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Texas
14th April 2026
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THE HOT STORY

San Antonio ISD joins social media addiction lawsuit

San Antonio ISD has joined a national class-action lawsuit against social media companies, alleging that platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok contribute to student addiction and mental health issues. The lawsuit claims that these companies design their platforms to encourage addictive behavior, leading to emotional and physical harm among students. SAISD's decision follows a recent ruling where a jury found Meta and YouTube liable for similar issues. SAISD attorney Pablo Escamilla noted that damages include financial losses from students missing school due to mental health struggles. Christina Martinez, SAISD Board Vice President, emphasized the need to reinvest any settlement funds into mental health resources for students. The lawsuit is part of a broader effort, with thousands of districts nationwide participating as they seek accountability from social media companies for the impact on youth mental health.

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
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  • Instructional strategies and tips
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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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STATE NEWS

Texas schools face state takeover crisis

As four more school districts in Texas prepare for state takeover, families are concerned about the implications of losing local control. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) will expand its oversight, doubling the number of districts under state-appointed leadership due to a 2015 law that allows intervention after five years of failing ratings. Houston ISD's takeover has led to significant changes, including improved test scores, but also a student exodus. Jasmin Lee, a research assistant at Rice University, noted: “There's just so much going on that (state takeovers are) not as cut and dry as you would expect.” Districts can avoid takeovers by implementing turnaround plans or partnering with outside organizations. The TEA's criteria for regaining local control are often discretionary, making the process complex for affected districts.

Texas cell phones ban proves a success

A ban on mobile phones in Texas public schools has led to noticeable improvements in student behaviour, including greater face-to-face interaction and engagement. Daniel Oppenheimer argues the shift should prompt a wider reassessment of technology in education, with a renewed focus on traditional tools such as textbooks and blackboards. He contends there is little evidence that classroom technology improves academic outcomes, citing studies in Uruguay and Peru that found no benefits from laptop programs. Oppenheimer concludes that schools should adopt a more cautious approach, prioritizing reduced screen time over further technological expansion.

NATIONAL NEWS

Strike averted before deadline

Los Angeles Unified School District has narrowly avoided a strike after reaching a tentative overnight deal with SEIU Local 99, preventing closures across more than 1,300 schools serving nearly 400,000 students. The agreement followed weekend deals with unions for teachers and administrators, whose solidarity pact had increased bargaining pressure. SEIU had rejected a 13% raise over three years, with Executive Director Max Arias saying: “People are not willing to work with poverty wages anymore.” The dispute reflects wider pressure on California school districts as pandemic aid fades, labor costs rise, and scrutiny grows over LAUSD spending and leadership turmoil.

WORKFORCE

Record 82% of PSJA ISD teachers earn TIA designations

Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD (PSJA ISD) has achieved a remarkable milestone, with 82% of its teachers receiving Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) designations. To celebrate this accomplishment, hundreds of teachers and their families gathered at PSJA Stadium on April 8, 2026. This year's designation rate is a significant increase from 72% last year, showcasing the district's dedication to recognizing instructional excellence. The TIA program has generated nearly $87m in additional compensation for educators since the 2022–2023 school year, with projections of over $222m in the next five years, positively impacting the Rio Grande Valley economy.

GOVERNANCE

TEA to install conservator in NEISD

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) plans to install a conservator in the North East ISD (NEISD) due to non-compliance with the state's cellphone ban. The conservator will ensure NEISD enforces the ban across all campuses and will mandate training for district trustees on legal compliance and responsibilities. This action follows House Bill 1481, which requires Texas public schools to prohibit mobile phone use during school hours. NEISD has implemented a partial ban, allowing phone use during lunch and breaks, which the TEA argues does not meet state requirements.

TECHNOLOGY

Houston expands AI school model

Houston ISD's state-appointed Superintendent Mike Miles has announced the expansion of AI-focused "Future 2" schools, increasing the total from two to six. Miles aims to convert up to 100 schools by July 2031, saying: "Beginning in that year (2027-28), the District will determine which schools will transition to the Future 2 model." The initiative will introduce accelerated coursework and AI tools for students, with a focus on core subjects and practical experiences. However, concerns have been raised by trustee Plácido Gómez about the potential pitfalls of rapidly adopting technology in education, emphasizing the importance of foundational skills. The district is also facing challenges with declining enrollment and aging facilities, as it plans to add more schools to the New Education System model.

FINANCE

Hutto ISD plans new incentive program

Hutto ISD is preparing for a pilot program aimed at incentivizing administrators as part of its financial planning for the 2026-27 budget year. Chief Financial Officer Caleb Steed stated that the district anticipates achieving a balanced budget, thanks to increased revenues from commercial and multifamily property values, which are expected to rise by about $5m. The district has also reduced expenses by approximately $770,000 through various measures. The new incentive program will reward campus principals, assistant principals, and counselors based on performance metrics, including state accountability ratings and progress in special programs.

Friendswood ISD proposes $81.5m bond

Friendswood ISD is proposing an $81.5m bond package divided into four propositions to address aging facilities, limited program capacity, and necessary safety and technology updates. If approved, the tax rate is expected to rise by $0.0349 per $100 property valuation, costing homeowners with a $500,000 home approximately $125.64 annually. “FISD has had one bond in the last 18 years,” said Superintendent Thad Roher, highlighting the challenges of funding essential projects. The bond includes upgrades to facilities, rebuilding Westwood Elementary, and technology replacements.

DISTRICTS

Fort Worth schools face major changes

The Fort Worth ISD is set to hold a special board meeting to vote on significant changes, including campus closures and a new instructional model called the Elevate Network. This model aims to enhance teaching quality and provide better support for students, addressing declining enrollment and resource allocation. "Every student has access to strong instruction and support they need to succeed," the district stated. The meeting will also address the reduction of staff positions, with notifications expected for affected employees. Additionally, the board will discuss the sale of Farrington Field and the potential removal of Cesar Chavez Day from the district calendar due to recent allegations against the civil rights leader.

Brazosport ISD faces tough choices

Brazosport ISD is contemplating the closure of three additional campuses due to declining enrollment and rising expenses, following the recent decision to close Stephen F. Austin Elementary in Jones Creek. The district is focusing on Lake Jackson for a consolidation proposal aimed at reducing operational costs and addressing a budget deficit estimated in the millions.

CLASSROOM

Tackling classroom chaos

Managing student behavior remains a significant challenge for novice teachers, as highlighted by Kasandra Medina Torres, a first-year teacher at Loder Elementary School, who said: “It’s just a lot to manage when not having the actual skills quite yet.” The National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) recently released a framework aimed at enhancing preservice teacher education programs by emphasizing behavior management techniques. This initiative seeks to improve teacher retention and reduce exclusionary discipline. The framework builds on NCTQ's 2020 evaluation, which found that many programs inadequately address serious misbehavior and positive reinforcement. Heather Peske, NCTQ president, noted that understanding the nuances of student behavior is crucial, saying: “The teacher really needs to dig underneath the inappropriate behavior.” The framework also encourages practice with intervention strategies, particularly for students with disabilities, to foster better classroom environments.

ATTENDANCE

Varsity sports boost school attendance

A study has found that high school students involved in varsity sports were less likely to miss school during the 2023-24 academic year, even in the offseason. Dr. April Brooks, director of athletics for Jefferson County Public Schools, emphasized the importance of sports in maintaining student engagement, saying: "Participation in athletics plays a crucial role in keeping students connected to their education."

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Tragic truth behind custom T-shirts

Jaimee Seitz faced a heartbreaking revelation after her daughter, Audree Heine, died by suicide at 13. Audree had requested customized T-shirts featuring slogans like “Natural Selection” and “Wrath,” which Seitz later discovered were linked to the Columbine shooters. “I wanted to vomit,” Seitz said, reflecting on the shocking connection. She believes Audree was drawn into the true crime community (TCC), an online subculture that glorifies mass shootings. This community can exert pressure on vulnerable individuals, leading to dangerous ideation. Seitz and other parents, like Heather Dioneff, whose daughter Lilyanna also engaged with the TCC, emphasize the need for parental awareness and intervention. Experts warn that the TCC is a magnet for those feeling isolated, and they stress the importance of fostering connections that promote mental health rather than violence.
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