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The Austin ISD school board is contemplating transferring management of three underperforming middle schools - Dobie, Burnet, and Webb - to a charter school operator to avoid state intervention. Superintendent Matias Segura suggested that the board either partner with a charter company or invest in improving the schools while keeping a charter option available. The schools received "F" ratings for the second consecutive year, and predictions indicate they may continue to struggle. The board must submit a plan to the Texas Education Agency by June 30, with a decision expected by June 12.

 

Austin American-Statesman

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Following the approval of Celina ISD's $2.29bn bond package, Superintendent Tom Maglisceau emphasized the importance of implementation, stating, “There's a lot of work to be done to make sure we're preparing for those facilities.” The bond aims to enhance educational facilities in the district, marking a significant step forward for the community.

 

Allen American

Belton High School is set to host a unique "Signing Day" event, recognizing students who will pursue careers in skilled trades after graduation. This initiative, part of the SkillsUSA National Signing Day, highlights the importance of trades like heating, ventilation, air conditioning, construction, and electrical work. Michael Carrillo, the school's Construction Careers instructor, emphasized the significance of this event, stating, “Being chosen to host this event reflects our dedication and hard work in developing the future of our workforce." Denise Ayers, director of PK-12 Career Readiness programs, noted that this celebration is crucial for acknowledging the contributions of students entering the trades. The event will take place on Tuesday at Temple Lowe's, inviting families and the public to join in the recognition of these future professionals.

 

Temple Daily Telegram

Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath has warned Fort Worth ISD of a potential state takeover due to the Forest Oak 6th Grade Center receiving five consecutive failure ratings. In a letter to Superintendent Karen Molinar and school board President Roxanne Martinez, Morath stated that the closure of the campus last year does not exempt the district from state law requirements. Morath emphasized the need for district leaders to take decisive action to enhance student achievement, stating: “If that desire does not translate into student learning, the only moral response is to change practices.”

 

Star-Telegram

Northwest ISD is set to open its first early childhood center in August 2026 and is seeking community input for its name. An online nomination link is available on the district's website for suggestions, which will be reviewed by the NISD communications department and the Facility Naming Committee. According to the district’s naming policy, names should honor individuals who have contributed significantly to the community or education. Nominations will be accepted until May 19, with recommendations to be presented to the school board in June. The center is part of the 2023 bond election and will be located in the southern area of the district.

 

The Cross Timbers Gazette

Bastrop ISD recently honored students committed to its Pathways in Early Technology Early High School programs, particularly in advanced manufacturing. The signing ceremony marked the first cohort of P-TECH students joining the Acutronic Apprenticeship Alliance, a U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship program. This initiative, led by Acutronic, offers students a direct pathway into the advanced manufacturing sector. Michelle Sherman, the incoming P-TECH specialist, noted that students graduate with a Level 1 certification in advanced manufacturing. The district also offers a P-TECH academy for health science, allowing students to earn pharmacy technician certification.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

Attorney General Ken Paxton has initiated legal action against Austin ISD amid concerns regarding potential violations of Texas law prohibiting critical race theory (CRT) in public education. The investigation follows reports of an Austin ISD official suggesting the use of curricula associated with the 1619 Project, which emphasizes slavery's role in American history. The legal action aims to depose the Superintendent and Board Trustees of Austin ISD, although specific details of the legal proceedings remain undisclosed.

 

Austin American-Statesman

The Comal ISD board of trustees has approved the acquisition of a 13-acre property from Meyer Ranch for a new elementary school, costing approximately $3.5m. This purchase is funded through the district's 2023 bond Proposition A. Board president Russ Garner mentioned that the new school is expected to alleviate enrollment pressures at Bill Brown Elementary and possibly Johnson Ranch Elementary. While the exact boundaries and address of the school are still under review, the Meyer Ranch development is situated on S. Crane Mills Road near Hwy. 46 W. Salwa Lanford, Comal ISD communications specialist, stated that the district will assess the property’s boundaries and environmental conditions before presenting the design at a future board meeting.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

Lewisville ISD has decided to bring its transportation services in-house for the 2025-26 school year, marking the end of a 30-year partnership with Texas Central School Bus. Superintendent Lori Rapp stated, “Due to issues that we've been experiencing ... we issued a request for proposals,” leading to this significant change. The decision, driven by rising costs and a budget crunch, will result in 460 layoffs at Texas Central. The district aims to save money while improving bus driver morale by offering better pay and benefits. Rapp emphasized that this transition will ultimately benefit both the budget and service quality for families, stating, “It's going to be a transition — you're going to have to be patient with us.” The district has allocated $16m for bus services this fiscal year, with plans to communicate changes to families soon.

 

Denton Record-Chronicle

Lamar Consolidated ISD has been named the best school board in Texas at the 2025 H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards. The ceremony, held in Downtown Austin, featured Admiral William H. McRaven as the keynote speaker. A total of $480,000 was awarded to various educators, including six teachers, two counselors, and two principals. The awards program has distributed over $14m since its inception in 2002.

 

Fort Bend Herald

New Braunfels ISD has appointed Omar Diaz as the new principal of Carl Schurz Elementary, effective July. Diaz, who has been the assistant principal since 2023 and has experience as a bilingual summer school principal, replaces Orphalinda Bazan, who retired earlier this year. Superintendent Laurelyn Arterbury praised Diaz's strong relationships with the community, emphasizing their confidence in his leadership to help the school flourish.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

Hundreds of students, parents, and teachers gathered to protest personnel changes at Carroll ISD, voicing their support for principals Ryan Wilson and Christina Benhoff, who were not offered contract renewals. The protest included signs reading “Team Wilson” and “We Love Benhoff.” During a special board meeting, 54 individuals signed up to express their grievances, focusing on the non-renewal of the two principals, the layoff of basketball coach David Markley, and the reassignment of choir director Rachel Heiser and swim coach Kevin Murphy. Parents and students emphasized the need for transparency, with one parent stating, “If we suddenly change our approach to educators with a heavy fist, they will take it as a sign to go elsewhere.” The community's outcry reflects a deep concern for the future of their beloved educators and the overall direction of the district.

 

Star-Telegram

The Times of London talks to U.K. education analyst Jenny Anderson and academic Rebecca Winthrop, authors of The Disengaged Teen, about what they see as the dangers of growing apathy and disengagement in education among young people. Anderson says while the "genre of the disaffected teen is long and storied" the "consequences of disengagement are far different than they used to be", as the "gap between what kids learn in school and what happens in the real world" has "become a chasm." The U.K., the two argue, has "some of the unhappiest teens in the world," with academic results at the bottom of the European league table according to PISA scores, which they attribute in part to a heavy focus on exams and a curriculum that often leaves little space for teachers to respond to pupil interest.

 

The Times of London

With Teacher Appreciation Week now underway, school leaders are challenged to find innovative ways to celebrate educators. Nysheria Sims, assistant principal at Henry C. Beck Middle School in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, has themed the week “Nurturing Minds, Growing Futures,” aligning with sustainability goals. Activities include lunches, gifts, and shout-outs from students, as seen at Mainland High Regional School, where local businesses sponsor gift cards. Ann-Marie Gleason, principal of Harpeth Valley Elementary School in Nashville, emphasizes recognizing all staff, stating, “We want everyone on our staff to know that we see their hard work and dedication.” Despite budget constraints, many principals invest their own money to boost morale, with 60% of school leaders reporting personal spending on appreciation activities. Teacher morale remains crucial, as highlighted by math teacher Lance Barasch, who noted, “My lunch is usually 20 minutes and a granola bar.” The week serves as a reminder of the importance of systemic changes in education.

 

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