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Texas
6th March 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Texas vouchers raise fairness fears

The debate over school vouchers in Texas raises concerns about potential discrimination against various religious and secular educational institutions. David DeMatthews, a professor of education at the University of Texas, warns that while vouchers may seem beneficial, they could lead to conditional "choice" that jeopardizes every family's freedom. He stated: "When rights can be revoked for one faith, or one curriculum, all of our rights are at risk." To ensure fairness, he advocates for clear, neutral criteria for all schools, emphasizing the need for transparency in decisions regarding voucher eligibility. As Texas implements its voucher program, the call for equitable treatment across all educational options becomes increasingly urgent.

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FINANCE

Cy-Fair ISD faces $33.7m shortfall

Preliminary budget projections indicate that Cy-Fair ISD could end the fiscal year 2025-26 with a shortfall of approximately $33.7m, as presented to the board of trustees on March 2. Although this figure is an improvement from the earlier estimate of $45.5m, challenges remain due to declining enrollment and limited state funding. The district received $62.5m in state funding for FY 2025-26, but much of it is restricted. Additionally, CFISD's local optional homestead exemption results in a loss of about $99m in property tax revenue. The administration will continue to analyze budget projections, with the next update scheduled for April.

WORKFORCE

Clear Creek ISD cuts staff again

Clear Creek ISD's board of trustees discussed significant staff reductions during its March 2 workshop, driven by declining enrollment and district priorities. Over the past five years, the district has cut more than 140 elementary staff units due to a loss of over 1,800 students. For the 2026-27 school year, nearly 40 units are planned for reduction, saving the district approximately $2.8m. In total, around 80 units across various departments will be eliminated, resulting in savings of $5,642,395.

DISTRICTS

Wichita falls dodges state takeover

Wichita Falls ISD has successfully avoided a takeover by the Texas Education Agency (TEA), a board meeting has heard. This decision comes after years of underperformance at Kirby Middle School, which led to concerns about state intervention. The district has taken proactive measures, including closing Kirby Middle School and partnering with Third Future Schools to improve academic performance.

Hutto ISD expands virtual academy

Hutto ISD is set to enhance its virtual academy by hiring a new principal, following the board's approval to consolidate two unfilled positions into one. HISD chief of schools C.J. Lowery emphasized the growing demand for flexible education options, stating: "This sends a real clear message to our community that not only do we have our doors open for them to come into school... but if they choose to look at a virtual option, that they have that opportunity, too." The virtual academy caters to students in grades six through twelve, allowing them to learn at their own pace and even take some courses in person.

New athletic director takes the helm

Greenville ISD trustees have appointed Christopher Castillo as the new athletic director and head football coach. With over 20 years of coaching experience, Castillo previously served as the defensive coordinator at Somerset High School, where he led the team to a 42–17 record and multiple playoff appearances.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Coppell school faces safety concerns

In Coppell ISD, a middle school has been placed in hold status three times in six months due to the discovery of ammunition on campus. Coppell Middle School North Principal Chris Gollner informed parents that the latest incident occurred when a student found ammunition in a classroom. He emphasized the need for safety, stating: “We cannot allow incidents like the ones that occurred today and last week to become a pattern.”

CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION

South Texas ISD earns prestigious CTE honor

South Texas ISD has been honored as a CTE District of Distinction by the Career and Technical Association of Texas (CTAT). This recognition highlights districts that excel in leadership, innovation, and commitment to student success through high-quality CTE programs. Dr. Marco Antonio Lara, Jr., Superintendent of STISD, expressed gratitude for the accolade, stating: “Earning the title of CTE District of Distinction affirms South Texas ISD’s role as a pioneer in Career and Technical Education in our region.”

EARLY EDUCATION

Northwest ISD opens pre-K lottery for 2026

Northwest ISD is launching its pre-kindergarten tuition-based lottery system for the 2026-27 school year on March 25. This marks the inaugural year for families to apply to the new Hicks Early Childhood Center, set to open in August. The tuition-based program is designed for families who do not qualify for free pre-K, which is available to certain groups, including economically disadvantaged students and children of active duty members. The annual tuition for the program will be $7,000, and families can apply until April 8. The Hicks ECC was funded by a $2bn voter-approved bond package in 2023 and is the first of four early childhood centers planned for the district.

SOCIAL & COMMUNITY

Young leaders transform Midland community

A dedicated group of juniors and seniors from Midland ISD are actively transforming their community through the MISD Students in Philanthropy (SIP) program. This credit-bearing course allows students to function as a mini-foundation, reviewing grant applications and conducting service projects. Notably, the LHS SIP chapter won a $10,000 grant to renovate the media room at the Taylor Park Boys and Girls Club. Additionally, they mentor elementary students and promote kindness through creative initiatives. SIP's hands-on approach ensures that the next generation of West Texans is ready to lead with heart.

SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION

Waymo school bus probe expands

Federal investigators are examining whether Waymo’s automated vehicles safely respond to stopped school buses after a January 2026 incident in Austin, where a driverless Jaguar I-Pace passed a bus with red lights flashing and stop arms extended. Investigators say the vehicle initially stopped, then moved ahead after a remote assistance agent incorrectly answered “No” to a prompt asking whether the bus had active signals. The case is part of a broader probe into repeated stop-arm violations involving Waymo vehicles and school buses in Austin.

NUTRITION

Study links ultra-processed foods to behavioral issues in preschoolers

A new study published in JAMA Network Open suggests that preschool children who consume more ultra-processed foods may be more likely to experience emotional and behavioral problems, including anxiety, aggression, and hyperactivity. Researchers analyzing data from nearly 2,100 children in Canada found that every 10% increase in calories from ultra-processed foods was associated with higher problem scores by age five. The findings indicate that replacing even small portions of ultra-processed foods with whole foods such as fruits and vegetables could support healthier emotional and behavioral development in early childhood.

HIGHER EDUCATION

Over 50 medical schools endorse Kennedy’s nutrition curriculum push

More than 50 medical schools in the United States have agreed to adopt a federal framework for nutrition education promoted by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as part of the administration’s Make America Healthy Again initiative. The voluntary guidelines recommend that medical students receive at least 40 hours of nutrition training and cover 71 competencies related to diet and health. The plan gained support from a mix of universities across the country, though several major institutions declined to participate. Critics have raised concerns about government influence over university curriculums and questioned some proposed topics, while supporters argue that expanding nutrition training could improve doctors’ ability to address diet-related health issues.

INTERNATIONAL

B.C. teachers back four-year deal with pay raises and added school support staff

Members of the B.C. Teachers’ Federation, representing about 52,000 educators, have overwhelmingly approved a four-year collective agreement with the provincial government, with 91% voting in favor. The deal includes annual wage increases of 3% through 2029 and measures aimed at improving classroom support, such as adding counsellors, learning-assistance teachers, and special education staff. It also provides more preparation time for elementary teachers and allowances for psychologists, Indigenous language teachers, and those in rural schools. While union leaders welcomed the improvements, they noted the agreement does not reduce class sizes, a long-standing goal. The contract still requires final approval from school boards and, if confirmed, will run retroactively from July 2025 to June 2029.
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