Education

The TEA takes over Houston schools this summer. What happens in the meantime?

Posted on · The Texas Education Agency plans to seize control of Houston public schools this summer. The move is drawing mixed reactions from community members, many of whom say the district is doing well and doesn’t need state intervention. 

Education

Considering race, class and power in Texas Education Agency’s takeover of Houston Independent School District

Posted on · The Texas Education Agency is seizing control of the largest school district in the state. For both supporters and opponents of the takeover, race and class plays an undeniable central role in the move.

Education

As Texas STAAR test goes fully online, teachers ‘feel defeated,’ Texas Education Agency projects confidence

Posted on · Educators are still trying to catch students up from the massive learning losses of the pandemic while also preparing kids for the redesigned STAAR, which is now a fully online standardized test.

Education

‘No accountability’: Kids in special education are routinely restrained. Texas lawmakers could change that

Posted on · Parents with children in special education programs say that schools have restrained the students without their knowledge. A House bill would help with that by banning the use of restraint on children under the age of 10.

Energy & Environment

Maintenance for flood control projects to face delays as Harris County agency deals with a smaller budget

Posted on · Regular maintenance is critical for flood mitigation projects to work as they’re supposed to. But the Harris County Flood Control District’s maintenance budget isn’t keeping pace with its growing portfolio of projects.

Property Taxes

Politics

What a $50 savings per taxpayer is costing Harris County residents

Posted on · Republican officials contend last fall’s boycott of Harris County Commissioners Court was more than worth it, forcing cuts to what they saw as a bloated budget and granting relief to taxpayers burdened by inflation. But the bill is coming due in the form of starved departments and fewer services.