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Texas
6th February 2026
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THE HOT STORY

TEA appoints inspector general for education misconduct

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has appointed Levi Fuller as its first inspector general for Educator Misconduct, a role aimed at enhancing student safety across the state's public school system. TEA Commissioner Mike Morath highlighted Fuller's extensive experience, stating: "With more than a decade of experience holding bad actors accountable, Levi will help root out the flawed few that sow distrust among families." Fuller will oversee the enforcement of new laws and manage the response to allegations of educator misconduct, working closely with the TEA's Educator Investigation Division. His responsibilities include guiding policy recommendations to various state bodies. A veteran and former assistant attorney general, Fuller is committed to ensuring a safe learning environment for Texas' 5.5m public school students. The new laws he will enforce include provisions for civil claims against schools for misconduct and expanded reporting requirements.

CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION

Level Up Your Students’ Future-Ready Skills

As the workforce and student needs evolve, how can schools ensure students are future-ready? Career and Technical Education (CTE) offers a strategic solution. Our comprehensive free guide empowers school leaders with practical tools—from student interest surveys to employment landscape checklists—to strengthen CTE offerings and equip students with the skills, knowledge, and mindsets needed for future success.

In the guide, you’ll have access to:
  • An overview of nationally recognized Career Clusters and Programs of Study
  • Tips for selecting the best career pathways that evolve with the employment landscape
  • Sample survey questions to gauge students’ interests in future career opportunities
  • And more!
Download The Guide

 

NATIONAL NEWS

Democratic governors hesitant on school choice options

Democratic governors are divided over whether to opt into a new federal tax-credit scholarship program that would, for the first time, use federal tax policy to support private school choice. While nearly all Republican governors are participating, many Democrats remain cautious, questioning whether the program will primarily benefit private schools rather than public school students. The program offers taxpayers dollar-for-dollar federal tax credits of up to $1,700 for donations to nonprofits that fund K–12 scholarships, which can be used for a wide range of education-related expenses at public or private schools. Although the law allows public school students to benefit through tutoring, enrichment or after-school services, critics argue most funds are likely to flow initially to private school tuition due to existing infrastructure and fewer safeguards. Supporters say Democratic governors should opt in to shape the program’s development, while opponents warn it could accelerate enrollment declines and weaken public school systems.

LEGAL

AG Paxton probes Islamic games event

Attorney General Ken Paxton is investigating the Islamic Games, a Muslim sports competition, which is seeking to use Colleyville Heritage High School for its May event. The inquiry is linked to the event's sponsor, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), which was designated a “foreign terrorist organization” by Governor Greg Abbott in November. Grapevine-Colleyville ISD confirmed awareness of a facility rental request for the event but stated that no agreement was finalized. The AG's office is requesting documents and communications related to the event from GCISD and CAIR. GCISD officials noted they were informed of Abbott's designation on January 19 and subsequently halted negotiations for facility use. The Islamic Games aims to promote youth development and unity within the Muslim community, with events planned in various North American cities.

FINANCE

Funding woes hit Lewisville ISD

Lewisville ISD is grappling with significant funding instability, as a recent budget presentation revealed an anticipated enrollment drop from 46,426 to 45,038 students, leading to a projected loss of around $18m. Claudia Orta, the district's Budget Director, stated: "Because state funding is linked to attendance, we’re projecting a decrease of approximately $7.7m in state funding." The decline in average daily attendance is expected to contribute to a total loss of about $26.2m, factoring in reduced tax collections due to expiring disaster funding. Despite a decrease in the district's Recapture payment by over $8.3m, the net impact remains significant, with a projected loss of $17.9m.

Texas school voucher program impacts Fort Bend's budget

With the launch of Texas' new school voucher program, parents can now apply for public funds to cover private school tuition. Fort Bend ISD has shared estimates indicating a potential loss of 1% of its enrollment, translating to about 780 students and a financial impact of $7.8m. The district has been facing declining enrollment and is considering closing up to seven elementary schools. A public workshop on school boundaries is scheduled for next week, with a vote on possible closures expected next month.

DISTRICTS

Austin ISD under fire for protests

State leaders have targeted Austin ISD following student-led protests against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Governor Greg Abbott ordered the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to investigate Austin ISD's involvement in these protests, while Attorney General Ken Paxton demanded information on attendance and security policies. The investigations come amid a backdrop of protests across Texas, with students voicing their concerns over immigration enforcement. Austin ISD faces a $65m deficit, and repeated inquiries are straining its resources. TEA has warned that districts could face sanctions for not adhering to state attendance requirements, raising fears of a potential state takeover.

Houston campuses make Texas Honor Roll

More than 30 Houston ISD (HISD) schools were named to this year’s Texas Honor Roll, an annual recognition from Educational Results Partnership based on strong STAAR performance and improved outcomes for students from historically underserved groups. Overall, 15% of eligible Texas schools made the list. HISD honorees included 18 elementary schools, five middle schools, four K-8 schools and nine high schools. Schools are compared to peers with similar shares of economically disadvantaged students, with “Star” campuses serving higher-poverty populations and “Scholar” schools serving fewer low-income students. HISD had 10 Scholar schools and 26 Star campuses.  

Clear Creek ISD shines in Texas

Seven campuses of Clear Creek ISD have been recognized as top performers by the Educational Research Partnership, placing the district among the best in Texas. Superintendent Karen Engle expressed pride in the achievement, commenting: “This recognition speaks to the consistent work happening across our schools.” In 2025, 1,076 schools and 84 districts made the Honor Roll, highlighting the efforts of educators and families in supporting academic growth.

Houston tackles youth truancy crisis

The Houston City Council has approved a grant application to partner with Houston ISD in a program aimed at reducing youth truancy. The city seeks approximately $664,000 from the state to fund the Juvenile Case Manager Program, which focuses on improving student attendance and preventing juvenile justice involvement. The program will identify truant youth, assess contributing factors, and provide case management and referrals.

Killeen schools face closure crisis

Killeen ISD is set to close Palo Alto Middle School and Eastern Hills Middle School at the end of the 2025-26 school year due to consecutive years of unacceptable accountability scores. KISD spokeswoman Karen Rudolph confirmed that most students from Palo Alto will be assigned to Charles E. Patterson Middle School, while others will go to Live Oak Ridge Middle School and Roy J. Smith Middle School.

WORKFORCE

Honor your school nurse today

Nominations are now open for the Bluebonnet Excellence in School Nursing Award, which honors exceptional school nurses in Texas. The award aims to recognize the vital contributions of school nurses, who "shine a light on the often unseen work" they perform daily, from managing chronic conditions to handling emergencies. Nominations can be submitted by students, parents, teachers, and staff until March 15, with finalists announced on April 1 and the winner revealed on May 6, coinciding with National School Nurse Day. 

CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION

New skilled trades center opens doors at Pine Tree HS

Pine Tree High School has unveiled a new Skilled Trades Center, enhancing hands-on training in construction, welding, and automotive technologies as part of its Career and Technical Education (CTE) program. The facility, funded by a $55m bond measure approved in 2023, features modern spaces designed for project-based learning.

TECHNOLOGY

States push forward on classroom AI oversight

U.S. states are pressing ahead with regulating the use of AI in education, despite efforts by the Trump administration to limit state-level AI rules. During the last legislative session, more than 50 bills across 21 states addressed AI in schools, according to the Center for Democracy and Technology (CDT), focusing on areas such as AI literacy, student data privacy, transparency from education technology vendors, and limits on certain AI uses. While a federal executive order seeks to pause state AI regulations in favor of a national standard, advocates say states show no sign of slowing down. 

INTERNATIONAL

South Korea lowers teacher training intake

South Korea will cut more than 3,000 teacher training slots following a nationwide capacity assessment of teacher education institutions. The Ministry of Education and the Korean Educational Development Institute reviewed 139 universities and determined enrolment reductions based on performance grades. Institutions graded C will cut intake by 30%, those graded D by 50%, and three institutions graded E, Yonsei University Mirae Campus, Hanyang University ERICA, and Hyupsung University, will have their teacher training programmes abolished entirely. The reductions will mainly affect general education departments, teacher training tracks and graduate schools of education, reflecting declining demand and an effort to rebalance teacher supply.
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