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Texas
31st March 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Texas teachers face new challenges

A survey by the Charles Butt Foundation revealed that fewer than half of Texas public school teachers felt adequately prepared for their careers. The 2025 Texas Teacher Poll indicated that about two-thirds of nearly 1,200 respondents considered leaving the profession, primarily due to inadequate salaries. Gov. Greg Abbott has prioritized addressing these issues, including the establishment of a Teacher Vacancy Task Force and the allocation of $8.5bn for public education. However, a significant challenge remains: the rise of uncertified teachers, with over 42,000, or 12%, lacking certification in the 2024-25 school year. Jacob Kirksey, an associate professor at Texas Tech University, noted that the increase in uncertified teachers was exacerbated by staffing shortages during the COVID-19 pandemic. New legislation, House Bill 2, aims to phase out the hiring of uncertified teachers in foundational subjects by 2030, emphasizing the need for effective teacher retention and preparation.

INCREASE ENROLLMENT

Guide on Marketing Your School or District

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NATIONAL NEWS

Pandemic-era education funding winds down, leaving gains, gaps, and fiscal challenges

With the final Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds now spent, education leaders say the $189.5bn federal investment helped schools stabilize during the pandemic through academic support, technology, mental health services, and facility upgrades, but its overall impact remains difficult to measure. Research suggests targeted gains, including improved math performance, while many districts credit the funding with preventing deeper learning loss and enabling long-term operational changes, though some now face financial strain after using one-time funds for ongoing expenses. Elleka Yost, director of advocacy and research at the Association of School Business Officials International, emphasized that districts that planned ahead have avoided financial disruption, and said school finance leaders were responsible stewards of the funding. She also noted that ESSER’s flexibility “gave a lot of opportunity” for districts to address evolving challenges facing students, families, and communities during the pandemic.

STATE NEWS

Vouchers surge as applications close

In Texas, over three-quarters of applicants for the school voucher program are private school students, according to new data. The application process is closing soon, with more than 256,000 families applying, but only 90,000 to 100,000 are expected to receive funding. The lottery system will prioritize students with disabilities and those from families earning below 500% of the poverty line. However, only 12% of applicants qualify for this tier, while many applicants earn above $165,000. 

TECHNOLOGY

Schools rethink AI strategy

K-12 districts are shifting from both rushed AI adoption and passive delay toward structured governance that emphasizes oversight, risk management, and adaptability. Leaders say AI’s fast pace and generative capabilities require decisions beyond IT, involving senior leaders and cross-functional teams. Districts are adopting adaptive governance approaches that build internal capacity, set policies early, and align AI use with educational goals. They are also prioritizing durable staff skills over training on specific tools, while states such as Delaware are developing systems to vet products, support procurement, and protect privacy and equity.

DISTRICTS

Waco ISD partners with Third Future

Waco ISD is considering a partnership with Third Future Schools to improve struggling campuses, including South Waco and Dean Highland elementary schools. This nonprofit charter organization, founded by Mike Miles, offers a highly scripted instructional approach and has successfully turned around schools in various Texas districts. Waco ISD Superintendent Tiffany Spicer noted that the district is negotiating costs, with estimates expected soon. The partnership aims to prevent state intervention due to poor performance, as South Waco has received four consecutive "F" grades. Donny Lee, Superintendent of Wichita Falls ISD, shared that since partnering with Third Future, Hirschi Middle School has seen significant academic growth, with students achieving the equivalent of 1.6 years of progress in just four months. 

San Antonio schools face immigration fears

San Antonio public schools are experiencing significant student withdrawals due to heightened immigration enforcement, as district leaders and advocates have reported. Jaime Aquino, Superintendent of San Antonio ISD, clarified: "We've had a lot of our emergent bilingual (students) not show up," indicating that fears of deportation are impacting attendance. A demographic analysis for San Antonio ISD highlighted "increased absenteeism, mid-year withdrawals, and lower participation in school-based services" linked to intensified immigration operations.

Austin ISD announces school closure

Austin ISD has announced the closure of Blackshear Elementary School in 2028, ending months of speculation. Starting this fall, students from both Blackshear and Oak Springs Elementary will attend Blackshear until December 2027, after which they will transition to a new campus at Oak Springs. The new $47.6m campus is part of a $2.4bn bond initiative and aims to provide modern educational spaces.

School closures spark community outrage

Corpus Christi ISD is facing significant budget challenges, with a deficit of at least $27.5m this year. The district has lost over 4,000 students since the 2019-20 school year, prompting proposals for school closures and consolidations. Superintendent Roland Hernandez stated that closing seven campuses would help the district manage its resources more effectively. Community feedback has been mixed, with many families expressing concerns about losing their neighborhood schools. The closures are set to take place before the 2026-27 school year, with transition plans in development.

Parents protest school closures

Parents have filed a formal complaint against United ISD regarding the proposed closure of Amparo Gutierrez Elementary and Matias de Llano Elementary. Parents are requesting corrective actions from the Texas Education Agency, including an emergency ARD meeting and assurances that services for students with disabilities will continue. The district attributes the closure recommendation to declining enrollment, which affects its ability to maintain high-quality education. Superintendent Gerardo Cruz noted that if approved, a follow-up meeting will be held to discuss transition plans and support for families.

Houston librarian named state’s best

The Texas Library Association has named Brooke Corso, the librarian at Pin Oak Middle School, as the Texas Librarian of the Year. Since joining the school in 2018, Corso has implemented innovative "living libraries" that adapt to the diverse needs of students.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Tragedy strikes Texas high school

A tragic incident unfolded Monday at Hill Country College Preparatory High School in Bulverde, where a 15-year-old male student shot a teacher before taking his own life. The Comal County Sheriff's Office reported that the teacher was transported to a hospital in San Antonio, but her condition remains unknown. The student died at the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Following the shooting, the school was placed on lockdown, and students were relocated to a nearby middle school to reunite with their parents.

GOVERNANCE

Frisco ISD names new superintendent

Frisco ISD has named Todd Fouche, the current Deputy Superintendent, as the lone finalist for the superintendent position, succeeding Mike Waldrip, who announced his retirement after serving since 2017. Fouche has a decade of experience in various roles within the district, including teaching and administration.

Candidates clash for Montgomery ISD seat

Two candidates, Jennie Drude and Matt Mitchell, are vying for Montgomery ISD Position 3 in the upcoming May 2 election, as incumbent Laurie Turner steps down.

Weatherford ISD welcomes new leader

Weatherford ISD has officially appointed Dr. Sean Scott as its new superintendent, following a unanimous vote by the school board. Dr. Scott, who previously served as deputy superintendent at Mansfield ISD, was selected from over 40 applicants.

Mott wins prestigious education award

Vernagene Mott, a former trustee of Pflugerville ISD, has been awarded the 2026 James B. Crow Innovation in Governance Award by the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB). This award, established in 2022, honors individuals who have significantly influenced school district governance. Mott, who served on the Pflugerville ISD Board for 21 years, was recognized for her dedication to public education and her role in advancing governance practices.

PERFORMING ARTS

Heller Awards expand with funding

The Heller Awards, celebrating Central Texas high school musicals, are set to expand in their 13th season at Bass Concert Hall on May 6. Co-produced by Texas Performing Arts and Impact Arts, the event has received significant financial backing, including $1m for its relocation and an additional $2m in donations. Bob Bursey, executive and artistic director of Texas Performing Arts, said: "These new endowments are an extraordinary investment in both the future of the performing arts and the young people who bring it to life." This year, 40 high schools from 18 districts participated, with nominees competing in 20 categories. The awards ceremony, named after arts patrons Mary Ann and Andrew Heller, has been praised for its high production values and enthusiastic audience engagement.

Temple troupe takes Othello higher

Temple High School's theatre arts one-act play team has advanced to the University Interscholastic League area competition after a successful performance at a bi-district contest. The students showcased an updated version of William Shakespeare's “Othello,” earning several individual accolades.

CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION

Temple student makes history at state

Shamyia Miller, a senior at Temple High School, made history by qualifying for the HOSA — Future Health Professionals International Leadership Conference after her impressive performance at a state competition. "This achievement reflects her hard work and dedication," said a representative from Temple ISD. Miller's accomplishment highlights the potential of students in health professions and sets a precedent for future participants.

INTERNATIONAL

Australia makes SEL core learning

Australia has launched Be You as a nationwide social-emotional learning initiative across 24,000 schools and early learning centers, embedding skills such as emotional regulation, empathy, and decision-making into the core curriculum. The effort responds to rising youth mental health concerns, with nearly 2 in 5 young people showing symptoms of mental disorders. Evidence cited in the text suggests SEL improves both well-being and academics, with students gaining 7–10 percentile points in social-emotional skills and 8–20 percentile points in academic performance.

AND FINALLY...

Ctrl-Alt-Defeat in classrooms

An online debate ignited by a teacher's candid remarks about students' computer skills has gone viral. TeacherGuy1980 stated, “These kids are not computer geniuses,” highlighting a lack of fundamental knowledge among students, such as distinguishing between applications and files. Many Reddit users echoed this sentiment, noting that students often struggle with basic tasks like typing and navigating websites. The discussion reflects concerns among educators regarding the effectiveness of technology exposure, as Mark Schneider from the American Enterprise Institute pointed out that U.S. students performed at the international average in the 2023 International Computer and Information Literacy Study. The report revealed that American students lag behind peers in countries like Germany and South Korea, raising questions about the adequacy of digital skills education in classrooms.
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