Education

The Texas Senate has passed a bill that would create a designated time to pray and read the Bible or other religious text during the school day. Texas and New Mexico have a combined measles case count of 317 since late January, surpassing the C.D.C.’s total measles cases for the United States in all of 2024. Our Samantha Larned reports on a change in Texas' classification of certain cases. Meanwhile, here in Lubbock, Texas Tech has announced two potential measles exposure sites: the Carpenter/Wells Complex and the Student Health Services clinic from March 4 through 12.

If passed, the legislation would create a program where parents could use state tax dollars toward sending their kids to private schools. While it’s a priority for many Republicans, those opposed to the idea aren’t staying quiet.

This legislative session, Texas lawmakers are hoping to lower property taxes and increase funding for the state’s public schools. Meanwhile, local taxing entities say the state’s recent efforts to curb property taxes are making it harder for them to fund the services they provide.

The lawsuit comes after the Board of Regents banned drag shows from the school's 11 public campuses.

Bills before a Senate education committee would eliminate Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs in public K-12 schools and establish a procedure to file grievances against districts that violate the ban. These programs were established to address or end historical inequities based on race, gender, and sexual orientation.

The Texas Newsroom's Blaise Gainey reports on a bill passed by the Texas Senate, which would provide raises to teachers and other district staff. Meanwhile, the Monterey High School girls’ basketball team returned to Lubbock from the Alamodome as state champions.

Sen. Brandon Creighton has filed bills that would ban diversity, equity and inclusion policies related to hiring and programming, while creating ways for parents to complain about violations to the DEI ban.

The Texas House has filed its school voucher bill. The legislation differs in several ways from what the Senate has already passed. The two chambers would have to hash out their differences before sending any legislation to Gov. Greg Abbott for his approval.

A measles-positive person from West Texas visited high-traffic areas in San Marcos, San Antonio, and New Braunfels this month, prompting a public health alert in the area. After the Texas House announced their proposal to address both public education spending and the creation of a school-voucher-like program, Texas Public Radio Education Reporter Camille Phillips tells us the bills fall far short of what public education advocates say is needed for schools.

Education issues are top of mind for Texas lawmakers, who are meeting in Austin right now. The Texas Newsroom’s Blaise Gainey reports, House Speaker Dustin Burrows announced two related filings yesterday. Tomorrow, the Patterson Branch Library will host its 22nd Annual African American History Month Program, celebrating the impact of Black librarians here in Lubbock. The event is Saturday, 2-4 P.M. at 1836 Parkway Dr.