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Education Secretary Linda McMahon appeared before a House Appropriations Subcommittee on Wednesday, in a hearing that saw her defend the Trump administration's request to cut 15% from her department's budget. She began by stating that her three priorities for the department's fiscal 2026 budget are "to shrink federal bureaucracy, save taxpayer money, and empower states who best know their local needs to manage education in this country.” She added that the spending reduction will be achieved by eliminating duplicative or ineffective programs, reducing regulatory compliance, and giving states more flexibility in how they dedicate those dollars. Several Republican members praised the efforts to give parents more educational options for their children. Subcommittee Chair Robert Aderholt (R-AL) argued that student achievement has not increased despite a rise in federal education spending. However, several Democratic lawmakers voiced support for prioritizing the public education system. Rep. Lois Frankel (D-NY) attempted to secure a commitment that the Education Department will spend funds as Congress directs it to even if lawmakers don’t accept Trump’s plans, to which McMahon replied: "We will abide by the law."

 

The Hill

Education Week News

K-12 Dive

New York Times

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Texas lawmakers are nearing a significant agreement on an $8.5bn funding package aimed at enhancing public schools. This deal, confirmed by multiple lawmakers, includes a $55 per-student increase in base funding and over $1bn allocated for essential costs like utilities and transportation. Rep. Brad Buckley pointed out the significance of addressing rising education costs, explaining: "It's about safe schools and investing in our teachers." The package also proposes $4.2bn for teacher pay raises and $500m for other school employees. However, concerns remain regarding the adequacy of the funding, as many districts face budget shortfalls amid inflation and stagnant funding. Rep. Gene Wu expressed skepticism, noting that the Senate's approach may not align with the needs of all school districts.

 

Longview News-Journal

Odessa American

The STAAR test has become a significant source of stress for students, teachers, and parents alike. Austin state representative Gina Hinojosa shared a poignant story about her son, Pablo, who felt overwhelmed by the pressure of the test, adding: “It’s too much.” The test has been criticized for labeling students and schools as failures, particularly affecting economically disadvantaged and minority communities. Recent changes to the STAAR, including a shift to computer-based testing, have further disadvantaged students unfamiliar with technology. A survey revealed that 98% of Texas public school teachers lack confidence in the A-F grading system tied to STAAR results, with many educators feeling the pressure to teach to the test. Critics argue that the STAAR system perpetuates inequality and fails to address the root causes of educational challenges.

 

The Austin Chronicle

The Judson ISD board unanimously decided to keep Judson Middle School, Candlewood Elementary School, and Franz Leadership Academy open after extensive public input during a special meeting on May 21. The discussions arose from concerns over a projected budget shortfall of $40.82m for the 2025-26 Fiscal Year. Trustee José Macias Jr. emphasized the board's strategic decision to avoid closures, while Board President Monica Ryan expressed uncertainty about future budgetary directions, stating: “We're going to be down to 50 days in our fund balance, the lowest of any school district in the San Antonio area.” Community members voiced concerns about the impact of closures on low-income areas, with Claudia Walker, an early childhood special education teacher, highlighting the issue of "spatial injustice." The board plans to explore further cost-saving measures in upcoming meetings.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

At a May 19 meeting, Clear Creek ISD's board of trustees approved several contracts and vendors, including a $1.6m construction contract with Generocity Services, Inc. for the Bayside Intermediate driveway project, expected to be completed by July 31. Other approvals included $200K for door hardware and security equipment, $150K for custodial equipment, and $130K for Qualtrics, LLC web-based survey software to enhance the district's assessment and evaluation efforts. All contracts will be funded through the district's general funds and the 2023 bond. The HVAC equipment and local sound systems at various schools will also be financed through the bond.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

According to a recent AAPI Data/AP-NORC poll, young Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander adults are largely against reducing federal funding for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in higher education. The survey indicates that about 90% of AAPI adults under 30 oppose such funding cuts and deportation of students involved in campus protests. In contrast, older AAPI adults show less overwhelming opposition, with around 50% against these measures. Iris Chiou, a 28-year-old Taiwanese American medical student, expressed concern for foreign students facing deportation, commenting: “The fact that you have people disappearing and being deported... I think that's going to scare people.” The poll highlights the importance of a college degree for AAPI adults, with many viewing it as essential for achieving career success. The survey was conducted from April 7-14, 2025, with a sample of 1,094 U.S. adults from the AAPI community.

 

US News

During the Carroll ISD board meeting on May 19, Superintendent Jeremy Glenn addressed community concerns regarding the employment status of several teachers and staff. “Your voices have been heard,” Glenn stated, acknowledging the support for those affected. Updates included the reinstatement of the second choir position and the appointment of a candidate. David Markley was reinstated as the head coach for Southlake Carroll boys basketball. Principal Ryan Wilson remains under contract through the 2025-26 school year, while Principal Christina Benhoff will transition to Keller ISD as the principal of Timber Creek High School. Board President Cameron Bryan emphasized that personnel decisions are made for the benefit of students and staff, but cannot be discussed publicly. “However, your input informs our oversight and guides our decision making,” he noted.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

Recent studies indicate that college students may be relying too heavily on artificial intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT, potentially undermining their learning. In a study titled “Beware of metacognitive laziness: Effects of generative artificial intelligence on learning motivation, processes, and performance,” researchers found that while students using ChatGPT improved their essays more than those with human coaches, they did not learn the material better or feel more motivated. The researchers noted that it "highlights a crucial issue in human-AI interaction,” pointing to a tendency for students to offload their thinking to the AI, which detracts from genuine engagement with the content. Interestingly, those who completed assignments without AI reported greater enjoyment and motivation.

 

EdSource

Starting May 27, the Lewisville ISD Child Nutrition Department will provide free meals to children under 18 and enrolled students with disabilities up to 21 years old through the Seamless Summer Option, a program by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Yana Koleva, Resident District Manager, emphasized the importance of nutrition, stating: “All children in LISD and the surrounding areas need good nutrition year-round so they can learn, grow and succeed in life.” With nearly 2m food insecure children in Texas, this initiative aims to bridge the nutritional gap during summer.

 

The Cross Timbers Gazette

Spring ISD has officially commenced construction on its new Education, Performance and Instruction Center (EPIC). The $141m facility, funded by a $850m bond package approved by voters in 2022, will span 148,000 square feet and feature an indoor arena, performance hall, art gallery, and a 250-seat academic and recital hall. Joe Clark, SISD director of performing and visual arts, emphasized the importance of the project, noting: "In 2027, you will have a space worthy of all your gifts - academic, athletic and artistic."

 

Community Impact Newspaper

On May 20, Boerne ISD announced the acquisition of a 70-acre tract of land south of Boerne, aimed at addressing future growth needs. The district plans to evaluate potential uses for the property, which may include a new school or athletic complex. During a recent board meeting, enrollment projections for the next decade were discussed, indicating a need for campus expansions. Superintendent Kristen Craft emphasized the significance of the purchase, stating, "This land purchase is more than just an investment in real estate—it's an investment in our students, our teachers and our community's future.” Community engagement will be part of the master planning process expected to begin soon.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

Incorporating movement into the classroom significantly enhances student learning, behavior, and well-being. Research indicates that physical activity, even in short bursts, can help students manage anxiety and stress. However, only 11% of elementary schools mandate activity breaks, and this trend declines in middle and high school. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that students engaged in over three hours of sedentary activities daily tend to achieve lower grades, while those active for at least 60 minutes often earn mostly A's. To combat this, principals can encourage teachers to integrate movement into lessons, such as using flexible seating or incorporating dance to explain concepts.

 

Education Week News

The House Homeland Security Committee has asked Chinese automaker BYD to hand over documents related to its ownership structure, correspondence with any American or Chinese lobbying firms, cybersecurity audits and assessments, data storage policies and specifics on all electric school buses under contract or in use in the country. BYD has been battling to keep its bus business in the U.S. by selling to cities and school districts, despite attempts in Congress to exclude the Chinese company through legislation. BYD started out making lithium-ion batteries for consumer electronics, then moved into cars and buses while growing its business as a supplier to technology giants including Apple.

 

Bloomberg

The Brownsville ISD Board of Trustees has extended Superintendent Jesus H. Chavez's contract for another year, following a unanimous vote on his annual evaluation. Board President Daniella Lopez Valdez praised Chavez, stating, “You were ranked a strong and effective leader. Thank you so much for your leadership.” Chavez, who returned from retirement to serve as interim superintendent in late 2023, expressed his commitment to the community, saying, “For me, it’s always been about doing great work for our students and our community.”

 

The Monitor

Ingram ISD is gearing up for an exciting summer filled with sports activities for students from kindergarten to seniors. The athletic department has organized various camps, including a boys basketball camp for incoming sixth to ninth graders, scheduled for June 9-10 from 8 to 10 a.m. in the Warrior Gymnasium.

 

Daily Times

Alberta's government has committed funding to fast-track the delivery of 11 school projects across the province, including a new high school in west Calgary and the modernization of the existing Bishop McNally High School.  Funding will also go to modernizing or building new schools in Coalhurst, Donnelly, Falher, Fort McMurray, Grande Prairie County, Lac La Biche, Red Deer, Strathmore, and Wetaskiwin. Collectively, the 11 projects are expected to create 8,000 new and updated student spaces. The province also announced on Wednesday that it was investing C$50m ($36m) to provide modular classrooms to 19 school boards. Funding for the new schools is coming through Alberta's C$8.6bn School Construction Accelerator Program.

 

CBC News