Raise Your Hand Texas

09/02/2026

Public education advocacy in action! Check out this feature in the Rio Grande Guardian, featuring Raise Your Hand Texas Advocate - South Texas, Clarissa Riojas, and Noelia Barrera, a parent and public school advocate in her community. Read the article here: https://riograndeguardian.com/stories/riojas-back-to-school-the-power-of-public-education-and-advocacy,81495

A guest column from Clarissa Riojas, M.Ed., Regional Advocacy Director for Raise Your Hand Texas in the Rio Grande Valley.

08/31/2026

"Having predictable, long-term financial clarity gives school districts the stability to plan 5, 10, and 15 years down the road..." - Dr. Tory Hill, Channelview ISD Superintendent

From budget deficits to policy shifts, Houston-area public schools are navigating complex funding structures while keeping the focus where it belongs: on student success. Read the latest story from Community Impact to explore how state legislative shifts impact local classrooms and what sustainable funding could look like.

Read the full story: https://go.ryht.org/houstontxschools

08/25/2026

The Texas Tribune Texas Public School Explorer is a powerful tool for understanding what's happening in Texas public schools. Look up any district or campus and see the numbers for yourself: https://schools.texastribune.org/

08/20/2026

As a new school year begins, North Texas communities are focused on ensuring our public schools have the support they need to succeed. Navigating the complexities of school funding is challenging for parents and advocates alike, but we must understand the impact on our local DFW-area schools.

Read this new article from Community Impact to learn about legislative shifts and how we could provide predictable, long-term support for our 5.4 million students.

Read the full story: go.ryht.org/northtxschools

08/18/2026

Texas public schools are delivering opportunities that prepare students for high-demand, high-wage careers. 🛠️✨

Congratulations to Lamar CISD on opening a brand-new Career and Technical Education Center (Lamar CISD CTE), set to serve about 1,800 students a year! From culinary arts to robotics to automotive tech, students will train in real-world environments and walk away with industry certifications and college credit. Big things ahead for Lamar CISD students. 🎉

08/13/2026

In June and July, nearly 200 dedicated public education advocates gathered in Kerrville, Texas, for the Community Leaders Fellowship Summer Retreat sessions. Cohort members engaged in sessions that served as a powerful launchpad for grassroots advocacy, campaign strategy, and deep coalition-building across school districts statewide.

Want to see what grassroots advocacy looks like in action? Click here to read the full recap: https://go.ryht.org/2026fellowship

Raise Your Hand Texas' Community Leaders Fellowship retreat empowers advocates from across the state to build trust and strengthen Texas public education.

08/11/2026

Good luck to Texas students heading back to school this month! Wishing you a year full of learning, growth, and friendship!

08/10/2026

Our economy needs a skilled workforce, and Texas public school CTE programs prepare students for high-demand careers. That's why we're proud to sponsor the Texas Tribune’s The Future of Texas’ Workforce.
Held this Wednesday, August 12, at the Texas State Technical College Aerospace Center in Waco, this symposium will bring together education leaders, employers, industry partners, and civic stakeholders to discuss how Texas is building the programs needed for the economy ahead.

https://futureofthetexasworkforce.splashthat.com/

08/07/2026

Raise Your Hand Texas was excited to attend the West Texas Leadership Summit, hosted by the San Angelo Chamber of Commerce. This annual summit brings together regional business leaders, elected officials, educators, and community advocates across West Texas to collaborate on leadership, economic development, and workforce needs shaping our region.

When local businesses and public schools partner together, we build a stronger workforce and a brighter economic future for all Texans.

08/06/2026

It's almost time to go back to school, and this weekend is the perfect time to get supplies.
It's tax-free weekend starting Friday, August 7th - Sunday, August 9th.

Check out the official list of school supplies that qualify for tax exemption:
https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/publications/98-490/