Education

Officials say two teachers at Midland and Odessa schools, along with one tutor, have faced employment consequences for inappropriate comments after the assassination of the conservative activist last week.

Conservative activist Charlie Kirk was shot and killed last week at Utah Valley University. Authorities have called the killing a "political assassination."

SB 412 removes an established legal defense educators could use when it comes to inappropriate material in libraries and classrooms.

Following the approval of new funds from the state, Lubbock ISD’s Board of Trustees approved new items in its budget for this school year. Our Brad Burt reports that this includes an average 13% pay increase for certified teachers and 14% for paraprofessionals. Lubbock’s city council will be holding public hearings today regarding its tax rate and the city’s 2025-26 budget. Citizens can sign up to speak outside the council chambers before the meeting begins at 2 P.M.

Following the distribution of new funds from the state, Lubbock ISD’s Board of Trustees approved new items in its budget for this school year. Teachers and paraprofessionals will be receiving a pay increase, though as financial struggles persist, trustees expect further campus consolidations in the future.

Texas' attorney general is directing all Texas school districts not involved in ongoing litigation to display the Ten Commandments in classrooms. Texas Public Radio’s David Martin Davies reports that this comes after a federal judge paused the new Texas law, saying it violates the freedom of religion. In Lubbock, the public is invited to attend Coffee with the Mayor in District 5 tomorrow. Our reporter, Samantha Larned, has more from the city as it works to increase participation. The event begins at 7 a.m. at the United Supermarkets at 11310 Slide Road.

Dubbed a "parent rights" bills, Senate Bill 12 bans DEI programs in K-12 schools — and prohibits clubs LGBTQ+ students say are vital resources.

Lubbock ISD recently announced its campuses will now be offering free breakfast and lunch for all students through the Community Eligibility Provision. Outside of CEP, there are other meal resources for public school students and families.

School is back in session and students at Lubbock ISD are all eligible for free lunch, without needing to apply for meal services. Our Olivia O’Rand has more on the Community Eligibility Provision and what schools in other districts qualify as well. A former teacher and coach with Lubbock ISD has been accused of multiple counts of sexual assault. The teacher was placed on leave and resigned in 2024, and our reporter Bishop Van Buren says he was arrested last week.

All three of Lubbock's biggest school districts showed improvements in the new academic accountability ratings for the 2024-25 school year. Our Samantha Larned reports Lubbock ISD, Frenship ISD, and Lubbock-Cooper ISD all received a B as an overall score. This time last year, Lubbock was reaching record high temperatures for several consecutive days. This August, things are looking a bit cooler.