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Outgoing U.S. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona has told state and local K-12 and early education leaders that the use of restraint and seclusion to address behavior issues is harmful to children, and that schools should instead use proactive practices such as multi-tiered systems of support, which individualize interventions based on students’ needs. According to the most recent available federal data, about 52,800 public school students were physically restrained, mechanically restrained, or placed in seclusion at schools during the 2020-21 school year. “The rejection of seclusion and the shift away from reliance on restraint in our Nation’s schools and early childhood programs is long overdue,” Cardona said. “We must equip educators and early childhood providers with the positive, proactive, and evidence-based tools and resources to meet the needs of all students.” He also promoted creating early education and school programs that foster inclusion, safety and belonging. 

 

K-12 Dive

Galveston uses HMH partnership for student growth

According to Galveston Assistant Superintendent, Dr. Jeff Post, the district is “committed to growing our lowest performing campus to be right up at the top with our highest performing campuses and we need the partnerships that we’ve developed with HMH to be able to do that.” Galveston ISD uses multiple HMH products and services including HMH Into Reading^®, Writable, and NWEA^® MAP^® GrowthTM.

The District Literacy and Writing Specialist, Desiree Monges noted, “We’re seeing those scores double, triple – but it’s not just that. We’re seeing an increase in overall writing and performance and in reading comprehension.”

The link below includes interviews with teachers, administration, and students in the district as well as more information about HMH Writable.

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Cy-Fair ISD trustees are deliberating a contentious gender policy that could impose some of the strictest regulations in the nation. The proposal, titled "Parent's rights and responsibilities," mandates that school staff inform parents if students wish to use different pronouns than those assigned at birth. It also prohibits discussions or referrals regarding gender identity and requires students to use facilities corresponding to their biological sex. The policy mirrors one adopted by Katy ISD, which is currently under federal investigation for potential gender discrimination.

 

KTRK-TV

The Monitor

Keller ISD residents have expressed strong opposition to a proposed split during a school board meeting on January 16. Concerns were raised about the division of resources, funding, and student bodies, with many feeling blindsided by the lack of transparency. The proposal, which would separate the district along the Union Pacific Railroad line, has been criticized for potentially creating demographic divides.

 

Dallas News

Odessa American

Star-Telegram

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Star-Telegram

Decatur ISD is inviting community members to participate in an online survey to aid in the search for a new superintendent. Board president Stan Shults emphasized the importance of public input, stating: “Your input is important as we identify strong candidates for this most important leadership role.” The survey seeks opinions on the top qualities and qualifications desired in a superintendent, as well as insights into the district's strengths and challenges.

 

Wise County Messenger

The Canyon ISD Board of Trustees has unanimously approved Superintendent Dr. Darryl Flusche’s evaluation after a contentious meeting focused on library materials and Texas Senate Bill 900 (SB 900). The board addressed the temporary removal of the Bible from library shelves, which was based on their interpretation of SB 900. Deputy Superintendent Robyn Cramner stated, “According to our interpretation, this standard for library content prohibits books that have one instance or portrayal of sexual content.” Following a letter from Rep. Jared Patterson asserting the removal was “likely illegal,” the Bible was reinstated, ensuring students have “full, appropriate access to religious texts.”

 

Amarillo Globe News

Harlingen ISD is witnessing a recovery in its cash reserves, which had previously plummeted by $23.2m. As of December 31, the total fund balance stood at $21.9m, with unassigned reserves at $20.7m. Interim Superintendent for Business Services Ida Ambriz reported that reserves are increasing by approximately $1m monthly, stating, “We increased another million.” The district's total revenues reached $89.2m, primarily from state funding, while expenditures were $87.3m.

 

The Monitor

Lamar CISD is set to celebrate January 2025 as School Board Recognition Month, honoring the essential contributions of school board members in shaping education. This year's theme, “Leadership for Tomorrow's Texas,” emphasizes their commitment to advocating for students and ensuring quality educational opportunities. Superintendent Dr. Roosevelt Nivens stated: “Strong schools require strong leadership, and our school board exemplifies that every day.”

 

Fort Bend Herald

Denton ISD leaders are contemplating the expansion of child care services for employees, particularly in the rapidly developing Braswell zone. Area superintendent Charlene Parham emphasized the importance of balancing professional and family responsibilities, stating, "What we do understand is that, by providing this, we will be able to really work on recruitment for our staff." 

 

Denton Record-Chronicle

The Texas Education Agency's automated scoring of written answers on the STAAR test is facing scrutiny after a review revealed that approximately 43% of Dallas ISD students' scores improved upon rescoring. Superintendent Stephanie Elizalde commented: “I do have some concerns regarding the automated scoring – and those aren't just feelings anymore.” The review involved 4,632 tests, with 2,018 responses showing higher scores, which could significantly impact students' performance levels. Elizalde emphasized the importance of accurate assessments, saying “Our students deserve to be assessed without bias.” 

 

Dallas News

Last month, the Needville Education Foundation (NEF) distributed over $50,000 in educational grants to Needville ISD teachers from prekindergarten to 12th grade. Shelley Krauss, NEF executive director, emphasized the impact of these grants, stating that “These fun, interactive, educational resources will go a long way for their classrooms, subjects and grade levels.” This year saw an increase in grant requests from high school teachers, reflecting their growing involvement.

 

Fort Bend Herald

Galindo Elementary School recently inaugurated a food pantry in collaboration with the Central Texas Food Bank, aimed at addressing food insecurity among families. Parent Linda Santos emphasized the pantry's role in providing "opportunity" for families to access essential food items without stigma. The pantry offers a variety of products, including fresh produce and shelf-stable goods, and is available to all Austin ISD families.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

Esau Canales, a 13-year-old aspiring tech CEO, is already making a difference as a member of his school's Hope Squad at La Academia de Estrellas in Dallas. This group, part of a larger initiative involving over 1,000 North Texas students, focuses on supporting peers facing mental health challenges. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide has become the third leading cause of death among children aged 10 to 19 in Tarrant County, with over 130 lives lost between 2019 and 2023.

 

Star-Telegram

In a special meeting on January 9, the Dripping Springs ISD Board of Trustees appointed Scott Berry as the new chief operating officer. With 20 years of experience in public education, Berry previously served as the chief financial officer at Johnson City ISD. Superintendent Dr. Holly Morris-Kuentz expressed enthusiasm, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome [Berry] into this new role... [Berry] will play a pivotal role in maintaining operational excellence.”

 

Hays Free Press

Waskom ISD has initiated the process of finding a new superintendent following the departure of Rae Ann Patty. The district is eager to identify a suitable candidate to lead its educational initiatives and ensure a smooth transition.

 

Marshall News Messenger

The La Joya school board has unanimously approved the consolidation of its four early college high school programs, aiming to enhance student outcomes and associate degree attainment. The plan will merge La Joya Early College High School, Thelma Salinas STEM Early College High School, and the Academy of Health Science Professions and STEM into the Jimmy Carter Early College High School for the 2025-2026 school year.

 

The Monitor

The U.S. Department of Education has issued guidance indicating that colleges paying athletes directly for their name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals could violate Title IX. The nine-page memo states that NIL compensation should be treated like athletic financial aid, meaning it must be distributed proportionately to male and female athletes. This guidance could disrupt plans for many schools, as the House settlement allows universities to pay athletes directly under a revenue-sharing plan. NCAA board chair Linda Livingstone acknowledged the need to assess the implications of this guidance, while David Ridpath, former president of the Drake Group, remarked, “There was always a question of how Title IX applies to NIL. Now there is just more guidance.” The memo also raises concerns about potential disparities created by third-party NIL agreements.

 

U.S. News

During a recent meeting, the Northeast ISD board unanimously voted against an interlocal agreement with San Antonio's District 9 to install a turf field at Hidden Forest Elementary. The proposal followed the city's decision to sunset its SPARK program, which allowed public use of green spaces at 14 NEISD campuses. District 9 offered a one-time grant of $210,000 for installation, but NEISD would bear the ongoing maintenance costs. Deborah Caldwell, NEISD chief operations officer, highlighted that “additional costs to consider with ongoing maintenance” would be significant.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

Michelle Lessing has been appointed as the head band director for Frenship Memorial High School, having previously served as the assistant band director since 2022. With 16 years of experience in music education, Lessing has consistently led her high school band programs to achieve Superior Marching Band ratings throughout her career.

 

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Lubbock Avalanche-Journal