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America’s growing political divide between young men and women is increasingly visible inside schools, according to educators, researchers, and students who say gender-based polarization is reshaping classroom discussions, friendships, activism, and even dating among Generation Z. The divide became especially clear during the 2024 presidential election, when young women strongly backed Democratic nominee Kamala Harris while young men leaned significantly more toward President Donald Trump. Teachers across the country said those divisions are now surfacing in classrooms. Some educators reported that girls speak openly about concerns surrounding safety, rights, and equality, while boys increasingly question whether gender inequality remains a significant issue. Others described growing defensiveness among male students during discussions about feminism and social justice. The divide is also affecting relationships and social interactions. Polling cited in the article found that Gen Z places greater importance on political compatibility in dating than older generations, while teachers observed girls becoming more hesitant to socialize romantically with boys holding opposing political views. Researchers cautioned that the long-term effects of the divide remain unclear.

 

The 74

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Incumbent Governor Greg Abbott is tackling rising property taxes by rallying support from 88 Republican incumbents and nominees for the Texas House. He announced a five-point property tax reform plan, stating: "Texans are one step closer to the biggest property tax overhaul in state history." Abbott aims to empower taxpayers and curb local government tax hikes. Meanwhile, Democratic candidate Gina Hinojosa criticized Abbott's education record at a recent rally, emphasizing the need to strengthen public schools and address rising costs. Hinojosa claimed: “We have over 100 schools all across this state that are shutting down," highlighting her commitment to prioritize community needs over private donors. Recent polling indicates a tight race, with Hinojosa gaining support among key demographics.

 

El Paso Times

Fort Worth ISD is falling behind national averages in test scores, learning rates, and student growth, according to the Education Scorecard report, a collaboration between Harvard University and Stanford University. The report reveals that Fort Worth ISD's average test scores are 2.04 grade levels below the national average, with students learning 46% less than their peers across the U.S. Notably, Black and Hispanic students are significantly lagging, with Black students averaging 3.05 grade levels behind. Superintendent Peter Licata described the district's performance as “depressing” and “offensive,” particularly for students of color. Pete Geren, the state-appointed board chair, emphasized the urgency of improving student outcomes, stating: “Most of our children cannot read at grade level.” Since Licata's appointment, he has initiated several reforms aimed at enhancing student achievement, including the creation of the Elevate Network and a 5% raise for teachers. “We have to do massive program changes,” Licata said.

 

Star-Telegram

Richardson ISD has introduced new technology guidelines for the 2026-27 school year to address community concerns regarding technology use in classrooms. The district aims to clarify expectations for educators, focusing on reducing passive screen time. “The goal is to learn with technology, not from it,” said Morgan Cave, Director of Instructional Technology. The guidelines emphasize productive technology use, encouraging students to engage actively rather than passively consume content. Superintendent Tabitha Branum noted that the reliance on technology increased post-COVID-19, and clearer expectations are necessary. Changes include eliminating required minutes for instructional platforms and extending YouTube restrictions. The district plans to provide resources to support teachers in integrating technology effectively while ensuring accountability measures are in place.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

Dripping Springs ISD has officially named its second high school Driftwood Springs High School after a 6-1 vote on May 18. Board President Dr. Stefani Reinold emphasized the importance of community input, stating: “We want to get it right.” The naming process involved discussions among district officials, employees, students, and community members since February, culminating in recommendations from a 64-person Naming & Branding Committee. While the name follows the tradition of including “springs,” it is the first school not linked to a natural spring in the area. Some community members, including DSISD parent Shellie Deringer, argued for Driftwood High School instead, noting that the “springs” naming convention is relatively new, having started in 2007. 

 

Community Impact Newspaper

McKinney ISD is anticipating a challenging fiscal year 2026-27, with a projected revenue of $277m against expenses of $281m, leading to a shortfall of nearly $4m. Chief Financial Officer Marlene Harbeson reported that property tax values are expected to rise by only 2.75%, the lowest increase in a decade. “The average single-family home is down [in value] a little over $8,000, which is a good thing if you're a taxpayer,” she said, highlighting the potential for lower tax bills. The district's total tax rate is set to decrease, with a maintenance and operations (M&O) tax rate of $0.7328 and an interest and sinking (I&S) rate of $0.32. Factors such as average daily attendance and legislative decisions could further impact these projections.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

The Carthage ISD Education Foundation presented a check for $235,601.85 to the Carthage ISD Board of Trustees during a recent school board meeting. These funds will support educational grants across the district, enhancing resources for teachers and classrooms that may not be covered by the regular school budget. Superintendent Dr. Glenn Hambrick said: "The generosity of the donors and this money helps supplement our education program, provide some things that we couldn't do otherwise." The money, sourced from community donations and fundraising efforts, aims to benefit students by funding innovative classroom projects and educational programs throughout Carthage ISD.

 

Allen American

Moore County News Press

Keller ISD trustees have approved a $2.1m budget amendment to fund repairs for the district's natatorium, which has been closed indefinitely since May 12 due to water filtration failures. The district plans to spend approximately $500,000 on filters and $1.6m on a dehumidifier to protect the HVAC system from chlorine damage. The next trustee meeting on June 9 will include vendor bids for these purchases. Meanwhile, Superintendent Cory Wilson is coordinating with local organizations to provide alternative swimming facilities for students during the summer. Keller Mayor Armin Mizani announced that the Keller Pointe recreation center will host swim lessons and lap swimming for the district's swimmers.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

The Georgetown ISD board of trustees have approved the allocation of up to $6m from remaining 2021 bond funds for campus improvements. The largest portion, $3.5m, will be used to upgrade playground equipment at older elementary schools and install rubber surfacing across all elementary campuses. Additionally, $1m is earmarked for replacing kitchen equipment, while other projects include roofing repairs at East View High School ($500,000), projection equipment replacements ($450,000), and expanding radio network infrastructure with four new digital towers ($290,000). "School bonds can be used for investments in assets and infrastructure," noted the district. Previous allocations included $3.62m for upgrading the school bus fleet and $2.3m for future campus upgrades in 2024 and 2025.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

Turning Point Academy of Granbury, a newly established private Christian school, is under scrutiny due to the criminal background of its head, Shawna Keomisy. Indicted in 2014 for federal fraud and identity theft, Keomisy served three years in prison and was ordered to pay over $50,000 in restitution. Hood County Commissioner Kevin Andrews expressed regret, stating: “Obviously, I don’t think it would even have been considered knowing what we now know.” The school’s initial partnership with Generations Church has fallen through, prompting concerns from donors about the management of their contributions.

 

Hood County News

Tyler ISD recently celebrated the graduation of students from the LINK 18+ Program at a ceremony held at the Tyler Junior College Rogers Palmer Performing Arts Center. Now in its 16th year, the Learning Independence and New Knowledge (LINK) program focuses on equipping students with special needs with vocational, social, and independent living skills through hands-on experiences. Graduates included students from both Tyler Legacy High School and Tyler High School. Jacob Hudspeth, College & Career Support Advisor, said: “LINK is about more than job training; it's about building confidence, discovering strengths, and creating pathways to meaningful futures.” The program has partnered with various local businesses to provide work-based learning opportunities, helping students gain valuable experience and confidence as they transition into adulthood.

 

Tyler Paper

Ariana Bermea-Mendoza from Alexander High School and Elizabeth Guerra-Lara from Perez Elementary School were named United ISD's 2026 Secondary and Elementary Teachers of the Year, respectively, during the Employee Recognition Awards Banquet held on May 7, 2026.

 

Laredo Morning Times