With grades K-5 now under one roof, the district’s state-appointed board and superintendent are seeing cost savings and expecting more effective monitoring of student progress.
texas education agency
More Waco ISD campuses receive Fs on state report card, but contract prevents state takeover
Waco ISD Superintendent Tiffany Spicer says she’s confident that schools such as South Waco Elementary will get out of the danger zone of a state takeover.
“This is our year,” Spicer said.
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.
Texas education chief appoints former Waco ISD official to head Connally
The state of Texas has chosen a former Waco Independent School District administrator as superintendent to lead Connally ISD during its state takeover. Texas Education Agency Commissioner Mike Morath picked Josie Gutierrez to lead the 2,000-student district, citing her success in improving outcomes and strengthening teacher retention as former deputy superintendent and an assistant superintendent […]
Third Future wins $11.7M contract to run struggling Waco schools, starts hiring next week
South Waco and Dean Highland elementary schools will see longer hours and 10 more instructional days under an in-district charter system meant to shield Waco ISD from a state takeover.
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.
Staff at two struggling schools could reapply for jobs under Waco ISD charter deal
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.
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.
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.
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.

