Public Education

Last school year, the average teacher in Texas made thousands of dollars less than teachers in other states. A nearly $5 billion bill filed Tuesday in the Legislature seeks to provide across-the-board raises and put more money toward bonuses.

The Liberty Hill school district will transition to a "hybrid" calendar next fall, with some months having four-day school weeks, and other months having five-day school weeks. It's one strategy the district is using to help cut costs amid concerns about its budget.

The hiring freeze is set to begin on March 1. It’s one strategy Austin ISD is using to cut spending by $32 million, so the district can end the current fiscal year with a $78 million deficit.

House Speaker Dustin Burrows reappointed state Rep. Brad Buckley (R-Killeen) to lead the committee. Buckley tried to get school voucher legislation approved in 2023 but rural Republicans and Democrats blocked the effort.

Paul Norton resigned Friday, just under two months after the school board placed him on leave following misconduct allegations. As part of his voluntary retirement agreement, he will receive more than $218,000 in severance pay and unused vacation time.

The governor touted Texas’ strong economy in his State of the State address Sunday, where he also laid out priorities he wants lawmakers to focus on in the months ahead. These include creating a school voucher-like program and lowering property taxes.

A proposal to create a school voucher-like plan for Texas was advanced by the Texas Senate Education Committee on Tuesday night, giving voucher supporters like Gov. Greg Abbott their first major win of the legislative session.

The district said it will save $2 million by closing Valley View after the current school year and sending students to Barton Creek. Some families criticized the decision as shortsighted and rushed.

The school board will vote Tuesday on whether to shut down Valley View Elementary and send students to Barton Creek during the next school year. Some families worry the decision is being rushed.

Chronic absenteeism leads to worse student outcomes and fewer state dollars for Texas school districts. Austin ISD and its campuses are making a concerted effort to improve attendance, especially among students who are at the highest risk for missing school.