Can you name the benefits that public schools provide students?
For all the conversations we have about public education in Texas, something is missing: a shared vocabulary around the benefits of a Texas public school education offered throughout our ISDs. Hospitals, grocery stores, and government agencies earn our trust or lose it based on benefits we can name. Their primary stakeholders are children, who can’t […]
Leading with Questions: How Transparency Builds Trust in Public Schools
By Dr. Quintin Shepherd, Superintendent, Pflugerville ISD School districts are navigating what many are calling “optimization” efforts. Declining enrollment in some regions, funding constraints, and rising operational costs are real pressures that require thoughtful response. At the same time, expectations for transparency have never been higher. What stands out is not simply that districts are […]
Building Trust in a Time of More Educational Options
At a time when families are navigating more educational options, what they ultimately seek has not changed: safe schools, qualified educators, strong learning, and adults they trust. The policy landscape may shift. The fundamentals do not. Across Texas, families consistently say they want schools where their children are safe, known, supported, and challenged. They want […]
Accountability or Misdirection? What the New Texas School Ratings Really Mean
When the Texas Education Agency released its latest A–F accountability ratings, communities across Texas saw headlines about “failing schools” and “D-rated districts.” In Waco, for example, families read that their district earned a D with multiple schools at risk of intervention. Understandably, that caused concern. But what was missing was context. The Statewide Picture This […]
Getting Accountability Right and Retaking Public Education
by: John Tanner It is an understatement here in early 2025 to suggest that public education is under assault. At both the federal and state levels there seems to be this perverse desire to do away with one of our most democratizing of institutions. In the past when I criticized such efforts I was arguing […]
Our State’s Greatest Investment
Public schools are Texas’ greatest and most important investment Public schools are the foundation of Texas’ prosperity. Our state’s economy is one of the largest in the world, fueled by a skilled workforce that is educated in Texas public schools. Despite their critical role in our success, our schools are under attack — underfunded, politicized, […]
The Amazing Power of Arts in Schools!
By Dr. SJ Worley The Arts are respected, in most schools, but often not considered an educational tool. This is a sad misconception. Over and over studies clearly show that Art Programs have a major influence in many areas of students education: motivation, achievement and completion of both high school and college! One of the […]
Turning the Tide – How Educators Can Combat Negativity About Texas Public Schools
At a recent meeting of the School Public Relations in North Texas (SPRINT) group, Scott Milder, founder of Friends of Texas Public Schools, delivered a powerful message: administrators, educators, and community stakeholders are on the frontlines of the battle against negativity and misinformation surrounding public education. With declining enrollment and a steady flow of critical headlines, […]
Why Do We Have Public Schools?
We might not ask the question often enough—why do public schools exist? Amid political debates, budget concerns, and the inevitable challenges that schools face, it’s easy to forget the “why.” But as we approach another election season, it feels like the perfect time to remind ourselves of the bigger picture. Public schools are the great […]
Richardson ISD Magnet Focuses on STEM
Richardson ISD students at the Math Science Technology (MST) Magnet Elementary School had a blast with an exciting activity where they classified verbs, adjectives, nouns, and more in a word-swatting competition. Students exhibited an exciting display of collaboration, communication, and growth! MST Magnet Elementary School is a Nationally Certified STEM Campus and an Advancement Via […]