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As President-elect Donald Trump prepares for a second term, his focus on expanding school choice through public funding for private education has sparked renewed debate, Education Week reports. Supporters, such as the yes. every kid. foundation, highlight strong public support for policies like tax credit scholarships, education savings accounts (ESAs), and public-school choice. A foundation survey found 72% of adults and 81% of K-12 parents back these initiatives. Critics, including the National Coalition for Public Education, argue such measures siphon resources from public schools and discriminate against vulnerable students. Trump’s proposed federal tax credit scholarship program has drawn sharp opposition from over 50 organizations, including the National Education Association and the Council for Exceptional Children. The coalition contends the program would harm public education by directing funds to private schools that can exclude students based on various criteria. While ballot initiatives in Colorado, Kentucky, and Nebraska rejected school choice expansions this year, supporters claim these outcomes reflect misunderstanding, not public opposition.

 

Education Week News

The Harlingen CISD is implementing significant budget cuts, including offering $1,000 incentives to retiring and resigning staff while absorbing nearly 50 positions. Following the previous administration's withdrawal of $23.2m from cash reserves, the district's fund balance now stands at $19.8m. Board member Dr. Nolan Perez emphasized the need for a marketing program to boost enrollment, which has dropped to 16,461 students. The district plans to cut $7.2m in expenditures, including $1.7m in consulting fees and 10% cuts in department budgets. Interim Superintendent Veronica Kortan stated: “We have been looking at all of our expenditures and also identifying areas that we can decrease.” The district is also rethinking budget planning and prioritizing budget needs to avoid repetitive submissions.

 

The Monitor

Carthage ISD has been awarded a $135,027 Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grant to train 50 students in welding, as announced by Gov. Greg Abbott. This grant is part of a larger initiative where 60 career training grants totaling over $15m have been distributed to Texas educational institutions to prepare students for high-demand jobs. Abbott emphasized the importance of investing in the future workforce, stating: “This $15m in career training grants will support career and technical training programs for thousands of Texas students.” The funding will enable students to earn licenses, certificates, or degrees, with the new equipment expected to train over 6,900 students in its first year. TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel noted that the JET grant program is essential for meeting the growing demand for a skilled workforce in Texas.

 

Panola Watchman

The Brownsville ISD Board of Trustees has approved a $750 holiday retention stipend for all full-time and permanent part-time employees, with payments scheduled for on or after December 20. Trustee Minerva Pena initially advocated for a $1,000 stipend but ultimately supported the board's unanimous decision. Superintendent Jesus H. Chavez noted that the stipend has been a tradition in recent years, with the original proposal set at $500. The board also discussed the possibility of including the stipend in the regular budget to provide clarity for employees. Additionally, the board recognized Rivera Early College High School volleyball coach Mary E. Guerra for her 700th career victory and Ortiz Elementary School for its academic achievements, ranking 50th among over 96,000 elementary schools in the U.S.

 

The Monitor

Fort Worth ISD's interim superintendent, Karen Molinar, presented a plan to foster partnerships with local organizations during a school board meeting. She encouraged community members to support school staff as part of their New Year's resolutions, stating: “This is my challenge, my New Year's resolution challenge to the city of Fort Worth.” The initiative aims to enhance engagement with businesses and faith-based organizations, asking them to adopt school staff for five months, providing snacks, supplies, and recognition events. The district is also focusing on improving literacy, with a resolution to ensure all students read at grade level. Molinar emphasized the importance of community involvement, saying: “Achieving grade-level literacy for all students is not only an educational imperative but also a moral obligation.” The board is committed to a long-term focus on literacy, despite concerns about implementation and adequate resources.

 

Star-Telegram

Three years post-pandemic, Fort Worth ISD reports chronic absenteeism has nearly returned to pre-pandemic levels, with 19% of students missing too many school days. Marta Plata, the district's executive director of student and family experience, noted, “Families are hurting,” highlighting the challenges families face, including housing instability and food insecurity. The district has implemented strategies like hiring family engagement specialists and opening campus markets to support families. Despite progress, chronic absenteeism remains a significant issue nationwide, with rates still above pre-pandemic norms. Hedy Chang, executive director of Attendance Works, emphasizes the need for collaboration between state departments and school districts to effectively address absenteeism, advocating for a supportive approach rather than punitive measures.

 

Star-Telegram

More than 100 teachers, students, and family members from Baytown’s Lamar Elementary School gathered at the Goose Creek CISD boardroom to protest the proposed closure of their school. They shared heartfelt stories highlighting the school's supportive environment, particularly for special needs children and families escaping domestic violence. One parent emphasized: "The school’s teachers and administrators provided for our special needs kids," showcasing the deep connection the community has with the school. Their passionate pleas led the district leaders to postpone the vote on the closure, reflecting the strong community sentiment to keep Lamar Elementary open.

 

The Baytown Sun

The Denton ISD has announced the closure of Ginnings Elementary School for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 school years due to the need for demolition and rebuilding on the same site. Lacey Rainey, Denton ISD's assistant superintendent, stated: "When we realized that we were not going to be able to rebuild Ginnings on the same site... we had to pivot." Students will be reassigned to Evers Park, Hodge, and Nette Shultz elementary schools, which can accommodate the influx despite being slightly over capacity. All Ginnings staff will retain their positions within the district, and the project is part of a bond referendum approved by voters in 2023. Superintendent Susannah O'Bara emphasized the long-term benefits, stating: "Once rebuilt, the new Ginnings Elementary will be a proud beacon for our students and community."

 

Denton Record-Chronicle

Tim Crow, the communications and community liaison for Taylor ISD, has announced his retirement after 40 years of service, effective at the end of the spring 2025 semester. In a heartfelt Facebook post, Crow stated: “Walking isn’t as easy as it used to be, and I need to take things at a slower pace.” His extensive career includes roles as a principal and teacher, and he is known for creating the Duck Room, which showcases the district's mascot memorabilia.

 

Taylor Daily Press

Mesquite ISD has entered into a contract with CareATC to manage its employee health center and pharmacy operations. The Mesquite Employee Health Center (MEHC) aims to deliver accessible and affordable healthcare services to participants of the Mesquite ISD health plan. This collaboration is expected to enhance the quality of care provided to employees. As noted by reporter Winston Henvey, the initiative reflects a commitment to improving health services within the district.

 

Allen American

Since September, five fires have occurred at the nearly 70-year-old Nolan Estes Plaza, which has been vacant since December. Robyn Harris, a Dallas ISD spokesperson, noted that the school board voted to demolish the facility, with work expected to finish next year. The building has suffered vandalism and unauthorized occupancy as people seek warmth. Jason Evans from Dallas Fire-Rescue confirmed that only one fire's cause has been determined, attributed to trash burning, stating: “The intent was to be mischievous and burn trash.” Despite the fires, no injuries have been reported, and the community is being engaged for information. The building previously housed various educational programs, including the Maya Angelou School, which catered to pregnant students and young parents.

 

Dallas News

Burton ISD has authorized its external legal counsel to initiate a lawsuit regarding construction damages and breach of contract linked to its $43.8m bond project. Superintendent Vikki Curry stated: "We will provide more details about the litigation as the situation progresses," emphasizing that the legal action does not involve the current construction manager, Weaver & Jacobs Constructors, who is performing well. The bond, approved in November 2021, funds various facility upgrades, including a new athletic complex. However, disputes arose over invoices from the previous construction manager, DSA, leading to the decision to withhold payments for incomplete work. The board also discussed the participation of homeschooled students in extracurricular activities, ultimately deciding against it for now.

 

Victoria Advocate

Eanes ISD is actively planning improvements for its campuses, aiming for a bond package to be presented to voters in May 2026. Co-chairs Holly Noel and Craig Boyle of the long-range facility planning committee discussed their progress during the Dec. 10 board meeting. Board President James Spradley emphasized the need to align facilities with current and future needs due to declining enrollment, stating: “With enrollment declining, we must align our facilities with our current and future needs to maximize efficiency.” The committee has reviewed financial budgets and demographic forecasts, toured campuses, and noted requests for more bathrooms and efficient lunch lines.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

Jennifer Mathieu, an English teacher from Houston, wrote Down Came the Rain, a novel addressing climate anxiety among teens, inspired by her students' reactions to severe storms like Hurricane Harvey. In an interview with ABC13 Meteorologist Elyse Smith, Mathieu remarked: "They're particularly nervous about it in a way that I couldn't have even conceived of when I was their age." The book follows two high school students, Eliza and Javier, who experience "climate-related trauma" after a natural disaster. A study published in The Lancet revealed that over half of students surveyed feel apprehensive about climate change, often expressing feelings of "sadness and afraid." Mathieu emphasizes the importance of acknowledging these concerns and provides resources for students and parents in her novel. "We have to acknowledge it and we have to make sure we're helping them," she stated.

 

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