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Texas
19th March 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Texas teachers fight back against TEA

The Texas chapter of the American Federation of Teachers (Texas AFT) has filed a lawsuit against the Texas Education Agency (TEA), claiming that the agency's investigations into educators who criticized Charlie Kirk violate their First Amendment rights. Texas AFT represents around 66,000 educators and argues that the inquiries into over 350 teachers infringe on their ability to express free speech online. Following Kirk's death, TEA Commissioner Mike Morath warned superintendents that educators sharing "vile content" would face investigations. Texas AFT's complaint highlights the negative consequences of such inquiries, citing a case where a Houston-area teacher was placed on administrative leave after commenting on Facebook about Kirk. Randi Weingarten, president of the national AFT, described the TEA's actions as a "state-sponsored attack on teachers." U.S. District Judge Alan Albright is set to hear arguments on April 22 regarding Texas AFT's request to block the investigations temporarily.

BLENDED LEARNING

An Administrator's Guide to Blended Learning  

Online learning doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing approach. Explore blended learning with this comprehensive guide from FlexPoint®, which includes:    
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  • Outline of blended learning classroom models
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  • Instructional strategies and tips
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TECHNOLOGY

AI weakens teaching craft

Daniel Buck argues that using AI to reduce teachers’ routine workload can undermine the core work of teaching rather than improve it. He contends that tasks often labeled “administrative,” such as drafting emails, planning questions, and reviewing student work, actually drive reflection, judgment, and relationship-building. Buck, a research fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and former school administrator, warns that outsourcing these activities also outsources the thinking behind them. As he writes: “Far from being side tasks, they are the work of teaching itself.” He also argues that AI-generated feedback can weaken trust and reduce teacher understanding of student needs. For practice leaders, Buck frames AI as a potential efficiency tool that may also erode professional judgment, training quality, and human connection if overused.

TEACHING

Practical money skills gain ground

Personal finance is increasingly replacing economics in U.S. high schools, with 39 states now requiring a standalone course for graduation, up from recent years, while only 22 states mandate economics, according to a forthcoming report from the Council for Economic Education. States including Texas, California, and Indiana have shifted toward practical financial education, reflecting demand for real-world skills such as budgeting, investing, debt management, and navigating rising student debt, which now totals $1.7 trillion. The change is driven by the growing financial complexity facing young people, from student loans to gambling and self-employment, as well as evidence that financial education improves decision-making, including during economic shocks.

DISTRICTS

Conroe ISD enrollment set to soar

Conroe ISD is projected to grow its enrollment to 73,000 students by the 2030-31 school year, according to a new Zonda Demographics study. The forecast contrasts with a previous study by Population and Survey Analysts, which estimated nearly 100,000 students by 2032-33. Rocky Gardiner, Zonda's director of school district consulting, explained: “We used district birthdate data, from the state health department ... we look at the ZIP codes that predominantly make up the district and look at the kindergarten enrollment as a capture rate.” The district has seen an increase of 5,072 students over the last four years, although a decline to around 71,500 students is anticipated by 2035-36. The largest current class is 10th grade, with 5,584 students enrolled.

Austin ISD faces backlash over school closures

During a recent board meeting, Austin ISD faced significant criticism from parents regarding internal communications about the closure of 11 schools. The district is also at risk of state takeover due to poor accountability scores at three middle schools. To avoid this, AISD is considering a charter partnership under Senate Bill 1882, which would provide a two-year reprieve from accountability consequences. Superintendent Matias Segura noted that the proposed partners have a successful track record in turning around schools. The district aims to improve student performance without resorting to external management, although the situation remains precarious.

Apogee Dripping Springs to close doors

Apogee Dripping Springs, founded by Sarah Pevehouse in August 2024, will close its doors at the end of May 2025 due to the loss of its classroom space at Dripping Springs Presbyterian Church. Pevehouse established the school to fill a gap in alternative education for high school students, growing from three to nine full-time students and several homeschoolers.

Bullard ISD welcomes new superintendent

The Bullard ISD Board of Trustees has appointed Dr. Micah Dyer as the new superintendent, effective March 30. With over a decade of experience in rural Texas schools, including his recent role at Cuero ISD, Dyer aims to expand career and technical education programs at Bullard, which currently offers fewer options.

New Braunfels ISD names new principal

New Braunfels ISD has appointed Stephanie McClain as the new principal of Oak Run Middle School, succeeding retiring principal Jessica White. McClain previously served as associate principal at New Braunfels High School, where she significantly improved college, career, and military readiness rates.

Fouche named lone finalist for superintendent

Todd Fouche has been named the lone finalist for the superintendent position at Frisco ISD, as announced by the Board of Trustees. Fouche, who has served as deputy superintendent for the past 10 years, will replace Mike Waldrip, who is set to retire in June 2026.

WORKFORCE

Fort Bend ISD's new pay plan

Fort Bend ISD is developing a local designation system as part of the state's Teacher Incentive Allotment, which was established by House Bill 3 in 2019. This initiative allows teachers to earn significant salary increases based on their designation level and the percentage of economically disadvantaged students at their campuses. The system will categorize teachers into four cohorts, with potential bonuses ranging from $3,000 to $32,000. The district plans to submit data for state review in October, with full system approval expected by February 2027, allowing bonuses for eligible teachers by August 2027.

CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION

Porter High School's $23.75m upgrade begins

Construction on a $23.75m upgrade for Porter High School is set to begin after New Caney ISD's board of trustees selected Gamma Construction on March 16. The project, funded by a $695m bond package approved by voters in May 2023, will enhance the school's fine arts, athletics, and career and technical education programs.

Building dreams: La Vega's new school

Work is progressing on La Vega ISD's Early College High School, which will focus on career and technical education. This project is part of the district's $93m bond issue approved for 2024 and is expected to be completed by spring 2027. Additionally, renovations are underway at Willie Williams Stadium, including new seating, a press box, and restrooms, supported by steel piers.

New playground opens in Humble

Humble ISD officials celebrated the opening of a new “City of Elements”-themed playground at Whispering Pines Elementary on March 4. This playground is part of the district's ongoing campus playground revitalization initiative, funded by a $775m bond package approved by voters in 2022.

Transforming libraries

Ector County ISD and the Education Foundation of Odessa have announced a $1m partnership aimed at renovating four school libraries, starting with Murry Fly Elementary School.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Klein ISD boosts security after incidents

Klein ISD officials are implementing enhanced security measures starting March 23 following three firearm-related incidents at different campuses from March 9-13. The new measures include increased law enforcement presence, random metal detector screenings, and K-9 searches. However, parents, led by Lauren McRae, are advocating for further actions, such as a third-party security audit and mandatory daily screenings.

SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION

Alvin ISD faces bus safety dilemma

At its latest meeting, the Alvin ISD board of trustees approved a resolution indicating the district lacks the financial capacity to retrofit or replace school buses with three-point seat belts by the September 2029 deadline mandated by Senate Bill 546. The estimated cost to replace 94 noncompliant buses is $12.6m, which includes $12m for 73 Blue Bird buses and $165,000 per bus for retrofitting 21 International buses.

INTERNATIONAL

South Korea bullying rate rises

Reported school bullying in South Korea has climbed to its highest level since national surveys began in 2018, with 3% of students saying they were victimized. Elementary students reported the highest rate at 5%, well above middle and high school levels. Verbal abuse made up the largest share of incidents at 40.3%, followed by group bullying and physical violence. While 1.1% of students admitted bullying others, most said they had apologized. Officials are expanding prevention efforts, including restorative programs for younger children, to improve support and responses.
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