Dallas ISD

For years the American Federation for Children has exclusively backed school vouchers — and their proponents — with money, ads and mailers. In Texas, where most Republican lawmakers back vouchers, AFC campaign flyers don’t mention party affiliation or vouchers.

After about a decade of declining student numbers, Dallas ISD says its enrollment held steady this year.

The school year’s barely begun but security violations have already threatened students in the Dallas and Carroll school districts. Officials say no one was harmed thanks to vigilant students and school leaders.

Dallas ISD projections show 24 campuses, mostly elementary schools, failed last year. Superintendent Stephanie Elizalde says an emphasis on writing and math could help fix them.

While a lawsuit prevented the Texas Education Agency from releasing district and campus grades statewide last week, Irving ISD projects it got a C rating.

A lawsuit involving five Texas school districts halted the Texas Education Agency’s release of individual school and district grades due out Thursday. But some districts, including Dallas and Garland ISDs, are releasing the ratings themselves.

Amid music from visiting high school band members, Pershing Elementary students entered the school with greetings also from Dallas Superintendent Stephanie Elizalde, who used the first day of school to call for more state education funding.

This school year, five education students at UNT Dallas will get paid up to $30,000 for the year as resident teachers in Dallas ISD schools. The teacher residency program is a first for the region.

School districts in North Texas have more unhoused students. And the schools say they need more funding to meet the students needs.

Starting this school year, the district will require all students from pre-K through 12th grade to use clear or mesh bags.

Dallas school leaders say the program will help eliminate most school suspensions.

The district is considering offering students facing punishment for low-level offenses options including community service and Saturday School.