Accountability in public education is often discussed in terms of personalities, politics, or individual decisions. A more useful approach is to start with a clear standard for what a school board is expected to do—and then check whether that work is happening consistently in public, with information the community can understand. When the standard is clear, community members can evaluate what they see and hear without needing insider access or technical expertise. In a govern

Nurturing the Spark of Learning Every child begins their educational journey with a spark—something bright, full of possibility. Families are the first to nurture that spark. Research continues to confirm what experience has always taught us: children grow stronger when the adults in their lives rise for them. When families remain engaged in their child’s learning, students gain confidence, motivation, and the resilience needed to meet challenges with hope. The Impact of Fami

The Essential Question in Education In every school district, leaders must pause and ask a crucial question: Why do school systems exist? They are not merely organizations bound by rules or politics. Instead, they are systems responsible for shaping the minds and futures of children. In a powerful discussion, National Governance Coach AJ Crabill, author of Great on Their Behalf and Our Tools They Deserve , brought this question to the forefront. He challenged every adult who

During a recent Streamyard conversation, “Closing the Opportunity Gap” with James Hopper, Executive Success Partner, Education Service Center, Region 4, we revisited a statement that struck both of us deeply: “At our current pace, it could take 125 years to close the opportunity gap in education.” When he reached out to clarify that point, it confirmed what research has long shown—progress is being made, but far too slowly. Behind that number are generations of students whose

The upcoming election for several trustee seats on the Houston Independent School District (HISD) board is a meaningful moment for our community. While HISD is currently under state oversight, the individuals elected will eventually share in governing responsibilities, which means the decisions we make now matter. When you vote, you are choosing someone who will serve as part of a collective board — not as a lone voice. Together, trustees set the vision, adopt policy, approve

School boards were originally established to keep education close to the community and free from partisan influence. Their purpose was...

In November 2025, Texans will vote on 17 proposed amendments to the state constitution. These propositions address issues ranging from...

School boards were created to serve communities by keeping students at the center of local decision-making. The role of school boards,...

In our communities, the foundation of student success is not just built in the classroom. It is built in boardrooms—by the decisions of...

School board elections may not always make the front page, but school board elections are vital to influencing local education in our...

If you have ever attended a school board meeting, you may have noticed how much of the agenda is devoted to contracts, facilities, or...

In Houston ISD (HISD), the commitment to improving third-grade reading and numeracy goes beyond words on paper. The board has tied its...

What is HB 8? House Bill 8 (HB 8) is a new Texas law (passed in August 2025) that changes how students are tested and how schools are...

The Federal Role vs. Local Control When most people think about who leads their child’s school, they picture the principal, the teachers,...

When it comes to our children’s education, parents and communities are not asking for much—we are demanding what every child deserves:...

A Community Q&A Guide Every 10 years, after the census, states undergo a process called redistricting—and while it might sound like...

Leadership is not something we wait to step into when the school year begins—it is what we prepare for now. Whether you are a school...

Big changes are here for Texas public education—and they affect your child, your school, and your community. From school funding and...

In a recent public announcement, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) confirmed what many community members already felt: while progress has...

When we talk about student success, we often begin at the classroom level—with curriculum, instruction, and teachers. But the foundation...