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Texas
16th April 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Fort Worth ISD shakes up staffing

The Fort Worth ISD has voted to implement the “Elevate Network,” a new instructional model aimed at enhancing teaching quality and student support. Superintendent Peter Licata stated that the initiative is designed to “ensure every student has access to strong instruction and support they need to succeed.” The model will involve a longer school year, additional training for student-teachers, and increased resources for educators. However, the plan has faced community pushback, with concerns about job security for teachers at the 19 schools involved. Daniel Soliz, deputy superintendent, emphasized the focus on “support, structure and resources” to improve underperforming schools. Teachers will have opportunities to reapply for their positions, and internal hiring fairs are scheduled for April. The district is also restructuring its leadership to better support schools.

BLENDED LEARNING

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WORKFORCE

Judson ISD cuts 536 jobs

Judson ISD is set to adopt a balanced budget after trustees voted 6-1 to eliminate 536 positions for the upcoming school year. The decision follows the closure of four campuses, aimed at addressing a projected $35m shortfall. Interim Superintendent Robert Jaklich said: "We are in a transition period where things aren't always the same as they used to be." The cuts, which represent about 7% of the workforce, will primarily affect teaching and support roles. While mass layoffs are unlikely, the district will not fill 175 vacant positions and anticipates some voluntary departures. The financial challenges stem from declining enrollment and the end of federal grants. Judson ISD plans to seek a tax rate increase in November to support staff raises if approved.

Friendswood ISD offers $156k retention stipend

Friendswood ISD has approved a one-time retention stipend of $156,000 for non-teaching professionals, including instructional coaches, nurses, and special education specialists, for the 2026-27 school year. The average stipend will be approximately $3,331, varying by employee experience, according to Lindsey Foley, FISD Executive Director of Human Resources.

Carroll ISD boosts teacher pay

Carroll ISD's board of trustees is evaluating proposed pay increases for teachers and staff for the 2026-27 school year during their April 13 workshop. Melanie Kibodeaux, Executive Director of Human Resources, presented a plan that could cost the district between $2m and $2.25m if approved. The proposal includes raising starting salaries for certified teachers from $60,200 to $62,200 and providing a $2,000 increase based on years of service. Additionally, nonteacher staff may receive a flat $5,000 increase, while bus drivers could see a $1 per hour raise. 

CHARTERS

Houston ISD's new charter schools unveiled

The Houston ISD has released contracts for four new charter schools, which will operate independently from the district. Superintendent Mike Miles previously stated these would not be charter schools, but the contracts confirm their status. The schools involved are Kinder High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, Energy Institute High School, Challenge Early College High School, and Houston Academy for International Studies. While HISD retains some oversight, surprise visits are prohibited, requiring prior notice. The independent schools must also submit financial and academic performance reports. Notably, the contracts lack appendices detailing operational standards, leaving many questions unanswered. "Members of the Board of Managers who voted to approve these contracts never looked at the original applications," raising concerns about the decision-making process.

DISTRICTS

North East ISD opens doors to new students

After a significant drop of 2,000 students, North East ISD is opening enrollment to families across San Antonio. This decision follows a vote by trustees on "phase one" of an efficiency plan, allowing students from outside the district to apply starting April 20. NEISD aims to address its $19m deficit and improve efficiency by potentially closing campuses with low enrollment. "Essentially, we have a space to support 2,000 kids or more," said Interim Superintendent Anthony Jarrett. The district will prioritize local students and military families during the enrollment process. NEISD also plans to expand popular academic programs, including a new early college high school focused on the medical field.

Fort Worth ISD cuts ties with Chavez

Fort Worth ISD has decided to distance itself from civil rights activist Cesar Chavez, following a New York Times investigation revealing allegations of sexual misconduct made against him. During a recent school board meeting, members unanimously voted to rescind the recognition of the day before Chavez's birthday as a school holiday. Luis A. Galindo, a Texas Education Agency appointee, said: “This action by the Board of Managers is not to discredit the work done by many who sought to empower farmworkers.” Additionally, the board amended policies regarding the naming of schools, allowing for community input on new names.

Carroll ISD plans property sale

Carroll ISD's board of trustees held a workshop on April 13 to discuss selling the Don T. Durham Intermediate School property, which will close at the end of the 2026-27 school year. Chase Park, the district's deputy superintendent of business and finance, recommended declaring the property surplus and hiring Roxann Taylor from Engel and Völkers to facilitate the sale. The district plans to invest the sale proceeds into a high-yield account. Additionally, the board discussed the need to replace 17 out of 82 noncompliant buses by 2029, as mandated by Senate Bill 546.

Extra school days to boost learning

Spring ISD is implementing a plan to enhance academic performance by adding nine extra school days for students at Ponderosa Elementary and Bailey Middle School starting next school year. The board approved this initiative as part of the Texas Education Agency-approved "restart" program, known as the Accelerating Campus Excellence program. Classes will commence earlier on August 10, with additional instructional days scheduled throughout the year.

GOVERNANCE

New principals announced for Northwest ISD

Northwest ISD has appointed four new principals for its schools, including Michelle Jennings, who will lead the newly constructed Barksdale Middle School, set to open in the 2026-27 school year. Other new principals include Danny Fracassi for Worthington Middle School, Kenni Dwyer for Sendera Ranch Elementary School, and Britney Kerley for Carter Elementary School. Each principal brings a wealth of experience and a commitment to fostering strong relationships within their respective school communities.

Alvord ISD names new superintendent

Aaron Tefertiller has been chosen as the sole finalist for the superintendent position at Alvord ISD, following a school board meeting on Monday. Currently serving as both the principal of Alvord High School and the basketball coach, Tefertiller has a rich background in campus administration and athletics.

STUDENT SUPPORT

Leader in Me program gets renewed

The Clear Creek ISD board of trustees has approved the renewal of the Leader in Me program, a leadership initiative aimed at enhancing students' academic, behavioral, and social skills. This program, developed by FranklinCovey, focuses on essential skills for post-secondary success, including communication and problem-solving. Since its introduction in 2016, the program has been part of the district's Vision 2030 plan, which seeks to implement it across all elementary campuses by 2030. Funding for the initiative comes from the Kern Foundation and the Clear Creek Education Foundation, covering onboarding for 11 campuses and ongoing support for existing participants.

Engagement is key to education reform

Robert C. Pianta, a professor emeritus at the University of Virginia, argues for a significant shift in education away from rigid standards and testing towards fostering student engagement. He emphasizes that students today feel a disconnect between their life goals and what schools offer, leading to declining attendance and interest. "Solving for engagement is the only way public schools can address the dual threats of academic decline and post-pandemic growth in private school enrollment," he says. Pianta suggests that schools should reduce the number of standards by 50% to allow deeper exploration of subjects and encourage collaboration. He advocates for leveraging technology to personalize learning and improve teacher-student relationships, ultimately aiming to create a more relevant and rigorous learning environment.

TEACHING

Engaging students through outdoor learning

Shirley J. Brezzell, a fifth-grade science and social studies teacher at Mackenzie Elementary-Middle School in Detroit, is passionate about engaging her students through an outdoor garden she created. Brezzell, named the 2026 Elementary School Science Teacher of the Year by the Michigan Science Teachers Association, incorporates gardening into her lessons to teach about healthy eating and the science of matter. “When they see the process from seed to a piece of fruit that they can actually eat, it is mind-blowing,” Brezzell said. Her innovative “Garden in a Bag” project allows students to grow portable gardens, ensuring they have access to fresh produce even during summer. Brezzell emphasizes the importance of education and aims to empower her students to make informed choices about their health and lifestyle.

NUTRITION

Free meals for Georgetown students

Beginning April 20, students enrolled in after-school programs at four Georgetown ISD elementary schools will receive free meals from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. The initiative, supported by the federal Child and Adult Care Food Program At-Risk Afterschool Meals Program, is available to all students, regardless of their eligibility for free or reduced-price meals.

CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION

Fort Worth ISD eyes stadium sale

The Fort Worth ISD's Board of Managers is advancing plans to sell and develop land surrounding Farrington Field, an 18,000-seat stadium used by local high schools. During a recent meeting, board members discussed various options for the seven tracts of land, with two purchase proposals received on February 20.

SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION

Tomball ISD faces bus upgrade challenge

Tomball ISD is preparing to comply with the new requirement from Senate Bill 546, mandating that all school buses have three-point seat belts. Chief Operating Officer Steven Gutierrez stated that the district must submit the total cost for new buses to the Texas Education Agency by May 29. Currently, 103 of the district's 205 buses do not meet the new standard. The cost to retrofit these buses ranges from $3.24m to $4.9m, while purchasing new buses would total approximately $14.42m.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Principal stops school gunman

Oklahoma high school principal Kirk Moore has been credited by police with preventing a mass shooting after tackling an armed former student and being shot in the leg. Investigators said the suspect entered the school with two semiautomatic handguns, tried to shoot students, and intended to kill students, staff, the principal, and himself. Police Chief Don May said: “There’s not a doubt in my mind that [Moore] saved kids’ lives.” The suspect is being held on $1m bail and faces multiple firearm-related charges. Moore has said he is recovering and hopes to return to work soon.

INTERNATIONAL

Sweden reconsiders classroom tech

Sweden’s government is shifting schools away from screens and toward books, paper, and pen-based learning in response to falling literacy and concerns about classroom distraction. The policy includes grants for textbooks, a coming mobile phone ban, and curriculum changes favoring printed materials. Liberal Party education spokesperson Joar Forsell said: “We’re trying, actually, to get rid of screens as much as possible.” Critics, including edtech leaders and researchers, warn that reducing digital exposure could weaken workforce readiness, widen inequality, and leave students less prepared for AI-driven workplaces.
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