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Texas
18th March 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Texas voucher program deadline extended

Texas parents now have an additional two weeks to apply for the state's new school voucher program, following a federal judge's decision to extend the deadline to March 31. U.S. District Judge Alfred Bennett expressed concern over the lack of approved Islamic schools, calling it "troubling." Several Islamic schools are suing Comptroller Kelly Hancock, alleging discrimination against their religion in the $1bn program. Eric Hudson, an attorney for the plaintiffs, emphasized the importance of ensuring that the application process does not disadvantage parents. The Council on American-Islamic Relations' Texas chapter welcomed the extension, stating: "All families, regardless of their faith, deserve equal access to educational opportunities supported by public programs." Over 200,000 Texas families have applied for the vouchers, which provide financial assistance for private and religious education.

BLENDED LEARNING

An Administrator's Guide to Blended Learning  

Online learning doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing approach. Explore blended learning with this comprehensive guide from FlexPoint®, which includes:    
  • Worksheets to define your school’s needs
  • Outline of blended learning classroom models
  • List of questions to ask curriculum providers
  • Best practices for educator training
  • Instructional strategies and tips
  • Key benefits for you, students, and staff    
Download the FlexPoint guide to find the right mix of face-to-face and online instruction for your school or district.  

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NATIONAL NEWS

School equity gains slip

An Education Law Center analysis found that while most states held steady or modestly increased school funding from 2022 to 2023, more than 10 reduced the share going to high-poverty districts, reversing a decade-long pattern. Research director Danielle Farrie said: “In order to be fair, school funding must be both adequate and equitable.” The report identified 17 progressive states in 2023, down from 28 in 2022. It also showed wide variation in per-pupil funding, with New York highest and Idaho lowest, while advocates warned long-term inequities remain entrenched.

AI adoption accelerating in schools

A Stanford review of more than 1,100 studies found AI use in K–12 education is growing quickly, but strong evidence about its effects remains thin. Only 20 studies used causal methods, and most research focused on technical performance, short-term outcomes, and math. Early results suggest AI can improve performance when it helps students work through reasoning rather than giving answers outright. But findings are mixed for independent student use, raising concerns about true skill development. The review also points to teacher time savings, while warning that policy and spending decisions are outpacing the evidence.

FINANCE

San Antonio schools face tough cuts

San Antonio ISD is grappling with a $46m deficit, aiming to reduce it by half next year. Superintendent Jaime Aquino said: "Every single cut that is proposed in this budget is painful," as the district plans to eliminate around 220 positions, primarily from headquarters. The budget shortfall stems from declining enrollment due to lower birth rates and families leaving the urban core. Other districts, like Judson ISD and North East ISD, are also facing similar challenges. Despite a recent increase in the basic allotment for education funding, advocates argue it does not keep pace with inflation. SAISD anticipates serving a maximum of 42,000 students next year, but estimates suggest numbers could drop below 38,600. The district is exploring partnerships with nonprofits and local government to maintain community services amid these cuts.

Tomball ISD budget forecast soars

Tomball ISD Chief Financial Officer Zack Boles projected a general fund revenue of approximately $255m for the fiscal year 2026-27, marking a $16.7m increase from the previous year's audited budget of $238.3m. Boles emphasized the need to address various challenges, including staff recruitment and retention, as well as the operational costs associated with two new campuses set to open in August 2026. Additionally, TISD has benefited from state support, with House Bill 2 generating an overall funding increase of $11.8m, which includes allocations for teacher retention and safety. The budget adoption process will be finalized in September, following a public hearing in June.

STEM

STEM initiative sparks curiosity in kids

The Lyda Hill Philanthropies initiative, "Learning Voyages," aims to eliminate financial barriers for Dallas ISD students, allowing over 48,000 to engage in hands-on STEM experiences. This spring, students from grades 1, 2, 5, and 7 will visit various educational sites, including the Dallas Arboretum and the Perot Museum of Nature and Science. LeVonue Brewster, executive director of academic enrichment services at Dallas ISD, said: “Our goal is to ensure that our students understand what STEM careers and opportunities are there.” Research indicates that field trips enhance student engagement and academic performance, with plans to expand the program to all students in the 2026–27 academic year.

DISTRICTS

Fort Worth schools need urgent help

Betsy Price, former mayor of Fort Worth, emphasized the urgent need for improvement in the city's public schools, stating: "Strong public schools help shape the opportunities available to our children." With 11 schools rated "F," affecting over 20,000 students, the Texas Education Agency has intervened, replacing the elected school board with a temporary Board of Managers. Price acknowledged the disappointment surrounding the departure of Dr. Karen Molinar, the superintendent, but noted that her efforts laid a foundation for future progress. She urged the community to unite in support of the transformation, highlighting the importance of a student-first mindset. "This is our moment to show up for our children and put them first," Price said, calling for collective action to ensure every child in Fort Worth has access to a quality education.

New curriculum sparks excitement in RISD

The Richardson ISD board has approved new instructional materials for math and language arts. Kelsey Karcher, RISD's director of advanced learning programs, led the committee that reviewed various state-approved materials. The committee unanimously recommended HMH into Reading and its bilingual curriculum, Arriba la Lectura, for elementary language arts, citing its alignment with state standards and use of authentic literature. For math, the committee endorsed the Bluebonnet Learning curriculum for elementary grades and Savvas Learning Center for grades six through Algebra 1.

Rhodes Middle School to close

San Antonio ISD has announced the closure of Rhodes Middle School at the end of the school year, with students reassigned to Tafolla Middle School, which will be managed by Third Future Schools. The district plans to utilize unspent bond funds to construct a new facility on the Rhodes site, which is adjacent to Carvajal Elementary, also set to close. The partnership with Third Future is expected to begin in August, pending board approval. SAISD has a history of embracing hybrid school models and currently leads Texas with 26 in-district charter schools. The board is set to vote on closure and partnership with Third Future soon.

CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION

Georgetown ISD delays school openings

Georgetown ISD is set to complete the construction of a new elementary and middle school by summer, but the opening has been postponed until August 2027 due to slow enrollment growth. The Ames Elementary, with a cost of $66.57m and a capacity for 850 students, is expected to finish by late April or early May. Meanwhile, Middle School No. 5, costing $106.05m and accommodating 950 students, will be completed by late May or early June.

Groundbreaking joy for Comal ISD

The Comal ISD celebrated the groundbreaking of Elementary 22, located in the Meyer Ranch development. This new school aims to alleviate overcrowding at Johnson Ranch Elementary and Bill Brown Elementary.

CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION

Beeville students get welding boost

The Beeville ISD's Career and Technical Education (CTE) Welding Program has received a $10,000 grant from ConocoPhillips through their 2026 Community Investment Grant program. The funding will be utilized to acquire welding pipe beveling machines, enabling students to train with equipment that meets industry standards.

LEGAL

Trial stalled as CBP refuses testimony

The trial of Pete Arredondo, former Uvalde schools police chief, is facing delays due to U.S. Customs and Border Protection's (CBP) refusal to testify. Arredondo's legal team argues that testimonies from 19 CBP agents are crucial to counter allegations of his delayed response during the 2022 Robb Elementary shooting, which resulted in the deaths of 19 students and two teachers. "We can't have a fair trial without them," said Paul Looney, Arredondo's attorney. In response to the agency's denial, Arredondo has filed a federal lawsuit seeking these testimonies. Uvalde County District Attorney Christina Mitchell expressed her concern over the necessity of formal litigation to obtain evidence in such a tragic case. The trial has been relocated to Corpus Christi, but no date has been set yet.

INTERNATIONAL

South Korea bullying rate rises

Reported school bullying in South Korea has climbed to its highest level since national surveys began in 2018, with 3% of students saying they were victimized. Elementary students reported the highest rate at 5%, well above middle and high school levels. Verbal abuse made up the largest share of incidents at 40.3%, followed by group bullying and physical violence. While 1.1% of students admitted bullying others, most said they had apologized. Officials are expanding prevention efforts, including restorative programs for younger children, to improve support and responses.

AND FINALLY...

Bag of banned bones

Stephen King has responded defiantly to the recent ban of his novel Bag of Bones in Utah public schools, which is the 23rd book prohibited under the state's 2024 “sensitive materials” law, House Bill 29. King urged students to find the book elsewhere, stating: “Utah has banned my novel, Bag of Bones, in schools. Utah students, go find it in your town libraries or get it (cheap) on Kindle.” The law allows parents to challenge books, leading to statewide bans if multiple districts remove a title. Critics argue the criteria for banning are vague, resulting in the removal of many long-available books. Advocacy groups are actively working to distribute banned books, emphasizing the importance of access to literature.
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