A new school year is approaching in West Texas, bringing a sense of optimism to the community. School buses will soon be rolling through neighborhoods, and parents will be taking photos of their children on their first day back. As the start of the school year nears, State Rep.

Brooks Landgraf has been considering ways to improve the learning environment. He has heard concerns from teachers about the impact of smartphones on students' ability to focus in class. Further details on Landgraf's thoughts on creating effective classrooms are available from the Odessa American.