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A Bible-infused curriculum approved for Texas public schools in 2024 is set for corrections after teachers and education officials identified hundreds of errors. The "Bluebonnet" textbook, part of a Republican initiative to integrate religious teachings, faced criticism for favoring Christianity and prioritizing preaching over education. The State Board of Education voted 8-6 to amend the curriculum, addressing factual inaccuracies, punctuation issues, and copyright concerns. Board member Tiffany Clark expressed concern over the impact of these errors on students, claiming; "If we have been teaching incorrectly this is going to have an impact." Although the Texas Education Agency reported around 1,900 changes were made, it remains unclear how many districts adopted the curriculum this year. The agency plans to update online materials within 30 days, but the timeline for physical replacements is uncertain.

 

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Lufkin Daily News

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Education organizations, led by the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Preparation (AACTE), are advocating for a significant congressional investment to revamp teacher-preparation pipelines. A new report calls for $2.5bn in new or expanded teacher workforce development grants and scholarships, alongside the establishment of a national educator workforce data system. The report emphasizes the urgent need for support, commenting: "Teachers and school staff are now on the frontlines of addressing trauma, anxiety, and learning loss, often without the preparation, staffing, or resources to meet the magnitude of these needs." The AACTE also proposes transforming the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) grants into a nationwide teacher-residency scholarship program. Despite potential political challenges, there is a growing interest in Congress to support these initiatives, particularly in light of recent hearings on teaching. AACTE representatives stress the necessity for a national educator workforce strategy to adapt to evolving educational demands.

 

Education Week News

Round Rock ISD inaugurated its employee health clinic on February 17, providing accessible healthcare to its staff. The clinic, located at 1551 E. Old Settlers Blvd., aims to offer low- or no-cost services to employees and their dependents through the district's self-funded health care plan. Chief of human resources Eddie Curran noted that the initiative was prompted by a 15% increase in health care costs from 2021 to 2025. The clinic will provide a range of services, including primary care, mental health support, and urgent care, with a pharmacy expected to open in April. "The goal is to provide the same services employees receive through their primary care doctors but at a fraction of the cost," Curran said.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

Columbia-Brazoria ISD has received state approval for a new incentive program that will allow the district to provide substantial bonuses to teachers. Jennifer Kelly, director of special programming, informed C-BISD trustees about the approval from the Texas Education Agency Teacher Incentive Allotment during a recent meeting. This initiative aims to reward educators for their hard work and dedication, enhancing the overall educational environment in the district.

 

The Facts

Denton ISD teachers and staff will receive a pay increase following the approval of a tax rate hike under Proposition A. During a school board meeting on Feb. 24, it was announced that educators would receive a $750 increase, while staff members would see a 1% raise based on their current pay grade. Superintendent Susannah O'Bara noted that a district-wide survey indicated staff members "overwhelmingly" prioritized pay increases. She clarified: "Although we can't do a huge increase right now ... this is helping us to get a more level playing field." The tax rate increase, approved by DISD voters, is expected to generate approximately $26.91m in new revenue, addressing a projected shortfall of $15m. Deputy Superintendent Jeremy Thompson emphasized the commitment to a long-term compensation plan for the 2026-27 school year.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

Parents in Houston's ISD are facing potential school closures, with 12 buildings at risk of shutting down. Sarah Mijangos, a parent of two children at Franklin Elementary, expressed her surprise, saying: "They should consider keeping it open. They help my kids a lot." The community is also taken aback, as Franklin Elementary has served the neighborhood for over 110 years. The HISD board is currently deliberating the future of these schools, leaving families anxious about their children's education.

 

KTRK-TV

Lubbock ISD's Board of Trustees will review the district's academic performance report for the previous school year during its meeting on Thursday evening. Lubbock ISD achieved an overall 'B' rating last year, with the Texas Education Agency's accountability summary highlighting improvements in academic growth and performance. "School progress anchored the district's score," the report indicated. Other local districts, Lubbock Cooper and Frenship ISDs, also received 'B' ratings. The TEA assigns ratings based on various categories, including student achievement, college readiness, and graduation rate.

 

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Northside ISD has announced that it does not anticipate any school closures for the 2026-27 academic year. Superintendent John Craft emphasized: "I do not foresee making a recommendation for any school closures," as the district grapples with a $38m deficit in its $1bn budget. The board is considering a tax rate increase and a $400m bond issue to address facility needs. A community survey will be conducted to gauge public interest, and an efficiency audit is planned to compare NISD with other urban districts. Board president Karla Duran added: "I don't want to see any school closures if we can prevent it," highlighting the district's commitment to maintaining trust with the community.

 

Star-Telegram

As schools nationwide distance themselves from Lifetouch photography services due to ongoing allegations against a fund manager, Rivercrest ISD has also taken action. The district announced on Facebook that it is reviewing its contracts with Lifetouch and has canceled all scheduled Spring picture events at both elementary and high school campuses. "We were not made aware of these concerns until after junior high Spring pictures had already been taken," the statement said. Rivercrest ISD emphasized that student safety, privacy, and maintaining family trust are their top priorities as they determine the best course of action for the next school year. Parents are encouraged to reach out with any questions.

 

Paris News

The Richardson City Council has unanimously approved the expansion of Apollo Junior High into a middle school, with renovations expected to add nearly 90,000 sq ft to the facility. This $97.5m project is part of the Richardson ISD's initiative to convert all junior highs into middle schools by fall 2028, accommodating sixth graders alongside seventh and eighth graders. Brian Nelson from HKS Architects said: "We're putting in a new classroom wing that will be a whole new face of the school along Apollo Road." The school’s enrollment is projected to rise from 594 to 834 students, with a maximum capacity of 1,000. Major construction is anticipated to begin this summer, with completion planned for fall 2028.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

In the first year of the $932m 2024 bond program, Round Rock ISD has made significant improvements to schools and facilities, including lighting upgrades and new equipment. The district sold its second tranche of bonds in February, generating $300m for capital projects. HPM, the bond management firm, provided an update on the district's progress during a board meeting on February 19. The first bond sale in January 2025 raised $350m for 442 projects, which included replacing lighting at athletic facilities and purchasing new devices for students and staff. The district anticipates starting 151 new projects and continuing 92 ongoing ones with the latest funds. "Ten comprehensive improvements to campuses are planned to break ground this year," the district stated, highlighting upgrades across multiple schools. More details on the bond program can be found on the district's bond tracker.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

DeSoto ISD trustees have unanimously appointed Brent S. Mitchell as the interim superintendent while they search for a permanent leader. With 25 years of experience in K-12 education, Mitchell previously served as acting superintendent in the Ferguson-Florissant School District in Missouri, where he successfully led a financial realignment that saved $13.7m. Board President Chasiti McKissic commented: "Dr. Mitchell's proven ability to lead complex organizations through financial realignment... makes him uniquely qualified to serve DeSoto ISD during this pivotal moment." Mitchell expressed his commitment to the community, saying: "I am honored by the Board's trust and committed to serving the DeSoto ISD community with integrity, transparency, and urgency." Due to past financial mismanagement, the district is currently under conservatorship, and the community will soon have opportunities to meet with Mitchell.

 

Dallas News

Alberta’s 2026 budget increases education funding and commits billions to new school construction, while raising the education property tax to help cover costs amid a projected C$9.4bn ($6.87bn) deficit. Finance Minister Nate Horner announced a 7.2% rise in the education and childcare operating budget to C$10.8bn for 2026-27. The province will invest $3.3bn over three years to build and modernize schools, with 40 new projects planned across Edmonton, Calgary, and other regions. Alberta aims to create more than 200,000 new school spaces by 2032, including 17,000 through a C$600m modular classroom program. The budget allocates C$355m for class size and complexity, including C$55m for a classroom complexity grant, and plans to hire 5,000 teaching staff over three years to address growing enrolment. Early childhood and independent school funding will also increase, with C$496m allocated for 2026-27. To fund operations, the education property tax will rise, generating an estimated C$3.6bn in 2026-27, covering about one-third of operating costs. While the government says the budget prioritizes essential services during a period of lower oil prices, critics, including the Alberta Teachers’ Association, questioned whether funding commitments will meet staffing targets and deliver meaningful new school construction.

 

Edmonton Journal