fired at Harvard Elementary in The Heights. The district and its superintendent took the opportunity to celebrate STAAR Testing results that it recently received for high school students. view article

AI Cameras to be integrated in Robinson ISD Fall 2025

June 1608:25 AM

In our last local election, Robinson residents voted against a 95-million-dollar bond for Robinson ISD, but now the district is getting smarter in finding new solutions for their students. Robinson ISD started testing a new software on their cameras last month that tracks weapons and suspicious activity on their middle and high school campuses. view article

Only on 13: Mother says daughter left her elementary school and was found about a mile away

June 1608:22 AM

A mother is speaking out after she claims her daughter just left her elementary school with nobody watching her. "There's no way two second graders should've (gone) through the gate and managed to make it one mile away from school," the mother, Ronisha Butler, said. It was almost a mother's worst nightmare for Butler when she said she got a phone call from her child's school that her 8-year-old wasn't on campus. view article

With the grid under pressure, Texas moves to regulate big energy users

June 1605:00 AM

BY URIEL J. GARCÍA, THE TEXAS TRIBUNE, PATRICK LOHMANN, SOURCE NEW MEXICO, AND YURIKO SCHUMACHER, THE TEXAS TRIBUNE, PHOTOS BY JUSTIN HAMEL2 HOURS AGO Since El Paso joined Operation Lone Star in 2022, migrant remains discovered in the desert west of the city have increased every year, even as they have declined in every other border sector. FULL STORY read more

Gov. Greg Abbott has deployed thousands of Texas National Guard troops

June 1605:00 AM

Gov. Greg Abbott has deployed thousands of Texas National Guard troops and Department of Public Safety troopers across the state ahead of a wave of immigration protests expected this weekend. The move follows large-scale immigration raids in Los Angeles last week that triggered growing unrest nationwide. In Texas, more than 60 demonstrations are planned in major cities statewide this weekend, including Dallas, Houston, Austin and San Antonio. view article

Houston ISD unanimously approves $2.1 billion budget with new board members

June 1308:45 AM

Houston ISD's state-appointed board unanimously approved a $2.1 billion budget for the 2025-26 school year that will continue funding Superintendent Mike Miles' highly debated reforms. Four new board members — Edgar Colón, Marty Goossen, Lauren Gore and Marcos Rosales — greenlit the budget just two weeks after their appointment to the board by the state's education commissioner. Commissioner Mike Morath removed board Vice President Audrey Momanaee, Cassandra Auzenne Bandy, Rolando Martinez and Adam Rivon, who served on the district’s nine-member appointed school board since June 2023. Of those removed, three had voted against the 2024-25 budget last year: Martinez, Rivon, and Auzenne Bandy, alongside Michelle Cruz Arnold. It had been the board's largest public rebuke of any proposal by Miles, who largely sees unanimous approval from the board. view article

Top Texas donor slams Speaker Burrows, House members after legislative setbacks

June 1308:40 AM

Texans for Lawsuit Reform is threatening to primary House members who helped kill their major legislative priorities. Leaders for Texans for Lawsuit Reform, the biggest donor in Texas politics, say they have a simple strategy when trying to persuade state lawmakers: “We never make enemies,” President Lee Parsley said in late April. “We only make friends.” But now that the Texas legislative session has concluded without lawmakers passing any of the group’s three high priority bills, TLR is taking a decidedly different tact. In a blistering letter to members, Parsley called out by name the lawmakers he said stifled TLR’s agenda and all but promised to take them on in primary campaigns next March. He laid much of the blame on House Speaker Dustin Burrows’ shoulders. Leaders for Texans for Lawsuit Reform, the biggest donor in Texas politics, say they have a simple strategy when trying to persuade state lawmakers: “We never make enemies,” President Lee Parsley said in late April. “We only make friends.” But now that the Texas legislative session has concluded without lawmakers passing any of the group’s three high priority bills, TLR is taking a decidedly different tact. In a blistering letter to members, Parsley called out by name the lawmakers he said stifled TLR’s agenda and all but promised to take them on in primary campaigns next March. He laid much of the blame on House Speaker Dustin Burrows’ shoulders. view article

Texas Republicans Secure Border Enforcement, Face Setbacks on Broader Immigration Legislation

June 1308:34 AM

Border security was one of the Republican Party of Texas’ legislative priorities this session, and lawmakers took some steps to address the issue. However, additional measures that would have disincentivized illegal immigration failed to pass. Republicans successfully passed two key pieces of border security legislation during the 89th session. State Sen. Charles Schwertner’s (R–Georgetown) Senate Bill 8 requires sheriffs in every Texas county that operates a jail (or contracts with a private vendor to operate one) to formally request and, if accepted, enter into a written agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement under Section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. view article

Harris County Officially Ends Failed Guaranteed Basic Income Program

June 1308:31 AM

The county never disbursed the funds to anyone, despite spending millions to administer the program. Harris County Commissioners voted Thursday to officially end its troubled guaranteed income pilot program and reallocate $14 million in unspent federal COVID-19 relief funds. The program, originally launched as Uplift Harris and later rebranded as the Community Prosperity Program, was designed to provide $500 per month to nearly 1,900 low-income residents. Uplift Harris was funded with $20.5 million from the federal American Rescue Plan Act. view article

Top Texas donor slams Speaker Burrows, House members after legislative setbacks

June 1308:30 AM

Trump DOJ Official Aaron Reitz Enters Race for Texas Attorney General

June 1305:21 AM

His campaign announcement included praise from Trump, who described Reitz as “a true MAGA attorney” and “a warrior for our Constitution.” view article

Texas Teacher Faces New Sex Crime Charge After Arrest for Child Porn, Bestiality

June 1304:07 AM

Hillary Williams was a Wells ISD math teacher until her first arrest in February. An East Texas teacher arrested earlier this year for bestiality and possessing child pornography is facing a new charge of sexually touching a child. Hillary Danielle Williams, 34, was arrested Tuesday and charged with indecency with a child by sexual contact, a second-degree felony punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison. Williams is accused of touching a young child inappropriately on February 19. The child made an outcry about the contact in April and also told police Williams was practicing witchcraft. Williams was teaching in Wells Independent School District at the time of the alleged incident but had been allowed to resign on February 24 following her earlier arrest. view article

New STAAR Results Reveal Students ‘Not Where They Need To Be Academically’

June 1304:00 AM

The Texas Education Agency released high school End-of-Course assessments for Spring 2025. Newly released results of Texas high school students’ End-of-Course assessments for 2025 show “too many students are still not where they need to be academically,” according to the state agency that oversees public education. The Texas Education Agency released Spring 2025 STAAR End-of-Course assessment results on Tuesday. Newly released results of Texas high school students’ End-of-Course assessments for 2025 show “too many students are still not where they need to be academically,” according to the state agency that oversees public education. The Texas Education Agency released Spring 2025 STAAR End-of-Course assessment results on Tuesday. STAAR is short for State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness, standardized testing “designed to measure the extent to which a student has learned and is able to apply the defined knowledge and skills in the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills at each tested grade, subject, and course.” STAAR is short for State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness, standardized testing “designed to measure the extent to which a student has learned and is able to applye defined knowledge and skills in the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills at each tested grade, subject, and course.” view article

Frisco ISD adjusts transfer rules to boost enrollment amid budget concerns

June 1210:25 AM

Frisco ISD is changing its policies on who can transfer into the district. The district hopes the changes will help prevent further budget cuts. The district hopes these options will help increase enrollment and retain students in the district. view article

Navarro ISD Child Nutrition Department achieves inaugural “Cream of the Crop” Award

June 1210:21 AM

The Navarro ISD proudly announces that its Child Nutrition Department, under the exceptional leadership of Director Carlette Drabek, has been awarded the prestigious “Cream of the Crop” honor by Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller at the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) MegaCon on Friday, May 23, 2025. This groundbreaking achievement recognizes NISD’s unparalleled commitment to student nutrition and marks a significant milestone in the department’s history of excellence. 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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