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A group of former federal special education officials has written to leaders of the House and Senate education appropriations subcommittees urging them to reject efforts to move oversight of special education services to the U.S. Department of Education. The Supreme Court's decision to allow the Education Department to continue downsizing clears the way for the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services to be moved under the auspices the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, although no formal plan has been made public. In addition to warning against this, the letter also asks Congress to reject President Donald Trump’s plan to combine into a block grant certain funds under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in fiscal year 2026. It argues that a current Republican-led proposal to consolidate IDEA’s preschool funding and support for teacher training, technical assistance, and special education research “would have an immediate detrimental impact on special education, students with disabilities, schools, and states.” The National Down Syndrome Congress said: “IDEA is an education and a civil rights law, not a social service, and it must remain in a department dedicated to education to ensure strong oversight, enforcement, and accountability." 

 

K-12 Dive

Clear Creek ISD officials are grappling with a projected $13.5m shortfall for the fiscal year 2025-26, up from $12.1m since the last budget discussion. The district anticipates expenses exceeding $429.6m against revenues of just over $414m, alongside $2.1m from other sources. Factors contributing to this increase include a $14.1m drop in tax collections and a $4.8m rise in payroll costs. Despite the financial challenges, the district is considering salary increases for teachers, including a state-mandated $2,500 raise for those with three to four years of experience and a $5,000 raise for those with five or more years.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

Brownsville ISD is facing a significant funding crisis, after the Trump administration has frozen nearly $7bn in federal funding, impacting various educational programs. Superintendent Jesus H. Chavez expressed disappointment, commenting: “A lot of these are student programs and we don’t want to cut student programs.” The district is already short $17m for the 2025-2026 budget and now must cope with an additional loss of $8.3m. U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez, along with 149 House Democrats, is urging the administration to release the withheld funds, which are crucial for K-12 education across Texas.

 

The Monitor

A gathering of around 30 individuals, including teachers, administrators, and community members, recently took place in Boyd ISD’s boardroom to discuss the district's facility needs. This workshop followed the rejection of a $63m bond proposal by voters in May 2025. The community's input is crucial as Boyd ISD navigates its future facility requirements.

 

Wise County Messenger

The Trump administration's recent decision to freeze over $6bn in federal education funding has left Dallas ISD with a $22m shortfall, impacting approximately 150 staff positions. Superintendent Stephanie Elizalde said, “Right in this moment, we're going to be OK,” but expressed concern about the long-term implications if federal funds do not resume. The freeze affects various programs, including after-school care and English language instruction, crucial for low-income students. Elizalde has implemented a hiring freeze for non-essential central administration roles while ensuring campus-based hires continue.

 

Dallas News

On July 14, Magnolia ISD's board of trustees unanimously approved a new cellphone policy prohibiting students from using personal communication devices during the school day. Ben King, the district's assistant superintendent of administration, stated: “You can have your cellphone in your pocket. You can have it in your backpack, purse... We do not need to see it out.” While students can possess their phones, they must be stowed away from the start to the end of the instructional day. Exceptions are made for students with medical needs or those on a 504 plan. This policy follows the Texas Senate's passage of House Bill 1481, which mandates such restrictions.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

On July 14, Friendswood ISD's board of trustees approved a salary compensation package that will enhance pay for all teachers and staff. This includes state-mandated increases for teachers as outlined in House Bill 2, which aims to provide permanent raises through the teacher retention allotment. The package features a market alignment stipend for new teachers and state-mandated raises for those with varying years of experience. Overall, the fiscal impact for 2025-26 is projected to exceed $2.4m, contributing to a $1.7m shortfall for the district.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

In the wake of devastating flash floods that claimed at least 131 lives over the Fourth of July weekend, students at Burnet High School took the initiative to assist their community. Under the guidance of agriculture teacher Brandon Evans, members of the school's FFA chapter organized efforts to repair ranch fences, clear debris, and help residents recover from the disaster. Evans remarked, “It shows me their leadership, and how they want to put themselves out there and apply themselves.” The floods affected various Central Texas school communities, prompting fundraising drives and volunteer efforts to support displaced families. Coleen Brighton, executive director of the Leander ISD Education Excellence Foundation, highlighted the urgency of the situation, stating, “We have families that have been completely displaced.” The foundation has raised $17,350 to aid affected individuals, with each receiving up to $300 in basic services.

 

Austin American-Statesman

Dr. Jo Ann Simmons has been named the lone finalist for the superintendent position at Cumberland Academy, bringing over 20 years of educational experience. Previously, she served as superintendent at UT Tyler University Academy, where she achieved an “A” rating from the Texas Education Agency and increased enrollment by 400%.

 

Tyler Paper

Jennie Chavez has had a remarkable year, being named Elementary Principal of the Year for Ector County ISD and receiving the Principal Incentive Allotments. After nine years at Noel Elementary, where she served as assistant principal and principal, she has taken on the role of principal at Downing Elementary, which has faced challenges in recent years. Chief of Schools Mauricio Marquez praised her leadership at Noel, noting the positive outcomes achieved. Chavez is committed to helping Downing Elementary thrive, stating, “We’re not just here to improve test scores. I think we’re building futures.”

 

Odessa American

Tessie T. Rodriguez has been promoted to principal of Clark Elementary School after 13 years as the assistant principal. Rodriguez began her career in education in 2004 and transitioned to administration in 2012. She emphasized her commitment to fostering a safe and supportive environment, commenting: “I have a mix of emotions — pride, excitement, responsibility and a new sense of commitment to all my students, parents and staff.” She expressed gratitude for the support she has received, particularly from her mentor, Mrs. Gabriela N. Perez.

 

Laredo Morning Times

According to a report by the Urban Institute, there has been a notable increase in college applications from Black and Latino students between fall 2023 and fall 2024, with Black applicants rising by 0.47% and Latino applicants by 0.65%. However, the report reveals a concerning trend: fewer of these students were admitted to colleges, marking the first decline in Black admissions since 2018 and in Latino admissions since 2021. Jason Cohn, a researcher at the Urban Institute, emphasized the importance of looking beyond enrollment numbers, commenting: “One of the big takeaways for me is just how much can be hidden if you only look at the enrollment numbers and aren’t seeing what’s happening in the rest of the admissions pipeline.” This highlights the ongoing challenges faced by underrepresented groups in higher education.

 

EdSource

An independent investigation has found that Canada's N.W.T. government was slow to take action after lead was detected in school drinking water, because two of its departments failed to understand the health implications of the situation. Students, staff and parents at École William McDonald Middle School and Range Lake North School in Yellowknife found out on May 27 that there had been elevated levels of lead found in the drinking water at a single water fountain in each school.  The following month, further testing confirmed high levels of lead at both schools. In a statement Monday afternoon, Education Minister Caitlin Cleveland said the investigation confirmed "warning signs were missed, key test results weren't escalated quickly enough and communication between departments and with the public was inconsistent," adding: "These are serious systemic failures that affected both safety and trust. That is not acceptable. I take full responsibility for ensuring we fix it." She said changes are already underway, including developing a territory-wide testing program for water in schools, with public reporting.

 

CBC News