Past Contributions

• Support for Houston ISD’s Spanish speakers has dwindled under state-appointed leader, parents say

  By Brian Lopez Oct. 3, 2023

  For one reading class, Superintendent Mike Miles said instruction would focus on English, even if it meant risking state funding for dual-language programs. Parents say it goes further than that, adding that their kids are receiving no assistance in Spanish at all. Full Story 

• Gov. Greg Abbott says special lawmaking session will begin on Oct. 9, likely on school vouchers

  By Brian Lopez and William Melhado Sept. 29, 2023

  The session comes as a rift between the Texas House and the Senate grew following Attorney General Ken Paxton’s impeachment trial, raising questions about the chambers’ ability to compromise on education issues. The governor has threatened to call for more special sessions if lawmakers fail to pass a “school choice” proposal. Full Story 

• Houston ISD Superintendent Mike Miles says he needs four to five years to turn the district around

  By Brian Lopez Sept. 23, 2023

  Miles said he should be held accountable and be fired if the district doesn’t improve academically in the next two years. Full Story 

• Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson switches to Republican Party

  By Joshua Fechter and Brian Lopez Updated: Sept. 22, 2023

  Though the mayor’s position in Dallas is technically nonpartisan, Johnson joins Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker as one of two Republican mayors to lead a major Texas city. Full Story 

• Facing declining enrollment and charter school competition, San Antonio and Plano consider closing campuses

  By Brian Lopez Sept. 19, 2023

  School officials in San Antonio announced earlier this week that they are looking at closing about 20% of their campuses while Plano school officials are starting those discussions. Full Story 

• Texas Education Agency delays release of annual school ratings

  By Brian Lopez Sept. 12, 2023

  TEA said it needs to make adjustments to account for changes in students’ academic performance after the pandemic. The delay comes after several school districts sued to stop the agency from releasing school rankings produced under a new rating system. Full Story 

• School safety, tutoring and hair: These are some of the new education laws that go into effect this year

  By Brian Lopez Sept. 1, 2023

  Lawmakers failed to pass legislation on school vouchers or teacher raises this year, but they approved other education-related laws like an $800 million investment in high-quality instructional materials and new rules for students found vaping or using marijuana. Full Story 

• How a state effort to fund Texas schools equitably is shortchanging dozens of rural districts

  By Brian Lopez Aug. 25, 2023

  For decades, the Texas comptroller’s office has double-checked property valuations across the state, which help determine how much school districts can levy in property taxes. But when state and county appraisers disagree, districts can end up with big holes in their budgets. Full Story 

• Despite post-pandemic improvements, STAAR scores show Texas students are still struggling with math and reading

  By Brian Lopez Aug. 16, 2023

  Test results have gone up since the pandemic in both subjects, but math scores are still below 2019 levels and about half of Texas students read below the level appropriate for most children in their grade. Full Story 

• Texas House committee report outlines possible path forward for school vouchers

  By Brian Lopez Aug. 11, 2023

  The House blocked school vouchers during this year’s regular lawmaking session, but a report released Friday shows some members might be willing to approve a scaled-back version of the program that doesn’t compete with public schools for funds. Full Story