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Texas
29th July 2026
 

THE HOT STORY

Drones join school security arsenal

At least nine schools across Florida, Georgia and Colorado will introduce remotely operated drones designed to confront active shooters within 15 seconds. Activated through teacher apps or panic buttons, the nonlethal aircraft can flash lights, sound sirens, spray pepper gel, break windows and ram targets. Mithril Defense co-founder Bill King said: “Once I get the drones on you, you just can’t escape them.” Supporters argue the technology could protect campuses without dedicated resource officers and improve response during the critical opening minutes of an attack. Critics warn pilots could mistake students or police officers for attackers and question spending limited school budgets on untested technology. The drones have undergone simulations but have never been deployed during an actual shooting.

NATIONAL NEWS

Court stops Education Department's latest attempt to end school mental health funding

A federal judge has blocked the U.S. Department of Education from moving forward with another attempt to terminate nearly $bn in school mental health grants, ruling that the agency likely acted unlawfully by reassessing previously approved grants using new policy priorities. U.S. District Judge Kymberly Evanson found the department could not evaluate multiyear grants against criteria that were not in place when the funding was originally awarded, and said states did not have to wait until the grants were formally canceled before challenging the decision in court. The grants, created by Congress in 2018 and 2020 following a series of school shootings, support the recruitment of mental health professionals in underserved schools. According to the coalition of states challenging the cuts, the programs have provided services to nearly 775,000 students in their first year, contributed to a 50% reduction in suicide risk at high-need schools, reduced absenteeism and behavioral issues, and improved student engagement. The judge also ruled the department could not withhold grant payments without providing recipients with notice and an opportunity for review, finding its planned actions were likely arbitrary, capricious, and in violation of the Administrative Procedure Act.

Right-sizing schools could strengthen education

A new EdChoice analysis argues that declining public school enrollment does not have to lead to weaker schools, urging districts to adopt thoughtful "right-sizing" strategies, including consolidating facilities, adjusting staffing, and reallocating resources to better serve remaining students. The authors note that U.S. public school enrollment fell 3% between 2019 and 2024, while inflation-adjusted revenue per student increased 16%, reaching $21,065, largely because of state funding protections and higher per-pupil spending. They contend that enrollment declines are driven by multiple factors beyond school choice, including lower birth rates and population shifts, and argue that transparent planning, efficient use of underutilized facilities, and student-focused resource allocation can help districts remain financially resilient while improving educational outcomes. 

STATE NEWS

Enrollment projections: Texas schools at a glance

Zonda Demographics provides crucial enrollment projections for around 100 school districts in Texas, offering both short-term and long-term forecasts. Recent trends show declining enrollment in districts like Carroll ISD, while Denton ISD and Argyle ISD anticipate growth. The COVID-19 pandemic has complicated enrollment predictions due to increased options like virtual schools and homeschooling. Gardiner noted: “It's gotten harder, not as straightforward because we've got a lot of mobility in the state.” Zonda utilizes data from the U.S. Census Bureau and Texas Education Agency to track these changes and also advises on homebuilding trends.  

WORKFORCE

Houston ISD salaries soar amid changes

The salaries of Houston ISD's top 100 paid employees range from $179,000 to $462,000, with many executives receiving significant raises. Kristen Hole, recently promoted to deputy superintendent, saw her salary jump by $82,750 to $310,000. The district's leadership has changed dramatically since state oversight began in 2023, leading to layoffs and the departure of long-term executives. State-appointed Superintendent Mike Miles is the highest-paid, earning $462,000 after a 22% raise in June 2025. Critics argue that these pay increases occur despite declining student enrollment and ongoing changes to teacher compensation. "HISD did not respond to a request for comment," the report noted.

DISTRICTS

Marshall ISD earns top arts honor

Marshall ISD has been awarded the 2025-26 District of Distinction Award by the Texas Art Education Association, recognizing its commitment to a comprehensive visual arts curriculum. “The districts received the honor for providing a well-rounded education that advocates and integrates visual arts curriculum to inspire creativity and build social emotional learning,” Marshall ISD stated. Out of over 1,200 eligible districts, only 126 made the cut, representing the top 10%. Nealy Holley, chair of the Visual Art Administrators of Texas, praised Marshall ISD for setting a high standard in visual arts advocacy.

New app empowers parents in Conroe

Ryan Tsamouris, a parent and volunteer at Conroe ISD, has developed the CISD Library Books Tracker app to assist parents in accessing vital information about challenged or banned library books, board meetings, and more. Launched in May, the app has expanded to include summaries of board meetings, student performance, district finances, and policies. Tsamouris stated: “I built the app simply because I wanted the information,” emphasizing its role in organizing district data. The app features a searchable record of over 480 books that have been removed or challenged in Conroe ISD libraries.

Boulter Middle School kicks off early

Boulter Middle School in Tyler ISD has commenced the 2026-27 academic year, becoming the first school in the district to do so. This early start is part of the new Accelerated Campus Excellence (ACE) model, which aims to enhance academic performance by providing additional instructional days and a longer school day. 

Houston ISD students return to class early

Houston ISD students will return to class on August 10 for the 2026-27 school year, starting earlier than most nearby districts. Classes will conclude for students on May 28, a change from the usual June end date, while teachers will finish on June 1. HISD will observe Thanksgiving break from November 23 to 27, winter break from December 21 to January 1, and spring break from March 8 to 12. Additionally, there will be holidays for Labor Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and Memorial Day, with no classes on Good Friday, March 26. The district has scheduled seven professional development days for staff, during which students will not attend school. Notably, some high-performing schools under new management may follow different academic calendars. Kinder High School for the Performing and Visual Arts will start on August 18 and end on May 27, aligning with district holidays and staff development days.

Taylor ISD welcomes new fine arts director

Tara Granberry has been appointed as the first fine arts director for Taylor ISD, marking a significant milestone for the district. Previously, Granberry held various leadership roles at Jarrell ISD, where she developed a districtwide theater program and managed the Performing Arts Center. 

LEGAL

Georgia teen sentenced to life without parole for Apalachee High School shooting

Colt Gray, the Georgia teenager who pleaded guilty last week to carrying out the 2024 mass shooting at Apalachee High School, has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Judge Nicholas Primm ruled that the attack, which killed two students and two teachers and injured nine others, was a deliberate act rather than the result of youthful immaturity, rejecting defense arguments that Gray's abusive upbringing and troubled home life should leave open the possibility of parole. During the sentencing hearing, family members of the victims urged the court to ensure Gray would never be released, describing the lasting trauma caused by the shooting. Prosecutors presented evidence that Gray had become fixated on previous mass shootings and sought notoriety, while the defense highlighted years of abuse, neglect, parental substance misuse, and untreated mental health issues. The judge acknowledged Gray's difficult childhood but concluded that it did not excuse his actions, stating that the harm inflicted on the victims, their families, and the community warranted a sentence of life without parole.

CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION

Tomball West High School opens doors

Tomball ISD celebrated the opening of Tomball West High School, a $241m project funded by the 2021 bond initiative. The new facility spans 531,762 sq ft and will accommodate over 850 students in its inaugural ninth and tenth grades, expanding to a full ninth-12th grade school by 2028-29. Mark Lewandowski, Tomball ISD board president, emphasized the importance of the school, stating: “What makes Tomball remarkable is not simply how much we have grown—it is how we have grown.”

SOCIAL & COMMUNITY

Third-graders raise funds for meals

Liam Tomberlain and Olivia O’Pry, third-graders at Hallsville North Elementary School, were honored by Hallsville ISD trustees for their impressive fundraising efforts. The duo raised $3,720 this summer by selling lemonade and cookies at their stand, which they first opened in 2024 as kindergarteners. Their contributions support the Nutritional Backpacks for Kids Project, which provides essential food and supplies to over 300 students in need within the Hallsville ISD.

NUTRITION

Survey finds nearly one in four U.S. teens use food delivery apps during school hours

A new survey from the American Society for Nutrition has found that nearly one in four U.S. teenagers use food delivery apps during school hours, with 58.8% of those students ordering fast food and 34.1% purchasing sugary drinks, raising concerns about the impact on student health and school nutrition efforts. The study, which surveyed 1,027 adolescents aged 13 to 17 in 2025, found that almost half also used delivery apps after school. Researchers said the findings highlight a gap in nutrition policies, which regulate food sold in schools but not meals ordered through smartphones. Students in the western U.S. were the most likely to use delivery apps during school hours, while respondents expressed mixed views, with many supporting access but also acknowledging concerns about distractions and campus safety. 

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Unlocking the power of play

Prioritizing play is essential for children's development, enhancing their vocabulary, emotional regulation, and social skills. A study conducted by Kelley Mayer White at the College of Charleston revealed that children from a play-based preschool showed improved problem-solving abilities and social awareness in later schooling. Parents noted significant impacts on their children's empathy and creativity, with many stating that their kids often took the lead in social interactions. "The play-based program had a significant impact on their children's empathy and social development," said Mayer White. Research indicates that play, whether structured or unstructured, fosters critical thinking and emotional skills, making it vital for success in school and life. Even older students benefit from play, as it enhances motivation and understanding of complex subjects.

INTERNATIONAL

Seoul school curriculum to emphasize history, constitutional values, and anti-discrimination

The Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education plans to introduce a new civic education course into the school curriculum following controversy over Paichai High School students allegedly mocking the May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement, with the aim of strengthening students' understanding of democracy, history, and civic responsibility. The elective course, tentatively titled "Democratic Citizenship Through Coexistence and Communication," will focus on history, constitutional education, and preventing discrimination and hate through classroom discussion and interactive learning. The initiative was accelerated after nationwide criticism of the incident and is expected to be introduced in Seoul schools from the 2028 academic year, with officials also pledging rigorous oversight to ensure political neutrality in the curriculum. 

AND FINALLY...

Colorado tops national education rankings

Colorado has been ranked the top state for education by U.S. News & World Report, rising from third place last year, based on measures spanning preschool, K–12, and higher education. Gov. Jared Polis welcomed the recognition but cautioned that the ranking reflects a "low bar," noting that the U.S. education system still trails many other developed countries and that too many Colorado students are struggling to meet academic expectations. The ranking was supported by Colorado's expanded early childhood education programs, including universal preschool and free full-day kindergarten, as well as an improving high school graduation rate, which rose to 85.6% for the Class of 2025. However, student achievement remains a concern. On the 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), only 35% of Colorado eighth graders met or exceeded proficiency in reading and 32% did so in math, despite outperforming national averages in both subjects. It was followed by New Jersey, Florida, Wyoming, and Wisconsin; the top 10 was rounded out by Utah, Massachusetts, Washington, South Dakota, and North Carolina. Texas placed 27th.
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