San Marcos officials were alerted of the Biden campaign event in the city 24 hours in advance, but Democrats in Hays County say officials did not adequately prepare a response given the political climate.
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
Criminal Justice
“These patriots did nothing wrong,” Trump says of supporters who surrounded Biden bus
The “Trump Train” — a caravan of trucks waving Trump and American flags — appeared to try to slow down the Biden campaign bus in Texas, as supporters honked their horns and shouted. The FBI is investigating.
Posted in
Reopening Texas Schools
Alarming failure rates among Texas students fuel calls to get them back into classrooms
Most schools hoped this fall would see students make up academic ground lost last spring when the pandemic hit. Instead, districts are looking for ways to reverse plummeting grades and attendance among students learning at home.
Posted in
Reopening Texas Schools
Texas schools tell teachers with medical risks they must return to classrooms during the pandemic
Several school districts are trying to accommodate teachers with health conditions who want to work from home, but many are being called back in as more students return to classrooms.
Posted in
Reopening Texas Schools
Texas teachers are demanding that schools be safe before they return. But they have little leverage short of quitting.
As more students return to classrooms, school districts need teachers to show up as well. But many are reluctant, arguing that not enough is being done to keep faculty and students safe.
Posted in
Reopening Texas Schools
With Texas schools struggling to find lost students, state offers temporary financial reprieve
The state parcels out school funding based on attendance, but many districts have seen sharp declines this fall. Local school officials are worried that they’ll run out of money to pay for staff, facilities and other fixed expenses.
Posted in
Reopening Texas Schools
Texas updates coronavirus case totals in schools, but the data remains limited and murky
The state’s second attempt at reporting known COVID-19 cases among students and staff doesn’t get much closer to helping the public understand how or whether infections are spreading in Texas public schools.
Posted in
Reopening Texas Schools
State releases numbers showing low Texas public school infection rates, but the data is limited
The state’s first effort to publicly report coronavirus data from schools shows low statewide infection rates. Breakdowns by school districts should be reported next week.
Posted in
Reopening Texas Schools
Faceless avatars and microphone malfunctions: A Houston teacher wonders if his students are learning
Spend a day with Westfield High School teacher Cris Hernandez, and you’ll see the frustrations and uncertainties of virtual teaching. More than four weeks into the school year, he still can’t tell if he’s connecting with his students.
Posted in
Public Education
Texas gives preliminary approval for revised school sex ed policy that excludes LGBTQ issues
After marathon meetings over three days, the Republican-dominated board also rejected efforts to teach students about consent. It is expected to take a final vote in November.
