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Texas
25th May 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Cybersecurity remains top priority for K-12 technology leaders

Cybersecurity remains the leading technology concern for U.S. school districts, while adoption of formal artificial intelligence guidelines has accelerated sharply over the past year, according to the Consortium for School Networking’s State of EdTech 2026 report. The survey of more than 600 K-12 technology leaders found that nearly 80% of districts now have AI guidelines in place, up from 57% in 2025, as schools increasingly focus on managing technology safely and effectively amid rising cyber threats and tighter budgets. District leaders said budget constraints, limited resources, staffing shortages, and insufficient professional development remain major barriers to implementing technology-driven learning environments, while procurement processes are becoming more focused on security, interoperability, and instructional value. The report also found that many districts continue to face staffing shortages in cybersecurity and instructional technology support, even as schools adopt more structured processes for vetting digital tools and monitoring risks associated with students’ personal device usage.

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SAFETY AND SECURITY

Remembering Uvalde: A call to action

Four years after the tragic shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, which claimed the lives of 19 children and two teachers, the surviving families continue to advocate for meaningful reforms to combat gun violence. They emphasize the importance of measures such as universal background checks and red flag laws, stating: "We don't view these reforms as infringing on gun rights." While there has been a decline in nonsuicide shooting deaths since 2021, the families believe that the current rate remains unacceptably high. The impact of the Uvalde tragedy will resonate for generations, and the community hopes for a future where first responders can apologize to the victims' families. Every day since the shooting, the victims are remembered, including Nevaeh Alyssa Bravo and Jacklyn "Jackie" Cazares.

FINANCE

Cy-Fair ISD grapples with budget cuts

Cypress-Fairbanks ISD trustees reached a consensus during a May 21 budget workshop that layoffs and school closures should be avoided in light of a $67.4m deficit. Superintendent Doug Killian emphasized the need for a voter-approved tax rate election (VATRE) to address the financial shortfall, remarking: "We need to go for it all because we need to get out of this mess." The district is grappling with declining enrollment, which has led to reduced state funding and increased financial strain. If the VATRE fails, the district may face $80m in cuts for the 2027-28 school year. Board members expressed concerns about the impact of underfunding on staff and student support, with many advocating for better pay for paraprofessionals and teachers. The budget is based on an enrollment of 112,316, reflecting a significant decrease in state funding.

Lamar CISD weighs tax rate options

Officials at Lamar CISD in Texas have increased the district's projected property value growth for the 2026-27 school year from 3% to 4.5%, helping raise estimated total revenue to $572.2m, nearly $10m above April projections. Chief financial officer Greg Buchanan said the district is also considering tax rates of $1.14 and $1.15 for next school year, with a one-cent increase potentially accelerating debt repayments by directing additional revenue toward the district’s interest and sinking fund. Lamar expects its debt service fund balance to rise by $82.9m to $142.3m ahead of more than $100m in debt payments due in August, while officials also forecast a $2.7m deficit in the child nutrition budget because of rising fuel costs. A public hearing and board vote on the proposed budget and staff compensation plan are scheduled for June 9, while a vote on the proposed tax rate will take place in August.

WORKFORCE

Houston ISD changes teacher pay structure

Houston ISD has decided not to distribute state-funded Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) money directly to teachers. Instead, the funds will support a new districtwide teacher compensation system. "In Houston ISD, TIA funds are not paid directly to individual teachers," the district stated. This change means that teachers will not receive performance-linked payments, as HISD aims to tie overall salaries to evaluations. The district's pay-for-performance model could potentially raise salaries for top-rated teachers to over $90,000. HISD plans to use the $27.5m generated from TIA to sustain this new compensation system, which rewards teacher effectiveness and student growth. However, the Texas Education Agency has noted that no districts have yet received the Enhanced TIA status that would allow for additional financial rewards.

Cuts loom as Austin ISD faces deficit

Over 200 staff members at Austin ISD have been informed that their positions may be eliminated or reduced to part-time roles due to a $181m budget deficit. Trustee Candace Hunter expressed concern, saying: "We've still got couch cushions to check," highlighting the need for further cuts. The district aims to save $177m to achieve a $4m deficit next year, with proposed cuts including $85m from central office and $25m from campuses. Teacher effectiveness and student services are expected to suffer as a result. Cristina Coro, an art teacher, shared her dismay, noting: "I feel like I've been strung along all year," reflecting the uncertainty faced by many staff members. The board is set to vote on the budget on June 18.

DISTRICTS

Outrage over religious displays at school

Fox News report that Wylie ISD is facing significant backlash following a February incident where a "Why Islam?" table distributed Qurans and pamphlets at Wylie East High School without prior approval. In response, a Bible handout organized by local radio host Chris Krok took place outside the school, where participants distributed hundreds of Bibles. Krok stated: "My listeners and my podcast followers have been saying: 'Why don't you pass out Bibles?'" The Wylie ISD Superintendent Kim Spicer, Ed.D, acknowledged the violation of board policy regarding the earlier display, emphasizing that "Wylie ISD does not allow the distribution of any religious materials to students." The principal, Tiffany Doolan, admitted mistakes were made during the incident. The situation escalated with student protests advocating for inclusivity, highlighting the ongoing tensions surrounding religious expression in schools.

Desegregation's impact on Houston ISD today

Lupe Mendez, the 2022 Texas Poet Laureate and a teacher in Houston ISD, has authored a new book titled "We Exist in the Whisper: Huelga School Verses," which explores the history of desegregation and the huelga school movement. Mendez's research, which includes interviews and historical records, reveals how HISD became the largest segregated school district in the U.S. He noted: “We need to study history in every single format so that (we) can understand the things that are happening today.” The book highlights the struggles of Mexican American students during the 1970s, who protested against being classified as white and bused to Black schools. Mendez emphasizes the ongoing relevance of this history, stating that many current issues in HISD are rooted in its past desegregation efforts. He encourages continued exploration of this history to foster understanding and change.

Celebrate the class of 2026!

Students, families, educators, and community partners gathered at Harmony Public Schools-Laredo's College Pep Rally to honor the Class of 2026. The event recognized seniors committing to colleges, careers, and military service, with many choosing institutions like Texas A&M International University and Boston College. Devin, a senior, expressed excitement, saying: “I was really excited about this event, and I feel like everyone enjoyed it.” The celebration also honored Teachers of the Year and Parents of the Year, highlighting the community's support.

HIGHER EDUCATION

MSI funding redirected

The U.S. Department of Education has announced that funding previously allocated to minority-serving institutions will instead be redirected to the Strengthening Institutions Program, a federal grant initiative supporting low-resourced colleges serving large numbers of low-income students. The expanded fiscal year 2026 program will focus on workforce readiness, responsible use of artificial intelligence, and short-term educational programs. The move marks the second time the Trump administration has reallocated discretionary MSI funding, after previously redirecting funds to historically Black colleges and tribal colleges. The Education Department described minority-serving institution programs as “unlawful” and “unconstitutional,” citing objections to race-based enrollment criteria, while supporters of MSIs said they had anticipated the funding shift following earlier federal guidance that excluded several MSI categories from eligibility materials.

INTERNATIONAL

Mexico City phone rules approved

Mexico City lawmakers have unanimously approved reforms to the capital’s Education Law that will introduce stricter regulations on cell phone use in primary and secondary schools, while still allowing devices for authorized educational activities. The legislation requires authorities to develop guidelines and oversight mechanisms aimed at reducing classroom distractions and addressing concerns around student mental health, cyberbullying, and online exploitation, while promoting what lawmakers described as “responsible digital learning.” Officials said the reform does not amount to a total ban on phones in schools, arguing that balancing technology and student well-being is more effective than outright prohibition. The rules will apply to both public and private schools once enacted by Mayor Clara Brugada and published in the city’s Official Gazette.
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