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FEATURED NEWS

6 pro-public education Texas legislators ousted in Republican primaries; 4 more face runoffs

During primary voting Tuesday, every Texas House district and roughly half of the Senate districts were up for election. Most incumbents were uncontested or only faced mild opposition, but after a decisive defeat on school vouchers last session, Gov. Greg Abbott vowed to support primary challengers to the Republican representatives who opposed him. Abbott also targeted House Speaker Dade Phelan, who is headed to a runoff in May.

Of the 21 Republicans who voted against the last voucher proposal, five opted not to seek reelection, inviting crowded primaries to replace outgoing incumbents. With few exceptions, the remaining anti-voucher Republicans faced stiff primary opposition; six were defeated outright, four will advance to runoffs, and six retained their seats.

Increasing pro-voucher numbers in the House will make it much harder for public education supporters to continue to stave off the diversion of public funds to private schools in the next legislative session.

The runoff elections will take place on May 28, with early voting from May 20-24. Click here to read more and find out if there's a runoff in your district.

In State Board of Education races Tuesday, 20-year SBOE member Pat Hardy lost her Republican primary to a challenger in District 11. Two other Republican incumbents, Tom Maynard of District 10 and Pam Little of District 12, are headed to runoffs. Click here to read more.

TCTA wins 3 Gold Stars, 1 Silver at TSPRA Star Awards

TCTA's 2022 Christmas card won a Gold Star and was named Best of Category in the Texas School Public Relations Association's annual Star Awards. Chosen for its "nontraditional design," the judge said the card was "visually appealing, and simple yet effective."

The eUpdate newsletter and TCTA's 2022-23 membership brochure also received Gold Stars at this year's awards ceremony, which was held Feb. 28 during TSPRA's annual convention in Sugar Land. Judges praised both for "pleasing designs" along with their use of color and readability.

The Classroom Teacher magazine received a Silver Star.

The awards program recognizes the outstanding education communications and projects of TSPRA members. TCTA competes against other associations and school districts serving more than 40,000 students.

Click here to see all of this year's Star Award winners.

DECISIONS, DECISIONS

Parent sues under IDEA after child brings weapon to school

A parent sued a school district under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) on behalf of her child, a 13-year-old seventh grader with special needs. The student was in the gifted and talented program and qualified for special education services as a student diagnosed with autism, ADHD and vulnerability to emotional disturbances.

The student, who had poor impulse control and understanding of social interactions, was suspended for two days for fighting. On the day he returned to school, the student brought a clay cutter with him. The student told district personnel that he took the cutter to school "to have something to defend himself" and that he brought it out to show his friends. The student was placed in a DAEP. The parent challenged the decision and placement. A hearing officer determined that the clay cutter was a weapon and that the student's possession of it did not stem from his autism and ADHD. The parent then filed an appeal to district court. Click here to read more.

OTHER NEWS

Submissions for 2025 Texas Teacher of the Year due June 13

Applications are now open for the 2025 Texas Teacher of the Year competition. Each school district and charter operator may nominate two teachers — one elementary and one secondary educator — for Regional Teacher of the Year by completing the application and providing all requested information to their regional education service center by June 13. The 40 regional winners (one elementary teacher and one secondary teacher for each region) become semifinalists for Texas Teacher of the Year. Click here for more information.

TEA places charter network under conservatorship

Texas’ largest charter school network has been placed under conservatorship by the Texas Education Agency after a years-long investigation into improper spending within the system of 143 schools. The arrangement is part of a settlement agreement between IDEA Public Schools and TEA. IDEA had been under investigation since 2021 following numerous allegations of financial and operational misconduct. Click here to read more from The Texas Tribune.

TEA may also be taking control of Socorro ISD. Board members in El Paso's second-largest district voted this week to ask TEA to oversee operations as it grapples with a $33 million deficit and the upcoming departure of its superintendent. Click here to read more from El Paso Matters.

Students can enter Space Art & Poetry Contest through April 5

Astronaut John Shoffner is hosting the second annual International Space Art & Poetry Contest. Students and educators around the world are encouraged to submit art and poetry showcasing “What Would It Look Like If We Lived in Space?” Entries will be categorized by age division (5-8, 9-13, 14-18, and a newly added educator category), as well as by genre (visual art and poetry). Submissions are due April 5. Click here for more information.

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Click here to log in or become a member using Company Code SWTCTA.

• Spring Forward! Daylight Saving Time begins on Sunday, March 10.
• St. Patrick's Day is March 17.
• Easter is Sunday, March 31. TCTA will be closed Friday, March 29.