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The Southern Poverty Law Center, the National Center for Youth Law, and the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates, have filed a suit asking the courts to block U.S. Department of Education civil rights investigation and enforcement policies that they say allow racial harassment, restraint and seclusion of students with disabilities, and other kinds of harassment and discrimination to go unaddressed. The motion, filed on Monday in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, seeks a permanent reversal of the department’s cuts to its Office for Civil Rights. It asks the court “to restore the investigation and enforcement capacity of OCR that would enable OCR to process complaints promptly and equitably,” and to require the department to submit a restoration plan for the civil rights office. “Even as OCR generally stopped investigating complaints from the public based on race or sex discrimination, it cherry-picked and, on its own initiative, began targeted investigations into purported discrimination against white and cisgender students," it stated.

 

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In the 2023-24 school year, less than half of Texas third graders met grade-level standards in reading and math, prompting lawmakers to take action. House Bill 123, authored by Rep. Harold Dutton, aims to enhance early literacy and numeracy by requiring public school districts to track students' skills from kindergarten through third grade. Dutton emphasized: “If you never learn to read, learning is going to become next to impossible.” The bill mandates screening assessments for K-3 students and provides interventions for those who struggle. Concerns about increased testing were raised, but Dutton clarified that these screeners are not graded exams.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

Temple Daily Telegram

The Texas Tribune

Eanes ISD is facing a projected budget shortfall of $7.8m, which could be reduced to $4.3m if House Bill 2 becomes law. Chief Financial Officer Chris Scott shared updates during the May 6 board meeting, noting that the bill, approved by Texas House lawmakers, aims to increase public education funding by $7.7bn. Key provisions include a $395 increase in the basic allotment and a requirement for 40% of attendance-based funding to be allocated for salary increases, primarily benefiting teachers and counselors.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

Georgetown ISD is set to adopt a balanced budget for the upcoming fiscal year after implementing $3.73m in budget cuts. Initially facing a $3.72m shortfall, the district now anticipates a surplus of approximately $40,725. Chief Financial Officer Jennifer Hanna stated, “We feel cautiously optimistic that we can do at least 93.5% next year,” referring to the average daily attendance rate that could further boost revenue. The proposed budget includes a $1.4m increase in property tax collections due to rising property values. Additionally, GISD is considering a voter-approval tax rate election to potentially raise funds for staff salaries and program maintenance. Superintendent Devin Padavil emphasized the need for community support, stating, “This problem that we're in has nothing to do with our own inefficiencies.” The board will review the budget on June 2 before a final vote on June 16.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

The Conroe ISD Education Foundation achieved a record fundraising total of $340,000 at its Scholarship Breakfast on April 25. Executive Director Maris Blair credited the foundation's success to the leadership of Superintendent Curtis Null and former Superintendent Dr. Don Stockton, stating, “There is no doubt that the ever-growing success of this foundation is a direct result of the direction.” The foundation has provided $299,400 in scholarships and gift cards, including $21,000 in student scholarships and $205,500 in continuing education scholarships for Conroe ISD employees. The event took place at the Jett Center at Woodforest Stadium, attended by school officials, community members, and educational leaders.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

Fort Worth area lawmakers are advocating for state intervention in Fort Worth ISD due to ongoing academic issues. Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath indicated that the district could face a state takeover after the Forest Oak 6th Grade Center received failing ratings for five consecutive years. Morath said: “It is unfortunate to be placed in such a position, as it represents an underlying fact that many students have been so significantly harmed that the American dream may be out of their reach.” The district has 77 campuses rated D or F, and while Fort Worth ISD plans to appeal these scores, Morath will not take action until they are finalized in August.

 

Star-Telegram

The Keller school board is under investigation following a court ruling that mandates President Charles Randklev and former trustee Micah Young to provide records related to their alleged efforts to conceal a plan to split the district. Tarrant County District Judge Megan Fahey allowed attorneys from Kelly, Hart and Hallman to question Randklev and Young about their responses to a Facebook message from former trustee Joni Shaw Smith, who claimed they presented a split plan during a closed meeting. The proposal, which would have divided the district along U.S. 377, was met with outrage from residents fearing negative impacts on their schools and property values. The lawsuit, initiated by Matthew Mucker, continues despite the plan being abandoned, with plaintiffs seeking the removal of several board members involved. Attorney Joseph Austin expressed confidence in finding evidence of wrongdoing in communications from Randklev and Young.

 

Star-Telegram

Humble ISD trustees have approved new attendance zones for Summerwood and Centennial elementary schools, set to take effect in the 2025-26 school year. This decision, made during the May 6 meeting, aims to alleviate potential overcrowding at Centennial Elementary. HISD Deputy Superintendent Terry Perkins stated, “I wouldn't say that Centennial is overcrowded today, but with another incoming group of kindergartners next year ... it would push core classes outside the main building.” The changes will rezone incoming kindergarten students and new residents in specific sections from Centennial to Summerwood. By the 2031-32 school year, projected enrollments will be approximately 980 at Summerwood and 960 at Centennial, compared to 600 and 1,340, respectively, if no changes were made. Current students at Centennial can remain, but those rezoned wishing to stay must follow the transfer process. Parents of transfer students are responsible for transportation.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

Lamar Consolidated ISD plans to increase starting teacher salaries for the 2025-26 school year, despite a projected budget shortfall of $3.3m. At a special board meeting on May 5, trustees approved a $2,000 salary increase for teachers and additional raises for instructional aides to align with peer districts. Superintendent Roosevelt Nivens stated: “If the Legislature does something different at the end of this session, then those numbers will reflect [that] later.” The district has already cut $1.72m in expenditures to reduce the shortfall from $5m. The starting teacher salary will rise to $65,700 from $64,100, while instructional aides will receive a 3% raise based on midpoint salary.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

The Texas legislative session is currently focused on a merit-based teacher pay program, which has sparked significant debate. Teacher salaries in Texas lag behind the national average by about $7,500. The Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA), established in 2019, rewards high-performing educators, providing bonuses to over 26,000 teachers totaling $292m during the 2023-24 school year. However, critics argue that the program's reliance on student performance metrics, particularly the STAAR test, is flawed. Gov. Greg Abbott has prioritized teacher pay raises this session, with options including expanding the TIA or increasing overall school funding.

 

KTRK-TV

The Peninsula School District in Gig Harbor, Washington, is proactively stockpiling devices for students and staff due to impending tariffs, according to Kris Hagel, the district's chief information officer. With a tight budget, the district aims to avoid price hikes on essential technology like Chromebooks and iPads, which are expected to rise due to tariffs on imported electronics. Michael Boreham, lead K-12 analyst for Futuresource, noted that many districts across the country are facing critical decisions about device replacement cycles, as the typical lifespan of a Chromebook is four to seven years. If tariffs remain, some districts may delay replacements or opt for lower-quality devices. Eva Mendoza, chief information technology officer for San Antonio schools, suggested that if costs escalate, devices might need to be kept in classrooms to reduce wear and tear. “Our budget situation has been tight for a few years,” Mendoza stated, highlighting the financial strain on educational institutions.

 

Education Week News

In the May 3, 2025 election, voters in San Saba ISD rejected two bond propositions aimed at improving aging facilities and enhancing campus safety. Superintendent Keith Owen expressed disappointment but emphasized the district's commitment to community engagement, stating, “We are disappointed in the results, but we are not discouraged.” Board President Kevin Shahan noted that the vote was not against the students or schools but highlighted the need for stronger community connections. Moving forward, district leadership plans to engage with staff and stakeholders to address voter concerns and determine next steps. Owen reiterated, “Our students deserve safe, functional learning environments.”

 

San Saba News & Star

Transportant has introduced Transportant Solutions, a consulting service aimed at helping school districts improve transportation efficiency and student safety through technology. The service, available exclusively to districts using Transportant technology, offers consultations on route creation, system monitoring, and monthly performance insights. Martin Staples, chief executive of Transportant, said: “Berryville is a progressive district, interested in best practices, new ideas, and tech advancements for safety and productivity." Already, districts in four states, including Berryville in Arkansas, have adopted these services to enhance their transportation systems.

 

School Bus Fleet

Don Jackson has been appointed as the new principal of Mance Park Middle School, following a unanimous decision by the Huntsville ISD Board of Trustees. He succeeds Josh Campbell, who has moved to a central administration role. With over 30 years in education, Jackson has held various positions, including teacher, coach, and superintendent. Most recently, he served as Head of School at Alpha Omega Academy.

 

Hunstville Item

On May 5, community members of Carroll ISD gathered to express their support for principals Christina Benhoff and Ryan Wilson, whose contracts are under scrutiny. Superintendent Jeremy Glenn confirmed that both principals remain in their positions until the end of the 2025-26 school year, stating, “Procedurally, the district will consider the renewal of their contracts along with those of other staff at a future meeting.” Concerns were raised about cuts to coaching staff and fine arts programs, with senior Katie Scruggs emphasizing the importance of middle school choir in her life. The district is facing funding challenges, as state funding has not increased since 2019, prompting the formation of a budget reduction advisory committee to address these issues.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

The Quebec government has tabled legislation that would ensure a minimum 150-meter distance between supervised injection sites and schools and daycares. The bill follows backlash to supervised drug consumption sites across Canada, including the Maison Benoît-Labre, a supervised drug use site and homeless shelter in Montreal's Sud-Ouest borough, which is located less than 100 metres from an elementary school and daycare. There are 14 supervised consumption sites in Quebec. Two of them, the Maison Benoît-Labre and BRAS in the Outaouais region, are within the 150-metre radius of a school or daycare centre and would not, if the bill is passed, receive reauthorization after four years.

 

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