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According to a recent study by the Community College Research Center, nearly half of Texas public high school students earning college credits before graduation are Hispanic, highlighting the state's leadership in bridging the gap between Hispanic and non-Hispanic students in dual-credit programs. However, the study reveals that Hispanic students in these programs graduate from college at lower rates than their peers, indicating a need for improved support during the transition from high school to college. John Fink, a researcher, emphasized the importance of "equalizing access to dual credit and providing dual-credit students with the supports they need to go to college and complete college." The report also noted that Black student participation in dual-credit programs remains low, at only 8%, compared to 13% of overall high school enrollment in Texas. The number of dual-credit students has surged in the past decade, with recent legislative changes incentivizing community colleges to support these programs.

 

Denton Record-Chronicle

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A nationally-representative survey released Thursday by the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics found that 74% of public schools said they had a difficult time filling one or more vacant teaching positions before beginning the 2024-25 school year. The School Pulse Panel survey of 1,392 schools found that a “lack of qualified candidates” and “too few candidates” applying for open positions remained the most common challenges public schools said they faced in filling vacant positions. The trickiest positions to fill were in general elementary teaching, special education, and English language arts. Last year’s data showed improving sentiment among public schools about their staffing levels. Less than half, or 45%, said they felt their school was understaffed — down from 53% feeling understaffed entering the 2022-23 academic year. 

 

K-12 Dive

South Elementary in Midland has achieved Level 1 certification as a High Reliability School (HRS) from Marzano Resources, a significant milestone in its mission to create a safe and effective learning environment. Principal Cynthia Rodriguez noted: "At first, we faced resistance... but we saw huge effects on our students, staff, and parents." The certification reflects improvements in student behavior, staff unity, and academic focus, resulting in a rise from a D to a B rating based on STAAR assessment data. The school community, including teachers, administrators, and parents, collaborated to implement consistent procedures and engage students. The leadership team aims to progress to Levels 2 and 3 by 2026, ensuring sustainability and excellence in education.

 

Star-Telegram

A new political action committee, Houstonians for Safe and Healthy Schools, has raised over $755,000 in support of the proposed $4.4 bn bond for Houston ISD. Notably, $420,000 of this amount came from just six donors linked to the Charter Schools Now PAC. Critics, including Sarah Terrell, argue that the bond could lead to public funds benefiting private entities, commenting: "They can be, in the future, potentially leased or sold to charter schools." The bond, which will be on the Nov. 5 ballot as Propositions A and B, has faced opposition due to its high cost, despite HISD's assurance that taxes won't increase to cover the debt. Superintendent Mike Miles previously mentioned that financial assessments indicate HISD could manage around $5bn without raising taxes.

 

KTRK-TV

Temple ISD trustees recently updated stakeholders on their legislative advocacy efforts after participating in the Trustee Advocates Program by Raise Your Hand Texas. District 6 trustee Shannon Gowan emphasized the importance of their discussions with State Sen. Paul Bettencourt's chief of staff, commenting: “It gave us some confidence on how to go down to the capital and speak to what we in this area need.” Superintendent Bobby Ott highlighted two key priorities: increasing per pupil funding and revamping the A-F Accountability system. Temple is part of a growing number of districts suing the Texas Education Agency (TEA) over accountability ratings. Ott expressed frustration over the current assessment system, saying, “I am just as frustrated that I don't have an assessment and accountability system that has enough credibility to truly know where our kids are academically.” The Texas Legislature's next session begins on January 14.

 

Temple Daily Telegram

After nearly 39 years with Amarillo ISD, Superintendent Doug Loomis has announced his retirement, effective June 30, 2025. His resignation was accepted unanimously during a recent school board meeting. Board President Doyle Corder praised Loomis's leadership, stating: "Doug has been a great leader for this district through some of the hardest and craziest times." Loomis's tenure included significant achievements, such as overseeing the AmTech Career Academy's construction without a bond measure. However, the district now faces challenges, including state funding issues and new safety mandates. Corder highlighted the pressure from Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's push for school vouchers, which could further strain resources. Loomis's commitment to Amarillo was noted by former board member Kimberly Anderson, who remarked, "Doug’s commitment to our district has been remarkable." The search for his successor is underway, with Corder expressing optimism about finding a capable leader to navigate these challenges.

 

Amarillo Globe News

During a recent meeting, College Station ISD Superintendent Tim Harkrider presented a legislative wish list focusing on four key areas: funding, assessment and accountability, teacher shortages, and school safety. Harkrider emphasized that “number one is funding, truly new funding,” highlighting the need for an increase in the basic allotment and a shift to funding based on enrollment rather than attendance. The discussion also touched on the contentious issue of vouchers, with Harkrider noting that “most of my cabinet members were adamantly opposed to any sort of voucher.” Additionally, he expressed concerns about the diminishing local control over school districts, stating: “We have pretty much no local control over our school district.” The Texas Legislature will convene on January 14, 2024, to address these pressing issues.

 

Bryan-College Station Eagle

Fernando Lucas de Urioste is leading the fundraising race for the at-large District 8 seat on the Austin ISD, having raised $50,278 from August 9 to September 26. This amount significantly surpasses his opponents, with Amy Moore and Lindsey Stringer raising $6,078.43 and $2,392.63, respectively. Notably, $15,000 of de Urioste's total came from Education Austin, a local teachers' union that endorsed him. His wife, Rachel Stone, contributed $5,000, while his mother-in-law, Susan Stone, added $10,000. In comparison, LaRessa Quintana is also leading in the District 2 race, raising $16,658.90 against Sarah Ivory's $1,712.54. As early voting begins, the election is set for November 5.

 

Austin American-Statesman

Two months into the school year, Bryson ISD officials report that the transition to a four-day school week has been beneficial. Superintendent Greg London noted that the start of the year, which began on August 6, has been "great with some unforeseen positives." The change appears to have positively impacted both students and staff, leading to a more effective learning environment.

 

Jack County Herald

Corpus Christi ISD is proposing a $135.4m bond to build and renovate elementary schools and improve facilities at King, Moody, and Veterans Memorial high schools. Voters will decide on this measure in the upcoming election on November 5, with early voting starting on October 21. The bond aims to consolidate and upgrade schools, including a new facility adjacent to Yeager Elementary School, which will replace Sanders and Kostoryz Elementary Schools. Principal Stacy Mitchan noted: “There are a lot of outdated parts of the facility that we’re constantly having to update.” If approved, the bond will not change the current tax rate, although the ballot must state: “This is a property tax increase.” The bond also includes $3m for fine arts upgrades and additional gym space at Haas Middle School.

 

Caller-Times

Parents of 11-year-old Angelann Carrasco have accused a gym teacher at Brentwood STEAM School of Innovation of bullying and assaulting their daughter. The incident, which occurred on October 1, involved the teacher allegedly grabbing Angelann's arm for wearing a plain T-shirt instead of the required collared uniform. Carolann Reyes, Angelann's mother, explained: "My daughter was shamed, made fun of, verbally taunted and physically assaulted for the clothes she was wearing that was within school guidelines." Following the incident, Angelann has not returned to school due to fear for her safety. Edgewood ISD conducted an investigation and deemed the complaint "unfounded," but parents and community members gathered at a board meeting to demand accountability and increased safety for students.

 

Star-Telegram

At San Saba Elementary, a National Showcase School for Capturing Kids’ Hearts, students and staff are dedicated to improving school attendance. During the first 9-Week Grading Period, 148 out of 304 students attended school daily, earning rewards like purple lol-lipops. Research from the National Center for Education Statistics highlights that "attendance is an important factor in student achievement." The school emphasizes that good attendance habits formed in early grades lead to continued success in later education and careers. The community's support is crucial in promoting this initiative, especially among the youngest students, referred to as the "Littlest Dillos."

 

San Saba News & Star

According to a report published Thursday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), teen smoking has reached an all-time low in the U.S., with a 20% decrease in tobacco use among middle and high school students. The number of students using tobacco products dropped from 2.8m to 2.25m, marking the lowest level since the CDC began tracking in 1999. Deirdre Lawrence Kittner, director of CDC's Office on Smoking and Health, said: “Reaching a 25-year low for youth tobacco product use is an extraordinary milestone for public health.” The decline is largely attributed to reduced vaping rates, which fell to under 6%. Other tobacco products, including hookahs, also saw decreased usage. The survey included nearly 30,000 students, revealing that while overall tobacco use among high school students dropped to 10%, there was no significant change among middle school students.

 

The Baltimore Sun