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Texas
25th June 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Recess cuts raise learning concerns

Education and child development experts are warning that the continued reduction of recess time in U.S. schools may be undermining student learning, social development, and mental well-being, despite more than a century of research supporting its benefits. The concerns come as the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) issued updated guidance recommending that students receive at least 20 minutes of recess daily, emphasizing that recess should be treated as an essential part of education rather than an optional activity. The organization called on schools to protect recess time and ensure all students have access to a safe, high-quality break during the school day. Recent survey data suggest many students fall short of that standard. According to an EdWeek Research Center survey, 34% of teachers reported that their students never have recess, while only 40% said students receive recess once per day. Among those who do have recess, most reported breaks lasting 15 to 20 minutes. 

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DISTRICTS

Parents rally against Bible-focused curriculum

In Houston, Texas, parents of Houston ISD students are preparing to voice their concerns at a board meeting regarding the proposed adoption of the Bluebonnet Learning curriculum, which has been criticized for being excessively "Bible-focused." Jackie Anderson, President of the Houston Federation of Teachers, stated: "We have people of all different faiths and walks of life, and everyone should be respected." The curriculum has faced scrutiny due to numerous errors and public pushback since its development in 2024. Although adoption is optional, districts using it may receive financial incentives. Parents are urging the district to consider their opinions seriously, as about 25% of Texas school districts reportedly used some form of the curriculum last year.

FINANCE

Fort Worth ISD approves budget deficit

The Fort Worth ISD board approved a $904m budget with a $49.8m deficit, which includes 5% pay raises for teachers and 2% for non-teachers, excluding central staff. Superintendent Peter Licata stated: “That [pay raise] is positioning Fort Worth among the most competitive districts,” emphasizing the importance of teachers in the classroom. The district is currently under the Texas Education Agency's oversight due to declining enrollment and stagnant test scores, with only 40% of students reading at grade level. Board President Pete Geren described the budget as a “kids first budget,” indicating a shift in focus towards classroom funding. The board also approved a separation agreement for former Superintendent Karen Molinar, which includes a year’s salary and benefits. The district must adopt a tax rate by September 30.

El Paso ISD faces budget crisis

An audit revealed that the El Paso ISD is facing a significant budget shortfall of $52.8m due to a lack of oversight and unheeded warnings about financial issues. Chief Internal Auditor Mayra G. Martinez presented the findings to the EPISD Board of Trustees, highlighting that "the budget is like guardrails for what the district can spend." The report indicated that expenditures exceeded revenue, with a decline in enrollment from 50,769 in 2022 to 46,244 in 2026. The audit also pointed out that management was aware of financial risks but failed to address them, leading to severe austerity measures.  

Vouchers threaten NEISD budget

North East ISD could face a financial loss of up to $8m if nearly 2,000 students awarded private school vouchers opt to leave the district this fall. The school board recently approved a budget of nearly $564m for the upcoming academic year, anticipating a shortfall of over $17m by the end of the 2025-26 school year. NEISD CFO Susan Lackorn noted that the district is uncertain about the current schools attended by these students. Superintendent Anthony Jarrett expressed concerns about the impact of vouchers, stating: "When you bring a new variable like vouchers in, and we're talking about over 1,700 kiddos, that is a lot of dollars that the district won't receive if all of them go somewhere." The district's enrollment may drop to as low as 51,000 students, prompting trustees to consider opening boundaries to non-NEISD residents to boost numbers.

Plano ISD faces budget shortfall

Plano ISD has adopted a budget of $691.6m for the fiscal year 2026-27, which includes a $44.8m shortfall. The district anticipates $634.6m in revenue from various sources, with $12.2m coming from operating transfers. Chief Financial Officer Courtney Reeves said: “Plano ISD's budget challenges are not a result of fiscal mismanagement,” attributing them to a funding system that has not kept pace with inflation and rising costs. The district has been managing budget shortfalls for years by optimizing facilities and reducing discretionary spending. Six state-mandated programs, including special education and student transportation, are projected to cost $141.3m, with only $66.9m funded by the state. Looking ahead, the district proposes a tax rate of $1.03275 per $100 valuation for FY 2027-28 to address these financial challenges.

Montgomery ISD adopts balanced budget

The Montgomery ISD board of trustees has approved a balanced budget of $108.9m for the fiscal year 2026-27. Chief Financial Officer Ben Davidson highlighted key aspects, including a $2,100 pay increase for teachers and a 3% minimum raise for other employees, along with $221,000 in stipends.

WORKFORCE

UT Tyler partners for teacher training

The University of Texas at Tyler has teamed up with Mineola ISD to provide discounted tuition for district employees pursuing advanced degrees. UT Tyler President Julie V. Philley, MD, emphasized the partnership's goal: “This partnership with Mineola ISD reflects our shared commitment to supporting teachers, expanding access to educational opportunities and ensuring that students throughout East Texas have access to highly qualified educators for years to come.” The collaboration aims to create a pipeline of educators, with programs like an accelerated master’s degree in educational leadership available online for working professionals.  

Taft ISD launches mentorship program

Administrators at Taft ISD have initiated the PREP Mentorship Program, in collaboration with ESC-Region 2, to enhance support for new teachers ahead of the 2026-2027 school year. The program aims to improve educator retention and student achievement. “District and campus leaders have successfully participated in the first design session, where teams began building systems and structures to support effective teacher mentoring programs,” the district said. This initiative is part of the Texas Mentorship Training, which empowers districts to strengthen support for new educators and promote student success.

GOVERNANCE

New principals take charge in Waco

The Waco ISD is set to introduce new leadership as seven of its 17 schools will have new principals for the upcoming school year. This change aims to bring fresh perspectives and approaches to the educational environment. As the district prepares for the transition, the community looks forward to the impact these new leaders will have on students and staff alike.

New principal takes the helm at Ross

Amanda Anderson has been appointed as the new principal of Ross Elementary, succeeding Raquel Rodriguez, who has moved to Adela and Gilbert Vasquez Middle School. This marks Anderson's first head principal role, having previously served as a principal intern at Ross and acting principal at Odessa Collegiate Academy.

New athletic director takes the helm

Lake Worth ISD has appointed Armando Gutierrez as the new athletic director and head football coach for Lake Worth High School, effective July 1. Gutierrez previously coached at Brownsville Lopez from 2018 to 2022, where he led the team to six wins. 

Hays CISD superintendent announces retirement

Eric Wright, the superintendent of Hays CISD, announced his retirement effective February 2027 after nearly nine years in the role. 

Leander ISD welcomes new area superintendent

Leander ISD has appointed Terri Osborne, previously an administrator at Killeen ISD, as the new area superintendent.

EXAMS

Eanes ISD shines in STAAR scores

New data from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) reveals that Eanes ISD students outperformed the state in the 2026 STAAR scores, although some internal declines were noted. The TEA released scores for high school end-of-course exams and third through eighth grade tests in June. Eanes ISD's "approaches grade level" scores surpassed state averages in all subjects for both 2025 and 2026, with biology achieving a remarkable 99% passage rate compared to the state's 93%. However, the district experienced declines in specific areas, particularly in seventh grade math, which dropped seven percentage points from the previous year.  

Hays CISD STAAR scores reveal mixed results

Hays CISD's recent STAAR results indicate a blend of improvements, declines, and stability compared to the previous year. Overall, HCISD's performance aligns closely with state averages, surpassing them in most subjects except for fifth, sixth, and seventh grade math. Notably, sixth grade reading experienced a 4 percentage point decline, yet HCISD still outperformed the state by 1 percentage point. For the 2024-25 academic year, HCISD received a “B” rating, maintaining this score since 2022-23.

Grapevine-Colleyville students ace STAAR

Results from the 2026 STAAR indicate that students from Grapevine-Colleyville ISD and Carroll ISD outperformed their peers statewide. While statewide scores improved, GCISD and CISD students excelled in all subjects tested, including Algebra I, Biology, English I, English II, and U.S. History. In GCISD, English I and English II had the lowest passing rates at 89%, while CISD's lowest was 94% in Algebra I.

CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION

Stuart Career Tech earns top honor

Stuart Career Technical High School has been awarded the College and Career Readiness School Models (CCRSM) Designated with Distinction status for the 2025-2026 school year. This prestigious recognition, granted by the Texas Education Agency, is given to Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH) campuses that excel in preparing students for future success. Principal Shonna Prentice and Academic Dean Lisa Vavricka proudly showcased the award, highlighting the school's commitment to rigorous career and technical education alongside core academics. Students can explore various pathways, including Agricultural Sciences and Information Technology, while earning college credits and industry-recognized credentials. "This recognition reflects our dedication to student success," said Prentice.
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