Kayla O’Dell worked at Kilgore High School from August 2023 until January 2025.
East Texas
Analysis: Upshur County Kept Taxes Flat Over 3-Year Window
The county of penny tax increases.
East Texas Teacher, Coach Arrested for Sexual Assault of a Child
D’Marjai Dearion taught at three campuses in Longview ISD.
Analysis: On Average, San Augustine Taxing Entities Lower Taxes
For the most part, one East Texas county balanced rising property values with efforts to keep taxes predictable.
Sabine County Tax Trends: Rising Appraisals Drive Increased Revenues
Even if tax rates are kept in check, rising appraisals can eat up any savings citizens would otherwise see.
MOST RECENT
Analysis: Taxing Trends in Rusk County Include Significant Changes
A taxing entity is accused of rigging an election to increase its rate.
Middle School Principal Arrested for Possession of Child Pornography
The Liberty County Sheriff’s Office began its investigation after a mother reported the 56-year-old principal sent an inappropriate video to her child.
What’s Going On with Tatum ISD’s Tax Rate Election?
Taxpayer advocates are raising questions about marketing claims made to voters.
East Texas Water Group Considers Controversial Marvin Nichols Reservoir Project
The Region D Water Planning Group discussed the proposal, which would require extensive use of eminent domain.
East Texas School Employee Terminated for Inappropriate Behavior With Students
The unnamed employee allegedly violated district policy by communicating with a student on Snapchat and is accused of inappropriately touching female students.
Analysis: Public Servants’ Record on Tax Burdens in Rockwall
Some public servants didn’t drop tax rates enough to offset property valuation increases.
East Texans Oppose Proposed Eminent Domain Plan for Reservoir
The Proposed Marvin Nichols Reservoir would engulf nearly 70,000 acres.
East Texas Teacher Arrested for Injuring Child
Kyle Lee Rocha was allegedly seen pushing the elementary student’s desk back, resulting in him hitting his head and elbows.
Corsicana Residents Speak Out Against Proposed LGBT Event
Many residents spoke out saying that their hard earned tax dollars should not go towards such an event.
East Texas Teacher Sentenced to 60 Years for Sex Crimes Against Students
The Atlanta ISD teacher and coach used Snapchat to solicit nude pictures from boys and fondled them at school.
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Ex-Tyler ISD Teacher’s Aide Accused of ‘Improper’ Relationship with Students
JBraylon Fears was booked into the Smith County jail on four charges.
State Rep. Ernest Bailes Falls to Janis Holt
Bailes faced considerable ire from pro-school choice advocates after voting against the governor’s school choice package.
State Rep. Travis Clardy Loses Primary Election to Joanne Shofner
The anti-school choice incumbent faced considerable opposition for his vote record on educational freedom.
Brent Money Unseats State Rep. Jill Dutton
Dutton won the vacant seat in a special election only two months ago.
Huffman ISD is the Latest School District Caught Potentially Violating Electioneering Laws
In a recently leaked audio recording, Huffman ISD Superintendent Benny Soileau instructed faculty members to vote for the “sweet 16.”
State Rep. Ernest Bailes Faces Primary Challengers for House District 18
The candidates are competing primarily over the issues of school choice and illegal immigration.
East Texas Teacher Arrested for Improper Relationship Between Educator and Student
State records show Anthony Jernigan’s teaching certificate has been expired since February 2023.
East Texas State Rep. Cole Hefner Faces 2 GOP Primary Challengers
A three-way Republican race is splitting the anti-incumbent “anyone but Hefner” vote.
DeAyala v. Perez: Paxton Impeachment Vote Could Decide House District 133 Race
DeAyala’s vote to impeach the attorney general lingers heavily over the House District 133 Republican primary election.
Gov. Abbott Endorses Brent Money in Special Election for House District 2
The runoff election between Brent Money and Jill Dutton is on January 30.