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Midland ISD Sues Texas Over 'Robin Hood' School Finance System

Midland ISD Sues Texas Over 'Robin Hood' School Finance System

Midland Independent School District (ISD) in West Texas has decided to file a lawsuit against the state of Texas, challenging the 'Robin Hood' school finance system. This system, officially known as recapture, requires wealthier districts to redistribute a portion of their locally raised funds to less affluent districts. The Midland school board argues that this system limits their ability to adequately fund their schools and meet local needs. The board voted unanimously to proceed with the lawsuit, targeting Education Commissioner Mike Morath and other state leaders. The district claims that recent changes to the funding system have further restricted their financial autonomy, forcing them to adhere to state-imposed tax rates and spending requirements. Midland ISD, located in an oil-rich area, is expected to pay over $83 million in recapture this year, which is a significant portion of their local revenue.

Texas falls in bottom half in national school rankings study

Texas falls in bottom half in national school rankings study

A new study ranks Texas' school system 32nd in the nation. See how it compares with other states and where it has room for improvement.

Colorado Law Change Leads to Closure of Pueblo Classical Academy

Colorado Law Change Leads to Closure of Pueblo Classical Academy

Pueblo Classical Academy, a public school in Colorado, has announced its permanent closure following a state law change aimed at limiting the authorizing power of cooperative educational services. The school, which enrolled 260 K-12 students, was authorized by the Education reEnvisioned Board of Cooperative Educational Services (ERBOCES). The law change was prompted by controversies surrounding ERBOCES and its authorization of publicly funded homeschool enrichment programs. The closure follows the earlier shutdown of Riverstone Academy, another school authorized by ERBOCES.

Texas Extends Workforce Pell Grant Application to Enhance Career Training

Texas Extends Workforce Pell Grant Application to Enhance Career Training

Texas Extends Workforce Pell Grant Application to Enhance Career Training

Texas Court Rules Against Paxton in Midwife Clinic Closure Case

Texas Court Rules Against Paxton in Midwife Clinic Closure Case

A Texas appellate court has overturned an injunction that closed three clinics operated by midwife Maria Rojas, who faces criminal charges for performing unlawful abortions. The court found that the trial court relied solely on a probable cause affidavit, which is insufficient for a temporary injunction. This decision is a setback for Attorney General Ken Paxton, who prioritized the civil case against Rojas.

Governor Abbott Appoints Robert Howden as Interim Texas Secretary of State Amidst ICE Protests and Flooding

Governor Abbott Appoints Robert Howden as Interim Texas Secretary of State Amidst ICE Protests and Flooding

Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Robert Howden as the interim Secretary of State for Texas following the resignation of Jane Nelson. Howden, a senior adviser to Abbott, will serve without legislative approval until January when the Texas Senate will vote on his continuation. His responsibilities include overseeing upcoming elections, including the midterms. Concurrently, protests against ICE have intensified in Austin following fatal shootings involving ICE agents. Demonstrations organized by the Party for Socialism and Liberation and Texas Impact have called for accountability from state and federal lawmakers. Additionally, Central Texas has been experiencing severe flooding, prompting disaster declarations from local leaders and Governor Abbott. The flooding has resulted in two fatalities and significant water level increases in the Pedernales and Llano rivers.

Schools Struggle to Support English Learners with Disabilities Amid Staffing Shortages

Schools Struggle to Support English Learners with Disabilities Amid Staffing Shortages

A recent survey by the EdWeek Research Center highlights significant challenges faced by U.S. schools in supporting English learners with disabilities, also known as dually identified students. The survey, which included responses from 1,122 educators, revealed that 75% of educators believe there is an insufficient number of appropriately trained staff to meet the needs of these students. Dually identified students require both language support to develop English proficiency and specialized instruction for their disabilities. However, the siloed nature of teaching often results in these students receiving only their special education needs, neglecting their language development. Experts like Lizdelia Piñón from the Intercultural Development Research Association emphasize the need for strategic collaboration among teachers across specializations to address these needs effectively. Despite the challenges, efforts are being made to improve the situation, such as the development of a new bilingual special educ...

Stephen F. Austin State University Celebrates Notable Alumni Don Henley and Jeremiah Trotter

Stephen F. Austin State University Celebrates Notable Alumni Don Henley and Jeremiah Trotter

Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA) in Nacogdoches, Texas, proudly claims two notable alumni with connections to the Eagles: Don Henley, a member of the Eagles band, and Jeremiah Trotter, a former NFL linebacker for the Philadelphia Eagles. Although Don Henley did not graduate from SFA, the university recognizes his time there as part of its rich history. Jeremiah Trotter, who had a successful NFL career, also began his journey at SFA. Both individuals are celebrated on the SFA Alumni Association website under the 'Notable Alumni' category, highlighting the diverse achievements of the university's former students.

Texas Agriculture Commissioner Raises Concerns Over Data Centers Impacting Farmland

Texas Agriculture Commissioner Raises Concerns Over Data Centers Impacting Farmland

Members of the U.S. agricultural community, including Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller, are expressing concerns about the proliferation of data centers and their impact on farmland and rural areas. Commissioner Miller has called for a special legislative session to address these issues, highlighting the loss of farmland, increased pressure on the electric grid, and threats to water supplies. Despite a recent withdrawal of a data center project near Cedar Creek Lake, Texas remains a hotspot for data center construction, with 580 centers active or under construction. Virginia leads the nation with 736 data centers, largely due to Loudoun County's role in handling a significant portion of global internet traffic. A survey by the University of Illinois indicates that rural residents are more concerned about the impacts of data centers on agricultural land use and electricity costs compared to urban residents.

Texas Reforms Foster Care System to Strengthen Parental Rights, Reducing Child Removals

Texas Reforms Foster Care System to Strengthen Parental Rights, Reducing Child Removals

Texas has implemented significant reforms in its foster care system, focusing on enhancing parental rights. The legislative changes, initiated in 2021, include two landmark bills that redefine the criteria for child removal. The new laws prevent the removal of children based solely on the medical opinion of a single expert contracted by the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). Additionally, the definition of neglect has been narrowed from 'substantial risk' to 'immediate harm,' leading to a 47% decrease in child removals from 2016 to 2025. These reforms are part of a broader effort to address issues within the state's child welfare system, which has been under scrutiny due to a 2011 class action lawsuit alleging dangerous conditions in foster care. The state has spent over $200 million on federal court monitoring and reforms as a result.

Texas Organizations Provide Free Hydration Kits to Outdoor Workers Amid Heatwave

Texas Organizations Provide Free Hydration Kits to Outdoor Workers Amid Heatwave

In response to the ongoing dangerous heat conditions in North Texas, local organizations are distributing free hydration kits to outdoor workers. This initiative aims to mitigate the rising number of heat-related illnesses being treated by doctors in the region. The extreme temperatures have posed significant health risks, particularly to those who spend extended periods working outside. The hydration kits are part of a broader effort to ensure the safety and well-being of these workers during the heatwave.

Texas Lawmakers Implement New Safety Measures, Reducing Flood-Related Fatalities

Texas Lawmakers Implement New Safety Measures, Reducing Flood-Related Fatalities

In response to devastating floods in Central Texas last year, Texas lawmakers have enacted new safety measures aimed at reducing fatalities in flood-prone areas. These measures have proven effective, as evidenced by the significant reduction in deaths from 139 last year to just two in recent flash floods. The new laws include banning sleep-away summer camps from floodways and requiring detailed emergency plans. Additionally, increased public awareness has played a crucial role in saving lives, with residents now more vigilant and better prepared for such events. The recent storms, although severe, were spread over a larger area and occurred over several days, unlike last year's concentrated and sudden downpour.