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Texas
29th May 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Texas schools face backlash over DAEPs

In Texas, the Disciplinary Alternative Education Programs (DAEPs) have become a controversial aspect of school discipline, particularly following the passage of House Bill 6. This legislation has made it easier for schools to assign students to DAEPs for minor infractions, such as distributing protest flyers, as seen in the case of Jordan Comfort, who faced a six-week placement for his actions. Critics, including Paige Duggins-Clay, chief legal analyst of the Intercultural Development Research Association, argue that these programs resemble the criminal justice system, disproportionately affecting Black and Latino students. “It’s jail-like,” she said. With over 100,000 students attending DAEPs annually, concerns about their effectiveness and the long-term impact on students' education and mental health are growing.

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STATE NEWS

Texas schools face alarming enrollment drop

Texas public schools have seen a significant decline in enrollment, with approximately 76,000 fewer students this year, marking only the second annual drop in nearly 40 years. The trend has been attributed to years of policy decisions that failed to account for demographic changes and relied on outdated growth assumptions. Texas Education Agency Commissioner Mike Morath has allowed rapid charter school expansion without considering regional capacity, leading to a 300% increase in charter enrollment over 15 years, while traditional public schools have stagnated. David DeMatthews, a professor at the University of Texas, emphasized the need for a shift in priorities, stating: "Texas must rethink school funding" to ensure the sustainability of public education. The upcoming midterm elections and legislative session present a crucial opportunity for reform.

DISTRICTS

TEA denies school partnership

Austin ISD's attempt to partner with Texas Council for International Studies to improve three struggling middle schools has beendenied by the Texas Education Agency (TEA), which stated that the nonprofit failed to show a successful track record in turning around schools with poor accountability ratings. Superintendent Matias Segura had hoped the partnership would prevent state intervention, as schools facing five consecutive failing ratings risk closure or a takeover by appointed managers. The rejection leaves Dobie, Webb, and Burnet middle schools vulnerable to state sanctions if their accountability scores do not improve this year. "After spending time with the partners... I am confident this partner... will help us be successful," Segura said earlier this year. However, the TEA's decision complicates the district's efforts to avoid state intervention.

Protest erupts over principal's reassignment

On Thursday, a diverse group of educators, interfaith leaders, and community activists protested the reassignment of Shayma Alzubi, a newly appointed principal at Western Hills High School in Fort Worth. Alzubi's reassignment followed backlash over her past social media posts related to the Black Lives Matter Movement and Sharia law. Mustafaa Carroll, executive director of CAIR-DFW, described the backlash as an “anti-Muslim witch hunt” and called for Alzubi's immediate reinstatement, stating: “I've seen all this before... the same hate and vitriol.” Fort Worth ISD stated that Alzubi's posts may not align with their social media policy, prompting an investigation. Alzubi, who has received death threats, was not present at the protest due to safety concerns.

Bryan ISD board meeting agenda revealed

Bryan ISD's board meeting on June 1 will focus on approving the compensation plan for the 2026-27 school year, along with discussing technology upgrades and infrastructure improvements. Chief Financial Officer Norma Friddle is expected to present the compensation plan, addressing previous financial challenges faced by the district. The agenda also includes a potential five-year contract with Cisco for a new telecommunications system, which features “parent square calling” to enhance safety and privacy. Additionally, Deputy Superintendent Brian Merrell is leading proposals for engineering services from E3 Entegral Solutions Inc. to replace chillers at several elementary schools, and to upgrade piping at Long Intermediate and Rayburn Intermediate Schools, with a projected cost of $50,000. 

Cleburne ISD celebrates remarkable achievements

Cleburne ISD Superintendent Coby Kirkpatrick highlighted a year of growth and achievement during the annual State of the District luncheon. “We're here to celebrate you today,” he said, emphasizing the importance of community partnerships in supporting the district's 7,000 students. This year, 399 students graduated from Cleburne High School, with 19 earning associate degrees through a partnership with Hill College. The district also received recognition as a CTAT District of Distinction for its career and technical education programs, with 95% of students on track for college and career readiness. 

Fort Bend ISD honors athletic stars

Fort Bend ISD hosted its 4th Annual FAB Awards at River Pointe Church, celebrating the district's top athletes in a glamorous event. "For one evening, Fort Bend ISD's top athletes were not simply recognized for what they accomplished on the field or court. They were celebrated in full," said Deborah Mize, Director of Athletics. 

GOVERNANCE

New leadership announced for Lubbock ISD

At a recent meeting, the Lubbock ISD Board of Trustees announced key leadership appointments for the 2026-2027 school year. Daniela Torres will take over as principal of Ramirez Elementary School, succeeding Melissa Hernandez-Serenil. Heather Thornburg was appointed principal of Roscoe Wilson Elementary School, returning to the district after 25 years. Katherine Mahan will lead the REACH Program, while Amanda Boland becomes the new Director of Federal Programs. Jimmy Moore has been named Director of Student & Parent Resolution, reflecting his extensive experience in the district.  

New principal announced for middle school

Victoria ISD has appointed Dr. Gina Vilches as the new principal of Patti Welder Middle School for the 2026-27 school year. Currently the dean of students at VISD Success Academy, Vilches has a strong focus on student success and campus culture. Her extensive experience includes previous roles as principal at Chandler Elementary School and Goliad Middle School, as well as serving as a secondary counselor and assistant principal.

New superintendent brings positivity

Maela Edmonson will assume her position as Lometa ISD’s superintendent on July 1. Known for her welcoming demeanor, Edmonson is eager to greet students with positivity, stating, "I’m ready to greet students with pats on the back and words of welcome." She will succeed Rob Moore, the current superintendent, marking a new chapter for the district.

FINANCE

Eanes ISD eyes $900m bond

Eanes ISD officials are actively pursuing a potential $900m bond for 2027, which aims to fund projects across all campuses. The Long-Range Facility Planning Committee previously recommended various initiatives, including repurposing Eanes Elementary as a central hub for early childhood programs and modernizing several elementary and middle schools.

STEM

Harmony schools shine in STEM education

Two Harmony Public Schools campuses in the Permian Basin have been honored as PLTW Distinguished Schools for their dedication to enhancing student achievement and access to quality STEM education during the 2025-26 academic year. The recognized campuses are Harmony Science Academy Odessa and Harmony Science Academy Midland. To achieve this designation, schools must show extensive student participation in PLTW programs and provide engaging, project-based STEM learning opportunities.

CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION

Canyon ISD students earn industry certificates

Canyon ISD students in the Construction Technology Services class have achieved industry-based certifications through the Career and Technical Education (CTE) program. Out of 763 seniors who graduated, 402 earned these certifications, marking an increase from 22% to over 52% compared to last year. "Certification is an extra tool in their tool belt," said Tiffany Hooker, CTE Director. Kirstyn Tarr, Canyon ISD Coordinator of District Communications, emphasized that this achievement prepares students for careers that support the local community. Canyon ISD offers 11 CTE programs, including agriculture, construction, and health science, and students gain hands-on experience through internships.

SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION

New buses on the way for Allen ISD

Allen ISD is set to purchase nine new school buses to enhance student transportation and replace older models. The district's board approved the acquisition during a meeting on May 26, with funding coming from a voter-approved bond proposition passed in 2024, according to Assistant Superintendent Brent Benningfield. “This represents the second year of purchases,” Benningfield said, highlighting the district's three-year plan to accommodate rising student ridership and support programming needs. The new buses will comply with Senate Bill 546, which mandates that all school buses have three-point seatbelts by September 1, 2029. Currently, Allen ISD operates a fleet of 138 buses, with 39 already equipped with seatbelts.

HIGHER EDUCATION

GAO launches probe into student loan transfer to Treasury Department

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has agreed to investigate the Trump administration’s decision to transfer management of federal student loan services and default collections to the Department of the Treasury, following concerns raised by Sens Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Bernie Sanders (I-VT). The review will examine whether shifting responsibility for parts of the federal student loan system out of the Department of Education has created administrative inefficiencies or undermined statutory responsibilities. The investigation is particularly significant for borrowers in default, whose loans may become subject to collection actions that can affect credit scores and government benefits. The administration has defended the move, arguing that Treasury’s financial expertise will improve management of the nation’s $1.7tn student loan portfolio, while critics contend it is part of a broader effort to dismantle the Education Department and could harm students and borrowers.

INTERNATIONAL

Ontario schools grapple with growing teacher absenteeism

Teacher and educational assistant absences in Ontario have increased significantly since the pandemic, driven by rising levels of classroom violence, stress, burnout, and insufficient student support, according to educators, unions, and school administrators. In the 2023-24 school year, elementary teachers took an average of 15.4 sick days, up from 12.8 in 2018-19, while secondary teachers took 13.1 days, up from 11.1, and educational assistants averaged 22 days. The cost of replacing absent staff has risen by more than 50% to over C$1bn ($724.2m) annually, while workplace safety claims across school boards have more than doubled in value since 2018. Education leaders cite increasing violence, unmet student needs, lengthy waits for specialist support, and deteriorating classroom conditions as key factors behind the rise in absences, with surveys showing growing levels of burnout and concerns about workplace safety. 

AND FINALLY...

California eighth-grader triumphs at Scripps Spelling Bee

Shrey Parikh, a 14-year-old from Rancho Cucamonga, California, has won the 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee, defeating 246 competitors after a dramatic Spell-Off tiebreaker in which he correctly spelled a record 32 words in 90 seconds, compared with runner-up Ishaan Gupta’s 25. Shrey secured the title with the word "bromocriptine," and will receive more than $52,500 in cash and prizes, along with the prestigious Scripps Cup. A returning competitor who finished tied for third in 2024, Shrey credited his family, coaches, and extensive preparation, which included practicing spelling for five hours a day. The competition featured nine finalists from across the United States and international locations, with contestants ranging in age from nine to 15.
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