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Texas
18th May 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Diesel price surge strains U.S. school budgets

Soaring diesel prices linked to the Iran war are putting severe pressure on already stretched U.S. school district budgets, forcing many districts to dip into reserves, cut spending elsewhere, and reconsider transportation operations. Since December, diesel prices for US fleets have jumped 67% to $5.52 per gallon, according to fleet management technology provider Samsara, adding an estimated $1.8bn to annual school bus operating costs nationwide. The financial strain reflects wider economic disruption caused by the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, which has affected roughly one-fifth of global oil supplies and triggered one of the fastest fuel price increases on record. School bus operators consume more than 800m gallons of diesel annually in the US, making districts especially vulnerable to price swings. James Rowan, executive director of the Association of School Business Officials International, said the speed of the increases has made budgeting particularly difficult for schools. “Districts can plan for higher costs, but rapid swings in prices make it very difficult to budget accurately,” Rowan said.

TEXAS COMPLIANCE GUIDE

Stay Ahead of Texas Training Requirements

Keeping up with Texas compliance mandates can be complex, and gaps can put districts at risk. This Texas compliance guide breaks down critical requirements, from bloodborne pathogens to suicide prevention, so districts can quickly identify gaps, align training, and stay audit-ready.

Download Guide

 

NATIONAL NEWS

NAEP broadens state-level assessments across core subjects

The National Assessment Governing Board (NAGB) has approved plans to expand the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), commonly known as the Nation’s Report Card, by introducing additional state-level results in 12th grade math and reading, eighth and 12th grade civics, and eighth grade science. The move marks a sharp turnaround from concerns a year ago that the federal testing program could face cutbacks under the Trump administration after staffing reductions and canceled optional assessments. The new testing schedule, approved in a 16-3 vote, would begin rolling out in 2028, with eighth grade civics and 12th grade math and reading results available at the state level. Eighth grade science would follow in 2029, while a revised 12th grade civics exam would debut in 2032. Participation by states will remain voluntary, although NAGB is asking states to signal interest this summer. The expansion comes despite uncertainty over federal funding. The Trump administration’s proposed fiscal year 2027 budget allocates $137m for NAEP, below the $193m Congress has recently provided.

FINANCE

Bus safety law could cost Houston ISD nearly $30m

Houston ISD’s board of managers has unanimously approved a request for an exemption from a new Texas law requiring three-point seat belts on all school buses, arguing that the district cannot afford the estimated $29.1m cost to comply by the 2029 deadline. Under Senate Bill 546, all public school districts in Texas must install three-point seat belts on school buses by September 1, 2029. Houston ISD officials said the district’s fleet of 278 buses would either need to be retrofitted at a cost of roughly $4.5m, or replaced entirely for about $24.6m, bringing the total projected cost above $29m. District officials said current budget constraints make the investment unfeasible. HISD Chief of Organizational Effectiveness Kari Feinberg told board members the law does not clearly define how long an exemption would remain valid, although district leaders believe it would likely last at least one year. The district’s exemption request follows similar moves by other school systems in the Greater Houston area, including Humble, New Caney, Katy, and Tomball ISDs, which have also cited financial concerns over the mandate.

Denton ISD budget sees big boost

Denton ISD is projected to increase its personnel spending by approximately $28m for the fiscal year 2026-27, according to a report from Jennifer Stewart, the district's executive director of budget. The budget includes an additional $12.6m mandated by House Bill 2 for staff and teacher retention, with the state contributing about $10.4m. Other funding increases include $4m for mid-year pay raises, $5.3m for special education staff, and $930,000 for instructional support. Teachers and librarians will receive a 4% raise based on the area median teacher salary, while other staff will see a 2% increase. The total cost of salary adjustments is estimated at $9m, covered by the FY 2026-27 compensation plan balance. The district anticipates a surplus of roughly $325,000, with projected revenues of nearly $380.34m against expenditures of just over $380m.

WORKFORCE

Teachers in line for pay raise

New Braunfels ISD is considering a 2% mid-point pay increase for teachers and paraprofessionals in the 2026-27 school year, which would cost approximately $949,000, according to Maximilian Flores, the district's chief human resources officer. The same increase is proposed for administration and auxiliary staff, costing around $643,000. Flores stated: “We just have a hard time recruiting and retaining that set of employees, so we're hoping that this new scale—it's a little higher—will help us do that.” The district aims to maintain competitive pay to attract talent while adhering to fiscal responsibility and compliance with House Bill 2. The draft compensation plan will be reviewed for approval in a June school board meeting.

Big checks for Ector County teachers

Ector County ISD recently celebrated its teachers with significant financial rewards through the Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) program. This year, 532 teachers received designations, resulting in a total payout of $6.387m, an increase from $4.6m last year. The TIA program, established by the Texas Legislature in 2019, aims to reward effective teachers and improve student outcomes. Boyer emphasized that “this is something these teachers earned with their hard work and dedication.”

GOVERNANCE

Porterie stands strong against criticism

Port Arthur ISD Superintendent Mark Porterie has issued a strong response to comments made by Beaumont ISD's new Superintendent Sandi Massey, who suggested that Port Arthur ISD was struggling more than Beaumont. In a district-wide letter, Porterie urged his staff to “declare war” against the disrespectful remarks, emphasizing the need to stand up for their integrity and pride. He acknowledged the challenges faced by Port Arthur schools, which received a “D” in the 2025 accountability ratings, but highlighted the dedication and resilience of the staff. “We will respond to this moment and these classless sentiments by continuing to build a district that stands tall,” Porterie said. Beaumont ISD later clarified that Massey's comments were not intended to disrespect Port Arthur ISD, expressing a commitment to collaboration among districts.

Killeen ISD director resigns amid controversy

Charles “Chuck” Kelley, the executive director of investigations and school safety at Killeen ISD, has resigned following his placement on administrative leave. Kelley stated: “I don't think I violated any policy,” emphasizing his belief in his innocence. The resignation comes amid an ongoing investigation into recordings shared on social media, which allegedly involve Kelley discussing timekeeping practices with a former employee. District spokeswoman Karen Rudolph noted that Kelley admitted to being the individual in the recordings and acknowledged making the statements in question. She added that the investigation revealed wrongdoing, leading to a recommendation for termination.

DISTRICTS

Keller ISD votes to close schools

The Keller ISD board unanimously decided to close Bear Creek Intermediate, Parkwood Hill Intermediate, and Trinity Meadow Intermediate after the 2026-27 school year. This consolidation will transition the district to pre-K through fifth grade at elementary schools and sixth to eighth grade at middle schools by the 2027-28 school year. Sarah Andreani, president of the Shady Grove Elementary Parent Teacher Association, expressed gratitude for the trustees' efforts, stating: “This has been a very trying time for our school, but it's been wonderful to see Shady Grove family, staff and even students come together.” The district anticipates saving $3m annually and avoiding $39m in improvements. 

Pflugerville ISD to close schools

Pflugerville ISD plans to close four elementary schools in fall 2027 due to a projected $18m budget shortfall. The closures, which include Pflugerville, Dessau, Parmer Lane, and Windermere elementary schools, aim to save $9.8m in the 2027-28 school year. Trustee Renae Mitchell described the decision as “the hardest thing that we've had to do,” emphasizing the emotional toll on the community. The district is grappling with declining enrollment, which has dropped over 5% since 2019, and is facing a $10.9m deficit this fiscal year. Laila Olivarez, the district's chief of schools, warned that without action, state intervention could occur within years. The closures reflect broader trends in Texas, where many districts are facing similar financial pressures.

Fort Bend ISD launches online spirit store

Fort Bend ISD is set to launch a centralized online spirit store, following a $2.7m agreement with STS Brand. This user-friendly platform will provide access to district apparel, accessories, and promotional items for various events, including back-to-school and graduation. STS Brand will manage services such as online payment, order fulfillment, and customer service. The district anticipates generating $270,000 in commissions to help offset costs. The three-year contract begins on June 1 and can be extended for two additional years.

Celebrating 30 years of excellence

George Washington Middle School recently celebrated its 30th anniversary with a series of events featuring Judge Beckie Palomo as the guest speaker. Principal David Guzman reflected on the school's history, noting that "nearly 20,000 students have passed through the school's doors." He expressed gratitude to the community for their support and excitement for the future. Dr. Gerardo Cruz, United ISD superintendent, encouraged students to cherish their time at the school, stating: "Along the path of your educational journey, you are building great memories." Judge Palomo emphasized the school's commitment to character and respect, saying: "You are sparking an enthusiasm for learning that doesn't end when the final bell rings." The celebration concluded with the presentation of the Bobcat Legacy Awards and performances by the United High School Larriettes.

INTERNATIONAL

Nova Scotia teachers warn specialist cuts will hit student support

The Nova Scotia Teachers Union has warned that planned cuts to specialist teaching roles, including resource teachers, math coaches and literacy support coaches, will reduce support for students and increase classroom pressures. Union president Peter Day said removing interventionist and specialist teachers would create significant gaps, particularly for students with diverse and complex needs, while worsening working conditions could push experienced teachers to leave the province. The Education Department said the changes would move more teachers into direct classroom roles, with no job losses among union members and affected staff redeployed into other education positions. Education Minister Brendan Maguire previously said 47 of the 150 affected roles had been vacant for years and would be removed through attrition.
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