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Texas
14th May 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Texas schools struggle with learning losses

Texas school districts are grappling with significant learning losses post-pandemic, as highlighted in the Education Scorecard report by researchers from Harvard and Stanford. The report reveals that districts with either low or high percentages of low-income students are making more academic gains compared to middle-poverty districts, which have 30% to 70% of students receiving federal lunch subsidies. "The federal relief dollars were very highly targeted at the highest poverty districts," said Thomas Kane, a Harvard education professor. While some districts, like Spring Branch ISD, have improved their performance, many others, including Aldine ISD, are lagging significantly behind. The report urges state lawmakers to direct school improvement funds to middle- and higher-poverty districts that are still struggling to recover academically.

CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION

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NATIONAL NEWS

Trump administration expands IDEA funding

The U.S. Department of Education will distribute an additional $144m in federal IDEA funding to states and local governments to support special education and early intervention services, marking what the Trump administration described as a significant expansion of resources for students with disabilities and their families. The funding includes approximately $123.6m for IDEA Part B programs, which support children and young adults aged three to 21, alongside $20.5m for IDEA Part C early intervention services for infants and toddlers through age two. The grants will be allocated through formula funding later this year. Federal officials said the money comes from non-expiring funds previously returned to the department in recent years. The announcement comes as educators and advocacy groups continue to warn that IDEA funding has failed to keep pace with rising numbers of eligible students and increasing service costs. The Education Department also introduced new guidance allowing states, for the first time, to use IDEA Part C funding to support expectant parents whose unborn children are likely to qualify for disability services after birth. The Council for Exceptional Children has welcomed the additional investment and called on Congress to provide broader long-term increases in IDEA funding.

AAP's fresh take on school recess

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has released updated guidance to enhance recess access in schools, addressing the alarming trend of reduced playtime. Dr. Robert Murray, a lead author, emphasized the importance of recess, stating: “Breaks offer an opportunity for students to manage stress and promote prosocial development, a universal benefit for all ages.” With up to 40% of school districts cutting recess, the AAP recommends at least 20 minutes of daily play and encourages student involvement in planning recess activities. The guidance also advocates for a ‘Recess Before Lunch’ policy to ensure students have adequate time to eat. Furthermore, the report highlights recess as a tool to combat childhood obesity, which affects about one in five children in the U.S. Notably, a 2024 California law mandates 30 minutes of outdoor recess daily and prohibits withholding recess as punishment, although implementation remains inconsistent.

SPECIAL EDUCATION

Parents rally against Houston ISD's plan

Parents are voicing strong opposition to Houston ISD's plan to relocate up to 5,000 students with disabilities to new schools next year. Antonio Cruz Trejo, whose son has autism, expressed concern, claiming: "Our kids are not numbers. Our kids are not furniture that can just be moved from room to room." The U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights is investigating whether the plan violates federal laws regarding the education of students with disabilities. Parents argue that the changes could disrupt their children's education and limit their interaction with non-disabled peers. HISD officials claim the move aims to consolidate resources and improve educational outcomes, with Deputy Superintendent Kristen Hole saying: "Everything we are doing is about increasing the quality of instruction." However, many parents remain skeptical about the district's ability to implement these changes effectively.

FINANCE

Fort Bend ISD faces financial crisis

Fort Bend ISD is facing significant financial challenges as it plans to close seven schools and consolidate campuses. During the May 4 Board of Trustees meeting, Deputy Superintendent Kathleen Brown highlighted the district's struggles with stagnant employee pay, declining enrollment, and uncertainty regarding state funding. “I could go back to a classroom and still make potentially more per day than I would make in my current role,” Brown said, emphasizing the district's pay compression issue. Despite recognizing the need for raises, administrators are recommending delaying most planned salary increases due to severe financial constraints. The district plans to use proceeds from land sales, estimated at $30m, to stabilize finances temporarily, but this strategy is not sustainable. Additionally, enrollment declines continue to impact revenue, with the district expecting to lose about 1,200 students compared to previous figures. Chief financial officer Bryan Guinn noted that each 1% increase in attendance is worth roughly $6m to the district.

Bryan ISD's financial turnaround revealed

Bryan ISD is projected to finish the current school year with a better financial outlook than initially expected, according to chief financial officer Norma Friddle. Originally anticipating a $6.7m deficit, updated estimates now suggest a potential surplus of about $2m, largely due to additional state revenue. “We made about a $600,000 gain,” Friddle said, highlighting improvements in the employee health insurance fund. However, planning for the 2026-27 fiscal year remains challenging due to declining average daily attendance, which affects state funding. The district is estimating revenues of $182.6m against expenditures of $183m, leading to a projected deficit of $419,000. Friddle emphasized the importance of transparency and collaboration in the budgeting process, involving various stakeholders to identify priorities and manage costs effectively.

DISTRICTS

Cy-Fair ISD faces student exodus

Cy-Fair ISD is projected to lose between 4,000 and 8,000 students over the next four years, following a significant decline of over 3,200 students in just one year. The decline is attributed to various factors, including falling birth rates, increased alternative education options, and a federal immigration crackdown. Currently, about 12,000 students zoned to Cy-Fair ISD are attending other schools, a sharp increase from 5,000 a decade ago. The district is also facing housing challenges, with fewer families moving in and a smaller kindergarten cohort this year. To combat these trends, Cy-Fair ISD has launched a new virtual school and contracted with Caissa K-12 to recruit students who have left the district.

Fort Worth ISD's bright future

During the 15th annual State of the County event, County Judge Tim O'Hare emphasized the necessity of the state takeover of Fort Worth ISD, stating it was “badly needed” and will lead to significant improvements. He highlighted the recent rise in reading scores among third-graders, with 41% meeting grade-level expectations in 2025, up from 33% in 2024. O'Hare remarked: “I think it's going to pay dividends,” reflecting optimism about the future of education in the district. The takeover, initiated by the Texas Education Agency, follows years of stagnant test scores, with only 28% of third-graders meeting standards in 2015. O'Hare believes the new leadership will benefit students and the community.

Cellphone ban delayed for students

North East ISD has announced a delay in implementing its new cellphone policy, shifting the start of a bell-to-bell ban to the next school year. This decision follows Texas House Bill 1481, which mandates a personal device ban during school hours. NEISD had previously allowed cellphone use between classes and at lunch, leading to a conflict with the Texas Education Agency, which threatened state intervention. NEISD chief operations officer Deborah Caldwell emphasized the need for flexibility, stating, "In case of an emergency, if that phone is locked away... that is a concern for our community." The updated policy aims to provide time for compliance and student adjustment, but the risk of a state conservator remains.

Students shine at Temple ISD meeting

During a recent board meeting, Temple ISD recognized numerous students and staff for their academic and extracurricular achievements. Board members, including Bre'Layshia Alexander and Shannon Myers, were sworn in for new terms. The board approved the sale of the closed Cater Elementary School campus to nonprofit Académie Musique for $650,000, despite a higher bid from Priority Systems. The meeting also featured recognitions for various student accomplishments, including a Baylor University Talent Identification Program scholar and top-ranked state golfer Carly Marshall. Additionally, the board approved several campus improvement items and discussed budget constraints regarding school bus safety upgrades.

HISD considers Good Friday holiday

The Houston ISD board of managers is set to vote today regarding the addition of Good Friday as a districtwide holiday for the 2026-27 school calendar.

WORKFORCE

Teachers get pay boost in Allen

Allen ISD's board of trustees has approved a 2% pay increase for teachers and staff, effective in the 2026-27 school year. Starting teachers will see their salaries rise from $61,600 to $62,304, while those with 30 years of experience will see an increase from $78,290 to $78,994. The compensation plan includes pay structures, stipends, substitute pay, and benefits, aiming to attract and retain top talent amid rising inflation. Final edits to the plan will be made before the end of the school year, with notifications to staff by Superintendent Robin Bullock.

Magnolia ISD boosts employee pay

Magnolia ISD trustees have approved the employee compensation plan for the 2026-27 school year, which includes raises and stipends. Assistant Superintendent of Operations Erich Morris stated that teachers with up to 10 years of experience will receive a minimum 3% pay increase, while those with 26 years or more will see increases up to 6%. The district will also provide a $500 one-time retention payment for employees on payroll as of September 15, funded by a prior year’s property value audit. The total cost for the raises, stipends, and health insurance contributions is estimated at $4.5m.

GOVERNANCE

New leadership at Beaumont ISD

Sandi Massey has been appointed as the new state-appointed superintendent of Beaumont ISD. During a press conference at Fehl-Price Elementary, she was introduced alongside her new team. The Board of Managers has approved her contract, which includes a daily salary of $1,212.77 and a one-time relocation payment of $10,000. This payment is intended to cover moving expenses and temporary housing, as stated in the contract.

EARLY EDUCATION

Travis County invests in child care

Travis County Commissioners Court has approved $17.65m in contracts to enhance child care and after-school programs, benefiting over 5,200 children and 180 providers. This funding follows the passage of Proposition A, which raised taxes to generate $75m for the Raising Travis County initiative. Since the initiative's inception, the county has already provided scholarships for 1,000 children and enrolled over 2,650 students in out-of-school programs. The initiative aims to address the child care workforce crisis, with plans for a reserved slots model for low-income families and expansion of nontraditional hours. A virtual town hall is scheduled for June 16 to discuss further developments.

SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION

Bipartisan bill aims to improve safety for school bus riders

U.S. Sens. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) and Todd Young (R-IN) have introduced The Safe Bus Routes to School Act, a piece of legislation that would expand the federal Safe Routes to School program to allow funding for projects supporting school bus riders, including sidewalks, pedestrian crossings, traffic-calming measures, and safer bus stop waiting areas. The bill would also fund school bus safety education initiatives.

TECHNOLOGY

School districts resist parent efforts to opt children out of classroom devices

Parents nationwide are expressing concerns about excessive screen time in schools, advocating for a return to traditional learning methods using pencils and paper. In Lower Merion Township, Pennsylvania, over six hundred parents signed a petition to allow students to opt out of using digital devices during the school day. However, the Lower Merion School District maintains that technology is essential to the curriculum, with board member Anna Shurak stating: "There is not an option for us to not have technology in schools." The debate reflects a broader national trend, with at least fourteen states proposing laws to limit screen time in educational settings. While parents acknowledge the importance of teaching responsible technology use, they are increasingly questioning the dominance of digital tools in the classroom. Superintendent Frank Ranelli emphasized the district's commitment to listening to community concerns, noting that they have already made changes, such as blocking certain websites flagged by parents.

NUTRITION

Schools brace for higher costs as MAHA nutrition standards reach cafeterias

School districts across the U.S. are preparing for potential changes to cafeteria menus after the Trump administration introduced new dietary guidelines tied to the Make America Healthy Again, or MAHA, initiative. The updated standards, championed by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., encourage Americans to avoid highly processed foods and prioritize nutrient-dense proteins, changes that are expected to eventually influence federal school meal requirements. Nutrition directors and education advocates said the shift could significantly increase costs for schools that already operate on tight budgets. Many cafeterias currently rely on processed, premade foods because they are cheaper, easier to prepare, and require less labor. Transitioning toward more fresh, scratch-cooked meals would require additional funding, kitchen upgrades, and more skilled staff. School nutrition experts said protein is already the most expensive part of a school meal, while federal reimbursement rates remain insufficient to cover rising labor, utility, and food costs. Many districts are also facing the loss of federal programs that helped schools purchase food from local farmers, including the Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement Program.

 
NPR

LITERACY

New study shows U.S. students still struggling with reading recovery

A new national study has found that U.S. students remain in a deep reading recession, with most states showing little improvement in reading achievement since the pandemic, although some California school districts, including Los Angeles Unified, Compton, and Modesto, have emerged as notable bright spots. Researchers from Harvard, Stanford, and Dartmouth analyzed test scores across more than 5,000 school districts and found that reading performance has continued a long-term decline that began years before COVID-19. Nationally, students remain nearly half a grade level behind pre-pandemic reading levels, while math recovery has been stronger in most states. Researchers said states that embraced phonics-focused instruction, including Louisiana, Tennessee, and Maryland, generally saw the strongest reading improvements, though results varied. Experts also pointed to factors such as reduced recreational reading, increased smartphone and social media use, and weaker accountability systems as contributors to the ongoing decline in literacy skills.

INTERNATIONAL

Africa’s education gains stall as out-of-school numbers climb again

More than 100m children and adolescents across Africa are currently out of school, according to new research analyzing 25 years of education trends, with experts warning that progress in school participation is now reversing. The study found that the number of out-of-school children fell from more than 100m in 2000 to around 90m in 2014, before climbing back to 100m by 2025, largely because rapid population growth has outpaced education access. Although the percentage of children out of school has declined over time, participation rates remain particularly weak at secondary-school level. Researchers identified several drivers behind the recent deterioration, including reduced government funding for free education programs, declining international aid, and the long-term effects of COVID-19, which pushed an estimated 10m children permanently out of school. Political instability, conflict, climate pressures, poverty, and child labor were also cited as major barriers, especially in the Sahel region, South Sudan, Chad, northern Nigeria, and Zimbabwe.

Economic inequality continues to shape children’s futures, UN agencies warn

New reports from UNICEF and UNESCO warn that economic inequality is increasingly shaping children’s health, education, and future opportunities, with disadvantages beginning in childhood and extending into adulthood. A UNICEF study covering 44 OECD and high-income countries found that children in more unequal societies experience poorer health and weaker educational outcomes. Children in the most unequal countries are 1.7 times more likely to be overweight, while students from low-income households are far less likely to achieve basic reading and math proficiency than wealthier peers. UNICEF said widening income gaps are contributing to entrenched child poverty and unequal access to nutrition, education, and wellbeing. UNESCO’s separate report on higher education found that global university enrollment has more than doubled since 2000, reaching 269 million students in 2024, but access remains highly uneven. Around 80% of young people attend higher education in Western Europe and North America, compared with just 9% in sub-Saharan Africa. Graduation rates have also lagged behind enrollment growth, while rising costs and limited public funding continue to restrict access for disadvantaged groups. Both agencies called for stronger investment in education, social protection, and inclusive policies to prevent inequality from becoming more deeply entrenched across generations.
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