Remembering a landmark corner grocery store, a beloved newspaper, a grandmother’s house and the neighborhoods that defined Waco’s Hispanic community.
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
Waco-area city and school races are coming up May 2. Here’s who’s running
Waco mayor and council races take top billing, while Lacy Lakeview and China Spring ISD draw contenders in an otherwise slow election season.
Posted inEducation
Strict schedules, long days, high pay: What two Waco schools can expect under Third Future
Wichita Falls ISD and other school districts have found success outsourcing schools to the firm, but it comes with a price and culture change.
Posted inEducation
Connally ISD cancels bond plans as it seeks to shrink its footprint
Connally ISD board of trustees called a $5.9 million bond election in February, then canceled it based on declining enrollment and the projected cost savings due to consolidating three elementary schools.
Posted inEducation
Waco ISD partnership with EOAC would beef up early learning center
A North Waco facility now dedicated to infants and toddlers would add up to eight Head Start classrooms for preschoolers under the deal.
Posted inEducation
Waco ISD courts local Head Start provider to create early learning center
Waco ISD could draw down extra state dollars by turning over early childhood programs to EOAC Waco. The district is already moving to turn over two campuses to a charter operator.
Posted inEducation
How Waco Works: School boards have a say in how students learn and how much you pay in taxes
School boards make decisions impacting local schools and communities. Here is a guide to understand how they work.
Posted inEducation
Connally ISD will consolidate elementary schools starting next school year
The Waco-area school district said declining enrollments necessitated the changes.
Posted inEducation
Speegleville school closure exposes Midway ISD’s enrollment, budget strains
Superintendent Chris Allen said closing the school is “heartbreaking but necessary” as Midway struggles with deficits and stalled growth.
Posted inEducation
Midway ISD board votes to close Speegleville Elementary
The decision came after a year-long discussion about closing the school due to high operational costs and an aging facility.
