Correction, April 1, 2026 10:51 am:
An earlier version of this story misstated the number and percentage of students who would be in schools controlled by Third Future Schools.
Third Future wins $11.7M contract to run struggling Waco schools, starts hiring next week
Clarification, March 27, 2026 4:27 pm:
This story has been updated to reflect Waco ISD's response to an open records request.
Strict schedules, long days, high pay: What two Waco schools can expect under Third Future
Clarification, March 13, 2026 10:24 am:
This guide has been updated to clarify that the Waco and Midway school boards voted to maintain current practices and not create a dedicated time for prayer in school, a vote required by state law.
How Waco Works: School boards have a say in how students learn and how much you pay in taxes
Correction, Feb. 27, 2026 9:29 am:
This story has been updated to reflect newer estimates of utility rate impacts and interest savings under the financing plan.
City ups investment ante to $213M as developer deadline nears for downtown project
Correction, Feb. 25, 2026 5:21 pm:
This story has been updated with new estimates from the city of Waco of the cost of the Barron's Branch project. The price tag has risen in recent months from $167 million to $213 million with the addition of new drainage tunnels and structured parking.
In addition, the caption on the main image has been corrected to show that Orlando Rodriguez is a graduate of A.J. Moore Academy.
A riverside school known by many names will be gone – but not forgotten.
Correction, Feb. 23, 2026 11:29 am:
This story has been changed to correct the years that Virginia DuPuy served as mayor. It was 2005 to 2010.
Waco is on a park-building spree. Here’s a glimpse of three set to finish this year
Correction, Feb. 19, 2026 12:26 pm:
A caption has been updated to correct the name of a participant, Emerson Williams.
Sawdust, dynasties and prize buckles: Youth livestock show tests animal rearing skills
Correction, Feb. 3, 2026 11:34 am:
A previous version of this article misstated the job Chen took after she graduated from Baylor School of Social Work. She was a counselor at Family Abuse Center.
Waco Voices: Connecting through boba tea, therapy and Asian culture
Correction, Dec. 19, 2025 1:27 pm:
This article has been updated to include Kathaleen Wall as a Republican challenging District 13 State Rep. Angelia Orr. Also, the year of the 2026 general election was corrected.
Here’s everyone running for office in McLennan County in 2026
Correction, Dec. 19, 2025 1:19 pm:
This article has been updated to correct the year that Scott Felton began as county judge. He was appointed in 2012 to fill the unexpired term of Jim Lewis and won election the following year.
McLennan County leadership to turn over in 2027 with Rick Tullis in top post
Correction, Dec. 17, 2025 3:35 pm:
An earlier version of this article misstated the name of the new $72 million building at TSTC Waco. It is the Construction Technologies Center.
TSTC Waco’s star is on the rise with new funds, facilities: A Q&A with Beth Wooten
Correction, Sept. 19, 2025 11:43 am:
An earlier version of this story misstated the background of Willie F. Williams. He is a Waco ISD educator and cousin of former La Vega ISD Coach Willie Williams.
Celebrating East Waco’s legacy of song, schools and culture
Correction, Sept. 16, 2025 2:34 pm:
An earlier version of this story misstated the full name of the Smart Automation Certification Alliance. It has been corrected.
TSTC’s WorkSITE gains steam as workforce training dynamo
Correction, Aug. 27, 2025 12:46 pm:
This story has been corrected to show that Connally ISD had two schools with five consecutive F ratings. The school district itself has a D rating, not an F.
Some Waco-area schools stumbled on the state report card. What’s next?
Correction, Aug. 25, 2025 3:30 pm:
The summary on this article has been corrected to show the budget as $650 million.
Waco faces tough tradeoffs as city tax revenues stall
Clarification, Aug. 20, 2025 10:51 am:
This story has been updated to clarify the scope of the 2019 bond work. One new elementary school was built, while a former intermediate school was converted to an elementary school. In addition, the story has been revised to clarify that this year's loss in tax base is not a prime cause of a $3.5 million deficit.
Scaled-down Midway ISD bond focuses on current needs, not growth
