Latest news with #NacogdochesISD
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
How did your school district score according to TEA in 2022-23?
TYLER, Texas (KETK)–The score given to Nacogdoches ISD by the state is not accurate, according to the district. The Texas Education Agency rates each school district with a letter grade from A-F, while, the criteria are based on standardized test scores, academic growth, college and career readiness. Ten school districts received a 'D' rating including Nacogdoches, Jacksonville, Crockett, Palestine- Westwood, Liberty- Eylau, Murchison, San Augustine, Trinity, Rains and Grapeland ISDs's. One district, Nacogdoches ISD says they are 'disappointed' about its 'D' rating. 'The district does not oppose testing at the end of the year to measure student progress. STAAR exams in grades three through eight and the end-of-course exams for high school students provide valuable feedback to teachers and campus administrators. The reports are granular, allowing individual students to be identified that need assistance and we used that data two years ago to guide instruction for students moving forward,' Nacogdoches Communications, Les Linebarger said. Seven districts received and 'A' rating including Springhill, Carlisle, Wells, Broaddus, Maud, Pleasant Grove and the UT Tyler University Academy. Longview and Lufkin ISD's received a 'B' and Tyler ISD received a 'C' score. 'It's also important to point out the ratings don't reflect the full picture of Nacogdoches ISD,' Linebarger said. 'These accomplishments don't simply happen when students reach high school. It's due to the support and guidance received along the way, beginning in kindergarten, and progressing through elementary and middle school.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Yahoo
Former Nacogdoches ISD teacher given minimum sentence after sexual assault of student
NACOGDOCHES, Texas (KETK) – A former Nacogdoches ISD teacher received minimum two-year sentence after sexually assaulting a student in 2023. Annaleigh Andrews, 26 of Nacogdoches, pleaded guilty to four counts of sexual assault of a child and three counts of online solicitation of a minor back in August 2024. According to Nacogdoches County Assistant District Attorney Amy Wren, Andrews was sentenced to a total of two years for all counts. Andrews was a reading interventionist at McMichael Middle School. During the summer break following the 2022-2023 school year, Andrews starting communicating with the victim and took the victim to what they described as a 'mansion.' The victim was sexually assaulted multiple times at this 'mansion' and at Banita Creek Park. Andrews also asked the victim to meet her at selected locations and used marijuana with the victim, the DA's office said. SHERIFF: Rusk man arrested after attempting to escape from courtroom during probation hearing 'The defendant excused her actions by testifying that she had been sheltered and unprepared for the world because she attended Regents Academy and primarily socialized with only like-minded peers,' the DA's office said. 'She also requested that her behavior be viewed as less egregious because she received an Autism diagnosis after her arrest for these offenses by an expert paid for by the defense.' Judge Malcom Bales imposed the minimum sentence of two years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and believed that Andrews should be placed on probation instead of serving prison time. However, Texas law requires at least two years for sexual assault of a child and does not grant anyone convicted of this crime any probation privilege. Man arrested after throwing out bag of illegal narcotics at Cass County Family Dollar, police say Andrews was granted 30 days to self-surrender before her prison sentence begins. The DA's office said they disagreed with the sentence as it does not reflect the seriousness of the crime. 'During the punishment hearing the victim's mother testified about the effect the defendant's actions had on her family and the victim specifically,' the DA's office said. 'She described the devastating consequences of an adult taking advantage of a child. Her once silly, school-loving, band kid is now a recluse who is too embarrassed to attend school or even socialize with the child's friends.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
East Texas school district approves new controversial state learning materials
NACOGDOCHES, Texas (KETK) – Nacogdoches ISD has approved new state-created teaching materials for their elementary schools. The lessons were approved last fall by the state board of education and have been criticized for focusing too much on the Bible. TOWNHALL TENSION: State reps booed off stage during education meeting 'It's the way best for us to move forward,' Nacogdoches ISD Chief Marketing and Communications Officer Les Linebarger said. Starting next fall, Nacogdoches ISD elementary schools will use the state's new Bluebonnet Learning instructional material. The Texas Education Agency said the lessons were developed using the best evidence on how to teach reading and math. Critics have said it's a state-written curriculum that overemphasizes Christianity and could isolate some children. 'I use the phrase all-encompassing,' Linebarger said. 'I mean, these materials cover the whole run of what takes place in the classroom and it really frees the teacher up then to work on how best to deliver that information to our students.' The lessons were created by the state and are now available online for educators to use. 'It'll free up our teachers to worry about what's most important in the classroom, how best to pass along these lessons to the students,' Linebarger said. School districts don't have to use it, but they will receive $60 per student if they do. Lufkin ISD did not put it up for vote, but discussed adopting the materials and possible benefits for teachers. East Texas Rep says school choice will pass in State House 'It provides them with every piece of material they would need to teach their lesson so they would not have to pull from this resource or this resource or create on their own time,' Assistant Superintendent of Education Services and Accountability for Lufkin ISD Shelly Slaton said. The district decided to not move forward with the vote on Bluebonnet Learning after hearing community feedback and concerns. 'There are some lessons that include stories from the bible, but also from the other world religions as well,' Linebarger said. Nacogdoches will implement these learning materials starting this fall for math and language arts. 'We feel like there's a lot of positives in this, these instructional materials,' Linebarger said. Governor Greg Abbott called Bluebonnet Learning a 'critical step forward.' The TEA said there is no religious instruction in the lessons. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
31-01-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
‘Every child is welcome': Nacogdoches ISD superintendent addresses immigration enforcement
NACOGDOCHES, Texas (KETK) – Nacogdoches ISD superintendent Dr. Gabriel Trujillo, Ed.D, has sent a letter to their families and staff to address concern about recent federal immigration directives. 'Safe, supportive environment for all': Longview ISD addresses raising concerns of immigration enforcement 'I want to address the recent federal directives from President Trump regarding immigration enforcement on school properties that are causing concern for some of our students and their families,' said Trujillo. In his letter, Trujillo reassures the parents that their child's safety and success is their number one priority. 'First, I want you to know that the safety, well-being, and success of every student in Nacogdoches ISD remains our highest priority. It is my highest priority, and the overriding goal of public education. I am here – and Nacogdoches ISD is here – to support you.' Trujillo laid out the following facts about Nacogdoches ISD's commitment to students: 'Every child – every child – is welcome in Nacogdoches ISD. This isn't just me saying this; it's the law. We gladly enroll and educate all school-aged students living within our attendance boundaries, regardless of immigration status. Once again, it's the law,' Trujillo explained. 'We do not request information about or track immigration status of students enrolled at Nacogdoches ISD. Your child's personal information is protected… once again, by law (20 U.S. Education Code § 1232g),' Trujillo said. 'Nacogdoches ISD's commitment to our students and their families has not changed. While we will continue to monitor ongoing updates from federal and state authorities, our focus remains steadfastly where it most belongs – on providing a safe and supportive learning environment for all (policy GRA LOCAL),' Trujillo continued. He added that the district's visitor and student check-out procedures are unchanged, meaning no one is allowed to access a student unless they're on their file or if they have a lawful federal court order or warrant. 'We also continue to work closely with local law enforcement partners to ensure we are prepared to support any affected students,' Trujillo said. Trujillo encouraged anyone with questions regarding their legal rights to visit the National Immigration Law Center or the Immigrant Legal Resource Center. 'Nacogdoches ISD believes diversity makes us stronger, and we remain keenly devoted to fostering a community where every student feels safe, supported and valued. Please don't hesitate to reach out to your campus or to the district for support – we are in this together.' Gabriel Trujillo, superintendent of Nacogdoches ISD Click here to watch a spoken version of Trujillo's letter on YouTube. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
