It's just not worth it. That appears to be the message from a growing number of top-level school administrators who say they won't be returning next year. In North Texas alone, at least eight superintendents have already announced their plans to leave a career many educators spend decades aspiring to. As Texas schools have struggled throughout this pandemic, most recently scrambling to cover staff shortages and field mixed messages during the current omicron case spike, as you'll see below, school administrators have borne the brunt of the criticism from parents who are frustrated not only over COVID, but hyper-politicized arguments over what's being taught in the classroom. Some superintendents say they've faced personal harassment and even death threats. The head of a group representing school administrators told us this week that the pipeline for replacements is running low as promising candidates see the lack of civility, the hostile climate in many public school board sessions, the personal threats, the wave of resignations … and are having second thoughts. For many districts, struggling with challenges on so many fronts, the question of "what next?" has become pressing and immediate. What's happening at school board meetings reflects a growing challenge to public institutions more broadly. Seditious conspiracy charges have been brought against the Texas-based founder of a group of self-described "guardians of the republic" involved in the January 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. While the charges against the founder of the "Oath Keepers" and several of his followers are important, there are growing concerns that such prosecutions will be far from sufficient to deal with the underlying currents threatening democracy. As always, we welcome your thoughts as you get caught up on some of our coverage from the past week hand-picked by our producers and editors. Until next Wednesday, we'll see you on the radio.

- David Brown

Work safe, Texas. Texas Work Comp Insurance

‘We are tired of taking up the slack for the state.’ Educators struggle with staff shortages and mixed messages.

The Texas State Teachers Association says leaders should prioritize safety, including adherence to the CDC’s COVID-19 protocols.

Legal expert: conspiracy of sedition charges against Oath Keepers a ‘textbook’ case

The founder and 10 members of the Texas-based far-right group are accused of planning and using force to prevent Congress’ certification of the 2020 presidential election.

A lot has changed in the cattle business, but there’s still no substitute for a brand

Every 10 years, ranchers in Texas must register their livestock brand with the local county clerk. That period is happening now.

Texas steals the show in 'Yellowstone' prequel ‘1883’

Actor Eric Nelsen trained for weeks in the Texas heat to be an authentic cowboy. He says it was the most fun he’s ever had.

Austin voters to decide on decriminalizing small amounts of weed and banning no-knock warrants in May (KUT)
Deep Ellum's beat goes on – but perhaps not as loud – if noise reduction plan moves forward (KERA North Texas)
Houston’s addiction treatment centers are feeling the effects of the omicron variant (Houston Public Media)
San Antonio may see the coldest days of winter this week (Texas Public Radio)

Saludos! I’m Pablo De La Rosa, currently reporting on The Rio Grande Valley for Texas Public Radio in San Antonio as a freelancer. I grew up on both sides of the Texas-Mexico border, and am passionate about telling stories from our region and making media and information more accessible to everyone in my community. I began covering immigration and the impacts of the pandemic on the border in 2021 from McAllen, and have since worked on radio and online stories on SpaceX, politics, and healthcare in the region. One of the things I’ve really enjoyed is designing and updating TPR's daily RGV COVID-19 live blog, which we publish in both English and Spanish for the Rio Grande Valley. April will mark my first full year in journalism. Working with the incredibly talented team at TPR has been an invaluable learning experience, and I’m super excited to continue pitching more projects in the coming year.

- Pablo De La Rosa
@pblodlr

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