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Texas
2nd February 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Education Department firings left taxpayers with multimillion-dollar bill

A report by the US Government Accountability Office (GAO) has found that efforts by the Trump administration to fire staff at the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) cost taxpayers between $28.5m and $38m. The attempted reduction in force, announced in March, was blocked by the courts, but nearly 250 OCR employees were kept on paid administrative leave for almost nine months while being barred from working. The GAO said the department failed to produce a full accounting of the costs and savings of the proposed layoffs, despite federal requirements to do so, forcing investigators to estimate the impact using salaries and benefits. While the department later reinstated staff in December, OCR leadership rejected the watchdog’s recommendation to complete a full cost analysis, arguing the issue was now moot. The report also highlighted a sharp shift in OCR’s enforcement activity during the period, with around 90% of discrimination complaints resolved through dismissal rather than investigation and a steep fall in formal resolution agreements, particularly in cases involving racial and sexual harassment.

CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION

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STATE NEWS

Education Agency looks to correct curriculum errors

The Texas State Board of Education has postponed a vote on the Texas Education Agency's request to correct approximately 4,200 errors in the Bluebonnet Learning curriculum, which includes math and reading language arts. Pam Little, the board's vice chair, highlighted concerns over 547 requests to replace images due to licensing issues, along with formatting errors and typos. Colin Dempsey, the education agency's director, acknowledged that the corrections span over 2,100 components. The board plans to address the request in a future meeting, with Chair Aaron Kinsey indicating a special meeting will be called to tackle unfinished business.

TEACHING

Lewisville launches virtual learning options

Lewisville ISD is set to introduce new virtual learning opportunities for students starting in the 2026-2027 school year. The initiative, named “LISD Everywhere,” allows students to take classes from any location. Lori Rapp, a representative of the district, said: “As a high school student, you can take your LISD coursework everywhere, anywhere, for everyone.” This change follows the passage of Senate Bill 569, which enables districts to receive funding for online programs. Students will have three options: continuing with the current online courses, a hybrid program combining in-person and virtual classes, and a full-time virtual cohort for incoming freshmen.

LEADERSHIP

Academy ISD officials celebrate trustees

Seven key decision-makers at Academy ISD bring over 64 years of combined experience to the district. Many are alumni or have strong ties to the school community. As part of School Board Recognition Month, officials are honoring the board members, including Calvin Eshbaugh, Alex Bass, and Jennifer Burnett. “They are neighbors, parents, alumni and lifelong supporters who lead with both vision and heart,” a news release stated. The board has successfully advocated for a bond to construct a new high school and supports initiatives like a four-day instructional week and the Teacher Incentive Allotment. Superintendent Darla Nolen emphasized the commitment of the trustees, saying: “Our trustees lead with integrity, compassion and a genuine belief in our students and staff.”

Ysleta ISD board approves superintendent evaluation

The Ysleta ISD Board of Trustees unanimously approved Superintendent Xavier De La Torre's annual evaluation, praising his leadership since 2014. Despite challenges like declining enrollment and budget shortfalls, De La Torre chose to forgo a salary increase, saying: “I always want to ensure our employees are taken care of first.” The board commended his efforts in transforming the district into one of the top 14% in Texas. De La Torre oversees a budget of $420.2m and has a salary exceeding $451,000, one of the highest in the state. While many nearby districts have new superintendents, YISD continues under De La Torre's guidance, reflecting stability amid financial concerns.

DISTRICTS

Georgetown considers open enrollment

Georgetown ISD is considering open enrollment at select campuses, allowing students outside district boundaries to apply for admission based on available space. The district is currently gathering feedback from families to gauge interest and inform future steps. “We recognize that families have a choice in where they send their children to school,” said Dr. Devin Padavil, superintendent of GISD.

State takeover for Connally ISD

During a recent meeting, Garrett Black, senior director of governance and interventions for the Texas Education Agency, informed the Connally ISD community that they should not expect significant changes this spring following the state's takeover of district management. The takeover is set to last for at least two years, and Black discussed the agency's plans for operating Connally ISD during this period. "We are here to support the community," said Black.

Zavalla ISD board details positive developments

During a recent Zavalla ISD board meeting, Superintendent Zach Crawford reported positive developments, including an increase in enrollment and revenue, and the district's application for a $335,000 grant for welding equipment. The board also approved various expenditures, including security cameras and curriculum materials, while planning for future extracurricular programs.

FINANCE

Friendswood bond package refined

Friendswood ISD's board of trustees has refined a proposed bond package, reducing it to $81.5m during a workshop on Jan. 28. The updated package includes four propositions: Proposition A focuses on critical infrastructure and safety, Proposition B is for the Westwood Elementary replacement, Proposition C is for a Career and Agricultural Science Center, and Proposition D addresses technology upgrades. Board member Laura Seifert highlighted the need for improved facilities, stating, “Students love to hang out there, but because of the lack of space, they are either holding their animals off campus or unable to participate.” The board will continue to review the proposal in a session scheduled later today.

WORKFORCE

Clear Creek ISD tackles uncertified teachers

Clear Creek ISD is set to approve a plan to address the issue of uncertified teachers in classrooms. This initiative is in response to House Bill 2, which mandates a reduction in uncertified educators by phasing out District of Innovation waivers for core subjects. The district aims to implement a data-driven strategy to achieve full compliance by the 2029-30 school year. "The district will establish a data-driven approach to be in full compliance," according to district documents.

STUDENTS

Students walk out against ICE

In a significant protest against U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE), students across Austin ISD walked out of classes on Friday. Thousands participated, with many marching to the Texas Capitol. Gov. Greg Abbott has urged Education Commissioner Mike Morath to investigate, stating: “AISD gets taxpayer dollars to teach the subjects required by the state, not to help students skip school to protest.” Superintendent Matias Segura clarified that the protests were not endorsed by the district and emphasized the importance of keeping students in classrooms.

INTERNATIONAL

Finland eyes Australia-inspired crackdown on kids’ social media use

Finland is considering banning or restricting social media use for children under 15, following growing concern about its effects on young people’s health and wellbeing. Prime Minister Petteri Orpo and public health authorities support the move, encouraged by the success of recent school smartphone restrictions that have boosted children’s activity and social interaction. Researcher Silja Kosola has described social media as an “uncontrolled human experiment,” linking it to rising self-harm, eating disorders and social divides, particularly in a country where children receive smartphones at very young ages. Finland is looking to Australia, which introduced an under-16 ban in December, placing responsibility on tech companies, though experts warn enforcement challenges could drive children to less regulated platforms.

AND FINALLY...

Meet the 2026 Teacher of the Year finalists

The Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) has announced the five finalists for the 2026 National Teacher of the Year award, recognizing their exceptional contributions to education. The finalists are Katie Collins of Bluff Park Elementary in Hoover, Alabama; Rachel Kinsaul of Morgan County High School in Madison, Georgia; Michelle Gross of Spencer County Middle School in Taylorsville, Kentucky; Linda Wallenberg of Eden Prairie High School in Eden Prairie, Minnesota; and Leon Smith of Haverford High School of Havertown, Pennsylvania. Carissa Moffat Miller, chief executive of CCSSO, said that these educators were selected for their “outstanding commitment to education and impactful teaching that advances student outcomes.” The finalists were chosen from 56 local teachers of the year across the U.S. The winner will serve as an education ambassador for a year, with the announcement expected later this spring.
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