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Texas
3rd July 2026
 

THE HOT STORY

Vaccine rates on the rise

The Texas Tribune has launched a searchable database detailing the latest vaccination rates for school districts and private schools, revealing significant changes over the past year. Notably, the number of students exempt from required immunizations for conscientious or religious reasons has increased statewide. Kindergarten vaccination rates across the state and nation have dropped in recent years compared to before the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting a concerning trend as exemption rates rise. Each school year, Texas public school districts and private schools report vaccination rates for required immunizations, which the state compiles into spreadsheets. The Texas Tribune has made this data easily accessible, allowing users to explore coverage rates for the 2025-26 school year and compare them to previous years. Vaccination rates can vary significantly between specific campuses and their respective districts, especially in areas with multiple elementary schools.

NATIONAL NEWS

Federal panel recommends stronger religious expression protections in public schools

A federal religious liberty commission established by President Donald Trump has released draft recommendations urging federal agencies to expand protections for religious expression in K-12 schools, including supporting Ten Commandments displays, creating guidance on parents' rights to opt children out of lessons that conflict with their religious beliefs, and promoting students' and school employees' rights to express their faith on campus. The report also recommends "Know Your Rights" materials for schools, a Justice Department hotline to investigate alleged religious liberty violations, expanded school choice, support for school chaplain programs, and extending the Equal Access Act to elementary schools. The commission argues that many schools incorrectly limit religious expression and that federal policy should place greater emphasis on protecting religious freedom in public education. Critics, including church-state separation advocates, say the proposals advance a Christian nationalist agenda, undermine the separation of church and state, and could disadvantage students from minority faiths or those who identify as LGBTQ+. The recommendations are not binding but could influence future federal education and Justice Department policies.

STATE NEWS

Texas schools embrace Bible reading

Brandon Hall, a member of the Texas State Board of Education, announced a significant change in the state's social studies curriculum, which now mandates the inclusion of the Bible for all public school students. Hall described this decision as a "historic moment," emphasizing that Texas is the first state to require the Bible to be read in its entirety in classrooms. He attributed this achievement to divine intervention, stating: "Glory to God" for the progress made. Hall expressed concerns about the consequences of removing the Bible from education, linking it to moral issues and low literacy rates. The new curriculum will be implemented in the 2030-31 school year, aiming to instill Texas values in students. Hall asserted: "This is something we have to protect and keep with everything that we have."

DISTRICTS

Denton schools receive Ten Commandments posters

Recently, a nonprofit organization, Texas Values, donated 1,200 posters of the Ten Commandments to Denton ISD. Jonathan Covey, the director of policy for Texas Values, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating: “Today, this is about more than just posters... It is about preserving and teaching an important part of our history.” This donation aligns with Senate Bill 10, passed by the Texas Legislature in 2025, which mandates that public schools display the Ten Commandments if donated. Covey described the recent ruling by the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals as a victory, affirming that “the Constitution does not require government to erase religious influence from the classroom.” The law has faced legal challenges, but Covey insists that schools can and should comply. Additionally, Steve Smith from Bible in the Classroom urged Denton ISD to offer Bible study classes, highlighting the educational value of religious literature.

Dallas ISD moves to boost student achievement

Dallas ISD will begin the school year two weeks early at 20 campuses, adding 15 instructional days and five Saturday sessions for students at 13 elementary schools and sixth graders at seven middle schools as part of Texas' state-funded Additional Days School Year program. The district aims to reduce summer learning loss through additional reading and math instruction, alongside enrichment activities designed to strengthen student engagement and relationships. The initiative targets campuses based on academic performance and student need, while building on a state program expanded in 2025 to include middle school grades. Although research on summer learning loss remains mixed, educators say structured summer instruction can improve academic outcomes when implemented consistently, with other Texas districts reporting encouraging gains at some participating schools after adopting similar extended calendars.

CHARTERS

Texas approves controversial new charter

Texas leaders recently approved a new charter school, Texas School for Dropout Prevention, Inc., despite concerns from educators and advocates regarding its ties to private equity and potential financial implications. Critics argue that the charter could divert funds from existing programs, as public school enrollment declines. Patti Everett, an independent education policy researcher, expressed that the approval represents a “paradigm shift” for charters in Texas, raising “many red flags” about conflicts of interest. The charter plans to partner with Second Mile Education, a for-profit company backed by Satori Capital, to operate the school. Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath endorsed the charter, emphasizing the rigorous vetting process. The school aims to support students who have dropped out, with plans to open in the 2027-28 school year and enroll around 200 students initially.

LEGAL

Judge denies teacher's contract pause

In a recent ruling, a Harris County judge denied Chidiebere Ochi-Okorie's request for a temporary injunction against Houston ISD's contract nonrenewals. The judge determined that Ochi-Okorie, a math teacher at Chavez High School, had not completed the necessary appeal process and failed to demonstrate "imminent and irreparable" harm. The district has been nonrenewing contracts for hundreds of teachers under state-appointed leadership since 2023. Ochi-Okorie's attorney, Omer Waqas Khwaja, argued that the nonrenewals could be retaliatory, especially following Ochi-Okorie's complaint to the state regarding cheating on a district testing platform. "I don't think we're premature, but the judge has made the decision that she has," Khwaja said after the ruling. Ochi-Okorie is appealing the nonrenewal, with a hearing scheduled for August.

Trustee sues over board sanctions

Matthew Short, a trustee for Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD, is suing board president Letticia Sever and the school system over sanctions that prevent him from visiting campuses and accessing district funds. Filed in Guadalupe County court, the lawsuit seeks to reverse sanctions imposed in February, which Short claims hinder his ability to fulfill his duties. The sanctions followed allegations of misconduct while he was employed at Judson ISD, where he was placed on leave and later resigned.

GOVERNANCE

Northside ISD bids farewell to craft

Northside ISD is set to say goodbye to retiring Superintendent John Craft, who announced his departure effective August 1. The district's board has approved his voluntary retirement and is now seeking internal candidates for an interim superintendent. The board plans to hire a search firm for a permanent replacement, aiming to select a new leader by January or February. Northside ISD, Texas's fourth-largest school district, is also facing financial challenges, including a $31m operating budget deficit and declining enrollment, with about 95,500 students expected this fall.

Chapel Hill ISD welcomes new leaders

Chapel Hill ISD has appointed two new leaders for the 2026-2027 school year: Monica Simmons as executive director of human resources and student services, and Dr. Jennifer Bailey as executive director of curriculum.

WORKFORCE

Baylor and gainesville isd team up

Baylor University’s Moody School of Education has initiated a partnership with Gainesville ISD to enhance access to quality graduate education for district educators. La Creasha Stille, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, expressed excitement about the collaboration, stating, "Investing in our staff's professional growth directly enriches our classrooms." The partnership offers Gainesville ISD employees streamlined access to various distance education programs, including scholarships and waived application fees for select online courses. This initiative aims to support educators in their professional development while positively impacting students and schools.

CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION

Plainview ISD secures grant for students

Plainview ISD trustees approved a $15,178.49 workforce commission grant on June 18 to enhance career and technical education in mechanics and welding. CTE director of teaching and learning Daniel Fitzgerald explained that the grant, submitted in the fall and approved on June 4, will fund equipment and materials for state-approved industry-based certifications. Specifically, $2,120 will support the mechanics program, while $13,057.78 will be allocated for an ironworker machine in the welding program.  

INTERNATIONAL

Pearson delays England SATs results after technical issues

Pearson has apologized for delaying the release of England's SATs results by more than a week, pushing the publication date from July 7 to July 16 because of technical issues. The National Association of Head Teachers called the delay in the release of the test results for 10-11 year olds as "completely unacceptable," while Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson described it as "deeply frustrating." NAHT General Secretary Paul Whiteman criticized the last-minute announcement, noting that schools had previously been reassured the results would be delivered on time and emphasizing the high standards expected of Pearson. He also raised concerns about the accuracy of marking following the technical problems and called for a full investigation to ensure similar issues do not happen again, while Pearson said it is working to resolve the problems and deliver accurate results.
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