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Texas
3rd February 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Texas revamps social studies curriculum

The Texas State Board of Education (SBOE) is undergoing its first significant revision of the social studies curriculum in 15 years, which will impact textbook publishing and student learning. The Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) outline the educational standards for public schools, covering various subjects since their establishment in 1998. The SBOE, composed of elected members, oversees the development of these standards, which are periodically reviewed every decade. Current debates within the board reflect divisions over topics like climate change and evolution. As part of the updates for the 2025-26 school year, new standards will include advanced math and career and technical education. The SBOE is also reviewing social studies standards across all grades, focusing on history, geography, and personal financial literacy. "The reviews typically happen every 10 years," said the SBOE.

CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION

Level Up Your Students’ Future-Ready Skills

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LEADERSHIP

Chico ISD shakes up leadership

Chico ISD is experiencing a leadership change following the resignation of Superintendent Randy Brawner, which was accepted unanimously by the board in a 7-0 vote. The board then appointed Breann Cox, the principal of Chico High School, as the interim superintendent. Brawner was present at the meeting but did not speak before the vote. This transition marks a significant moment for the district as it seeks stability and direction moving forward.

Mansfield school board names new leader

The Mansfield school board has named Tiffanie Spencer as the lone finalist for the superintendent position following a nationwide search. Spencer, a lifelong resident of Mansfield, emphasized her commitment to "student-centered decision making" and aims to lead with transparency and heart. She has a strong educational background, having graduated from Mansfield High School and earned her doctorate from Texas A&M Commerce. Spencer's appointment comes after the retirement of Kimberly Cantu in August, and the board must wait 21 days before Spencer officially assumes the role.

Superintendent Azaiez gets pay boost

Round Rock ISD Superintendent Hafedh Azaiez has received a 1% pay increase and a bonus of $18,520, following a contract extension that will keep him in his role until at least 2029. Azaiez's base salary now stands at $350,000. He expressed gratitude to the board and staff, saying: "It really takes the whole team to make our district strong, and all of us working together is what makes Round Rock ISD a destination district." Azaiez has been with the district since 2021 and has had his contract extended four times. An updated contract reflecting these changes will be finalized soon.

DISTRICTS

Paxton probes Austin ISD protests

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has requested information from Austin ISD regarding staff involvement in recent student-led protests against ICE. Following videos showing district vehicles near the protests, Governor Greg Abbott called for an investigation by the Texas Education Agency. Paxton said: "Parents expect our public schools to educate and keep their kids safe during the school day, not encourage them to attend a protest field trip." Austin ISD Superintendent Matias Segura emphasized the district's commitment to student safety, noting that leaving campus for protests results in unexcused absences. The protests were part of a nationwide response to the deaths of civilians during encounters with federal agents, with students from 14 campuses participating. Paxton's demands include policies on student absences and security protocols.

Taylor superintendent offers State of the District address

Jennifer Garcia-Edwardsen, Superintendent of Taylor ISD, emphasized the importance of making a difference in students' lives during her recent State of the District address. She highlighted the district's strong partnership with Samsung Austin Semiconductor, which includes a world-class student internship program. This summer marks the fifth year of internships for 24 Taylor students at Samsung, with a recent graduate securing a job after her internship. Samsung also contributed $1m to the new Career and Technical Education wing at Taylor High School. Garcia-Edwardsen outlined four key priorities for the district: excellence in student outcomes, exceptional workplace climate, strong partnerships, and efficient financial stewardship.

Groundbreaking ceremony marks new beginnings at Navarro

Students from Navarro Elementary School have participated in a ceremonial groundbreaking for Navarro Elementary South in Seguin. This new school will be the first outside the district's original campus, providing much-needed educational space. Superintendent Mandy Epley emphasized the significance of the event, stating that "some of the students at the ceremony might one day attend the new school." The construction marks a pivotal moment for Navarro ISD, as it aims to accommodate its growing student population.

FINANCE

Budget cuts loom for Lampasas ISD

Lampasas ISD is grappling with a $3m budget deficit for the current fiscal year, prompting officials to consider cutting educational support staff to balance the budget ahead of the 2026-2027 fiscal year. The budget approved by the Lampasas Board of Trustees in August outlined $47,166,318 in general fund expenditures against projected revenue of $44,096,074. "We will be forced to trim some of its educational support staff," said district officials, highlighting the urgency of the situation.

Temple ISD earns prestigious award

The Temple ISD Finance Department has received the 2026 Award of Excellence in Financial Management from the Texas Association of School Business Officials, joining an elite group of 34 educational institutions. Assistant Superintendent of Finance Brandy Stanford said: "Earning the TASBO Award of Excellence for the first time is a significant milestone for our department." The award recognizes Texas school districts and educational institutions that demonstrate high standards in financial management. The finance department has also received accolades from the Association of School Business Officials International and the Government Finance Officers Association, along with a superior financial accountability rating from the Texas Education Agency this school year. Superintendent Bobby Ott emphasized the importance of fiscal management, remarking: "The volume of financial accolades that have come in over the last several years send a clear message to our community that we understand these expectations and aim to meet them."

CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION

Temple ISD restricts stadium access

Temple ISD is renovating Wildcat Stadium due to ongoing vandalism, including broken seats and graffiti. Unauthorized individuals have been using the track, prompting officials to restrict public access starting Monday. However, tracks at Bonham Middle School and Travis Science Academy will remain open after school hours, with lights provided until 10 p.m. each night. Superintendent Bobby Ott emphasized that the renovation is a "significant investment of taxpayer dollars," and vandalism has compromised safety during student events.

EARLY EDUCATION

San Antonio schools face pre-K shakeup

As birth rates decline and public school enrollment drops, San Antonio schools are adjusting to new pre-kindergarten eligibility rules. Texas lawmakers have expanded access to free pre-K for classroom teachers' children while eliminating tuition-based options for families who previously paid. John Craft, superintendent of Northside ISD, commented: "We've seen the lowest birth rate coming out of the pandemic," impacting enrollment. The Northside district currently serves nearly 2,800 four-year-olds in free pre-K, with changes expected to affect future enrollment. Under House Bill 2, districts will be prohibited from charging tuition for pre-K starting in fall 2027 unless no eligible local child care providers exist. David Feigen from Texans Care for Children expressed concerns about the lack of affordable alternatives for families previously relying on tuition-based programs.

INTERNATIONAL

Taiwan tops global and East Asian education average

Taiwan outperformed both global and East Asian averages across multiple education indicators in 2024, according to a Ministry of Education report released in January. Completion rates reached 100% at primary level, 99.69% at lower secondary and 98.81% at upper secondary, well above global and regional norms. The share of students over-age for their grade was close to zero, far below international averages, while tertiary gross enrolment stood at 94.35%, more than double the global average and significantly ahead of East Asia. The report also showed full gender parity in completion rates across all school levels, with slightly higher female participation in tertiary education.
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