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Preliminary findings from a Kennesaw State University study suggest middle school cellphone bans may significantly improve teacher well-being and classroom dynamics. In Georgia’s Marietta City schools, 90% of surveyed teachers reported better classroom management, and 85% said the ban reduced their stress. “We see that overwhelming support from teachers,” said lead researcher Mei-Lin Chang, who emphasized that reducing enforcement burdens via Yondr pouches made the policy more effective. However, inconsistent enforcement and lack of administrative support can hinder success. The multi-year study will continue with further surveys and interviews through 2026.

 

Education Week News

A legal dispute between the state of Texas and Galveston ISD regarding the display of the Ten Commandments in classrooms is moving to federal court. According to court records, the case has been transferred to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, with the first hearing scheduled for January 14, 2026. The state initially sued Galveston ISD on November 7, claiming the district violated Senate Bill 10 by delaying the display of the Ten Commandments. The state argues that the refusal to display the commandments "irreparably injures the State," as it believes the district must comply with state law while awaiting court rulings on similar constitutional challenges. The lawsuit names all seven trustees of the school board in their official capacities.

 

The Galveston County Daily News

The Texas Education Agency's recent takeover of Fort Worth ISD has sparked concerns among parents and educators about a potential mass departure of teachers, similar to the situation in Houston ISD. Steven Poole, executive director of the United Educators Association of Texas, reported that many district employees are inquiring about job opportunities in other districts. Teachers, particularly those receiving stipends from the Teacher Incentive Allotment program, fear significant pay cuts if the district shifts to a pay-for-performance model. Poole commented: "There’s really no one in the district that can calm these waters, because they can’t make guarantees." Many educators feel anxious about their roles due to the uncertainty surrounding the district's future and recent changes in lesson plans.

 

Star-Telegram

Lamar CISD is achieving a 95% average fill rate for its over 6,500 staff members, significantly lower than the state's 20% turnover rate, according to Chief Human Resources Officer Julia Andrews. "These priorities form the foundation of our recruitment and retention strategy," she said, highlighting the district's competitive pay and career advancement opportunities. The district has seen a 25% increase in new hires over the past three years, driven by the opening of seven new campuses. To further enhance recruitment, Lamar CISD is implementing strategies such as a $100 refer-a-friend incentive and hosting job fairs across 15 Texas college campuses. Additionally, the district is focusing on developing future educators through partnerships with local universities and structured pathways for paraprofessionals.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

Bastrop ISD administrators have outlined plans to enhance student performance at several campuses, as mandated by the Texas Education Agency. Trustees approved targeted improvement plans for Camino Real Elementary, Cedar Creek Elementary, Lost Pines Elementary, Red Rock Elementary, and Bastrop Middle School. Kendra Monk, Bastrop's director of leadership development and school improvement, emphasized that the goal is to elevate each campus's performance to a "C" or higher in state accountability. The plans will involve significant adjustments to curriculum and instruction, alongside professional development for teachers and staff. The plans will utilize State Compensatory Education Funding to support these initiatives.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

Georgetown ISD is implementing targeted improvement plans for several elementary schools after receiving failing ratings from the Texas Education Agency (TEA). At a board meeting, the trustees approved turnaround plans for Mitchell and Purl Elementary schools, both of which received unacceptable ratings for two consecutive years. Additionally, Frost and Williams Elementary schools, which have one unacceptable rating each, will also receive targeted support. The district must submit these plans to TEA by November 21 and is awaiting approval. TEA's Effective Schools Framework will guide the improvements, focusing on effective instruction, high-quality materials, and strong leadership.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

Dripping Springs ISD is set to enhance its library resources following the Board of Trustees' unanimous approval of new titles. This decision aligns with the Texas Legislature's Senate Bill (SB) 13, which mandates that any new or donated library materials must receive board approval before being added to campus libraries. Alicia Maphies, director of Curriculum and Instruction, explained that the newly formed School Library Advisory Committee (SLAC) will oversee the review of proposed titles and public comments during a 30-day period. Maphies remarked: "We can set our own cadence for meetings so, you can expect lists like this to come around quarterly.” Parents can also restrict their child's access to specific titles through the Destiny Portal.

 

Hays Free Press

The Hays CISD Board of Trustees has approved a new tax rate and appointed James Cruz as the principal of Lehman High School. The board's decision followed the failure of a proposed $0.12 tax rate increase during the November 4 election, where 6,171 voters supported it, while 9,691 opposed it. Deborah Ottmers, chief financial officer, explained that the new tax rate will revert to $1.1546, the previous rate, and is calculated as a no new revenue tax rate, even though it might appear to be an increase. 

 

Hays Free Press

In the recent election, North East ISD voters overwhelmingly approved propositions A-C, securing approximately $483m for critical infrastructure improvements. Proposition A, which received 60.41% of the vote, will fund essential repairs and upgrades, including a new roof for Bush Middle School. Proposition B, with 56.62% support, focuses on technology enhancements for high school journalism programs and classroom equipment. Proposition C, passing with 50.11%, will renovate Littleton Gym and upgrade soccer facilities. However, propositions D and E, aimed at further sports park upgrades and pool enhancements, were rejected.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

Several significant projects at Klein ISD facilities are set to commence, funded by the district's $900m bond approved in May 2022. The projects include a $29m remodel of Klein Collins High School's auditorium, which will feature a new black box theater and improved student areas. Epps Island Elementary School, built in 1974, will undergo a $19m renovation to update its infrastructure and facilities. Additionally, $2m will be allocated for districtwide safety upgrades, while a new traffic light project at the Klein Multipurpose Center will cost about $500,000.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

Hutto ISD's ninth elementary school will be in the Flora home development on a 17.3-acre site along the future Aurora Meadow Drive, as shared by administrators in November. VLK Architects is currently designing the school as part of Sledge Engineering's 2023 bond program. The land acquisition was announced in October for $6m, with a targeted opening in summer 2028.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

Schools across the U.S. are embracing unique Thanksgiving traditions to teach gratitude and community service. At Pilgrim Park Middle School in Wisconsin, students “stuff the boat” with donated food items, collecting over 3,600 this year. In Texas, Sundown Middle School Principal Miguel Salazar set up a hallway microphone for students to share gratitude messages, creating a heartfelt video compilation. Colorado’s Mountain Vista School introduced thank-you note writing and pumpkin hunts, while Nevada’s Northeast Career and Technical Academy hosted a student-led Thanksgiving parade, blending fun with real-world learning. “It takes intentionality and planning,” said principal Nicole Paxton.

 

Education Week News

Northside ISD has launched the Leadership Northside program to enhance connections between the district and its community. Nicole Franco, NISD director of Leadership Development, stated that the program aims to "immerse participants in the life of the district" and prepare them to be effective advocates. The initiative includes classes, Q&A sessions with board members and the superintendent, and a bus tour of district facilities. During a recent board meeting, Trustee Sonia Jasso emphasized the importance of including individuals outside the district who are interested in NISD's offerings.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

British Columbia has launched a four-month independent review into the sustainability of public post-secondary education funding, led by former deputy education minister Don Avison, amid layoffs, rising costs, and a sharp drop in international student enrolment following federal visa caps. Post-secondary groups have criticised the tight timeline and lack of new funding, while the province maintains it cannot offer additional support despite a C$1.2bn ($851m) increase in operating grants since 2016. Student and faculty representatives warn the review could lead to tuition hikes, campus closures, and long-term damage to the sector. 

 

CBC News

Toronto Star