The Texas Education Agency will replace Superintendent Jill Bottelberghe as it takes the reins of Connally ISD in coming months.
Education
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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 inEducation
Connally ISD shares the demographic profile of school districts vulnerable to state takeovers
Inequality helps explain why many of the schools under intervention in Texas share nearly identical characteristics.
“Not everybody gets a hot breakfast and Mom taking them to school or putting them on the bus and giving them a kiss on the cheek,” said Jill Bottelberghe, Connally ISD superintendent.
Posted inEducation
Photographer’s notebook: Behind the scenes of “Becoming Mariachis”
What started as a routine photo essay became something more as the Bridge team got to know the student mariachis and saw their confidence bloom.
Posted inEducation
Becoming Mariachis: A season with University High’s Los Mariachi Troyanos
The teenage members of Los Mariachi Troyanos learn confidence and connection in their journey through traditional Mexican music.
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.
Posted inEducation
Swim fans say Waco needs a regional aquatics center. A $40,000 study could be the springboard.
The Greater Waco Sports Commission and coaches with Midway ISD and Sigma swim teams argue that a new facility would encourage swimming and boost the economy.
Posted inEducation
Local school district demographics predict who goes to college. Look yours up here.
Midway, China Spring and Lorena students were about twice as likely to graduate college than peers in the economically disadvantaged Waco, La Vega and Connally ISDs, based on long-term data.
Posted inEducation
School struggles, data centers, downtown visions and more: Six storylines we’re following in ’26
Amid optimism about Waco’s growth and opportunities, some worry about school takeovers and cuts to social safety net services.
Posted inEducation
Connally ISD is among the latest state takeover targets. What can parents expect?
Connally ISD officials say a state conservator will likely begin work in January, but day-to-day changes aren’t expected until fall.