An uptick in student-led protests within the school district has led to scrutiny from Texas officials.

The Facebook message derided its recipient as a “leftist” and “whore” whom he hoped would be deported. The message gained widespread attention when it was shared online.

Adjusting contracts that account for much of the remaining commitments could reduce the final amount of bond money spent on closing schools to closer to $41 million.

The state education agency issued guidance to districts after Gov. Greg Abbott directed its commissioner to investigate the student protests of killings by federal agents.

The ban, which went into effect in September, requires that school districts prohibit students from using cellphones and other personal wireless communication devices during school hours.

A viral video of the incident appears to show a driver pushing a high school student to the ground and hitting her several times.

Applications will close March 17, with funding notifications sent to families beginning in early April. The rollout follows a yearslong battle at the Capitol and marks a major victory for the governor after repeated failed attempts to pass similar legislation.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton argues school personnel helped students leave campus to attend anti-ICE protests.

The governor said public universities and state agencies may not seek new visas without Texas Workforce Commission permission through the end of the 2027 legislative session.

District leaders say gains aren’t fast enough to stop a possible state takeover without charter partnerships.