Education
News Briefs (Jan. 21): Student-run general store opens at Helotes school; SAISD set to close West Side campus; pet-focused programs start in San Antonio, Converse
By Edmond Ortiz Today’s rundown of San Antonio-area news briefs include the opening of a Helotes school-based general store run by agriculture students, and a San Antonio school district’s final decision to close a West Side campus. Also, Converse rolls out a program for shelter animals, and two local organizations launch a program to keep…
City moves forward with bus fare program to curb student absenteeism
By Edmond Ortiz The city of San Antonio is officially providing money for a pilot program designed to reduce student absenteeism by underwriting bus passes for middle and high schoolers who otherwise may have trouble getting to school. What you should know The City Council voted Jan. 15 to approve the District 7 council office’s…
San Antonio ISD in flux: One school targeted for closure, another school being renovated
By Edmond Ortiz The San Antonio Independent School District is starting 2026 by beginning an improvement project at one campus, and considering the closure of another school. Proposed closure of Carvajal Elementary The school board is due to meet Jan. 20 to formally consider shuttering Carvajal Elementary School after the end of the current academic…
Judson ISD’s suspension of superintendent roils community members
By Edmond Ortiz Many Judson Independent School District residents say they are angered and confused by the school board’s decision to suspend the district’s superintendent. What you should know A special board meeting on Jan. 10 started with an agenda item calling for trustees to consider Superintendent Milton Fields’ employment status and duties. Five hours…
Judson, SCUC reveal plans to address budget deficits
By Edmond Ortiz On the Northeast Side, one school district is mulling campus consolidations and reduction in teaching positions to help decrease its budget deficit, while a neighboring school district is launching a citizens committee to develop solutions toward cutting its own fiscal shortfall. ‘Hard decisions’ in Judson ISD The end of 2025 finds Judson…
Free bus passes to be offered to San Antonio students ages 12-18
By Edmond Ortiz VIA Metropolitan Transit, with support from a San Antonio City Council member, will offer free bus passes for students ages 12-18 to begin the new year. What you should know In an effort to help curb school absenteeism, District 7 Councilmember Marina Alderete Gavito announced on Dec. 8 that she was contributing…
North East ISD appoints administrator as interim superintendent
By Edmond Ortiz Anthony Jarrett, chief instructional officer at the North East Independent School District, will be taking over as interim superintendent just as the current superintendent winds down his career. What you should know The school board voted unanimously Dec. 8 to appoint Jarrett interim superintendent. He will replace Sean Maika, who announced on…
Judson ISD leaders look to allay fears over budget decisions
By Edmond Ortiz Following the defeat of their property tax proposal, leaders at Judson Independent School District say they hope to refrain from draconian measures while addressing a $37 million budget deficit and other difficult fiscal challenges. What you should know On Nov. 4, Judson ISD voters rejected a ballot item where JISD sought to…
Veterans service center opens at Northeast Lakeview College
By Edmond Ortiz Northeast Lakeview College now has a standalone facility devoted to serving military veterans and military-connected students. What you should know Officials with NLC and Alamo Colleges District and community leaders gathered at the Northeast Side campus on Nov. 11, Veterans’ Day, to celebrate the soft opening of the Nighthawk Legacy Center. According…
North East ISD superintendent set to retire in 2026
By Edmond Ortiz Sean Maika, who has led the North East Independent School District as superintendent since 2019, said on Nov. 17 that he plans to retire in January 2026. What you should know School district officials said the board will determine how or when Maika’s replacement will be found. Maika started his career in…