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Texas
3rd June 2026
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THE HOT STORY

AI adoption in schools skyrockets

The latest State of EdTech report from the Consortium for School Networking reveals significant advancements in AI adoption among K-12 schools, with 79% of districts now having AI guidelines, up from 57% in 2025. CoSN chief executive Keith Krueger noted: “It’s shocking at how quickly at least the guidance around responsible use of AI is.” However, schools are grappling with insufficient resources, staffing, and funding, which hinder effective implementation. While many districts support AI guidelines, they prefer to avoid state or federal mandates due to the fast-paced nature of AI developments. Concerns about cybersecurity are paramount, with 98% of respondents worried about new cyber threats linked to AI. Additionally, the report highlights the need for better vetting of educational technology, as many schools rely on vendor data without adequate safety checks. Krueger emphasized the importance of prioritizing procurement and training to ensure effective and safe use of AI in education.

TITLE IX

Title IX & State-by-State Sexual Harassment Compliance Requirements

Preparing for the upcoming school year? Vector Solutions’ state-by-state guide helps districts better understand Title IX, sexual abuse, and sexual harassment training requirements. Use it to review reporting and prevention mandates, align role-specific training, and simplify compliance tracking before the school year begins.

Download Guide

 

NATIONAL NEWS

Education groups urge Senate to protect SNAP and rural school funding in Farm Bill

AASA, The School Superintendents Association, along with the Association of School Business Officials International and the National Rural Education Association, have urged the Senate Agriculture Committee to include key education-related provisions in the 2026 Farm Bill. The groups called for a delay until 2030 of planned cost shifts for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) that would require states to cover a portion of benefit costs beginning in 2027, warning that without additional time to prepare, states could face difficult budget decisions, including, in extreme cases, withdrawing from the program altogether. The organizations also urged lawmakers to reauthorize the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) Program through fiscal year 2031. The program provides critical funding to counties and school districts located near National Forest lands, where property tax revenues are limited. Without reauthorization, funding would revert to a less predictable revenue-sharing model, potentially creating significant financial challenges for affected communities.

FINANCE

Texas schools face budget crisis

Despite nearly $8.4bn in new state funding, Texas public schools are grappling with severe budget shortfalls and campus closures. During a June 1 hearing, school leaders highlighted the challenges of high inflation and declining enrollment, leading to staff cuts and school closures. Austin ISD is facing a $181m shortfall, prompting the closure of 10 campuses, while Judson ISD plans to shut down four schools due to a $37m deficit. Superintendent Alejos Salazar of Lasara ISD expressed the urgency of the situation, saying: "We live, figuratively speaking, paycheck to paycheck." Teachers like Rachel Preston and Jenny Schnaidt voiced their concerns about unsustainable class sizes and the impact of funding deficits on their ability to teach effectively. Lawmakers are urged to address these funding issues to prevent further deterioration of the education system.

El Paso schools face tough choices

El Paso ISD is grappling with significant financial challenges, prompting a special meeting for public input on proposed austerity measures. Superintendent Brian Lusk stated: "We've started to downsize certain positions in our district," with plans to cut over 400 jobs due to a $52.8m shortfall. The financial issues trace back to pandemic-related budget cuts, and El Paso Board President Leah Hanany emphasized the need for transparency, saying: "This is the most heartbreaking decision we'll ever have to make." The district has relied heavily on payroll, spending 89% of its budget on salaries since 2005, leading to a critical need for a "course correction." The financial exigency measure is expected to last until at least October, as the district seeks to stabilize its finances.

Carroll ISD faces $2.1m budget shortfall

Carroll ISD is facing a projected general fund shortfall of $2.1m for the fiscal year 2025-26, due to lower-than-expected tax collection revenues, influenced by an increase in homestead exemptions and tax freezes for seniors and individuals with disabilities. Additionally, the district incurred $840,000 in recapture payments to the state and faced rising costs in food, custodial services, and fuel. Park mentioned that a potential land sale could bring in $8.75m, and plans for a $10m defeasance of bonds could save the district $800,000. Looking ahead, enrollment is expected to drop by 200 students, leading to a funding loss of $1.7m for fiscal year 2026-27. The budget meeting notice will be published on June 4, with adoption scheduled for June 15.

DISTRICTS

Houston ISD reforms ripple across Texas

Educational reforms initiated by Houston ISD's state-appointed Superintendent Mike Miles are now extending beyond Houston, impacting various Texas districts. HISD's instructional model, characterized by strict classroom management and frequent assessments, is being adopted by districts like Beaumont ISD and Fort Worth ISD, which are implementing similar strategies to improve struggling schools. These reforms include standardized instruction and increased funding for low-performing schools. Additionally, partnerships with the charter network founded by Miles are allowing more districts to adopt HISD's approach, aiming to enhance educational outcomes across Texas.

Principal resigns amid backlash

Tiffany Doolan, principal of Wylie East High School, resigned on May 26 following backlash from a "Why Islam" event held in February. Doolan, who served Wylie ISD for 19 years, faced targeted online attacks and public hostility after the event, which was not approved by school officials. Marco Hunter-Lopez, president of the WEHS Republican Club, criticized the event on social media, leading to further controversy. Wylie ISD stated that Doolan had received significant community support, saying: "Since her resignation announcement, the district has received numerous messages expressing sadness about her departure and appreciation for her leadership and service." The district emphasized that educators should not fear harassment for their efforts to support students.

Tomball ISD special education surges

Tomball ISD Director of Special Education Keri Williams presented a report at the June 1 workshop, revealing a significant increase in the district's special education population, which has grown by 68% from 1,901 students in 2021-22 to 3,200 in 2025-26. The percentage of students receiving special education services has also risen to 13.75% from 9.38%. Despite this growth, Williams noted that funding from the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA-B) has not kept pace, remarking: "Over the last three years, the slight increases [in funding] have gone down a little bit every year." Tomball received the highest score of 1 in the state’s Results Driven Accountability system and has seen high rates of college, career, and military readiness among its special education graduates. Additionally, new activity centers are planned as part of a $429.1m bond.

Marble Falls ISD's bold academic shift

Marble Falls ISD is initiating a significant academic transformation aimed at improving language arts and math instruction, guided by the Texas Education Agency (TEA). Superintendent Jeff Gasaway emphasized the importance of this strategic plan, stating it serves as “a compass of what we want that experience to look like for the kids.” The plan, set to begin in the 2026-27 school year, follows a “C” rating from TEA, indicating the need for improvement. Key initiatives include adopting new math instructional materials and enhancing teacher training. The district aims to create a supportive environment where every student feels valued and engaged in meaningful learning. The strategic plan will be monitored and reassessed annually, with a focus on continuous improvement through 2030.

GOVERNANCE

Waskom ISD names new superintendent

Lindsey Wood, who currently serves as assistant superintendent of academic services at Ferris ISD, has been chosen as the lone finalist for the superintendent position at Waskom ISD.

CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION

Grant boosts student workforce readiness

Sinton ISD has received a $328,296 Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grant from the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) to enhance hands-on learning opportunities for students. The funding will support the Instrumentation Program at Sinton High School, equipping students with essential technical skills for “high-demand” careers.

CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION

Hutto High renovations on track

Hutto High School's renovation is progressing well, with completion expected by the end of November, according to Casey Sledge of Sledge Engineering. He reported that the locker room and courtyard renovations will finish this summer, while career and technical education facilities are set for completion this fall. "Some good news for you, speeding up our schedule," Sledge said during a board meeting. The welding shop area, initially slated for completion in March 2027, is now expected to be finished by November 2026. Overall, the project is on schedule and under budget. Other bond projects include the construction of a new elementary school and expansions at Hutto Middle School, with various timelines and costs outlined for each project.

HEALTH & WELLBEING

'Lunch shaming’ emerges as new cyberbullying trend

A growing form of cyberbullying known as “lunch shaming” is causing some students to avoid eating in school cafeterias altogether, as classmates secretly photograph and share images of peers eating lunch. The trend typically targets students caught mid-bite or those eating alone, often leading to embarrassment, self-consciousness, and social isolation. Students interviewed described changing their behavior to avoid becoming targets, including eating in secluded areas or relocating to classrooms during lunch periods. Experts say the practice can be particularly harmful because it exploits existing insecurities related to body image, food choices, allergies, or socioeconomic background, while often going unnoticed by school staff. Research from the University of Virginia found that cafeterias remain one of the most common locations for school bullying, with 18% of middle- and high-school students reporting bullying incidents there. Social psychologists warn that this type of subtle, image-based harassment can have lasting emotional effects because it is difficult to detect and prevent.

NUTRITION

Free summer meals for Fort Worth kids

Fort Worth ISD will provide free breakfast and lunch to all children under 18 this summer, regardless of school enrollment. The program starts today and runs until July 2, with meals available Monday through Thursday at various campuses. According to the Tarrant Area Food Bank, nearly 21% of children in Dallas-Fort Worth face food insecurity. Fort Worth ISD reports that about 81% of its students are economically disadvantaged, highlighting the need for such initiatives. The district collaborates with the Tarrant Area Food Bank to provide food pantries and community markets, addressing the rising food insecurity affecting over 570,000 residents in the area.

HIGHER EDUCATION

Proposed federal earnings test puts graduate arts programs at risk

New federal guidelines under consideration by the U.S. Department of Education could threaten access to federal loans for nearly half of graduate programs in visual arts, music, and performance, based on alumni earnings four years after graduation. The proposed test would compare graduates’ earnings with the median salary of working adults aged 25 to 34 who hold bachelor’s degrees. Programs that fail twice in three years could lose eligibility for students using federal loans, potentially reducing enrollment, forcing transfers, or contributing to school closures. Preliminary government data suggests programs at institutions including Yale, Harvard, and Juilliard could fail the test. Supporters argue the rule would protect taxpayers and students from low-return degrees, while arts educators say it ignores the broader cultural and social value of creative careers, and could worsen access to arts education.

INTERNATIONAL

China launches nationwide crackdown on gaokao cheating and exam fraud

China’s Ministry of Education has announced enhanced security and support measures for the 2026 national college entrance examination, or gaokao, as authorities seek to ensure a fair and orderly testing process for millions of students. The exam will take place from June 7-8 in most regions, with some provinces extending testing through June 10. Authorities will work with cyberspace and public security agencies to crack down on exam-related misconduct, including mobile phone cheating, the sale of illegal cheating devices, impersonation, disruptions around test centers, and unauthorized tutoring operations. Efforts will also target online fraud, fake university admission advertisements, and misinformation. In addition to security measures, local governments will provide support services covering transportation, accommodation, food, healthcare, noise control, public safety, and psychological counseling to help create a stable exam environment.
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