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Lori Melcher | Founder, Texas District Watch

I started this blog to give parents and teachers a safe place to speak up. Sometimes, dealing with school district problems can feel like you are fighting a losing battle. I am here to help you change that.

My goal is simple.I want to keep a close eye on what Texas school districts are doing. I want to make sure the focus stays where it belongs. On the safety and success of our students.

This site is more than just a place to talk. It is a toolkit for change.

It is designed to help parents to:

  • Know Your Rights: Understand the rules so you can stand up for yourself and your students.
  • Find Resources: Get access to the tools and information the district might not tell you about.
  • Navigate the System: Learn how to handle “red tape” and get real answers from school boards.

You do not have to figure this out alone. You might be a parent trying to protect your child. You might also be a teacher trying to do your job. No matter who you are, I have your back.

  • When “Honors” Becomes an Exit Instead of an Opportunity

    When Asking for Help is Met With Silence On November 13, I sent an email to my daughter’s teacher. I did not ask for a handout—I asked for academic interventions. These are specific tools that Texas law says schools should use to help students. My requests included: The result? I never received a response. My…

  • RIGHT TO FULL INFORMATION: THE SECRET CONTRACT

    Is Your School Keeping You in the Dark? In Texas, we are told that parents are “partners” with our schools. We are supposed to have a seat at the table, especially when it comes to our children’s safety and discipline. But what happens when the school decides to cut you out of the loop? According…

  • Parental Engagement

    The Case of the Missing “Status Loop” By Lori Melcher | Texas District Watch Have you ever sent a message into a “digital black hole?” In Texas, a law called TEC Sec. 26.0071 was made to make sure parents have a real voice in their schools. It says schools must have an Internet portal so…

  • Your Right to Check School Books

    Is Your “Right to Know” Being Delivered or Hidden? By Lori Melcher | Texas District Watch In my last two posts, we looked at the new Texas laws designed to open the classroom door. On paper, my school district is moving toward compliance. They have adopted the policies, updated the handbooks, and even created a…

  • A Parent’s Guide to Student Records

    Know Your Rights By Lori Melcher | Texas District Watch As a parent, you are the most important person in your child’s education. Texas law actually says the school is supposed to be your partner. But sometimes, it feels like the school is holding all the cards and keeping you in the dark. I want…

  • ARE YOU REALLY A “PARTNER” IN YOUR SCHOOL?

    The Locked Front Door: Is Your School District Filtering Out Parental Rights? By Lori Melcher | Texas District Watch Across Texas, “Parental Rights” is the phrase of the year. But there is a growing gap between the law on the books and the reality on the ground. While the state mandates that parents have a…

  • GRIEVANCES IN TEXAS SCHOOLS

    The “Innovation” Trap: Why Texas Districts are Racing to the Past By Lori Melcher | Texas District Watch Have you ever felt like you were playing a game where the referee was also the opposing coach, and they kept changing the rulebook every time you scored a point? That is exactly what is happening in…

  • PARENTAL RIGHTS IN TEXAS SCHOOLS

    Your Voice, Your Child: A Guide to Parental Rights in Texas Schools Navigating the school system can sometimes feel like learning a new language. But starting in the 2025–2026 school year, the “rules of the game” in Texas have changed to give you a much bigger seat at the table. In the 89th Legislative Session…

  • THE IMPORTANCE OF PUBLIC RECORDS

    Learn about the role of public records in school district governance and how Texas District Watch ensures transparency.

  • ADVOCATING FOR PARENTAL RIGHTS

    Explore the significance of parental rights in Texas education and how Texas District Watch supports families in advocacy efforts.

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