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Texas
18th February 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Paxton probes schools over protests

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has initiated investigations into three school districts due to student protests against immigration enforcement. He alleges that school officials did not ensure student safety or minimize classroom disruptions. The districts under scrutiny include North East ISD in San Antonio, Dallas ISD, and Manor ISD, following a similar inquiry into the Austin ISD. Paxton said his office is also looking into claims that administrators and faculty may have assisted in organizing the demonstrations.

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DISTRICTS

Greenville ISD rejects school prayer plan

The Greenville ISD Board of Trustees unanimously voted to deny a resolution for a daily period of prayer and reading of religious texts in schools, ahead of a March 1 deadline mandated by Texas Senate Bill 11. The district administration recommended this denial due to potential legal risks, including possible litigation reaching the U.S. Supreme Court. State Rep. Brent Money supported the proposal, stating, “I believe that the people in this room and the people in this community believe that it is appropriate to appeal to an almighty, sovereign, loving God for wisdom, for direction.” However, opponents like Carlos de Leon argued that “school sponsored prayer violates students and parents' constitutional rights,” emphasizing the need to focus on instructional time rather than religious practices. Jan Teeters echoed these concerns, highlighting the importance of honoring the community's diverse religious beliefs.

Austin ISD breaks free from oversight

The Texas Education Agency has lifted its monitoring order on the Austin ISD after the district successfully addressed a backlog of special education evaluations. Superintendent Matias Segura said: "We're seeing strong evidence that we're on the path to strong and sustainable gains for our students with disabilities." Despite this progress, officials acknowledge that further improvements are necessary to ensure equitable access to services. The district has increased its specialized staff and provided extensive training, but advocates like Steven Aleman from Disability Rights Texas point out that it requires ongoing vigilance to ensure students receive the services they are entitled to. The district aims to focus on academic achievement for students receiving special education services moving forward.

Houston ISD students get guaranteed college admission

All graduating Houston ISD high school students will now have guaranteed admission to the University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) if they maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5. This initiative, announced on Feb. 17, aims to eliminate barriers for HISD students aspiring to earn a bachelor's degree. "This agreement creates an opportunity by removing barriers for increasing numbers of HISD students to attend UHD and earn a bachelor's degree," said Long Huynh, UHD's vice president of enrollment management. Approximately 7,700 students from HISD's 2026 graduating class will qualify for this program. UHD President Loren Blanchard emphasized the importance of this initiative, remarking: "To those eligible HISD seniors who think college is for others, we want you to know today that we see your potential and we see your promise."

Judson Middle School to close next year

Judson Middle School will close next year as part of Judson ISD's efforts to address a $35m budget deficit. "Closing a middle school can feel like closing a door, but we will not lose sight of the doors that we are opening by doing this," said Monica Ryan, president of the board of trustees. The decision, made with a 6-0 vote, follows declining enrollment and competition from charter schools. The district plans to close three elementary schools as well, with decisions expected by February 24. Judson Middle, one of the oldest campuses, serves only 1,200 students, about 35% of its capacity. The closures aim to reduce the deficit by $7m, as the district grapples with financial challenges and leadership instability.

FINANCE

Budget planning kicks off for 2026-27

Allen ISD officials are initiating budget planning for the 2026-27 school year, as discussed by Kyle Penn, assistant superintendent of business and technology, during a board meeting on January 20. The budget process is described as “year-round,” with discussions having started in August. Key dates include budget discussions on February 23, a budget update on March 2, and budget adoption scheduled for June 15. Penn highlighted the challenges posed by declining enrollment, which has dropped by over 1,400 students since 2020, and inflation. He stated, “This declining enrollment while trying to stay competitive in compensation and battle inflation are really the driving force on all these conversations.” To counteract these issues, the district is launching the Allen Advantage open enrollment program, which has already attracted 20 new students. Officials aim to maintain competitive salaries while managing budget constraints.

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CHARTERS

Killeen school board makes bold move

Killeen ISD's Board of Trustees has unanimously approved Third Future Schools as the operating partner for Manor Middle School. The district will now initiate contract negotiations with the Colorado-based charter school network. Terri Osborne, an administrator with Killeen ISD, addressed the trustees during the meeting, highlighting the significance of this partnership. "This collaboration aims to enhance educational opportunities for our students," she said.

LEADERSHIP

Judson appoints new interim superintendent amid financial crisis

Judson ISD has appointed Robert Jaklich as interim superintendent, effective immediately. Board president Monica Ryan said, "He brings proven leadership experience," highlighting his past roles in large Texas districts. Jaklich's appointment follows the ousting of Superintendent Milton Fields, who served for 2.5 years. The district is currently grappling with a $35m budget deficit and declining enrollment, leading to the closure of Judson Middle School and plans to shut down three elementary schools. The decision will affect around 480 students who live within a 2-mile radius and currently walk to school. Daniel Brooks, assistant superintendent of operations, mentioned the district's bus shortage and the need for boundary adjustments to determine transportation requirements. Additionally, 44 students in the agricultural program will transition to Kitty Hawk, while those in the JSTEM Academy will also relocate, costing the district about $45,000.

Superintendent salary boost approved

The Copperas Cove ISD Board of Trustees has approved a $31,745 salary increase for Superintendent Brent Hawkins on February 3, following a five-year contract extension granted just two weeks earlier. This decision reflects the board's confidence in Hawkins' leadership, as he engages with students, such as reading to elementary school children during his initial weeks in January 2025.

EARLY EDUCATION

Teachers adapt to rising classroom chaos

In Lead Elementary, first-grade teacher Andrea Quinn has noticed a significant increase in challenging behaviors among her students, particularly since the pandemic. "A lot of things have changed since the pandemic," said Wendy Reinke, co-director of the Missouri Prevention Science Institute. Educators across the nation report that young children are more disruptive and defiant, leading to a push for new classroom management strategies. Federal data indicates that the need for training in classroom management has risen from 51% to 65% in elementary schools. Experts attribute these behavioral issues to the lack of social experiences during the pandemic, with many children missing preschool. As a result, teachers are overhauling their approaches, focusing on positive reinforcement and social-emotional learning to address the growing challenges in classrooms.

HIGHER EDUCATION

UT system debates teaching controversial topics

The University of Texas System Board of Regents is set to discuss a new policy regarding the teaching of "controversial topics" such as race, gender, and LGBTQ studies during its quarterly meeting. This decision follows a similar ordinance passed by the Texas A&M University System, which has led to the rejection of several syllabuses for including such content. Leonard Bright, a graduate professor at Texas A&M, expressed concerns about censorship, stating, “The message was clear: Be very afraid no one can save you from being censored at Texas A&M.” The American Association of University Professors has urged the UT System to reject the proposed guidance, emphasizing that “instructors need the freedom to teach” for students to have the freedom to learn. If approved, the policy would require professors to maintain a balanced approach when discussing controversial issues and restrict the inclusion of non-relevant material.

INTERNATIONAL

Ireland's schools demand clarity over proposed SNA allocation reductions

Calls are mounting for clarity after several schools in Ireland were informed their Special Needs Assistant (SNA) allocations may be reduced from September 2026. Trade union Fórsa said multiple schools have been notified by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) that SNA posts will be cut, but there is little information about how many schools or jobs are affected, or the reasons behind the reductions. While overall SNA numbers are set to increase nationally by more than 1,000 posts, concerns remain that some schools are losing support before a promised redeployment scheme is introduced. Fórsa has urged Education Minister Hildegarde Naughton to address the issue, warning that stricter criteria may be limiting SNA support to students with physical care needs, potentially overlooking those requiring emotional or behavioural assistance. The Department of Education said SNA allocations are reviewed annually based on student numbers and care needs, in line with existing guidelines.

AND FINALLY...

Lessons for the classroom from Bad Bunny's Super Bowl performance

Peter DeWitt, a former K-5 public school principal and founder of the Instructional Leadership Collective, and Michael Nelson, a K-12 educator and leadership coach, reflect on the leadership lessons from Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime performance. They emphasize that leadership should be viewed as an invitation to inclusivity and understanding. They say: "Before you judge a community, ask what you've truly tried to understand. Before you “go neutral,” ask who neutrality harms. And before you speak for others, make space for them to speak for themselves. This week, pick one lesson below and act on it—then collect evidence of impact." The performance serves as a case study for school leaders, highlighting the importance of sharing personal stories, embracing community diversity, and celebrating the voices of others. Key takeaways include honoring students, choosing unity over divisiveness, and calling out inequities within school communities.
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