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Texas
28th January 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Ed. Dept. slashes assault investigations amid staff cuts and policy shifts

The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights has sharply reduced its investigations into sexual violence in schools following mass layoffs by the Trump administration. With half its legal staff gone and a backlog exceeding 25,000 cases, the department has opened fewer than 10 sexual violence probes since March 2025, down from dozens annually. Meanwhile, it has increased Title IX investigations into transgender accommodations. Victims now increasingly turn to lawsuits as complaints stall or go unacknowledged. Advocates say this undermines accountability, risks a return to a two-tiered justice system, and erodes decades of civil rights progress. Though the department has pledged to restore some staff, it continues defending the layoffs and its revised Title IX focus.

ACCELERATE MATH ACHIEVEMENT

Accelerate Math Proficiency for Texas Students

Math 180 Texas is a comprehensive, research-based math intervention program designed to accelerate math achievement for students in Grades 3–8 who are performing below grade level. Approved for adoption with the highest quality scores of any program in IMRA 2025’s supplemental math category, the program combines teacher-led instruction, adaptive technology, and independent practice to build conceptual understanding, procedural fluency, and problem-solving skills.

Math 180 Texas targets key mathematical domains such as number sense, algebraic thinking, and data analysis, while also supporting academic confidence. It has a flexible structure that allows it to be implemented in various instructional settings and a Math 180 Flex Texas option that integrates seamlessly with any core math curriculum.

Learn more about Math 180 Texas

 

STATE NEWS

North East ISD defies state cellphone ban

North East ISD (NEISD) is in a standoff with the Texas Education Agency (TEA) over a law banning student cellphone use at school. During a recent meeting, trustees voted unanimously to maintain their policy allowing cellphone use outside of class, arguing it complies with the law. TEA spokesperson Jake Kobersky said: "TEA is reviewing the board's actions and will determine the appropriate path forward to ensure compliance with state law." NEISD's attorney, Ricardo Lopez, warned that litigation could cost between $50,000 and $100,000. Board President David Beyer expressed hope to avoid legal battles, stating: "That's a lot of money, and that money could be spent in other areas." The district's policy allows cellphone access during passing periods, lunch, and restroom breaks, which some trustees argue supports parental rights. NEISD is one of the few districts contesting the state's interpretation of the law, with potential state sanctions looming.

LEADERSHIP

Alvin ISD superintendent announces retirement

Carol Nelson, the superintendent of Alvin ISD, is set to retire, as confirmed by the district's chief communications director Renae Rives in an email on January 26. The board of trustees convened a special meeting to discuss the search for a new superintendent, but no public discussion or actions were taken. Nelson has been with Alvin for over three decades, serving in various roles, including classroom teacher and principal, before becoming superintendent in 2019. The district has not provided a timeline or further details regarding her retirement or the search process.

Denton elections heat up this may

Candidate filing for the city of Denton and Denton ISD is open until February 13 for the upcoming May election. Five positions on the Denton City Council, including mayor and two at-large seats, are available. Mayor Gerard Hudspeth is stepping down after his final term and is running for County Commissioner for Precinct 4. Council members Brian Beck and Vicki Byrd are also pursuing other offices, with Beck running for mayor and Byrd for the Denton ISD board of trustees Place 6.

DISTRICTS

Austin and Round Rock team up to streamline permitting processes

A new interlocal agreement between the city of Austin and Round Rock ISD (RRISD) aims to streamline permitting processes and exclude turf stadiums from impervious cover calculations. The 25-year agreement, approved by the Austin City Council and RRISD board, is expected to save the school district significant funds during its bond-funded projects. Austin City Council member Krista Laine stated: "This is exactly the type of step that will allow both sides of this contract... to do more with less money." The agreement will facilitate the development of RRISD properties within Austin while ensuring compliance with technical codes. RRISD operates around 20 campuses in the city, with several set for improvements in the near future.

Liberty Hill school calendar shake-up

Travis Motal, interim Superintendent of Liberty Hill ISD, has issued an apology to families and staff regarding recent changes to the academic calendar. “I apologize that we have had to make changes to the calendar,” Motal said, acknowledging the need for improved communication and planning. The adjustments were necessitated by two school cancellations due to winter weather and a denial from the Texas Education Agency for a professional development minute waiver, which required the district to make up lost operational minutes.

New school zones approved for growth

Families in the Turner's Crossing neighborhood may see their students attending different schools this fall, as Hays CISD trustees approved a new attendance-zone map on January 26 to address overcrowding. The changes aim to alleviate pressure on Sunfield Elementary School, Buda Elementary School, and McCormick Middle School while optimizing capacity at Carpenter Hill Elementary School, Elm Grove Elementary School, and Dahlstrom Middle School.

FINANCE

Refugio school board's clean audit triumph

The Refugio ISD board approved its annual financial report for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2025, during a meeting on January 22. Melissa Terry, a certified public accountant from Harrison, Waldrop & Uherek, presented the report, stating that the district received an "unmodified, or clean, audit opinion with no material weaknesses or significant deficiencies noted." This positive outcome reflects the district's strong financial management and transparency.

CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION

Comal ISD approves $58.43m school project

The Comal ISD board of trustees has approved a significant construction milestone for Elementary School No. 22, with a Guaranteed Maximum Price No. 2 (GMP-2) of approximately $58.43m. This decision, made on January 22, is part of the district's 2023 bond program aimed at addressing enrollment growth. The GMP-2 covers the remaining construction work not included in the initial price, which included early construction items.

Cafeteria opens at New Braunfels High

On January 20, 2026, the cafeteria at the New Braunfels High School replacement campus was utilized by a class, marking a significant milestone for the school. The opening of the cafeteria is a key development for the school community, providing students with a dedicated space for meals and social interaction.

ENROLLMENT

Austin families face tough school choices

Following the closure of 10 campuses by Austin ISD (AISD), families are grappling with the enrollment process. The closures have affected around 3,800 families, forcing them to choose new schools or seek alternatives. AISD officials stated that the closures are necessary for the district's financial viability, aiming to address a $65m deficit and maintain student enrollment. The district has already lost nearly 3,000 students, with enrollment dipping below 70,000 for the first time in 30 years.

SPORTS

New athletic director named at Nacogdoches

Grey Burton, the Superintendent of Nacogdoches ISD, has appointed Jay Brown as the interim athletic director following Darby House's departure to Smithville High School. Burton emphasized the importance of thorough evaluation in selecting the next full-time athletic director and head football coach, stating he plans on doing "due diligence" in the hiring process. The district is currently focused on finding the right candidate to lead its athletic programs.

HIGHER EDUCATION

Yale to offer free tuition for families earning under $200,000

Yale University has announced that beginning with the fall 2026 class, it will waive tuition for students from families earning under $200,000 annually and cover full costs — including housing and meals — for those with incomes below $100,000. This move aligns Yale with peer institutions like Harvard, MIT, and Penn, which have recently expanded financial aid to boost economic and racial diversity following the Supreme Court’s 2023 ruling restricting race-based admissions. Under the new policy, about 80% of U.S. households would qualify for free tuition, and nearly half would pay nothing to attend Yale. The initiative also includes travel allowances, medical insurance, and start-up grants for low-income students.

INTERNATIONAL

French Parliament backs U-15 social media ban and school phone curbs

French lawmakers have approved legislation banning access to social media for children under 15 and prohibiting mobile phone use on high school premises. Backed by President Emmanuel Macron’s government and fast-tracked through parliament, the bill was introduced by MP Laure Miller following concerns over the psychological impact of platforms such as TikTok on minors. After legal concerns from France’s top administrative court about compatibility with EU law and fundamental freedoms, the bill was softened and rewritten. The adopted version does not directly impose obligations on platforms but states that access to social networks is prohibited for under-15s, with the government indicating platforms will need to implement age-verification measures. The legislation also includes provisions to protect minors from excessive commercial pressure and harmful content, and could extend to certain social features of messaging apps and popular video games. The government intends for the social media ban to apply to new registrations from September 2026, with full age verification of users required by January 1 2027, allowing the measures to take effect at the start of the next school year.
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