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The Trump administration has moved to terminate six civil rights settlement agreements that had been put in place with school districts and a college to protect the rights of transgender students, effectively ending federal monitoring and enforcement of those measures. The U.S. Department of Education said the agreements, negotiated under previous administrations, represented a misapplication of Title IX, which prohibits sex-based discrimination in education, and described them as imposing unlawful obligations on schools. The terminated agreements had aimed to ensure transgender students had equal access to educational opportunities, including protections related to identity, participation, and treatment within school environments. The affected institutions include districts in California, Delaware, Washington state, and Pennsylvania, as well as a California college. While some districts indicated the agreements had already been implemented or would have limited immediate impact, the broader policy shift removes a layer of federal oversight. Advocacy groups and human rights organizations have strongly criticized the decision, arguing it undermines protections for vulnerable students and weakens enforcement of anti-discrimination laws in education.

 

The Hill

PBS News

Reuters

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Historians and teachers are raising concerns about the proposed changes to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for K-12 Social Studies, which the State Board of Education is set to vote on. Key modifications include moving Texas history from fourth grade to eighth grade, which could lead to significant financial burdens for historic sites and museums. Kate Rogers, former chief executive of The Alamo Trust, said the financial impact “could extend beyond the classroom, creating a cascade of costs for historic sites and museums.” The new standards also prioritize Greco-Roman history and biblical content, which some educators argue is age-inappropriate. Critics highlight that the new framework may limit student engagement and contradict the mission of institutions like the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum, which aims to support deeper learning through primary sources. The changes have sparked a heated debate about the direction of education in Texas.

 

Moore County News Press

Third Future Schools, founded by Mike Miles, is expanding its operations in Texas as several school districts face potential state takeovers due to low performance. At least seven districts, including Edgewood and San Antonio, are partnering with the charter network to manage 12 schools, effectively doubling its footprint. Miles stated: "The NES model... is the only proven instructional methodology that has been able to consistently turn around failing campuses quickly." These partnerships, facilitated by state law SB 1882, allow districts to outsource management and receive additional funding while maintaining local control. As districts like Wichita Falls and Hempstead seek to improve their ratings, they view Third Future Schools as a viable solution to avoid state intervention.

 

Houston Chronicle

As Austin ISD prepares to close 10 schools this summer, city council members are advocating for greater involvement in the future use of the parkland associated with these campuses. Superintendent Matias Segura said: “Which property lends itself to community hub, which lends itself to a repurpose for early childhood center, which lends itself to workforce housing — that's the process that we need to own.” The city and Austin ISD have a long-standing partnership regarding land use, but the impending closures have prompted calls for clearer guidelines on joint property agreements. Councilman Ryan Alter emphasized the importance of maintaining public access to parks, stating: “What can we do to protect the public's interest when it comes to parkland, which is so precious and there's never enough around here?” The city is also exploring future partnerships for the repurposing of closed school campuses.

 

Austin American-Statesman

Fewer than 4,000 students from the Coastal Bend applied for the Texas Education Freedom Account, a program designed to cover private and home school costs. According to the Texas Comptroller's Office, the application window closed on March 31, with a total of 274,183 applications statewide. However, only 427 applicants from Corpus Christi ISD were previously enrolled in public school. The comptroller's office noted that "more than three-quarters of applicants, 77%, applied in order to pay for private school." The program prioritizes students with disabilities and those from low-income households, with funds expected to be disbursed in July. The state anticipates running out of funding for the second priority tier within the first year.

 

Caller-Times

Keller ISD is contemplating a long-term strategy to close three intermediate schools and one elementary school, aiming to save at least $51.6m. During a joint meeting on April 2, KISD's Long Range Planning and Citizens Bond Advisory committees discussed the proposal, which, if approved by the board of trustees, would take effect in the 2027-28 school year. The closures would standardize grade configurations across the district, with all elementary schools serving grades K-5, middle schools for grades 6-8, and high schools starting at grade 9. Approximately 4,000 of the district's 30,000 students, or about 13%, would be affected. "Students attending this school would be reassigned to nearby campuses," the district noted regarding Shady Grove Elementary School, which is also under consideration for closure due to high capital needs. A special board meeting is scheduled for April 8 to discuss the budget and facility study.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

The Cy-Fair ISD board of trustees is set to discuss the district's general budget and policy revisions during meetings on April 9 and April 13. With the fiscal year 2026-27 budget adoption approaching in June, the administration will provide updates on the operating budget, which currently shows an estimated shortfall of $33m, down from a previous estimate of $45.5m, according to chief financial officer Karen Smith. The board will also review over a dozen policy revisions, including proposed guidelines for artificial intelligence in classrooms, which would require teacher permission for use. "AI tools may only be used with teacher permission," the draft policy states. The meetings will take place at the Mark Henry Administration Building, and community members can watch live on the district's website.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

Midland ISD Superintendent Stephanie Howard has been appointed to the advisory board for the TEXAS Fellowship, a program led by Texas Tech University aimed at enhancing research-driven education policy. Howard's role reflects the district's increasing influence in educational leadership. “Investing in leadership development is critical to the future of public education,” Howard said, emphasizing the importance of connecting local efforts to statewide discussions. The TEXAS Fellowship is a one-year initiative for emerging professionals in education and community sectors, focusing on developing a network of leaders committed to informed policy advancement. Participants engage in hands-on experiences and monthly virtual sessions addressing current policy issues, while also collaborating with various organizations to enhance leadership skills.

 

My West Texas

Todd Fouche has been appointed as the new superintendent of Frisco ISD, following the retirement of Mike Waldrip, who served since 2017. The board of trustees approved Fouche's contract during an April 3 meeting, where he was named the sole finalist in mid-March. Fouche emphasized the district's commitment to students, stating: "Our focus remains exactly where it should be: on our students and staff." With a decade of experience in various roles within Frisco, including teaching and administration, Fouche is well-prepared for his new position. He holds a Bachelor of Science from Texas A&M University and advanced degrees from the University of North Texas. Fouche's family has deep ties to the district, enhancing his connection to the community. The search for a new superintendent was facilitated by Impact Education Specialists.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

Texas school districts are grappling with the financial burden of complying with Texas Senate Bill 546, which mandates that all school buses be equipped with three-point seat belts by September 1, 2029. Longview ISD's transportation coordinator, Darryl Dans, stated: “That figure is not theoretical,” referring to the estimated cost of retrofitting buses at $33,830 each, totaling over $1.4m for 42 buses. Spring Hill ISD faces similar challenges, estimating $465,000 for retrofitting 14 buses, while Pine Tree ISD's superintendent, Steve Clugston, questions the safety benefits of seat belts in certain scenarios. Clugston noted: “Is this really what’s going to be best for the kids?” as he advocates for further research before implementing the law.

 

Longview News-Journal

The Trump administration is proposing major changes to college oversight rules that would tie federal funding to political and economic priorities, significantly expanding federal influence over universities through the accreditation system. The Department of Education’s plan would require accrediting bodies to consider factors such as tuition levels and graduates’ earnings when approving programs for federal aid, while also aligning eligibility for funding with White House priorities, including limiting diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and encouraging ideological diversity among faculty. The proposals would also make it easier for new accrediting organizations to gain federal recognition, increasing competition in the sector. At the same time, the federal government would gain greater authority to revoke recognition from accrediting agencies that fail to enforce the new guidelines, giving policymakers a more direct lever over colleges’ access to federal funding. Officials view accreditation as a key mechanism to reshape higher education after other policy efforts, including negotiations with elite universities, stalled. The changes build on a broader push to overhaul the accreditation system, which plays a central role in determining whether institutions qualify for federal student aid. A policy committee is expected to review and refine the proposals later this month.

 

Bloomberg

Inside Higher Ed

Bangladesh is facing a severe measles outbreak that has resulted in over 100 child fatalities in less than a month. In response, the government, in collaboration with the World Health Organization and UNICEF, has initiated emergency vaccinations for children aged six months to five years in 18 high-risk districts. Rana Flowers, UNICEF's representative in Bangladesh, expressed concern over the rising cases, particularly among under-vaccinated children. The health minister attributed the outbreak to past government mismanagement of vaccine stockpiles. Authorities urge parents to seek hospital care for suspected measles cases.

 

U.S. News