Latest news with #FriscoISD
CBS News
16-05-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Texas Senate unveils public school funding plan with major differences from House version
With just over two weeks left in the legislative session, Texas senators have introduced their version of the sweeping public school funding bill, House Bill 2, which diverges significantly from the House's proposal passed in April. CBS News Texas The Senate Education Committee held a public hearing on the bill on Thursday. Both chambers aim to invest billions in public education, but lawmakers remain divided over how the money should be distributed. "At the end of the day, the difference right now is how we're flowing that funding and how we're directing school districts to spend that money," said Bob Popinski, senior director of policy at Raise Your Hand Texas. It has been five years since lawmakers last increased per-student funding for public schools. The House plan would raise the basic allotment by $395 per student, offering school districts more flexible funding to cover teacher and support staff salaries, daily operations, and rising costs driven by inflation. In contrast, the Senate's version proposes a more modest $55 increase to the basic allotment, opting instead to allocate the largest share of funding to teacher pay raises. These raises would favor teachers with more experience and those in smaller districts. "For districts that are trying to balance budgets and get out of structural deficits that have been caused by inflation, the House version helps do that," said Kimberly Smith, chief finance and strategy officer for Frisco ISD. "And the Senate's version is so directed towards teacher pay raises that it's going to present a challenge for us to give raises to the other half of our staff that aren't teachers. So while we're really grateful for any investment in public education, and we definitely think our teachers deserve a raise, it's going to be much harder to get through the next couple of years without more flexible funding." Both versions of House Bill 2 include additional funding for special education services, the teacher pipeline, and full-day pre-K. "Both versions do incredible things for our public schools," said Bob Popinski, senior director of policy at Raise Your Hand Texas. "Any amount to move the ball forward on funding our schools is a good step forward, and so we hope we get something across the finish line." The Senate version must still clear the committee and pass on the Senate floor. If approved, the bill will likely head to a conference committee, where lawmakers from both chambers will try to reconcile the differences. "I think our main message is we all heartedly appreciate the work that both the House and Senate have done to invest in public education," Smith said. "I don't think any bill that passes at this point is going to be perfect and exactly what every district needs, but we can take a step forward now, and then we can work through the interim and in the next session to take another step forward, and so on and so forth." The legislative session ends June 2.
CBS News
14-05-2025
- CBS News
Austin Metcalf's father seeks answers after learning Karmelo Anthony may still graduate high school
The father of a Frisco teen fatally stabbed during an April track meet is demanding answers after learning his son's accused killer will graduate high school — despite facing a murder charge. Tuesday night, an advocacy group announced that Karmelo Anthony, the teen accused of fatally stabbing Frisco Memorial High School athlete Austin Metcalf during a track meet in early April, will get his diploma. Dallas-based advocacy group announced Karmelo Anthony will receive diploma According to Next Generation Action Network, Anthony will not be allowed to participate in senior graduation activities. However, the organization said his 3.7 GPA and completion of all graduation requirements mean he can graduate without attending the final month and a half of the academic year. "We are proud to share that Karmelo Anthony will graduate and receive his high school diploma, and that his academic achievements will not be disrupted," said Minister Dominique Alexander, president of NGAN. "As the largest social justice organization in North Texas, NGAN has worked diligently alongside the Anthony family's legal team to bring about this fair and student-focused resolution. This is a moment of dignity for Karmelo and a reminder of the power of advocacy done right." In response to a request for comment, a Frisco ISD spokesperson said the district cannot discuss individual student records due to privacy laws. The district also shared a letter that Superintendent Mike Waldrip sent to the Centennial High School community, which criticized "needless fear-mongering, attention-seeking, and media vitriol" surrounding the school's upcoming graduation. The letter also said that "no student who commits a serious criminal offense (Title V felony) is permitted to participate in the graduation ceremony." Title V felonies include homicide, kidnapping and sexual assault. "Frisco ISD does not condone violence or crime in our schools or at our events and will not reward or celebrate those who hurt others. We work to ensure every student is safe to learn and feels part of our culture of respect, honor, and integrity," the letter said. Austin Metcalf's father wants answers from Frisco ISD superintendent The news sent Austin Metcalf's father on a mission to confront the Frisco ISD superintendent. Jeff Metcalf said he just wants answers, but when he arrived at Frisco ISD's administration building, he was told he would not be let in without an appointment. The father of Austin Metcalf wanted to hear directly from Frisco ISD Superintendent Mike Waldrip what he heard from media reports on Tuesday regarding Anthony's graduation. "I've been stonewalled. Sad, you know, I understand the protocol," Jeff Metcalf said. "They said I have to make an appointment, which I did." The day of the track meet fatal Frisco stabbing According to authorities, the altercation between Anthony and Austin Metcalf occurred when Austin Metcalf confronted Anthony for sitting in a restricted area. After a brief exchange, Austin Metcalf allegedly pushed Anthony, who then stabbed him in the chest. Anthony fled the scene but later claimed self-defense. Anthony is facing a charge of first-degree murder. Anthony's parents, who claim their son was just defending himself, asked Frisco ISD to allow him to get his high school diploma. Sources said an agreement was reached to allow that. "So I'm just curious on how they arrived at it," Jeff Metcalf said. "When I read their own policy manual about what it states for mandatory expulsion and also graduation, now, he may be placed in a program where he was able to continue his education at home, where he did maintain the credits and could get his diploma." In a statement to CBS News Texas, Minister Dominique Alexander, the president of NGAN and a representative of the Anthony family said: "We cannot and will not speak about the agreement made with Frisco ISD — that remains confidential and legally protected. However, it is truly a shame that anyone would go so far as to threaten a graduation ceremony or try to ruin a day that should be filled with joy, pride, and accomplishment for so many students and their families." The controversy has resulted in a new online petition to award Austin Metcalf an honorary diploma next year when he would've graduated along with his twin brother. "That would be great, because his name will be called right before his brother's name," Jeff Metcalf said. "But the fact of the matter is, it's not going to bring my son back. I mean, it's a nice gesture, but in the long run, my son doesn't get a diploma. So, there's part of me that says maybe Mr. Anthony shouldn't get one either."
USA Today
14-05-2025
- USA Today
Teen accused in fatal track meet stabbing will receive diploma, won't attend graduation: Reports
Teen accused in fatal track meet stabbing will receive diploma, won't attend graduation: Reports Show Caption Hide Caption Frisco track meet stabbing suspect released on bond Frisco track meet stabbing suspect Karmelo Anthony has been released on bond after it was reduced from $1 million to $250,000. Anthony is accused of stabbing and killing 17-year-old Austin Metcalf after an altercation at a track meet. Fox - 4 News Karmelo Anthony, a Texas teenager charged in the fatal stabbing a fellow track athlete, is reportedly set to receive his diploma but will be barred from participating in his high school's graduation ceremony. The 18-year-old, who was released from custody last month after posting a $250,000 bond, is charged with murder in connection with the fatal stabbing of Austin Metcalf, 17, on April 2 at a track meet in the Dallas suburb of Frisco. An affidavit previously obtained by USA TODAY alleges Anthony admitted to stabbing Metcalf out of self-defense. 'I did it': Texas teen charged with murder in track meet stabbing cites self-defense Next Generation Action Network, a nonprofit advocating for Anthony's right to a fair trial, said in a news release that the teenager is set to graduate and receive his diploma without needing to attend school for the final month and a half of the academic year, according to WFAA. The nonprofit added that Frisco ISD allowed this because Anthony completed the necessary credits, has a 3.7 GPA and his family reached an agreement with the district, which included the teenager not participating in "any senior graduation activities," Dallas-based TV station reported. 'We are proud to share that Karmelo Anthony will graduate and receive his high school diploma, and that his academic achievements will not be disrupted,' Minister Dominique Alexander, NGAN president, said, per CBS News Texas and NBC 5 DFW. 'This is a moment of dignity for Karmelo and a reminder of the power of advocacy done right.' USA TODAY contacted Next Generation Action Network and Anthony's attorney, Mike Howard, on May 14 but has not received a response. Frisco ISD emails staff, students and families before graduation With Anthony being charged with murder, Frisco ISD's Superintendent Mike Waldrip, in an email to staff, students and families on May 13, said: "I want to be clear. No student who commits a serious criminal offense (Title V felony) is permitted to participate in the graduation ceremony." Frisco ISD did not explicitly mention Anthony in the email, telling USA TODAY on May 14: "Due to privacy laws, Frisco ISD cannot discuss individual student records." The email alluded to "misinformation" that Waldrip said was being shared about the graduation "via several media outlets and perpetuated through social media," but did not elaborate. "Frisco ISD does not condone violence or crime in our schools or at our events and will not reward or celebrate those who hurt others," the email reads. Ahead of the graduation ceremony, Waldrip said, "Anyone who trespasses on Frisco ISD property or at a District event will be subject to immediate removal and possible arrest by law enforcement." More than $500,000 raised for Karmelo Anthony's legal defense The Next Generation Action Network, which celebrated Anthony turning 18 on May 10 in an X post, continues to defend the teenager's right to due process through news conferences and on social media. In the May 10 post, the nonprofit shared an online fundraiser page, which as of May 14 has raised over $500,000 toward Anthony's legal defense and expenses. "Karmelo should be celebrating the final stretch of his senior year — prom, graduation, and preparing for the next chapter," the nonprofit's May 10 post reads. "Instead, he's facing a legal system that has historically failed young Black men, fueled by media spin, hate-filled attacks, and political pressure that ignores due process and humanity." The nonprofit has alleged there are "double standards" surrounding the case, saying Anthony and his family have received death threats despite not being convicted. 'Their personal address has been exposed,' Alexander said about the Anthony family during a news conference last month. 'This justice must be fair and impartial, and protected from biases. We do not pull the race card. We live it.' Metcalf's father recalls spending last weekend with son Metcalf's family has also garnered support since his death. Multiple fundraisers have been created, including one by his father, Jeff Metcalf, that has raised over $550,000 in donations. Jeff Metcalf previously spoke with local media outlet KDFW-TV about a hunting trip he took with his son before his death. "I'm so fortunate to be able to spend that weekend, not knowing it was the last weekend I'll ever spend with him," Jeff Metcalf told KDFW. "I was able to watch and be blessed, so much, to have such, both my sons are amazing. My other son is just crushed. I feel for him now, he won't be the same. None of us will." The father, who learned of his son's stabbing when a coach called him, added that he hopes for "justice, because this is unacceptable," according to KDFW. Contributing: Saleen Martin and Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY Jonathan Limehouse covers breaking and trending news for USA TODAY. Reach him at JLimehouse@
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Yahoo
Suspected Austin Metcalf killer allowed to graduate from high school despite murder charge: report
The teenager suspected of killing high school track star Austin Metcalf will be allowed to graduate from his Frisco, Texas, high school despite being charged with first-degree murder, according to a report. Karmelo Anthony will graduate from Centennial High School, part of the Frisco Independent School District, according to WFAA. Students from that high school are set to graduate on May 22. Anthony will not be part of the graduation ceremony, according to the report. "We are proud to share that Karmelo Anthony will graduate and receive his high school diploma, and that his academic achievements will not be disrupted," Next Generation Action Network (NGAN) President Dominique Alexander, a spokesman for Anthony's family, reportedly said. "NGAN has worked diligently alongside the Anthony family's legal team to bring about this fair and student-focused resolution," he said. "This is a moment of dignity for Karmelo and a reminder of the power of advocacy done right." Suspect In Austin Metcalf Killing Moved To 'Undisclosed Location' For Protection: Family Spokesman Read On The Fox News App Frisco ISD Superintendent Mike Waldrip addressed what he said were false rumors that Anthony would be able to attend the graduation ceremony. "Frisco ISD has learned that misinformation is being shared regarding Centennial High School's graduation via several media outlets and perpetuated through social media," he told WFAA. "It is disheartening that the incredible accomplishments and achievements of our Centennial seniors may be dampened by needless fearmongering, attention-seeking and media vitriol. Our students, staff and community deserve better. "I want to be clear. No student who commits a serious criminal offense (Title V felony) is permitted to participate in the graduation ceremony. Additionally, anyone who trespasses on Frisco ISD property or at a District event will be subject to immediate removal and possible arrest by law enforcement," he said, adding that the school district does not condone violence. "We work to ensure every student is safe to learn and feels part of our culture of respect, honor and integrity," he said. "Let's come together as a community to honor and support our students and staff. This moment is about their success, and they deserve our full attention and encouragement. Congratulations to the Centennial Class of 2025!" Anthony, now 18, is accused of stabbing and killing Metcalf over a dispute regarding Anthony's presence in the Memorial High School tent at the April 2 track meet. Accused Austin Metcalf Killer Won't Face Death Penalty Or Life Without Parole: Da He and his supporters claim that he acted in self-defense, and that Metcalf pushed him out of the tent. That claim is tenuous, according to Julie Rendelman, a former homicide prosecutor from New York who now runs a private criminal defense firm. "If the evidence is what it is right now, I think he's going to have an uphill battle claiming self-defense," she previously told Fox News Digital. "If the scenario is… that the victim told [Anthony] to leave, and then in some way physically touched him without more, then I'm not comfortable – I don't believe that a self-defense claim will work." Meanwhile, Alexander has compared Anthony to figures like Kyle Rittenhouse and Daniel Penny, who have won self-defense cases in criminal court. "Nobody in the public media has one video, but we got the video of Kyle Rittenhouse with an AK-47 shooting three people in the back," he said in a chaotic April 17 news conference before which Jeff Metcalf, Austin's father, was escorted off the property. "We got that, and he raised more than $2 million publicly, and nobody said anything about that." Texas Track Meet Stabbing Suspect Told Responding Officer He 'Did It': Docs He also called Anthony's detractors bigots, in what has become a racially charged public discussion. "Because these racist bigots try to prevent us from standing up for our baby, our boy, he should be afforded the same rights that Kyle Rittenhouse had, Daniel Penny and all the people who have claimed whatever their defense was. He should be afforded the same right," Alexander said. "What [Jeff Metcalf] has felled [sic] into is the political operatives that want to make this thing a political thing of hate and yet bigotry and yet racism," he said of Austin's father. "We have conservative operatives that have been posting nonstop about this case." NGAN and Frisco ISD declined to comment. Anthony's attorney, Mike Howard, did not return a comment request. Jeff Metcalf did not return a comment article source: Suspected Austin Metcalf killer allowed to graduate from high school despite murder charge: report
CBS News
14-05-2025
- CBS News
Will Karmelo Anthony be allowed to attend graduation? Here's what Frisco ISD's superintendent says.
The superintendent of Frisco ISD is pushing back against what he called "needless fear-mongering" and "media vitriol" surrounding Centennial High School's graduation ceremony, following rumors that Karmelo Anthony, a student charged in the fatal stabbing of student-athlete Austin Metcalf, would be allowed to graduate. In a letter sent to the Centennial High community Tuesday evening, Superintendent Mike Waldrip criticized what he described as misinformation circulating through news outlets and social media about the upcoming commencement. While the letter did not name the student in question, a Frisco ISD spokesperson shared it in response to inquiries about Anthony, who was arrested in connection with the April stabbing death of 17-year-old Metcalf. "It is disheartening that the incredible accomplishments and achievements of our Centennial seniors may be dampened by needless fear-mongering, attention-seeking, and media vitriol," Waldrip wrote. "Our students, staff, and community deserve better." Earlier on Tuesday, the Dallas-based social justice group Next Generation Action Network (NGAN) claimed in a public statement that Anthony would receive his high school diploma following "multiple discussions" with Frisco ISD leadership. NGAN said Anthony would not participate in any senior activities, but would graduate based on his 3.7 GPA and completion of all required credits. Frisco ISD declined to confirm any individual student information, citing federal privacy laws. However, Waldrip's letter underscored that "no student who commits a serious criminal offense (Title V felony) is permitted to participate in the graduation ceremony." Such felonies include homicide, kidnapping, and sexual assault. Anthony is currently facing a murder charge in the stabbing of Metcalf at a Frisco IS track meet last month.
