NEWS
Bowie ISD debates ‘what ifs’ for school opening
By BARBARA GREEN
editor@bowienewsonline.com
Bowie Independent School District is working to hammer out a plan to open school for this August, but the ever changing unknowns are making the process very difficult.
At its July 23 meeting trustees received a 20-page draft plan to reopen, but administrators said it was still a work in progress. It must be completed one week before the first day of school. Bowie’s ISD’s first day is Aug. 19.
The district sent out a survey to parents asking their preference for in-school or virtual learning. The staff also has surveyed other North Texas schools on their plans.
Superintendent Blake Enlow said of the local survey 1,100 of 1,600 have responded, and of those 85 percent want to return to in-school learning and 15 percent want virtual.
While this plan covers everything from visitor restrictions and temperature pre-screening for students, some of the main discussion was on the use of masks and the question if students who opt for virtual learning will be allowed to participate in extracurricular activities such a sport like football.
Enlow said the plan follows state guidelines for masks but does not require them in class. Montague County based on its low active case numbers is exempt from the governor’s mandate for face coverings as long as active cases remain under 20.
Social distancing also will be followed when feasible. Masks also are not required for those students age 10 and under. Enlow said they would make the cutoff fourth grade because there are some 10-year-olds in that grade. Masks may be required for certain group activities. Masks at this moment will not be required but will be allowed for students or staff.
Read the full story for the new school year in the mid-week Bowie News.
Signs 1,155 Bills, Vetoes 26 Bills For 89th Regular Legislative Session
AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott today announced the final list of 1,155 bills signed into law and 26 bills vetoed from the 89th Regular Legislative Session. Governor Abbott’s veto statements may be viewed here and here. The Governor also announced he will call a Special Session to begin on Monday, July 21, along with an initial list of agenda items.
“Working with the Texas Legislature, we delivered results that will benefit Texans for generations to come,” said Governor Abbott. “Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, Speaker Dustin Burrows, and the Texas House and Senate worked hard to send critical legislation to my desk. This session has seen monumental success, but there is more we can do.”
All seven of Governor Abbott’s emergency items passed the Texas Legislature and were signed into law:
- Property Tax Relief
- Generational Investment in Water
- Raise Teacher Pay
- Expand Career Training
- School Choice
- Bail Reform
- Creation of the Texas Cyber Command
Additionally, Governor Abbott:
- Signed 1,155 bills
- Vetoed 26 bills
- Signed the 2026-2027 General Appropriations Act and the Supplemental Budget
At this time, the Governor has identified several bills that were vetoed or filed without signature that will be placed on the upcoming Special Session agenda for further consideration:
- Senate Bill 3: Relating to the regulation of products derived from hemp, including consumable hemp products and the hemp-derived cannabinoids contained in those products.
- Senate Bill 648: Relating to recording requirements for certain instruments concerning real property.
- Senate Bill 1253: Relating to impact and production fees for certain water projects and to the regulation of certain wells; authorizing a fee.
- Senate Bill 1278: Relating to an affirmative defense to prosecution for victims of trafficking of persons or compelling prostitution.
- Senate Bill 1758: Relating to the operation of a cement kiln and the production of aggregates near a semiconductor wafer manufacturing facility.
- Senate Bill 2878: Relating to the operation and administration of and practices and procedures related to proceedings in the judicial branch of state government.
On Friday city officials reported the intersection at Rock and Pillar was closed due to a sinkhole in the street. This area has been experiencing major drainage problems for many years damaging culverts and the street asphalt and concrete, with a portion of the street collapsing earlier in the spring. Drivers should avoid this area.
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