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Texas’ new law mandating Ten Commandments posters in public school classrooms has prompted resignations, legal battles, and widespread controversy. High school theater teacher Gigi Cervantes resigned, saying: “I just was not going to be a part of forcing or imposing religious doctrine onto my students.” While some districts like Frisco acted swiftly, others, including Galveston, paused amid lawsuits and court orders blocking enforcement. The law, requiring conspicuous display of donated posters, has stirred debates among educators, parents, and students, raising constitutional concerns and fears about religious freedom and inclusion.

 

ABC News

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Career and technical education (CTE) programs are increasingly centered on technology, particularly digital tech, IT, AI, and cybersecurity. A recent EdWeek survey found that 28% of schools launched such programs in the last five years. Michael Connet from the Association for Career and Technical Education noted that the pandemic spurred ed tech adoption, saying, “Now that we're back in person… ed tech has stayed with them.” Alongside tech, construction and hospitality remain key CTE tracks, with even non-tech fields integrating more digital tools.

 

Education Week News

At least five employees from Austin ISD, including a teacher and a bus driver, have been detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), causing alarm among colleagues and administrators. Education Austin, the district's largest union, confirmed the detentions, which have left staff feeling "really upset," according to vice president Trasell Underwood. Superintendent Matias Segura stated that the district lacks information about the detained individuals, saying: "Here it's just black. It's just nothing." One known detainee is Roberto Lopez Falcon, a fifth-grade teacher who was arrested during a check-in appointment. The district is currently reviewing its pay policy for detained employees, who are still being compensated under existing guidelines. Administrators are advised to find long-term substitutes while ensuring that detained staff have the right to return if released.

 

Austin American-Statesman

Jannelle Muhammad, principal of Rancier Middle School, has been named the 2026 Texas Middle School Principal of the Year by the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals (TASSP). This recognition highlights her hands-on leadership and commitment to student success. Muhammad was unanimously selected by the TASSP Principal Image Committee for her impactful leadership and bold decision-making. Killeen ISD Superintendent King Davis praised her dedication, stating, "Her passion, innovation, and unwavering dedication to students are transforming Rancier Middle School." Muhammad will be honored at the Texas Heroes Dinner in June 2026 and is eligible for the National Principal of the Year program.

 

Killeen Daily Herald

Faith Family Academy is at risk of closure due to the state's "three strikes" law, which mandates shutting down charter schools that receive three consecutive F ratings. Superintendent Mollie Purcell Mozley expressed disappointment over the ratings, stating: "While this rating is disappointing on its face, we want our community to know that we have conducted a thorough review of our performance data — and we strongly believe that our true score for 2025 reflects a solid C rating (72)." The school, known for its successful basketball programs, faces significant academic challenges and has lost several top players to other schools. The Texas Education Agency will review the school's appeal next month, which could determine its future.

 

Dallas News

The Texas Education Agency awarded Lewisville ISD a "superior" financial accountability rating for the 2023-24 school year, scoring 98 out of 100 points, said Chief Financial Officer Scott Wrehe. The Financial Accountability Rating System of Texas, or FIRST, evaluates school districts on various financial factors, including debt payment and solvency. Despite losing two points in long-term solvency due to bond sales, Lewisville ISD improved its short-term solvency score by four points.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

Amid a projected budget shortfall of $5m to $6m for the upcoming year, the Eanes ISD board of trustees is reviewing four potential cost-saving packages. The options include revenue increases, staffing optimization, program reductions, and salary freezes, with potential savings ranging from $4.7m to $7.6m.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

Between the 2024-25 and 2025-26 school years, Willis ISD experienced a notable enrollment increase of 3.22%, rising from 9,315 to 9,615 students, according to Heather Gattiger, the district's director of Public Education Information Management System. During the WISD trustees' meeting on Nov. 12, Gattiger presented detailed enrollment figures, revealing a 2.56% rise at the high school level and a significant 6.67% increase at the intermediate level. The elementary level also saw a 2.22% growth compared to the previous year. "Willis ISD saw a 2.56% increase in high school enrollment," Gattiger noted.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

Huntington Elementary has officially exited state school-improvement status after years of dedicated efforts, despite a recent drop in its overall letter grade from C to D. The school has shown significant progress in math and reading, particularly among economically disadvantaged and bilingual students. New leadership and the implementation of the Bluebonnet Learning curriculum have contributed to these gains. However, the school faces challenges due to its limited grade range, which affects its accountability metrics.

 

Lufkin Daily News

The New Braunfels ISD board of trustees has approved the leasing of six temporary classrooms to accommodate approximately 112 students and staff during the Phase 2 reconstruction of New Braunfels High School. The portables will be situated near the old tennis courts and cafeteria, with the lease expected to last until the end of the 2025-26 school year. The Phase 1 reconstruction is set to be completed by January, while Phase 2, which includes a new academic wing and facilities for fine arts and athletics, is projected to finish by fall 2027, funded by a $226m bond.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

A year after starting construction on a new elementary school, the Southwest ISD board voted to close Sky Harbour Elementary due to declining enrollment and budget deficits. The closure will affect 595 students, most of whom are low-income, and has sparked community protests and an online petition. The district plans to reassign students to other campuses and aims to save $6.4m next year through this "re-balancing plan." With a $15.6m deficit in the 2023-2024 school year, the district is consolidating schools to ensure financial stability while maintaining quality education.

 

Star-Telegram

United ISD has launched a Veterinary Science Program for high school students, providing a four-year curriculum designed to offer hands-on experience in animal care. The program includes courses such as Principles of Agriculture in ninth grade and a Practicum in Veterinary Assisting in twelfth grade. Students can earn up to 300 hours toward a future veterinary degree. The initiative aims to address the shortage of veterinarians in the Webb County region.

 

Star-Telegram

The Frisco ISD Board of Trustees has officially approved the retirement and resignation of Superintendent Mike Waldrip, effective June 30, 2026, during their meeting on November 17. The board also decided to retain a firm to initiate the search for a new superintendent. "The board is committed to finding the right leader for our district," said a board member.

 

Allen American