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The Texas House Public Education Committee is set to discuss significant changes to education funding, including a proposed $1bn cap on education savings accounts and an increase of $395 in the base funding per student. The committee's revisions to Senate Bill 2 aim to address concerns about the potential costs of the voucher program, which could reach nearly $5bn by 2030. The proposed changes would prioritize students exiting public schools and limit funding for wealthier families. As the committee noted, "Current state budget proposals only set aside $1bn for vouchers," raising questions about the program's sustainability. Additionally, House Bill 2 could increase the basic allotment for each student to $6,555, with a focus on salary increases for experienced teachers. These adjustments aim to provide districts with the flexibility to meet their unique needs.

 

Denton Record-Chronicle

The Texas Tribune

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Education Secretary Linda McMahon has announced that the U.S. Department of Education does not intend to honor any of the deadline extensions to spend COVID aid approved under the Biden administration. In a letter to state education leaders, she explained that “extending deadlines for COVID-related grants, which are in fact taxpayer funds, years after the COVID pandemic ended is not consistent with the Department’s priorities and thus not a worthwhile exercise of its discretion." The decision jeopardizes billions in planned projects across at least 40 states, including HVAC upgrades, tutoring contracts, and mental health programs. As of late February, about $4.4bn of $201.3bn remained in unspent funds from the three federal relief allocations under the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) fund approved by Congress. On Monday Joshua Michael, president of the Maryland State Board of Education, said that up to $418m is now at risk, including $305m that has already been spent and is yet to be reimbursed. The department said states can reapply for limited extensions if they prove the funds address pandemic impact. Elleka Yost, director of advocacy and research for the Association of School Business Officials, notes that school districts still will have to honor their contracts, which could mean cutting other budget areas. “Federal funding has become increasingly unpredictable for districts, making it very difficult for school business professionals to accurately forecast and plan,” she added.

 

Chalbeat

Education Week News

K-12 Dive

Amber Shields of The Commit Partnership highlights Texas’ declining literacy rankings—now 37th in the U.S. for 4th grade and 44th for 8th grade—citing a lack of consistent early literacy data and intervention. While dyslexia screenings exist for K–1, Texas has no reliable progress data for nearly 80,000 1st and 2nd graders, creating “third grade surprises” when students fall behind. Shields stresses the need for universal reading screeners, earlier interventions, and better-trained teachers to interpret data effectively. Research from Texas Tech reveals that undertrained teachers contribute to dyslexia underdiagnosis. Bills like HB 123 and SB 2252 would fund early-grade literacy screeners and interventions. Shields urges pairing those with parental notification and transparent reporting, as seen in Louisiana and Mississippi, where NAEP scores have improved. Over 90% of Texas voters support these reforms.

 

Austin American-Statesman

Scott Milder, founder of Friends of Texas Public Schools, argues that the state's public schools are under attack by state politicians who defund, politicize, and misrepresent them while pushing for private school vouchers. Despite these efforts, Texas public schools are succeeding—producing a skilled workforce and ranking among the top in graduation rates and industry certifications. Milder rebuts common myths: that schools are failing, well-funded, or politically indoctrinating students. He highlights that per-student funding has declined by 20% over five years and notes Gov. Greg Abbott’s withholding of $5bn in funds over failed voucher legislation. Vouchers, Milder argues, are unconstitutional giveaways that lack oversight and drain public school budgets. He urges Texans to reject misinformation, advocate for fair funding, and support local schools.

 

Wacotrib

Texas school libraries are undergoing significant changes as conservative lawmakers push for stricter regulations on book selections. The proposed legislation aims to enhance a state law that prohibits "sexually explicit" materials in public school libraries, which is currently facing legal challenges. Critics argue that these measures could limit access to diverse literature, particularly those reflecting LGBTQ experiences. The bill, which passed the Senate with a 23-8 vote, would require librarians to seek approval from school trustees before acquiring new books. Proponents believe this will ensure that local community values are upheld, while opponents fear it undermines local control and could lead to increased censorship of important narratives.

 

The Monitor

Dallas News

An analysis by the Texas Tribune reveals that while Texas Republicans claim public schools receive over $15,000 per student, this figure is misleading. Gov. Greg Abbott claimed "Public education funding is at an all-time high," but per-student funding has declined when adjusted for inflation. The state's contribution to education funding has decreased significantly over the past decade, with the basic allotment remaining stagnant at $6,160 since 2019. Many districts are facing budget deficits, leading to tough decisions like hiring uncertified teachers and closing schools. As Denise Morgan, superintendent of the Campbell ISD, noted: "It is much more complex than $6,100 versus $15,000."

 

The Texas Tribune

The Jacksonville ISD board has recognized chief financial officer Luke Ocker as a recepient of the Texas Association of School Business Officials' 2025 RISE Award. 

 

Jacksonville Progress

Dallas ISD is experiencing a remarkable trend in teacher retention, with a turnover rate of 16.8% in 2023-24, lower than the state average of 19.1% and the regional rate of 20.9%. Superintendent Stephanie Elizalde highlighted that the district has successfully retained 98% of master-level teachers and 97% of those designated as Exemplary II. This success follows the implementation of the Teacher Excellence Initiative, which has improved teacher salaries and performance evaluations. With 62% of DISD teachers earning at least $70,000, the district is leading in teacher compensation compared to nearby districts.

 

Dallas News

The Texas School for the Deaf, serving around 550 students, is facing significant challenges in hiring qualified teachers due to a national shortage. Only about 300 new graduates enter the deaf education workforce each year, leading to fierce competition among schools. Superintendent Peter Bailey noted that "Maintaining this linkage has become challenging," as the school’s salaries are tied to the less competitive Austin ISD pay scale. The average starting salary for teachers is approximately $61,000, which is strained by Austin's high cost of living. The school collaborates with universities like Lamar and Gallaudet to recruit certified staff fluent in American Sign Language.

 

Dallas News

Tyler ISD celebrated its top educators at the annual Teachers of the Year Gala, held at Green Acres Baptist Church Crosswalk. The event featured heartfelt speeches from district leaders, including Superintendent Dr. Marty Crawford, who said: "Our educators are the driving force behind Tyler ISD". Adrianna Gauna from Tyler High School was named Rookie of the Year, while Dr. Bobby Markle of Caldwell Arts Academy received the Principal of the Year award.

 

Tyler Paper

Christian Aleman has been appointed as the new director of communications for Taylor ISD, succeeding Tim Crow, who retired after 11 years. Aleman, who previously served as the communication coordinator for Del Valle ISD, is set to begin his role in early April. A

 

Taylor Daily Press

Texas AG Ken Paxton has initiated an investigation into Dallas ISD regarding its policy on transgender athletes. This follows a video where Mahoganie Gaston, the district's LGBT Youth Program Coordinator, suggested that parents could change their child's birth certificate in another state to bypass Texas law. Paxton warned that “officials who have participated in this madness will be held accountable,” emphasizing the need to expose and stop any efforts to circumvent state law. The investigation also extends to other districts, including Irving ISD, which faced similar scrutiny after an undercover video.

 

The Texas Tribune

A group of parents from Trinity Valley School has filed a lawsuit against the Fort Worth K-12 private institution, claiming it failed to protect their children from sexual abuse by former piano teacher Trent Muse. The lawsuit, filed in Tarrant County, seeks over $1m in damages and alleges that "the defendants in this case created the conditions for this serial pedophile to continually assault and traumatize these kids", according to attorney Natalie Arbaugh. Muse, who was arrested in June 2023, is accused of abusing at least 16 young girls during the 2022-23 school year.

 

Star-Telegram

Somerset ISD celebrated a significant achievement as Somerset High School received the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching Founder's Award, accompanied by a $50,000 check. The award recognizes exceptional commitment to student achievement, with Somerset ISD noted for its successful implementation of the TAP System, which enhances teacher roles and collaboration. Over three years, student passing rates on STAAR assessments increased by 16 percentage points, and the school boasts a 95% college readiness rate among graduates.

 

Star-Telegram

In the upcoming May 3 election, Martiza Gonzalez-Cooper and Sarah Faulkenberry are vying for the Place 4 seat on the Boerne ISD Board of Trustees. Faulkenberry, with a Master's in Public Administration, highlights the need for improved communication to address challenges, noting that "the strongest component of communication is being proactive instead of reactive."

 

Community Impact Newspaper

Killeen ISD (KISD) is grappling with a troubling pattern of violence, as highlighted by Superintendent Jo Ann Fey. Following the fatal stabbing of a 14-year-old student on March 10, KISD has faced additional incidents, including a recent shooting that left one man dead and three youths injured. The district has seen a rise in violent incidents, with 127 assaults reported in the 2023-24 school year. Parents are increasingly concerned, leading to 340 withdrawals from KISD since the March incident. The district's mobility rate is significantly higher than the state average, presenting unique challenges for KISD.

 

Temple Daily Telegram

Mexico has implemented a government-sponsored ban on junk food in schools to combat its severe obesity and diabetes crisis. The new health guidelines, which took effect recently, target processed foods like sugary drinks and chips that have long been popular among schoolchildren. The Education Ministry announced the ban on social media, urging parents to prepare healthier meals. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum emphasized the importance of nutritious options, stating, “It is much better to eat a bean taco than a bag of potato chips.” UNICEF reports that Mexican children consume more junk food than any other country in Latin America, with 40% of their daily calories coming from sugary and processed foods. Enforcement of the ban may be challenging, as many schools lack resources and monitoring has been inconsistent. Violations could result in fines ranging from $545 to $5,450.

 

CNN Edition

U.S. News

The Netflix drama "Adolescence" is set to be shown in U.K. secondary schools, addressing the toxic and misogynistic influences that young boys encounter online. Anne Mensah, vice president of UK content at Netflix, expressed pride in the show's impact, commenting: "We're incredibly proud of the impact the show has made." The four-part series aims to highlight the pressures faced by young people and their parents, making it a significant educational tool for schools across the U.K.

 

Keys News