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Texas
25th March 2026
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THE HOT STORY

New leader for Fort Worth schools

Peter B. Licata has been appointed as the new superintendent of the Fort Worth ISD by the Texas Education Agency (TEA). He begins his role on a 21-day interim contract, with formal approval expected soon. Licata's vision for Fort Worth ISD is clear: “My North Star for Fort Worth ISD is simple and unwavering: every student reading on grade level, mastering mathematics, and graduating prepared for college, career, or military service,” he said. Previously, Licata served as the superintendent of Broward County Public Schools in Florida, where he achieved an “A” rating for the district, its first in over 14 years. An editorial in the Star-Telegram argues Fort Worth ISD should rally behind the state-led overhaul while demanding transparency and results. It says Superintendent Licata and the new board must tackle academic struggles, communicate clearly, and help build stronger district leadership for the future.

MCGRAW HILL - TEKS ALIGNMENT

Explore TEKS‑Aligned Math for Texas Classrooms

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ALEKS complements Texas Math with adaptive, AI‑driven assessment that identifies readiness and learning gaps, delivering targeted instruction that accelerates growth. Real‑time data, automatic grouping tools, and personalized pathways help teachers meet each student exactly where they are. With adoption underway, now is the perfect time to explore how these programs can support your teachers and students.

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NATIONAL NEWS

States warn USDA rules on funding could disrupt access to school nutrition programs

A coalition of 20 states and the District of Columbia has sued the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), arguing that new grant conditions tied to federal funding could threaten billions of dollars for school meal and nutrition programs. The lawsuit, brought by states as California, Colorado, Maryland, Massachusetts, and Virginia, challenges rules introduced at the end of 2025 that prohibit grant recipients from using funds for activities related to “gender ideology,” immigration incentives, or policies affecting women’s sports, with states claiming the requirements are unlawful and overly broad. State attorneys general argue the USDA lacks authority to impose such conditions, noting that Congress mandates access to school meal programs regardless of immigration status, and that the rules introduce uncertainty and administrative burden. The USDA has said the conditions are intended to ensure compliance with federal law, but has declined to comment on the ongoing litigation.

GOVERNANCE

Candidates vie for Richardson ISD district 3

Three candidates have filed to run for the District 3 seat on the Richardson ISD board of trustees in the upcoming May 2 election, as Trustee Debbie Rentería will not seek reelection.

Pleasanton ISD welcomes new leader

The Pleasanton ISD Board of Trustees has appointed Dr. John Prezas as the new superintendent, succeeding his role as Assistant Superintendent at Corpus Christi ISD.

Chico ISD begins superintendent search

The Chico ISD board of trustees has initiated the process to hire a new superintendent, officially opening the application window on Friday.

DISTRICTS

San Antonio ISD closes another school amid crisis

San Antonio ISD (SAISD) has decided to permanently close Rhodes Middle School at the end of the 2025-2026 school year, marking the 17th school closure in three years due to declining enrollment and rising costs. Rhodes has received failing grades from the Texas Education Agency for three consecutive years, and if it receives a fifth consecutive F rating, it could face state intervention. Students from Rhodes will be transferred to Tafolla Middle School, while SAISD aims to reduce its campuses from 84 to 50.

Killeen ISD avoids state takeover

To prevent a potential state takeover, Killeen ISD's Board of Trustees has approved a three-year contract with Third Future Schools (TFS) to manage Manor Middle School. Terri Osborne, Killeen ISD's deputy superintendent for curriculum, instruction, and school leadership, addressed the trustees before the decision, emphasizing the importance of this partnership. The move aims to enhance educational outcomes and stability within the district, ensuring that students receive the support they need. "This partnership is crucial for our students' success," Osborne said.

New math materials approved for Clear Creek students

Clear Creek ISD has approved new mathematics instructional materials for elementary and secondary students during its March 23 meeting. This decision comes as existing materials are set to expire. The district formed three committees, primarily consisting of classroom teachers, to evaluate and recommend new resources. The committees suggested adopting Bluebonnet Learning materials from Great Minds for K-5 and Carnegie Learning for grades six through Algebra II. Additional recommendations include publishers like McGraw Hill and Pearson for various secondary courses.

Unlocking extra days for learning

San Marcos CISD is considering the implementation of the Texas Education Agency's Additional Days School Year (ADSY) funding formula for the 2026-27 academic year. This initiative proposes adding six school days to the calendar, which would provide funding for the district's summer school program. Chief of communications Andrew Fernandez explained that the ADSY allows districts to receive additional funding for up to 30 extra instructional days for Pre-K through 8th-grade students.

FINANCE

Friendswood ISD budget surplus forecast

Friendswood ISD is forecasting a budget surplus of nearly $3.3m for the fiscal year 2026-27, as revealed in a recent board workshop on March 23. The district anticipates an increase in revenues by over $3.3m, while spending is expected to rise by nearly $19,000 compared to FY 2025-26. Although salary expenditures are projected to remain stable, the board is considering allocating funds for staff stipends to aid in recruitment and retention, particularly in athletics and special education. Additionally, the district plans to decrease the tax rate by $0.03 per $100 of home valuation, bringing it to $1.00. However, if voters approve an $81.5m bond in May, the tax rate could increase by $0.0349 per $100 valuation. 

Magnolia ISD gears up for bond

Magnolia ISD will host a series of town hall meetings regarding the upcoming bond election scheduled for May 2. The meetings aim to inform the community about the bond proposition focused on funding future campus facilities and related district purchases. 

CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION

Bryan ISD greenlights $146.8m projects

At the March 23 meeting, Bryan ISD trustees approved contracts for design and construction planning for three high school projects, totaling over $146.8m, funded by the district's 2025 bond. The board unanimously selected Houston-based firms VLK and PBK for renovations at Bryan and Rudder High Schools, and for the rebuild of Bryan Collegiate High School (BCHS). The renovations at Bryan and Rudder High Schools are estimated to cost more than $98m, while the BCHS rebuild is projected at nearly $49m.

Georgetown ISD delays new school openings

Georgetown ISD is set to complete the construction of a new $106m middle school and a $66.57m elementary school this summer, but students won't start attending until August 2027. Superintendent Devin Padavil announced the delay due to projected slower enrollment growth, which has decreased by 2,500 students since earlier estimates. The decision aims to prevent a $1.75m budget shortfall and avoid cuts that would impact students. The district is also considering a tax-rate election to fund teacher raises.

McKinney ISD invests in campus upgrades

Renovations at three McKinney ISD campuses are set to commence this summer, following the board of trustees' approval of over $4.8m for the next phase of upgrades. This funding will enhance Bennett Elementary School, Evans Middle School, and McKinney Boyd High School, with a total of approximately $11.6m allocated for campus refreshes by summer 2026.

NUTRITION

Food allergies: A growing concern

Approximately one in 10 children and teens in the U.S. has a food allergy, a figure that has surged by 50% since the 1990s. The American Academy of Pediatrics emphasizes the importance of collaboration among parents, pediatricians, and schools to ensure the safety of these children. "Avoiding allergic reactions means being prepared for allergic emergencies," they stated. Schools are encouraged to maintain open stocks of epinephrine and train staff on cross-contact protocols. Diagnosis involves detailed assessments and may require evaluation by a board-certified allergist. An Allergy and Anaphylaxis Emergency Plan is crucial for managing allergies, especially in school settings.

INTERNATIONAL

Seoul urges Tokyo to revise territorial claims over Dokdo in school materials

South Korea has urged Japan to correct territorial claims over the disputed Dokdo islets in newly approved high school textbooks, formally protesting descriptions that label the islands as Japanese territory and characterize Korea’s control as illegal. Seoul criticized the materials for distorting historical facts, called for immediate revisions, and reiterated that Dokdo is Korean territory under international law, while also raising concerns about broader textbook narratives that downplay wartime forced labor and sexual slavery, issues that continue to strain relations between the two countries.
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