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Texas
12th June 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Texas teachers score big with TIA

Governor Greg Abbott announced the allocation of over $750m in Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) funds to more than 65,000 Texas teachers across over 800 school systems. This brings the total TIA awards to over $1.8bn since the program's inception. "Texas is blessed with teachers who have educated and inspired students for generations," Abbott said. The TIA aims to retain effective educators and enhance instructional quality, leading to higher salaries. Research from Texas Tech University indicates that TIA implementation has resulted in a 20% increase in teacher retention for top-performing educators. Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath emphasized the importance of rewarding effective teachers, stating, "Teachers are the single most important in-school factor that affects student outcomes." Participation in TIA is expected to grow from 809 school systems to over 1,000 by fall 2026.

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NATIONAL NEWS

Student behavior remains top challenge in U.S. classrooms

A new RAND Corporation survey has found that student misbehavior has surpassed low pay as teachers’ leading source of job-related stress, with a majority of educators ranking classroom management among their top three concerns. While teachers continue to report higher levels of stress, burnout, and depression than comparable working adults, the share planning to leave the profession has declined, with 18% saying they intend to leave at the end of the school year, down from 23% in 2022-23. Nearly one-quarter of teachers, and 30% of those in their first five years, said they plan to remain in the classroom as long as possible. The report also found that teachers work an average of 50 hours per week in school, spend an additional 13 hours on secondary jobs, and continue to absorb classroom costs themselves, spending an average of $665 annually on supplies. Despite receiving pay raises, 61% of teachers earned less in real terms after inflation, highlighting the ongoing financial pressures facing the profession.

DISTRICTS

Austin schools face state takeover threat

The Austin ISD is at risk of state intervention after the Texas Education Agency (TEA) rejected its plan to improve academic performance at Burnet, Dobie, and Webb middle schools, which have consistently received failing ratings. This rejection brings the district closer to a potential takeover, which could lead to the replacement of the elected school board with a state-appointed board of managers. Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath could oversee this transition, similar to the recent takeover of the Houston ISD. Supporters of intervention argue it is necessary for student success, while critics express concerns about the loss of local control and the effectiveness of state management. AISD officials are expected to engage in further discussions with state leaders to explore their options moving forward.

Fort Worth ISD sees test score surge

The Fort Worth ISD has reported an increase in the percentage of high school students meeting grade level across five subjects, according to the latest End-of-Course (EOC) exam results released by the Texas Education Agency. Notable improvements were seen in Algebra I and Biology, with performance jumping by 10 percentage points. English I, English II, and U.S. History also showed gains of 4-5%. This data marks the first assessment of student performance since a state takeover in March, which introduced a new Board of Managers and superintendent to oversee the district. The upcoming release of the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) exam scores for grades 3-8 is anticipated on June 16.

Clear Creek ISD sets bold goals

Clear Creek ISD has outlined strategic goals for the upcoming school year, focusing on enhancing grade-level learning and aligning college, career, and military readiness (CCMR) programs with new state standards. During a workshop on June 8, district officials discussed both successes and challenges. Key goals include implementing research-based instructional strategies and improving performance in sixth-grade math, reading, and language arts. Starting in 2028, Texas schools will only receive CCMR credit for students completing Texas Education Agency-approved college preparatory courses, which may affect programs like Texas College Bridge. The district is also working on its “Vision 2030” roadmap, which aims to elevate curriculum through specialized learning pathways in various fields.+

Calhoun County considers school closures

Calhoun County ISD has proposed a transition plan for the potential closure of Port O'Connor Elementary School and the consolidation of middle school students from Seadrift. A public hearing is set for Monday, with trustees expected to discuss the closure resolution and student transfers during their board meeting. If approved, around 55 students would be reassigned to other campuses, ensuring continuity of services like special education and bilingual programs. The closure would impact 12 employees, and a staff preference survey will guide reassignment decisions.

FINANCE

HISD proposes $2bn budget

The Houston ISD is set to vote on a proposed $2bn budget that includes pay raises for employees despite facing declining enrollment and funding challenges. Superintendent Mike Miles said, "A balanced budget would be huge, especially after overcoming a $520m deficit in the second year of the intervention." The plan suggests a 4% general pay increase for central office staff and a minimum wage rise to $17 per hour. Additionally, over 60% of HISD teachers could earn at least $80K by the 2026-2027 school year, a significant increase from 2023. However, HISD anticipates a loss of about 4,000 students next year, which could lead to an $18m revenue drop due to funding being tied to enrollment. Miles emphasized the budget's focus on "strong instruction, better outcomes for students, and responsible use of taxpayer dollars."

Midland ISD eyes voucher program impact

As the application period for the Texas Education Savings Account (ESA) program concludes, Midland ISD is providing updates on local applications and participating schools. The program, funded by $1bn from the 89th Legislative Session, has seen 1,462 applications from families within the district, with only 344 students, or about 24%, currently enrolled in Midland ISD. Dr. Stephanie D. Howard, superintendent of Midland ISD, said: "As this new program is implemented, we will continue monitoring participation data and evaluating any potential impact on the district." The state has approved 11 schools within Midland ISD boundaries, including childcare centers and a school for special needs students. Midland ISD will keep reviewing enrollment trends as more data becomes available.

Lamar CISD approves $572.2m budget

Lamar CISD's board of trustees unanimously approved a balanced budget of $572.2m for the 2026-27 fiscal year during their June 9 meeting. Chief Financial Officer Greg Buchanan said: "LCISD will go into the new fiscal year with a balanced budget," with both expenditures and revenue matching at $572.2m. The budget includes a 3% pay increase for all district employees, amounting to over $487m in payroll expenses. Additionally, the district anticipates a $106.5m fund balance for the upcoming school year, despite facing a $2.7m shortfall in the child nutrition fund due to rising fuel costs. Superintendent Roosevelt Nivens recommended a tax rate of $1.1451 per $100 valuation to expedite debt repayment while still providing relief to residents. A public hearing will precede the board's vote on the tax rate in August.

Humble ISD budget boosts special education

Humble ISD has approved its FY 2026-27 budget, which includes over 20 new special education positions and a 3% pay increase for staff. Chief Financial Officer Billy Beattie stated: “I'm very proud to be bringing forward to you a balanced recurring operating budget,” with a projected spending of $559.4m and revenue of $560.1m, resulting in a surplus of approximately $660,000. The budget allocates around $755,000 for special education initiatives, including $582,000 for new positions such as teachers and therapists. Additionally, the starting salary for new teachers will rise from $66,000 to $68,000. The district plans to maintain a tax rate of $1.1052 per $100 valuation, with average tax bills expected to increase by about $28.

Montgomery ISD proposes budget boost

Montgomery ISD's draft budget for fiscal year 2026-27 forecasts a balanced general fund, featuring $108.9m in total revenues and expenditures. Chief Financial Officer Ben Davidson highlighted a 3% pay raise for all employees, amounting to $2.25m, stating, "Eighty percent of our budget is salaries—people. And so when you get that knocked out, you're in a really good place." The budget also includes funding for new staff positions, such as additional assistant principals and special education teachers. The preliminary tax rate for FY 2026-27 is set at $1.0738 per $100 valuation, a decrease from the previous year's rate.

Pearland ISD faces $3.2m budget shortfall

Pearland ISD is anticipating a budget shortfall of nearly $3.2m for the fiscal year 2026-27, as revealed during the June 9 board meeting. The district's budget, which must be approved by June 30, includes approximately $235m in expenses and $231m in revenue. Superintendent Larry Berger noted that payroll costs constitute 83% of the budget, with recent increases in expenditures contributing to the shortfall. “It was probably poor planning to wait to place that TIA [expense],” Berger said, referring to the teacher incentive allotment. The district is also projecting a tax rate of $1.135 for the upcoming fiscal year, which could lead to an estimated annual property tax bill of about $2,636.15 for homeowners. Additionally, the district faces a projected decline in enrollment, which may result in an $11m drop in state funding by 2030.

WORKFORCE

UISD compensation plan faces backlash

The United ISD board of trustees postponed a vote on its 2026-27 compensation plan due to significant public opposition. The proposed plan aimed to save between $2.4m and $3.3m by reducing extra-day stipends and contract days, impacting teachers' salaries, which would see reductions of $100 to $636. Beth Ovando, a third-grade teacher, emphasized the need to protect classroom funding, stating, "What is difficult to understand is why the people working closest to students continue to be asked to do more with less." The board is expected to revisit the issue on June 17, with a deadline to notify employees of changes by June 28.

CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION

Houston invests in student apprenticeships

Houston City College has received a historic $17m investment from Bloomberg Philanthropies to support the Gulf Coast TradeUp Careers initiative, aimed at enhancing career and technical education for high school students. The program will provide over 1,350 students with apprenticeship opportunities, connecting them directly to employers. "This historic investment represents more than funding," said Houston City College Trustee Eva Loredo, emphasizing its role in workforce development. Chancellor Margaret Ford Fisher noted the need for trained workers in essential industries, stating: "These careers offer family-sustaining wages." Christina Tobin, executive director of work-based learning, highlighted the initiative's goal to change the narrative around job success, stating: "We want to have greater economic mobility for students in our region." The program is part of a broader $90m effort to invest in apprenticeship and trade programs nationwide.
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