New challenge to school funding system

AUSTIN— The Midland school district is suing Education Commissioner Mike Morath and other state leaders in another challenge to the state’s public school finance system, known as “Robin Hood,” according to The Texas Tribune.Three legal challenges over the past three decades have failed, with Texas...

Summer school

Regardless of one’s job or age, summer seems to be the time when we all experience some change of schedule. If you are an educator or student, the welcome nine weeks away from the classroom gives you the chance to rest and rejuvenate.

Time to grow

The seed is in the ground / Now may we rest in hope. — Wendell Berry, “Sabbath VII, ” 1982Wendell Berry’s literature (poetry, essays, books) would be a wonderful addition to a classroom or coffee table.The American farmer, poet, and essayist is still living and gracing us with a wisdom much needed.

Early voting in runoffs ends May 22

Early voting in both the Democratic and Republican runoff races ends Friday, May 22, with the election on Tuesday, May 26.On the GOP side, the statewide runoffs are:• U. S. Senate: John Cornyn and Ken Paxton• Texas attorney general: Mayes Middleton and Chip Roy• Texas Railroad Commission: Jim...

Some feel-good things

C O M M E N T A R Y | SUEJANESULLIVAN@GMAIL.COMJoy may seem elusive at times, but I like to think that there are people among us who know just when to write the song, produce the movie, make the podcast, or publish the book that could evoke some smiles.Recording artist Amy Grant’s new album was...

Remember

Author Jo Petty once said, “When you are young, consider that one day, you too will be old...and when you grow old, remember that you also were once young.”I will never forget the day that an 18-year-old soldier walked into my office at Fort Hood, seeking my assistance to obtain a hardship...

“Let’s hit the gym”

WEEK with Pastor Kim NorwoodWhile I was in Houston at the first of the week, the youth pastor at our church sent me a text message saying that a 92-year-old man named Harry, who lives near Waco, wanted to meet with me on Saturday morning.

Gabe

C O M M E N T A R Y | SUEJANESULLIVAN@GMAIL.COMIt is a sad inevitability that a school teaching career will come with heartache, none greater than losing a student or former student to death through illness or accident.The tragedy is multi-layered, a personal grief of seeing the empty chair in a...

Wildfire risks in Panhandle, West Texas rise

Dry windy conditions across West Texas and the Panhandle are rising, the Statesman reported, leading to increased risk of wildfires.

Designing living spaces, baling wire

COMMENTARYInterior design.Most of us are practicing amateurs. It’s fun. Just rearranging furniture can give you a new lease on life.