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Texas
6th August 2026
 

THE HOT STORY

Midland ISD takes on Texas tax system

Midland ISD has filed a lawsuit against Texas' school finance system, claiming it functions as a statewide property tax. The district argues that recent legislation has stripped local districts of financial discretion, forcing Midland to levy $313m in property taxes, with $83m sent to the state. “If Robin Hood is truly doing what it was designed to do, why would you take money out of a school district that has 60% of its students economically disadvantaged?” asked Josh Guinn, Midland school board president. Despite the potential implications for public school funding, other districts have remained silent or opposed to joining the suit, reflecting a shift in attitude since previous legal challenges. The lawsuit could ignite tensions between school and state leaders, especially as Governor Greg Abbott aims to eliminate school property taxes next year. Attorney Mark Goulet emphasized that the lawsuit is solely driven by Midland's board, denying any external influence.

NATIONAL NEWS

Teacher turnover continues straining schools

A review of teacher workforce data from 21 states found that teacher turnover remained elevated for several years following the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to significant staffing losses that continue to affect schools even as attrition begins to decline. Researchers found that many states experienced four to five consecutive years of higher-than-normal departures, with high-poverty schools disproportionately affected and often forced to rely on less experienced or uncertified teachers. The article cites stagnant pay, worsening student behavior, increased workloads, limited workplace flexibility, and declining support from administrators and parents as key factors driving educators from the profession. Experts warn that sustained teacher turnover has contributed to lower student achievement and slower academic recovery, while school leaders continue to focus on improving retention through stronger support, greater professional autonomy, and more competitive compensation.

STATE NEWS

Dawnna talley joins Texas Classroom Commission

Dawnna Talley, an English II teacher and multi-classroom leader at Ector County ISD, has been appointed to Governor Greg Abbott's Texas Classroom Commission. Talley expressed her excitement, stating: "I am very excited. … I think we all have a common goal, and it's to ultimately improve student outcomes." With 11 years of experience, she looks forward to collaborating with the other 20 members to share insights from her classroom experiences. The commission, chaired by Courtney Boswell MacDonald, a former teacher and current chair of the State Board for Educator Certification, builds on previous initiatives that improved special education funding and teacher compensation.

FINANCE

Prosper ISD budget cuts loom large

Prosper ISD is facing significant budget challenges as it prepares for the 2026-27 school year. According to Croy's July update, departments are required to reduce their budgets by 30% overall, following previous cuts of 20%. Croy stated: “We're having to do without some things,” emphasizing the goal to minimize the impact on campuses. Factors contributing to the budget shortfall include a basic allotment that has not kept pace with inflation, restrictive funding for teacher pay, and increasing recapture costs, which are projected to rise from $2.5m to over $6.4m by 2029-30. Croy noted that the district's fast growth allotment is also expected to decrease significantly. As a result, PISD's general fund shortfall is projected to reach $28.4m for the 2027-28 school year. The budget process will continue through August and September, with the next board meeting scheduled for August 17.

EXAMS

Fort Worth ISD grades revealed early

Fort Worth ISD administrators recently shared unofficial estimates of the district's A-F ratings ahead of the Texas Education Agency's formal release on August 14. Superintendent Peter Licata indicated that the estimates for the 2025-26 school year show 14 A-rated schools, 38 B-rated schools, 39 C-rated schools, 18 D-rated schools, and 9 F-rated schools. "This is not confirmed, but we're pretty comfortable in most of this," Licata said. He acknowledged the efforts of former Superintendent Karen Molinar in improving the district's performance, particularly in reducing the number of D- and F-rated schools. The upcoming A-F results are still preliminary, allowing districts to appeal for further review.

DISTRICTS

Fort Worth schools gain independence

Eight schools in Fort Worth ISD have been granted increased autonomy amid state intervention, allowing them to make independent decisions regarding schedules, staffing, and budgets. These schools, which have consistently received an A rating from the Texas Education Agency, will still adhere to district-wide curriculum standards. “They have a little bit more autonomy in what they want to do for their school and their community,” said Daniel Soliz, Deputy Superintendent and Chief of Schools. The schools benefiting from this autonomy include Young Women's Leadership Academy and Texas Academy of Biomedical Sciences, among others. Despite their independence, the standards for high-quality instruction remain unchanged.

New campuses set to open soon

Several school districts in the Houston area are set to open new campuses this month, enhancing educational opportunities in rapidly growing communities. As students return to school, they will experience new facilities and programs, including Alief ISD's Young Women's Leadership School, which focuses on leadership and STEM education. "The school will have students focus on developing leadership and STEM knowledge," said Alief ISD's website. Other districts, such as Conroe ISD and Lamar CISD, are also expanding their campuses to accommodate increasing enrollment. Lamar CISD, which saw a 4.28% increase in student enrollment last year, plans to open multiple new schools in the coming years. The new campuses aim to address the needs of the community and utilize voter-approved construction funds effectively.

New campuses open in Liberty Hill

Liberty Hill ISD recently celebrated the opening of two new campuses and a new operations center during ribbon-cutting ceremonies on July 31. Legacy Ranch Middle School will accommodate around 600 students, led by Principal Peter Bongard, while Lariat Trails Elementary School, the district's eighth elementary school, can host up to 1,000 students. Community support was evident as a recent 5K run raised $4,464 for teachers at the new elementary school.

New school year kicks off strong

School districts in San Patricio County recently held staff convocations and new teacher orientations in preparation for the upcoming school year. Districts such as Gregory-Portland ISD, Aransas Pass ISD, and Mathis ISD welcomed both new and returning staff with various activities.

WORKFORCE

Teachers gear up for new school year

Killeen ISD has commenced its annual training for teachers and staff, with sessions focused on grade-level specifics. “All the jitters are there at first seeing all the new people,” said Killeen Elementary School Principal Shakira Bodon. The training includes interactive sessions where teachers share tips and tools. Killeen High School Principal Janelle Muhammad expressed excitement for the upcoming school year, stating: “I know we are poised for a good school year.” Willow Springs Elementary School Principal Anika Stewart echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of building community. KISD's professional development continues next week, leading up to the first day of school on August 17.

TEACHING

Parents push for early digital literacy

As screens increasingly dominate childhood experiences, a recent survey reveals that most parents believe digital literacy education should commence before kindergarten. The study, commissioned by Primrose Schools and conducted by Talker Research, surveyed 2,000 parents of children aged 0–5 years. It found that parents think teaching digital literacy should start at age four. While 86% of parents are familiar with the term "digital literacy," 76% are still figuring out how to instill responsible technology habits. Dr. Amy Jackson, Chief Franchise Officer at Primrose Schools, emphasized the importance of "safe, purposeful technology" that supports children's development. Parents are also seeking guidance on managing screentime, with 43% enforcing limits and allowing an average of 55 minutes of technology use daily. The survey highlights a strong belief among parents that teaching technology skills is crucial for their children's future, with 90% acknowledging its importance.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

CCTV in schools: a double-edged sword

As schools increasingly rely on CCTV for safety, the rise of AI-generated deepfakes poses new risks to student privacy. Recent research revealed that 40% of public high school students were aware of deepfakes involving their peers during the 2023-2024 school year. The Associated Press reported that many U.S. schools are grappling with students using AI to create explicit deepfakes. "Schools need to think about access, exports, audit logs, remote viewing, account security, clip sharing, retention and deletion," said Videoloft. With incidents of AI misuse on the rise, schools must update their CCTV policies to ensure student images are protected and access is strictly controlled. A proactive approach to governance is essential to safeguard sensitive data and maintain trust with parents and the community.

SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION

New leaders shake up Texas schools

The Killeen ISD is implementing significant changes for the 2026-27 school year, including the introduction of the SMART Tag bus safety system. This initiative aims to enhance student safety by allowing students to scan their ID badges when boarding and exiting buses, providing real-time updates to families. KISD stated: “The SMART Tag system is designed to help KISD provide a safer, more connected transportation experience.” Additionally, new heat safety requirements established by the University Interscholastic League (UIL) will be enforced for outdoor activities, utilizing Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) monitoring. The KISD Board of Trustees has also updated the Student Code of Conduct, prohibiting certain personal communication devices and adjusting disciplinary procedures. These changes reflect KISD's commitment to improving student safety and educational quality.

HIGHER EDUCATION

Debt relief for 450,000 borrowers

A $23 bn class-action settlement with the Department of Education may lead to debt forgiveness for 450,000 student loan borrowers after years of legal battles. The advocacy group that initiated the lawsuit in 2019 accused numerous schools of serious “institutional misconduct,” many of which have since closed. Plaintiffs claimed these institutions misled them with false promises regarding job prospects and credit transferability. The Trump administration's delays in processing the settlement were also criticized. A federal appeals court recently denied a request from the Trump administration to postpone decisions on borrower applications, potentially allowing an additional 200,000 borrowers to qualify for loan forgiveness. This settlement applies only to those who applied for borrower defense discharge by November 15, 2022.
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