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Uvalde CISD has come under fire for releasing only a small portion of the documents related to the 2022 Robb Elementary School massacre. During a recent school board meeting, attorney Robb Decker admitted that the law firm representing the district made an error in not releasing all promised documents, stating: “We are not in any way trying to hide anything.” The district had previously released over 3,500 pages of documents after years of litigation, but it was revealed that around 90% of records and emails were not disclosed as expected. Family members, including Jesse Rizo, uncle of victim Jackie Cazares, expressed frustration over the situation, with Rizo commenting: “There’s no excuse for that sir.” The district plans to release an additional 26,000 pages and 8,600 emails by next week, although many of the documents provided little new information.

 

Killeen Daily Herald

CBS News

The Galveston County Daily News

Temple Daily Telegram

School Leadership’s Guide to Career and Technical Education

Economic impacts are changing the employment landscape. Now more than ever it's critical to prepare students for careers in current and emerging professions through Career and Technical Education (CTE). Having developed 200+ award-winning digital courses, FlexPoint knows that CTE offerings look different for every school, based on location and student population. School and district leaders can learn how to enhance their CTE programs through the free FlexPoint guide.

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At least two children, aged 8 and 10, were killed, and 17 others were injured during a shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis on Wednesday morning that occurred while students were attending Mass. The shooter, a male in his 20s, reportedly fired from outside the church using multiple firearms before taking his own life in the parking lot. All the injured victims are expected to survive, Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara said. FBI Director Kash Patel said his agency is “investigating this shooting as an act of domestic terrorism and hate crime targeting Catholics.” Annunciation Catholic School Principal Matt DeBoer said the school’s teachers acted quickly and heroically during the shooting, adding: “It could have been significantly worse without their heroic action. This is a nightmare, but we call our staff the dream team, and we will recover from this.”

 

CNN

The Hill

Education Week News

The Minnesota Star Tribune

Nearly one-third of K-12 public schools in the U.S. now mandate mental health screenings for students, according to a recent RAND report. The study, which surveyed 1,019 school principals, revealed that 30.5% of schools require such screenings. While most principals notify parents and offer in-person treatment, less than 20% provide telehealth options. Challenges remain, with 40% of principals finding it difficult to ensure students receive adequate care. John Gies, principal of Shelby High School, noted, “It actually was a little bit better than I anticipated.” Despite progress, barriers persist, particularly in rural areas, and only two states have laws supporting universal mental health screenings. Gies emphasized the need for continued funding to address the mental health crisis in schools.

 

Education Week News

According to preliminary results from the Texas Education Agency (TEA), fifth- and eighth-grade students in Texas have made significant gains in math on this spring's STAAR tests. Senator Paul Bettencourt stated: “It looks like we're very close to the end at this point for replacing the STAAR test,” as lawmakers work towards a resolution to replace the controversial assessment. The proposed House Bill 8 aims to eliminate the STAAR test in two years, substituting it with three smaller exams overseen by the TEA. This legislative effort comes after years of criticism and lawsuits regarding the STAAR test's effectiveness. Both parties in the Texas Legislature agree that the STAAR test is a longstanding issue that needs addressing, with many constituents voicing their concerns.

 

Dallas News

Karen Garza, chief financial officer for Conroe ISD, indicated that the district anticipates receiving $2.5m for special education evaluation costs in the 2025-26 school year. However, she noted that further legislative support will be necessary for the expanding special education program, which saw a 22% increase in student enrollment from 2023-24 to 2024-25. House Bill 2, signed into law on June 4, allocates $850m statewide for special education over the next two years, but the specific amount for CISD remains undetermined. While HB 2 funding will help, Garza expressed disappointment, saying: "It did help to close the gap somewhat, but certainly not to the extent that we had hoped." The district's budget for 2025-26 includes $5.97m for additional special education teachers.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

During its meeting on August 26, Northside ISD approved its budget for the 2025-26 school year, which includes a general fund of approximately $278m. This budget is based on an average daily attendance of 91,500 students and features salary increases for employees, including a $2,500 raise for teachers with three to four years of experience and a $5,000 raise for those with five or more years. Despite these increases, expenditures have decreased, and revenues have risen by $62m. The budget also maintains the current tax rate of $1.0049 per $100 valuation, ensuring no increase in student meal prices at Community Eligibility Provision campuses.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

The New Braunfels ISD board of trustees has approved a tax rate of $1.0377 per $100 of taxable value for the 2025-26 school year, maintaining the same rate as last year. Jose Betancourt, the district's director of financial services, explained that the district could keep the tax rate steady due to rising property values and homestead exemptions. The average taxable value of homes in the district decreased from $305,426 to $279,122.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

Round Rock ISD is advancing on several bond projects funded by three 2024 ballot initiatives, as detailed in a recent report. Major undertakings include the renovation of the former Spectrum building into a career and technical education center, budgeted at $51.7m, and improvements to McNeil High School's athletics and fine arts, budgeted at $60.9m. Other projects involve auditorium refreshes at Stony Point High School and improvements at various elementary and middle schools, with budgets ranging from $459,523 to $133m. The district anticipates a permitting timeline of six to twelve months before construction begins.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

Ropes ISD in Ropesville is set to hold a bond election in November, seeking $19.75m to improve aging facilities and transportation as the district expands. The Board of Trustees approved the election unanimously, emphasizing the need for upgrades. The district plans to provide further details regarding the bond's phases, taxpayer impact, and effects on students and staff.

 

Kcbd Tv

Following the passage of Senate Bill 12 by the Texas Legislature, Katy ISD trustees approved a resolution on August 25 that enhances parental authority over students' moral, educational, and medical decisions. The bill, known as the “parental bill of rights,” prohibits school-sponsored clubs based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Superintendent Ken Gregorski noted that many of the bill's expectations are already part of KISD's culture. The resolution also mandates that student health care requires parental consent and that sexual education shifts to an opt-in model. 

 

Community Impact Newspaper

On November 4, Hays County will hold elections featuring several key propositions. Voters will decide on 17 constitutional amendments proposed by the 89th Texas Legislature, including Proposition 14, which aims to establish the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas, allocating $3bn for research and treatment. Additionally, Wimberley ISD will see unopposed elections for two trustee positions, with Will Conley and Chad Canine continuing their roles. Furthermore, the Hays County Municipal Utility District No. 12 will present six propositions, including tax increases and bond issuances for infrastructure improvements. Voters will also elect permanent directors for the district.

 

Hays Free Press

Dripping Springs ISD has approved a new compensation plan for the 2025-26 school year, which includes salary increases for all staff to enhance employee retention and attract quality candidates. Teachers with five or more years of experience will see a $5,000 increase, while those with three to four years will receive $2,500. Additionally, starting teacher salaries will rise by $500 to $56,000. Other employee groups will receive a 3% midpoint salary increase. Trustee Mary Jane Hetrick stressed the need to have ongoing discussions with state leaders regarding school funding, noting the challenges posed by unfunded mandates. The board's next meetings are scheduled for September 15 and 22.

 

Hays Free Press

Georgetown ISD reported a significant increase in home sales this spring, with 1,849 new homes sold, trailing only Hays CISD's 3,683 sales. Despite a slight decline in enrollment projections, GISD is expected to grow due to ample undeveloped land, as noted by Zonda Demographics. The district anticipates an additional 6,000 students over the next decade, with projections of nearly 16,300 students by the 2029-30 school year. However, multifamily housing occupancy rates have dropped to 82.9%, prompting concessions from providers. GISD's largest elementary school, Wolf Ranch Elementary, is expected to exceed its capacity by 2025-26.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

The Grapevine-Colleyville ISD board of trustees has taken significant steps towards selling the Heritage Annex property, allocating $20,000 for a property appraisal to determine its fair market value. Additionally, the board approved the formation of an education master planning committee aimed at optimizing facility and program-related costs and revenues.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

San Saba High School's visual art program has achieved the Texas Art Education Association (TAEA) District of Distinction Award for the second year in a row, ranking it among the top 8% of visual art programs in Texas. Out of over 1,200 eligible districts, only 109 met the TAEA's rigorous standards. The program showcased its commitment to creativity and community engagement, excelling in TAEA events. The award, sponsored by the Visual Art Administrators of Texas, recognizes outstanding leadership in visual arts. This year, 26 programs, including San Saba, celebrated their second consecutive win, and they still motivate students and enrich the community through innovative art education.

 

San Saba News & Star

Plano ISD officials inaugurated the Bonser-Thomas Welcome and Enrollment Center on August 22, a new facility designed to support families in the district. The 11,000-square-foot center will offer various services, including student enrollment, community resource connections, and health fairs.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

A group of students from Fredericksburg High School has taken the initiative to support teachers by leading the organization Clear the List, which raises funds and collects school supplies for the Fredericksburg ISD. The program has successfully raised over $60,000 in supplies over the past three years, addressing the significant out-of-pocket expenses teachers incur, averaging between $400 to $700 annually. The organization encourages community involvement through social media and email outreach.

 

Fredericksburg Standard Post

Delays in visa processing have resulted in approximately 750 fewer international students arriving at the University at Buffalo for the fall semester. Tomás Aguirre, the dean of students, acknowledged the challenges faced by these students, commenting: "We know you have had to overcome hurdles to be here." The Trump Administration's tightened visa policies have led to significant delays, with many students unable to secure appointments in time. Fanta Aw, from the Association of International Educators, predicts a drop of about 150,000 new international students this fall, which could cost local economies up to $7bn. Despite these challenges, the University at Buffalo maintains that international students do not take spots from qualified American students, emphasizing their cultural and financial contributions to the campus.

 

NPR / National Public Radio

Nearly one in three school students in India now takes private lessons, according to the government's latest Comprehensive Modular Survey, with the practice far more common in urban areas. The survey, which covered over 52,000 households and nearly 58,000 students, found that government schools dominate nationally, accounting for 55.9% of enrollments; however, in cities, that figure shrinks to 30.1%, with parents showing a preference for private unaided institutions. Twenty-seven percent of students took private coaching this year, rising to 30.7% in urban areas. Coaching costs vary from ₹525 ($5.98) at pre-primary level to ₹6,384 ($72.67) at higher secondary.

 

The Times of India