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Texas
13th March 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Texas parents challenge school voucher bias

Four Muslim parents and three private schools have filed lawsuits against Texas officials, claiming discrimination in the state's private school voucher program. The lawsuits, initiated by Mehdi Cherkaoui, a Muslim father and lawyer, argue that the program unjustly excludes Islamic schools based on "categorical presumptions" of terrorism linked to their religious identity. Cherkaoui, who pays nearly $18,000 annually for his children's tuition, seeks to access approximately $10,500 in voucher funding. The lawsuits name Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, Comptroller Kelly Hancock, and Education Commissioner Mike Morath as defendants, highlighting the need for the state to accept all eligible Islamic schools without bias. The plaintiffs demand that the court prevent the state from denying approval based on religious identity or alleged ties to terrorism.

SUPPORTING STUDENTS BEFORE THEY NEED IT

Why Great Teachers Don’t Guess When It Comes to Support

Ever feel like you’re part detective, part reading coach, and part superhero? You’re not alone. Teachers everywhere are asking, “Where exactly does this student need support?” and “How do I find it fast?” — because those answers unlock real progress.

Whether it’s helping a kindergartner decode their first sight words or guiding a 10th grader through complex text, pinpointing what a student really needs makes all the difference.  

Great instruction shouldn’t feel like a puzzle with missing pieces. High-quality instructional resources grounded in the Science of Reading make supporting students your superpower.   

Hear from Leading Experts on the Evidence-Based Practices That Support Your Instruction and Advance Student Achievement.

 

NATIONAL NEWS

Commission urges major education overhaul to prepare students for AI-driven economy

A bipartisan commission convened by the Bipartisan Policy Center has urged sweeping changes to the U.S. education and workforce systems to prepare students for disruptions driven by artificial intelligence. The report says the federal government should coordinate a national workforce strategy, improve data systems that track students from school into careers, and fund research to help states align education with evolving labor market needs. The commission also recommends raising academic standards, creating a federal K–12 “scorecard” comparing state proficiency levels with national benchmarks, and providing incentives for states that improve student outcomes. It calls for redesigning high school so students graduate with credentials and skills relevant to employers, expanding competency-based learning models, and encouraging innovative teacher staffing strategies. While the strategy should be national, commissioners say implementation should largely occur at the state and local levels to respond to rapidly changing workforce demands.

STATE NEWS

Deadline chaos for Texas voucher program

Confusion surrounding Texas' new voucher program is causing significant challenges for families, particularly those with children requiring special education evaluations. The program, which offers up to $20,000 for students with disabilities, has overwhelmed public school districts with requests for evaluations, leading to resource strain. Laura Colangelo, executive director of the Texas Private Schools Association, noted that the rapid implementation has created hurdles for families seeking equal access to funding. The comptroller's office acknowledged the difficulties and aims to improve support for families navigating the special education system in future years.

Texas schools face teacher shortage crisis

As Texas grapples with a significant teacher shortage, many school districts have turned to their district of innovation (DOI) plans to hire uncertified teachers, allowing professionals with real-world experience to fill essential roles while they pursue certification. However, House Bill 2, enacted during the 89th Texas legislative session, imposes new restrictions on these practices. Starting in the 2026-2027 school year, districts will no longer be able to waive certification requirements for K-5 reading and math teachers, with similar rules extending to all core courses the following year.

DISTRICTS

Coastal Bend students flock to vouchers

Over 2,330 students from the Coastal Bend region have applied for Texas Education Freedom Accounts, a program designed to subsidize private and home school expenses. Notably, 1,289 applicants are from Corpus Christi ISD, which represents a significant portion of the total applications. While applications are higher among younger students, the Coastal Bend ranks 11 out of 20 in total applications and 18 out of 20 when adjusted for public school enrollments. The implications for public schools are significant, as each student lost to private education translates to a loss in funding, with Corpus Christi ISD potentially facing over $8m in budget reductions.

Revamping North Austin middle schools

Three middle schools in North Austin may see significant changes next school year as Austin ISD considers a partnership with the Texas Council for International Studies (TCIS). This move follows four consecutive F ratings for Burnet, Dobie, and Webb Middle Schools. The proposed partnership aims to improve academic performance by implementing the International Baccalaureate program and providing additional resources. The board will vote on the partnership on March 26, with an application deadline of March 31. If approved, TCIS would help the schools achieve at least a C rating by the 2028-29 school year, while AISD retains ownership of the school buildings and oversees major maintenance.

Mexia ISD fights back

Mexia ISD is appealing to the Texas Education Agency (TEA) after being informed of plans to appoint an academic conservator aimed at enhancing student performance at two schools. On February 24, TEA notified district leaders of its intention to assign a conservator to A.B. McBay Elementary School and R.Q. Sims Intermediate School. In response, district officials formally requested an informal review from TEA on March 2, aiming to present evidence of corrective actions already in progress and improvements made at both campuses.

Humble ISD aims for higher scores

Humble ISD trustees received an update on new initiatives aimed at improving college, career, and military readiness (CCMR) scores during a board meeting this week. Melissa Leigh, the district's senior director of personalized student success, highlighted that several programs were implemented at the start of the 2025-26 school year to enhance student progress tracking. Projections indicate Humble's overall CCMR score is expected to rise from 62% for the 2024-25 school year to between 78%-81% for the following year.

WORKFORCE

PSJA teachers soar to 82% designation

Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD (PSJA ISD) has achieved a significant milestone, with 82% of its teachers now designated under the Teacher Incentive Allotment, as approved by the Texas Education Agency. This increase from 72% last year reflects the district's ongoing commitment to recognizing instructional excellence. The Teacher Incentive Allotment has generated nearly $87m in additional compensation for educators since the 2022-2023 school year, with over $35m expected this year alone. PSJA ISD anticipates generating more than $222m in total allotment funding over the next five years, which will enhance educator compensation and positively impact the local economy.

FINANCE

Budget talks heat up at Allen ISD

Allen ISD is actively engaged in budget discussions for the 2026-27 school year, with updates presented by Kyle Penn, assistant superintendent of business and technology. During a recent workshop, Penn outlined a timeline for budget planning and noted that district departments are currently finalizing their budgets, which are due by the end of March. The board aims to adopt the budget in June. A report from School District Strategies revealed that enrollment at Allen ISD is projected to decline by 1% to 2.3% annually over the next six years, impacting funding. To counteract this, the district has initiated the Allen Advantage open enrollment program, which has already attracted 20 new students. Historically, the district has absorbed $6m-$8m in annual reductions through natural attrition and other strategies.

Tomball ISD to host budget workshop

Tomball ISD trustees will host their first budget workshop on Monday, led by chief financial officer Zack Boles. The district previously approved a $230.3m budget aimed at increasing teacher pay due to state funding. Deputy Superintendent Amy Schindewolf will also present the District of Innovation plan, which is renewed every five years and allows exemptions from certain Texas Education Code requirements.

GOVERNANCE

Edinburg board backs superintendent despite concerns

The Edinburg CISD school board unanimously approved Superintendent Mario Salinas' evaluation during a recent meeting, but the decision was made without public discussion. The evaluation, which was discussed in a closed session, has faced criticism from the Edinburg American Federation of Teachers President Marsha Gonzalez, who said: “The time has come to sever ties with this superintendent.” She cited issues such as declining student enrollment, low test scores, and budget problems as reasons for her opposition. Salinas has led the district since 2021 and has a salary of $374,627, according to the Texas Education Agency’s Superintendent Salary Reports.

Killeen ISD welcomes new deputy superintendent

The Killeen ISD Board of Trustees has appointed Donald Stewart Jr. as the new deputy superintendent for learning services. Karen Rudolph, KISD's head spokeswoman, announced the decision following a unanimous vote by the trustees.

Dr. Ron Myers returns to lead new Northwest ISD school

Dr. Ron Myers is set to return from retirement as the inaugural principal of J. Fred Davis Jr. High School, Northwest ISD's fourth high school. Previously, he served as principal of Byron Nelson High School from 2014 to 2022, where he established a strong academic culture.

CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION

Lubbock ISD kicks off school demolition

Lubbock ISD has initiated the demolition of O.L. Slaton Middle School to pave the way for a new elementary school at the site near 32nd St. and Ave. Q. This action is part of a larger campus consolidation plan approved by voters last year, which involves merging five campuses into three new schools. Students from Bean Elementary will transition to the new school at the former O.L. Slaton site, while Stewart and Williams elementaries will combine at the current Williams location. Additionally, students from Wolffarth and McWhorter elementaries will move to a new school at the vacant Matthews building site. All three new schools are set to open for the 2028-2029 school year in August 2028, marking a significant change in the local education landscape.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Paris students shine at conference

Paris High School students recently attended the Texas Crime Stoppers Conference in Amarillo, where they received multiple statewide honors for their leadership in promoting safe schools and communities. The Paris ISD Crime Stoppers program was awarded the prestigious Traveling Trophy Award, recognizing its dedication to inspiring others.

SEL

Educators back SEL instruction

A new EdWeek Research Center survey of 499 educators finds strong support for teaching social-emotional learning (SEL) skills in schools, with more than three-quarters saying students should learn abilities such as self-management, cooperation, problem-solving, and effective communication during their K-12 education. Only 2% of respondents said no SEL skills should be taught in schools, although “leadership” was the least prioritized skill, selected by about half of educators. While many teachers and school leaders view these competencies as essential for academic success and student wellbeing, respondents also highlighted barriers including limited training, a lack of resources, and inconsistent support from parents and communities. Some educators questioned whether teachers are sufficiently prepared, or whether it is even their role, to teach SEL, noting that crowded curricula and limited time in the school day can make implementation difficult.

INTERNATIONAL

Ford government launches C$750 classroom supply fund for Ontario elementary teachers

The Ontario government has announced that elementary school homeroom teachers will receive C$750 ($552) per year for classroom supplies starting in the 2026–27 school year, under a new “Classroom Supplies Fund” to be included in the province’s upcoming budget. Teachers will be able to access the funds through a provincial online ordering system, allowing them to purchase commonly used classroom materials, such as notebooks, writing supplies, calculators, arts and crafts materials, tissues, and classroom decorations, which will be delivered directly to schools. Premier Doug Ford said the initiative is designed to end the practice of teachers paying for basic supplies out of their own pockets. Education Minister Paul Calandra said teachers and school boards will be consulted on which materials should be available through the system.
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