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As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office, concerns are rising among educators about potential immigration enforcement in schools. Reports indicate that Trump plans to rescind a policy that has historically protected schools from ICE raids. According to NBC News, this change could occur on his first day in office, raising fears for the 5.5m children living with unauthorized immigrant parents. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas emphasized the importance of not disrupting access to essential services, stating: “To the fullest extent possible, we should not take an enforcement action in or near a location that would restrain people's access to essential services.” Legal experts warn that immigration enforcement in schools could violate constitutional rights established in the 1982 Plyler v. Doe decision. As uncertainty looms, educators are urged to remind families of their rights and prepare for potential changes in immigration policy.

 

Education Week News

NBC News

The U.S. Department of Education has approved $1.7bn in spending extensions for K-12 COVID-19 emergency funding under the American Rescue Plan (ARP), according to updated data as of November 21. Of the total, $1.3bn is for ARP-Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief funds across seven states—Alabama, Delaware, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, and Nebraska—and Puerto Rico. An additional $425m is for ARP-Emergency Assistance to Non-Public Schools across eight states, including California, Colorado, and Texas. States without approved extensions must liquidate ARP funds by January 28, 2025, while those with extensions have until March 30, 2026. Delays due to supply chain issues, procurement, or service disruptions are among the allowable justifications for extensions. The Association of School Business Officials International emphasized the importance of these extensions in providing flexibility to address critical educational needs. The ARP program, the largest of three federal COVID-19 aid packages for K-12 schools, allocated $121.9bn in total. Other states and Puerto Rico still have extension requests under review, while extensions for earlier COVID relief packages have also been approved for about half of all states and territories.

 

K-12 Dive

Generative AI tools like ChatGPT are transforming school operations, helping district leaders streamline tasks and engage communities. Andrew Adams, executive director of business services for the Eden Prairie school district in Minnesota, has used ChatGPT to navigate funding documentation, though he highlighted the importance of human oversight after identifying errors in AI-generated suggestions. Despite the challenges, Adams advocates for embracing AI, having launched an “AI for Dummies” class for the Minnesota Association of School Business Officials to encourage experimentation and learning. Similarly, Madeline Negrón, superintendent of New Haven schools in Connecticut, used the AI-driven tool ThoughtExchange to gather extensive community feedback for a five-year strategic plan. The tool’s ability to translate queries into 76 languages and analyze demographic-specific data enabled unprecedented outreach in the district of 19,000 students. Negrón plans to use AI for future projects, including crafting a "portrait of a graduate" to define key student skills. A recent EdWeek Research Center survey found strong support for AI among K-12 administrators, with 70% endorsing its use for tracking and analyzing community feedback. 

 

Education Week News

Starting next school year, attendance boundaries for five Fort Worth ISD schools will change due to campus rebuilding and consolidation. The school board approved these changes on December 10, addressing overcapacity and underutilization issues. Carter Park Elementary will gain approximately 105 students, while Eastern Hills Elementary is set for a complete rebuild, with a new 750-student capacity facility expected by fall 2027. “In an effort to provide access to the new learning environment to as many students as possible,” officials stated, the number of schools in the area will reduce from four to three. Students from Eastern Hills will temporarily relocate to West Handley Elementary during construction, prompting further boundary adjustments to enhance enrollment balance and transportation efficiency.

 

Star-Telegram

The Bonham ISD has appointed Keith Boles as the interim superintendent following the administrative leave of Dr. Joy Wilson. Board president Chance Roberts confirmed that the board voted unanimously for Wilson's voluntary separation due to concerns regarding her responsibilities. Boles is set to assume his role on January 6 while the board searches for a permanent superintendent. Wilson, who was appointed in March, did not complete her first year in the position. Roberts previously praised Wilson, stating: "Dr. Wilson offers the district a wealth of knowledge in education, including classroom teaching, campus leadership and central office experience."

 

Victoria Advocate

New Braunfels ISD is set to transform its School of Choice into Two Rivers Academy, marking a significant change for the institution. The new academy will feature its own graduation ceremony, mascot, and colors, reflecting a fresh identity. During a recent board meeting, trustees approved the name change, which honors the local community. Erica Wilson, the education and nonprofit reporter for the New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung, highlighted that the School of Choice is currently registered as the NBISD Learning Center with the Texas Education Agency. This rebranding signifies a new era for the school and its students.

 

Herald Zeitung

Mesquite ISD has been honored by the Association of School Business Officials (ASBO) for its outstanding financial management and budgetary practices. The district received the Meritorious Budget Award for the 2024-25 budget year, recognizing its excellence in budget presentation.

 

Allen American

Hallsville ISD is enhancing its Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs by collaborating with local businesses and industry leaders. During the first CTE Advisory Council meeting of the 2024-25 school year, stakeholders discussed aligning course offerings with workforce demands. Kathy Gaw, Hallsville ISD's CTE director, stated, “Our business and industry partners are invaluable,” highlighting their role in refining educational offerings. Kerri Bowles, TEA-CTE Program Specialist, emphasized the need for robust programs that meet both TEA guidelines and industry needs. The meeting also featured insights from Rush Harris, executive director of the Marshall Economic Development Corporation, who stressed the importance of collaboration. Gaw noted that partnerships, such as with Eastman Chemical, have led to significant initiatives, including the development of a simulator for the process technology program. Gaw concluded, “If we've got students who are interested, we're going to find a way to offer them the skills they need.”

 

Marshall News Messenger

Waco ISD is making significant progress on Kendrick Elementary School and Waco High School, both part of a $355m bond package approved by voters in 2021. The new Kendrick, designed by O'Connell Robertson, features "learning neighborhoods" to enhance student comfort and orientation, with a storybook-themed library and specialized spaces for various grades. Jayna Duke, Director of Interior Design, emphasized that the design aims to help children feel at ease. Meanwhile, Waco High boasts a 600-seat performing arts center and a competition gym for 2,000 spectators. The school will honor its history with spaces named after former institutions, including Moore Library and The Hangar. Both schools are set to open for the 2025-26 school year, with interior work expected to finish by early summer.

 

Wacotrib

Howe ISD is developing a bond proposal to expand facilities in response to rapid community growth. City Administrator Monte Walker noted: "I expect us to have a vast leap in population over the next 5 years," with enrollment projected to rise from 3,700 to 4,200 soon. Superintendent Kevin Wilson highlighted a demographer's study indicating that enrollment could double in six years and triple in ten. The proposal focuses on Summit Hill Elementary, aiming to add three wings, 18 classrooms, and a gymnasium. If approved, a Bond Election will take place in May 2025, allowing taxpayers to decide on the funding, which may involve a tax increase. The Community Facility Committee will present the proposal to the school board next week.

 

Victoria Advocate

Discussions regarding a proposed land sale for a new $160m minor-league baseball stadium in San Antonio have been postponed. During a recent meeting, the San Antonio ISD trustees opted for a closed-door session without making a decision. Spokeswoman Laura Short indicated that the board would reconvene on December 16 to provide updates. SAISD has set conditions for the sale, including $45m for a new campus and 1,250 affordable housing units. The land, currently a parking lot for Fox Tech High School, is sought by Weston Urban and Designated Bidders LLC for a 4,500-seat stadium. Concerns have arisen among tenants of nearby Soap Factory Apartments, who face potential displacement. Short noted that the district has been in talks with city and county officials regarding the proposal.

 

San Antonio Current

Frisco ISD's board of trustees has approved over $10.1m for storm repairs during their December 9 meeting. The funding addresses damage sustained by several campuses from a storm in 2022.

 

Allen American