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SBOE Endorses Recommendations to Authorize Three New Charter School Operators

Board also gives final approval for updates and revisions to the TEKS for four high school science courses

AUSTIN, TX – July 8, 2021 – The State Board of Education (SBOE) recently held its first board meeting with a full audience of the public since going all-virtual in April 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. At the meeting, the SBOE endorsed recommendations by the Texas Commissioner of Education Mike Morath to authorize three new charter school operators.

Subject to clearing contractual contingencies, the following applicants will open new charter schools in Texas in the 2022-23 school year:

  • Thrive Center for Success (Magnolia)
  • Rocketship Public Schools (Fort Worth)
  • Essence Preparatory Charter School (San Antonio)

The board vetoed the granting of a charter to four charter applicants, Heritage Classical Academy (Houston); The Justice Hub (Houston); Red Brick Academy (Houston); and S.H. James Preparatory Academy (San Antonio), which had hoped to open campuses in the Houston and San Antonio areas. 

The SBOE also gave final approval for updates and revisions to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for the following four high school science courses: Aquatic Science, Astronomy, Earth Science Systems (formerly titled Earth and Space Science), and Environmental Systems. Additionally, the board approved standards for a new Specialized Topics in Science course as well as related implementation language. 

SBOE members welcomed a pre-recorded student performance that was previously presented to the U.S. Department of Education by Nuevo Santander Mariachi from Roma High School of Roma Independent School District. The multi-time national championship-winning group performs under the direction of the school’s musical director, Mr. Eloy Garza.  

Lastly, the SBOE approved candidates who will be forwarded to the Office of the Governor for consideration for appointment to the Teachers Retirement System (TRS) Board and the School Land Board. SBOE members expect that the nominees will add value to these boards by articulating how TRS and SLB decisions, respectively, can impact students in the Texas public school system.

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