Local Resources

At the end of 2024, the announcement that three Lubbock ISD schools were to be closed or consolidated led to many questions from Lubbock parents on policy and transparency, with the district saying more closures would be considered. Our reporter Brad Burt has more on how the school district is responding, including a dashboard with summarized data on performance metrics, staff experience and enrollment.

In January of this year, Lubbock ISD’s Board of Trustees approved a “District Optimization Plan," with criteria to determine which area schools will be considered for consolidation or closure in the future. A new dashboard on the LISD website shows which Lubbock schools are below the mark.

The City of Lubbock recently launched new performance metrics on its website, providing data, goals, and progress updates from various departments. And by the end of the month, the city will have a full redesigned website, with a focus on user experience and accessibility.

Lubbock’s Alzheimer’s Football League returns for its fifth season, aiming to raise money for local research and caregiver support with partners like Texas Tech's Garrison Institute on Aging. Organizers hope to build on recent success and remind West Texans they’re not alone in facing the disease.

LubbockPRIDE welcomed community members in an event last weekend, geared toward health and wellness, education, and resource sharing. With recent anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and policies, the organization says that it is vital to provide a venue for queer Texans and their allies.

Opioid use is a nationwide issue and Lubbock is no exception. StarCare and Lubbock Public Health partnered last week to provide a presentation on recognizing and responding to an opioid overdose, as well as common myths and risk factors.

The United Supermarkets Lubbock Marathon is taking place on Sunday. Our Bishop Van Buren reports on the different races in which folks can participate. The marathon and half marathon start at 8 A.M. with entry fees of $95 and $75, respectively. The 5K begins at 8:10 for $40, the 10K at 8:15 for $50, and the kids run at 8:20 for $10. Lubbock Fire Rescue and the American Red Cross are offering free smoke alarms and installations to residents. You can sign up at LubbockFireRescue.com.

Despite high temperatures this week, the City of Lubbock is reminding residents that fall and winter lawn-watering restrictions are now in effect. Our Bishop Van Buren reports that through March 31, watering is only allowed when temperatures are above 35 degrees Fahrenheit. The city recommends winterizing irrigation before the first freeze. And KTTZ's Sean Ryan has more on the fall medication cleanout event from the Texas Tech Health University Sciences Center. The Medication Cleanout is on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Texas Tech Physicians Medical Pavilion.

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.

Nonprofits across the country have been grappling with changes in federal spending and the cuts to departments and grants. As coordinator with other local organizations, Lubbock Area United Way has been updating partners on developments at the state and national level, and advocating for policies suited to West Texas.