SBOE clears pathway for 4 new charter schools, recognizes outstanding educators and students

AUSTIN The Texas State Board of Education (SBOE) took no action against recommendations made by Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath, opening the door for four new charter school operators at its regularly scheduled meeting June 25–28.

Subject to clearing contractual contingencies, the following applicants will open new charter schools and begin serving Texas public school students in the 2025-2026 school year:

• Infinite Minds in Arlington
• Pathway Academy in Big Spring
• The Texas Girls School in Austin
• Unparalleled Preparatory Academy in Manor

In other action, the SBOE discussed the rule process for potentially removing materials from the lists of approved and rejected materials as part of the Instructional Materials Review and Approval (IMRA) process. The public can view the list of materials submitted for review and access copies of the instructional materials, SBOE feedback forms and SBOE-approved IMRA rubrics by visiting sboe.texas.gov/imra. The list of materials will be voted on by the board at its November meeting.

Rule amendments made by the board in April, including revisions to the Dyslexia Handbook: Procedures Concerning Dyslexia and Related Disorders, are now effective. The Handbook was updated to include adopted changes that align with the requirements of House Bill (HB) 3928 from the 88th regular session. For more information, visit the Texas Education Agency’s Dyslexia and Related Disorders webpage.

Recognition

The board recognized the 2024 Student Heroes, an inspiring group of 15 Texas public school students who have made a significant impact through their volunteer efforts. The board approved a resolution in their honor.

The SBOE also recognized:

• 2024 Presidential Awards Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) State Finalists
• 2024 Milken Educator Award winners Dr. Johnny Walker of Winona ISD and Juan Dominguez of Somerset ISD
• 2024 Texas Teacher of the Year, Taniece Thompson-Smith of Abilene ISD
• 2024 Texas Secondary Teacher of the Year, Naveen Cunha of Bryan ISD

The SBOE will reconvene the week of Sept. 9.