Education Slice
Become more informed in minutes....
Education Slice Logo
Texas
4th August 2026
 

THE HOT STORY

Texas Comptroller announces school voucher success

On his first day in office, Texas Comptroller Don Huffines announced that over 85,000 students have been funded through the state's new $1bn Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) program for the 2026-27 school year. Huffines, who was appointed by Governor Greg Abbott, emphasized the importance of responsible spending, commenting: "The people of Texas work hard for their money." The comptroller's office received approximately 274,000 applications, with more than 248,000 students deemed eligible, although over 121,000 remain on the waitlist. The initial report revealed that nearly 25% of participating students have a qualifying disability, and 80% come from families with incomes below 200% of the federal poverty level. Huffines noted: "Parents from every walk of life are demanding the power to direct their children's education," highlighting the program's success.

FINANCE

Attendance rates impact school budgets

As schools prepare to reopen in August, attendance becomes crucial for funding and student success. Texas, which funds public schools based on average daily attendance, faces significant challenges with chronic absenteeism. The Texas Association of School Boards reported that the percentage of students missing at least 10% of classes rose from 15% in 2019-20 to 26% in 2021-22. Edgewood ISD in San Antonio highlighted that increasing attendance from 89% to 93% could eliminate its $3.2m budget deficit. Edgewood Board Vice President Martha Castilla emphasized: "When students are not in school, the district loses funding, but we also lose momentum in teaching and learning." Schools are implementing various strategies to improve attendance, including awareness campaigns and addressing barriers like transportation and mental health issues.

Cy-Fair ISD proposes tax rate election

The Cy-Fair ISD board of trustees is set to discuss a voter-approved tax rate election (VATRE) and a four-proposition bond election in November. The proposed tax rate of $1.1569 per $100 of taxable property exceeds the state threshold, necessitating a VATRE. A public hearing on the fiscal year 2026-27 tax rate is scheduled for the Aug. 10 meeting. The bond proposal totals $1.63 bn, with allocations for school building improvements, technology updates, stadium enhancements, and swimming facility upgrades. Texas school districts can raise their tax rate by 17 cents over the state threshold, with a VATRE required for additional funds. The board will also review multiple policy revisions and receive reports on the efficiency audit and proposed tax rates. "The board of trustees unanimously approved to conduct an efficiency audit," which is essential for calling the VATRE. Meetings are set for Aug. 6 and 10 at the Mark Henry Administration Building.

Celina's budget soars by $27.8m

Celina ISD's budget is set to increase by $27.8m, rising from last year's $104.1m, reflecting the district's growing enrollment, according to the Texas Education Agency. The approved budget also includes a 4% salary raise for teachers, translating to an average increase of $2,725 for staff, as officials said. This pay increase was approved for the 2026-27 school year during a board meeting on May 18.

DISTRICTS

Fort Worth ISD faces tough challenges

Fort Worth ISD is facing significant challenges as it begins its first full school year under state intervention. A federal judge denied former principal Shayma Alzubi's request for reinstatement, stating her First Amendment lawsuit is unlikely to succeed. Meanwhile, only 34% of students in grades 3-8 met or exceeded grade level on the math STAAR exam, significantly lower than the state average. A pilot program by Parent Shield Fort Worth showed promising results, with 86% of participating students making measurable academic growth, according to founder Trenace Dorsey-Hollins. Enrollment has also dropped below 70,000, prompting Superintendent Peter Licata to form a new School Choice Committee aimed at expanding Advanced Placement courses. The district will hold a community listening session to gather input as it navigates these challenges.

El Paso schools gear up for success

As the new school year begins, El Paso ISD Superintendent Brian Lusk expressed optimism about the district's progress despite recent financial challenges. "We're very excited at the start of the school year and we're optimistic about the preliminary academic outcomes that say we're making good progress," Lusk said. With 71 schools serving around 48,000 students, the district aims to enhance educational quality while addressing declining enrollment due to lower birth rates. Lusk emphasized the importance of effective teaching and learning, stating that the district is implementing a teacher incentive allotment to ensure educators are well-compensated. He also highlighted the need for improved facilities to create conducive learning environments, especially after the financial exigency vote. Overall, Lusk characterized the morale among staff and teachers as optimistic, noting their commitment to providing top-notch instruction.

PRIVATE SCHOOLS

Unlocking private school secrets

As Texas launches its Education Freedom Accounts this fall, families are encouraged to explore the diverse private school options available in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. With over 300,000 students enrolled in private institutions, the landscape includes religious, Montessori, and specialized schools. Laura Colangelo, executive director of Texas Private Schools Association, emphasized: “That's the beauty of a private education. It's not standardized.” The median tuition for private schools in Texas is approximately $9,400, not including additional costs. Families are advised to visit multiple schools and consider factors like academic rigor and school culture. Eleanor Munson, an educational consultant, noted that private schools often provide lower student-teacher ratios, allowing for more individualized attention. The admissions process typically involves open houses, testing, and applications from January to March, with decisions made by mid-March.

TECHNOLOGY

AI robots reshape classroom learning

AI robots are transforming traditional education into personalized and interactive experiences. The Salamanca City School District planned to introduce "Sally," a $57,590 humanoid robot, as a teacher's aide in STEAM classes. However, community concerns led to the plan being put on hold. The article highlights the potential benefits of AI in education, such as real-time feedback and adaptability, but also raises significant concerns. "The safeguarding of student data" and the potential threat to human teachers' roles are critical issues. The need for statewide policies on AI in schools is emphasized, as the Education Department is already developing guidelines. The article calls for collaboration among educators, technology experts, and ethicists to ensure responsible AI integration in classrooms.

CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION

New era for Copperas Cove schools

Copperas Cove ISD celebrated the reopening of Williams/Ledger Elementary School with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, showcasing what the district calls “the new standard of facilities in CCISD.” Principal Jenny Cresswell expressed her satisfaction, stating: “I'm just very happy with how everything turned out.” The school had been closed due to severe damage from torrential rain in July 2025, which led to extensive renovations costing approximately $10m. Superintendent Brent Hawkins described the restoration as a “total re-gut” of the campus, which included new roofs, furniture, and a state-of-the-art security system.

Henrietta High opens doors

Henrietta is set to celebrate a significant milestone with the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Henrietta High School on Thursday. This new facility, the third high school in the district's history, will feature a 60,000-square-foot split-level design with day-lit classrooms and multifunctional spaces for community events. "Opening this campus will be a defining moment for our district and a celebration for our entire community," said Jaime Clark, Henrietta ISD Superintendent.

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Protecting Texas kids this school year

As Texas families gear up for the new school year, understanding vaccination requirements is crucial. Health officials emphasize the importance of immunizations, as diseases like measles and whooping cough have re-emerged. Dr. Natalie Tarrant, a pediatrician, warned that skipping vaccines "leaves a child susceptible to illnesses that can be quite severe and lead to hospitalization and death." Vaccines not only protect the vaccinated but also those who cannot be vaccinated, aiming for a community vaccination rate of at least 95% to achieve herd immunity. Parents should check their child's vaccination records, as certain vaccines are required for school entry. Affordable vaccination options are available through local health services, ensuring that no child is turned away. "We do not want our children to experience that," stated Stephanie Helfman, an epidemiologist.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Watch out! school traffic is back

As the school year begins, Texas drivers are reminded to be vigilant in school zones, where traffic crashes have risen significantly. In 2025, there were 877 traffic crashes in these areas, marking a 12% increase from the previous year. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) emphasizes the importance of safe driving through its "Be Safe. Drive Smart" campaign. "By making thoughtful choices, we can all help keep each other safe," TxDOT stated. Drivers are urged to obey speed limits, avoid distractions, and yield to pedestrians. Additionally, parents can educate their children on safe walking and biking practices. With the right precautions, everyone can contribute to a safer environment for students returning to school.
Industry Slice Logo

Education Slice delivers the latest, most relevant and useful intelligence to key educators, administrators, decision makers and teaching influencers, each weekday morning..

Content is selected to an exacting brief from hundreds of influential media sources and summarised by experienced journalists into an easy-to-read digest email. Education Slice enhances the performance and decision-making capabilities of individuals and teams by delivering the relevant news, innovations and knowledge in a cost-effective way.

If you are interested in sponsorship opportunities within Education Slice, please get in touch via email sales team

Follow us on FacebookFollow us on XFollow us on Linkedin

This e-mail has been sent to [[EMAIL_TO]]

Click here to unsubscribe