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Austin ISD (AISD) is considering legal action against Waymo after its autonomous vehicles were recorded illegally passing stopped school buses 19 times this school year. Cameras on AISD buses captured these violations, which occurred while the buses had their stop-arms extended and lights flashing. "Improving road safety is our top priority at Waymo," the company stated, noting that it has implemented software updates to enhance safety. Despite these measures, AISD has issued about 7,000 school bus traffic safety violations this year, including 19 attributed to Waymo. The district has requested that Waymo cease operations during peak school hours and is exploring all legal remedies to address the issue.

 

Austin American-Statesman

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According to a recent study by Arkansas State University, K-12 educators are increasingly concerned about students relying on artificial intelligence (AI) for emotional support. The survey of 760 educators revealed that 41% view AI negatively, with half stating that current safeguards are "insufficient to protect students." Nearly 79% of educators noted that students have become dependent on AI, leading to diminished confidence in their problem-solving skills. Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers, emphasized the importance of harnessing AI responsibly, stating, "AI holds tremendous promise but huge challenges." The study highlights the ongoing debate about AI's role in education, especially as OpenAI collaborates with educators to enhance teaching and learning.

 

Killeen Daily Herald

Austin ISD is under pressure to sell the old Rosedale and Brooke campuses to address a looming $19.7m budget deficit. The district has contracted with OHT Partners to sell the Rosedale campus, but a lawsuit regarding deed restrictions has complicated the process. Kenneth Walker, the district's legal counsel, said: “This is not the way we normally sell property.” Meanwhile, the Brooke campus, which has housed several nonprofits, is also on the chopping block, with officials indicating a sale could happen as early as March. Skye Howell, executive director of the Native American Cultural Center, expressed concern over the uncertainty, stating, “We have a lot of community support, but the future is uncertain.” If the properties do not sell, the district may face difficult decisions to manage its financial crisis.

 

Austin American-Statesman

Georgetown ISD is taking significant steps to enhance academic performance at five elementary schools identified as high-priority due to low ratings. At a recent workshop, chief academic officer Heather Petruzzini emphasized the need for focused support, stating: “Let's pour a lot into [kindergarten through second grade] while we're strengthening [third through fifth grade].” The district has allocated $1.02m for additional staff, including assistant principals and instructional coaches, to improve student outcomes. Over 60% of the teaching and learning team's support is dedicated to these schools, which have faced multiple D or F ratings from the Texas Education Agency. With a projected slowdown in enrollment growth and increased competition from charter and private schools, board President James Scherer warned, “If we do not get our whole district up to academic excellence, we will not be competitive in three to five years.” The district is also considering performance-based stipends to attract and retain quality staff.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

In December and January, families and community members in Corpus Christi will have the opportunity to provide feedback regarding potential school closures and consolidations within Corpus Christi ISD (CCISD). The district announced in November its plans to close several aging campuses, but before any final decisions are made, the CCISD Board of Trustees is actively seeking input from the community. "We want to hear from you," said a district representative, emphasizing the importance of community engagement in this process.

 

Caller-Times

East Central ISD is witnessing significant population growth, as reported by Dr. Stacy Tepera, president of Population and Survey Analysts, during a school board meeting on November 20. Tepera shared insights from a recent demographics study, indicating that the population boom shows no signs of slowing down.

 

Wilson County News

Brenham ISD is set to enhance facilities and staff compensation after voters approved Proposition A and Measure A in the November election, according to district spokesperson Brooke Trahan. Superintendent Clay Gillentine expressed gratitude, stating: “This is more than just a win at the ballot box; it's a reflection of trust in our district.” The district will focus on capital improvement projects, starting with a Request for Qualifications to select architects. The project list, developed from extensive assessments, includes 41 critical projects, primarily addressing aging HVAC systems and safety upgrades. The district aims to maximize funds for high-priority projects. Measure A will generate approximately $2.435m annually, allowing for significant teacher pay increases. Non-teaching staff will also receive raises, with retroactive pay included in the December payroll. Gillentine emphasized ongoing communication and transparency, stating, “These measures are not an end — they are a beginning.”

 

Brenham Banner Press

The recent Career and Technical Education (CTE) Advisory Luncheon at Hallsville ISD showcased the program's impressive growth, with College, Career and Military Readiness (CCMR) scores increasing from 68 in 2023 to 89 in 2025, as noted by Carrie Chandler, a CTE specialist at Region 7 Education Service Center. Hallsville CTE Director Kathy Gaw emphasized the importance of supportive leadership and passionate personnel in achieving success. Principal James Gibson highlighted CTE's role in helping students discover their passions and improve their overall engagement in school. CTE teacher Rob Best was recognized as the CTAT Teacher of the Year, reflecting the program's impact on students' learning experiences. The CTE program also focuses on developing both technical and soft skills, preparing students for future careers. The Junior High Career Fair, scheduled for January 16, marks the beginning of the CTE journey for students.

 

Marshall News Messenger

Houston ISD is experiencing a significant decline in student enrollment, with 11% of students leaving Braeburn Elementary alone since last year. Overall, 72% of HISD campuses are seeing a drop in enrollment, particularly in middle schools, which have lost 8% of their students. Yoana Martines, a parent, expressed concern about the potential impact on funding and teacher quality, stating, "We don't want that to affect our teachers." Many students are transferring to private schools or opting for homeschooling. Texas Connections Academy, however, has seen impressive growth, enrolling 11,338 students for the 2025-26 school year, which is the largest increase in the district. Rachelle Park, a parent at Texas Connections Academy, noted the benefits of online schooling for her child, despite the academy's recent D rating from the Texas Education Authority. The financial boost from this enrollment is projected to exceed $8m for the district.

 

KTRK-TV

Fort Bend ISD is set to introduce the first phase of its long-range boundary plan, following extensive community engagement and demographic studies. The initial changes will focus on elementary campuses, with board President Kristin Tassin emphasizing the need for gradual adjustments due to the district's size. "You've got to be able to manage that change in increments," she said. The district is responding to lower-than-expected enrollment figures, with only 24% of its 78 campuses at ideal capacity for the 2025-26 school year. Deputy Superintendent Beth Martinez noted the importance of balancing enrollment and maximizing resources. The first draft of proposed boundary scenarios will be presented on Dec. 15, with final recommendations expected in March.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

The increasing interest in artificial intelligence (AI) programs among students is evident as universities expand their offerings. According to The New York Times, more than 3,000 students enrolled in a new AI and cybersecurity college at the University of South Florida in Tampa this semester. Institutions are responding to the popularity of generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude. For instance, the University of Washington recently launched a $10m campuswide AI initiative, while Penn State aims to prepare students, faculty, and staff to lead in an AI-driven economy. Additionally, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill plans to consolidate two schools to form an AI college, and Arizona State University will feature rapper will.i.am leading an AI course titled “The Agentic Self.” Many universities are rebranding their computer science programs to incorporate AI more broadly.

 

Edscoop

The French government is urging an “urgent mobilization” to boost children’s reading after a national study found that young people aged 7–19 spend only 19 minutes a day reading compared with more than three hours on screens, with 38% of older teens not reading at all in their free time. Reading interest drops sharply during collège, especially among boys, prompting calls for stronger action despite existing investments in libraries and reading associations. At a recent national conference, experts proposed a 10-year plan with 15 measures focused on restoring the pleasure of reading, promoting daily reading habits from birth to age 18, and improving training for teachers and other professionals who work with young people.

 

The Local