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Texas
29th April 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Houston schools face immigrant student exodus

Houston-area school districts have lost over 8,000 immigrant students this year, reflecting a nationwide trend linked to increased federal immigration enforcement. According to an analysis by the Houston Chronicle, nearly 20% of immigrant students have disappeared from local schools, with some districts like Humble ISD experiencing a 25% decline. The loss has led to school closures and program cuts, exacerbating existing challenges in U.S. education. Vanessa Cárdenas, executive director of America's Voice, stated: “I don't think any parent right now who is in an immigrant family has the trust of the government and feels safe enough to live a normal life.” Despite these challenges, some districts are working to support their immigrant families through community events and resources.

DIGITAL CURRICULUM

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NATIONAL NEWS

McMahon defends education overhaul as lawmakers question program shifts

U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon has told lawmakers on the Senate Appropriations Committee that the administration is still considering relocating key special education programs to other federal agencies, including the Departments of Labor or Health and Human Services, as part of a broader restructuring tied to its fiscal 2027 budget proposal. The administration is also evaluating potential changes to other programs, such as Impact Aid, while defending plans to shift more than 100 education programs across federal agencies, a move critics say could be disruptive. During the hearing, lawmakers from both parties raised concerns about proposed changes to the $1.2bn TRIO program, which supports low-income students, particularly its new focus on workforce pathways and its partial transfer to the Department of Labor. McMahon defended the shift, arguing it reflects labor market needs, while also facing scrutiny over reduced civil rights enforcement capacity despite claims of increased focus. The hearing highlighted broader tensions over the administration’s education strategy, including funding cuts, program consolidation, and questions about legal authority and oversight. While McMahon emphasized improving alignment between education and workforce outcomes, lawmakers questioned accountability measures and the impact of ongoing restructuring.

STATE NEWS

Texas lottery to fund school vouchers

Texas is implementing a lottery system to distribute remaining funds for private and home school educational costs, amounting to approximately $415m for students with disabilities and their siblings for the upcoming school year. The Texas Comptroller’s Office has already awarded funds to 27,050 qualifying students and 15,592 siblings. However, due to limited funding, not all applicants will receive support. The lottery will prioritize students based on income levels, with those from households earning at or below 200% of the federal poverty level receiving priority. "Tier 2 students can expect to receive their award notification beginning this week," the comptroller’s office stated.

POLICY

Paxton demands action on restroom policy

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has sent a second letter to Austin ISD regarding reports of a male student using female-only facilities. In his letter, Paxton demanded "updated policy documentation to verify consistent enforcement across the district." He expressed concern over the situation, stating: “It is appalling that woke Austin ISD officials won't do what is required by law to protect girls' privacy and safety.” This follows a previous complaint in March 2026 about a biological male using girls' restrooms. Paxton has also launched a tip line to report violations of the Texas Women's Privacy Act, which enforces sex-based restrictions in public restrooms and changing rooms.

FINANCE

Austin ISD pauses school closures amid budget woes

Austin ISD has decided to suspend future school closures while moving forward with new attendance boundaries for the 2027-28 school year, amid a significant budget shortfall of $181m. The district previously voted to close 10 campuses due to declining enrollment and budget issues. AISD is also facing potential staff layoffs and is considering budget cuts between $117m and $132m for the next fiscal year. Segura emphasized the need to stabilize the budget and improve student achievement, stating: “Given the challenges we have taken on recently, I cannot put additional strain on our community that might detract from this strong progress.”

Willis ISD budget surplus funds employee stipend

At the its latest workshop meeting, Willis ISD chief financial officer Garrett Matej presented the district's budget for the fiscal years 2025-26 and 2026-27. The FY 2025-26 budget shows a projected revenue of $103.1m and expenditures of $100.13m, resulting in a surplus of $2.96m. For FY 2026-27, the budget is estimated at $104m, with revenues from local, state, and federal sources. The projected expenditures total $99.01m, primarily for salaries and benefits. The district plans to allocate $4.08m of its budget capacity to support various needs, including $1.2m for Castleschouldt Elementary, which is set to open on August 12.

Carroll ISD faces $1.25m budget crisis

Carroll ISD is confronting a $1.25m budget shortfall for the fiscal year 2025-26, primarily due to one-time payments made to staff, according to Deputy Superintendent of Business and Finance Chase Park. "I know when [Park] came on board just a short time ago we had about an $8.5m projected deficit and we're now down to a $1.2m projected deficit," said board President Cameron Bryan. The district plans to mitigate the shortfall through land sales and selling telecommunications towers. Additionally, the district anticipates a loss of 176 students, resulting in a $1.5m funding loss. Payroll constitutes 80% of the general fund, prompting plans to adjust staff levels accordingly.

DISTRICTS

Conroe ISD's bold new plan

Conroe ISD has adopted a new "homecoming plan" aimed at decentralizing its special education program for the 2026-27 school year. Deputy Superintendent Ted Landry explained that the initiative will allow special education students to remain at their zoned campuses, enhancing their connection to the local school community. "Every student feels connected to their local zoned school community," Landry said. The plan, which has been in development for three years, is expected to reduce eight bus routes, saving the district approximately $800,000. Conroe ISD will invest $3.2m into the special education program, including hiring new staff to support the growing population of special education students, which has increased by 15% over the past five years.

Richardson ISD ditches block schedule

Richardson ISD will transition from a block schedule back to a traditional schedule for the 2026-27 school year, aiming to save approximately $11.1m as part of district-wide budget cuts. Jennie Bates, assistant superintendent for school leadership, stated, “There's no perfect schedule,” but emphasized the importance of ensuring strong outcomes for both extracurricular and academic programs. The new schedule will feature eight 45-minute periods daily, allowing for additional elective opportunities and support for students needing intervention in reading or math.

Houston ISD's bold move for special education

New documents reveal that Houston ISD is planning significant changes to its special education program, potentially assigning students to specialty schools starting in the 2026-27 school year. The proposed specialty schools aim to centralize resources and provide specialized teachers, but the Dougans fear that separating students will hinder their learning experiences.

Celebrating excellence in education

The United Way of Midland held its annual Excellence in Education Awards on April 23, celebrating educators from Midland ISD, Greenwood ISD, and local private schools. This year, the organization awarded $91,500 to 103 outstanding teachers and staff, recognized for their dedication and innovation.

GOVERNANCE

Tough choices ahead for Fort Worth ISD

Fort Worth ISD's new superintendent, Peter Licata, is grappling with difficult decisions regarding potential staff reductions and the closure of International Newcomer Academy, which serves immigrant and refugee students. In an interview, Licata emphasized the need for "massive program changes" to address the district's stagnant academic performance. He stated, "Closing a school is the toughest thing anyone will ever do," highlighting the challenges of providing equitable education. The board is set to vote on these proposals, which include a 5% raise for all classroom teachers to improve recruitment and retention. Licata noted that the district's budget has been bolstered by cuts to vacant positions, bringing back $40m.

Lufkin ISD bond election heats up

Students in Lufkin ISD may soon benefit from significant renovations and upgrades, contingent on the outcome of a bond election. Voter turnout has been “brisk,” with 1,965 ballots cast so far, according to Jenae McGuire, executive assistant to the superintendent. The election features two bond proposals totaling over $140m: Proposition A seeks $98.25m for districtwide improvements, including $66.44m for Lufkin High School renovations and $21.06m for career and technical education upgrades. Proposition B proposes $42m for a new stadium to replace the aging Abe Martin Stadium.

CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION

Killeen ISD plans major school renovation

Killeen ISD is moving forward with plans to transform Palo Alto Middle School into the new home for the Gateway Middle School and Gateway High School Disciplinary Alternative Education Program (DAEP). During a recent board meeting, KISD trustees will consider selecting Huckabee Architects and Langerman Engineering for the renovation project. The budget for this initiative is set at $2,020,500, covering construction, design, and equipment costs. 

Krum ISD revamps school plans

Krum ISD officials have announced significant changes to their school construction plans to optimize the use of 2022 bond funds amid rising construction costs. Instead of building a new high school, the district will renovate the existing Krum High School and add over 100,000 sq ft. Superintendent Jason Cochran emphasized the need to "stretch those taxpayer dollars" and mentioned that the revised plans include expanding Dixie Hansel Elementary School and constructing a new career and technology education center.

LEADERSHIP

Belton principal joins elite program

Ashlie Thomas, principal of Charter Oak Elementary School in Belton, has been selected for the Holdsworth Campus Leadership Program, a prestigious initiative aimed at enhancing leadership skills among campus leaders. “I'm incredibly proud of our team and excited for the opportunity to learn alongside other campuses across the state,” Thomas said. The program, which received over 100 applications from Texas campuses, focuses on addressing key challenges in education.

TECHNOLOGY

Districts win more time on ADA web rules as advocates warn of ongoing barriers

U.S. school districts have been granted an additional year to comply with new federal web accessibility requirements under the Americans with Disabilities Act, delaying the deadline for larger districts to 2027 and for smaller ones to 2028. The rules require school websites, apps, and digital content to meet international accessibility standards, including compatibility with assistive technologies, captions for multimedia, and readable formatting for users with disabilities. Districts had pushed for more time, citing high costs, limited staffing, and challenges with third-party vendors, with surveys showing most are not close to full compliance. However, disability rights advocates warn the delay prolongs barriers for students and families, particularly those with visual or hearing impairments, who rely on accessible digital tools for education and public services.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Anonymous school safety tip system logs nearly 400,000 reports since launch

In the wake of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, Sandy Hook Promise, co-founded by Nicole Hockley, has developed the "Say Something" program to educate students on identifying warning signs of potential violence. Hockley, whose son was a victim of the tragedy, said: "I feel very compelled to honor that legacy by doing all that I can to prevent future acts of violence." The program has reached thousands of students across the U.S., resulting in nearly 395,000 tips related to threats, bullying, and self-harm. The initiative emphasizes the importance of reporting concerning behavior, with trained crisis counselors available 24/7 to address serious situations. Hockley believes the program has successfully prevented potential shootings and suicides, highlighting the need for proactive measures in school safety.

INTERNATIONAL

Afghan restrictions threaten workforce

Afghanistan could lose more than 25,000 female teachers and health workers by 2030 if restrictions on girls’ education and women’s employment remain in place, according to a UNICEF report, which warns that bans limiting girls’ schooling and excluding women from most public sector jobs are already reducing the pipeline of qualified professionals. The report estimates that up to 20,000 teachers and 5,400 health workers could be lost by 2030, with broader economic impacts of around $84m annually, while at least 1m girls are currently affected by education restrictions, a figure expected to double without policy changes.
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