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Texas
12th May 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Texas enrollment decline raises concerns

Texas public schools enrolled about 76,000 fewer students this academic year, marking the first non-pandemic decline in nearly four decades. Texas 2036 found Hispanic students represented 81% of the drop, with English learners and low-income students also seeing steep losses. The decline comes as birth rates fall, immigration slows, and more families consider alternatives to neighborhood public schools, including vouchers launching later this year. Carlo Castillo, senior research analyst at Texas 2036, said: “Public school enrollment is falling even as Texas continues to grow.” Because Texas funds schools based on attendance, districts may face tighter budgets while serving higher-need student populations. Bob Templeton told lawmakers the trend is “an inflection point,” not a temporary shift.

CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION

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WORKFORCE

Fort Worth ISD policy overhaul raises concerns

Fort Worth ISD has significantly revised its employee policy, raising concerns about job security for certain staff members. The new policy, DCE Local, now states: "The superintendent may elect to employ on term contracts personnel not eligible for a contract under Chapter 21 of the Education Code." This change, approved unanimously by the Board of Managers without public discussion, eliminates detailed provisions regarding employee rights, including progressive discipline and appeals. Attorney Giana Ortiz expressed skepticism about the protections in upcoming contracts, claiming: "The protections that you see stricken out in that policy for non-Chapter 21 employees... do not reside in the contract." Steven Poole, executive director of the United Educators Association, described the policy change as "concerning", particularly for the small number of employees affected.

Teacher turnover sparks concern in Texas

As the new school year approaches, several Texas school districts, including Klein, Hitchcock, and Houston ISD, are evaluating teacher contracts amid financial challenges. Education professor Duncan Klussman said: "This is the time of year where districts have to go through and look at all the employees that are on contract." Hitchcock ISD is addressing a $1.5m budget deficit by cutting eight teachers, while Houston ISD is reducing uncertified teachers. Union president Jackie Anderson expressed concern over the district's reliance on uncertified staff, stating: "This is just a turn-and-burn that the district is doing." Klussman noted that the teaching profession is becoming increasingly difficult, leading to a potential long-term turnover issue in Texas schools.

Sherman ISD celebrates TIA success

Sherman ISD is celebrating its first group of teachers who have earned designations through the Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA), a program aimed at providing pathways for teachers to achieve six-figure salaries. After two years of planning, 94 Sherman ISD teachers received TIA designations, generating over $950,000 in state payments this year. Superintendent Dr. Thomas O'Neal said: "Sherman ISD is proud to provide payments to our teachers for the first time this June through the Teacher Incentive Allotment." TIA, introduced in Texas in 2019, rewards effective teachers based on observation and student growth data. The first cohort includes 38 Recognized, 39 Exemplary, and 17 Master teachers, with annual payments ranging from approximately $5,000 to $23,000.

Lampasas ISD honors top teacher

Judith McGhee, an English teacher at Lampasas High School, has been named the 2025-2026 Secondary Teacher of the Year for Lampasas ISD.

DISTRICTS

Houston ISD expands controversial reform model

Under the leadership of state-appointed Superintendent Mike Miles, nine more Houston ISD schools will adopt the New Education System (NES) for the 2026-27 school year. A recent survey revealed that staff at 12 schools were asked to vote on joining NES, with nearly all supporting the reform model. "I don't want to be, like, in a box ... doing everything," said Kesia Lang, principal of Braeburn Elementary School, which has incorporated 65% of NES systems. The NES model includes a standardized curriculum and increased funding but limits autonomy for principals and teachers. The opt-in process required principals to inform staff and conduct surveys, with academic needs considered for selection. The new NES schools include Barrick, Bastian, and Benbrook Elementary Schools, among others.

Spring Branch ISD faces tough decision

Spring Branch ISD trustees are set to vote next week on the future of Northbrook Elementary, which is facing closure due to a $24m budget shortfall. The Texas Education Agency rated Northbrook with an 'F' this year, and the school has seen a decline of 300 students in enrollment from the previous year. This potential closure would mark the fourth campus in the district, primarily serving Hispanic and working-class families, to shut down due to budget issues.

GOVERNANCE

Make public schools great again

At a recent True Texas Project meeting, Southlake Carroll School Board Vice President Andrew Yeager addressed around 50 attendees, emphasizing the need for accountability in public education. Yeager, who believes in "making public schools great again," stated that his motivation for running for the school board was to fulfill "God's will" by focusing on truth, goodness, and beauty. He highlighted the importance of fiscal responsibility, claiming that with the right leaders, Texas school districts could achieve higher literacy rates and lower taxes. Yeager criticized the Texas Association of School Boards, which Carroll ISD left in 2023, calling its training "indoctrination camp." He noted that Carroll ISD boasts the highest literacy rate and one of the lowest tax rates in the county, while also addressing the challenges faced by conservative candidates in recent elections. Allison Campolo, chair of the Tarrant Democratic Party, countered that unpopular ideas among conservative candidates are driving voters away.

FINANCE

Texas schools brace for budget shifts

As Texas approaches property value appraisal deadlines, school districts are assessing how these changes will impact their budgets. Texas schools rely on state funding and local property taxes, with the latter often covering significant portions of district budgets. Governor Greg Abbott has proposed eliminating school property taxes for homeowners, which could shift funding responsibilities to the state. "With fiscal discipline, controlled spending, and responsible budgeting, the state could phase out the school tax entirely," said Texas Policy Research. However, experts warn that without new revenue sources, sustaining this funding model may be challenging, especially during economic downturns. Critics also highlight that property tax relief does not benefit the 40% of renters in Texas.

Budget talks heat up in Pearland

Pearland ISD's board of trustees will review the fiscal year 2026-27 budget during a workshop on May 12. The district previously adopted a nearly $4.4m surplus for FY 2025-26, with $284.9m in revenue and nearly $280m in expenses. The tax rate was set at $1.135 per $100 valuation, which includes $0.7869 for maintenance and operations and $0.3481 for interest and sinking.  

CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION

New campus groundbreaking in Humble

Humble ISD officials held a groundbreaking ceremony on May 11 for the new Ross Sterling Middle School campus, part of a $775m bond approved by voters in May 2022. The three-story, 213,000-square-foot facility, designed by Kirksey Architecture, will feature natural daylight, collaborative learning spaces, and larger classrooms to enhance modern teaching methods. HISD Superintendent Roger Brown said: “It's going to be a state-of-the-art facility,” highlighting its STEM lab and culinary space. The campus is set to open for the 2027-28 school year, with Satterfield & Pontikes Construction Company as the general contractor.

RISD approves middle school funding

Richardson ISD trustees unanimously approved $486.7m in guaranteed maximum prices for six middle school transformation projects. The work includes four new campuses and renovations or additions at two junior highs as sixth graders shift from elementary to junior high campuses. Le Estes, executive director of facilities planning, design and construction, said any savings will return to the district and noted: “Students and staff, they remain a priority.” Construction begins in June, with all six projects expected to finish in August 2028.

LEGAL

Lawsuit claims years of abuse

The parents of a former Rockport-Fulton High School student have initiated a lawsuit in Aransas County district court against Rockport-Fulton ISD, a former teacher, and a high school principal, alleging that their child was groomed and sexually abused over several years. Filed on May 1, the lawsuit identifies the plaintiffs as John Doe and Jane Doe, representing their minor child, J.D. They are seeking over $10m in damages and have requested a jury trial.

INTERNATIONAL

Advocates push for national school meal scheme across Australia

Calls are growing for Australia to introduce a nationwide free school lunch program, as educators and nutrition experts warn that food insecurity is affecting students’ health, concentration, and academic performance. Australia is one of the few high-income countries without a universal school meal program, unlike nations such as Japan, Sweden, and Estonia. Advocates say expanding access to nutritious meals could improve educational outcomes and reduce inequality among students. The push follows the success of Tasmania’s School Food Matters initiative, founded by Julie Dunbabin in 2020. The program currently delivers around 21,500 cooked meals each week to 60 public schools across the state, supported largely by approximately A$14.6 million ($10.56 million) in state government funding over the past two years.
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