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Leaders in Uvalde, Texas, have voted to release records related to the tragic 2022 shooting at Robb Elementary School, where 19 students and two teachers lost their lives. This decision, made by Uvalde County commissioners, ends a lengthy legal battle initiated by media organizations seeking transparency. Commissioner Ronald Garza expressed relief, commenting: “For me, the appellate court's decision to uphold (the judge's) ruling to hand over the video coverage was just confirmation for me that … what are we hiding? I'm very happy that we're gonna release the information." The records will include incident reports, video footage, and law enforcement interactions with the shooter. Family members of the victims have also advocated for the release, hoping it may aid in the healing process.

 

U.S. News

Sens Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Edward Markey (D-MA) have reintroduced legislation aimed at increasing minimum salaries for teachers to $60,000 and support staff to $45,000. Markey emphasized, “You are the champions of the students of our nation. It's now time for us to be the champions for you.” The proposed Pay Teachers Act and Pay Paraprofessionals and Education Support Staff Act would also allocate funds for classroom supplies and provide health care benefits. However, the divided Congress poses challenges for these bills, which previously failed to pass the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee. Current teacher salaries are often below the proposed minimums, with 70% of school districts offering starting salaries under $50,000. According to the PEW Research Center, 16% of full-time public elementary and secondary school teachers worked a non-school job during the summer of 2020-21. This number is the same as the pre-pandemic number during the 2017-18 academic year. Additionally, the rate of full-time teachers working non-school jobs during the school year stood at 18% in 2020-21.

 

Education Week News

A recent report from Rice University's Baker Institute highlights significant mental health challenges among Houston ISD students. In 2023, over 20% reported mental health issues, with a 35% increase in suicidal thoughts since 2011. Notably, nearly 14% of HISD students attempted suicide in the past year, compared to just under 10% nationally. Bullying incidents also rose from 9% in 2021 to over 15% in 2023. Shubhra Endley, director of mental health and wellness at Communities for Schools, attributed these challenges to recent natural disasters and the pandemic, said: “We start to see a lot of trauma related to these large storms.” The report emphasizes the need for on-campus mental health resources, recommending fully funded services, anti-bullying interventions, and proactive safety responses. Christopher Kulesza, lead author of the report, noted: “A safe, supportive school environment is crucial to students' academic performance and well-being.”

 

Community Impact Newspaper

The Killeen ISD board of trustees is deliberating whether to appoint an internal candidate for the superintendent position permanently. This decision comes amid discussions about the qualifications and potential of current staff members. The board is weighing the benefits of promoting from within against the need for fresh perspectives. As the board considers its options, the focus remains on finding the best fit for the district's future leadership.

 

Killeen Daily Herald

Cy-Fair ISD's athletics and career and technical education departments raised over $56,000 in gift cards to assist school districts impacted by recent floods in Central Texas. The CFISD athletics programs organized a gift card drive from July 7-17, collecting $33,535 primarily for hardware stores like Lowe's and Home Depot to help Kerrville ISD with repair costs. Additionally, the Future Farmers of America chapters contributed over 300 gift cards worth $22,820 to support flood victims. Monica McClellan, an agricultural teacher at Cypress Woods High School, played a key role in organizing the initiative after a call for help was made on Facebook. Charles Ament, CFISD associate athletic director, expressed the community's desire to give back, stating, “That love impacted many in a way that is indescribable, and we wanted to share our love with a community that was in need.”

 

Community Impact Newspaper

Frisco ISD is set to unveil its new visual and performing arts center in early 2026, following the groundbreaking of the $55m project in May 2024. This initiative has been in the works for six years, reflecting the district's commitment to enhancing its arts education. The center will be located off Legendary Drive and Stockard Drive, promising to be a significant addition to the community.

 

Allen American

Marshall ISD is set to implement a new compensation plan for the 2025-26 school year, providing substantial raises for teachers. Veteran educators will see a $10,000 increase, while those with three to four years of experience will receive $5,000. Teachers with one to two years will get a $1,000 raise. Substitute teachers will also benefit, with daily rates ranging from $85 to $135 based on qualifications. Board President Brad Burris stated, “So this is a huge, huge change for our district,” emphasizing the importance of these increases for teacher retention. The raises will be funded through the district's operating budget, which is currently under review.

 

Marshall News Messenger

Dallas ISD has lifted its hiring freeze on central administration positions following the federal government's decision to release billions in funding for public schools. Superintendent Stephanie Elizalde stated, “We will be made whole on that $22m,” referring to the funds that would cover approximately 150 staff positions. The freeze was initially implemented due to a $6bn funding review by the Trump administration, which had withheld the money since July 1. Elizalde expressed gratitude to elected officials who advocated for the release of the funds, which are crucial for maintaining academic services in the district. DISD operates on a budget of roughly $1.9bn, and the lifted freeze allows for the resumption of hiring essential staff.

 

Dallas News

Angleton ISD is set to present a $150m bond proposal to voters in November, aimed at replacing three of the district's oldest school buildings with new campuses that meet modern safety and instructional standards. Superintendent Phil Edwards emphasized that the bond would facilitate the complete reconstruction of Northside Elementary, Southside Elementary, and Angleton Junior High, rather than mere renovations. This decision follows an extensive advisory process, facility study, and financial analysis.

 

The Facts

As Clear Creek ISD students prepare for the upcoming school year, families can access resources to ensure a smooth transition. Pre-K, kindergarten, sixth, and ninth-grade students will start on August 12, while all other grades begin on August 13. Notably, pre-K and kindergarten will have a half day on the first day, with full days commencing on August 13. Families new to the district and those interested in open enrollment can find enrollment information on the district's website.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

Frisco ISD has implemented a new policy prohibiting students from using personal communication devices during the school day, effective August 13. This ban extends to passing periods and lunch, aiming to enhance focus and minimize distractions. The district emphasizes that this decision is part of their commitment to creating a conducive learning environment.

 

Allen American

A survey of over 13,000 pupils aged 11 to 18 in Scotland has revealed a significant gap between the perspectives of male and female teenagers. The research, conducted by academics at the University of Glasgow, found that 24% of boys believed the term "sexual harassment" did not apply if their intention was to joke around, compared to 7% of girls. Half of the boys who participated also agreed or strongly agreed that "overall, there are more things that boys are better at than girls," despite 93% believing both sexes would enjoy "equal opportunities" in their lives. The survey also revealed that 33% of boys agreed or strongly agreed that skimpy outfits meant girls were "asking for trouble," a particular area of concern for the study's authors, who called for the findings to be discussed in classrooms. The survey was conducted to obtain a picture of the culture in 37 Scottish secondary schools participating in a programme called Equally Safe in Schools, run by Rape Crisis Scotland to tackle gender-based violence.  

 

The Times of London