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Over 42,000 Texas teachers will receive more than $481m in merit pay for 2024–25 under the Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA), which has improved teacher retention by nearly 10%. The bonuses are tied to performance and student growth. Gov. Greg Abbott praised the program, saying it puts teachers on track for six-figure salaries. “Texas is awarding thousands of teachers... with the pay raise they deserve,” he stated. House Bill 2 introduces a new “Acknowledged” designation and increases bonus amounts for existing tiers. Since 2019, TIA has distributed over $1bn in performance-based teacher awards. This expansion is expected to further incentivize excellence in classrooms, strengthen educational outcomes, and provide much-needed recognition for educators across rural and urban districts alike, reinforcing Texas' goal to lead the nation in public education.

 

Click 2 Houston

A federal judge has granted a Massachusetts nonprofit’s request to block an attempt by the Trump administration to cut the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights. Judge Myong J. Joun approved a preliminary injunction Wednesday in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts that requires the White House to stop employee layoffs for that office and blocks them from reinstating a March 11 reduction-in-staff directive. The injunction is effective immediately, and the Trump administration must also provide the court a notice of the employees’ return within 24 hours. The Victims Rights Law Center brought the case on behalf of two students over the directive, arguing that it created a resource gap significantly harming students experiencing sexual, racial and disability discrimination. The preliminary injunction orders the administration to file status reports to the court until the office is “restored to the status quo prior to January 20, 2025.”

 

Bloomberg Law

Education Week looks at how U.S. school districts are grappling with delayed funding notices, abrupt rule changes, and uncertainty due to the Trump administration’s moves to cut or withhold billions in federal education funding. The Department of Education has issued fewer timely responses, causing budgeting and hiring disruptions. Some funds appropriated under previous administrations have already been rescinded, sparking legal challenges. As Education Week notes: “Rule changes keep even the savviest district leaders on edge,” amid growing fears that further cuts proposed in Trump’s budget agenda—and Project 2025—may significantly disrupt services for vulnerable students.

 

Education Week News

Austin ISD has announced a 20% reduction in central office staff, resulting in savings of $9.6m as part of efforts to address a $93m budget deficit. Superintendent Matias Segura stated that the decision was "necessary to align our administrative functions and reduce administrative costs." The layoffs and salary reductions have affected over 170 positions, although the exact number of job eliminations was not disclosed. This year, the district has cut approximately $63m in costs through various measures, including freezing spending and reducing contractor reliance. Additionally, a proposed budget for 2025-26 anticipates a $19.7m deficit while requiring a 15.2% fund balance, which is below the current policy of 20%. Segura made a point to emphasize empathy during this challenging time for the community.

 

Austin American-Statesman

The College Station ISD Board of Trustees has approved a deficit budget for Fiscal Year 2025-26, which includes a 5% pay raise for all staff members, including teachers not covered by House Bill 2. The district will allocate $7,123,244 for these raises, resulting in a budget deficit of $2,170,733. Superintendent Tim Harkrider emphasized the importance of compensating staff, remarking: "I have no heartburn proposing a $2.1m deficit when all that money is going to our staff." Chief financial officer Heather Wilson acknowledged concerns about the deficit but assured that the finance team would seek efficiencies to manage expenses.

 

Bryan-College Station Eagle

Janice Whiting has been appointed as the new principal of Dean Highland Elementary School, returning to Waco ISD after three years at Midway ISD.

 

Wacotrib

Conroe ISD has officially initiated its search for a new superintendent following the unanimous approval of its Superintendent Search Plan on June 17. The current superintendent, Curtis Null, is departing for Lake Travis ISD, with Ted Landry serving as interim superintendent.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

In the aftermath of pandemic challenges, many pre-K teachers are contemplating leaving their positions due to overwhelming stress and inadequate pay. A recent RAND survey involving 1,427 public school pre-K teachers revealed that these educators experience work-related stress at nearly double the rate of other professions. Elizabeth Steiner, a senior policy researcher at RAND, said: “Teachers of public school-based pre-K were generally more stressed.” Key stressors identified include student behavior, mental health issues, and low compensation, with pre-K teachers earning about $7,000 less than their K-12 counterparts. Additionally, they reported working an average of eight unpaid hours weekly, compounded by excessive administrative tasks.

 

EdSource

Round Rock ISD is set to negotiate with Marathon Health to establish a worksite health clinic for district employees. Chief of human resources Eddie Curran emphasized that the initiative aims to contain rising health costs, which have surged by 15% since 2021. The clinic, expected to open in January 2026, will offer various services, including primary care, mental health support, and urgent care. Marathon Health will invest over $1.7m in start-up costs for a 10-year contract, after which the district will own the facility.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

Lamar CISD is set to begin the 2025-26 fiscal year with a projected surplus of $545,000, despite earlier warnings of a $3.3m shortfall. This positive shift follows the approval of House Bill 2, which allocates $8.9bn for public school funding for the 2025-27 biennium. The district's budget, approved on June 17, outlines $507.27m in expenditures against $507.82m in revenue, reflecting a revenue increase of over 7% from the previous year. Salaries account for approximately 85% of total expenditures, with mandated raises for teachers included.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

At a recent meeting, Hays CISD human resources director Christina Courson discussed the fiscal year 2025-26 budget, revealing that the district has 3,185 locally funded employees. With $1,035,000 allocated by the legislature, Courson noted: “We are in this position because this is what the legislature has provided Hays CISD.” After accounting for rising costs, the district can offer a fixed annual raise of $483.92 to 1,711 teachers. The administration recommends this approach to ensure equitable distribution among staff, especially those on lower pay scales. Superintendent Dr. Eric Wright emphasized the need to protect the budget and the district's ability to serve students. The board is set to vote on the proposal at the June 24 meeting.

 

Hays Free Press

The Midlothian ISD board of trustees approved a preliminary budget for the 2025-2026 school year during a recent meeting, despite uncertainties in school finances. The general fund, child nutrition fund, and debt service fund budgets were approved, with total expenditures projected at $132.6m, reflecting a $3m increase from the previous year.

 

Midlothianmirror.com

Austin ISD students demonstrated lower proficiency in math compared to reading on the 2025 State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) test. The district's performance reflected statewide trends, as Texas students struggled in math while showing growth in reading. Overall, AISD students performed below state averages in most subjects, with significant declines noted in fifth grade math, which dropped by four percentage points. TEA Commissioner Mike Morath said: “While this year also saw some improvements in math, clearly more work is needed.” The district is implementing the Accelerating Campus Excellence model to address these challenges, particularly in schools that received consecutive F ratings.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

Houston ISD students demonstrated significant improvement in the spring 2025 STAAR, with 17 out of 20 grade levels and subjects showing gains. Notably, sixth-grade math scores increased by 9%, while eighth-grade science scores rose by 8%. Despite these improvements, HISD students scored below state averages in 11 of the 20 exams. Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath acknowledged the progress, saying: “These results are encouraging and reflect the impact of the strategic supports we've implemented in recent years.”

 

Community Impact Newspaper

Liberty Hill ISD has outperformed the state in all subjects and grade levels on the 2025 STAAR test. While LHISD saw improvements in seven subjects, declines occurred in nine, with the most significant drop in eighth grade social studies, which fell by six percentage points. Overall, 97% of students approached grade level in U.S. History, while 43% of Texas students met grade-level standards in math, a decline from 50% in 2019.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

New Caney ISD experienced improvements in science scores for the spring 2025 STAAR, but overall performance was below state averages in most categories. According to the Texas Education Agency, NCISD improved in eight subjects, declined in eleven, and saw no change in one.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

As Boerne ISD prepares for the upcoming school year, several key developments have emerged. Danya Comley has been appointed as the new principal of Fair Oaks Ranch Elementary School, effective for the 2025-26 school year. Comley, who has 20 years of experience in education, previously served as assistant principal at Voss Middle School. Additionally, Jessica Shults and Lauren Sanders have been appointed as principals at Voss Middle School and Viola Wilson Elementary School, respectively. The Boerne ISD board also approved a balanced budget for fiscal year 2025-26 and plans to hold a voter-approval tax rate election in November to support teacher salaries and capital improvements. Furthermore, the district purchased a 70-acre tract of land to accommodate future growth, while also reviewing enrollment projections that indicate potential capacity issues in the coming years.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

Conroe ISD's board of trustees has unanimously approved a new policy prohibiting the use of personal communication devices, including cellphones and smart watches, during the school day, effective August 13 for grades K-12. This decision follows the Texas Senate's passage of House Bill 1481, which mandates such policies across school districts. The approved policy includes strict consequences for unauthorized use, with devices being confiscated and returned at the end of the school day. However, exceptions may be made for students with medical needs or those on a 504 plan.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

Educator Brian Knowles explains to The 74 how he uses Juneteenth to teach deeper, often-avoided aspects of American history, especially in Florida where educational censorship is growing. Knowles highlights Juneteenth as more than a holiday—it’s a portal into the complex path of emancipation. “When we don’t talk about important historical events… we miss the opportunity to open up meaningful conversations,” he says. He advocates for culturally affirming curriculum, like his “BOLDLY BLACK” workbook series, and calls on Black communities to build independent educational spaces. Despite challenges, Knowles remains hopeful: “We’ve found ways to resist... in order to achieve self-sufficiency.”

 

The 74 (Online)

Many U.S. educators feel unprepared to teach multilingual learners (MLs), according to a RAND survey of 7,500 K-12 teachers and 1,300 principals. Half of teachers reported limited readiness, and only 10% of principals prioritized both targeted professional learning and curriculum for MLs. “Educators need to be well-equipped with the right tools...but they also need to know how to use these materials effectively,” said study author Sabrina Lee. Experts urge investing in integrated, high-quality curriculum and training to meet the needs of MLs, who now represent 10% of public school enrollment and are the fastest-growing student group.

 

Education Week News

The Betty M. Condra School for Dyslexia Success in Lubbock has launched the Mike Pritchard Music Program, aimed at enhancing the educational experience for students with unique learning needs, particularly those with dyslexia and ADHD. The program, named after the late musician Mike Pritchard, will be led by teacher Josh Frye and will include a variety of musical styles, including Mariachi. The school, which opened in 2019, continues to enroll new students and emphasizes individualized instruction tailored to each child's strengths.

 

Lubbock Avalanche-Journal

The Alternative Student Transportation Association (ASTA) has been established, bringing together six major alternative transportation providers, including 4MATIV and HopSkipDrive. The new association aims to advocate for flexible, student-centered transportation solutions and educate stakeholders about the importance of consistent industry standards. The association recognizes the challenges faced by the industry, such as budget cuts and bus driver shortages, and is committed to ensuring that every student has access to quality education through innovative transportation solutions.

 

School Bus Fleet

Students at English universities are now expected to engage with challenging ideas, as the Office for Students has released new guidelines aimed at safeguarding free speech on campuses. Arif Ahmed, the free speech director, emphasized that students should be prepared to encounter views that may be "uncomfortable or shocking." This initiative responds to growing concerns about the silencing of diverse opinions, particularly regarding gender-critical academics and pro-Israeli groups. The guidelines stem from legislation passed in 2023, which aims to protect lawful speech while allowing universities to regulate its expression to maintain a conducive learning environment. Julian Sladdin from law firm Pinsent Masons noted the ongoing challenges universities face in navigating complex and polarizing issues related to free speech.

 

Los Angeles Times