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Texas
30th March 2026
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THE HOT STORY

IES overhaul faces political limits

A new Trump administration-backed report has outlined a potential overhaul of the Institute of Education Sciences (IES), calling for a narrower research focus, faster data delivery, and closer alignment with the practical needs of schools. While some reforms could be implemented internally, more significant changes would require congressional approval, which remains unlikely given political divisions. The Institute is attempting to stabilize after major layoffs in 2025, with modest rehiring and budget preservation offering some recovery, but experts warn that rebuilding staff capacity is essential for any meaningful transformation. Stakeholders broadly support the report’s recommendations, including prioritizing key national challenges and improving research usability, but question whether the agency can execute them without sufficient resources and bipartisan backing.

INCREASE ENROLLMENT

Guide on Marketing Your School or District

This guide provides you with actionable strategies to help communicate your school’s or district’s strengths, attract more families, and ensure parents find the best education option for their children.

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NATIONAL NEWS

Borrowers face a SAVE shakeup

The U.S. Department of Education has announced that more than 7m borrowers enrolled in the Biden-era SAVE repayment plan will be required to choose a new repayment option within 90 days, with notices being issued in phases starting Friday and repayments set to resume from July 1 after the plan was struck down by a federal appeals court. Borrowers had been in forbearance since July 2024 during ongoing legal challenges, but interest has continued to accrue, and most will now face higher monthly payments under alternative plans that typically require at least 10% of discretionary income, compared with as little as 5% under SAVE.

WORKFORCE

Support roles lead education hiring

Federal data shows that the fastest-growing education jobs over the next decade will be non-classroom roles, including substitute teachers, therapists, and technology staff, as shifting student enrollment and tighter school budgets limit demand for traditional teaching positions. Growth is being driven by increased focus on early intervention services for students with disabilities, as well as rising reliance on IT infrastructure in schools. However, districts face persistent hiring challenges, particularly for lower-paid support roles and specialized health professionals who have more lucrative opportunities outside education. Declining student enrollment, expiring federal funding, and budget deficits are also constraining overall job growth, meaning gains in support roles may not offset broader reductions in teaching positions.

DISTRICTS

Houston ISD expands school autonomy

Houston ISD approved a measure allowing four high-performing high schools to operate with greater independence from district leadership through nonprofit partnerships. District leaders say the change could bring more funding and flexibility, while critics worry it may reduce oversight and widen gaps between schools. The approved campuses all have strong accountability records, and Superintendent Mike Miles said: “These schools have all had four years in a row of an A rating, and I think we can trust them.”

Uvalde students flock to vouchers

In Uvalde, approximately 229 students have applied for Texas' new private school voucher program before the March 31 deadline. The Texas Education Freedom Accounts will offer $10,474 for students enrolling in private schools next year, with potential funding reaching up to $30,000 for certain cases.

Bryan ISD restructuring summer programs

Bryan ISD is restructuring summer programs by consolidating campuses and adjusting staffing to enhance efficiency while continuing to support students academically from prekindergarten to high school.

LEGAL

Court dismisses lawsuit over recording rights

The United States District Court dismissed a lawsuit filed by Victor M. Vazquez, a community activist and administrator of the Facebook page Parents United, against United ISD officials, including Superintendent Gerardo Cruz. The lawsuit claimed violations of constitutional rights regarding a policy that designated areas for recording public board meetings. Judge John A. Kazen ruled that the plaintiff failed to present valid constitutional claims and that the UISD's policies were constitutional. UISD officials expressed satisfaction with the ruling, emphasizing their commitment to maintaining order during meetings. Vazquez is considering an appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, asserting the importance of transparency and citizens' rights in public education.

FINANCE

Prairiland ISD calls for bond election

Prairiland ISD has announced a bond election scheduled for May 2, 2026, seeking $6.230m for facility construction, renovations, and enhanced student transportation. Developed through extensive discussions among district leadership and the board of trustees, the proposal ensures no tax rate increase is necessary to finance the bonds. Prairiland ISD encourages eligible voters to participate, with registration deadlines on April 2 and early voting from April 20 to April 28.

Waco ISD approves new roofing bid

Waco ISD trustees have approved a $1.02m roofing bid for South Waco Elementary School after a previous deadlock. The decision came three weeks after trustees could not agree on the bid recommended by administrators.

CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION

Cibolo Creek Middle School project costs soar

The Judson ISD board of trustees has approved a $641,000 increase to the construction services contract for Cibolo Creek Middle School, raising the total project cost to $81.21m. This change is funded by the district's 2022 bond. Originally, the project was estimated at $80.32m, but an additional $250,000 was approved in June 2025 for contingency costs, bringing it to $80.57m. The contractor, Spawglass Contractors Inc., will oversee modifications including roof updates, painting of fire hydrants, and adding exterior handrails.

NUTRITION

Spain serves food for thought

Addey Blakeney, an American teacher in Seville, Spain, has shared her experiences comparing school lunches in Spain to those in Ohio. "I remember in elementary school having spaghetti, pizza, grilled cheeses and occasional salads or vegetables but it was nothing like here," Blakeney said. She highlights the variety of fresh foods available, including cooked vegetables, salads, and local fish, which are not common in U.S. schools. Blakeney's TikTok account showcases meals like Lomo Adobado and Fabada asturiana, emphasizing the healthier options and longer lunch breaks in Spain. She believes that the U.S. could benefit from adopting a similar approach to school lunches, stating: "With a greater variety of fruits and vegetables and less processed foods." A recent study in Health Affairs Scholar found that many parents in California feel their children's school lunches lack quality and healthiness.

HIGHER EDUCATION

Texas universities boost free tuition

Texas A&M University and Sam Houston State University have expanded their free tuition programs to include students from families earning up to $100,000. Texas A&M raised its income cap from $60,000, allowing more in-state students to attend college without incurring significant debt. "Promise programs" have been growing in popularity, aiming to make higher education more accessible as tuition costs rise. Students must complete financial aid forms to qualify, and many programs operate on a "last dollar" model, covering remaining tuition after grants. The University of Texas System also promises free tuition for families earning under $100,000 by fall 2025.

INTERNATIONAL

China tightens school conduct rules

China’s Ministry of Education has rolled out 20 new prohibitions for basic education, targeting academic overload, unethical teacher behavior, and unfair admissions practices. The measures ban teachers from using livestream tips, paid content, or other indirect tactics to pressure parents for money. Schools are also barred from exceeding curriculum limits, overloading students with homework and exams, or cutting into required sleep, breaks, weekends, and holidays. The rules further strengthen student protections by banning discrimination, abuse, sexual harassment, and conduct that harms student dignity.
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