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Texas
2nd June 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Funding woes plague Texas schools

Public school leaders in Texas are set to discuss ongoing financial challenges despite a significant influx of nearly $8.5bn in funding last year. Many districts, like El Paso, are grappling with severe budget shortfalls, with El Paso facing a $53m deficit. The Texas House Public Education Committee will examine the impact of House Bill 2, which aimed to enhance teacher pay and special education funding. However, declining enrollment and inconsistent legislative funding have exacerbated the crisis. "Public schools receive funding based on attendance," which means fewer students lead to reduced funding. The new voucher program, launching next school year, could further strain resources as it may lead to additional student departures from public schools.

TITLE IX

Title IX & State-by-State Sexual Harassment Compliance Requirements

Preparing for the upcoming school year? Vector Solutions’ state-by-state guide helps districts better understand Title IX, sexual abuse, and sexual harassment training requirements. Use it to review reporting and prevention mandates, align role-specific training, and simplify compliance tracking before the school year begins.

Download Guide

 

GOVERNANCE

Gains and losses of Houston ISD's state takeover

Since the Texas Education Agency's takeover of Houston ISD three years ago, significant changes have occurred. Superintendent Mike Miles implemented the New Education System (NES), which has improved academic performance at many schools, including Wheatley High School, which rose from a “D” to a “B” rating. However, these gains come with challenges, including a loss of over 15,000 students and thousands of teachers, leading to budget cuts and school closures. Bob Sanborn, president and CEO of Children at Risk, acknowledged the improvements but noted: “The changes have been difficult.” As HISD aims to exit state intervention, it faces the dual challenge of maintaining academic progress while addressing declining enrollment and staff turnover. “The progress is real, but the work is far from finished,” said Courtney Isaak Pichon, CEO of Good Reason Houston.

Protester disrupts Fort Worth School Board

The Fort Worth ISD's board meeting was disrupted by a protester shouting: “We need to stop Sharia law in Texas!” The incident occurred shortly after the reassignment of Shayma Alzubi, the principal of Western Hills High School, due to backlash over her past social media posts regarding Sharia law and the Black Lives Matter movement. The meeting was already contentious, with supporters of Alzubi clashing with the board over speech rules. Pete Geren, president of the school board, emphasized that public comments must relate to agenda items, stating: “If people raise personnel matters, I'm going to ask that the mic be silenced.” The meeting saw heated exchanges between supporters and opponents of Alzubi's reassignment.

FINANCE

Grapevine-Colleyville ISD budget surplus forecast

Grapevine-Colleyville ISD officials presented a preliminary budget projection for the 2026-27 fiscal year, indicating a potential surplus of $91,112. Chief Financial Officer Carla Settle reported that net revenues could reach nearly $147.37m, with expenditures at $147.28m. The budget includes proposed staff raises based on three models presented by TASB HR and Compensation Consultant Nicolle Gee-Guzman. Model 1 suggests 1% raises for teachers and 2% for clerical staff, costing $1.8m. Board President Dalia Begin emphasized the need for improved compensation, stating: “We have some work to do, and we want to do the best that we [can] to take care of our staff members financially.” The board is set to adopt the budget at the June 15 meeting.

WORKFORCE

Comal ISD approves 3% salary boost

The Comal ISD board of trustees has approved a 3% midpoint salary increase for all district employees for the 2026-27 school year during a meeting on May 28. This increase will be calculated using the midpoint method, which reflects approximately 15 years of experience. Each employee will receive the same dollar increase, regardless of their position on the pay scale. The Texas Association of School Boards recommended this approach in a 2024 compensation review to ensure a fair distribution of resources. CISD Board President Courtney Biasatti said: “This salary increase is one meaningful way we can express our gratitude. Each of our employees are critical to our success, and we do not take that for granted.”

DISTRICTS

Edwards Academy earns national recognition

Temple ISD's Fred Edwards Academy has been honored with the Imagine Edgenuity School of Excellence Award for the 2025-2026 academic year. This recognition, part of the annual Imagine Nation Awards, celebrates schools nationwide for their outstanding use of Imagine Learning programs and commitment to student growth. Edwards Academy, which serves as a non-traditional accredited high school, graduated 198 students in the 2025-2026 school year and is rated A by the Texas Education Agency. TISD Superintendent Bobby Ott praised the school's comprehensive excellence in various operational facets, stating: “This used to be the best kept secret in Temple ISD, but it is no longer a secret – it is a public point of pride.” More than 42,000 schools were eligible for this year's awards, with only 293 recognized.

Goose Creek teachers celebrate TIA success

Teachers from Goose Creek Memorial High School recently celebrated their recognition through the Texas Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) program. Goose Creek CISD is proud to announce that 275 designated teachers across the district received a total of $2,747,655 in performance-based compensation. Established in 2019 by House Bill 3 from the 86th Texas Legislature, the TIA program aims to provide a pathway for teachers, especially those in high-needs and rural areas, to achieve six-figure salaries while assisting districts in recruitment and retention efforts.

New academic chief takes the helm

Mendy Sharp has been appointed as the new academic chief and operations officer of Red Lick ISD, following the resignation of longtime superintendent Brandon Dennard. Sharp, who previously served as the director of Business and Community Education at Texarkana College, is recognized as a "fantastic leader" by the district's Facebook page. Dennard, who is moving to the Pittsburg ISD, expressed gratitude for the Red Lick community, stating it was a blessing to his family during challenging times. The RLISD board will continue its search for a new superintendent after the 2026-27 school year begins.

CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION

Lufkin ISD moves forward with stadium

Lufkin ISD trustees have selected the construction manager-at-risk method for the new stadium project, moving forward with the planning of the 2026 bond package. This method allows for early input on costs and scheduling, providing greater flexibility during construction. The board also authorized seeking qualifications from firms for program management services to ensure the project stays on track. Additionally, the board decided to split architectural services between Goodwin-Lasiter-Strong and McKinley-Golden Associates for various projects, ensuring local involvement while maintaining quality.  

SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION

Hazardous routes updated for students

McKinney ISD has designated 13 areas as hazardous routes for the 2026-27 school year, allowing the district to secure funding for bus services. Superintendent Shawn Pratt instructed the business office to review these routes in light of new school zones. A hazardous route is defined as “where no walkway is provided and students must walk along or cross a freeway or expressway, an underpass, an overpass or a bridge, an uncontrolled major traffic artery, an industrial or commercial area, or another comparable condition,” according to district documents.

NUTRITION

HISD schools drop free lunch program

In the 2026-27 school year, over 30 Houston ISD schools will not participate in the federal Community Eligibility Provision program, which provides universal free lunch to students. This change follows significant cuts to federal food assistance, leading to a decline in participation among Texans. "Families who do not qualify will be required to pay for lunch meals," HISD stated. Students at these campuses must apply for free or reduced-price meals, with eligibility based on household income. The decision affects more than 35,000 students, with schools like Bellaire and Heights high schools among those opting out. The federal program requires that at least 25% of students be eligible for assistance, but recent changes have made it harder for schools to qualify.

SOCIAL & COMMUNITY

Cultivating culture through crops

At Cunningham Elementary School in Austin, the Central Texas Cherokee Township and Partners for Education, Agriculture and Sustainability (PEAS) are fostering a unique educational experience through sustainable agriculture. For 15 years, PEAS has collaborated with local schools, and recently, they began planting Native crops like corn and beans with the Cherokee community. Doug Martin, a member of the Cherokee Township, said: “People from places where their grandpas, their grandmas grew corn, they are connected to it.” This initiative allows students and families to engage with their cultural heritage while learning about agriculture. The program emphasizes the importance of community and sustainability, with students participating in planting, tending, and harvesting crops, creating a multigenerational learning experience.
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