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On Thursday, a coalition of nearly 600 local, state and national organizations representing districts, teachers, families, and students, in signing a letter to Secretary of Education Linda McMahon and Office of Management Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought, asking them to facilitate the speedy release of over $6.8bn in federal education funds for ESSA Title programs I-C, II-A, III-A, IV-A, and IV-B. “These programs serve more than 95,000 K-12 schools and 55m students, as well as 1.2m adult learners. The delays are forcing schools to lay off staff, cancel professional development, eliminate afterschool and summer programs, and scramble to prepare for the upcoming school year without the resources they were promised,” the letter stated, adding: “With just weeks before schools reopen, this funding delay is sabotaging student learning, educator preparedness, and essential services—particularly for English learners, rural students, and families with the greatest need." The July 1 disbursements to states are seen as critical for the institutions that educate and support young people and adult learners across the country. The letter's sentiment were echoed in a separate missive on Thursday to McMahon and Vought from seventeen Democratic state governors describing the funding freeze as "unacceptable," and detrimental to school operations and student services. Signatories included Katie Hobbs of Arizona, Gavin Newsom of California, J.B. Pritzker of Illinois, Michelle Lujan Grisham of New Mexico, and Daniel McKee of Rhode Island.

 

Allied For Progress - Press Release

Allied For Progress - Letter to Secretary McMahon and Director Vought

Tess Mata's tragic death at Robb Elementary in Uvalde has led her family to sue major companies they believe contributed to the gun violence that claimed her life. The Matas, along with other families, allege that exposure to violent content in video games, particularly “Call of Duty,” and social media platforms like Instagram, played a role in the shooter's actions. Veronica Mata stated, “They glorify these weapons. They made it enticing for young kids to want to purchase these guns.” The lawsuit claims that these companies have created an environment that encourages violence among youth. Activision and Meta are seeking to dismiss the case, citing First Amendment protections. The families are determined to hold these corporations accountable, with lawyer Josh Koskoff emphasizing that “any adolescent that wants to download Call of Duty can do that.” The outcome of this case could set a significant precedent in the ongoing debate over the influence of violent media on real-world actions.

 

Los Angeles Times

The Bastrop ISD board is set to review updates to the district's cellphone policy in August, as shared by interim Superintendent Kristi Lee during a July meeting. The proposed changes come after feedback from campus administrators and parents, suggesting that elementary students should be allowed to bring phones to school, provided they remain out of sight. Currently, the policy mandates that students keep their phones turned off during the school day unless used for approved instructional purposes. This update aligns with a new Texas law banning cellphones in public schools starting in the 2025-26 school year. Lee emphasized the need for a policy that accommodates parents' requests for communication before and after school. The board will convene on August 19 to discuss these potential changes.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

Parents at Treetops School International in Euless are expressing their discontent over recent decisions made by school officials, particularly Superintendent James Whitfield. The board voted to eliminate middle and high school grades after the 2024-25 school year, citing financial constraints. Parents voiced their “deep disappointment” in a joint email, stating, “These are life-changing decisions for many of us.” The school, which transitioned from private to charter in 1998, has seen declining enrollment, with 343 students in 2024-25, primarily in elementary grades. Whitfield, who has faced scrutiny over past controversies, is under investigation by the Texas Education Agency. Despite the backlash, some parents and faculty support Whitfield, emphasizing the need for financial stability. Treetops received an “A” on the Texas Education Agency's financial integrity scorecard, indicating sound financial management. The ongoing investigation into Whitfield has no set timeline for completion.

 

Star-Telegram

Oakwood ISD has launched the Oakwood Online Academy, a pilot program in partnership with Pearson Virtual Schools. Superintendent Russell Holden stated, “The online academy was an opportunity to create a program that could possibly fill a need for an alternative learning environment.” The program is designed for 15 to 30 students, offering a fully online and free education if courses are completed. It caters to students from private schools, home schools, and those in the area from third grade to seniors. The initiative follows the passage of Senate Bill 569, which allows non-Oakwood ISD students to participate in virtual education. Students will have access to advanced coursework and can earn an associate degree while in high school.

 

Palestine Herald

At a recent Lufkin ISD trustees' meeting, the board unanimously approved phase three of the district's 2025-26 compensation plan, which includes over $4.5m in staff raises and stipends. Superintendent James Hockenberry expressed gratitude, stating: “This is some of the most meaningful work we will ever do together.” Trustee Joe Ceasar emphasized the importance of competitive pay, noting: “It's important that we need to pay all our employees more than they can make at Whataburger.” The board also approved a new student code of conduct, which includes a ban on personal electronic devices on school property, in compliance with state law.

 

Lufkin Daily News

Lake Travis High School's Cavalier Stadium is set for significant renovations to enhance its capacity and women's athletic programs. The board of trustees approved a guaranteed maximum price of $48.3m for the project with White Construction. Key upgrades include a new women's field house, increased seating capacity from 7,400 to 12,000, and improved facilities such as game day locker rooms and a new press box. Chief financial officer Pam Sanchez noted: "Once the design started it became apparent that we had room to add." Voters previously approved $22.3m in the 2023 bond for these renovations, although Trustee Erin Archer acknowledged that the guaranteed maximum price exceeds this amount. Efficiencies found in other bond projects will help cover the costs.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

Mesquite ISD has announced several leadership appointments for the upcoming school year, bringing a wealth of experience in teaching, coaching, and administration. Asia Jones has been appointed as the assistant principal at Dr. Linda Henrie Elementary. These changes aim to enhance the educational environment and support the district's goals.

 

Allen American

Following the recent legislative session, Boerne ISD trustees discussed new laws affecting the district during their July 17 meeting. Superintendent Kristin Craft indicated that policies related to these laws will be presented for board approval in August. Key legislation includes HB 1522, which mandates meeting agendas be posted three days in advance, and SB 13, which allows parents to review library materials. Additionally, HB 1481 prohibits cell phones on school property during the day, with exceptions for health-related devices. Craft emphasized the importance of teacher compensation, stating: “We can't have stellar student achievement without amazing teachers in our classroom.” The district anticipates receiving approximately $3.8m from HB 2 to enhance teacher pay, while also addressing long-term needs such as aging infrastructure and technology. The board will revisit these topics in August, with potential voter approval for a tax ratification election in November.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

The Morey family is appealing a ruling by U.S. District Judge Terry Means, which allows Aledo ISD to require an IQ test for their daughter, Annie, before she can access special education services. The Moreys argue that this requirement violates the Americans with Disabilities Act, as Annie, who has Down syndrome, is too young for such testing. They fear that the results could lead to her placement in a self-contained classroom, limiting her opportunities. The judge ruled that the district must assess Annie “in all areas of suspected disability” if the family wishes to enroll her in special education. Courtney Morey expressed disappointment, stating, “We never asked for a perfect education for Annie. We asked for… a free and appropriate public education, which is federal law.” The family has filed an appeal in the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.

 

Star-Telegram

With new tariffs affecting imports, back-to-school shopping has surged earlier than usual this year. According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), 67% of students have already begun their shopping, the highest rate since tracking started in 2018. The tariffs, particularly a 27.9% rate on Chinese imports, are expected to raise prices by an average of 2.1%, costing households between $3,400 and $4,200. The NRF estimates that consumers will spend around $39.4bn on K-12 supplies and $88.8bn for college students. "K-12 shoppers are budgeting $295.81 on average for electronics," the NRF reports, highlighting the financial impact of these tariffs on families. Online shopping remains the preferred method for both K-12 and college students, with 55% and 48% respectively choosing this option.

 

Star-Telegram