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School districts across the state are facing budget deficits due to rising costs and declining enrollment. The districts are dealing with increased health care and utility costs, soaring insurance rates, the end of federal COVID-19 support funding, and a static state allotment per student. As a result, districts are tapping into their fund balances to cover the shortfall. For example, Waco ISD is considering a budget that relies on reserve funds. Other districts, such as Lubbock ISD and Austin ISD, are also facing deficits and making cuts. The budget pressures are particularly challenging this year, with the end of federal relief funding and declining enrollment. Districts are also dealing with increased utility and insurance costs, higher health care expenses, and rising salaries. The upcoming budget does not have money for new capital improvements, and districts are deferring maintenance to save costs. The crunch time for administrators will come next year when they have to consider staffing levels and hiring before knowing if the Legislature will increase funding.

 

Wacotrib

An investigation by Jo Napolitano for The 74 reveals a troubling scarcity mindset among U.S. schools regarding immigrant students. Posing as the aunt of a fictional 19-year-old Venezuelan student, Napolitano found that only 209 out of 630 schools agreed to enroll him, despite his legal right to attend. This reluctance stems from a widespread belief that immigrants drain resources, even though evidence shows immigrants boost the economy and labor force. The investigation highlights how many schools use deterrents and civil rights violations to dissuade immigrant enrollment, underscoring the urgent need for schools to recognize the benefits of educating immigrant students. The findings call for soul-searching among educators and officials about their enrollment policies and their broader implications for the future workforce. This report emphasizes the critical importance of providing education to all students, regardless of their background, to ensure national growth and prosperity.

 

The 74 (Online)

Brazosport ISD trustees are considering a $2.5m budget amendment to cover expenses related to restoration, reconstruction, and debris cleanup from Hurricane Beryl. The money will come from the district's fund balance. The trustees will also set a public hearing on the proposed budget and tax rate for August 19. The Freeport Recreation Center could serve as a Federal Emergency Management Agency Disaster Recovery Center to help residents apply for disaster assistance for losses experienced from Hurricane Beryl. The City Council will also consider awarding contracts for lighting installation at a soccer field and a mowing contract. 

 

The Facts

Members of the Laneville ISD Board of Trustees gathered for a special meeting to discuss Superintendent Terry Young's request for a budget amendment. The district faced unexpected overages in various areas, leading to a budget deficit. Young provided a breakdown of expenditures, including overages in athletics, food purchases, food services, and maintenance repairs. The district also experienced a shortfall in state reimbursements due to students not using the cafeteria. Young assured the board that measures would be put in place to address these issues in the future. Despite concerns raised by board member Kaleigh Clark, the board approved the budget amendment. The meeting also covered changes to the district's cell phone policy and TEKS certification. The board entered an executive session but took no further action.

 

The Henderson News

The El Paso ISD is set to welcome 15 new principals, while the Socorro ISD and the Ysleta ISD will also be bringing on new leaders. El Paso ISD Superintendent Diana Sayavedra expressed excitement about the fresh energy and innovative ideas that the new principals will bring to their campuses. The new principals in El Paso include Maribel Ruiz at Austin High School, Daniel Montoya at College Career Technology Academy, Cyndi Ponce at San Jacinto Adult Learning Center, Elena Montero at Nolan Richardson Middle School, Rodolfo "Rudy" Diaz at Wiggs Middle School, Martha Martinez at Dr. Josefina Tinajero PK-8, Christine Miles at Charles Q. Murphree PK-8, Terry Montes at Archie Duran Elementary School, Jennifer Mata at Mesita ECDC, Hillery Smith at Lundy Elementary, Michelle Pringle at Carlos Rivera Elementary School, Rafael Guardado at Hawkins Elementary School, Anna Torres at Coldwell/Sunrise Mountain, Patricia Bazan at Kohlberg Elementary School, and Summer Steele at Polk Elementary. The Socorro ISD will welcome Daniela Palmer as the new principal of Capt. Walter E. Clarke Middle School, while the Ysleta ISD will have Elizabeth Gonzalez as the new principal of Del Valle Elementary School, Valerie Hairston as the new principal of Del Valle High School, and Marisa Holguin as the new principal of Capistrano Elementary School.

 

El Paso Times

More than 120 new teachers at United ISD attended the New Teacher Orientation to learn about their new jobs and the expectations of the district. The theme for the new school year at UISD is "Soaring to New Heights." District leaders from every department welcomed the new teachers and provided advice on how to handle their classroom responsibilities. Assistant Superintendent and Administrator in Charge Rebecca Morales shared tips for first-year teachers and a personal story about the impact her second-grade teacher had on her life. The event also included a bus tour of the areas where the teachers will serve. UISD is excited to welcome the new teachers and wishes them a successful year filled with new learning and lasting memories. More teachers are expected to join UISD in the coming weeks.

 

Laredo Morning Times

Nominations for the 2025 H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards are now open to all Texas public school professionals. Teachers, counselors, principals, early childhood centers, school boards, and districts have the chance to win cash prizes for their outstanding work. Since 2002, the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards program has awarded over $14m in funding to finalists, winners, and their schools. All state-certified public school educators currently teaching in Texas are eligible for the awards program, as well as Texas early childhood education centers/schools. "Educators are the backbone of our society, and they deserve recognition for going above and beyond to uplift our communities and shape the next generation of leaders," said Jill Reynolds, H-E-B Public Affairs Manager. Finalists and winners will be selected by a panel of judges composed of educators, administrators, and community leaders throughout the state. The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in May 2025. In 2024, the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards program distributed over $780,000 in cash and grants to educators and schools.

 

The Gilmer Mirror

Temple High School has announced a new cellphone policy that will require students to mute and store their cellphones and wireless earbuds in a designated classroom locker starting from the 2024-25 school year. The decision was made after an online parent survey revealed that a majority of parents were concerned about cellphones being a learning distraction. The school district purchased lockers for the students to store their devices during class time, but they will still have access to their cellphones and earbuds during passing periods, lunch, and off periods. The updated policy aims to preserve the academic learning environment and address the issue of cellphones becoming a distraction. Parents will still be able to contact their child during instructional time in case of emergencies. Violations of the policy will result in disciplinary actions. Temple High School hopes that the new policy will create a more focused and productive learning environment for its students.

 

Temple Daily Telegram

Students at H.E. Charles Middle School in Texas are facing a new dress code that bans wearing black clothing from head to toe. The school's principal, Nick DeSantis, claims that the color black is associated with depression and mental health issues, as well as criminality. The dress code change has caused controversy among parents and teachers, with some expressing concerns about the impact on students' mood. However, the school district has defended the decision, stating that it was made in response to concerns raised by parents and teachers. The dress code change only applies to H.E. Charles Middle School and not the entire El Paso Independent School District. The school serves grades 6 through 8 and has a student population of nearly 600. Despite the controversy, some parents believe that the color change may be beneficial for the school's atmosphere. Mental health professionals have criticized the claim that depression has colors or outfits, stating that there are other signs to look out for in students.

 

Fox News

The Sherman ISD School Board has named Thomas O'Neal as the lone finalist for the superintendent position. The board made the announcement on Monday. 

 

Killeen Daily Herald

Herald Democrat

Tens of thousands of backpacks filled with school supplies were handed out to children at various school supply drives in Houston. The Houston Children's Charity drive distributed 3,500 backpacks, benefiting low-income children. The Mayor's Back to School Fest at the George R. Brown Convention Center distributed 25,000 backpacks. The event hosted by the Harris County Clerk's Office provided parents with copies of their children's birth certificates for free. The initiative aims to support families who cannot afford school supplies and vital records. Volunteers emphasized the importance of providing children with the resources they need for their education. The initiative aims to bridge the gap for families who cannot afford backpacks and other school supplies. The Harris County Clerk's Office waived the $23 fee for the first 100 parents who needed copies of their children's birth certificates. "For a family of four or five that needs those vital records, it adds up very quickly," said Harris County Clerk Teneshia Hudspeth.

 

KTRK-TV

Staggered school start times can lessen traffic congestion, especially at locations that have a junior high next to an elementary school. The Safe Routes to School program, created by Congress nearly 20 years ago, aims to reduce traffic congestion and vehicle emissions while encouraging children to walk or bike to school. The Lawrence Safe Routes initiative in Kansas has exceeded Congress's original objectives, producing benefits such as reducing traffic congestion and increasing physical activity opportunities. The program has also helped build community cohesion and has led to the development of a citywide trail. Other communities, like San Marcos Unified School District in California, have seen the legacy of Safe Routes in mitigating congestion through strong relationships between schools and local governments. These relationships involve discussions on traffic signal timing, crosswalks, bike lanes, and safe routes for students. Staggered school start times and other traffic mitigation measures, such as traffic circles and reduced speed limits, have proven effective in reducing congestion and improving safety in school neighborhoods.

 

School Bus Fleet