Education Slice
Become more informed in minutes....
Education Slice Logo
Texas
5th August 2026
 

THE HOT STORY

Unspent Education Department funds raise concerns over federal education programs

The U.S. Department of Education allowed more than $75m in congressionally appropriated funding to expire unspent in fiscal 2025, far exceeding the amounts left unspent during the previous decade. The largest unobligated balances included funding for staff salaries, the Office for Civil Rights, mental health grants, education research, career and technical education, and the department's inspector general, with experts attributing the underspending to workforce reductions, slower implementation of programs, and the cancellation of previously awarded grants. Spending has continued at a slower pace during the current fiscal year, raising the prospect that additional funding could expire unused. Critics argue the approach undermines Congress's spending decisions and could reduce future appropriations for key education programs, while the department said unobligated funds are not uncommon and that it remains committed to using appropriated funds effectively to fulfill its statutory responsibilities.

NATIONAL NEWS

Summer programs priced beyond reach

Nearly 12.6m children in the United States are missing out on summer camps and other structured programs because of cost, according to a report from the Afterschool Alliance. The study found that almost half of parents who wanted to enroll their children in summer programs were unable to do so, with affordability identified as the biggest obstacle, particularly for low- and middle-income families. Children from high-income households were three times more likely to participate in summer programs than those from low-income families. The report also identified transportation, limited program availability, and a lack of spaces as barriers to participation. Parents who enrolled their children in summer programs reported high satisfaction levels, with 96% expressing positive views, while nearly nine in 10 supported increased public funding to expand access. The Afterschool Alliance called for greater government and private investment in summer learning opportunities, citing strong demand and the potential benefits for children's academic, social, and physical development.

STATE NEWS

North Texas students struggle for vouchers

Fewer than a third of North Texas students who applied for the Texas Education Freedom Accounts program received a voucher, according to a report from the Texas Comptroller's office. Out of 274,000 applicants statewide, only 122,000 were awarded vouchers, with 85,344 confirming participation. The program offers families up to $10,474 for private schooling, with children with disabilities eligible for up to $30,000. Jessica Ma, an education reporter for The Dallas Morning News, noted that "about 20,000 students have opted out of the program so far," leaving many on a waitlist. Critics express concern that the program may divert funds from public schools, which serve 5.5m students in Texas. The report highlights that participants are predominantly from kindergarten through middle school, with a significant number of applicants coming from low-income backgrounds.

WORKFORCE

Teachers flee Fort Worth ISD

Fort Worth ISD is grappling with a significant teacher exodus, with nearly 800 resignations following a state takeover in October. The district's new leadership, led by Superintendent Peter Licata, aims to implement necessary changes, but the mass departures raise concerns about the future of education in the area. Despite the challenges, Fort Worth ISD has invested in teacher pay and coaching, and over 100 employees have returned after initially resigning. As the new school year approaches, the district is working to recruit more teachers, learning from the experiences of other districts like Houston ISD, which faced similar issues after its takeover.

FINANCE

Socorro ISD's financial turnaround impresses Moody's

Socorro ISD has received a stable credit rating from Moody's, reflecting significant improvements in its financial performance. Moody's noted the district's efforts in reducing expenditures and achieving a balanced budget for the 2026-27 school year, which includes a $550,000 surplus. "This is an important milestone for Socorro ISD and for the community that has held us accountable throughout this process," said Superintendent James P. Vasquez. The district has also implemented a long-term revenue strategy aimed at stabilizing operations and protecting student programs, despite a decline in enrollment. Chief financial officer David Solis and the Financial Services team have been credited for their disciplined leadership in restoring confidence in the district's finances.

Liberty Hill ISD unveils budget plans

At it's latest meeting, the Liberty Hill ISD Board of Trustees discussed the proposed budget for the 2026-27 school year, which anticipates an enrollment of 10,900 students and a 94.5% average daily attendance. Superintendent Travis Motal said: "This proposed budget reflects our commitment to being responsible stewards of our community's investment while continuing to meet the needs of one of the fastest-growing school districts in Texas." The proposed tax rate is $1.2298 per $100 of taxable value, a decrease from the previous year, although some homeowners may see an increase in their school property taxes due to rising property values. The budget will be published today, with a public hearing and Board vote scheduled for August 17, aiming for implementation on September 1.

TECHNOLOGY

High school students develop AI policy recommendations for K-12 education

Nearly 100 high school students from all 50 states have developed a national framework for the responsible use of artificial intelligence in K-12 schools, calling for policies that emphasize authentic learning, human judgment, data privacy, and student involvement rather than broad restrictions on AI. Drafted during last month's America's Youth AI Festival in Washington, D.C., the nonbinding STUDENTS FIRST Act of 2026 recommends allowing AI to support activities such as brainstorming, studying, and lesson planning, while prohibiting its use to generate original student assignments or independently make decisions on grading, discipline, or hiring. The student-authored framework also calls for greater transparency around student data collection, AI literacy instruction throughout K-12 education, ongoing staff training, and regular reviews of district AI policies with input from students, educators, and parents. Organizers said the recommendations are intended to help guide future conversations among schools and policymakers as AI becomes more widely adopted in education.

K–12 districts urged to strengthen oversight of third-party software

Recent cybersecurity incidents involving Canvas and PowerSchool have highlighted the growing risks posed by third-party software vendors, prompting experts to urge K–12 districts to adopt more structured vendor risk management practices. With schools relying on thousands of Software as a Service (SaaS) applications, experts recommend creating a comprehensive inventory of all software, categorizing vendors by risk based on the sensitivity of student data they handle, and focusing security resources on the highest-risk providers. The article also recommends embedding cybersecurity requirements into vendor contracts, including clear breach notification timelines, audit rights, backup and recovery obligations, and disclosure of subcontractors. Ongoing monitoring through security certifications, vendor updates, and regular reviews, combined with processes to identify unauthorized applications and incident response plans tailored to critical vendors, can help districts better protect student data while maintaining operational resilience.

Texas students to learn AI skills

EdgeConneX and Hello World are set to provide AI literacy and STEM curriculum to over 100,000 students in Texas by early 2027. The initiative began as a pilot program in four Bastrop County school districts, including Bastrop ISD, Elgin ISD, McDade ISD, and Smithville ISD, impacting 15,000 students across 36 schools. EdgeConneX, a data center development company, and Hello World, which specializes in AI literacy and computer science education, aim to expand this program statewide. The curriculum will integrate coding, website development, and AI ethics into existing lessons, with training provided for teachers. Dr. Kristi Lee, Superintendent of Bastrop ISD, said: “Through this partnership... students are being exposed to AI, STEM and digital infrastructure in ways that are engaging, relevant and connected to real-world opportunities.” The partnership will continue funding through 2030.

DISTRICTS

San Antonio ISD adopts controversial curriculum

San Antonio ISD has adopted the Bluebonnet Learning curriculum, which includes teachings from the Book of Genesis and the Gospel of Matthew, despite concerns over its religious content. The board voted 6-1 to implement the curriculum for kindergarten through 5th grade, with board member Christina Martinez stating: “We've got to get out of the state that we are in right now, which is our ability to maintain local control.” Superintendent Adrian Bustillos assured that modifications for inclusivity would be considered. The curriculum has also faced criticism for its portrayal of U.S. history, with lessons that some argue whitewash historical facts. The Bluebonnet curriculum will be implemented at select campuses starting August 12.

Lubbock ISD launches innovative online program

Lubbock ISD has partnered with Texas Tech University to launch Lubbock ISD Virtual Education (LIVE), a tuition-free online program for eligible students. Misty Rieber, Lubbock ISD chief academic officer, said: “We understand that the very best and most effective way for public education is in a face-to-face traditional school,” but acknowledged that some families require alternative options. LIVE will allow students to learn asynchronously, with courses taught by Texas Tech K-12 certified teachers and access to 24/7 tutoring.

Conroe ISD unveils exciting school upgrades

Conroe ISD is set to open two new schools and complete significant renovations for the 2026-27 school year. The new Janene Fowler Intermediate School and Arnold Elementary School will welcome students in August, with Fowler named after a beloved science teacher and Arnold honoring a former assistant director of special education. Conroe High School will also see its renovations completed, featuring a new gym and cafeteria, with the main entrance shifting to Wilson Road.  

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Austin ISD vaccination rates soar

Austin ISD has seen a remarkable increase in kindergarten vaccination rates, jumping by at least 15 percentage points between the 2024-25 and 2025-26 school years. All vaccination rates for the six required vaccines now exceed 95%, the threshold for herd immunity. Diana Rios-Rodriguez, president of the Texas School Nurses Organization, attributed the previous decline in vaccination rates to pandemic-related challenges, stating: “If I took my child for her well child check, but they're telling me we can't see you for six months, then that's an issue.” The district's recovery is notable, as statewide rates have only increased by about 0.1 percentage point. Alana Bejarano, executive director of health services at Austin ISD, emphasized the importance of community vaccine clinics in this turnaround, saying, “It's a lot of hard work.”

Keller residents rally against data center

Keller residents are set to express their opposition to a proposed 1.1m-square-foot data center at the Town of Westlake Planning and Zoning meeting on August 4. Concerns have arisen due to the proximity of Ridgeview Elementary and the Marshall Ridge neighborhood, with residents fearing potential medical and environmental issues. Keller Mayor Ross McMullin emphasized the city's responsibility to advocate for residents, stating: “Although Keller does not have zoning authority over Westlake's project, we have a responsibility to advocate for our residents.” Governor Greg Abbott has also intervened, ordering an audit of data centers to ensure they meet safety and environmental standards. The Texas Association of School Boards has highlighted the need for school districts to be involved in discussions about data centers, as they could impact local communities and school enrollments.

CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION

Experts call for schools designed around how teenagers learn

School design should better reflect the developmental needs of adolescents, with researchers arguing that learning environments play an active role in shaping academic performance, well-being, and personal development. Heidi Neumueller and Amy Frye, principal and associate principal respectively at Cunningham, contend that traditional middle and high schools, often built around rigid schedules and passive instruction, can conflict with how teenagers learn, while environments that promote belonging, autonomy, collaboration, and meaningful relationships are more likely to improve engagement and educational outcomes. Drawing on neuroscience and educational research, they argue that flexible classrooms, access to natural light and outdoor spaces, quiet areas for reflection, project-based learning environments, and opportunities for student choice can better support adolescents during a period of rapid cognitive, emotional, and social development. They also emphasize that teachers remain central to the learning experience, with school design serving as a tool to foster connection, resilience, and real-world learning rather than simply providing physical space for instruction.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Houston ISD ramps up school safety

As the 2026-27 school year approaches on Aug. 10, the Houston ISD Police Department is enhancing security measures. Police Chief Shamara D. Garner announced the addition of 112 guards to monitor schools, with more to come, and emphasized that officers will patrol campuses 24/7. “The beginning of a school year represents new opportunities for academic growth... but what is not new is our shared commitment to keeping our students safe,” Garner said. HISD's Project Safe Start, operational for 25 years, collaborates with local law enforcement and community organizations to ensure safety.

TESTING

Children who join social media later achieve higher test scores, researchers find

Children who open social media accounts at ages 11 or 12 appear to perform worse in school tests than those who wait until at least age 14, according to a study of more than 5,000 Italian students. Researchers found that early users scored lower in mathematics and reading-related subjects, with the gap by age 16 equivalent to around six months of learning, even after accounting for factors such as prior academic performance, family background, and parents' education. The researchers said the findings do not prove social media causes poorer academic performance but suggested that the constant need to check smartphones and social media notifications may reduce students' concentration and engagement with schoolwork. The study found no negative impact on English-language test scores, possibly because exposure to English-language content on social media provided incidental learning opportunities. The findings add to the debate over youth social media use as governments consider tighter restrictions, although the researchers argued that making platforms less addictive should accompany any age-based limits. 

HIGHER EDUCATION

Professors fight back against censorship

Professors from Texas A&M University System have filed a lawsuit against the regents, claiming that new restrictions on teaching race and gender ideology amount to censorship of "politically disfavored" views. The ACLU of Texas represents the American Association of University Professors in this case, which follows a similar lawsuit against the Texas Tech University System. Chloe Kempf, a staff attorney at the ACLU of Texas, said: "This policy directly harms Black, Brown, LGBTQIA+, and all other Texans who have historically been discriminated against." The regents' policy, approved in late 2025, has led to the removal of significant educational materials, including Kevin Kruse's "White Flight" and the film "Moonlight." The lawsuit highlights concerns over academic freedom and First Amendment rights, as the policy has resulted in the cancellation of courses and modifications to many others.

INTERNATIONAL

China expands AI-powered learning to transform schools nationwide

China is accelerating the integration of artificial intelligence across its education system as part of a broader effort to improve teaching quality and deliver more personalized learning for its more than 220m students. Under the country's 2026-30 Five-Year Plan and the Ministry of Education's "AI Plus Education" initiative, AI is being deployed in classrooms to analyze student performance, generate tailored assignments, assist with lesson planning, and support teachers with grading and curriculum development. Schools across China are already using AI in a range of ways, from creating individualized learning pathways to introducing AI literacy classes and helping teachers develop real-world case studies. While educators say the technology is improving efficiency and enabling more personalized instruction, they stress that AI remains a support tool rather than a replacement for teachers, who continue to play a critical role in providing guidance, critical thinking, and ethical oversight as digital learning becomes more widespread. 
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