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Texas
23rd February 2026
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THE HOT STORY

San Angelo ISD faces federal scrutiny

The federal Office for Civil Rights is currently investigating San Angelo ISD for potential discrimination, with a case filed on May 3, 2024. Shannon Schwartz, the executive director of communications for SAISD, said: "That investigation is still ongoing." The investigation focuses on allegations of discrimination against teachers, parents, and students in the bilingual program at Glenmore Elementary School, particularly concerning disability discrimination and Title VI violations related to various educational programs. The Office for Civil Rights emphasizes that being listed for investigation does not imply a decision has been made regarding the case.

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NATIONAL NEWS

Educational toy firms' challenge leads Supreme Court to strike down tariff policy

The U.S. Supreme Court has struck down President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariff policy in a 6–3 decision, ruling that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) does not authorize the president to impose tariffs without clear congressional approval. Writing for the majority, Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. said the 1977 statute cited by the administration makes no reference to tariffs or duties and therefore does not grant such authority, while three justices dissented, arguing tariffs fall within the law’s power to regulate importation. The case was brought in part by Chicago-area educational toy companies Learning Resources and hand2mind, whose jurisdictional claim was dismissed but whose broader objective of invalidating the tariffs was achieved.

National PTA cuts ties with Meta

The National Parent Teacher Association (PTA) has decided not to renew its partnership with Meta amid ongoing legal challenges related to child safety. Yvonne Johnson, the president of the PTA, stated in a letter to members that the organization will not seek renewal funding from Meta for the PTA Connected initiative, which aims to educate families about digital safety. Johnson noted: "There has been heightened public scrutiny and legal cases involving companies including Meta regarding digital safety that have created new challenges." Meta is currently facing trials in California and New Mexico, where it is accused of misleading the public about the safety of its apps, including Instagram. Advocacy groups, such as Parents for Safe Online Spaces, have supported the PTA's decision, citing concerns over children's safety and well-being. The PTA and Meta had a funding relationship since 2017, which ended on December 31, 2025.

TEACHING

Lufkin ISD adopts Bluebonnet mathematics curriculum

A meeting of the Lufkin ISD Board of Trustees saw board members unanimously vote to adopt the Bluebonnet mathematics curriculum for classes from kindergarten through to high school algebra I, II and geometry. Board members heard from teachers with experience teaching the curriculum who backed its adoption.

TECHNOLOGY

Schools pressured to 'sell out' to AI

English teacher Liz Shulman and high school junior William Liang look at the implications of the explosive growth of artificial intelligence (AI), saying that under "enormous pressure" schools have "sold out to AI companies, and students and teachers are bearing the cost". Schools, they argue, are being "pressured to rely on machinery rather than human judgment, to trust these tools precisely where trust matters most - at our educational institutions", with students told to use AI tools "responsibly" even as, they say, "no one can explain what this responsibility looks like".

DISTRICTS

AINS course supporters hope to clear next hurdle

The Fort Worth Star-Telegram looks at the challenges that have been overcome by backers of the American Indian/Native Studies course (AINS), piloted in the Grand Prairie ISD in 2021 and renewed in the face of concerns around the changing political climate in 2025. Supporters are now seeking to have the course standards approved as Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills, rather than its current status as an innovative course, which leaves it facing another renewal vote in 2030.

McKinney ISD seeks delay of new certification requirements

The Board of Trustees at McKinney ISD has approved a bid to seek a waiver from the Texas Education Agency that would delay the implementation of House Bill 2 in the district. The bill, passed during the 2025 legislative session, bars districts from hiring uncertified teachers for core subjects such as math, English and science. Shelly Spaulding, assistant superintendent of public relations, communications and support services, said the district has "decreased the number of uncertified teachers significantly, but the number of certified applicants is becoming significantly smaller every year".

SOCIAL & COMMUNITY

Educators seek stronger parent partnerships

Teaching has become increasingly challenging for educators due to declining academic performance, student discipline issues, and distractions in the classroom. Although teacher attrition has decreased since schools reopened after the pandemic, ongoing challenges—such as student behavior and perceived lack of administrative support—continue to impact morale. Many educators believe that stronger partnerships with parents could significantly improve classroom environments. As one educator noted: "Teaching respect starts at home." Parents are encouraged to reinforce behavioral norms, support school discipline, and engage actively in their children's education. By fostering accountability and respect, parents can help create a more conducive learning atmosphere, ultimately benefiting both students and teachers.

LEADERSHIP

Bastrop ISD board election canceled

In the upcoming 2026 election cycle, Bastrop ISD's board of trustees will not experience any turnover, as only Place 3 trustee Josh Coy and Place 4 trustee Priscilla Ruiz filed applications to run. According to Evan Moilan, BISD's executive director of communications, "With no challengers having filed, the district will not hold an election." The board election was initially scheduled for May 2, with the two seats having terms ending in May, and candidates elected would serve a three-year term.

STUDENTS

Students suspended over ICE walkout

East Central ISD has confirmed that around 30 students had received suspensions after taking part in a walkout at East Central High School in protest against operations by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). District spokesperson Brandon Oliver said no students were expelled, with consequences "determined on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct and established campus procedures".

SPECIAL EDUCATION

New council aims to boost special education

Kendra Wiggins, Conroe ISD's executive director of special education, announced the establishment of the Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) during a board meeting on February 17. The council, approved by a 6-1 vote, aims to foster collaboration between the district and parents of students receiving special education and 504 services.

INTERNATIONAL

Australian ministers push ‘Australian values’ in schools

Australian school students are to be explicitly taught about “Australian values,” including freedom, democracy, the rule of law and the concept of a “fair go,” after education ministers agreed to update the national curriculum. Federal Education Minister Jason Clare said the changes aim to strengthen social cohesion and pass on core national values to younger generations. The Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) will review the curriculum over the next six months, with a focus on reinforcing democratic principles and addressing antisemitism following the Bondi terror attack in December. Ministers have directed ACARA to ensure the curriculum promotes an understanding and rejection of antisemitism, alongside deeper teaching about Jewish Australians’ history and culture. A new “social cohesion hub” will also provide teachers with free lesson plans and classroom resources designed to combat antisemitism and promote inclusion. The move comes amid controversy over activist teachers planning to challenge traditional Anzac Day commemorations through lessons linking Australia’s wartime history to Palestine. Clare said recent violent incidents underscored the need to “turn the temperature down” and emphasised that harmful rhetoric can escalate into violence.
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