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The Austin ISD board has decided not to proceed with the closure of Bryker Woods and Maplewood elementaries for the upcoming school year. Superintendent Matias Segura announced the decision in a letter to families, stating that the district will also postpone any proposed attendance boundary changes until next year, except for those related to intervention at failing schools. This decision follows significant protests from parents, staff, and students against the initial plan to close 13 schools. “It is extremely important that when we make generational changes, we take the time to ensure community voice is thoroughly considered,” Segura said. The AustinD board will still vote on the closure of 10 of the 13 campuses on November 20, focusing on those with poor performance ratings. The district aims to balance enrollment and address budget shortfalls while considering community feedback.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

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!

 

The Trump administration has redirected $450m in tariff revenue to temporarily fund the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), amid a prolonged government shutdown, safeguarding benefits for nearly 7m low-income Americans for about three weeks. The money was transferred to the WIC program on Friday, according to the records from the White House Office of Management and Budget. However, it has declined to use tariff revenue to cover the $4bn needed for November SNAP benefits, warning that doing so would jeopardize other child nutrition programmes like school lunches. "We anticipate the disruptions in SNAP may lead additional families to certify (for) WIC or families to run through their WIC benefits faster, so we will be keeping a really close eye on these resources because we know that WIC can't fill the gap that SNAP plays for families," said Nell Menefee-Libey, senior public policy manager at the National WIC Association.

 

Reuters

The education sector has suffered 180 ransomware attacks globally in the first three quarters of 2025, up 6% year-on-year, with 95 of those in the U.S., according to Comparitech. The average ransom demand was $444,400, and attacks typically led to network outages and data theft, averaging 2.6 terabytes stolen per incident. “This definitely isn’t the time to get complacent,” warned Rebecca Moody, head of data research at Comparitech. “These attacks, and their subsequent breaches, remain a dominant threat. That’s why it’s imperative schools and colleges of all sizes take key steps to try and mitigate their risks.” She said that, to prevent ransomware attacks, schools should keep systems up to date, patch vulnerabilities as soon as they’re flagged, and conduct regular cybersecurity training for employees. 

 

K-12 Dive

Three East Texas high schools achieved success at the UIL Conference State Military Marching Band Competition held at Baylor University. The Gilmer High School Band secured the championship in the 4A classification, marking a historic first for the school, as noted by Gilmer ISD Superintendent Ricky Albritton, who said: “We’ll do it up right.” Beckville High School Band triumphed in the 1A/2A classification, while West Rusk High School claimed first place in the 3A division. Albritton expressed pride in the Gilmer band’s dedication, noting: "They did an amazing job." Other notable performances included Lindale High School and Spring Hill High School, which placed second and third in the 4A classification, respectively. The competition highlighted the strength of military-style bands in East Texas, as emphasized by New Diana ISD Interim Superintendent Carl Key, who said, “East Texas remains a stronghold for that style of marching.”

 

Marshall News Messenger

The Fort Worth ISD board opted not to act on the impending state takeover during a recent meeting, which lasted about three hours. Board member Tobi Jackson said: “While the specific details of the evaluation are confidential, the board was pleased to document Dr. Molinar's exemplary leadership.” The board also evaluated Superintendent Karen Molinar but made no changes to her contract or salary. Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath announced the potential takeover after a campus received its fifth consecutive failing grade. The board is awaiting Morath's final decision regarding the appointment of a board of managers. Community members can apply for the board of managers until November 21, and Morath is also considering current Superintendent Molinar for the position. The board's inaction reflects a cautious approach as they navigate the challenges posed by the state takeover.

 

Star-Telegram

Killeen ISD's board of trustees has approved turnaround plans for Eastern Hills, Manor, and Palo Alto middle schools, which received an F in the Texas Education Agency's accountability ratings for the 2024-2025 school year. Terri Osborne, KISD's deputy superintendent for curriculum, instruction, and school leadership, emphasized that the turnaround plans aim to address challenges such as leadership clarity and high turnover rates. "We do still want the feedback," Osborne said, highlighting the importance of community input in the process. The district plans to close Palo Alto and Eastern Hills at the end of the school year as part of its District Optimization initiative. Meanwhile, Manor will implement the 1882 model intervention program in partnership with an open-enrollment charter school. The turnaround plans are available for public review and feedback on the KISD website.

 

Killeen Daily Herald

Humble ISD's School Library Advisory Council is looking for new members. The council, which consists of 14 parents or community members, will review issues, update policies, and recommend library materials. Members must not be employed by HISD and are required to meet at least twice a year. This initiative is part of Senate Bill 13, which enhances parental rights regarding instructional and library materials. "Any resident can submit complaints about books in a district's library under SB 13," the release stated. Interested individuals can apply through the Humble ISD website or contact Melissa Leigh for more information.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

Humble ISD officials celebrated the opening of a new nest-themed playground at Autumn Creek Elementary School on October 30. Designed for children aged 5-12, the playground features a three-story structure, five slides, swings, spinners, and activity panels. The installation was completed by Lone Star Recreation of Texas. This playground is part of the district's playground revitalization initiative, funded by a $775m bond package approved by voters in 2022. Officials noted that HISD playgrounds are accessible to the public when school is not in session.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

In the recent Copperas Cove ISD election, three new trustees were elected: Samantha Cochran-Wilson, Joan Manning, and Heather Copeland. Cochran-Wilson won Place 3 with 2,542 votes (60.3%), expressing her eagerness to serve the community, saying, “I'm excited and ready to get to work for the school board.” Manning, the incumbent for Place 4, secured her position with 2,804 votes (66.2%) and reflected on her 30 years of service, stating, “I just want to keep doing great things for our students.” In Place 5, Copeland was re-elected with 1,727 votes (40.5%), emphasizing her commitment to providing opportunities for students and supporting teachers. The new trustees will begin their terms after the votes are canvassed later this month.

 

Killeen Daily Herald

Houston ISD is enhancing meal access for students by expanding breakfast and after-school supper services at no cost to families. This initiative aims to support families facing financial difficulties due to recent disruptions in federal programs. "Breakfast is one of the most important parts of a child's day," said Betti Wiggins, HISD deputy chief of nutrition services. Starting November 3, all campuses will ensure students can enjoy breakfast upon arrival, with the option to take meals to the classroom. Additionally, the After-School Supper Program will grow from 132 to 231 campuses, providing meals to students engaged in after-school activities.

 

The Leader News

O.D. Wyatt High School in Fort Worth is responding to a food crisis caused by the disruption of SNAP benefits, which has left many families struggling. Principal Armando Gallegos emphasized the importance of meeting students' basic needs, remarking: "That's why it's so important for us to try and provide that for them, so that they have at least those basic needs." The school organized a food drive where JROTC students distributed groceries to families in need. With over 90% of the school's students classified as economically disadvantaged, the district is working with community organizations to ensure families have access to food. Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker acknowledged the limited ability of the local government to bridge the gap left by federal aid, saying: "We are the ones left to bear the consequences."

 

Star-Telegram

The unexpected closure of St. Stephen Presbyterian Day School in Fort Worth has left parents and former teachers frustrated and seeking answers. Lauren Ferguson, the former school director, was dismissed on October 29, with no clear reasons provided. "They said it wasn't a child safety concern," said Sonia Behrens, a longtime teacher who resigned in solidarity with Ferguson. Following the dismissal, at least seven of the nine teachers left, and the church suspended school operations. Families received an email stating: "We apologize for the short notice and appreciate your understanding that classes cannot be held without teachers." Behrens expressed disappointment in the church's leadership for not considering the impact on families, saying: "They did not think it through, in my opinion." The abrupt closure has left many scrambling for childcare alternatives.

 

Star-Telegram

South Africa has been highlighted as a regional leader in foundational learning by UNESCO and the African Centre for School Leadership, with all recommended policies in place including teacher support, curriculum frameworks and school leadership structures. The country’s national assessment framework, textbook policies and government-funded feeding programme support learning outcomes, while Grade 9 mathematics proficiency has improved from 9% in 2011 to 15% in 2023. Additionally, the country’s large-scale school feeding programme, fully government-funded, supports three-quarters of primary school children, well above the continental average of 43%.

 

IOL