The Waco ISD board agreed to move forward with a contract with Third Future Schools to operate South Waco and Dean Highland elementary schools in a bid to avert a state takeover of the whole district.
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 ISD seeks to avert state takeover by hiring charter firm to run struggling schools
Waco ISD would let Third Future Schools operate South Waco Elementary and Dean Highland Elementary, shielding the district from the threat of a takeover.
Posted inEducation
A riverside school known by many names will be gone – but not forgotten.
What was originally Jefferson-Moore High School will soon be razed for downtown development. The city wants to hear your stories.
Posted inEducation
Midway ISD looks to close Speegleville Elementary to cut costs
District leaders say the aging school is too expensive to operate in a time of stagnant state funding and declining enrollment. “This community is in a state of uncertainty … I feel it and I am sorry,” Trustee Pam Watts said.
Posted inEducation
Waco ISD is looking to expand GT services to more middle schools. Here’s how that would work.
Equity and transportation issues are prompting Waco ISD to consider expanding advanced academics to middle school campuses beyond Tennyson.
Posted inEducation
Waco ISD board punts decision on filling Guillory’s seat, with appointment likely
The board could either call a special election by Feb. 21 or appoint a replacement within 180 days. But any special election would have to be called before the next regular board meeting Feb. 26.
Posted inEducation
Waco-area teen protesters face crackdown on anti-ICE walkouts at school
School officials concerned about state sanctions persuaded Midway High School teens to cancel plans for a walkout this Friday. La Vega High School students are planning an off-campus protest Saturday.
Posted inEducation
Connally ISD superintendent tells town hall crowd she will step down as the state takes over
The Texas Education Agency will replace Superintendent Jill Bottelberghe as it takes the reins of Connally ISD in coming months.
Posted inEducation
Waco ISD students stage walkouts, joining nationwide protests against ICE
Hundreds of students at Waco and University high schools walked out of their last-period class to demonstrate against federal immigration actions.
Posted inCommunity, Education, Growth
Study: Waco area could support swim center costing up to $75M
The multiple-pool facility could draw large swim meets, inspire new swim programs and provide swim lessons and exercise for the community, advocates say.
