Education Slice
Become more informed in minutes....
Education Slice Logo
Texas
8th April 2026
Together with

THE HOT STORY

Texas schools face Bible reading debate

The Texas state education board is facing significant controversy over a proposed reading list that includes Bible stories like Jonah and the Whale. During a recent meeting, religious leaders, teachers, parents, and students passionately debated the inclusion of these texts for the state's 5.4m students. Nathan Irving, a pastor, emphasized: “Our children need truth," arguing that the list reflects the Christian foundations of the country. However, opponents, including Rabbi Josh Fixler, warned that the list could blur the lines between teaching about religion and teaching religion itself. The reading list is part of a state law passed in 2023, which aims to create a state-approved list of educational materials. A final vote on the list is expected in June, with implementation slated for the 2030-31 school year.

ACCELERATE MATH ACHIEVEMENT

For Students Who Need the Most Support, Results Can’t Wait

Research shows that once students fall behind in math, catching up becomes increasingly difficult without earlier or intensified intervention. Provide immediate, proven intervention for Grades 3–8 with Math 180® Texas, which earned the highest Texas IMRA Rating for Quality Review Scores in Supplemental Math. Every semester matters—bring this impactful support to the students who need it most and start driving measurable growth now.

Learn more about Math 180 Texas

 

STATE NEWS

Funding for Texas education program runs dry

The Texas Education Freedom Accounts program, with a budget of $1bn, is facing a funding shortfall, leaving many low-income applicants without support. As of April 2, the state comptroller's office reported that over 247,000 students applied, but only 90,000 to 100,000 can be served. Travis Pillow, a spokesperson for the comptroller's office, said: “It's always hard to have to turn people away.” The program prioritizes students with disabilities and low-income families, but many will be placed on a waitlist. The funding is expected to run out before reaching all eligible applicants, raising concerns about the program's sustainability. Future legislative sessions may address these issues, with Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick urging enhancements to the program.

Katy ISD CFO ascends

Katy ISD Chief Financial Officer Christopher J. Smith has been elected vice president of the Texas Association of School Business Officials (TASBO) Board of Directors, placing him on a leadership track that will see him serve as president by 2028. Smith, who has more than 30 years of finance experience and has overseen award-winning financial management at Katy ISD, will spend one year as vice president before advancing to president-elect and then president, with TASBO highlighting his expertise in school finance, governance, and advocacy across Texas.

FINANCE

Budget cuts loom for Austin ISD

Austin ISD is preparing to implement over $100m in budget cuts due to a significant shortfall projected at $181m for the fiscal year 2026-27. Superintendent Matias Segura said: "As budget pressures have gotten heavier and heavier . . . we're at a point now . . . where we're no longer able to protect those cuts from impacting our classrooms." The district is considering various strategies, including cutting staff and eliminating stipends, which could reduce the shortfall to as low as $4m or even create a surplus. Additionally, the district plans to close 10 campuses to save around $20m and will invest nearly $20m in resources for struggling schools. The preliminary budget for FY 2026-27 will be shared on April 23, with community meetings scheduled for later in the month.

Attendance drop hits Bryan ISD hard

Bryan ISD leaders are grappling with declining student attendance and enrollment, which are adversely affecting district finances as they prepare for the upcoming budget. During an April 6 meeting, Chief Financial Officer Norma Friddle explained that Texas public schools are funded based on average daily attendance, leading to reduced state funding when students miss school. Attendance has dropped to approximately 93.45%, with a loss of about 300 students this year. Factors contributing to this decline include lower local birth rates, retirees moving in, and the rise of alternative learning options. The district is facing a projected $2.7m funding shortfall due to these attendance-based reductions, compounded by statewide financial strains from inflation and the end of federal pandemic relief funds.

DISTRICTS

San Antonio ISD faces failing grades ahead

San Antonio ISD officials predict that nearly one-third of its 86 campuses will receive failing grades from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) in the 2025-26 school year. Deputy Superintendent Shawn Bird said: "I anticipate that many more of them will be Cs," indicating a potentially more optimistic outlook. The district, serving around 40,000 students, faces challenges such as declining enrollment and campus closures, with 87% of students coming from low-income backgrounds. The TEA's letter grades, based on student performance in the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) exams, can lead to severe consequences, including state intervention. Bird emphasized the need for a strategic plan to improve struggling schools, saying: "We have the strategic, long-term plan to improve the District." The district plans to allocate more resources to underperforming schools and keep families informed about their campuses' performance.

Lubbock ISD unveils school closure plan

Lubbock ISD's Board of Trustees has adopted the District Optimization Plan to guide future school closures and consolidations, following community backlash against previous proposals. Board President Ryan Curry said: "This board demanded . . . criteria be established that the community could see." The plan will not affect schools in the 2025-26 school year, but will begin implementation in Fall 2026. Key criteria for evaluating schools include overall enrollment, facility utilization, and per-pupil spending. If a school meets all three metrics, additional factors will be considered, such as student needs and historical context.

Carthage ISD grants surprise educators

Carthage ISD Education Foundation awarded 68 classroom grants totaling $235,601.85 during its annual Grant Patrol, surprising educators with funding for innovative projects. This year's grants support various initiatives, including literacy, math programs, science lab equipment, and fine arts experiences. “This is one of the most exciting days of the year in Carthage ISD,” said Superintendent Jarrod Bitter, highlighting the community's generosity. Grants were distributed across multiple campuses, with Carthage Junior High receiving 12 grants totaling $55,174.17. 

Celebrating PSJA's top seniors

Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD has unveiled its 2025–2026 Student Profiles, honoring six high school seniors for their achievements in various fields. The PSJA Student Profiles program, established in the 2014–2015 school year, recognizes students excelling in academics, athletics, fine arts, and community service.

WORKFORCE

Sonic empowers teachers with training

In a significant move to support education, Sonic has donated $1m to assist teachers and classrooms across the U.S. This funding enabled two Midland educators, Stephanie Greene and Lezlie Primera from South Elementary, to attend the Ron Clark Academy (RCA) Experience in Atlanta. The immersive training, which took place over two days, provided educators with innovative instructional strategies aimed at enhancing academic performance and classroom culture.

Hutto teacher wins prestigious award

Olivia Joseph, a kindergarten teacher at Howard Norman Elementary School in Hutto ISD, was surprised to be named a winner of the Milken Educator Award on April 7. This prestigious award includes a $25,000 cash prize and an all-expenses-paid trip to the Milken Educator Awards Forum in Washington, D.C., in June. Joseph is the only Texas educator to receive this honor for the 2025-26 school year. 

Librarian of the year

Ana Teresa Garcia, librarian at Sanchez Ochoa Elementary, has been honored as Laredo ISD's 2025-26 Librarian of the Year for her significant contributions to student literacy and engagement.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Armed drones enter schools

Mithril Defense is rolling out a school security system that uses ceiling-mounted high-speed drones to respond to active shooter incidents before law enforcement arrives. The “Campus Guardian Angel” system can provide live surveillance, navigate mapped campuses remotely, and deploy deterrents including strobe lights and pepper gel. The company says the drones can reach 100 miles per hour and operate in coordinated groups during emergencies. The technology is launching in schools in Florida and Georgia, but critics argue it could create new risks and draw funding away from stronger prevention strategies.

TECHNOLOGY

Schools need clear AI policy

Laura Arnett argues that schools should move beyond flexible AI guidelines and adopt formal policies that reduce risk, clarify expectations, and protect students, staff, and families. She says inconsistent classroom approaches leave school communities “lost and confused,” especially when teachers handle AI differently across subjects. Arnett, an AI policy consultant and adjunct instructor in workforce development at Westchester Community College, points to a 2025 survey showing only 22% of students received guidance on school AI policy, even though 86% used AI during the last school year.

SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION

EPA resets bus program

The EPA is overhauling its $5bn Clean School Bus Program after its inspector general found weak oversight, including fraud risks, poor applicant verification, and inadequate monitoring of grant spending and bus deployment. In response, the agency has completed or is addressing 11 recommendations, adding tighter controls around verification, fund management, eligibility documentation, and financial guidance. With $2.37bn still unspent after awards to more than 1,100 districts, the relaunch will also seek input on biofuels, natural gas, and hydrogen, broadening the program beyond its earlier electric bus focus.

CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION

Jumpstart your healthcare career now

This fall, Burleson ISD and UNT Health Fort Worth are launching the Accelerated Biomedical Careers Initiative, allowing high school students to earn college credits while still in school. "The Accelerated Biomedical Careers Initiative provides a tremendous opportunity for students to jumpstart their journey to becoming medical professionals," said Hill College President Thomas Mills. The program enables students to work towards an Associate of Science degree and guarantees admission to UNT Health's online Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences program for those who meet the criteria.

INTERNATIONAL

AI expands inclusive learning

AI is helping blind and visually impaired students in Australia access education with greater independence, personalization, and support. New tools allow students to engage with visual material such as graphs and diagrams through chat-based navigation and real-time explanations, addressing gaps in traditional teaching. Platforms including ALGA-Ed and Audemy are also adapting lessons in real time to student pace, preferences, and engagement. AI-enabled screen readers and image-recognition apps further improve access by converting text to speech and interpreting visual information, supporting stronger participation and retention.
Industry Slice Logo

Education Slice delivers the latest, most relevant and useful intelligence to key educators, administrators, decision makers and teaching influencers, each weekday morning..

Content is selected to an exacting brief from hundreds of influential media sources and summarised by experienced journalists into an easy-to-read digest email. Education Slice enhances the performance and decision-making capabilities of individuals and teams by delivering the relevant news, innovations and knowledge in a cost-effective way.

If you are interested in sponsorship opportunities within Education Slice, please get in touch via email sales team

Follow us on FacebookFollow us on XFollow us on Linkedin

This e-mail has been sent to [[EMAIL_TO]]

Click here to unsubscribe