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Texas
17th June 2026
 

THE HOT STORY

Texas students see mixed results

According to the latest State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) results, Texas elementary and middle school students have shown stagnation in reading while making gains in math and social studies. Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath said: “We are encouraged by continued gains in mathematics,” highlighting the increase in students succeeding in advanced math courses. Reading scores for third graders dropped to 49%, while seventh graders improved slightly to 54%. In contrast, math scores saw improvements across most grades, with social studies also showing a two-point increase for eighth graders. The results come after new laws aimed at enhancing classroom instruction, including a ban on cellphones in public schools. The education agency plans to release science results later this year, and Texas is set to phase out STAAR in favor of shorter assessments starting in the 2027-28 academic year.

NATIONAL NEWS

President Trump shifts more Education Dept agencies to other agencies

The Trump administration is transferring key Education Department responsibilities, including special education programs and civil rights enforcement, to the departments of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Justice as part of its broader effort to dismantle the Education Department. The move follows similar transfers of education-related functions to the Labor and Treasury departments and is intended to demonstrate that the agency’s responsibilities can be distributed across the federal government without congressional approval to formally close the department. Under the plan, oversight of special education programs, including administration of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and roughly $15bn in federal funding for students with disabilities, will move to HHS. Meanwhile, the Office for Civil Rights will increasingly rely on the Justice Department to investigate and resolve discrimination complaints involving schools and colleges. Administration officials said students will retain all existing legal protections and argued the changes will improve coordination and enforcement. However, disability advocates, civil rights groups, and former Education Department officials warned that splitting responsibilities across agencies could weaken oversight, complicate complaint processes, and undermine protections for students. 

Education leaders stress importance of human judgment in AI era

Education leaders testifying before a U.S. Senate hearing called for stronger safeguards around artificial intelligence (AI) in schools, while emphasizing that AI can enhance learning if it supports, rather than replaces, human judgment and teacher expertise. Delaware Education Secretary Cynthia Marten told the Senate Subcommittee on Education & the American Family that AI has the potential to expand educational opportunities, but only if schools implement clear guardrails and keep students at the center of decision-making. She highlighted Delaware’s AI Assurance Lab, which evaluates AI tools with input from teachers before they are adopted in classrooms. Witnesses also stressed the need for greater investment in teacher training, arguing that educators must be equipped to use AI effectively as the technology evolves rapidly. According to testimony, more than half of schools have yet to provide professional development on the safe use of AI, although training levels are improving.

FINANCE

Budget cuts threaten Texas education

Austin ISD is facing a significant budget crisis, with a projected $181m shortfall for the upcoming year. Superintendent Matias Segura revealed that the current year's deficit has surged from $19m to $95m, forcing the district to consider painful cuts, including staff reductions and diminished transportation options. Despite a recent $8.5bn funding increase, the basic student allotment remains insufficient, leading to a $1,844 per-student funding gap.

Liberty Hill ISD tackles rising health costs

The Liberty Hill ISD board of trustees have approved a budget increase of $267,840 to address rising employee health insurance costs. For the first time, employees enrolled in the Teacher Retirement System health insurance plan will contribute to their premiums, with the district covering an additional $20 per month while employees pay $17. The annual cost for employee health care is currently just under $5.9m, but with the new monthly rate rising by $37 to $521, the district's health care spending will increase by $492,720. If the district were to cover the entire increase, costs would exceed $6.9m in the 2026-27 school year. The board considered three options before deciding on the current plan, as health care costs have surged by $4m over the past five years, according to district documents.

Grapevine-Colleyville ISD budget approved

Grapevine-Colleyville ISD trustees approved a balanced budget of $237.7m for fiscal year 2026-27, which includes salary increases for staff and raises the starting pay for certified teachers to $60,000 per year. The budget was passed with a 5-2 vote, with trustees Darrell Brown and Lindsey Sheguit opposing it. Chief financial officer Karla Settle noted that 85.46% of expenditures are allocated for payroll, and inflation is affecting costs for fuel and utilities. However, Brown opposed the budget due to staffing cuts that he believes impact student needs. The projected tax rate remains unchanged at $0.8686 per $100 valuation, with plans to present a tax rate for adoption in August.

Frisco ISD's budget hits $751.9m

Frisco ISD has approved a balanced budget of $751.9m for the 2026-27 school year, marking its second consecutive year without a deficit. The budget, adopted during the June 15 meeting, includes $751.9m in both revenue and spending, featuring a $25.3m child nutrition fund and a $197.6m debt service fund.

DISTRICTS

Parents push back on Houston ISD changes

A group of Houston ISD families is urging the state-appointed board of managers to halt the district's Special Education Success Program, which plans to relocate around 5,000 students to new campuses next school year. Parents express concerns about the lack of transparency and community engagement, warning that the changes could disrupt students' education. The Houston Special Education Parent Association stated: “For students with disabilities, a campus is often much more than a building.” The district claims the overhaul will enhance resource consolidation and support, but parents argue it violates board policy requiring community involvement. Since the announcement, parents have initiated a petition against the changes, gathering over 250 signatures.

GOVERNANCE

New interim superintendent for SAISD

Toni Thompson has been appointed as the interim superintendent of San Antonio ISD, effective July 1. Previously the district's chief of staff, Thompson replaces Jaimie Aquino, who announced his retirement. SAISD Board President Alicia Sebastian expressed enthusiasm, stating: “We are truly excited to have Tony serve in this capacity.” Thompson's appointment comes at a critical time as the district faces a $46m budget deficit and has recently voted to close two schools while transferring three campuses to the charter operator Third Futures.

New leadership dawns for North East ISD

Anthony Jarrett has officially been appointed as the permanent superintendent of North East ISD, following a unanimous vote by district trustees. Jarrett, who has served as interim superintendent since January, emphasized the importance of his teaching background, stating: "You have to be a teacher first before you can be a leader." He is the first Black man to lead the district in its nearly 80-year history. Jarrett's tenure has included addressing a $19m deficit and navigating a dispute with the Texas Education Agency over cellphone policies. His leadership is expected to bring positive changes to the district.

WORKFORCE

Affordable housing for Hays educators

Hays CISD is set to provide affordable housing for its employees through a new community developed in partnership with Upward Communities. Superintendent Eric Wright emphasized the importance of such initiatives, stating: "It's more important than ever for school districts to come up with creative ways to attract and retain the most talented teachers and staff in Texas." The 362-home community will feature various amenities, including a pool, playgrounds, and sports fields, with rent prices below market rates to support educators amid rising living costs. Chief human resources officer Christina Courson noted the need for this initiative, as many teachers are leaving the profession for corporate jobs. The groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for this summer, with homes expected to be ready by 2027 or 2028.

Teachers shine with $1.8m boost

Harmony Public Schools West Texas District has achieved a remarkable milestone, with 154 teachers receiving Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) designations from the Texas Education Agency for the 2025-26 academic year. This accomplishment has resulted in $1,815,462 in funding for the district, with 40.3% of its teachers earning state designations. The TIA initiative aims to recruit, reward, and retain exceptional educators, offering three distinctions: Recognized, Exemplary, or Master. Individual allotments for teachers range from $4,283 to $22,264 annually.

TECHNOLOGY

Edtech benefits come with concerns

A new EdWeek Research Center survey suggests that educators view educational technology as a double-edged sword, with many seeing academic benefits while expressing concerns about its impact on students’ social-emotional development and mental health. More than half of teachers, principals, and district leaders surveyed said technology use in schools has a positive effect on student engagement, learning, and mastery of content and skills. However, more than half also reported that technology has a negative impact on students’ social-emotional growth, overall well-being, and mental health. Respondents offered differing perspectives on the issue, with some arguing that outcomes depend on how thoughtfully technology is integrated into instruction, while others cited distractions and overreliance on online resources as significant drawbacks. The survey, conducted in February and March, included responses from 79 district leaders, 122 principals, and 395 teachers, and found educators largely divided on whether school-related technology ultimately increases or decreases student learning.

NUTRITION

Aramark aligns school lunch programs with growing food additive restrictions

Aramark Student Nutrition has removed 14 food dyes and additives from its menus for the 2026-27 school year, affecting schools that participate in the National School Lunch Program as scrutiny of food ingredients in school meals continues to grow. Beginning this fall, Aramark’s school menus will no longer include additives such as brominated vegetable oil, potassium bromate, propylparaben, titanium dioxide, butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), and artificial colorings including Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, and Blue 2. The company said it worked with suppliers to reformulate products or identify alternatives that maintain taste and familiarity for students. The move comes as several states consider or enact restrictions on food additives in school meals, including Tennessee, which will prohibit foods and beverages containing certain food dyes in schools beginning with the 2027-28 academic year.

HIGHER EDUCATION

Houston schools shine in global rankings

Several Houston-area schools have been recognized in the 2026-27 Best Global Universities list released by U.S. News and World Report. This list evaluates over 2,200 universities worldwide based on 13 indicators, including global research reputation and international collaboration. Notable Texas institutions include the University of Texas at Austin, which has around 55,000 students, and the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, training nearly 4,000 health professionals annually. The University of Houston, with about 49,000 students, emphasizes its commitment to "where learning meets opportunity." Overall, 275 American universities made the list, showcasing Texas's strong educational presence.

INTERNATIONAL

Climate change increasing risks to children’s health, education, and safety

Half of the world’s children are now exposed to at least three overlapping climate hazards, according to a new UNICEF report, highlighting the growing impact of climate change on young people’s health, education, and daily lives. The report found that more than 1bn children face multiple threats, including heatwaves, floods, droughts, wildfires, and storms, while almost every child globally is exposed to at least one climate-related hazard. UNICEF identified parts of Africa’s Sahel region and countries including Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Pakistan as among the most severely affected. While lower-income regions face the greatest risks, the report noted that wealthier countries are also affected. In Italy, for example, more than 6m children are exposed to prolonged heatwaves and drought. UNICEF is calling on governments and businesses to reduce emissions and invest in climate-resilient infrastructure, healthcare, and education systems, arguing that stronger adaptation measures are essential to protect children from the growing impacts of climate change.

Demand for independent schools grows in Canada

Private school enrollment in Canada continues to outpace growth in the public system as parents increasingly seek smaller class sizes, specialized learning environments, stronger academic outcomes, and networking opportunities they believe will give their children a competitive edge. According to Statistics Canada, enrollment in private and independent schools rose about 9% between the 2019-20 and 2023-24 school years, compared with 3.6% growth in public school enrollment. Families are often paying annual tuition of C$15,000-C$50,000 ($10,711-$35,705), with many making significant financial trade-offs, including delaying retirement savings, reducing vacations, cutting extracurricular spending, or taking on debt.
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