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Texas
21st April 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Texas voucher program raises concerns

State Rep. Richard Peña Raymond, representing District 42, expressed concerns about the Texas Education Freedom Accounts program established by Senate Bill 2. He believes many families may return to public schools after realizing the costs associated with private education. "Public resources should be for public schools," Raymond said, emphasizing the need to invest in public education. The program, launching in the 2026-27 school year, allocates $1bn for private school tuition and educational services. However, 77% of applicants are already enrolled in private schools, raising questions about its benefits for lower-income families. Raymond noted that many parents might face additional tuition costs beyond the state funding, making the program potentially inaccessible for some. He anticipates an increase in applications by the 2027-28 school year but remains skeptical about the program's long-term impact on public education.

INTERVENTION VS. REMEDIATION

What is the difference between intervention and remediation?

Understanding the difference between remediation and intervention—and designing systems that deliver each appropriately—is one of the most important responsibilities schools face when implementing RTI or MTSS. This article defines the difference between intervention and remediation, explains how both fit within RTI/MTSS systems, and highlights why both are important components of an effective RTI/MTSS process.

Read about the difference and why it matters.

 

STATE NEWS

Texas voucher program hits snag

The Texas comptroller's office is set to notify families next week regarding their eligibility for the state's new $1bn school voucher program. Over 274,000 families applied, leading to a lottery system for funding allocation. Families can receive approximately $10,500 per student annually, with students with disabilities eligible for up to $30,000. Travis Pillow, a spokesperson for the comptroller's office, said: "We'll get through the first tier and then as much of the second tier as we possibly can." The program is currently behind schedule due to a federal judge's two-week extension for applications amid ongoing lawsuits alleging religious discrimination. The office is verifying student information and expects to fund Education Savings Accounts in July for the 2026-27 school year. Nearly 2,400 private schools have been admitted to the program, with more approvals possible this summer.

Morath's impact on Texas education

Mike Morath, appointed by Gov. Greg Abbott in December 2015, has become Texas' longest-serving education commissioner in 50 years, overseeing a system that educates over 5m students. His tenure has been marked by significant challenges, including Hurricane Harvey and the COVID-19 pandemic. Morath often describes his work in spiritual terms, referring to students as "souls" and teachers as an "army of angels." Critics argue that his expansion of the Texas Education Agency's authority has led to increased state control over local schools, raising concerns about the balance of power in education. Morath believes that "the work is sometimes difficult and often takes years to unfold," emphasizing the need for rigorous standards despite challenges. His approach has sparked both support and criticism, reflecting the polarized views on education in Texas.

NATIONAL NEWS

SCOTUS takes up case on faith-based schools, LGBTQ+ access, and public funding

The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear a significant case examining whether Colorado can deny state-funded preschool subsidies to Catholic schools that do not comply with nondiscrimination rules requiring admission of LGBTQ+ families. The case stems from a broader legal challenge by administrators of two Catholic preschools, who argue that the state’s conditions for funding violate their First Amendment rights by forcing them to choose between their religious beliefs and access to public support. At the center of the dispute is Colorado’s universal preschool program, approved by voters in 2020, which provides free early education to tens of thousands of children. To participate, schools must agree to offer equal access regardless of factors such as religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, income level, or disability. State officials argue these requirements are essential to ensure fair access to publicly funded services. Lower courts have sided with Colorado, ruling that the law applies equally to all participating schools and does not target religious institutions specifically. Judges relied on the Supreme Court’s 1990 decision in Employment Division v. Smith, which allows neutral, generally applicable laws to stand even if they incidentally burden religious practices. However, the Catholic schools argue that this precedent has led to inconsistent outcomes and should be reconsidered, particularly in light of more recent rulings that have expanded protections for religious institutions in public funding programs. The Supreme Court is expected to hear arguments in the fall.

Supreme Court rejects Massachusetts parents’ appeal

The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear a challenge from Massachusetts parents who said a public school district violated their parental rights by honoring their child’s request not to disclose a new name and pronouns at school. The lawsuit, dismissed by lower courts, argued the policy infringed due process protections under the 14th Amendment. Upholding that dismissal, the 1st Circuit said it was “unconvinced” that using gender-affirming names or pronouns amounted to medical treatment and said parents “remain free” to guide their child outside school.

WORKFORCE

San Antonio teacher morale slips further

In San Antonio, the 2026 State of Teaching survey by Education Week revealed a slight decline in teacher morale across the nation. Shawn Bird, deputy superintendent of San Antonio ISD, emphasized the need for leaders to address work-life balance and classroom climate, stating: "Teachers are telling us that their job is unmanageable." The Rand Corp. study from 2025 highlighted that teachers face more job intrusions than their peers in other professions. Hallie Gelabert, an instructional facilitator, noted the importance of teamwork, saying: "Creating that partnership where we can help each other is the most positive thing that you can do." The symposium attendees agreed that ongoing professional development is crucial for novice educators, especially in light of challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Top superintendents' salaries revealed

In the 2025-26 school year, Cy-Fair and Klein ISDs reported the highest-paid superintendents, with Cy-Fair ISD Superintendent Wayne Killian earning $520,231. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) released this data in mid-March, highlighting that Lamar CISD and New Caney ISD had the highest average teacher salaries, at $76,225 and $75,125, respectively. The report also noted that the lowest-paid superintendents were from Splendora ISD and Friendswood ISD, earning $252,981 and $254,500. Additionally, Pasadena ISD led in support staff pay with an average of $91,531, while Willis ISD had the lowest average for paraprofessionals at $20,054. "The data reveals significant disparities in compensation across districts," said TEA.

Grow your own: Clear Creek ISD's staffing strategy

Clear Creek ISD (CCISD) officials presented their strategic staffing plan at the April 13 board meeting, focusing on teacher recruitment and retention through internal development pathways. "We're dedicated to ensuring that CCISD has a robust strategic staffing plan," said Britani Moses, Executive Director of Human Resources. The plan includes the "Grow Your Own" initiative, supported by the Texas Education Agency, which aims to cultivate local teaching talent. This involves a child guidance and teacher education pipeline for high school students and support for current paraprofessionals pursuing certification. The district also plans to expand participation in National Board Certification programs and apply for the Teacher Incentive Allotment to enhance educator retention.

DISTRICTS

Houston ISD hands over control to nonprofits

Houston ISD has announced a set of five-year contracts granting control of four high-profile campuses and pre-K centers to independent nonprofit organizations, starting in the 2026-27 school year. However, critical academic and financial details remain undisclosed, raising concerns about accountability. The contracts, stemming from Senate Bill 1882, allow nonprofits to manage operations, budgets, and staffing while HISD retains 5% of state funds for administrative services. "This Agreement is predicated on an understanding that students benefit when decisions regarding educational programs... are made at the school level," the contracts state. The partnerships aim to enhance educational outcomes, but specifics on performance targets and budgets are still lacking, leaving the evaluation process unclear.

Protesters read aloud against Houston ISD reforms

Community Voices for Public Education organized a protest outside the residence of Houston ISD Superintendent Mike Miles, where activists read aloud for over five hours. The protest aimed to criticize the recent reforms implemented by Miles, which have led to a reduction in librarians and a shift from independent reading to district-issued materials. Louisa B. Meacham, a retired teacher, emphasized the importance of independent reading, stating: "Our democracy, our society needs people who are curious, people who want to open their minds and open their hearts to different points of view and different worlds." The event featured around 60 speakers, including State Rep. Christina Morales, who voiced concerns over book bans and library closures. Despite HISD's claims of improved test scores, the community remains alarmed by the changes affecting students' reading experiences.

Koch joins Henderson leadership

Henderson ISD announced that Allen Koch has been named assistant superintendent of policy and operations after board approval. District leaders praised his experience in instructional systems, operations, and campus leadership, while Koch said he is honored to join the team and build on the district’s tradition of excellence. 

New principal for Barksdale Middle School

Michelle Jennings has been appointed as the principal of Barksdale Middle School, set to open in August 2026, as announced by Northwest ISD. Originally, Tricia Lutkenhaus was slated for the role but became the principal of Northwest High School in March. Jennings, who previously opened Worthington Middle School in 2023, emphasized the importance of building relationships, noting: "I look forward to getting to know the students and families of Barksdale Middle School as we prepare to open the school together."

GOVERNANCE

New candidates aim to reshape Greenville ISD

Byron Smith, Bruce Hinchey, and Tish Woodruff are candidates for the Greenville ISD board, each with distinct priorities. Smith identifies teacher retention as a critical challenge, advocating for better pay and support. Hinchey emphasizes the importance of staff retention, noting that "without staff consistency we cannot fix the substandard scores." Woodruff, seeking re-election, focuses on improving academic performance and closing achievement gaps. Each candidate has unique ideas for utilizing a potential $1m grant, with Smith proposing funding for interventionists and teacher pay increases, while Hinchey suggests infrastructure improvements.

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Killeen's Health Fair promotes wellness

The 19th annual School Health Fair, hosted by Killeen ISD's School Health Advisory Council, successfully promoted healthy living and community engagement. "This is our 19th annual School Health Fair," said Anjanette Wilkerson, executive director for District and Community Relations. The event featured interactive activities, including a smoothie bike station and a police obstacle course, aimed at encouraging physical activity and safety awareness. This year, a new book giveaway was introduced to promote literacy alongside wellness.

TECHNOLOGY

K–12 districts tackle AI adoption with safeguards, training, and equity focus

K–12 school districts across the U.S. are increasingly shifting from caution to active adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), with IT leaders focusing on building policies that ensure ethical, transparent, and equitable use in classrooms. At the recent CoSN 2026 conference, district leaders highlighted approaches such as integrating AI principles into existing policies rather than creating standalone rules, emphasizing human oversight, data privacy, and responsible use in teaching and assessment. Practical frameworks are also emerging, including “stoplight” systems that clearly define when AI use is prohibited, permitted with disclosure, or required for assignments. Schools are also investing in tools and training to monitor and guide AI usage, including filtered AI platforms and teacher education on evaluating student work beyond final outputs. At the same time, districts are addressing concerns about a growing “AI divide,” where unequal access to advanced tools could widen educational disparities, prompting efforts to provide universal access through enterprise licenses and ensure all students learn to use AI effectively.

HIGHER EDUCATION

Education Department proposes linking college funding to graduate earnings

The U.S. Department of Education has proposed a new accountability framework that would tie federal funding for college programs to the earnings outcomes of their graduates, potentially cutting access to student loans and, in some cases, Pell Grants if programs fail to deliver sufficient economic value. Under the proposal, undergraduate programs whose typical graduates earn less than high school graduates could lose federal aid eligibility, while graduate programs must demonstrate earnings above those of the average bachelor’s degree holder. The rule is positioned as a replacement for the Gainful Employment Rule and is intended to ensure taxpayer funds support programs that improve students’ financial prospects. The regulation, expected to take effect July 1 following a 30-day comment period, has drawn mixed reactions, with industry representatives welcoming broader accountability across all education sectors but raising concerns about flaws in the earnings-based formula, including regional wage differences and variations in employment types.

Texas universities break Ivy League mold

Two Texas universities have made it onto Forbes' New Ivies list, reflecting a shift in employer preferences away from traditional Ivy League schools. As the job market evolves due to artificial intelligence, many employers are reconsidering their hiring practices. According to a survey, nearly 25% of executives said: “AI would reduce their need for entry level college graduates,” highlighting the changing landscape for new graduates. Forbes' survey revealed that 37% of respondents are less likely to hire Ivy League graduates than five years ago, while 42% are more inclined to hire graduates from public universities. The University of Texas at Austin and Rice University are among the institutions gaining recognition for their rigorous academic programs and strong graduate outcomes. “The most promising talents today are beginning to emerge from institutions that prioritize intellectual rigor over inherited prestige,” said one C-suite executive.

INTERNATIONAL

Victorian teachers intensify industrial action amid pay row with government

Public school teachers and staff in Victoria, Australia are escalating industrial action as negotiations with the state government stall over pay and conditions, introducing measures including bans on written report comments, refusal to implement new initiatives, and rolling half-day walkouts. The dispute follows the government’s 17% pay offer, which unions rejected in favor of a 35% increase, with the Australian Education Union arguing staff are overworked, underpaid, and facing chronic underfunding, while the government says it remains committed to reaching a fair agreement through ongoing negotiations.
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