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HB 8 Passes, Replaces STAAR with 3 Tests; Restores Public School A-F Accountability

Thu, 09/11/2025 - 6:36am

In the final days of the 89th 2nd Called Special Session, the Texas House gave final passage to House Bill 8 (HB 8) with a key Senate amendment to restore the critical 8th-grade social studies test and US History end-of-course exam. HB 8, authored by House Public Education Chair Rep. Brad Buckley (R–Salado) and sponsored in the Senate by Sen. Paul Bettencourt (R–Houston) is a priority bill of Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Speaker Dustin Burrows, and now heads to Governor Abbott’s desk. The bill eliminates the STAAR test and replaces it with three shorter supportive assessments while restoring annual A–F public school accountability ratings and protecting taxpayers from lawfare against the state’s accountability system.

Marlin ISD named Norman Jones the acting superintendent in a special board meeting on Saturday, Sept. 6. Jones is excited to make the leap from leading the district’s Human Resources Department to leading the district at large.
Norman Jones Named Acting Superintendent in Special Meeting Alexandra Montoya photos/Marlin Democrat

Marlin ISD Superintendent Finalist Brandon Hubbard Withdraws

Thu, 09/11/2025 - 6:36am

Marlin ISD planned to celebrate the signing of their Lone Star Finalist, Dr. Brandon Hubbard, as Superintendent on Saturday, Sept. 6, but the deal fell through due to contract negotiations in the 11th hour. Instead, the Marlin ISD Board and TEA Conservator Rudy Trevino held a special meeting to determine how to move forward.

BTW Alumni and Ex-Students Educational Association Awards Scholarships

Thu, 09/04/2025 - 6:20am

The Booker T. Washington Alumni and Ex-Students Educational Association has awarded scholarships to four Class of 2025 Marlin High School seniors to support their educational pursuits this fall. This year’s recipients are: Cornesia Shaw, who will attend the University of Texas at Austin Chesquaya Henry, who will attend the University of Houston Phoenix Rose Steel, who will attend McLennan Community College TiQuorry Semar Bailey, who will attend Prairie View A&M University, was also the recipient of a $500 scholarship from the local BTW Marlin Chapter.

Governor Abbott Highlights New Laws Going Into Effect September 1

Thu, 09/04/2025 - 6:20am

AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott celebrated the implementation of several landmark bills passed during the 89th Regular Legislative Session that went into effect on September 1. These laws reflect several legislative priorities that the Governor worked closely with members of the House and Senate to pass and sign into law.

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