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Denton ISD announced a successful refinancing of part of its bond debt, resulting in a savings of $6.6m for taxpayers. This strategic financial decision demonstrates the district's commitment to responsible fiscal management and proactive use of voter-approved funds. By capitalizing on favorable market conditions, the district reduced interest costs without extending the debt terms. Superintendent Dr. Susannah O’Bara emphasized, “Fiscal responsibility is one of our core commitments to the community,” highlighting the finance team's diligence in maximizing benefits for students and staff. The refinancing will allow the district to maintain a lower tax rate while supporting essential projects for student learning and infrastructure. Taxpayers are expected to save approximately $332,585 due to this effective debt management. The district's Superior “A” financial integrity rating from the Texas Education Agency further underscores its commitment to quality financial practices. Recently, voters approved Proposition A, which increased the tax rate to support maintenance and operations costs.

 

The Cross Timbers Gazette

The Department of Education has announced $167m in competitive grants under the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE) for FY2025, targeting artificial intelligence (AI) integration, accreditation reform, and short-term workforce programmes. AI-related priorities will receive $50m to support tools that enhance learning and expand AI and computer science education. Accreditation reform is allocated $7mto aid transitions between agencies and establish new accreditors. Another $50m is directed at high-quality short-term academic programmes, supporting curriculum development and employer collaboration. Applications are due by December 3 2025.

 

ETIH

Friendswood ISD's new cellphone policy has yielded positive results for the 2025-26 school year. The policy, approved in May, mandates that devices be left at home or secured in YONDR pouches during school hours. Ryan Kopp, FISD's assistant superintendent of secondary teaching and learning, reported improvements in teaching, student engagement, and school culture. A survey indicated that about 90% of teachers believe the pouches have minimized distractions. Notably, Friendswood Junior High School saw a drop in discipline referrals from 45 in November 2024 to nearly 25 in November 2025. Conversely, Friendswood High School's referrals increased, which officials view as a sign of stricter enforcement rather than more misconduct. “It's been a total game changer,” said FJH Principal Delaney Lyon, highlighting the positive shift in teacher morale and classroom dynamics.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

On Tuesday, veterans from the United States Armed Forces in Nacogdoches County were honored through a program featuring songs and letters, organized by students at Raguet Elementary. Claudia Sifuentes, the music teacher at Raguet, emphasized the importance of this event, stating, “I wanted the kids to know the importance of veterans.”

 

Dailysentinel.com

Klein ISD's board of trustees unanimously approved the 2026-27 school calendar during a meeting on November 10. The selected Option A will commence on Aug. 12, 2026, and conclude on May 28, 2027. Key features include five-day breaks for fall, Thanksgiving, and spring, along with a 12-day winter break for students and a 10-day break for teachers. A survey conducted from October. 21-27 revealed that 73.1% of 6,990 participants favored Option A, which closely resembles the current calendar. Other options, B and C, received 12.4% and 14.4% support, respectively, with notable differences such as the absence of a five-day fall break in Option B. "The biggest differences between these two calendars and the current calendar include..." said the meeting documents.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

San Antonio has the highest percentage of F-rated schools in Texas, with only 52% of schools achieving a passing score of C or above, compared to 65% statewide. According to the 2025 rankings by Children at Risk, 15% of local schools received an F. Bob Sanborn, president and chief executive of Children at Risk, said: "We can see improvement, which is a good thing, but we can also see that we're not setting a lot of kids up for a bright future." While some high schools performed well, no elementary schools made the top 100 in the state. Sanborn noted that the low rankings are not solely due to poverty, as regions with higher poverty rates performed better. He suggested that cautious leadership may be a factor in San Antonio's struggles, stating, "I think San Antonio needs to continue to do a lot more of that."

 

Star-Telegram

Lewisville ISD officials have decided to convert Mill Street Elementary School into an early childhood education center for the 2026-27 school year, following a vote at a trustee meeting on November 10. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) mandates that schools with multiple years of poor accountability ratings submit a turnaround plan, and Mill Street has received an F rating for the past three years. Board President Jenny Proznik emphasized, “This is about setting kids up for success for the long term.” The plan involves reassigning Mill Street's 616 students to various campuses based on bilingual status and location. The TEA will review the plan, which is due by November 21, and notify the district of its approval by late January. District officials aim to achieve a C accountability rating for the 2025-26 school year by enhancing instructional quality.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

Tomball ISD is experiencing its lowest growth rate in 12 years, currently at 1.8%, according to Mark White, the district's assistant superintendent of accountability. Despite this decline, the district continues to add approximately 1,000 students annually, with total enrollment reaching 23,256 students as of October 31, the snapshot date for the Public Education Information Management System (PEIMS). White noted that a housing slump is impacting growth, stating, “That [housing slump] is going to be reflected inside of not only our school's data but all of the Houston-area districts as well.” Additionally, Tomball is seeing an increase in students from homes where over 70 languages are spoken, with Spanish and Vietnamese being the most common. The district's new high school, Tomball West High School, is set to open in August 2026, but no further schools are planned for the immediate future.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

Fort Stockton ISD has selected Gil-Rey Madrid as the lone finalist for the position of Superintendent of Schools. A lifelong resident and graduate of Fort Stockton High School, Madrid has dedicated 29 years to the district in various roles, including band director and principal. He was recognized as the Region 18 Principal of the Year for his leadership and commitment to student success. Madrid has built strong relationships within the community and has focused on enhancing academics and creating safe school environments. He will officially begin his tenure following a 21-day waiting period after Dr. Gabriel Zamora transitions to Superintendent Emeritus. "His dedication to Fort Stockton ISD reflects a lifelong commitment to the community," the district stated.

 

Star-Telegram

Frisco ISD's Superintendent Mike Waldrip, who has been at the helm since 2017, will retire at the end of the school year on June 30, 2026. In a news release dated November 10, Waldrip expressed his gratitude, stating, “It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve the students, staff and families of Frisco ISD.” During his nearly 44 years in public education, he focused on strategic planning, academic initiatives, and student well-being, enhancing community partnerships and academic programs. The district's board of trustees will now begin the search for his successor, with board President Mark Hill noting, “This is an important moment in the life of our District.”

 

Community Impact Newspaper

Laneville ISD Interim Superintendent Dr. William Paul has announced the cancellation of classes for the week due to a significant increase in student and teacher illnesses. The district reported an “uptick” in absences, prompting the decision. “We will return to school Monday, November 17 at the same time fully operational,” Paul said. He emphasized the importance of health, advising that students must be fever-free for at least 24 hours before returning. Principal LaTara Robinson recommended at-home health checks and keeping children home if they exhibit symptoms like fever or persistent cough. “Please use this time to get and remain healthy as we have plenty of teaching and learning left for this school year,” Paul added.

 

The Henderson News