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Starting February 4, families in Texas can enroll their children in the new private school voucher program, which allows them to choose from 70 private schools in the Austin area. This initiative is part of the $1 billion Texas Education Freedom Accounts program, aimed at funding private education with public dollars. Keri Heath, who covers K-12 education for the Austin American-Statesman, notes that "the vouchers will provide students up to about $10,500 toward private school tuition per year." The program is open to accredited schools that have been operational for at least two years and administer standardized tests. The application period for families runs until March 17, with awards announced in April.

 

Star-Telegram

Austin American-Statesman

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The recent guidance from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has removed several vaccines from the recommended list for children, potentially leading to confusion among families and schools. Vaccines for measles, mumps, rubella, polio, and whooping cough remain mandatory, while others, including the influenza and COVID-19 vaccines, are now recommended only after consultation with a healthcare provider—a process termed “shared clinical decision-making.” Richard Hughes, a vaccine-law expert, emphasized the importance of school vaccination requirements, commenting: “Because we compel people to go to school, it's a mechanism that we have to protect the entire population from all of these diseases.” The changes have prompted some states to reject the new guidelines, maintaining alignment with the American Academy of Pediatrics' recommendations. This conflicting messaging may lead to increased mistrust in vaccines, as noted by Lynn Nelson, president of the National Association of School Nurses: “It's just going to sow more mistrust and the idea that vaccines are optional.” Schools are encouraged to prepare fact sheets to clarify vaccination requirements for parents.

 

Education Week News

Christina Gamez has been appointed as the principal of Lariat Trails Elementary, set to open in August. Liberty Hill ISD announced her selection on January 6. Gamez began her educational career in 2012 as a physical education teacher at Bill Burden Elementary and has since held various leadership roles, including assistant principal. “Opening a new school is a unique opportunity to build a culture rooted in connection, collaboration and high expectations from day one,” Gamez said. Travis Motal, LHISD interim superintendent, praised her experience and passion for education, stating, “Her experience opening schools and as a current elementary principal makes her the ideal choice.” The district plans to rezone students this fall in preparation for the new school, with community meetings scheduled for January 13 and 15.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

Conroe ISD will hold a special meeting on January 13 to interview candidates for the vacant trustee Position 1, following the resignation of Tiffany Baumann Nelson. The board of trustees unanimously approved the application process on December 16, and several individuals have applied, including Kenneth Blevins, Melvin Brown, Jr., and Roisin Bryan. The timeline for the selection process includes reviewing applications until January 9, notifying selected candidates on January 10, and potentially voting on a new trustee during the meeting.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

Community Impact Newspaper

Arlington ISD is contemplating the shuttering of Blanton Elementary School, which has been underperforming for years, with the school board having discussed the potential closure during a public meeting, prompted by the school's significant repair needs, declining enrollment, and a failing grade on the Texas Education Agency report card. Currently, only 456 students are enrolled, far below the school's capacity of 800 to 900. Board president Justin Chapa emphasized the urgency, stating, "The reality is, if we do not take action ourselves, it will be done for us." Parents have expressed opposition to the closure, and a meeting is scheduled for January 14 to address concerns. The district aims to keep discussions local and accessible to parents.

 

Star-Telegram

Austin American-Statesman

In the ongoing trial concerning the Uvalde school shooting, emotional testimony from Robb Elementary teacher Stephanie Hale regarding the gunman’s presence on campus has been disregarded by the jury. Defense attorney Jason Goss highlighted that Hale did not mention seeing the shooter during her initial interview with investigators four days post-tragedy. Hale testified that she believed her information was not significant at the time. The defense argued that the omission of this testimony disadvantaged their case, with Goss commenting: "The failure to turn over that specific piece of critical evidence has put us to a disadvantage." Judge Sid Harle ultimately instructed the jury to disregard Hale's testimony, a decision met with prosecution objections. Former Uvalde Consolidated ISD officer Adrian Gonzales faces trial for 29 counts of endangering or abandoning a child, marking a significant moment in the legal proceedings following the tragic event that claimed the lives of 19 children and two teachers.

 

CNN Edition

CBS News

New York Times

Lewisville ISD has announced the guaranteed maximum prices for renovation projects at Coyote Ridge and Hicks Elementary Schools, totaling $39m. Executive Director of Construction Randy Fite said, “It takes a lot of work to get these things in budget these days, so there was a lot of work that went into these.” The renovations, approved by voters as part of the 2023 LISD bond package, will cost approximately $18.8m for Coyote Ridge and $20.2m for Hicks. Scheduled for the summers of 2026 and 2027, the projects are managed by Dallas-based general contractor Joeris. Trustees will vote on funding at the January 12 board meeting. Fite also mentioned that guaranteed maximum prices for additional renovations at Lewisville High School and other elementary schools are expected in February.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

Japan’s plan to effectively eliminate high school tuition from fiscal 2026 is raising concerns among public schools, which fear a shift in student preference toward private institutions. Under the new system, private school subsidies will reach ¥457,200 ($2,916) per student annually, narrowing the cost gap and potentially reducing public school enrolment. Educators warn this could accelerate public school consolidations amid declining student numbers. The education ministry plans to counterbalance the shift with new subsidies and reforms aimed at enhancing the appeal of public schools. 

 

The Japan Times