Texas

El Paso private school says interest is growing as Texas voucher deadline nears

Published

1 month ago

March 13, 2026

El Paso private school says interest is growing as Texas voucher deadline nears

EL PASO, TEXAS (KFOX14/CBS4) — As the deadline to apply for Texas’ new school voucher program approaches, some private schools in El Paso say they are already seeing more interest from families.

The Texas Education Freedom Account program, also known as school vouchers, was created last year when lawmakers passed Senate Bill 2 and Gov. Greg Abbott signed it into law. State leaders set aside about $1 billion to fund the program during its first year.

If selected, families could receive thousands of dollars to help pay for private school or other education expenses.

Most students who use the funding for private school could receive about $10,000 a year. Students with disabilities could receive up to $30,000 depending on their eligibility, while homeschool families could receive about $2,000 for education expenses.

Matthew Macarah, head of Cherry Hill School in El Paso, said the program has led to increased interest from families considering private school.

“For us, we have a lot more interest. We have our returning parents that are interested in it, because we had to raise our tuition,” Macarah said. “But we’ve also had a great growth in interest with the new parents that are coming in and knowing that that door is open, coming to a private school because of the voucher system.”

However, because the program has limited funding, not every student who applies will receive money.

State officials say if demand exceeds available funding, a lottery system will be used. Priority will be given to students with disabilities and families with lower incomes.

Jordan Salas reports on El Paso private school says interest is growing as Texas voucher deadline nears (Credit: KFOX14)

RECOMMENDED: Texas school voucher deadline nears, new data shows El Paso applications

Students selected for the program can only use the funding at schools that have registered to participate.

Private schools are not required to join the program, but state data shows about 31 schools in the El Paso area have signed up so far.

Macarah said the school does not have a set cap on voucher students, but space in classrooms remains a factor.

“Our cap is just based on keeping our class size small,” Macarah said.

According to the Texas Education Freedom Account website, the program will also be subject to oversight and audits.

A private entity will review accounts annually, and the state auditor will also verify that students meet eligibility requirements and that funds are used for approved expenses.

Macarah said schools participating in the program expect that level of oversight.

“Some of the things that we’re expecting are an audit from the state funds to make sure the funds that we get are used appropriately according to the law and the purpose,” Macarah said. “It doesn’t seem overly onerous, and we’re excited to be able to invite more people, more diversity coming into the school.”

Applications for the program remain open until Tuesday. After the deadline, the state will begin reviewing applications and selecting students through the lottery process.

According to the state, families could begin receiving funding notifications as early as April.

More information on the program and how to apply can be found here.

RECOMMENDED: Applications open this week for Texas school voucher program

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Texas

Painted Tree Boutiques abruptly closes all locations nationwide, including final Texas stores

Published

3 hours ago

April 14, 2026

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Painted Tree Boutiques abruptly closes all locations nationwide, including final Texas stores

Painted Tree Boutiques has abruptly closed all of its stores nationwide, blaming rising costs, shifting market conditions and changes in consumer shopping behavior.

The company, which grew to more than 60 locations nationally, leased booth space to vendors and took a commission on their sales, most often from craft and handmade items.

Texas’ stores included six in North Texas – Frisco, Grapevine, Highland Village, Lewisville, Mansfield and North Richland Hills – along with others in the Austin, San Antonio, Tyler and Houston areas.

Closure announced in company message

Painted Tree announced the closures in a message expressing gratitude to shoppers, vendors, and employees, noting its last day of business was Monday.

The Arkansas-originated company emphasized that Painted Tree was “never just a store,” but a community hub and launchpad for local makers.

“We are heartbroken by this outcome,” the company said.

“This decision has not come lightly, and it represents the end of a chapter that has meant everything to us,” the company said in a statement. “To our shoppers – you have made every single day worthwhile. You came to us not just to shop, but to discover, to support local makers, and to find something truly one-of-a-kind.

“To our dedicated team members – past and present – your commitment, creativity, and care have shaped everything we’ve accomplished. You showed up every day with kindness and purpose, and we are deeply thankful for every hour you gave to this community.”

Vendors told to retrieve inventory

Vendors were instructed to retrieve all inventory by April 24.

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Texas

Gov. Abbott to tour South Plains College, discuss Texas Jobs Council

Published

15 hours ago

April 14, 2026

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Gov. Abbott to tour South Plains College, discuss Texas Jobs Council

LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – Gov. Greg Abbott is scheduled to tour the Automotive Technology and Welding Facility at South Plains College on Tuesday, April 14, and deliver remarks on the creation of the Texas Jobs Council and the state’s investments in career and technical education.

Abbott will be joined by Teamsters Local 988 President Robert Mele, South Plains College President Robin Satterwhite and Texas Association of Community Colleges President and CEO Ray Martinez III.

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Texas

Texas AG opens investigation into Austin over APD guidance on ICE warrants

Published

1 day ago

April 13, 2026

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Texas AG opens investigation into Austin over APD guidance on ICE warrants

AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas Attorney General’s Office is launching an investigation into the City of Austin over recent changes to Austin Police Department policy involving immigration enforcement.

A news flash obtained by CBS Austin and sent to Austin Mayor Kirk Watson and city council confirms the review focuses on updated guidance for how officers handle administrative ICE warrants.

The investigation comes as the state claims those changes may violate Texas Senate Bill 4, a law banning sanctuary cities in the state.

The policy change follows the addition of more than 700,000 ICE administrative warrants to a national law enforcement database earlier this year. According to the city, the revised policy creates a process for officers who encounter a person with an ICE administrative warrant and allows officers to provide “reasonable or necessary assistance,” while taking into consideration legal constraints and limited police resources.

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City leaders maintain the policy is lawful.

“We believe our general orders are consistent with SB4 and will cooperate with the Attorney General’s investigation,” said the newsflash.

Officials say the changes were designed to provide clearer guidance for officers while balancing public safety priorities and constitutional requirements.

CBS Austin has reached out the Attorney General’s Office for comment.

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