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Gov. Greg Abbott's school voucher bill, Senate Bill 2, is facing delays in the Texas House. Initially expected to be fast-tracked, the bill's vote was postponed to allow committee members to review significant changes and financial impacts. Committee chairman Brad Buckley said: “I look forward to meeting with each committee member to discuss the impact this legislation will have on their district.” Critics, including Daphne Hoffacker from the Austin Council of PTAs, expressed concerns about the bill's support and transparency, urging legislators to prioritize public education. Meanwhile, advocates from Raise Your Hand Texas plan a rally to emphasize the need for better funding for schools, highlighting Texas's low teacher pay and per-pupil spending. Organizer Allen Weeks criticized Abbott's push for vouchers, claiming it serves wealthy donors rather than the public interest.

 

The Austin Chronicle

School Leadership’s Guide to Career and Technical Education

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Clergy members from various Fort Worth churches have voiced their opposition to school vouchers. At an event hosted by Pastors for Texas Children, Rev. Mary Spradlin, said: “The way that you disrupt a democracy is you stop educating the people.” The pastors emphasized the importance of public education, particularly for vulnerable children, and urged attendees to contact local representatives. With Texas lawmakers considering legislation to use state funds for private education, the clergy expressed concerns that vouchers would undermine public schools. Rev. Ryon Price highlighted the impact of public education on his son with autism, while Rev. Michael Bell warned that private schools may not accept students with special needs.

 

Star-Telegram

The Texas Senate Education Committee has discussed two significant bills aimed at addressing learning gaps in public schools. Senate Bill 2252, introduced by Sen. Brandon Creighton, mandates math and reading screeners for students in kindergarten through third grade, ensuring early identification of learning deficiencies. Sen. Creighton said: “Senate Bill 2252 represents a historic investment in Texas children during these critical early years.” The second proposal, SB 2253, focuses on enhancing teacher preparation by offering stipends for candidates completing certification programs. Both bills aim to improve educational outcomes and workforce readiness in Texas. If approved, they will move to the Senate floor for further consideration.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

A federal database that tracked domestic terrorism and school shootings has been dismantled by the Trump administration, K-12 Dive reports. Managed by the University of Maryland’s START program, the Terrorism and Targeted Violence Database was the first to study school-based attacks as domestic terrorism. Between 2023 and 2024, it recorded over 1,800 incidents, 400 of which involved U.S. schools, leading to 81 fatal attacks. Homeland security experts warn the move removes the only publicly available dataset offering critical insights to law enforcement, educators, and policymakers—potentially weakening national efforts to understand and prevent school-based violence.

 

EdSource

K-12 Dive

Data on K-12 superintendents was once limited, but new research is transforming how states support district leaders. Spearheaded by Rachel White at the University of Texas, national data now reveals tenure trends, demographics, and mentorship needs. In Texas, women now hold 25% of superintendent roles, up from 15% in 2008. Ohio used survey findings to strengthen mentorship for women, especially in finance and political navigation. Administrator associations are using this research to design better professional development and reduce turnover. The Superintendent Lab, led by White, is expanding this work to ensure superintendents are seen, supported, and set up for success.

 

Education Week News

Danbury ISD has opted not to provide a salary increase for teachers in the 2023-24 school year. Instead, Superintendent Mike Homann mentioned the possibility of a one-time payment before Christmas. This approach aims to support teachers amid ongoing economic challenges.

 

The Facts

The upcoming El Paso ISD board election has sparked a heated conflict between the El Paso Teachers Association and the El Paso American Federation of Teachers. Central issues include the potential impact of school vouchers and charter schools on public education funding. El Paso Teachers Association President Norma De La Rosa criticized the American Federation's pro-charter stance, stating: "The biggest losers in this will be those whose futures will be impacted and a whole generation lost." The El Paso Teachers Association has endorsed four candidates for the board, emphasizing their commitment to public education. Meanwhile, the American Federation's collaboration with the Kids First PAC has raised concerns, particularly regarding state Rep. Vince Perez's involvement as a consultant for the PAC, which supports candidates perceived as pro-charter.

 

El Paso Times

Fort Bend ISD is embarking on a three-year plan that may lead to school closures and student reassignments. As part of this initiative, leaders will evaluate campuses this summer and engage with parents early next year regarding potential changes. Neill Elementary is currently over capacity, prompting some students to be redirected to Pecan Grove and Oakland schools. The district anticipates overcrowding in certain areas while others may see declining attendance.

 

KTRK-TV

An early morning protest at West Briar Middle School revealed significant discontent among parents and students regarding Houston ISD Superintendent Mike Miles and his policies. Parent Kelly Blikre highlighted the statistic that 47% of teachers left the school last year, adding: "That's one of the questions we're asking is transparency in staffing." The protest was fueled by frustrations over the administration's handling of teacher resignations and the impact on students' learning experiences.

 

Houston Press

Victoria ISD is launching a 30-Day Attendance Challenge starting March 31, aimed at enhancing student attendance for the 2024-2025 school year. The initiative encourages collaboration among students, families, staff, and community partners to boost attendance rates through competitions and incentives. The district has also partnered with local authorities to address truancy and absenteeism, implementing various support measures. Parents are encouraged to foster daily routines and celebrate their children's commitment to attending school.

 

Victoria Advocate

St. Paul Catholic School, located on the near Northwest Side of San Antonio, will close at the end of the school year due to declining enrollment. The Archdiocese of San Antonio announced this decision during a town hall meeting. The school, which opened in 1953, has seen a significant drop in student numbers, currently serving about 100 students compared to over 500 in the 1950s.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

Star-Telegram

The Lake Travis ISD board of trustees is moving forward with plans for a second high school, despite concerns over declining enrollment. The board approved American Constructors as the contractor for the new high school, which is set to be built near Reimers-Peacock Road. A contract worth $11.88m was also approved for road development. The district's enrollment has decreased by around 260 students, prompting discussions about the necessity of the new school.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

The Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), a nonprofit legal organization, has sent a letter to Houston ISD, urging it to cease the gender transitioning of a student without parental consent. The ADF is seeking confirmation that the school has stopped treating the girl as a boy, referring to this as a "social transition." The organization has requested documentation from the district regarding this matter, emphasizing the importance of parental involvement in such decisions.

 

Killeen Daily Herald

A federal district judge has canceled a jury trial in a civil rights lawsuit against West ISD, where a former student claims the district failed to protect her from sexual abuse by teacher Andrew White. U.S. Magistrate Judge Derek Gilliland recommended dismissing the student's deliberate indifference claims but allowing her Title IX claims to proceed. White, sentenced to 20 years in prison for sexually assaulting two students, was arrested in October 2021. Gilliland noted that the plaintiff did not demonstrate that the district's trustees were responsible for failing to train staff to recognize abuse.

 

Wacotrib

Impending cuts to nutrition programs are set to impact food deliveries significantly to struggling food banks in North Texas, leaving many families in distress. The North Texas Food Bank (NTFB) currently assists 1.2m food-insecure individuals, with nearly 40% being children. Despite the end of pandemic-era support, food insecurity remains a pressing issue, exacerbated by rising grocery prices. Clarke, a representative from NTFB, noted: "Our mission is to feed and help everyone who needs food in the community." The community is encouraged to support food banks through donations, food drives, and advocacy efforts.

 

Dallas News

Two Texas bills—SB 1619 and HB 2283—aim to let schools administer epinephrine nasal sprays like Neffy, an alternative to EpiPens. Approved by the Food and Drug Administration for children four and up, Neffy is easier to use, heat-resistant, has a two-year shelf life, and costs $200 for two doses,far less than auto-injectors. But current Texas law only allows “auto-injectors” in schools. The proposed bills would change the term to “delivery devices.” Dr. Allen Lieberman calls the spray a “game-changer” and urges more families, especially in Texas, to consider the safer, more practical option for allergy emergencies.

 

Austin American-Statesman

School transportation teams face numerous challenges, including fluctuating student populations and staffing shortages. To address these issues, districts are encouraged to adopt a multimodal approach, integrating various transportation options beyond the traditional yellow bus. Flexibility is key, as districts explore supplemental transportation and technology to enhance operational efficiency. For instance, HopSkipDrive connects schools with vetted drivers for unique student needs, such as specialized routing for IEP students and access for those in remote areas. By diversifying transportation solutions, one district has successfully reduced chronic absenteeism, demonstrating the effectiveness of this approach. Additionally, leveraging technology like RouteWise AI allows districts to optimize routes and minimize costs, ensuring a more reliable transportation system for all students.

 

School Bus Fleet

First-time principals are stepping into leadership roles at a critical time for public education. Whether rising from assistant principal posts or entering from nontraditional backgrounds, leaders like Jesus Sandoval in Minnesota and Anthony Peddle and Alexandra Miller in Ohio are navigating student needs, teacher dynamics, and budget constraints amid federal education uncertainty. Sandoval, motivated by a desire to reach more students, emphasizes visibility and direct engagement. Peddle, promoted after a sudden retirement, balances teacher resistance and staff development while prioritizing work-life boundaries. Miller, a former teacher at her school, stresses relationship redefinition and inclusive decision-making, introducing teacher-led committees and feedback tools. All three principals highlight how leadership training can’t fully prepare one for the job’s realities—especially when managing veteran staff or navigating data systems. Their advice: listen, communicate clearly, and build trust.

 

Education Week News

Research from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health has revealed a link between screen time in bed and sleep disruption among students. The study, which surveyed over 45,000 students aged 18-28, found that each additional hour of screen use correlates with a 63% increase in insomnia risk and a reduction of 24 minutes in sleep duration. Dr Gunnhild Johnsen Hjetland, the lead author, explained: "We found no significant differences between social media and other screen activities, suggesting that screen use itself is the key factor in sleep disruption." While the study highlights a correlation, it does not establish causation, indicating that further research is needed to understand the impact of screen use on sleep. 

 

BBC News

A principal in New South Wales, Australia, pulled off a masterful April Fools’ prank by convincing students they’d be required to complete a Year 13. Kylie Woods of Wollongong High School of Performing Arts told her Year 11 cohort they’d now graduate in 2027 due to a new education policy. The prank, coordinated with the NSW Department of Education, was delivered with hidden cameras rolling. When she revealed it was all a joke, the shocked students burst into relieved laughter. The prank has since been praised as one of the best school-based April Fools’ Day stunts in recent memory.

 

Student Edge