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On his first day in office, President Donald Trump signed an executive order that reverses the Biden administration's efforts to extend Title IX protections to transgender students. The order, one of many published on Monday, defines sex strictly as male and female, impacting government documents and civil rights laws. The move has drawn criticism from educators and LGBTQ+ activists, with leaders like Becky Pringle of the National Education Association arguing that it undermines the needs of students. The order is part of a broader trend of limiting transgender rights, as seen in recent legislative actions across the country. Jaymes Black, CEO of The Trevor Project, noted that many organizations were prepared for such political challenges. In other news, Trump has selected Penny Schwinn, the former Tennessee Education Commissioner, to take on the role of Deputy Secretary of Education in his new administration. “Penny has a proven track record of achieving positive outcomes for children and families,” Trump stated. “As a former teacher, she went on to become the founding principal of a charter school, driven by her belief in School Choice. She is dedicated to helping the next generation achieve the American Dream by restoring control of education to the states.” With Linda McMahon awaiting her confirmation hearing as Education Secretary, Denise Carter, acting chief operating officer at Federal Student Aid, will head the department on an interim basis. 

 

The Hill

The Tennessee Tribune

Education Week

Education Week

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As arctic air sweeps across the United States, many school districts in Texas are announcing delayed starts or canceling classes altogether on some days this week due to dangerously low temperatures. Killeen ISD, Austin ISD, Round Rock ISD, Cameron ISD and other districts are among those to have notified students and parents of temporary changes.

 

El Paso Times

Killeen Daily Herald

Killeen Daily Herald

Victoria Advocate

The Boerne Star

The Cameron Herald

Star-Telegram

In Texas, over 1.3m children face hunger during summer break as schools close and meal programs cease. Gov. Greg Abbott's rejection of the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer Program for Children (Summer EBT) for 2024 has left families scrambling for food, despite the state having a $24bn surplus. The program, which provides $120 per child for groceries, is fully funded by the federal government. Eric Holguín, Texas State Director of UnidosUS, emphasizes that "rejecting this program for another year would be an unforgivable choice." The decision not only affects families but also weakens the local economy, as reduced food purchases impact retailers. With a new deadline approaching, Texas leaders have a chance to prioritize children's needs and utilize available federal funds to combat hunger.

 

Austin American-Statesman

Tina Clark has been appointed as the new executive director of special education for Lewisville ISD, effective January 7. She previously served as the director of special education and will succeed Dr. Kathy Talbert, who retired after 32 years in public education. Jack Hintze, a reporter with Star Local Media, covers the communities of Carrollton, Coppell, and Lewisville.

 

Allen American

Marshall High School recently honored senior Charley Davis as the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Student of the Month for November, recognizing her leadership in the school's phlebotomy program. During a surprise ceremony led by MEDCO's Robert D. Andrade, Davis was praised for her dedication to medical education. “I really liked being hands on with things, and I knew I didn't want to do either of the other programs because they weren't scary enough,” she shared about her choice of phlebotomy. Davis, who is Stop the Bleed trauma certified, has also been involved in the yearbook, choir, and cheerleading. After graduation, she plans to pursue college and medical school, aiming to become an orthopedic surgeon. Her instructor, Erica Wilson, highlighted Davis's ambition and skill, stating, “She was the first one to get all of her sticks.”

 

Marshall News Messenger

In response to the impending Arctic Cold Blast, Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD (PSJA ISD) is collaborating with the American Red Cross and local cities to establish warming shelters for the community. These shelters will be operational from January 20 to January 22, 2025, at designated locations, including Dr. Daniel P. King PSJA College & University Center and Jaime Escalante Middle School. Classes will be canceled today, and a delayed start will be implemented on January 22. Superintendent Dr. Alejandro Elias emphasized the district's commitment, explaining: “We are deeply committed to the well-being of our PSJA family and the entire community.” Grab & Go meals will also be available for families during this period.

 

Texas Border Business

Round Rock ISD has implemented a new policy to notify parents of any violent incidents that pose a "serious or continuing threat" to the campus community. This update to the board policy CKC Local was approved on December 16 and mandates that notifications be issued for every relevant incident. The policy emphasizes that notifications will be needs-based, ensuring that parents are informed of potential dangers.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

The city of Brenham has announced the candidacy of several current council members whose terms are set to expire this year, with the elections scheduled for May 3. Additionally, Brenham ISD confirmed the filing of one of its current board of trustee members. However, as of Monday morning, there have been no updates from Burton ISD, the Blinn College District, or the city of Burton regarding any candidate filings.

 

Brenham Banner Press

The Cameron ISD School Board has scheduled an election for two trustee positions, currently held by Dr. Isaiah Logan and Alan Patterson, on May 3. Interested candidates must file by February 14 at the Cameron ISD Administration Offices. During the recent board meeting, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Mistie Dakroub presented the Texas Academic Performance Report, and campus principals shared updates on the first semester. Additionally, the board approved a partnership with Classic Bank to replace the scoreboard at the Lady Yoe Softball Field in exchange for advertising and finalized a change order for the May 2022 Bond, resulting in a $10,028 refund. The meeting also recognized board members for School Board Appreciation Month.

 

The Cameron Herald

As President Donald Trump prepares for mass deportation operations, school officials in Texas are adopting a cautious approach. Bobbie Treviño, superintendent of Zapata County ISD, stated: “I feel like that's kind of the way it has to be right now, because we really don't know.” Many districts are concerned about the potential impact on students' mental health and attendance due to the anxiety surrounding deportations. While some districts are actively preparing by educating staff on immigrant rights, others prefer to wait for clearer guidance from the administration. Lorena Tule-Romain, co-founder of ImmSchools, noted, “We're waiting until we can see what the administration in the first 100 days is going to do.” The situation remains tense, with school officials emphasizing their commitment to educating all students, regardless of immigration status.

 

Wacotrib

Maria's Closet, a nonprofit supporting New Braunfels ISD students, has received a grant from the McKenna Foundation. Established in 2004, the organization provides essential items like clothing, shoes, toiletries, and backpacks to students in need. The initiative began in a small closet in an old administration building and has since moved to a larger location at 407 W. Mill St.

 

Herald Zeitung

Trustees with Killeen ISD will meet in regular session today to take action on a number of agenda items including the purchase of two new diesel school buses at a cost of $323,078.

 

Killeen Daily Herald

The school board has approved the purchase of new automation controls for Clearfork Elementary School and Andrews Middle School. This decision aims to enhance operational efficiency and improve the learning environment. As stated in the meeting, the upgrades are essential for modernizing the schools and ensuring they meet current educational standards.

 

Andrews County News

Two e Mesquite IS Dcounselors have been honored with the 2024 Rhosine Fleming Award by the Texas School Counselor Association. Jackie Orr from Galloway Elementary was recognized as the Elementary Counselor of the Year, while Elizabeth Baker from Vanguard High School received the title of Secondary/High School Counselor of the Year. This recognition highlights their dedication and impact in the field of education.

 

Allen American