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Two U.S. federal judges have ordered the Trump administration to use emergency funds to continue SNAP benefits for 42m Americans amid a government shutdown, though the timeline and extent of payments remain unclear. The U.S. Department of Agriculture planned to freeze payments to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program starting November 1, and said it lacked both the funds and the authority to pay them until Congress passes a spending bill to end the shutdown. However, on Friday, Judge Indira Talwani in Boston gave the administration until Monday to decide on issuing at least partial payments, while Judge John McConnell in Rhode Island mandated immediate disbursement and a compliance plan, citing the potential harm to individuals and local economies. Both judges indicated, however, that the administration had the ability to fund SNAP benefits in full if it used its discretion to tap other funding to cover the shortfall. Despite the rulings, delays in disbursing aid are expected due to logistical processing times.

 

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More than Answers: Growing Mathematical Minds

Mathematical modeling is a dynamic process that teaches students to solve real-world problems using math. It moves beyond simple answers and encourages a deeper, more flexible understanding of mathematical concepts.  

The modeling process follows a cycle: identify a problem, make simplifying assumptions, formulate a mathematical model, solve it, and interpret the results. The key is to validate the model against real-world data and refine it as needed. Learn how this approach boosts students’ critical thinking, problem-solving, and engagement by connecting abstract concepts to tangible applications, like optimizing a delivery route. By integrating modeling into the classroom, educators can better prepare students for future STEM careers and informed decision-making. 

Download Modeling Resources!

 

Austin ISD has unveiled an updated school closure plan, which includes revised transfer policies and boundary adjustments. With a vote scheduled for November 20, the plan proposes closing 13 campuses and relocating various programs, including Montessori and dual language initiatives. Superintendent Matias Segura emphasized the importance of community feedback, stating: “We have to make the decisions one by one.” The district aims to address a $19.7m budget deficit and declining enrollment, hoping to save approximately $25m through these changes. The plan has generated significant community concern, with over 7,200 comments received regarding boundary changes and school closures. The district is expected to present further updates before the final recommendation is released on November 14.

 

CultureMap Austin

Community Impact Newspaper

Austin American-Statesman

The Corpus Christi ISD board has expressed regret after Samuel Fryer, a local resident, was interrupted while discussing religious topics during a September meeting. Fryer, who previously ran for the school board, addressed new state laws, including Senate Bill 10, which mandates the posting of the Ten Commandments in classrooms. During his remarks, board President Eric Villarreal interrupted Fryer, stating, "Please keep it to CCISD business." Fryer maintained that his comments were relevant to the school district. Following a grievance hearing on October 30, the board unanimously denied Fryer's request for a public apology but expressed regret over the interruption.

 

Caller-Times

Katy ISD is nearing the end of a successful financial partnership established over 22 years ago through a tax increment reinvestment zone (TIRZ). This mechanism has generated significant local reinvestment, funding new school facilities and infrastructure improvements. Chief financial officer Chris Smith said: “Over the last 22 years, the taxes from that zone have been used to pay those bonds,” highlighting the financial benefits of the agreement. The TIRZ has produced $36.6m in excess tax collections and $2.2m in interest, totaling nearly $39m reinvested into KISD facilities.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

In a significant move, Killeen ISD will close three schools - Palo Alto and Eastern Hills middle schools, along with Peebles Elementary - due to declining enrollment and federal funding losses. The District Optimization plan, approved by the KISD board, aims to save over $106m in the next five years. KISD faces a potential loss of up to $31m in federal Impact Aid funding, primarily due to a decrease in military-connected students. King Davis, the interim superintendent, acknowledged that closing schools is just one solution, emphasizing the need for different strategies. The plan also includes expanding bilingual programs and implementing new educational models to enhance student success.

 

Killeen Daily Herald

Killeen Daily Herald

More than half of respondents in a KDH News online poll expressed disagreement with the Killeen ISD board's decision to select interim Superintendent King Davis as the sole finalist for the permanent position. The poll, conducted from October 26 to November 1, revealed that over 52% disagreed with the board's choice, while just under 32% supported it, and 17% were undecided. Davis, who took over as interim superintendent in August after Jo Ann Fey's resignation, has previously received praise for improving academic performance. However, the board's decision to bypass a search for other candidates, despite spending $25,000 on a recruitment firm, has raised concerns.

 

Killeen Daily Herald

At a recent award ceremony, Kenneth O'Bar, a junior from Temple High School's JROTC, and Dylan Domanowski from Belton ISD were honored as the first recipients of the American Legion Leadership Excellence Scholarship, each receiving $1,500. The scholarships were established after the Temple Chamber of Commerce suggested a shift from traditional donations to funding scholarships for local JROTC members.

 

Killeen Daily Herald

The Texas Attorney General's Office has accused Judson ISD of violating state law by engaging in electioneering to promote a property tax increase on the November 4 ballot. Assistant Attorney General Lauren McGee stated that the district showed a "professionally produced video" to employees during work hours, which implied negative consequences if the tax increase was not approved. In response, Judson chief communications officer Nicole Taguinod said the district would remove the video to "avoid protracted time-consuming litigation."

 

Star-Telegram

Hutto ISD has announced the acquisition of two properties for future campuses. The district purchased 17 acres near the Flora housing development for $6.03m, funded by the 2023 bond, and 20 acres near a future data center for $5.74m, financed through the 2019 and 2023 bonds. This initiative follows the approval of a $522m bond in May 2023 aimed at expanding district facilities. The bond includes three propositions, with Proposition A allocating $471.5m for major campus projects, including the construction of two new elementary schools and the expansion of the Ninth Grade Center into a full high school.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

Ector County ISD hosted its fourth annual Food Show at the Odessa Marriott Hotel, inviting families to sample various menu items from the School Nutrition Department. The event, free for parents, students, and staff, allows attendees to vote on current and potential menu items, fostering community engagement.

 

Star-Telegram

Fort Bend ISD is experiencing a notable increase in special education enrollment, now exceeding 16% of the student body, chief academic officer Adam Stephens has revealed. The district is enhancing collaboration with community partners to provide real-world opportunities for graduates, with Board President Kristin Tassin emphasizing the need for an inclusive environment. The district is also hosting virtual “Noon Know-How” sessions for parents to aid in transitioning students from special education to post-graduation. Upcoming topics include workforce readiness and behavior support for preschoolers with disabilities. Additionally, the district is expanding its Partner PE program to promote peer-to-peer inclusion.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

Alberta's Education Ministry has canceled all January Grade 12 diploma and Grade 9 achievement exams across the province due to a teachers' strike that began October 6 and ran until last Wednesday, when educators were ordered back to work. Students can choose to write the exams voluntarily in April or June 2026, while marks for students who choose not to take the tests will come entirely from school work. This exemption will be noted on transcripts and will not impact graduation or post-secondary applications. Normally, diploma exams are worth 30% of a Grade 12 student’s overall grade, with 70% of their mark coming from coursework and other tests.

 

Edmonton Journal

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