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Texas
7th May 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Cellphone limits show mixed results

The largest study on school cell phone bans, conducted by scholars from Stanford University, Duke University, The University of Michigan, and the University of Pennsylvania, reveals mixed outcomes. While teachers reported fewer distractions when students locked their phones away, the study found little evidence of improved academic performance or behavior. Thomas Dee, a Stanford economist and co-leader of the study, said: “We wanted to leverage the data from Yondr because it gives us much more confidence that in-school use of phones is actually being restricted.” The study analyzed data from about 4,600 schools and highlighted that while phone bans reduced usage significantly, they initially led to increased suspension rates and a dip in student well-being. However, by the third year, students' well-being improved, suggesting that the long-term effects of these bans may be more positive than initially observed. Dee emphasized the importance of maintaining these bans to help students realize their academic potential.

IMPROVE STUDENT ENGAGEMENT

What Educators Need to Know About Engagement in 2026

Student engagement and instructional rigor don’t have to be at odds. Engagement shapes how much students read, whether they complete texts, and how effectively they build knowledge and comprehension over time. Scholastic’s new white paper, Engagement Through Reading, draws on the latest research to make the case for engagement as a core instructional condition that drives academic outcomes. Learn how to apply the latest student engagement research in your school or district.

Read now

 

STATE NEWS

School shooting threats escalate in Texas

In April, a 13-year-old boy was arrested by North East ISD police for making threats related to school shootings at Nimitz Middle School. Kathy Martinez-Prather, director of Texas State University's Texas School Safety Center, noted that swatting calls have surged across Texas schools, particularly following the Uvalde tragedy. These threats, which can cause significant emotional distress and strain on emergency services, require careful evaluation by law enforcement to determine their seriousness. Martinez-Prather emphasized that even non-violent threats can have severe consequences, stating: "We've seen a lot of cases across the country where students thought it was funny to do this, and they didn't realize they were actually committing a crime." To combat this issue, Texas has implemented measures such as behavioral threat assessment teams and a campaign titled "Threats Are No Joke!" aimed at educating students and parents about the repercussions of making false threats.

Seat belt mandate sparks school budget crisis

Texas school districts are grappling with the financial implications of a new mandate requiring three-point seat belts on all school buses by the 2029-30 school year. John Craft, superintendent of Northside ISD, described the situation as “a classic, classic unfunded mandate.” Senate Bill 546, passed last year, lacks state funding, leaving districts to assess compliance costs and report their findings to the Texas Education Agency by the end of May. Many districts, including Northside ISD, face hefty retrofitting costs, with estimates ranging from $30,000 to over $70,000 per bus. Larger districts like Northside ISD may need to spend up to $43.7m to replace non-compliant buses.

Texas fights hunger with hope

Texas faces a severe food insecurity crisis, with 5.3m residents affected, including 22.2% of children, according to Feeding Texas. Trey Williams, inspired by a Thanksgiving event, founded Ancora Ministries to address this issue. The nonprofit launched the HaysHope2Go program to provide weekend food for students, ensuring they receive nutritious meals beyond school hours. Williams emphasized: “The idea is that our kids eat free breakfast and lunch at school Monday through Friday... but about 20% of the kids... are not getting enough to eat.” Ancora Ministries has served approximately 700,000 meals since the program's inception, with 130,000 meals provided this year alone. Feedback from educators indicates that 60-70% have observed improvements in students' concentration and behavior due to the program.

FINANCE

Budget cuts loom for Texas schools

Bryan ISD trustees convened to discuss the district's financial outlook and the implications of the 2025 bond program. Amanda Brownson from the Texas Association of School Business Officials revealed that approximately 70% of Texas school districts anticipate budget cuts in the coming years, as they move away from relying on fund balances. "Districts are increasingly moving away from using reserve funds as those balances shrink," Brownson said, highlighting declining enrollment as a significant factor in these challenges. Bryan ISD Chief Financial Officer Norma Friddle emphasized the importance of monitoring expenses, particularly payroll, which constitutes the largest portion of the budget.

Magnolia ISD's bold budget plans

The Magnolia ISD board has discussed the proposed fiscal year 2026-27 budget, focusing on a new 401(a) retirement plan and a significant pay raise for teachers. Assistant Superintendent of Operations Erich Morris described the pay raise as “aggressive,” aimed at enhancing teacher retention. The 401(a) plan, which targets teachers with over 10 years of service, is designed to reward loyalty and encourage long-term employment. The district anticipates a balanced budget and a one-time payment of approximately $3.4m from a property value audit. Additionally, a minimum 3% salary raise for all employees is proposed, along with a one-time $500 retention payment for staff.

Clear Creek ISD faces shortfall

Clear Creek ISD is anticipating a $19.7m shortfall for the fiscal year 2026-27, as revealed in a preliminary budget review presented to the board of trustees. The district is exploring various strategies to address this financial gap, including a potential voter-approval tax rate election (VATRE) and staffing efficiency reviews. The district expects revenues of $404.4m against expenses of $424.2m, marking a decrease in both revenue and expenditures compared to the previous year. Additionally, the district is facing challenges such as rising costs and a decline in enrollment, which has dropped over 6% since 2019-20. To mitigate the shortfall, Clear Creek ISD has implemented revenue strategies and reduced staffing by 70 positions.

GOVERNANCE

New principals shake up Fort Worth schools

Fort Worth ISD is undergoing significant changes as almost two-thirds of schools in the new Elevate Network will have new principals for the 2026-27 school year. Out of 19 schools, only seven will retain their current leaders. The Elevate Network, initiated by state-appointed Superintendent Peter Licata, aims to enhance teaching quality and address academic shortcomings. “We have to start from square one,” Licata said, emphasizing the need for a fresh approach. The selection process for new principals was rigorous, involving data evaluation and classroom walkthroughs. Licata hopes to attract talented teachers with competitive salaries, potentially reaching $100,000 annually. The restructuring has faced community pushback, but Licata remains committed to rebuilding support systems for students.

DISTRICTS

Austin students score big with vouchers

More than 500 students in Austin have been awarded scholarships through Texas' new private school voucher program, as reported by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. This second round of the Texas Education Freedom Account lottery granted vouchers to approximately 550 students, primarily benefiting low-income families earning $66,000 or less annually for a family of four. The vouchers can cover up to $10,500 for private school tuition, with special education students eligible for up to $30,000.

Slaton ISD gears up for change

Slaton ISD in Texas is set to implement significant changes following the approval of a $51m bond under Proposition A. The bond will fund the demolition of Stephen F. Austin Elementary to make way for a new campus on 63 acres near Slaton High School, enhancing educational opportunities for students. Additionally, the bond will facilitate safety upgrades and refurbishments of existing buildings, including the alternative education program. Conkin emphasized the importance of being frugal with taxpayer money while ensuring quality education.

CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION

Research suggests career pathways boost college enrollment

A new study from Delaware offers early evidence that high school career pathways programs may help increase college enrollment and workplace readiness, although many students ultimately pursue careers outside the fields they studied in high school. Career pathways programs, which combine academic coursework with job-focused training and workplace experiences, have become a major part of education reform efforts nationwide. Delaware, considered a national leader in the movement, launched its statewide initiative in 2014, and roughly 70% of the state’s high school students now participate. Researchers at RTI International tracked more than 6,000 graduates who completed at least two courses in a career field. The study found that about three-quarters enrolled in college or another postsecondary training program after graduation, exceeding the national average of 63%. However, fewer than half continued studying or working in the same field they pursued in high school. Students in construction-related pathways, for example, frequently shifted into science, engineering, business, or healthcare majors after graduation.

SPECIAL EDUCATION

HISD's bold move for special education

Houston ISD is implementing new Special Education Success Programs that will require some special education students to transfer to one of 150 designated campuses next year. Deputy Superintendent Kristen Hole stated: "We will still have over half of our campuses that offer self-contained classrooms for students, but some families will be required to move schools to be able to access the services." The changes aim to centralize resources and improve support for students with similar needs. However, concerns have been raised by parents and advocates about potential segregation and the impact of these transitions on vulnerable students. HISD plans to offer transition meetings and campus tours for affected families, ensuring that students entering 12th grade will not be required to move.
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