After Waco’s largest LGBTQ+ organization announced it would disband, other groups work to figure out what’s next.
Raquel Villatoro
Raquel Villatoro covers education issues for the Bridge. A first-generation Salvadoran-American, Raquel previously worked at the Tyler Morning Telegraph, where she covered health care issues, the first medical school in East Texas, immigration and Latino communities. Raquel also reported on RSV rates in Northeast Texas and highlighted community efforts to showcase Latino culture in Tyler. In addition, Raquel previously interned at The Acadiana Advocate in Lafayette, Louisiana in 2022. Raquel holds a bachelor's degree in journalism and history from the University of North Texas.
Posted inEducation
Next step for Waco-area’s top scholars: Change the world
Valedictorians and salutatorians from around McLennan County are thinking big about the future. Some of them are already busy with their life’s work in public service and medicine.
Posted inEducation
Midway ISD narrows its deficit and raises pay after tough decisions
Midway Independent School District reduced its budget deficit after closing Speegleville Elementary School, eliminating programs and reorganizing staff. The budget includes a 2% raise for all employees.
Posted inEducation
Waco ISD aims to retain teachers, staff with pay plan
The $4.8 million package is funded with proceeds from the Indian Spring Middle School sale.
Posted inEducation
Waco ISD sees gains in math STAAR scores but lags in reading scores
Waco Independent School District’s preliminary STAAR data shows some gains and setbacks at campuses with failing ratings.
Posted inEducation
New Waco ISD principals bring experience turning around failing schools, working at Title 1 schools
Waco Independent School District appoints four new principals at Tennyson Middle School and Bell’s Hill, West Avenue and Brook Avenue elementary schools.
Posted inEducation
Waco ISD is sitting on $32 million from a school sale. Some see a war chest for hiring top teachers.
Waco ISD Board President Angelo Ochoa wants to create an endowment for incentivizing the best teachers.
Posted inEducation
Music educator returns to her roots as Midway’s fine arts director
Jennifer Martin learned how to be a music educator at Midway ISD. Now she’s coming back with experience gained in larger school districts and as president of Texas Music Educators Association.
Posted inEducation
Busy Midway teens seek “brain reset” in hikes with new club
How a teen’s vision for finding solace in nature led to the formation of the Midway High School Hiking Club.
Posted inEducation
Setting a course for teaching: First teens graduate from Waco ISD Future Educators Academy
The academy’s first graduating class has been embedded in elementary school classrooms and taken college-level education courses, with several receiving associate degrees.
