Become more informed in minutes....

Texas lawmakers are preparing to debate Senate Bill 2 (SB 2), which would provide families with education savings accounts worth at least $10,000 per student to use for private schooling. The measure, passed out of the House Public Education Committee on party lines, sets aside $1bn for the first two years and could grow to $4.4bn annually by 2030. Critics, including Rep. James Talarico, argue the bill could allow wealthy individuals to receive large sums in public funds, citing Elon Musk as an example. Provisions were added to limit wealthy families' access to 20% of initial funding and restrict eligibility to citizens and lawful residents. Meanwhile, a separate bill, HB 2, increases the basic per-student funding for public schools and ties future increases to property value growth. Opponents of SB 2—including teachers, parents, and lawmakers—rallied at the Capitol, urging lawmakers to boost public education funding and reject vouchers.

 

The Austin Chronicle

Free College Application Checklist for Your Students

Between choosing a major, writing college essays, and gathering all of the required documents, applying to college can feel overwhelming for students. But it doesn’t have to be.

With Savvas PathMaker’s college checklist, your students will find:

• Tips on how to choose a major and a college that are right for them
  
• A 6-month action plan to complete their college applications on time
  
• Steps to save money along the way with financial aid, scholarships, and fee waivers

Share this free checklist with your students to guide them through the college application process.

Get Your Free Resource

 

Education Week looks at how the abrupt termination of National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) funding—impacting over 1,200 grants—has left educators scrambling to preserve vital professional development and classroom support programs. University of Texas professor Isabel Baca’s $173,000 summer institute on the Chihuahuan Desert is among the casualties, part of cuts said to “repurpose” funds toward President Trump’s agenda. State humanities councils in Louisiana, Georgia, and others—heavily reliant on NEH grants—warn that resources like National History Day, curriculum support, and place-based learning are all in jeopardy. In Louisiana, NEH-funded programs help teachers meet newly expanded K–12 history standards. Experts say the humanities are critical for civic understanding, and warn the cuts undermine democracy.

 

Education Week News

Recent federal policy shifts may reduce cybersecurity support available to school districts. The U.S. Department of Education has paused activity for its K-12 Cybersecurity Government Coordinating Council, a group that previously helped agencies, education departments, and technology providers share information and coordinate responses to cyber threats. The change follows a directive from the Department of Homeland Security and a presidential executive order altering how such groups operate under federal law. Separately, the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC), which offers free cybersecurity support to state and local governments, including school councils and districts, has experienced a $10m reduction in funding. While a $200m FCC pilot program supporting school cybersecurity remains in place, some experts have expressed uncertainty about its future.

 

Education Week News

A majority of math teachers are hesitant to adopt artificial intelligence (AI) tools in their classrooms, with 68% saying they haven’t received any training on the topic and over a third expressing disinterest in professional development, according to an EdWeek survey. Many believe AI hinders student thinking and lacks transparency in problem-solving. Experts like Pat Yongpradit argue that AI often gets math wrong or skips key steps, compounding teacher distrust. Math teachers also tend to use more worksheet-based drills, which AI can easily solve, fueling concerns about cheating. Experts recommend reframing AI as a tool to support—not replace—student learning and thinking.

 

Education Week News

Houston ISD Chief of Schools Sandi Massey has announced significant leadership changes within the district. Orlando Riddick has been promoted to Division Chief of the Central Division, praised for improving student standardized test scores in the North District during his tenure. Daniel Girard, a seasoned instructional leader, will take over Riddick's previous role. Daniel Soliz, the Interim Division Chief of the Central Division, will transition to a position under Girard. The changes come amid a backdrop of increased teacher and principal discharges under state-appointed Superintendent Mike Miles.

 

Houston Press

Brenham ISD is set to implement the Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) to reward high-performing teachers and enhance retention. During a special school board meeting, administrators discussed the phased approach and the necessary planning to comply with state requirements. The initiative aims to create a supportive environment for educators, ultimately benefiting students and the community.

 

Brenham Banner Press

The recent layoffs at Socorro and Canutillo ISDs have left many employees reeling. Contracts for several middle and elementary school music teachers and registered nurses were not renewed, with Socorro ISD planning to cut around 300 positions to address a $38m budget deficit. Daniel Escobar, the district's chief communications officer, stated that updates on affected employees will be provided at the next board meeting. West Texas Alliance President Rosie Perez expressed sadness over the layoffs, emphasizing the need for solidarity and support for those impacted.

 

El Paso Times

The United Family and Mrs Baird’s Bread recently honored the March winners of the 12th annual Teachers On The Rise program. The recipients include Haley Ayala from Hillside Elementary School, Crystal Foster from Bonham Middle School, and Megan Gilliland from Canyon High School. 

 

Amarillo Globe News

The proposed division of Keller ISD has ignited significant protests among students, including 15-year-old Averi Johnson, who held a sign reading “Stop the split!” The plan, which aimed to divide the district into a wealthier east side and a less affluent, more racially diverse west side, was criticized for perpetuating existing educational disparities. The board's initial support for the split raised concerns about the lack of representation for marginalized communities. As William A. Brewer III notes: “At-large voting systems systematically silence marginalized communities.” Following backlash, the board withdrew the proposal, highlighting the need for electoral reforms to ensure equitable representation in school governance. A lawsuit filed by the Brewer Storefront seeks to implement a cumulative voting system to address these issues.

 

Dallas News

Dobie Middle School is facing a potential takeover by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) due to low test scores. During a recent press conference, Allen Weeks, executive director of Austin Voices for Education and Youth, celebrated a $1m Promise Neighborhood grant aimed at improving student support. However, an email from Austin ISD Assistant Superintendent Angel Wilson warned that if test scores do not improve by May 2026, TEA could take control of the school district. The email outlined three options: a charter takeover, temporary closure for reimagining, or permanent closure. Superintendent Matias Segura indicated that a decision would be made by the end of the month, emphasizing community involvement.

 

The Austin Chronicle

Hutto ISD is set to increase enrollment for its virtual school option in the 2025-26 school year, as announced by Superintendent Jeni Neatherlin during a March luncheon. The district aims to accommodate at least 70 students, up from 41 in the current year, with six students graduating. The Hutto Virtual Academy, which began in the 2022-23 school year with just six students, offers a flexible education model for students in grades six through twelve. This program allows students to learn at their own pace and includes a hybrid option for in-person courses.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

On Tuesday, Brownsville ISD held its annual Food and Nutrition Services Food Show, showcasing its scratch cooking initiative. The event featured locally sourced menu items, which received positive feedback from students. Since receiving a grant from the Chef Ann Foundation in 2023, BISD has focused on preparing more meals from scratch. Jackie Cruz, director of Food and Nutrition Services, emphasized the shift towards fresh-cooked items and local sourcing, moving away from ready-to-heat products.

 

The Monitor

In Houston, high school teams are competing in "The HUNCH Culinary Challenge," where students merge culinary arts with science. The winning dish will be sent to the International Space Station and the team will receive a scholarship. A local team from Angleton High School is excited about their chicken and chickpea pasta dish, hoping to be crowned the winner. The top three teams will be announced next month.

 

KTRK-TV

Eanes ISD is advancing its 2023 bond projects, with the board of trustees approving job order contracts for five initiatives during the April 8 meeting. These projects include renovations at Adult Transition Services, restroom additions at Barton Creek and Forest Trail Elementary Schools, and a roof replacement at the Yellow House facility. The upcoming closure of Valley View Elementary will lead to a campus blend with Barton Creek, necessitating portable classrooms.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

Walt Disney Elementary School in Alvin is set for demolition following severe damage from an EF-2 tornado with winds reaching 125 mph. The decision comes after students were relocated to a temporary site due to the destruction. Superintendent Carol Nelson stated that the nearly $200,000 demolition contract with AAR Incorporated was chosen for its value and will be funded through insurance and 2024 bond funds. The new campus will be a combination school with Stevenson Primary, part of a $380.1m bond approved in November.

 

KTRK-TV

Helen McEntee, Ireland's Minister for Education, has announced a set of Leaving Cert reform plans, which will see students awarded more marks for project work and less for written exams, to go into effect in September. Under the changes, which begin to roll out across a range of subjects for students starting fifth year in September, a minimum of 40% will be awarded for work outside written exams, such as projects, research, practicals or oral exams. These senior cycle reforms are aimed at easing the stress facing students in the traditional high-stakes Leaving Cert written exams and providing a broader assessment of students’ skills and competencies. Biology, physics and chemistry are among the first subjects to be reformed, while others will follow over the coming years.

 

The Irish Times