https://www.longviewisd.com/article/2739279

https://blog.smu.edu/leadershipimpact/2026/01/28/applications-open-for-2026-2027-district-leadership-fellows/

Congrats to these TREA Districts for being selected for Raise Your Hand Texas' (RYHT) Community Leaders Fellowship.  All 1200 districts were eligible to apply, and 32 were selected.  Congratulations to these TREA Member Districts:

Chisum                   Comanche                 North Lamar                        Lyford

https://www.fs.usda.gov/about-agency/newsroom/releases/forest-service-announces-182-million-retroactive-secure-rural

Thanks to TREA and NREA representatives (students and leaders), including superintendent Bill Chapman and FFA leaders from London ISD, who went to D.C. and enlightened Congress on the importance of this legislation.  

https://www.cbs19.tv/article/news/local/east-texas-native-performs-cpr-helps-save-man-in-dallas/501-c9cc14f4-1637-46de-baee-8421207a8f55

As a former superintendent and first responder, I would encourage all schools to train as many of your staff and students as possible, in first aid, CPR, and the use of AED.  It will save lives.   

https://tasanet.org/roosevelt-nivens-named-2026-national-superintendent-of-the-year/

Congratulations to former TREA Board Member Roosevelt Nivens for bringing this national title back to Texas - only the second time ever and the first in 25 years!

https://mailchi.mp/recf/recf_newsletter_february26?e=451fc603f0

See the Newsletter from our friends at RECF!

https://sboe.texas.gov/state-board-of-education/sboe-awards/student-heroes-award

I know we have these student heroes in our small and rural schools, so let's get the word out!

https://mailchi.mp/fa56a656d858/dhedf-rural-stem-initiative-special-announcement-oct-2024-issue-18141720?e=4c677f1918

All TREA Member Districts are eligible to become members of DHEDF.  They have some great resources for STEM at all grade levels.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Wayne Fagan.  

https://baylorlariat.com/2026/02/05/baylor-led-cybersecurity-program-prepares-rural-students-for-high-demand-tech-careers/

Great job Baylor and the participating ISDs in this unique partnership! Other TREA Member Districts participating in the program are:  Bosqueville, Hubbard, Morgan, and West.  Keep up the good work!

• The Texas A&M University Telehealth Institute is partnering with the Texas A&M University College of Medicine K-12 Rural Medicine Outreach Program to offer a specialized ECHO program aimed at supporting school counselors and administrators in rural Texas districts! This program is designed to help counselors and administrators guide students interested in pursuing a medical degree, providing them with the tools, resources, and knowledge to navigate the path from high school to medical school. Through expert-led sessions by our Texas A&M School of Medicine Assistant Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. Chris Diem, and collaborative learning, participants will gain insights to better support their students' aspirations in the medical field. 

• February  5: Overview of the Pre-Med Pathway
• February 12: Medical School Admissions Process
• February 19: Mentoring and Networking for Aspiring Medical Students

• https://forms.office.com/r/JnZLSFUFZn  

Dear Educators,

 https://sciencemuseum.utexas.edu/

https://events.esc13.net/ruralschools/

There's still time for the ESC Region 13 Rural Schools Conference in Georgetown, February 19-20, 2026.  See you there!

https://www.reliancearchitecture.com/project/thrall-isd-new-elementary-school/

Thrall Elementary School is a newly opened, two-story campus designed by Reliance Architecture to serve Pre-K through 5th grade students in Thrall ISD. Built around a “Culture of Togetherness,” the 75,000-square-foot school organizes classrooms and shared spaces around a central commons to support connection, collaboration, and student-centered learning.

https://texasfarmbureau.org/youth/scholarship-apps/?utm_source=TexasFarmBureau&utm_medium=SocialMedia&utm_campaign=2025-Scholarships

These are separate from the TREA Scholarship applications, but many of our TREA Member District students would be eligible to apply for these, as well.  Also, Texas Farm Bureau has sponsored TREA scholarships in recent years.