Education

Voters approved Proposition A on Saturday — a $290 million bond for Lubbock ISD that will fund critical infrastructure improvements, including new campuses, safety upgrades, and enhanced learning environments. Our reporter Bishop Van Buren visited the polls and spoke with voters about the decision. Residents of Roosevelt ISD in eastern Lubbock County also approved a $58.5 million bond package, to help to build a brand-new elementary school campus in the district.

Lubbock voters passed Proposition A on Saturday, approving a $290 million bond for Lubbock ISD. The measure will fund major infrastructure projects, including three new elementary schools, two middle schools, campus safety upgrades, and enhanced classroom environments.

The sweeping legislation creates Education Savings Accounts, which allow parents to use state tax dollars toward private education costs. With $1 billion in initial funding, Texas' program is the largest day 1 plan of its kind in the nation.

On Tuesday, the Lubbock-Cooper ISD Board of Trustees announced Aaron Waldrip as the Lone Finalist for the position of superintendent. Also this week, the Texas Lottery Commission voted to ban third-party couriers from selling lottery tickets in the state. The Texas Newsroom’s Nina Banks reports that the unanimous vote comes after months of heightened scrutiny against the Lottery agency. The City of Lubbock’s public health department announced that its MMR vaccine clinic will be returning from extended hours back to normal hours after this Saturday.

The Trump administration is expected to unveil a budget proposal that would eliminate the Head Start program. The Texas Newsroom’s Lucio Vasquez reports, education and child advocates say that could devastate Texas families. To celebrate National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day, Lubbock Animal Services is hosting a free adoption event tomorrow from 10 A.M. to 1 P.M. at Tyler Technologies at 5519 53rd Street. And on Saturday LAS will be offering free pet adoptions at the VA Welcome Home from 11 A.M. to 1:30 P.M. at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center.

With Lubbock ISD’s $290 million bond the only item on most Lubbock ballots in the May 3 election, many are considering the possible costs for taxpayers and the value of public schools in Lubbock’s economy. At the same time, questions of transparency and participation remain top of mind for district staff and community members alike.

Severe weather continued across the Panhandle this weekend, with thunderstorms, hail, fog, high winds, and even tornadoes. Damages are still being assessed, but officials estimated 20 houses with severe damage after Saturday's tornado near Canyon. No injuries or fatalities have yet been reported. The Texas Newsroom's Blaise Gainey reports after years of failed attempts, a bill to create Education Savings Accounts – allowing families to use taxpayer dollars for private schooling - is on its way to Gov. Abbott's desk.

The Texas Education Agency won a year-and-a-half long civil case that argued ratings wouldn't fairly represent districts' performance.

A portion of the proceeds from this year’s State of the City address were designated for a charity of the mayor’s choice. Our reporter Bishop Van Buren attended the presentation of a $17,500 check to the Guadalupe-Parkway Neighborhood Centers on Wednesday. The 2023 A-F school rankings were released yesterday after a lengthy legal challenge. Lubbock-Cooper ISD received a district rating of 89 out of 100, Frenship ISD was rated 82, and Lubbock ISD was rated 79. You can search the rankings of specific schools and districts at txschools.gov.

Senate Bill 2 would create an education savings account program and has been Abbott's top priority.