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The recent delay in federal education funding by the Trump administration has created significant turmoil for public schools, impacting vulnerable students and families. Joshua P. Starr, a former public school superintendent, emphasizes that while funding is crucial, it must be spent effectively. He notes: “We have every evidence-based program you can buy, but I'm starting to realize that we don't have any coherence and alignment in our approach.” This highlights the need for clarity and strategic planning in resource allocation. As schools face increasing demands and budget cuts, leaders must balance the necessity for stable funding with the implementation of coherent strategies to improve student outcomes. The chaos caused by funding delays underscores the importance of accountability and effective resource management in public education.

 

Education Week News

The Four States Homeschool Expo and Conference recently took place at Church on the Rock in Texarkana, Texas, attracting over 100 attendees. The conference included breakout sessions on topics like transitioning to homeschooling and resources for differently-abled children.

 

Fort Bend Herald

School officials in Fort Worth and across Texas are grappling with a significant funding freeze imposed by the U.S. Department of Education, which has withheld $6.8bn in federal education grants. This freeze affects over $667m allocated for Texas schools, with Fort Worth ISD estimating a loss of about $10m. The funding freeze primarily impacts programs like Title II, Part A, which supports professional development for teachers, and Title III, which aids English language learners. Texas Education Agency officials have indicated that they lack information on when the funds might be released, with the federal government having until September 30, 2026, to do so. However, programs not mentioned in the freeze, such as Title I funding for low-income schools, remain unaffected.

 

Star-Telegram

Killeen ISD is undergoing a significant transformation as it seeks to optimize its facilities and programs. Approximately 90 members of the Long-Range Facilities Planning Committee convened to develop recommendations for the school board, focusing on improving student services. Superintendent Jo Ann Fey emphasized that “District Optimization is about strengthening our schools,” aiming for a student-centered approach. The district faces challenges, including a projected loss of $10m in federal Impact Aid funding, which could escalate to $31m annually. The district is considering options like rezoning and consolidations to enhance educational quality while addressing financial constraints.

 

Killeen Daily Herald

Midland's Planning and Zoning Commission has reviewed preliminary plats for the new Midland and Legacy High School sites. Legacy will be built on a 116-acre plot near Westridge Park, while Midland High will replace the former Ranchland Hills Golf Club. Engineering firm Dunaway Associates is working with the district, with final development agreements still pending.

 

Star-Telegram

The Belton High School construction team, coached by Michael Carrillo, achieved second place at the SkillsUSA Championships TeamWorks competition in Atlanta, marking their third consecutive year of participation. The team included carpenter Jack Clark, plumber Joseph Fuentes, mason Bryson Necessary, and electrician Erik Schiller. Additionally, senior Cahaya Lane excelled in Medical Coding at the Business Professionals of America National Leadership Conference, while the robotics team Non Lo So placed fifth at the National Technology Student Association Conference in Nashville, Tennessee.

 

Killeen Daily Herald

Valor Preparatory Academy in Waco is set to expand significantly by transforming Bosque Square into a new campus. The project, valued at $20m, aims to accommodate over 600 students, with the first phase already underway. The new facility will include classrooms, gyms, and a library, enhancing the educational experience for students.

 

Wacotrib

As summer winds down, approximately 633,000 low-income families in Harris County face food insecurity following Gov. Greg Abbott's recent veto of $60m for the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer program. Celia Cole, chief executive of Feeding Texas, expressed surprise at the veto, stating: "We were surprised because we've been working to implement it since the program was created." The program would have provided $120 per qualifying child for groceries, potentially unlocking $450m in federal food benefits. While summer meal programs exist, they are underutilized and often require children to eat on-site, making access difficult for working families. The Houston Food Bank and Houston ISD are providing meals, but challenges remain.

 

Houston Press

The Industrial ISD Board of Trustees has unanimously selected Michael Colvin as the lone finalist for the superintendent position. Colvin, currently the director of administrative and supportive services at Comfort ISD, is recognized for his integrity and commitment to fostering supportive learning environments. Colvin will officially assume the role after a 21-day waiting period.

 

Victoria Advocate

InterMotive Vehicle Controls has introduced IdleLock, an innovative anti-theft solution for Type C school buses. This system allows drivers to remove the key while the engine continues to run, ensuring that essential functions like lights and HVAC remain operational. If someone attempts to move the bus without the key, IdleLock automatically shuts off the engine. The installation is straightforward, utilizing plug-and-play connections without cutting factory wires. As noted, "IdleLock secures the vehicle while it sits idling," providing peace of mind for bus operators.

 

School Bus Fleet

Joel Stutheit, senior manager of autogas business development at the Propane Education & Research Council, shares his experience transitioning Bethel School District's fleet from diesel to propane autogas buses. The Washington state district's decision was driven by factors such as lower ownership costs, reliability, and reduced emissions. Stutheit noted, "Propane autogas cost about 50% less per gallon than gasoline or diesel," allowing for better budget planning. The propane buses also demonstrated superior performance, with fewer maintenance issues and longer engine life. Additionally, they produced 96% fewer harmful nitrogen oxide emissions than diesel, contributing to a cleaner environment. Stutheit emphasizes the importance of scalable refueling infrastructure, which can be installed affordably and flexibly. For many districts, including Bethel, propane autogas has proven to be the optimal fuel choice.

 

School Bus Fleet

Research from the University of Texas at Dallas reveals that Dallas ISD's policy of automatically enrolling 6th graders in advanced math has significantly increased the number of students taking Algebra 1 by 8th grade. Dareem K. Antoine, a Ph.D. student and co-author of the study, said: “The policy led to a substantial, really large increase” in early enrollment. However, the benefits were not evenly distributed; Hispanic and white students saw greater gains compared to Black students, who faced challenges such as lower eligibility rates and higher mobility. The findings suggest that while the opt-out policy has improved access, adjustments in cutoff scores and better communication across districts are essential for equitable outcomes. Trey Miller, an associate professor at UT Dallas, emphasized the importance of setting appropriate thresholds to ensure all students are adequately prepared for advanced math courses.

 

Education Week News

Alberta Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides has announced that material deemed by the province to be sexually explicit must be removed from school library shelves as of October 1. Explicit sexual content, defined by the province as detailed and clear depictions of sexual acts, including masturbation, penetration and ejaculation, will not be accessible to students in any grade. Non-explicit sexual content, which refers to depictions of sexual acts that are not detailed or clear, will only be accessible to students in Grade 10 or higher. Non-sexual content, such as information about puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, breastfeeding, biological functions, kissing or hand-holding, will be accessible to all students. "This was never about erasing particular narratives from school libraries," Nicolaides explained. "This is simply about ensuring young students are not exposed to content depicting oral sex, child molestation or other very inappropriate content." School boards must review library materials, and school officials will be tasked with supervising students to make sure they are reading appropriate material.

 

CBC News

The Sagamore Hill Negro School in Fort Worth, built in 1924, is a significant historical site that lacks recognition. Originally serving Black children, it was part of the Rosenwald Schools initiative, which aimed to provide education during a time of racial inequality. The building could gain landmark status, which would protect it from demolition and highlight its role in the community's heritage. The Texas Historical Commission is actively working to document and recognize Rosenwald Schools, ensuring their stories are preserved.

 

Star-Telegram