The Texas Education Agency released letter grades for school districts and campuses across the state on Thursday.
Austin ISD received a C.
The latest results reveal a notable decline in the district’s performance, with its overall rating dropping from a B to a C. Alarmingly, 25% of campuses received failing grades, meaning the number of F-rated schools now exceeds those earning an A.
TEA is prevented from sharing more recent school ratings from the 2023-24 school year due to a separate, ongoing lawsuit filed by more than 100 Texas school districts, accusing the TEA of changing the accountability standards without adequate notice.
School performance ratings from the 2024-25 school year are scheduled to be issued in August 2025 (TXschools.gov)
A group of Texas Democrats argue the scores are unreliable and inaccurate, but the head of the state’s public schools said the assessments are fair. (KXAN-TV)
Dobie Middle School could shut down for good after being given an “F” accountability rating from the TEA over multiple years.
Ongoing advocacy persisted within the Austin ISD community as families, students, and staff continued to voice their support for the reinstatement of the former principal at the Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders. (Fox7 Austin)
Austin ISD’s Board of Trustees regular voting meeting was held yesterday.
The Georgetown school district concluded its review of over 100 books pulled from two high school libraries, announcing this week that at least 33 titles will be retained.
Additionally, the district plans to recommend the return of another 25 titles to circulation on Monday. (Austin American-Statesman)
Austin City Council met Thursday with a full agenda covering a range of topics:
Watch yesterday’s City Council meeting here.
A fatal crash early this morning closed southbound US 183 at Loop 360.
A Hays County grand jury has declined to indict an Austin man who was arrested and charged in connection with the 2018 fire at the Iconic Village Apartments in San Marcos in which five people died. (Austin American-Statesman)
A Travis County contract for its indigent cremation and burial services program was held by a business operated by a woman accused in court documents of forging death certificates and dismembering corpses for “experiments.” This program serves individuals and families unable to afford burial or cremation costs.
Kyle authorities announced the arrest of a suspect attempting to flee Thursday.
Officials in Elgin released details of a traffic dispute that turned into a physical altercation Wednesday.
Austin’s Office of Police Oversight has released its 2023 annual report, giving an overview of the office’s activities and research.
Austin police are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating suspects in separate robberies.
Austin’s marijuana decriminalization ordinance has been reversed by a court of appeals.
A man was arrested and charged with arson after allegedly setting a series of small fires on Monday at a Pflugerville community complex. (CBS Austin)
A Hays County corrections officer was arrested after alleged sexual misconduct with a female inmate.
In what seems to be a trend in area counties, scam phone calls pretending to be law enforcement are happening in Williamson County.
An Austin autonomous boat manufacturer has developed two new and larger drone boats to add to its growing fleet. (Austin Business Journal)
ERCOT is set to build new extra high voltage lines to meet the region’s ever-growing demand.
WEATHER
5-DAY FORECAST / AUSTIN, TEXAS
Following possible severe thunderstorms this evening over parts of Oklahoma and northeastern Texas, the risk of violent weather shifts back to the west on Saturday afternoon.
After weathering multiple special legislative sessions in 2023 and with Governor Greg Abbott actively campaigning against opposition, a bill establishing a school voucher program in Texas has now cleared the legislature and awaits the governor’s signature.
A lottery courier company is suing the Texas Lottery Commission in an effort to block the agency from placing a ban on their services in less than a week. (Texas Tribune)
Texas is experiencing significant growth, raising concerns about the state’s water supply. Recently, several housing developments in New Braunfels were put on hold due to a private utility’s lack of water.
A reminder about this weekend’s tax-free holiday on emergency supplies in Texas.
Gillespie County authorities announced the conclusion of a months-long investigation into drug sales.
Texas may officially recognize the Gulf of America name change after the Senate gives its first OK. (Texas Tribune)
SPORTS
2025 NFL DRAFT: Three Texas Longhorns were drafted in the first round the of 2025 NFL Draft.
Former Longhorn Jahdae Barrons was selected by the Denver Broncos as the 20th overall pick.
UT Football Fan Day kicks off tomorrow.
COLLEGE BASEBALL: The Texas Longhorns (34-5 overall and 16-2 in the SEC) begin a three-game weekend series hosting the Aggies of Texas A&M. (Texas Longhorns)
Some bad news, however, hits the Longhorns as senior right-hander Jared Spencer, the team’s No. 1 starter, will undergo shoulder surgery next Monday and miss the remainder of the season. (Burnt Orange Nation)
MLB: The Houston Astros were off Thursday and the Texas Rangers probably wish they were.
Both teams resume action tonight.
Find out the history behind a smokestack that’s a West Texas icon…in Thurber.
