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The latest data from the Superintendent Research Project reveals that superintendent turnover among the nation's 500 largest school systems increased to 23% for the 2024-25 school year, up from 20% the previous year. Julia Rafal-Baer, co-founder and chief executive of the ILO Group, which produced the report, emphasized the importance of stable leadership, commenting: “Stability in leadership is stability for students. If we want lasting results for kids, we have to stop treating this role as a revolving door. The talent is here. The experience is here. The will to lead is here.” Additionally, the number of women in superintendent roles has risen to 33.2%, although men still dominate new appointments, with 61% of new superintendents being male. The report also highlights that 66 of the new superintendents were internal hires, indicating a trend towards promoting from within. Rafal-Baer noted that the current leadership churn is becoming the new normal, stressing the need for effective leadership to support students during challenging times.

 

EdSource

Education Week News

An Administrator's Guide to Blended Learning

Online learning doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing approach. Explore blended learning with this comprehensive guide from FlexPoint^®, which includes:

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• Outline of blended learning classroom models
  
• List of questions to ask curriculum providers
  
• Best practices for educator training
  
• Instructional strategies and tips
  
• Key benefits for you, students, and staff

Download the FlexPoint guide to find the right mix of face-to-face and online instruction for your school or district.

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The White House is evaluating the Smithsonian Institution's content to ensure it aligns with "American ideals." This review has raised concerns among educators, including high school teacher Katharina Matro, who argues: “We don't want a partisan history. We want the history that's produced by real historians.” Over 80% of history teachers rely on materials from federal museums, which are now under scrutiny. Critics fear that the changes may lead to a sanitized version of American history, potentially impacting how history is taught nationwide. Brendan Gillis from the American Historical Association emphasized the importance of these resources, noting they have been crucial for social studies education. The review could affect various educational projects, including those addressing racism and discrimination, with it suggested that the outcome of the review may significantly influence the future of history education in the U.S.

 

Los Angeles Times

The shift to virtual education has gained momentum post-pandemic, with educators like Molly Hamill embracing the flexibility it offers. Hamill, who teaches at California Virtual Academies, notes, “My school is a pretty well-oiled machine … there's a structure already in place.” The National Center for Education Statistics reported that about 2.5% of K-12 students were enrolled in full-time virtual education during the 2022-2023 school year. The number of teachers in virtual schools has also increased, with K12 employing 8,000 teachers, according to Niyoka McCoy, chief learning officer. Educators appreciate the work-life balance and reduced distractions that virtual teaching provides, allowing for more creative lesson plans. While challenges remain, such as managing online behavior, teachers find ways to connect with students, often through interactive online activities. The adaptation to virtual teaching is proving beneficial for both educators and students alike.

 

EdSurge

Killeen ISD has introduced the Bookmarked online platform to give parents greater oversight of their students' reading activities. The platform allows parents to see books recommended by teachers or librarians, to be notified of new books in the library, and to view their child's check-out history, restricted books, and approval requests. District elementary lead librarian Rayanne Polm said the introduction of Bookmarked is "a great opportunity for the librarians and the families to strengthen our partnerships".

 

Killeen Daily Herald

The College Station ISD school board has unanimously approved Boundary Adjustment Plan No. 7, which will modify elementary school boundaries starting in the 2026-27 school year. District chief financial officer Heather Wilson presented the plan, which includes shifting students from South Knoll to Riverbend Elementary. Trustee Kimberly McAdams initially suggested delaying the vote for further discussion, expressing concerns about the impact on students transitioning to intermediate schools. However, Superintendent Tim Harkrider emphasized the need for timely action, stating: “We’ve talked about this for seven months. I’m not sure how much more we can talk about it.” The board ultimately agreed that sufficient data and public feedback supported the decision.

 

Bryan-College Station Eagle

The Lampasas ISD Board of Trustees held a brief meeting last Monday, focusing solely on consent items. Trustee Sam Walker was absent. Among the approved items was a waiver for the maximum class size, as Kline Whitis Elementary School currently exceeds the 22:1 student-teacher ratio in three second and third-grade classes. The board's actions reflect ongoing efforts to manage class sizes effectively.

 

Lampasas Dispatch Record

Houston ISD has launched 18 new billboards to promote its academic improvements and encourage student enrollment. The district invested $350,000 in this campaign, which has drawn criticism from parents and teachers who argue that funds should be directed towards essential school upgrades. University of Houston education professor Duncan Klussmann remarked, "They're even losing enrollment in the schools that they are turning around at times," highlighting the ongoing enrollment decline, which has seen HISD lose 30,000 students over the past decade. The billboards aim to "celebrate the incredible hard work and academic gains of our students and educators," according to HISD. This expenditure coincides with Superintendent Mike Miles receiving a $173,660 bonus, raising concerns about financial priorities within the district.

 

KTRK-TV

On September 15, McKinney ISD established a facilities alignment committee tasked with examining attendance zones and selecting three elementary campuses for alternative use. The initiative aims to enhance the district's educational infrastructure and adapt to changing needs. The committee's work is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the future of the district's schools.

 

Allen American

South Texas ISD Preparatory Academy has been named an Apple Distinguished School for the 2025-2028 term, highlighting its commitment to innovation in education. Principal Marco Zamora expressed pride in the recognition, commenting: “It is an honor to be recognized alongside other innovative educational institutions from around the world as an Apple Distinguished School.” This accolade emphasizes the school's dedication to leveraging technology to enhance teaching and learning, fostering a community focused on academic excellence and collaboration. Apple Distinguished Schools are recognized for their leadership and effective use of technology in achieving educational goals.

 

Texas Border Business

Lewisville ISD (LISD) is enhancing access to career and technical education (CTE) by expanding its facilities and programs. The recent ribbon-cutting for the new wing of the Technology, Exploration and Career Center East on August 28 introduced three new programs: dental assisting, welding, and off-road diesel construction. The $16m expansion, funded by 2017 bond funds approved by 63% of voters, added four classrooms to accommodate increased enrollment. The expansion addresses the high demand for welding and dental assistant programs, with Adrian Moreno, Director of TECC-East, noting the need for off-road diesel training.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

Northwest ISD has announced that it has been awarded a "Superior A" financial integrity rating by the Texas Education Agency for a 23rd consecutive year. In a press release, the district emphasized that it had earned an A rating every year since the program was introduced in 2001, and noted that its teachers' salaries make up 10% more of the district's overall staffing budget than the state average.

 

The Cross Timbers Gazette

Leander ISD is facing a $20.2m budget shortfall for the fiscal year 2025-26, prompting the administration to propose three cost-saving measures, including the potential closure of Cypress, Faubion, and Steiner Ranch elementary schools. Despite receiving $8.5bn from House Bill 2, chief financial officer Pete Pape said: “It wasn't money to help with the deficit.” Community groups like Save Cypress Elementary have emerged, as parents express concerns over transparency and the impact of closures on neighborhood schools. The district's demographic report indicates that several campuses will be under 60% utilization in the coming years. Parents are advocating for alternative solutions, emphasizing the need for clear communication and accountability from the district. The board is set to vote on these optimization actions on October 9.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

On Monday, Kendrick Elementary School was officially dedicated, marking a significant milestone for the Waco community. The $47.4m facility, which opened its doors to nearly 800 students and over 30 teachers, replaces a 1952 building. Principal Isabel Lozano, who has overseen the transition, emphasized that “a school is more than a building,” highlighting the importance of community. The new school, part of a 2021 bond issue that also funded other educational facilities, has already exceeded its 750-student capacity. During the ceremony, Lozano expressed gratitude for the support received, stating, “We’re blessed that we’re over capacity. The best is yet to come.” The event featured performances by the University High School Mariachi band, adding a festive atmosphere to the occasion.

 

Wacotrib