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Texas
13th April 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Pandemic learning slump hits college dreams

Remote instruction in K-12 schools during the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected college enrollment, according to a study by the National Bureau of Economic Research. The research analyzed data from 14,005 public high schools between the 2015-16 and 2021-22 school years. It found that first-year college enrollment decreased by 2.5% after the 2020-2021 school year, with FAFSA applications declining by 4.2% and ACT test-taking declining by 4.8%. Researchers noted that reduced interaction with school counselors and teachers may have "weakened students’ expectations that college was feasible or worthwhile." The study highlighted that the negative impact was more pronounced in higher-poverty schools, indicating that school-based guidance is crucial for disadvantaged students. Although FAFSA completion rates among low-income students have mostly recovered, middle-income students still show lower rates compared to pre-pandemic levels.

BLENDED LEARNING

An Administrator's Guide to Blended Learning

Online learning doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing approach. Explore blended learning with this comprehensive guide from FlexPoint®, which includes:  
  • Worksheets to define your school’s needs
  • Outline of blended learning classroom models
  • List of questions to ask curriculum providers
  • Best practices for educator training
  • Instructional strategies and tips
  • Key benefits for you, students, and staff
Download the FlexPoint guide to find the right mix of face-to-face and online instruction for your school or district.  

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WORKFORCE

Superintendents' salaries soar in Texas

Public school superintendents in Texas are among the highest-paid employees in their districts, with salaries often exceeding six figures. In Travis County, the median base salary for superintendents in traditional public school districts is $325,000 for the 2025-26 school year, significantly higher than the state median of $156,818, according to the Texas Association of School Boards. Salaries can vary widely, with Lake Travis ISD reporting the highest at $365,000 and Lago Vista ISD the lowest at $200,000. Benefits include bonuses, cash stipends, and perks like car allowances. Austin ISD Superintendent Matias Segura received a $25,000 bonus for fulfilling TEA's Special Education Agreed Order in 2022, highlighting the performance-based incentives available. The contracts for superintendents are publicly posted, as mandated by Texas law, ensuring transparency in their compensation.

GOVERNANCE

Houston ISD sees another principal shakeup

Houston ISD has experienced significant principal turnover, with at least 177 changes across 156 campuses since the state takeover in June 2023. Recently, Emerson Elementary School and The Rice School saw new leadership at the start of the spring semester. Kimberly Hobbs, the former principal at The Rice School, left on January 31, and Alvaro Montelongo, who has over 20 years of educational experience, took over on February 17. "Mr. Montelongo brings over 20 years of experience in education, most recently serving as an executive director of instruction," stated former Central Division Chief Daniel Soliz. Meanwhile, Emerson Elementary's principal, Alexander Rodriguez, departed on New Year's Day, with José Luis López stepping in as interim principal. The ongoing changes reflect a broader trend within HISD as it navigates challenges related to staffing and school closures.

Texas school district faces conservator

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) is set to appoint a conservator for North East ISD following a prolonged dispute over the district's cellphone policy. A 20-page TEA investigative report revealed that NEISD trustees violated state law by not enforcing a mandated cellphone ban during the school day. "This violation represents a failure of governance, intentional noncompliance with state law," TEA officials stated. NEISD's policy allowed cellphone use during lunch and breaks, contrary to House Bill 1481, which requires a stricter ban. Despite TEA's warnings, NEISD trustees remained defiant, arguing the law lacked clarity. The conservator will oversee the implementation of a compliant policy and mandate governance training for trustees. NEISD may appeal the decision, with potential legal costs estimated between $50,000 to $100,000.

Judson ISD superintendent fired, won't appeal

Milton Fields, the outgoing superintendent of Judson ISD, has decided not to appeal his termination, which was voted on by trustees in February. Fields' attorney, Karl "Tiger" Hanner, expressed that it "breaks his heart to witness the continuing conflicts and divisions" within the district. Initially, Fields had appealed the board's decision but has since chosen to retire on June 30. The board will need to vote again on his contract, as it moves forward with the termination process. Trustee José Macias noted that the board's handling of the situation has affected its relationship with the community. Fields, who has dedicated nearly two decades to Judson ISD, was appointed superintendent in 2023, but his tenure faced challenges, including budget issues and board infighting.

DISTRICTS

HISD cancels student competition trip

Houston ISD canceled a planned trip for Milby High School cosmetology students to the SkillsUSA State Leadership and Skills Conference in Corpus Christi. The cancellation occurred just hours before departure due to a lack of district approval, which was attributed to an "internal procedural issue." HISD acknowledged that the approval process "did not unfold as it should have" and emphasized that students and families were not at fault. This incident is part of a broader trend, as HISD has canceled several high-profile trips since centralizing operations. Aguirre highlighted the importance of the competition for students, noting the time and effort invested in preparation.

Fort Bend ISD students excel in performance report

The Fort Bend ISD board reviewed the Texas Academic Performance Report on March 30, highlighting the district's impressive student performance. "FBISD students outperformed both the state and regional averages across all grades in all subjects," said Melissa Hubbard, assistant superintendent of teaching and learning. The report indicated a diverse student population, with Asian students at 28%, followed by African American and Hispanic students at 27.9% and 26.6%, respectively. While attendance rates remained stable, the district's college career and military readiness rates lagged behind state averages. However, improvements were noted in the four-year graduation rate, which surpassed both state and regional figures. Hubbard emphasized the district's focus on campus-centered hiring to enhance staffing models.

EXAMS

Texas education system undergoes major changes

As Texas prepares to replace the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) exam, significant changes to student evaluation are on the horizon. Barbara Ybarra, Associate Superintendent, informed the Bryan ISD board about the new Student Success Tool (SST) model, which will introduce shorter assessments throughout the year, starting in the 2027-28 school year. This shift aims to provide quicker feedback for teachers and allow for timely interventions for struggling students. Additionally, lawmakers are considering Senate Bill 1191, which proposes a standardized GPA calculation for Texas public schools, impacting class rankings and college admissions. Superintendent Ginger Carrabine noted that GPA policies are crucial for scholarship eligibility and college admissions. Bryan ISD is monitoring these developments closely and is requesting a “hold harmless” year to adapt to the new systems if adopted.

TECHNOLOGY

Schools urged to hit pause on AI adoption amid unknown risks

In an opinion piece for The Hill, Pedro Noguera, dean of the USC Rossier School of Education, argues that schools should slow down the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and consider a temporary pause until more research is available on its impact. Drawing parallels to the delayed response to social media’s harmful effects on youth, Noguera warns that education risks repeating the same mistake by embracing AI without sufficient evidence, highlighting such unknowns as how AI may affect students’ academic development, critical thinking, and originality, as well as ethical issues such as plagiarism and copyright. He also raises concerns about increased screen time, the potential erosion of problem-solving skills, and the possibility that AI could eventually replace teachers and counselors. While acknowledging the benefits of technology in education, particularly during the pandemic, his piece calls for a more cautious, evidence-based approach, and urges educators and institutions to use their influence to demand accountability and research before expanding AI use.

CYBERSECURITY

Alamo Heights ISD roiled by cyberattack

Alamo Heights ISD officials have not disclosed whether they paid a ransom following a cyberattack that disrupted internet access for nearly a week. Spokesperson Julie Ann Matonis stated: "We appreciate the understandable interest our community has in relation to this matter, but cannot provide further detail at this time as we have an active and ongoing investigation." The district reported the incident to the FBI, which advises against paying ransoms, as it does not guarantee data recovery.

FINANCE

Waskom ISD proposes $35m bond measure

Waskom ISD leaders recently held a town hall to discuss a proposed $35m bond measure set for the May ballot. “This bond is very important for us,” said Jana Fowler, the district's director of curriculum and instruction. The bond aims to fund a new elementary school, eight new buses, and upgrades to various facilities, including the Career Technical Education wing. The bond committee, formed after the tragic passing of former Superintendent Chris Guastella, has been actively involved in shaping the proposal. Although the bond will increase the district's property tax rate, officials assured that the average homeowner would not see an increase in school taxes due to recent homestead exemption adjustments.

Austin community rallies to save librarians

In response to proposed cuts aimed at addressing a $181m deficit, Austin ISD families voiced strong opposition to the potential elimination of librarian positions. At a recent school board meeting, community members emphasized the vital role librarians play in providing a safe space for students and fostering a love for reading. Mary Margaret Mason, a sixth grader, said: “Librarians are a really important safe space and haven for people who may be getting bullied.” Diane Zander Mason, her mother, described the cuts as “extremely shortsighted.” The district is also considering significant reductions in other areas, including special education and arts programs. AISD officials are set to present a proposed budget on April 23, with a final vote scheduled for June 18.

INTERNATIONAL

Upward bullying threatens leaders

A new Australian report warns that upward bullying, whereby employees intimidate or undermine managers, is becoming a serious organizational risk, especially in schools. The study found that 71% of senior leaders have faced this behavior, 93% said it harmed their confidence, and about two-thirds reported major effects on performance and wellbeing. Unlike constructive disagreement, the behavior is often indirect and persistent, making it easy to dismiss as ordinary conflict. The report urges schools to spot patterns early, set clear conduct standards, and strengthen leaders’ ability to respond before problems escalate.
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