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The Institute of Cybersecurity and Innovation Magnet School Program (ICSI) is equipping students with essential skills for careers in cybersecurity, with Superintendent Sean Maika stating that graduates are "more prepared for a career in cybersecurity than 40% of San Antonio's current workforce." The program serves all seven North East ISD high schools, offering hands-on experience, industry-standard training, and opportunities for certifications. Students can earn multiple certifications, with many graduating with a clear career path in cybersecurity. Senior students have secured internships and are pursuing advanced certifications, highlighting the program's impact on their future careers. Asel, an ICSI instructor, noted that the first full graduating class included 66 students, with most continuing to college or military service. ICSI is also expanding with new facilities to enhance its offerings.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

A U.S. federal judge has ruled to block hundreds of layoffs by the Trump administration across several government agencies, stating the moves violated a law tied to ending the recent 43-day government shutdown. Judge Susan Illston said the State and Education departments must halt planned job cuts, while ordering reinstatement of about 300 workers already let go. The ruling, which favors unions challenging the cuts, underscores legal limits on government downsizing during funding disputes. The Justice Department is expected to appeal Illston’s order.

 

Government Executive

Politico

Reuters

Fort Bend ISD is contemplating the closure of seven elementary schools due to declining enrollment, a situation echoed by Spring ISD, which recently closed two schools. Bill King, a fellow at the Baker Institute at Rice, clarified: "Schools are facing a double barrel problem here," highlighting demographic shifts and increased competition from alternatives, particularly with the upcoming private school voucher program. The Baker Institute's report on HISD revealed that over 50 campuses are operating below 50% capacity, with more than 80 schools between 50% and 75% capacity. King noted that districts must address these challenges, as keeping under-enrolled schools open is inefficient and complicates the provision of special services. Fort Bend ISD officials plan to gather parent feedback before making a decision, with a vote scheduled for March.

 

KTRK-TV

San Marcos CISD is set to update its library collections after the board of trustees approved the acquisition of 729 new materials and the retention of 32 challenged titles during a meeting on December 15. The School Library Advisory Council (SLAC), established following the passage of Senate Bill 13, now oversees the selection process for new books. Librarians compile a list of desired titles, which the SLAC reviews before presenting it to the school board for final approval. "I don't think it's my job to read 729 books to determine whether or not they belong in [our] libraries," said school board President Anne Halsey, emphasizing the importance of trusting librarians' expertise. The SLAC will reconvene on February 3 to gather community feedback on future recommendations.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

Hays CISD Board of Trustees has approved funding for the utility and road construction agreement for High School #4 during their December 8 meeting. Max Cleaver, chief operations officer, explained that the agreement is essential for negotiating the final contract. The school, located off Turnersville Road in Buda, was approved by voters for a $396.063m bond in May 2025. Cleaver stated: "This is for the utilities and roads that are going to serve High School #4." The district will cover approximately 11.4% of the water infrastructure costs and 56% of the road infrastructure costs. The total water infrastructure is estimated at $28.568m, with Hays CISD contributing about $3.2m. Trustee Vanessa Petrea noted that the infrastructure costs seem reasonable, while Trustee Geoff Seibel expressed concerns about road traffic. The item passed with a 4-0 vote, with three trustees absent.

 

Hays Free Press

Prosper ISD school board approved the annexation of property from Denton ISD, despite Denton ISD's previous rejection of the petition. Jeff Crownover, deputy superintendent of Prosper ISD, highlighted that the area includes 220 acres with 349 homes, housing around 299 school-age children currently attending Prosper ISD schools. Doug Charles, a resident and co-chair of the petition, emphasized the unique situation, claiming: "What makes this completely unique is that we’re the only district in the entire state that has the students already attending the attached area." The annexation could result in a loss of approximately $6m in tax revenue for Denton ISD, while Prosper ISD anticipates a potential revenue increase over time. The Texas Education Agency will review the decision, with a response expected within 30 to 60 days.

 

Denton Record-Chronicle

Argyle ISD board of trustees approved a $10-per-day pay increase for substitute teachers and paraprofessionals during a meeting on December 15. This decision aims to address the district's ongoing challenges in maintaining a sufficient pool of substitutes. The new pay rates include $135 per day for registered nurses and long-term substitutes, $110 for Texas-certified teachers, and $100 for substitutes without degrees. The total cost for this increase will be $70,000, funded by the maintenance and operations budget, and it will take effect next semester. Additionally, the district approved hiring five special education aides to accommodate rising enrollment, costing $162,000, also sourced from the maintenance and operations budget. Deputy Superintendent Chris Daniel said: "We will use one aide immediately and hold onto the other four to use as the need arises."

 

Community Impact Newspaper

Richardson ISD is initiating the development of its 2026-27 budget, as Superintendent Tabitha Branum informed the school board during the December 11 meeting. Allison Davenport, the executive director of finance, presented a flexible timeline for the budget process, with the board set to receive updates throughout the spring. The compensation plan for teachers and district employees is scheduled for approval on May 7, while the new budget will be finalized on June 4, following a public hearing. The new tax rate is expected to be adopted on September 17, with tax bills mailed by October 1. Branum noted: "Our team has been hard at work the last eight to 10 weeks to make sure that we are prepared to bring forward a menu of different options as we continue to work towards a more balanced budget." The upcoming budget will also reflect changes from recent Texas legislation, including House Bill 2, which restructured school finance.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

Clear Creek ISD is grappling with a projected budget shortfall of $27m for the fiscal year 2026-27. The district is exploring various solutions, including a potential voter-approval tax rate election (VATRE), school consolidation, staff reductions, and boundary changes. Trustee Jamieson MacKay said: "Nothing's off the table, and nothing fixes the problem. There's not one solution." The shortfall is attributed to declining enrollment, stagnant state funding, and rising operating costs. Chief financial officer Alice Benzaia pointed out that the relationship between state funding and student attendance necessitates challenging local decisions. Since the 2019-20 school year, CCISD's enrollment has declined by over 6%. The district plans to form a budget sprint team in 2026 to focus on financial recommendations.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

Houston ISD board is set to discuss the potential termination of the graphic design program at Heights, Kashmere, and Northside high schools during their meeting on January 15. Initially scheduled for a vote on December 11, the decision was postponed. HISD chief academic officer Kristen Hole explained that the move aims to provide students with better opportunities for higher-wage employment: "From a living wage perspective, [graphic design] was significantly lower than the other programs." Students will still have access to similar courses at the Barbara Jordan Career Center. Concerns have been raised by students and parents, including Heights High senior Christiana Thomas, who said: "Cutting these programs would also force you to either fire or move those teachers, and they are people who are pillars of our community."

 

Community Impact Newspaper

Boerne ISD celebrated the opening of its long-awaited Aquatics Center, featuring an 11-lane, 25-yard pool funded by the district's 2022 bond issue. Superintendent Kristin Craft expressed excitement: "We are so excited to unveil the aquatics learning center." The project faced delays, with the initial completion date pushed back, but the new facility is now ready to serve the community. Aquatics Director Scott Slay highlighted the center's potential, saying: "We're just at the tip of the iceberg on where we're headed." The pool is designed for both high school and collegiate competitions, providing athletes with improved training conditions. Junior state record holder Kate Canales emphasized the significance of the new facility, noting: "For us athletes, this pool isn't just water, it's opportunity."

 

The Boerne Star

Brandy Baker, the Chief of Staff for Pflugerville ISD, will take over as chief of staff for Cypress-Fairbanks  ISD in January, following the retirement of Teresa Hull on December 31. Hull has been with CFISD since 1993 and became Chief of Staff in 2011. Baker, who has 24 years of educational experience, previously served as PfISD's Chief Academic and Innovation Officer and has a background in various educational roles, including teaching and administration. "I am honored and grateful to join Cy-Fair ISD as chief of staff," Baker said. She emphasized her commitment to placing students at the center of the district's work and looks forward to collaborating with the leadership team to support student success.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

Dr. Ann Dixon has been appointed as the interim superintendent of Fredericksburg ISD, effective January 1, 2026. The Board of Trustees made this decision after interviewing four candidates, with her appointment pending contract negotiations, said Matt Seidenberger, board president. With 35 years of experience and having served in 25 districts, Dixon expressed her excitement, noting: "I was excited to be considered for the Fredericksburg ISD interim position because of the great reputation of the district." Her primary goals include addressing the upcoming bond, the 2026-27 budget, and staff retention amid teacher shortages. The board aims to hire a permanent superintendent by late spring, with community input being a vital part of the search process.

 

Fredericksburg Standard Post

Harvard University has initiated a confidential disciplinary investigation into students Rosie P. Couture and Lola DeAscentiis for their involvement in recording former president Larry Summers discussing his connections to Jeffrey Epstein. The students posted videos online that prompted scrutiny and complaints from faculty members. The investigation focuses on potential violations of university policies regarding unauthorized recording and attending classes without enrollment. Harvard stated: "The College prohibits unauthorized recording of classroom proceedings to protect classrooms as spaces for intellectual exploration." The students, both active in feminist causes, could face consequences ranging from reprimands to expulsion. This incident follows recent revelations about Summers' ties to Epstein, which have sparked significant public outcry and pressure on the university.

 

Boston Globe

Hong Kong's Education Bureau will offer HK$500,000 ($64,200) in one-off funding to each public primary and secondary school that applies to a new three-year initiative aimed at integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into classrooms. With HK$500 million allocated, the program requires schools to use AI in at least three subjects and create six teaching resources, as well as host open classes and student activities. Applications are open until February 2026, with funding available for use through August 2028. Lee Yi-ying, chairwoman of the Hong Kong Subsidised Secondary Schools Council, said the funding offered a very good start for the sector to implement AI in the classroom, adding: “We could use [the money] to help teachers prepare lessons, teaching materials, to devise classroom strategies, help draft assessment papers, offer feedback and personalize learning plans for students. It could save lots of time, particularly on translation between Chinese and English.”

 

South China Morning Post

Britain will rejoin the European Union's Erasmus student exchange program in 2027, marking a significant shift since its departure during Brexit negotiations. The government hailed this decision as a “huge win” for young Britons, ensuring that “everyone, from every background, has the opportunity to study and train abroad.” The program allows students to study at foreign universities while paying domestic fees. However, the cost for the 2027/28 academic year will be £570m ($760m), which is approximately double the previous contribution before Brexit. This reintroduction raises questions about the benefits of leaving the E.U., as public sentiment towards the bloc appears to be softening. Irene Tracey, Vice-Chancellor at the University of Oxford, emphasized the program's role in enhancing Britain's global standing, stating: “Many of these people are going to go on and become leaders of the public and private sector.” Nick Thomas-Symonds, Britain's minister for E.U. relations, noted that the agreement is “about more than just travel.”

 

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