Education

Following last week's vote to close Hodges Elementary School, starting in the 2025-2026 school year, families in the attendance zone for Hodges will be in the boundaries for Bean Elementary. Our reporter Samantha Larned has more on the decision from the Lubbock Independent School District’s Board of Trustees and what comes next.The district's transfer window is open Dec. 17 through Jan. 17.

Lubbock Independent School District’s Board of Trustees has approved the consolidation and closures of three LISD campuses. Going into effect in the 2025-2026 school year, “phase one” of the plan impacts Hodges Elementary, Overton Elementary, and O.L. Slaton Middle School.

In Texas, more than 45% of teachers are people of color, according to a new dashboard released Tuesday by the National Council on Teacher Quality, compared to nearly 74% of students. And the gap could worsen if fewer people of color pursue careers in education.

Research released this week finds the teacher workforce in Texas is more diverse than that of the country as a whole. But as KERA’s Nadya Faulx reports, it’s still not reflective of the state’s students. And KERA's Priscilla Rice has more on an inclusive new North Texas park for children of all abilities.

Faculty senates have long played a key role in developing curriculum and protecting open inquiry. State leaders have also accused them of liberal indoctrination.

Lubbock Independent School District's Board of Trustees voted unanimously to pass phase one of its school consolidations last night. The plan will consolidate Overton Elementary School into Rush Elementary School, OL Slaton Middle School into Dunbar College Preparatory Academy and Atkins Middle School, and see the closure of Hodges Elementary School.

The Lubbock Independent School District Board of Trustees will meet tonight at 6 p.m. to make a final decision on possible consolidations and closures of several elementary and middle schools, potentially including Hodges Elementary, O.L. Slaton, and Overton Elementary. KERA's Pablo Arauz Peña reports that Texas remains the top state for domestic net migration, according to the latest Census data.

Controversial voucher-like Education Savings Accounts seem a certainty after Texas Gov. Greg Abbott helped oust fellow Republicans who opposed them last year. But educators are wary about what a new plan could look like.

The Texas State Board of Education approved a controversial new Bible-infused curriculum Friday, which schools may choose to adopt. KERA's Nathan Collins reports the city of Dallas may need millions more dollars on short notice to fund the police pension system. Lubbock Area United Way launched a new website to provide local data on community issues.

LISD’s Board of Trustees heard the recommendation for possible campus consolidations and closures, which administrators say is the best way to avoid a new bond. Many upset parents, students, and teachers say it’s about more than money — but community, equity and transparency.