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The U.S. Department of Education has ordered the temporary return of up to 247 Office for Civil Rights (OCR) employees, placed on administrative leave in March, due to pending reduction-in-force (RIF) litigation, to resume work handling civil rights complaints from mid-December. “The Department remains committed to defending the RIF as the government-wide effort to reorient and right-size the federal workforce continues,” staff were told in an email on Friday. The agency said the move ensures those still on payroll contribute to enforcement efforts while awaiting a court decision on the legality of the RIFs. A judge’s recent ruling in a similar case at the State Department may influence the outcome.

 

FedScoop

Bloomberg

HMH Into Reading Texas and ¡Arriba la Lectura! Texas added to the IMRA list

HMH’s newly updated, Into Reading Texas and its Spanish counterpart, ¡Arriba la Lectura!, have been added to the state’s IMRA list as approved ELA materials. The program boasts award-winning literature, Foundational Skills instruction based on the Science of Reading, and an easy-to-implement pedagogy with robust support options.

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Parents of children with disabilities are increasingly anxious about potential budget cuts proposed by President Donald Trump, which could severely impact essential services. The proposed budget includes nearly $1tn in cuts to Medicaid, which funds vital services for disabled children, including therapy and medical care. Kristin Wright, the executive director of inclusive practices at the Sacramento County Office of Education, underscored the interdependence of these services, emphasizing that upending the basic foundational structure involves more than just a single cut. Advocates worry that these cuts could reverse decades of progress in disability rights and education, leaving families uncertain about their children's futures. Despite the looming cuts, federal laws still entitle students to necessary services, but the funding sources remain unclear.

 

Daily Breeze

Redlands Daily Facts

The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear a legal challenge to President Donald Trump’s executive order aiming to end birthright citizenship for children born in the U.S. to undocumented immigrant parents. The case, Trump v. Barbara, will test whether the order violates the 14th Amendment and longstanding precedent, particularly Wong Kim Ark (1898). A federal judge in New Hampshire previously blocked the order, citing its potential “destabilizing effects” on citizenship. Education leaders warn the policy could depress school enrolment and funding, as families fear immigration enforcement, despite Plyler v. Doe guaranteeing education regardless of status. U.S. Solicitor General D. John Sauer argues that, while the 14th Amendment’s citizenship clause “put it beyond doubt that all blacks, as well as whites, born or naturalized within the jurisdiction of the United States, are citizens of the United States,”  the clause does not “grant citizenship to the children of temporary visitors or illegal aliens.” 

 

CNBC

Education Week News

Politico

Washington Post

During the Nov. 10 Jourdanton ISD school board meeting, the focus was on recognizing the invaluable contributions of the Jourdanton Elementary School support staff. Principal Bryan Borth expressed gratitude, noting: "They truly make our jobs easier. They help us in every way possible." The support staff plays a crucial role in covering classes and providing instructional support, even teaching art and music classes. Their dedication significantly enhances the educational environment at the school.

 

Pleasanton Express

During a December 4 webinar, Fort Bend ISD officials discussed how community feedback is influencing the district's multi-year planning to address enrollment shifts, school capacity, and financial resources. "We are working to balance enrollment across the district, to utilize the available seats so that any cost savings can be used for supporting academic programs and our students," said Beth Martinez, deputy superintendent and chief of staff. As the district nears full build-out and faces declining enrollment, the need to balance student seats has become critical. The three-year boundary planning process incorporates various data and community input, with a focus on elementary schools in the initial phase. A recent survey revealed that while 66% of respondents understand the process, only 28% feel prepared for potential boundary changes. In response, the district is enhancing communication and support for families and staff affected by these changes. The December 15 board meeting will present draft boundary plans and further insights from consultants.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

Seminole ISD has received an "A Superior Achievement" rating from the Texas Education Agency’s financial rating system for the 2024-2025 school year, as announced by Superintendent Glen Teal. This recognition highlights the district's commitment to financial accountability and excellence. Teal emphasized the importance of this achievement, remarking: "We are proud of our financial management and the trust it builds within our community." The rating reflects the district's ongoing efforts to maintain high standards in financial practices.

 

Seminole Sentinel

Friendswood ISD's board of trustees is set to discuss a request for qualifications (RFQ) for a construction manager at risk (CMAR) during their meeting on December 8. This solicitation aims to secure a qualified contractor for various projects, including foundation work at Friendswood High School and the district's administration building, as well as multi-campus heating, ventilation, and air conditioning upgrades. If approved, the board will later receive a vendor recommendation from the CMAR procurement process.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

The Choose McKinney program, designed for out-of-district transfer students, has generated approximately $1m in revenue for the 2025-26 school year, according to district officials. This initiative allows students from kindergarten to eighth grade to attend McKinney ISD schools, attracting families who have heard positive feedback about the district. "Our out-of-district families, they're wanting to come in because they've heard great things about McKinney ISD," said Megan Richards, the district's administrative services specialist. The program has also evolved to include various transfer types, such as programmatic and intradistrict transfers, and is seen as a retention tool for the district. With 1,266 applicants this year, the program continues to adapt, with plans for future expansions to include high school grades.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

Angela Cavanaugh, a counselor at Chisholm Trail Elementary School in Belton ISD, is instrumental in identifying families in need for the annual Elf Closet event. This initiative allows families to shop for free holiday gifts, transforming a portable classroom into a festive shopping experience. Cavanaugh, who took over the tradition two years ago, emphasized the importance of discretion, explaining: "We wanted it to be very discreet for the parents so they can come through the back, get their presents wrapped." The event, scheduled for the week of December 15, features a point system for gift selection, with items donated by the community. Principal Sydnie Sewell remarked that Elf Closet "represents the heart of the campus," highlighting the school's commitment to supporting families beyond education. Donations can be made through an Amazon Wish List or by dropping off items at the school.

 

Killeen Daily Herald

Premier High School, a new charter school in Killeen, Texas, opened its doors in August and is currently serving 15 high school students. Campus director Kristi Stickel emphasized that "Premier High School is not new. It's just new to this area," highlighting its 25 years of experience in Texas. The school aims to provide individualized education, allowing students to work at their own pace. With a four-hour school day, students can choose morning or afternoon sessions, and those wishing to graduate early can extend their hours. The school plans to introduce dual-credit and career programs through Central Texas College next year. Stickel and interim director Manuela Allen are focused on creating tailored educational plans for students, addressing their unique needs and goals.

 

Killeen Daily Herald

Frisco ISD is undergoing significant changes, including the retirement of Superintendent Mike Waldrip, who has served since 2017 and will step down on June 30, 2026. The district has also launched the EDGE Dual Credit Program, allowing students to complete the full 44-hour Texas Core Curriculum before graduating high school. This program, in partnership with Collin College, opens applications until February 12. Additionally, Frisco ISD will end the school year a week early in 2026-27 due to the PGA Championship, which is expected to draw 30,000 visitors daily. "From a safety and security standpoint, the best way to move forward was to end the school year a week earlier," said FISD Deputy Superintendent Todd Fouche. The district is also seeing growth in its emergent bilingual student population, which now represents 13% of its 62,700 students.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

Justin Turner has been named the sole finalist for the position of Superintendent of Ingram ISD. The Board of Trustees is set to cast their final vote on December 29. This decision marks a significant step in Turner's career, as he aims to lead the district.

 

Daily Times

The McLennan Community College Foundation has achieved a remarkable milestone by awarding $851,269.50 in scholarships this year, marking a 10% increase from the previous year. This funding has benefited 580 students, representing nearly 7% of the college's 8,444 enrolled students. "We are happy about it for sure," said Chris Qualls, executive director of the MCC Foundation. The increase is attributed to the diligent efforts of the foundation's staff, strong returns on its $38m endowment, and new scholarships created by community members and alumni. Additionally, the foundation has provided significant emergency aid, distributing $204,500 to 669 students this year. With rising education costs, the foundation continues to play a crucial role in supporting students in need. The application deadline for the next round of scholarships is January 15.

 

Star-Telegram

Ontario Education Minister Paul Calandra has signalled he is likely to significantly reduce or eliminate the role of public school trustees, citing no justification for their involvement in delivering the Ministry of Education's C$43bn ($31.09m) budget. A final decision is expected early next year, following review of constitutional protections for Catholic and French-language boards, which he says will retain trustee roles. He has ruled out closing or merging school boards, unifying the Catholic and public systems, or introducing charter schools. Calandra also announced C$162m in funding for new high schools in Ottawa, along with an expansion to an elementary school.

 

CBC News

CTV News

Toronto Star