Your San Antonio back-to-school guide
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Illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios
Back-to-school season is here.
Why it matters: Families will navigate new state laws, new school leaders and different start dates in the coming weeks.
Here's what to know before the first bell.
New leadership
San Antonio and North East ISDs named Adrian Bustillos and Anthony Jarrett as their respective superintendents over the summer.
- Judson and Northside ISDs are also starting the year with interim superintendents: Ann Dixon and Jessica Palomares, respectively.
New laws
Texas' law requiring the Ten Commandments in every public school classroom is in effect statewide after a federal appeals court lifted an injunction that had blocked enforcement in some districts. The law remains under legal challenge.
- Spokespeople for San Antonio and Northside ISDs told Axios they will comply with the state's Ten Commandments law.
Texas' Education Freedom Accounts program — the state's school voucher system — debuts this school year, with participating families receiving state money for private school tuition and approved education costs.
Between the lines: Districts return on different dates.
- Tuesday: San Antonio ISD schools operated by Third Future Schools — Tafolla Middle School, Ogden Elementary and Hirsch Elementary
- Aug. 10: KIPP Texas Public Schools, East Central ISD, Northside ISD, South San ISD
- Aug. 11: IDEA Public Schools, Great Hearts, Boerne ISD, Edgewood ISD
- Aug. 12: San Antonio ISD, Harlandale ISD, Judson ISD, South Side ISD
- Aug. 13: Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD
- Aug. 17: Archdiocese of San Antonio schools, North East ISD
What they're saying: A positive back-to-school mindset starts at home, San Antonio ISD spokesperson Laura Short tells Axios.
- "Conversations about the joy of learning, new experiences and the milestone of advancing to the next grade can help children feel confident and eager to return to the classroom."
What's next: Celebrate the end of summer at the city's free Summer Bash, Saturday, 10am-7pm, with a school supply giveaway, family activities and live entertainment.
- Spurs Sports & Entertainment is also hosting a Back to School Bash at Frost Bank Center on Aug. 8, noon–3pm, with free school supplies, health screenings and haircuts.
- Texas' tax-free weekend is Aug. 7-9. Most clothing, footwear, school supplies and backpacks priced under $100 qualify.