The Texas Education Agency is offering state funding to as many as 157 school districts and charter schools that saw lower attendance or closed facilities due to the storm, which could ultimately cost the state an estimated $400 million.
Aliyya Swaby
Aliyya Swaby was the public education reporter for The Texas Tribune, where she worked from 2016 to 2021. Previously she worked at the hyperlocal nonprofit New Haven Independent, where she covered education, zoning and transit for two years. After graduating from Yale University in 2013, she spent a year freelance reporting in Panama on social issues affecting black Panamanian communities. She was an Education Writers Association finalist in 2017 for beat reporting and a Livingston Awards finalist in 2019 for a series on school desegregation.
Posted in
Public Education
In historic win, charters getting state funding for facilities for the first time
For the first time in Texas, charter schools will receive funding from the state to pay for leasing and maintaining buildings and facilities. That has charter advocates excited — and their critics furious.
Posted in
Now on the Books
Texas public school districts may now store, not trash, leftover food
School districts are now allowed to create food pantries on campus to store and distribute leftover food from the cafeteria, as long as they follow state and local health codes.
Posted in
Public Education
State unlikely to move STAAR test dates for Harvey-displaced students
The Texas education commissioner said he was not likely to delay required state test administration dates for students displaced by Hurricane Harvey.
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Public Education
Officials consider another Mexican-American studies textbook
Nearly a year after the Texas State Board of Education rejected a Mexican-American studies textbook proposal opponents called racist, an advocate involved in that fight is now working to get his own book approved by the state.
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In Harvey's Wake
In beleaguered La Marque schools, Harvey stirs up old anxieties
Last year, the state forced Texas City ISD to annex, or absorb, its neighboring district. After months of work, efforts to improve conditions for students from annexed La Marque ISD hit a significant speed bump: Hurricane Harvey.
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In Harvey's Wake
Harvey evacuees, tell us about getting your children back in school
The Texas Tribune wants to hear from families who were displaced by Hurricane Harvey and are trying to get their children back in school. Take our survey and tell us what’s factoring into your decision on where to enroll your kids.
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In Harvey's Wake
Texas districts preparing to take in students displaced by Harvey
As several school officials along the Gulf Coast determine whether their districts can start classes next Tuesday, superintendents across the state are encouraging families displaced by Hurricane Harvey to enroll in their schools.
Posted in
In Harvey's Wake
Harvey delays opening of many Texas schools; some become shelters
Though school districts in the Houston area have postponed classes at least until next Tuesday, their buildings and employees are central to providing relief for people needing shelter during the Hurricane Harvey floods.
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Public Education
At one small rural school, less state money means everyone does more
At Coleman High School, the failure of legislation to raise teacher pay and fix the school finance system at the Capitol means another year of finding creative ways to attract new teachers and do more for the students.
