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Texas
8th July 2026
 

THE HOT STORY

Teacher commission to help shape future of Texas public education

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has launched a teacher-led commission to develop recommendations for improving public education ahead of the 2027 legislative session, with former Dallas and Richardson ISD teacher Courtney Boswell MacDonald appointed to lead the panel. Abbott said the commission will give frontline educators a greater role in shaping policies aimed at strengthening schools and improving student outcomes. The commission follows a busy 2025 legislative session that established the Texas Education Freedom Account program, a voucher-style initiative, and allocated $8.5 billion in additional funding for school districts. While the funding helped districts avoid deeper budget cuts, many educators have said it did not fully offset the effects of post-pandemic inflation on school finances. Education advocates said the panel could help address persistent challenges, including low academic achievement.

STATE NEWS

Texas voucher program falls short

The Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) program, which promised up to $30,000 for students with disabilities to attend private schools, has fallen short of expectations. Out of 28,700 students, fewer than 25 received the full amount, with the average awarded being $16,000. Critics argue that the program misleads families, as many private school tuitions exceed the awarded amounts. Steven Aleman, senior policy specialist at Disability Rights Texas, said, "The $30,000 figure was very arbitrary... It may have been very misleading to families." The program, which has a budget of $1bn, has faced scrutiny over its distribution methods and the challenges families encounter in navigating private school options. Dee Carney, director of the Texas Center for Voucher Transparency, noted that many families are confused by rising tuition costs and the lack of transparency in private school pricing.

Texas colleges adapt to workforce trends

Texas community colleges are adapting to declining enrollment by enhancing job training and credential offerings, according to a recent report from the Federal Reserve of Dallas. Despite a rise in high school graduates, enrollment has not kept pace, with many students opting for immediate employment or attending out-of-state colleges. The report highlights that Texas community colleges have seen a slight recovery since the pandemic, with current enrollment at about 700,000, down from 750,000 15 years ago. “Amid the declining two-year enrollment, student outcomes have improved substantially,” the researchers noted, indicating a shift in the higher education landscape. The state has also revamped funding for community colleges to prioritize student outcomes over enrollment, providing support for non-degree workforce training programs.

NATIONAL NEWS

USDA's record-breaking funding for schools

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced the second cohort of the Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grants, marking a historic investment of nearly $20m for FY 2026. Secretary Brooke L. Rollins emphasized the program's significance, stating: "Farm to school is one of the most powerful ways to Make America Healthy Again." This funding will support 68 projects aimed at enhancing local food access in school meals and childcare settings. Notable initiatives include the Jefferson County School District's hydroponic program in Mississippi and the WSBZ Farm to School Implementation Project in Arkansas, both designed to improve nutrition and agricultural literacy among students. Since its inception in 2013, the program has awarded over $119m, benefiting more than 1,265 projects across the U.S.

Half of Americans back Ten Commandments

According to a recent survey by the Pew Research Center, 50% of Americans support displaying the Ten Commandments in public schools, while 48% oppose it. "It's so striking that there's a 50-50 split," said Chip Rotolo, the lead author of the survey. Support is notably higher in the southern U.S., where 57% favor the display. In Texas, Senate Bill 10 mandates that public schools display the Ten Commandments in classrooms, a law upheld by the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals. Proponents argue it reflects America's heritage, while opponents claim it violates the First Amendment. Support is strongest among white evangelical Protestants at 83%, while Democrats largely oppose the measure. The survey also explored views on prayer in schools, revealing that while many support voluntary student-led prayer, few believe it should be mandatory.

GOVERNANCE

Transforming schools: Mike Miles' new guide

Mike Miles, the state-appointed Superintendent of Houston ISD, has released a 200-page book titled "By Design: How to Transform School Systems," aimed at guiding educational leaders in reforming their districts. Miles stated: “In the end, readers will find that there is no secret sauce or requirement for heroics,” emphasizing the need for systemic understanding and commitment to change. The book introduces the “Foundational-Design-Paradigm” model, which encourages leaders to examine foundational principles and shift decision-making paradigms. Miles draws from his experience with HISD, noting that significant changes can yield “dramatically” different outcomes, despite challenges. He also highlights the role of governance in reform, suggesting that a non-elected board can facilitate quicker transformations. Michelle Rhee, former chancellor of D.C. Public Schools, praised the book for its candid insights into educational leadership and the potential for real change.

Shepherd ISD struggles post-takeover

Since the Texas Education Agency took over Shepherd ISD in 2019 due to academic failures, the district has struggled to maintain improvements. Initially, student outcomes improved, with primary and intermediate schools achieving a B rating in 2021-22, but have since dropped to a D. The district faces difficulties in hiring and retaining experienced teachers, with Superintendent Dr. Jason Hewitt noting efforts to attract educators through salary increases and incentives. However, community members express frustration over the lack of progress, with many families opting to leave the district for better educational opportunities.

New role for Nacogdoches ISD principal

James Adams has been appointed as the new Assistant Superintendent of Operations for Nacogdoches ISD, overseeing key areas such as facilities, transportation, and safety. “I'm extremely grateful for this opportunity and look forward to getting started right away,” Adams said. Previously, he served as principal of Margie Chumbley Academy for Success, where he was recognized as Administrator of the Year by the Association of Texas Professional Educators.  

DISTRICTS

Fort Worth ISD expands pre-K options

Fort Worth ISD is set to increase its pre-K-3 enrollment by over 200 students for the 2026-27 school year. Chief of Staff Louis Kushner stated: “It's benefiting the community for pre-K students, and it's benefiting our high school students with industry certification through the early childhood pathway.” The district aims to reduce its waitlist of three-year-olds, currently at about 400, by filling approximately 225 seats in select schools. Additionally, a pilot program will allow high school students to earn industry certifications while assisting in pre-K classrooms. Parents have expressed concerns about logistics and curriculum, particularly regarding infrastructure and the integration of high school students. The district is also collaborating with Head Start and childcare providers to enhance pre-K access.  

Texas students head back early

Several Texas school districts are set to start the 2026-27 school year earlier than usual, with some students returning as soon as July 21. According to Texas Education Code, while most schools begin after the fourth Monday in August, exceptions allow for earlier starts. For instance, San Elizario ISD will kick off classes on July 21, and other districts like Socorro ISD and Clint ISD will follow suit on July 27. "The district moved to a four-day school week in 2023, saving nearly $300,000 annually," noted CBS 4 regarding San Elizario ISD. Houston ISD will welcome students back on August 10, while districts in El Paso County will start on August 3. This early return is part of a trend among Texas districts to optimize their academic calendars.

NUTRITION

Katy ISD hikes meal prices

Katy ISD will increase breakfast and lunch prices for the 2026-27 school year following a narrow 4-3 board vote. Breakfast prices will rise from $1.25 to $1.50, while elementary lunch prices will increase from $2.25 to $2.75. Junior high and high school lunches will go up from $2.75 to $3.25. This marks the first price change since the 2014-15 school year for breakfast and elementary lunches, and since 2016-17 for junior high and high school lunches. Alexa Carrier, Katy ISD's executive director of nutrition and food services, noted that food costs have risen by 21% during this period. The increase is expected to generate about $2m in additional revenue.

STEM

Pettus ISD expands health science program

Pettus ISD has announced an expansion of its health science program, supported by a $331,792 grant from the Texas Workforce Commission. This funding, provided through the Jobs and Education for Texans Grant, will enable students to utilize advanced training tools, including virtual reality patient care training, augmented reality anatomy and physiology resources, and a high-fidelity medical mannequin for practical experience.  

FINANCE

Budget approved, pay raises on hold

The Columbia-Brazoria ISD Board of Trustees has approved the 2026-27 budget but has postponed decisions regarding employee compensation and the staff compensation handbook. During the June 30 meeting, Chief Financial Officer Julie Taylor presented the proposed budget, which was subsequently adopted by the trustees. Additionally, the board approved the final amended budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year.  

SOCIAL & COMMUNITY

Students reflect on America’s meaning

As America approaches its 250th anniversary, students in Laredo are sharing their perspectives on what the country means to them, particularly influenced by their experiences along the U.S.-Mexico border. Mia Villarreal, an eighth grader, said: "It symbolizes freedom. It means we stand united as a nation." Other students echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing themes of liberty, opportunity, and cultural connection. Overall, the students' reflections reveal a deep appreciation for the diverse opportunities and responsibilities that come with being part of America.

INTERNATIONAL

Vertical campuses gain momentum in Australia as educators rethink school design

As Australia's growing cities make large school campuses increasingly difficult to build, educators are embracing multi-story "vertical schools" that prioritize flexible learning spaces, stronger community connections, and innovative teaching methods. A decade after opening Melbourne's first vertical school, Haileybury City says its design has encouraged greater interaction between students of different ages, while replacing traditional features such as school bells with practices intended to prepare students for university and the workplace. Education leaders argue that the success of vertical schools depends less on architecture than on creating a strong culture of belonging. Purpose-built smaller communities, adaptable learning environments, natural light, and intentional relationship-building are seen as essential to ensuring students feel connected within multi-level campuses. Schools are also making greater use of partnerships with museums, arts organizations, charities, and local businesses to extend learning beyond the classroom.
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