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School districts across the U.S. are placing greater emphasis on collecting and updating emergency contact information as heightened immigration enforcement raises concerns that parents or guardians could be detained, leaving students without caregivers. Following the Trump administration's 2025 decision to rescind longstanding protections limiting immigration enforcement at schools, some districts have introduced temporary guardianship forms, expanded outreach to families, and trained staff to assist with legal documentation to ensure students can remain with trusted caregivers if an emergency occurs. Educators and advocacy groups say proactive family planning has become an essential part of student support, helping schools provide counseling, connect families with legal resources, and avoid situations in which children enter foster care because no alternative caregiver has been identified. Meanwhile, yhe Houston community is rallying to support Alim Garipov, an 18-year-old student from Bellaire High School, who was detained by ICE at Hobby Airport. ICE claims Garipov overstayed his visa, while his supporters assert he has a pending asylum case from Russia. U.S. Representative Lizzie Fletcher is working with Garipov's family and federal agencies to assist him. ICE maintains that a pending application does not grant legal status, emphasizing that individuals who enter the U.S. illegally are subject to detention or deportation. 

 

Chron.com

Education Week News

Laredo Morning Times

A federal judge has ruled in favor of a coalition of Democratic-led states, finding that the Trump administration unlawfully used an Office of Management and Budget termination clause to cancel billions of dollars in federal grants that had already been approved by Congress. U.S. District Judge Indira ​Talwani held that the administration overstepped its authority by retroactively withdrawing funding, ruling that while the executive branch may set priorities for future grants, it cannot rescind awards that have already been authorized by Congress. The lawsuit challenged grant cancellations affecting a range of public services, including disaster preparedness, medical research, clean water projects, unemployment system upgrades, and hate crime prevention programs. The ruling grants the states a final victory in the case, reaffirming Congress' constitutional authority over federal spending, while the Justice Department has not yet commented on the decision.

 

Bloomberg

Reuters

The U.S. Department of Education has launched a new initiative to combat teacher sexual misconduct, issuing guidance that directs school districts to respond promptly to allegations, thoroughly investigate complaints, and prevent educators accused of misconduct from being reassigned or moving to other schools without appropriate disciplinary action. The department has also opened investigations into 20 school districts across 15 states over concerns they may not have adequately addressed allegations of sexual abuse and harassment involving school employees. The guidance reminds districts of their obligations under Title IX and the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, warns that federal funding could be withheld for noncompliance, and encourages schools to strengthen reporting, data collection, and hiring practices. The initiative follows reports highlighting cases in which educators accused of sexual misconduct retained teaching licenses or continued working in schools, while education leaders urged districts to review their policies to ensure student safety and compliance with federal law.

 

Education Week News

The U.S. Department of Labor is working with the Department of Education and the National Science Foundation to develop an artificial intelligence curriculum for American students, drawing on China's approach to AI education as part of a broader effort to strengthen U.S. competitiveness and workforce readiness. Acting Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling told lawmakers the administration wants students to develop baseline AI skills from an early age, while a planned AI workforce hub will work with technology companies to ensure education keeps pace with rapidly evolving industry needs. Sonderling also said the Bureau of Labor Statistics will play a larger role in measuring AI's impact on employment, including exploring new data collection on AI use in the workplace. Lawmakers supporting the initiative argued that expanding AI education is essential to reducing concerns about job displacement, preparing students for future careers, and ensuring the U.S. remains competitive in emerging technologies.

 

FedScoop

A growing majority of high school students are using generative AI for schoolwork, but many school districts have yet to establish formal policies governing its use, according to an analysis by Brett DeJager, assistant professor of psychology and education at University of Wisconsin-Stout Polytechnic. Citing College Board data showing that 84% of high school students used AI for schoolwork in 2025, the article argues that the greater challenge is not simply preventing cheating, but determining whether students have genuinely mastered the material when AI can produce polished assignments. Survey results from more than 400 educators and school professionals found widespread concerns about academic dishonesty, student reliance on AI, declining critical thinking, and the difficulty of assessing learning, while only about 30% of respondents said their districts had formal AI policies.

 

Fortune

K–12 school districts can improve their cybersecurity resilience by adopting a comprehensive strategy that extends beyond preventing attacks to anticipating threats, managing risk, minimizing disruption, and restoring operations quickly after an incident. Core priorities include: foundational security tools such as next-generation firewalls and identity protection, robust backup and recovery capabilities, stronger safeguards for internet-connected devices, ongoing cybersecurity training for staff, and regular risk assessments to identify vulnerabilities and guide investment decisions. The article also highlights the importance of modernizing school data centers to support secure, reliable digital learning environments. Recommended upgrades include faster connectivity, scalable storage and computing capacity, improved security and compliance, enhanced support for cloud-based learning, more effective device management, and infrastructure capable of supporting emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence.

 

EdTech Magazine

As the 2026-27 school year approaches, Fort Worth ISD is undergoing significant leadership changes, appointing new principals at numerous campuses following the Texas Education Agency's takeover. The district has filled 48 principal positions this summer, with 23 through internal promotions and 25 from external hires. However, three positions remain vacant. Superintendent Peter Licata emphasized the need for new leadership to drive academic progress, noting: "We're trying to convince some of the principals that are really, really good that want to leave, to please stay." Despite the turnover, some community members express concern that such frequent changes may hinder stability and improvement efforts. The Learning Policy Institute noted that schools with high principal turnover often face challenges, including lower student test scores and increased teacher turnover. Licata's team is focused on strategic realignments to enhance student outcomes, with 62% of schools retaining their principals from the previous year.

 

Star-Telegram

Royal ISD has appointed new principals for three campuses. Marangelly Harris will lead Royal High School, bringing nearly 20 years of experience and a successful track record of improving school ratings. "I specialize in building meaningful relationships with diverse students," Harris said. Daniel Martinez will take over at Royal Prairie Elementary, with a background in restorative discipline practices and leadership training from Harvard. Felecia Carrington has been named principal of Royal Junior High, boasting 27 years in education and multiple degrees, including a doctorate in educational leadership.

 

Katy Times

The Calhoun County ISD Board of Trustees is set to vote on a controversial resolution to close Port O'Connor Elementary School and restructure grade levels at Seadrift School. This decision follows a previous postponement after significant public opposition. The proposals aim to address declining enrollment and budget deficits, with Superintendent Evan Cardwell noting that the district has lost over 1,000 students in the past decade, leading to a $6m reduction in state funding. Parents, including Brandy Boriskie, expressed concerns about the lack of justification for the closure, stating: “I feel like a school closure should be the last of the list, not the initial thing.” If approved, the transition plan will reassign 55 students and 12 employees, with notifications sent before the 2026-27 school year.

 

Victoria Advocate

Lake Worth ISD has made significant strides in its STAAR exam results, with a growth of over 9% in math and nearly 3% in reading from 2025 to 2026, according to data from the Texas Education Agency (TEA). Despite these improvements, Lake Worth still falls short of state averages, with only 22% of students meeting grade level in math and 27% in reading. New superintendent Ena Meyers, appointed after the TEA took over the district, aims to build on the progress initiated by former superintendent Dr. Mark Ramirez.

 

Star-Telegram

The Permian Strategic Partnership (PSP) has announced a $5.1m investment aimed at enhancing teacher certification in West Texas, effective August under House Bill 2. This funding will support the Falcon Fast Track program, an online alternative certification initiative by the University of Texas Permian Basin, providing scholarships and academic assistance to up to 400 participants across 18 counties. Tracee Bentley, president and CEO of PSP, emphasized: "Strong schools build strong communities," highlighting the importance of investing in local educators. The initiative also includes the Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program, allowing aspiring teachers to earn their degrees while working. Currently, nearly 950 teachers in the Permian Basin lack certification, with rural districts facing significant challenges. Sandra Woodley, president of UTPB, commented: "We are grateful to the Permian Strategic Partnership for investing in solutions that will strengthen schools." Enrollment for these programs is expected to begin later this year.

 

My West Texas

Odessa American

This summer, thousands of underserved children in New York City are enjoying free summer camp experiences, a necessity for many families facing financial strain. A national study revealed that nearly 25m parents desire structured summer activities for their kids, yet over half cannot afford them. The average cost of summer camp exceeds $1,700 per month per child, making it unattainable for low- and middle-income families. Lisa Gitelson, chief executive of The Fresh Air Fund, emphasized that every child deserves the opportunity to develop resilience and confidence through summer experiences. "Every dollar invested in quality summer opportunities pays dividends long after school starts again," she said. With nearly 90% of parents supporting public funding for summer programs, there is a call for city and state governments to expand investments in affordable options, ensuring that all children can benefit from summer camp, regardless of their family's financial situation.

 

Star-Telegram

Japan's education and transportation ministries have introduced new safety measures for school club road trips following a fatal bus crash in May that killed one high school student and injured 17 others. Investigators found the trip had been arranged using an unlicensed rental minibus without a formal contract or school staff on board, prompting concerns over unsafe transportation practices used by schools across the country. The new guidance calls for public transportation or licensed charter buses to be used wherever possible, while requiring schools to verify drivers' qualifications, use proper contracts, and strengthen crisis management procedures when rental vehicles are necessary. Local governments have also revised safety policies, increased oversight, and allocated additional funding to help schools meet the higher costs of safer transportation, although educators warn affordability remains a significant challenge, particularly in rural areas.

 

The Japan News