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Texas
23rd July 2026
 

THE HOT STORY

Field trips endangered by budget cuts

Field trips are increasingly at risk due to budget cuts and a shortage of school bus drivers. According to BusesForSale.com, rising transportation costs and limited funding have led many school districts to eliminate these valuable experiences. A 2015 survey by the School Superintendents Association revealed that 10% of districts cut field trips that year, with many more doing so during economic downturns. The Economic Policy Institute reported a 12% shortage of school bus drivers compared to 2019, with median wages significantly lower than the national average. Jay Greene's 2011 study found that students who participated in field trips showed improved critical thinking and empathy, particularly among those from low-income backgrounds. However, schools are increasingly opting for less enriching trips, such as amusement parks, instead of cultural experiences. "Schools are increasingly choosing to take students on trips to reward them," Greene noted, highlighting the disparity in access to educational opportunities.

NATIONAL NEWS

Limited access to advanced math linked to STEM workforce gaps

A new report from Just Equations argues that systemic barriers continue to limit Black students’ access to high-quality mathematics, with Black students representing 15% of U.S. public school enrollment but only 6% of those taking AP math courses during the 2021-22 school year. The report says unequal access to Algebra I in middle school, Algebra II, calculus, and other advanced courses restricts college and career opportunities, contributing to Black workers accounting for 9% of the STEM workforce despite making up 12% of the overall workforce. The organization is calling for reforms that expand access to advanced math, redesign high school math pathways, invest in culturally responsive instruction, and remove admissions practices that reinforce inequities, arguing that improving math opportunities would strengthen both educational outcomes and workforce diversity.

STATE NEWS

Superintendent woes plague Texas schools

Dr. Audrey Young, District 8 member of the Texas State Board of Education, argues that school boards must take full responsibility for evaluating their sole employee: the superintendent. She says Texas needs a consistent system linking superintendent performance to contracts, compensation and continued employment. She also questions whether boards establish clear expectations and monitor progress before approving taxpayer-funded separation agreements, urging trustees to examine spending decisions, administrative growth, procurement practices, debt and fiscal stewardship. Evaluations should assess student outcomes, finances, safety, legal compliance, facilities and public trust. Citing costly buyouts, Young stresses that “the board governs; the superintendent manages,” and taxpayers deserve measurable results and responsible stewardship.

WORKFORCE

Teachers in Houston await salary details

Houston ISD's 10,000 teachers will return to classrooms on July 30, but they won't learn their salaries until the following day. This delay is part of a new performance-based compensation system aimed at rewarding high-performing teachers. The Houston Federation of Teachers has criticized the new system, claiming it is divisive and does not enhance student achievement. Union president Jackie Anderson said that informing teachers of their salaries after they report back shows “the incompetence and lack of empathy for the employee by the employer.” Under the new system, teachers could earn between $70,000 and $101,000 based on performance, with salary increases capped at $6,000.

Fort Worth seeks teacher waiver

Fort Worth ISD's Board of Managers has approved a request for a Texas Education Agency (TEA) waiver to hire more uncertified teachers for the next two years. This waiver would allow the district to employ uncertified teachers who are pursuing alternative certification, even as state regulations tighten. The district has faced significant teacher shortages, with over 1,000 resignations following the TEA's takeover due to poor academic performance. Currently, Fort Worth ISD has 308 uncertified teachers for the 2026-2027 school year and aims to fill vacancies through ongoing mentoring and professional development.

Texas City ISD employees to get raises

Texas City ISD has approved a $1.54m compensation plan for the 2026-27 school year, which includes a 2% pay increase for all employees, including teachers and support staff. Superintendent Melissa Duarte emphasized the importance of recognizing staff contributions. The plan will also raise the district's health insurance contribution from $328 to $397.50 monthly. Although the compensation package will create an estimated $665,936 operating deficit, officials plan to cover this using the Formula Transition Grant, which has set aside about $18.6m for budget deficits.

FINANCE

Kerrville ISD budget deficit slashed

Trustees of Kerrville ISD reported a significant reduction in the projected budget deficit for the 2026-2027 school year, decreasing from $4m to $2.6m due to staff reductions and other cuts. KISD Chief Financial Officer Jarrett Jachade said: “There's no winning at this point, we just need to position ourselves to continue to play in the game.” The new budget includes a one-step pay raise for teachers and a 2% increase for non-teaching staff. Additionally, a new virtual learning pilot program for high school juniors and seniors will launch in August, aiming to provide personalized learning in a supportive environment. Assistant Superintendent Dr. Sonerka Mouton stated: “It will be a highly engaged program with a vigorous curriculum.” The program will be free for students and is expected to expand in future years. The board also recognized local media partners and discussed various educational initiatives during the meeting.

Conroe ISD faces $27m funding gap

Conroe ISD trustees are striving to expand the district's Hazardous Route Plan, but face a significant $27m funding gap due to limited state support. The board approved the plan for the upcoming school year, emphasizing the need for safety in student transportation. Trustee Marianne Horton said: “I don't think you can put a price tag on safety,” highlighting the district's commitment to ensuring safe travel for children. With rapid growth, the district has added hazardous bus routes, but Texas only reimburses 10% of transportation costs, leaving Conroe ISD to cover the majority locally. Last year, the district spent $2.9m on hazardous routes but received only $447,289 in state reimbursement. Assistant Superintendent Chris McCord noted that the district has reached the reimbursement cap, and Trustee Melissa Dungan stressed that “there is no way we should be operating at a $27m deficit.”  

DISTRICTS

Austin ISD closes Paredes

Weeks before the school year starts, Austin ISD announced the immediate closure of Paredes Middle School due to ongoing academic challenges. This marks the district's 11th school closure in a year. Officials indicated that Paredes is projected to receive a fourth consecutive F rating from the state, which could lead to a state takeover if it receives a fifth F rating after the 2026-27 school year. Ken Zarifis, president of Education Austin, said: “It is either the district takes some action now or during the year and they're taking the action now.” Students from Paredes will be rezoned to Bailey and Mendez middle schools, with Bailey implementing the academic turnaround plan initially intended for Paredes. The closure affects approximately 630 students, who were expected to enroll in greater numbers next year.

Get ready for back to school!

The annual Back to School Resource Rally, hosted by Boerne ISD, is set for Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon at the district's central office. Program coordinator Stephanie Bautista mentioned that over 30 vendors will provide essential services such as immunizations, registration, and child nutrition signups.

SOCIAL & COMMUNITY

Backpacks for success: YMCA's mission

The YMCA of Greater Houston launched its annual initiative, YMCA Operation Backpack, on July 10, aiming to support over 30,000 local youth with essential school supplies and backpacks. "Every child deserves to walk into the classroom feeling prepared and excited to learn," said Stephen Ives, president and chief executive of YMCA of Greater Houston. The program, now in its 22nd year, addresses the needs of children, especially as nearly 24% of Houston's youth live below the poverty line. Community members can contribute by donating backpacks, volunteering, or supporting after-school programs through online donations. All contributions are tax-deductible, reinforcing the YMCA's commitment to empowering youth and strengthening families in the Greater Houston area. For more details, visit ymcaoperationbackpack.org.

NUTRITION

IDEA Public Schools launch free meal program

IDEA Public Schools is set to implement the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) for the 2026-27 school year, providing free breakfast and lunch to all students at two campuses in the Permian Basin. This initiative will eliminate the need for families to submit meal applications for free, reduced-price, or paid meals. "When students have access to nutritious meals, they're better equipped to learn, grow, and succeed both in and out of the classroom," said Fernando Aguilar, Senior Vice President of the Child Nutrition Program at IDEA Public Schools. The two qualifying campuses are IDEA Lopez and IDEA Yukon, and no action is required from families for their children to participate in this program.

HIGHER EDUCATION

Education Department opens admissions probes into five medical schools

The U.S. Department of Education has opened civil rights investigations into admissions practices at five medical schools over alleged racial discrimination, marking the latest step in the Trump administration’s broader effort to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in higher education. The investigations target Dartmouth College’s Geisel School of Medicine, East Carolina University’s Brody School of Medicine, St. Louis University School of Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, and William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine, while the administration continues wider scrutiny of universities over admissions, campus policies, and federal funding.

INTERNATIONAL

Seoul boosts support for Korean language education across the U.S.

South Korea’s Ministry of Education has expanded support for Korean language education in the United States by increasing the distribution of textbooks and teaching materials to 185,000 this year, up from 179,000 in 2025. The initiative, announced with the International Korean Language Education Foundation, also introduces customized resources for toddlers and preschoolers, addressing a longstanding gap in materials for early learners. The program includes new digital teaching tools designed for interactive classroom displays, reflecting growing demand for technology-based instruction. More than 600 nonprofit weekend Korean language schools across the U.S. will receive support, with eight regional Korean Education Centers coordinating textbook distribution, reallocating surplus materials, and providing teacher training as part of South Korea’s broader effort to strengthen cultural and language ties with its overseas Korean communities. 

AND FINALLY...

Trump promotes child savings accounts during first school visit of second term

On Wednesday, President Donald Trump visited Wheeler High School in suburban Atlanta to promote the administration’s Trump Accounts program, which provides a $1,000 government-funded savings account for children born during his current term if their parents enroll, with families able to contribute up to $5,000 annually until the child turns 18. Joined by several Cabinet officials, Trump described the initiative as a major investment in children’s financial futures, while critics questioned its fiscal impact, whether lower-income families will benefit, and the appropriateness of using a public school to host what opponents characterized as a politically charged event that also featured campaign appearances and prompted local protests. 
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