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In Texas, the debate over school vouchers for special education students is intensifying as parents express concerns about their effectiveness. Megan Close, whose daughter Lilly has Down syndrome, said: "I don’t think vouchers are going to open up the private school sector to people like Lilly." Close struggled to find adequate services in public schools and ultimately found a charter school that met her daughter's needs. Meanwhile, Rep. Brad Buckley, who authored the House's voucher proposal, highlighted the importance of providing options for families: "The child needs to be where they are served the best." However, many parents and advocacy groups worry that vouchers may not adequately address the needs of high-needs students. The Texas House is set to vote on both the $1bn voucher proposal and a $7.6bn finance package aimed at improving public education funding.

 

Austin American-Statesman

School Leadership’s Guide to Building an Online Learning Program

No two students learn the same way, and alternative options for education have never been more necessary than they are right now. According to a recent study, 81% of parents believe online learning helps their children better prepare for the future and 94% believe it positively impacts their children’s ability to understand courses.*

This guide will help school and district leaders like you learn more about the fundamentals of online learning and its benefits.

Topics include:

• Debunking common myths about online education
  
• An outline of the first steps to create and implement a new program
  
• Strategies for creating open communication with parents, students, and staff
  
• How to select the best industry partner to help develop your new program

*FlexPoint 2021 Parent Survey

Download the Guide

 

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has filed a lawsuit against the Department of Defense's school system, claiming that the removal of race- and gender-related educational materials infringes on students' First Amendment rights. The suit, initiated in U.S. District Court in Virginia, argues that the Department of Defense Education Activity's actions stem from an executive order by President Donald Trump, which prohibits the promotion of what he termed "un-American" theories. The ACLU highlights that significant works, including Harper Lee's “To Kill a Mockingbird” and Khaled Hosseini's “The Kite Runner,” have been removed from libraries. Natalie Tolley, a plaintiff and mother of three, said: “They deserve access to books that both mirror their own life experiences and that act as windows that expose them to greater diversity.” The lawsuit represents 12 students from various locations, including Virginia and Japan.

 

ABC News

The U.S. Education Department's Office for Civil Rights (OCR) is facing a significant staffing crisis, having lost over 40% of its workforce due to recent cuts. This downsizing has raised concerns among parents like Amy Cupp, whose daughter G has disabilities and has faced seclusion in a padded room at school. Cupp filed a complaint with OCR, but the layoffs have hindered the investigation of such complaints. "As soon as they go to lock the doors, she freaks out," Cupp expressed, highlighting the distress caused by these practices. The lawsuit Cupp joined aims to compel the federal government to address these civil rights violations. Rachel Perera from the Brookings Institution noted that the loss of OCR's functionality is a significant setback for the disability rights community. With the OCR overwhelmed and now further diminished, parents fear for the educational rights of their children with disabilities.

 

NPR

The Burton ISD board of trustees has approved new instructional technology for students during a meeting marked by the recent passing of sixth-grade teacher Kim Applewhite. Board President Jeff Harmon opened the session with a prayer, acknowledging the tragic loss of Applewhite, who suffered a medical emergency on campus.

 

Brenham Banner Press

Despite financial challenges, Keller school district has approved a 1% pay raise for teachers for the 2025-26 school year. Interim Superintendent Cory Wilson announced this in an April 15 email, which also detailed budget cuts aimed at addressing a $9.4m deficit. The district plans to save $3.5m through staffing reductions, with fewer teachers at middle and high schools, increasing the student-teacher ratio by 0.5. A spokesperson confirmed that elementary and intermediate schools will not see changes in their ratios. The final proposed budget will be presented to the board of trustees in June. Additionally, community backlash led to the cancellation of a controversial plan to split the district.

 

Star-Telegram

The San Antonio ISD Board of Trustees has unanimously approved salary increases for teachers, paraprofessionals, and support staff to address rising living costs. First-year teachers will now earn $60,000, while existing full-time staff will receive a 3% raise. Paraprofessionals and transportation workers will see a 4% increase. Despite a $51m budget deficit, Superintendent Jaime Aquino discussed the need for these raises: "Our staff also need to be able to cope with the 22% national inflation." Additionally, the board approved higher custodian pay and bonuses for district police staff.

 

San Antonio Current

Liberty Hill ISD (LHISD) is experiencing rapid growth, nearing an enrollment of 10,000 students, but faces significant budget challenges. The district plans to cut over $6m for the fiscal year 2025-26, impacting nearly 80 positions, primarily those providing support to teachers. Former Superintendent Steven Snell said: “All the cuts we make put more work on the teacher's back, and it also cuts away at the quality that we offer in Liberty Hill.” The budget shortfall is attributed to reduced state funding and changes in local property tax collections. Despite hiring 30 new teachers to accommodate growth, the district will eliminate key support roles, including mental health counselors. LHISD is advocating for increased state funding to address these challenges, with Rep. Terry Wilson emphasizing the need for better public education funding.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

Winona City Council has taken significant action against Winona ISD due to ongoing wastewater compliance issues. Mayor Rachel Moreno said: "They keep saying that they're in compliance. The problem is they're not in compliance based on what our system can handle." The council issued a legal notice requiring the district to submit a corrective plan within 10 days and mandated testing of wastewater samples at a certified lab. The city is concerned about excessive pollutants, particularly ammonia, which can harm the environment. If the district fails to comply, it faces daily fines of $500 and potential disconnection from the sewer system.

 

Tyler Paper

The North East Board of Trustees recently discussed the transition of magnet programs to Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-Tech) Programs, which aim to provide students with both high school diplomas and associate degrees or work-based certifications. North East ISD has received approval from the Texas Education Agency for its SETA, DATA, and STEM programs to be included in the P-Tech initiative, allowing for a dedicated planning year in 2025-26. Superintendent Sean Maika emphasized that these programs are incentivized by the state to enhance funding and college readiness. “These [programs] are very much aligned to the technology, engineering, early-college-high-school pathway,” a district official stated. The transition involves establishing partnerships with higher education institutions and businesses, with a provisional P-Tech designation lasting up to four years, contingent on meeting specific outcome-based measurements.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

The New Braunfels ISD board of trustees is set to replace lighting at Old Lamar Elementary, Seele Elementary, and Lone Star Early Childhood Center, funded by Proposition A of the 2024 Bond approved by voters. The project, which began in December 2024, aims to retrofit or replace approximately 2,269 light fixtures across the campuses, with an estimated cost of $272,182. Billy Kidd, director of planning and construction, stated that the new LED lights will enhance lighting quality, improve energy efficiency, and yield cost savings. The board will consider a contract for the project at its May 12 meeting, with replacements planned during the summer break.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

On April 16, Texas House lawmakers approved House Bill 2, which aims to increase public education funding by $7.7bn. The bill proposes raising the basic allotment for schools from $6,160 to $6,555 per student and mandates that 40% of any increase be allocated for teacher salaries. Rep. Brad Buckley, the bill's author, said: "This is more money for Texas public education than any other piece of legislation in the history of the state." The bill also includes provisions for special education funding and teacher certification support. While the bill passed with a 144-4 vote, some Democrats expressed concerns about its adequacy in addressing inflationary pressures on school funding. The bill must pass one more House vote before moving to the Senate.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

San Antonio Current

Austin American-Statesman

The Texas Tribune

The Texas House has taken a significant step by giving initial approval to its school funding legislation, with a vote of 144-4. This legislation aims to enhance the financial support for schools, addressing critical needs in education. House Education Chair Brad Buckley emphasized the importance of this funding, commenting: "This is a priority for us." The proposed budget includes a substantial increase in funding, with a focus on improving educational resources and support for students. The legislation is expected to provide much-needed financial relief and enhance the quality of education across Texas.

 

Longview News-Journal

An affidavit reveals that the suspect in the Dallas school shooting was allowed entry through an unsecured door by another student. The 17-year-old, charged with aggravated assault mass shooting, injured four male students at Wilmer-Hutchins High School on Tuesday. Two students were discharged from the hospital, while two others remain under observation but are expected to recover. A fifth individual, a 14-year-old girl, was hospitalized for anxiety-related symptoms. Surveillance footage confirmed that the suspect entered the school through the unsecured door before opening fire. Christina Smith, assistant police chief for the Dallas Independent School District, stated, "It was not a failure of our staff, of our protocols, or of the machinery that we have." The school will remain closed for the week, with counselors available for students. The suspect's bond is set at $600,000.

 

KTRK-TV

Dallas News

Kcbd Tv

Austin American-Statesman

Temple ISD Superintendent Bobby Ott visited the Texas Capitol to support House Bill 2, which proposes nearly $8bn in new funding for public education. Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows emphasized the importance of public schools, stating, “Our public schools are the backbone of this state and education and always will be.” The bill includes $3bn for per student spending and teacher salaries, along with $1.5bn for special education. Buckley, chair of the Texas House Public Education Committee, noted that the bill reflects the needs of Texas public schools and aims to increase the basic allotment for funding. Ott expressed pride in Temple ISD's role in advocating for education, stating, “Temple is at the table and working on public school advocacy and bills statewide.”

 

Temple Daily Telegram

In a recent National Principals Advocacy Conference, S. Kambar Khoshaba, a principal from Lorton, Virginia, emphasized the urgent need for school leaders to advocate for public education funding. He noted: "If we fail to speak up, we leave the future of our schools in the hands of those who may not fully understand our challenges." The conference highlighted the importance of sharing real stories with lawmakers to inform their decisions, especially regarding Title I and Title II funding. Khoshaba's experience revealed that many legislators lack firsthand knowledge of public school challenges, making advocacy essential. He urged fellow principals to unite in their efforts to ensure that education funding remains a priority, stating that "one principal's advocacy for public education can be powerful." The collective voice of school leaders is crucial for shaping effective education policies that support students and teachers.

 

Education Week News

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has issued a stern warning to Harvard University, threatening to revoke its ability to enroll international students unless it provides records regarding “illegal and violent activities” of its foreign student visa holders. In a letter, Noem demanded these records by April 30, 2025, or Harvard could lose its Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification, which is essential for issuing visa application forms to international students. The DHS emphasized the importance of this certification for universities. CNN has reached out to both DHS and Harvard for further comments on this developing situation.

 

CNN Edition

Canada's residential school survivors are urging political parties to pledge full support for investigations into unmarked burials and missing children linked to the institutions. Although several initiatives were announced in 2021 following the findings of potential unmarked graves at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School, they are currently in a state of uncertainty, with funding discontinued for the expert committee advising Indigenous communities undertaking searches. Cadmus Delorme was chief of Cowessess First Nation in 2021, when the community announced 751 suspected unmarked burials were located at the site of the former Marieval Indian Residential School in Saskatchewan. He said Canada "has a fiduciary financial responsibility in this moment," as communities still seek closure, and added: "We have to address certain things we inherited, we can't just forget about it, and this is one of them."

 

CBC News