Education

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.

In the last school year, all three of Lubbock’s biggest school districts showed improvement in their academic accountability scores from the Texas Education Agency, and all three with overall B-ratings. KTTZ has a breakdown of the relevant numbers and what those ratings mean.

The Texas Education Agency has published delayed A-F ratings at TXschools.gov. Austin ISD has more A campuses and fewer Fs.

As confirmed measles cases in Texas plateau, New Mexico has officially reached 100 cases since the regional outbreak was identified. The board for a West Texas school district has voted to change the name of two schools again. Our reporter Bishop Van Buren has more on the return to names paying tribute to a Confederate general. Entering the new school year, all Lubbock ISD athletic events will be cashless. Tickets can instead be purchased online, via app, or in-person using a QR code.

A quartet of civil liberties organizations is suing the state on behalf of 16 Texas families of various religious and non-religious backgrounds. The plaintiffs are seeking an injunction to stop Senate Bill 10, requiring the Ten Commandments to be displayed in all public-school classrooms, from taking effect on Sept. 1.

Last week, Texas Tech’s football team landed a commitment from a five-star prospect and top recruit in the class of 2027. Our reporter Bishop Van Buren has more on LaDamion Guyton. A Texas law requiring the display of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms is set to take effect September 1. However, Houston Public Media’s Andrew Schneider reports a court hearing on Friday could block that law from taking effect.

Last week, the City of Lubbock presented its budget for the next fiscal year to members of city council. In tomorrow's meeting, the council will propose its maximum tax rate for homeowners. Meanwhile, KERA's Toluwani Osibamowo reports the Texas Attorney General's Office is threatening two former state funeral commission employees with legal action after they spoke out against the agency. Summer vacation is coming to a close, and many Lubbock students are going back to school this week. Lubbock ISD, Lubbock-Cooper ISD, and Frenship ISD begin their new school year this Wednesday.

Some San Antonio students may spend more time in alternative school — or even expelled — during the upcoming school year.

This weekend, Friday through Sunday, is the annual Texas Sales Tax Holiday. Our Bishop Van Buren reports backpacks, clothing, and school supplies under $100 can be purchased tax-free in the state. Texas students can now be expelled for an expanded list of actions they take off campus. Districts will be required to expel students for exhibiting a firearm and possessing a controlled substance, even if it takes place outside of the school.

The proposal revives a failed effort from earlier this year and responds to years of legal fights over accountability.