Megan Menchaca
@meganmenchaca.bsky.social
senior k-12 education reporter at the houston chronicle • signal: megan.menchaca.20 • tips: megan.menchaca@houstonchronicle.com
Pinned
Megan Menchaca
@meganmenchaca.bsky.social
· Nov 20
Hi! 👋 I’m Megan Menchaca, and I’m a reporter covering K-12 education for @houstonchronicle.com!
I focus on coverage of Houston ISD, and how district + Texas education policy affects tens of thousands of students in the city.
Get in touch anytime at megan.menchaca@houstonchronicle.com!
I focus on coverage of Houston ISD, and how district + Texas education policy affects tens of thousands of students in the city.
Get in touch anytime at megan.menchaca@houstonchronicle.com!
Reposted by Megan Menchaca
Students in more than three dozen states have walked out of class to protest ICE in recent weeks. But in Texas, Republican leaders have threatened students, teachers and school districts with severe consequences for taking part in demonstrations.
Texas Students Protest ICE Despite Gov. Greg Abbott’s Threats
In dozens of states, students have staged walkouts over immigration enforcement. In Texas, they’re doing so despite threats from Gov. Greg Abbott.
nyti.ms
February 15, 2026 at 6:50 PM
Students in more than three dozen states have walked out of class to protest ICE in recent weeks. But in Texas, Republican leaders have threatened students, teachers and school districts with severe consequences for taking part in demonstrations.
Editor of a major Ohio news organization says they have removed “writing” from certain reporters’ workloads.
Reporters collect facts and an “AI rewrite specialist” writes the article.
That article is then reviewed by editors + reporters before publication.
Reporters collect facts and an “AI rewrite specialist” writes the article.
That article is then reviewed by editors + reporters before publication.
February 15, 2026 at 6:41 PM
Editor of a major Ohio news organization says they have removed “writing” from certain reporters’ workloads.
Reporters collect facts and an “AI rewrite specialist” writes the article.
That article is then reviewed by editors + reporters before publication.
Reporters collect facts and an “AI rewrite specialist” writes the article.
That article is then reviewed by editors + reporters before publication.
Reposted by Megan Menchaca
Jack Yates High School — the second high school established for Black students in Houston ISD — celebrates its 100th anniversary this month.
How HISD's Yates High School has endured 100 years: 'Lion for life'
Jack Yates High School — the second high school established for Black students in Houston ISD — celebrates its 100th anniversary this month.
bit.ly
February 14, 2026 at 5:36 PM
Jack Yates High School — the second high school established for Black students in Houston ISD — celebrates its 100th anniversary this month.
Jack Yates High School was established in February 1926 as Houston ISD's second all-Black high school.
After serving generations of Black students, the Third Ward campus marked its 100th anniversary this week.
My latest for @houstonchronicle.com:
www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston...
After serving generations of Black students, the Third Ward campus marked its 100th anniversary this week.
My latest for @houstonchronicle.com:
www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston...
How HISD's Yates High School has endured 100 years: 'Lion for life'
Jack Yates High School — the second high school established for Black students in Houston ISD — celebrates its 100th anniversary this month.
www.houstonchronicle.com
February 14, 2026 at 5:34 PM
Jack Yates High School was established in February 1926 as Houston ISD's second all-Black high school.
After serving generations of Black students, the Third Ward campus marked its 100th anniversary this week.
My latest for @houstonchronicle.com:
www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston...
After serving generations of Black students, the Third Ward campus marked its 100th anniversary this week.
My latest for @houstonchronicle.com:
www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston...
Houston ISD is likely to close 12 schools next year. Here's what to know about each campus on the list.
www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston...
www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston...
What to know about the 12 HISD schools proposed for closure in 2026-27
HISD has proposed closing 12 schools in the upcoming 2026-27 school year. Here’s what to know about each campus on the list.
www.houstonchronicle.com
February 14, 2026 at 12:56 AM
Houston ISD is likely to close 12 schools next year. Here's what to know about each campus on the list.
www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston...
www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston...
Breaking: Houston ISD to move forward with closing 12 schools starting in 2026-27 year. www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston...
www.houstonchronicle.com
February 13, 2026 at 2:50 AM
Breaking: Houston ISD to move forward with closing 12 schools starting in 2026-27 year. www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston...
Reposted by Megan Menchaca
Houston ISD is seeking to fire Michelle Williams, union president and 26-year veteran teacher, in a move her attorney says is punishment for advocating for special education and emergent bilingual students. Gift link: www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston...
HISD wants to fire a union leader. She says it's retaliation over complaints.
Houston ISD must show "good cause" to fire union leader Michelle Williams. An independent hearing officer is expected to issue a recommendation in early March.
www.houstonchronicle.com
February 11, 2026 at 9:43 PM
Houston ISD is seeking to fire Michelle Williams, union president and 26-year veteran teacher, in a move her attorney says is punishment for advocating for special education and emergent bilingual students. Gift link: www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston...
In one year, Houston ISD has lost nearly 4,000 immigrant students amid ICE's crackdown on undocumented immigrants.
“We fear coming to school,” one student said. via @houstonchronicle.com www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston...
“We fear coming to school,” one student said. via @houstonchronicle.com www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston...
Exclusive: HISD has lost nearly 4,000 immigrant students amid ICE fears
HISD's immigrant student population fell for the first time since COVID this school year. Experts say families are staying home as they fear ICE enforcement.
www.houstonchronicle.com
February 9, 2026 at 9:42 PM
In one year, Houston ISD has lost nearly 4,000 immigrant students amid ICE's crackdown on undocumented immigrants.
“We fear coming to school,” one student said. via @houstonchronicle.com www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston...
“We fear coming to school,” one student said. via @houstonchronicle.com www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston...
Reposted by Megan Menchaca
Is Houston, TX, an affordable city?
I’m a reporter for the Houston Chronicle, and I want to talk to Houstonians of all income levels for a new series on affordability. What eats up your paycheck the most? How do you budget and spend?
Let’s chat. DM me or email me at maliya.ellis@hearst.com.
I’m a reporter for the Houston Chronicle, and I want to talk to Houstonians of all income levels for a new series on affordability. What eats up your paycheck the most? How do you budget and spend?
Let’s chat. DM me or email me at maliya.ellis@hearst.com.
February 5, 2026 at 2:04 PM
Is Houston, TX, an affordable city?
I’m a reporter for the Houston Chronicle, and I want to talk to Houstonians of all income levels for a new series on affordability. What eats up your paycheck the most? How do you budget and spend?
Let’s chat. DM me or email me at maliya.ellis@hearst.com.
I’m a reporter for the Houston Chronicle, and I want to talk to Houstonians of all income levels for a new series on affordability. What eats up your paycheck the most? How do you budget and spend?
Let’s chat. DM me or email me at maliya.ellis@hearst.com.
Houston ISD plans to dismantle its only French dual language program at Mark White Elementary School in the 2026-27 year.
via @partainclaire.bsky.social www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston...
via @partainclaire.bsky.social www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston...
HISD to dismantle French program. Families worry more changes could come.
The program will be reduced from a 50/50 immersion model to less intensive "enrichment" program, according to presentation slides obtained by the Chronicle.
www.houstonchronicle.com
February 5, 2026 at 3:06 PM
Houston ISD plans to dismantle its only French dual language program at Mark White Elementary School in the 2026-27 year.
via @partainclaire.bsky.social www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston...
via @partainclaire.bsky.social www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston...
Reposted by Megan Menchaca
Patrick Svitek was one of the best in the biz when he was working in Texas. Laying off someone of his caliber is like trading Shohei in his prime. Actually unbelievable.
This is just awful news. Patrick is one of the best reporters out there, and we relied on his work constantly, including his reporting for the Texas Tribune before he went to WaPo. We would hire him if only we could. x.com/PatrickSvite...
February 4, 2026 at 5:09 PM
Patrick Svitek was one of the best in the biz when he was working in Texas. Laying off someone of his caliber is like trading Shohei in his prime. Actually unbelievable.
Reposted by Megan Menchaca
A staggering statement from former Washington Post editor Marty Baron: "This ranks among the darkest days in the history of one of the world's greatest news organizations."
February 4, 2026 at 2:34 PM
A staggering statement from former Washington Post editor Marty Baron: "This ranks among the darkest days in the history of one of the world's greatest news organizations."
Reposted by Megan Menchaca
Marimar Martinez, shot 5 times by Border Patrol in Chicago, speaks out after Renee Good, Alex Pretti deaths
'I am their voice'
NEW w/ @adrianacardmag.bsky.social: chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/...
'I am their voice'
NEW w/ @adrianacardmag.bsky.social: chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/...
Marimar Martinez, shot by Border Patrol in Chicago, speaks out after Good, Pretti deaths: 'I am their voice'
In a wide-ranging interview with the Chicago Sun-Times and WBEZ, Martinez discusses her shooting, the federal government’s failed attempt to prosecute her and the role she now sees for herself in a fi...
chicago.suntimes.com
February 3, 2026 at 1:22 PM
Marimar Martinez, shot 5 times by Border Patrol in Chicago, speaks out after Renee Good, Alex Pretti deaths
'I am their voice'
NEW w/ @adrianacardmag.bsky.social: chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/...
'I am their voice'
NEW w/ @adrianacardmag.bsky.social: chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/...
After the affirmative action ban, Black and Hispanic student enrollment dropped at the nation’s top 50 colleges.
But at major public state schools, the opposite happened. Enrollment went *up* for Black and Hispanic freshmen. www.nytimes.com/2026/02/03/u...
But at major public state schools, the opposite happened. Enrollment went *up* for Black and Hispanic freshmen. www.nytimes.com/2026/02/03/u...
Colleges See Major Racial Shifts in Student Enrollment
www.nytimes.com
February 4, 2026 at 2:51 AM
After the affirmative action ban, Black and Hispanic student enrollment dropped at the nation’s top 50 colleges.
But at major public state schools, the opposite happened. Enrollment went *up* for Black and Hispanic freshmen. www.nytimes.com/2026/02/03/u...
But at major public state schools, the opposite happened. Enrollment went *up* for Black and Hispanic freshmen. www.nytimes.com/2026/02/03/u...
Houston-area school districts say they're turning to AI-powered surveillance software to support student mental health.
Students, though, say the technology may actually be harming them. www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston...
Students, though, say the technology may actually be harming them. www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston...
Houston schools are using AI to watch student mental health. Experts are worried
Ed tech companies like GoGuardian and Lightspeed Systems offer for AI software to detect self-harm. Experts and students are concerned about its accuracy and unintended consequences.
www.houstonchronicle.com
February 2, 2026 at 3:41 PM
Houston-area school districts say they're turning to AI-powered surveillance software to support student mental health.
Students, though, say the technology may actually be harming them. www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston...
Students, though, say the technology may actually be harming them. www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston...
Reposted by Megan Menchaca
Tour de force on just exactly what has gone on at Texas A&M for so many years from Chris Hooks in @texasmonthly.bsky.social:
www.texasmonthly.com/news-politic...
www.texasmonthly.com/news-politic...
What’s the Matter With Texas A&M?
Five presidents in five years. Firings of “woke” professors. Crackdowns on Plato. Inside state leaders’ efforts to remake a great university.
www.texasmonthly.com
January 30, 2026 at 9:19 PM
Tour de force on just exactly what has gone on at Texas A&M for so many years from Chris Hooks in @texasmonthly.bsky.social:
www.texasmonthly.com/news-politic...
www.texasmonthly.com/news-politic...
Reposted by Megan Menchaca
New: Texas A&M University announced Friday that it is eliminating its women’s and gender studies degree program.
Texas A&M eliminates women’s and gender studies program
University leaders also said six courses were canceled and 48 exceptions were granted under new rules on race and gender.
www.texastribune.org
January 30, 2026 at 7:45 PM
New: Texas A&M University announced Friday that it is eliminating its women’s and gender studies degree program.
after several months, my car's check engine light has suddenly turned off. this must mean there was nothing wrong with my car to begin with and thus, no repairs are needed.
January 30, 2026 at 9:29 PM
after several months, my car's check engine light has suddenly turned off. this must mean there was nothing wrong with my car to begin with and thus, no repairs are needed.
The Houston Chronicle has launched its School Finder tool, the largest searchable database on public + private K-12 schools in the area.
The guide includes a map to find Houston schools, a calendar to keep up with deadlines + guides to navigate vouchers. www.houstonchronicle.com/projects/202...
The guide includes a map to find Houston schools, a calendar to keep up with deadlines + guides to navigate vouchers. www.houstonchronicle.com/projects/202...
The ultimate guide to finding a school in Houston
The definitive guide to finding PreK-12 schools in Houston
www.houstonchronicle.com
January 30, 2026 at 7:52 PM
The Houston Chronicle has launched its School Finder tool, the largest searchable database on public + private K-12 schools in the area.
The guide includes a map to find Houston schools, a calendar to keep up with deadlines + guides to navigate vouchers. www.houstonchronicle.com/projects/202...
The guide includes a map to find Houston schools, a calendar to keep up with deadlines + guides to navigate vouchers. www.houstonchronicle.com/projects/202...
Reposted by Megan Menchaca
Our new Houston School Finder guide combines our expert reporting with custom data tools and easy-to-use guides to help families navigate Houston’s complex school choice landscape.
Link: www.houstonchronicle.com/projects/202...
Link: www.houstonchronicle.com/projects/202...
January 29, 2026 at 4:10 PM
Our new Houston School Finder guide combines our expert reporting with custom data tools and easy-to-use guides to help families navigate Houston’s complex school choice landscape.
Link: www.houstonchronicle.com/projects/202...
Link: www.houstonchronicle.com/projects/202...
Reposted by Megan Menchaca
"I can think of no better excuse for New Yorkers to stay home, take a long nap, or take advantage of our public libraries offer of free access to 'Heated Rivalry' on eBook or audio book for anyone with a library card."
NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani, at his snow press conferece today.
NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani, at his snow press conferece today.
January 25, 2026 at 6:36 PM
"I can think of no better excuse for New Yorkers to stay home, take a long nap, or take advantage of our public libraries offer of free access to 'Heated Rivalry' on eBook or audio book for anyone with a library card."
NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani, at his snow press conferece today.
NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani, at his snow press conferece today.
Reposted by Megan Menchaca
Alex Pretti grew up in Green Bay, Wisconsin, where he played football, baseball and ran track for Preble High School. He was a Boy Scout and sang in the Green Bay Boy Choir.
apnews.com/article/immi...
apnews.com/article/immi...
The man killed by a US Border Patrol officer in Minneapolis was an ICU nurse, family says
Family members say the man who was killed by a federal officer in Minneapolis was an intensive care nurse at a U.S.
apnews.com
January 25, 2026 at 12:57 AM
Alex Pretti grew up in Green Bay, Wisconsin, where he played football, baseball and ran track for Preble High School. He was a Boy Scout and sang in the Green Bay Boy Choir.
apnews.com/article/immi...
apnews.com/article/immi...
Reposted by Megan Menchaca
Protesters flooded the intersection of Nicollet Avenue and W. 26th Street in south Minneapolis, near where Alex Pretti was fatally shot by federal agents Saturday morning.
Video by Aaron Lavinsky, Genevieve Ross, Kyeland Jackson and Louis Krauss.
Video by Aaron Lavinsky, Genevieve Ross, Kyeland Jackson and Louis Krauss.
January 24, 2026 at 11:21 PM
Protesters flooded the intersection of Nicollet Avenue and W. 26th Street in south Minneapolis, near where Alex Pretti was fatally shot by federal agents Saturday morning.
Video by Aaron Lavinsky, Genevieve Ross, Kyeland Jackson and Louis Krauss.
Video by Aaron Lavinsky, Genevieve Ross, Kyeland Jackson and Louis Krauss.
Reposted by Megan Menchaca
At least two classes have been canceled since A&M's Board of Regents enacted the ban, intended to try and eliminate perceived liberal bias in Texas higher education.. bit.ly/45jzCbT
January 17, 2026 at 2:41 PM
At least two classes have been canceled since A&M's Board of Regents enacted the ban, intended to try and eliminate perceived liberal bias in Texas higher education.. bit.ly/45jzCbT
Reposted by Megan Menchaca
Mike Miles played a central role early in negotiations for a nearly $1M contract between a Texas charter school network and a for-profit Colorado consulting firm, according to hundreds of pages of public records reviewed by the Houston Chronicle.
www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston...
www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston...
January 14, 2026 at 4:08 PM
Mike Miles played a central role early in negotiations for a nearly $1M contract between a Texas charter school network and a for-profit Colorado consulting firm, according to hundreds of pages of public records reviewed by the Houston Chronicle.
www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston...
www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston...