Lacey Beasley

3 weeks ago | cbsnews.com | Lacey Beasley

On Wednesday, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed legislation providing $8.5 billion in funding for public education. Nearly half of that new funding will go towards teacher pay raises. The bill also provides funds to give support staff raises, while also pumping money into the Teacher Incentive Allotment, a state program providing raises for teachers in high-need or rural areas.

1 month ago | cbsnews.com | Lacey Beasley

More public school districts in Texas are turning to shorter school weeks, including several in North Texas. For the 2025-2026 school year, Kennedale ISD in Tarrant County and Ponder ISD in Denton County will transition to a four-day school week. At least 18 public school districts in the North Texas area have already made the change. Districts have said that moving to a four-day school week will help them recruit and retain quality teachers.

1 month ago | cbsnews.com | Lacey Beasley

As the final week of the Texas legislative session begins, there are a few education bills that could make it to the finish line. One of those is the public school funding bill, which is most likely to make it to the governor's desk. The public school funding bill, known as House Bill 2, would increase funding for public education to $8.5 billion. That's a $500 million increase compared to the deal earlier this month.

1 month ago | cbsnews.com | Lacey Beasley

Schools across the state were issued 2023 A-F accountability ratings from the Texas Education Agency last month, showing every district in North Texas dropped in scores – some more than others. Prosper ISD was one of the highest-scoring districts in North Texas for the 2023 A-F ratings, earning an A. TEA Commissioner Mike Morath has told CBS News Texas he agrees the 2023 ratings are not beneficial for schools.

1 month ago | cbsnews.com | Doug Myers |Doug has worked |Lacey Beasley

Fort Worth ISD's Board of Trustees on Tuesday approved a sweeping plan to close 14 additional campuses over the next four years, bringing the total number of closures to 18. The decision comes as the district faces a $17 million budget shortfall and a steady decline in student enrollment. District leaders said the closures are necessary to ensure long-term financial stability and to more equitably allocate resources across campuses.