Become more informed in minutes....

On Thursday, the Senate voted 50-38 along party lines to end a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rule that used federal funding to cover Wi-Fi hotspots that could be used outside of school and libraries. A similar House resolution was introduced in February to strike down the recent inclusion of Wi-Fi hotspots in the E-rate program, which has helped connect schools and libraries to affordable telecommunications services for the last 29 years. In fiscal year 2025, schools and districts requested a total of $27.5m for Wi-Fi hotspots alone. The devices are often used to help students who don’t have home internet access complete homework assignments that require digital connections. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) introduced the resolution of disapproval for the program under the Congressional Review Act. The House companion bill awaits a vote; should it proceed both chambers would need to reconcile any differences in committee before approving a final version for President Donald Trump’s signature. FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez said the vote will exacerbate economic disparities, adding: “Those with sufficient internet access are increasingly separated from those without, and this decision risks widening that gap even further." Additionally, the Supreme Court is to decide in the coming months whether the funding mechanism for the E-rate program as a whole is unconstitutional.

 

School Transportation News

K-12 Dive

The Verge

Join 5,000+ educators at the 33rd annual Model Schools Conference, June 22-25 in Washington, D.C. This transformative event offers expert-led discussions, strategic insights, and actionable solutions to tackle today’s biggest educational challenges. Explore key areas like strategic planning, school improvement, assessment, literacy, SPED, and effective instruction—all designed to drive real change. With 96% of past attendees rating it as an excellent learning experience, you won’t want to miss it.

Secure best pricing—register today!

 

Recent accountability results indicate that nearly 75% of Texas school districts received a B or C, with only 10.4% earning an A. In McLennan County, Waco ISD struggled, with only two districts achieving an A and several receiving D's. Superintendent Tiffany Spicer criticized the grading system, claiming: "It was as if our students and staff played a game and after everyone went home, TEA decided to change the rules." The accountability scores, which reflect the 2022-23 school year, were delayed due to legal challenges. The new grading system has been deemed unfair by many, including retired Superintendent Susan Kincannon, who emphasized that the rollout was poorly managed. The grades are based on student achievement, progress, and closing gaps but do not fully represent the educational experience provided to students.

 

Wacotrib

School districts across the U.S. are cautioning students against a hazardous TikTok trend known as the "Chromebook Challenge," which involves inserting metal objects into USB ports to create sparks and smoke. David Winston, principal of Lincoln Park Middle School of Morris County in New Jersey, emphasized the importance of responsible behavior, warning: "We expect our students to make responsible choices and refrain from any behavior that could result in injury, property damage, disciplinary action, or the loss of privileges." He warned that such actions could be classified as vandalism or even arson if a fire occurs. While no Chromebook fires have been reported in New Jersey, incidents have emerged in Connecticut, including a case where a student was hospitalized and faces criminal charges.

 

The Courier Journal

New Jersey Herald

CNET

Texas lawmakers are addressing the alarming issue of young learners falling behind in math and reading, with over half of third graders not meeting grade-level expectations. House Bill 123 aims to provide additional support starting in kindergarten. "The whole bill presupposes there’s nothing wrong with these children, but there was simply something wrong with what we were giving them," according to state Rep. Harold Dutton. The legislation mandates literacy and numeracy screenings for students from pre-K to third grade, ensuring early identification of those needing help. Additionally, it seeks to enhance teacher training and resources, addressing the reliance on uncertified teachers in foundational subjects. This initiative mirrors successful literacy interventions in states like Louisiana and Mississippi, which have seen significant improvements in student achievement.

 

The Gilmer Mirror

Athens ISD voters have overwhelmingly approved a $121.5m bond proposal, with 61.1% of ballots in favor, as reported in the recent May election. The bond will fund improvements across all campuses without increasing the district's debt service tax rate. Superintendent Dr. Janie Sims expressed gratitude, commenting: “Your support represents a huge investment in the future of our students and our community.” The bond package includes a new early childhood center, a new wing for Athens High School, and various upgrades to facilities. Major construction projects are expected to take 18 to 24 months to complete after approval.

 

Tyler Paper

East Central ISD is set to construct three new schools following the approval of a $309m bond by voters on May 3. The district has experienced significant growth, leading to overcrowded classrooms, with projections indicating enrollment could reach 25,600 by 2033. The new facilities include a high school and two elementary schools, designed to alleviate current overcrowding. The high school will accommodate 2,200 students, while each elementary school will hold 900 students. District spokesperson Brandon Oliver stated that the new schools will have a similar "look and feel" to existing ones. The tax rate will increase by $0.08 per $100 of assessed value, effective in 2027. The northern elementary school is expected to open in fall 2027, while the other two schools will open in fall 2028.

 

Star-Telegram

Jeremy Lawrence, a concerned parent, expressed frustration over the lengthy complaint process with the Houston ISD. His daughter missed two gym class tests due to excused absences, and despite attempts to resolve the issue with the teacher and principal, he faced delays. "Everything has been delay, delay, delay," Lawrence stated. After filing a formal complaint on January 28, he received no response until he threatened to contact the media. The hearing resulted in minimal action, prompting Lawrence to appeal. He emphasized the need for HISD to improve accessibility to complaint information, stating, "It comes down to if you have the persistence to keep pushing." HISD has not clarified the expected timeline for complaint resolutions.

 

KTRK-TV

Round Rock ISD awarded physical checks to 64 out of 89 teachers who qualified for the Teacher Incentive Allotment on May 7. The district recognized teachers for their performance during the 2022-23 school year, distributing a total of $859,303. According to Superintendent Hafedh Azaiez, "56% of teachers who were included in considerations for that school year received qualifying designations and incentives." The Teacher Incentive Allotment program, initiated by the state in 2019, aims to retain teachers by offering performance-based pay increases. In 2023, qualifying teachers received a total of $145.2m in incentives. The district plans to include all campuses in the TIA program by the 2025-26 school year.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

Lewisville ISD plans to invest approximately $57m in renovations and repairs at Marcus and Hebron High Schools, along with fire alarm upgrades at three elementary schools. Randy Fite, the district's executive director of construction, reported that the funding will come from the 2023 bond package, with $53m allocated for a 20-year lifecycle maintenance repair project at Marcus High School. Construction is set to begin this summer and is expected to be completed by summer 2027. Additionally, $1.2m will be spent on fire alarm replacements at Peters Colony Lewisville and Morningside Elementary Schools to improve communication with first responders. The board will review these projects for approval at the May 12 meeting, with future projects planned for the June 9 agenda.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 569 into law on May 6, allowing districts like Conroe ISD to continue their virtual schools. The bill, which passed with a 28-2 Senate vote and a 109-32 House vote, aims to enhance the virtual learning framework for over 51,884 students statewide. According to Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston, enrollment in virtual schools is expected to double by 2028, expanding access to quality digital education for the 5.5m public school students in Texas. The legislation introduces a clear structure for virtual learning, permits enrollment in multiple Advanced Placement and dual-credit courses, and ensures that districts cannot mandate virtual enrollment without proper training for teachers. Conroe ISD plans to expand its virtual school to 11th grade by the 2025-26 school year.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

To combat ongoing bus driver shortages, Fort Bend ISD has proposed a $31.65m contract with GoldStar Transit, aiming to fully staff student routes by the 2025-26 school year. Chief operations officer Damian Viltz highlighted the district's struggle, noting: "The impacts are that [students are] late getting to school or getting dropped off at home." The contract, if approved, would last until July 2030 and cover 50 to 130 routes. Trustee Sonya Jones questioned the cost-effectiveness of the contract, suggesting the district could save by using its buses and only contracting drivers. Meanwhile, neighboring Katy ISD has also partnered with GoldStar Transit to address similar staffing issues. FBISD will explore cost-saving alternatives before the proposal is presented for board approval on May 19.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

Humble ISD is hosting a community input meeting on May 12 to discuss options for increasing green space at the new Foster Elementary replacement campus. The $44m, 122,000-square-foot facility is part of a $775m bond package approved in May 2022. Concerns from residents about reduced green space have prompted this meeting, as the district acknowledges, “The district has taken the requests for more green space seriously.” New building regulations have limited available land for grass and open areas, leading to a pause on parking lot construction while officials collaborate with experts to explore feasible options.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

Christus Health is providing free sports physicals for middle and high school student-athletes from Tyler ISD and nearby schools at the W.T. Brookshire Convention Center. The initiative aims to identify treatable conditions to ensure safe participation in sports. Since April, Christus Health has offered physicals at 10 locations across Northeast Texas, serving over 10,000 student-athletes from more than 50 school districts. The University Interscholastic League and Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools require a medical history form for athletic participation, which schools have distributed to students. The event will feature over 50 medical professionals to conduct the exams.

 

Tyler Paper

A federal judge has decided to allow Rumeysa Ozturk, a Tufts University doctoral student detained in Louisiana, to appear remotely at her bail hearing instead of being transported to Vermont. U.S. District Judge William Sessions made this decision to expedite her release, stating, "She really shouldn't be forced to undergo another week of detention," according to her lawyer, Monica Allard from the American Civil Liberties Union of Vermont. Ozturk, a Turkish citizen, was arrested on March 25 after co-authoring an opinion piece criticizing the university's response to Israel's actions in Gaza. Her case has gained attention amid the Trump administration's efforts to deport pro-Palestinian activists. Ozturk's health has reportedly deteriorated during her detention, with several asthma attacks occurring.

 

U.S. News

The European Union (EU) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine have completed a comprehensive initiative to restore educational infrastructure implemented in partnership with the Ministry for Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine. The project covered 66 schools across 11 oblasts affected by war. Thanks to renovated premises, upgraded shelters and newly supplied equipment, more than 21,600 students and teachers have been able to return to safe and conducive learning conditions. The selected institutions, coordinated with the Ministry for Communities and Territories Development, had a damage level not exceeding 60%. The scope of work included roof and window replacement, repairs of heating and sanitary systems, refurbishment of bomb shelters, improvement of accessibility, and other essential repair interventions.

 

UNDP