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Texas
7th August 2026
 

THE HOT STORY

Merit pay misses toughest schools

A new study from the Annenberg Institute at Brown University suggests Texas’ $750m Teacher Incentive Allotment, the nation’s largest merit pay program, has helped reduce teacher turnover but may not offer large enough bonuses to attract and retain top educators in the rural and high-poverty schools it was designed to support. While more than 65,000 teachers received performance-based bonuses during the 2025–26 school year, researchers found many highly rated teachers continued to move to higher-income schools after receiving their initial awards. The study found that teachers generally needed more than $6,000 in additional annual pay to consider transferring to a significantly higher-poverty school, and even then, many remained reluctant to move. Teachers already working in high-poverty schools were more likely to transfer to wealthier campuses after earning merit designations, suggesting the recognition itself may increase their marketability rather than strengthen staffing in the schools with the greatest needs.

NATIONAL NEWS

Trump administration unveils major Head Start overhaul

The Trump administration has proposed a major rollback of federal regulations governing Head Start, the 61-year-old program serving roughly 700,000 low-income children, infants, toddlers, and pregnant women. The Department of Health and Human Services says the changes would give approximately 1,600 federally funded programs greater flexibility by allowing state standards to govern areas including class sizes, child-to-staff ratios, background checks, and transportation. Officials estimate the overhaul could create as many as 236,000 additional slots and save $2.2bn, while also cutting the cap on administrative spending from 15% to 5% and introducing new nutrition and physical activity requirements. The administration says all statutory requirements under the Head Start Act would remain intact, and programs would not be required to depart from existing standards. Congressional Democrats have criticized the proposal, warning that deregulation could increase class sizes and reduce services. Congress has provided roughly $12.4bn for Head Start for the current fiscal year, while the White House has requested flat funding for fiscal 2027. 

GOVERNANCE

Fort Worth ISD's state takeover explained

As Fort Worth ISD prepares for its first full school year under state intervention, district leaders addressed community concerns during a town hall meeting led by State Rep. Nicole Collier. Superintendent Peter Licata and the Board of Managers, who are temporarily replacing previous leadership, aim to improve student achievement. Licata estimated that around 350 teachers are uncertified this year, primarily in career and technical education. “We monitor them closely… We want every teacher certified,” he said. The new Elevate model, described by Deputy Superintendent Daniel Soliz as an “instructional playbook,” will be implemented at 19 struggling campuses, focusing on reading and math. Collier proposed legislation to ensure smoother transitions back to local control if state standards are not met within two years. “We need to keep them engaged and a part of the process throughout the whole time,” she said.

Tarrant County schools brace for grades

Tarrant County schools are anxiously awaiting their 2025-26 A-F accountability ratings from the Texas Education Agency (TEA), set to be released on August 14. Several campuses are at risk of state takeover if they receive consecutive F grades. TEA Commissioner Mike Morath has already taken over Fort Worth ISD and Lake Worth ISD due to poor performance. For instance, Blanton Elementary School has received three consecutive F grades, and a fourth would put Arlington ISD in jeopardy. Morath stated: "Campuses will need to maintain a grade increase of C or higher for two years to graduate out of Elevate status." Fort Worth ISD is hopeful for improvements, with projections indicating some campuses may see significant grade increases.

Leadership shakeup at Southwest ISD

Less than three weeks before the school year begins, Southwest ISD Superintendent Jeanette Ball has resigned, expressing a desire to "do something different." Her resignation, effective at midnight on Wednesday, was unanimously approved by district trustees. Ball, who earned over $270,000 annually, will not complete her contract, which was set to run until June 30, 2027. Deputy Superintendent Brandon Crisp has been appointed as the acting superintendent. Ball's departure adds to the leadership instability in Bexar County, where several superintendents have left their positions recently.

FINANCE

Liberty Hill ISD budget surplus revealed

Liberty Hill ISD officials presented their budget projections for the upcoming fiscal year during the board meeting on Monday. The district anticipates a $9m surplus in its general fund, with revenues of less than $136m exceeding expenditures of over $126.9m. However, the debt service fund is projected to face a shortfall, with revenues expected to be slightly under $53.8m against appropriations exceeding $56.7m. The combined tax rate for the upcoming school year is set at $1.2298 per $100 valuation, reflecting a slight decrease. Despite this, rising property values may lead to higher tax bills for homeowners. The district's enrollment has surged to 10,443 students, a significant increase from previous years, emphasizing the importance of maintaining high attendance rates to secure funding. 

Comal ISD seeks $567m bond approval

Comal ISD is asking voters to approve a $567m bond package on the November 3 ballot. This proposal includes two propositions: Proposition A seeks $540m for new elementary schools and infrastructure improvements, while Proposition B requests $27m for technology upgrades. Trustee Victor Reyna emphasized the necessity of these improvements, stating: "It's not some fancy things that we've got to fix and make pretty; it's some things that our kids need." With enrollment projected to grow from 30,000 to 40,000 by 2035, the district may also need to build a new high school soon. The bond measures can be financed within the existing tax rate, according to district officials.

WORKFORCE

Midland ISD hits 97% teacher fill rate

Midland ISD is set to start the 2026-27 school year with a remarkable 97% teacher fill rate, showcasing its dedication to attracting and retaining quality educators. “Our teachers are the foundation of student success, and reaching a 97% fill rate before the start of the school year is a tremendous accomplishment,” said Superintendent Stephanie Howard. With fewer than 35 vacancies remaining, Midland ISD is well-positioned to serve its students and families. The district's comprehensive staffing strategy aims to create a sustainable educator pipeline, ensuring that every classroom is filled with excellent teachers. Chief of Human Capital Jessie Garcia emphasized the ongoing commitment to recruitment, stating: “A 97% fill rate is an important milestone, but the work is not finished.”

Celebrate Texas educators with H-E-B awards

The 25th Annual H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards will distribute over $1m in cash prizes to Texas educators and their schools through 2027. Nominations are open until September 30, 2026, allowing anyone to recognize outstanding teachers, counselors, principals, and educational facilities. Winell Herron, H-E-B Senior Vice President, said, “For 25 years, the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards have celebrated Texas educators whose commitment reaches far beyond the classroom.” The awards include various categories, with cash prizes ranging from $10,000 to $150,000 for individuals and their schools. Finalists and winners will be announced at a ceremony in Austin in Spring 2027, with each recipient's school receiving a matching grant.

DISTRICTS

Foster Elementary school set to open

Humble ISD's newly rebuilt Foster Elementary School is scheduled to welcome students on August 12 for the 2026-27 school year. The 122,000-sq ft facility, costing approximately $44m, is part of a larger $775m bond package approved by voters in May 2022. Construction commenced in September 2024, marking a significant investment in the community's educational infrastructure.

Katy ISD updates discipline plan

During a recent Katy ISD board meeting, trustees Nathan Shipley and Rebecca Fox proposed updates to the district's Discipline Management Plan to address e-vehicles, including unregistered e-motorcycles. This request followed public concerns raised by Fort Bend Precinct 1 Constable Chad Norvell. The revisions, approved unanimously by the board, will be included in the "Safety Guidelines and Expectations" section of the plan. The district plans to inform parents about the new regulations through newsletters and graphics from the Katy ISD Police Department before the school year begins.

LEGAL

Meta told to pay nearly $1bn penalty over social media harm to children

Meta has been ordered to pay an additional $567m in compensation and strengthen child-safety measures across its platforms after a New Mexico judge found the technology company to be a “public nuisance.” The latest award brings total penalties in the case to $942m, following a $375m jury award in March. The lawsuit, filed by New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez in 2023, accused Meta of exposing children to sexually explicit content, solicitation, and human trafficking. Judge Bryan Biedscheid concluded that Meta’s platforms are a significant contributing factor to New Mexico’s youth mental health crisis, citing evidence of increasing depressive episodes, eating disorders, and suicide rates among adolescents. Torrez described the judgment as a potential “blueprint” for holding social media companies responsible for products that endanger children. Meta has said it will appeal the New Mexico ruling. The company maintains that it works to protect users, has been transparent about the difficulties of identifying and removing harmful content and bad actors, and remains confident in its record of protecting teenagers online.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Katy ISD gears up for safety

As Katy ISD prepares for the new school year, safety measures are being heightened, particularly regarding the use of e-bikes and e-scooters. Katy ISD police chief David Rider said: "We'd rather handle that at that level than get law enforcement involved," emphasizing the district's approach to discipline. Houston ISD Police Chief Shamara Garner advised students to avoid electric vehicles if they cannot operate them safely.

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Vaccination debate ignites online uproar

The online discussion surrounding school vaccinations intensified as Robert F. Kennedy Jr. urged parents to vaccinate their children against measles. A reminder from Whitehouse ISD in East Texas about immunization requirements led to a flurry of comments, with many arguing for the right to opt out through conscientious exemptions. Kennedy, during a CNN appearance, emphasized the importance of the measles vaccine, saying: "Parents should get their children vaccinated for measles." The CDC reported 2,371 measles cases in the U.S. this year, the highest since 1991, with Texas accounting for 190 confirmed cases.

NUTRITION

Hunger crisis looms for Houston kids

Child nutrition experts warn that cuts to the free lunch program in Houston could jeopardize thousands of students' access to nutritious meals. "For many children, school meals provide the most nutritious meal of the day," said Luz Maria Garcini, director of the Kinder Institute for Urban Research's Center for Community and Public Health. Over 30 Houston ISD schools will no longer offer universal free lunch due to changes in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), affecting more than 35,000 students. The Trump administration's modifications to SNAP have led to a significant drop in enrollment, with 155,000 fewer residents approved for benefits in June.

SOCIAL & COMMUNITY

Back-to-school drive kicks off

As the new school year approaches, Communities In Schools of Houston (CIS) is collaborating with H-E-B to ensure students have the necessary supplies. From July 29 to August 25, customers can donate at H-E-B locations across Texas, directly benefiting K-12 students in surrounding districts. Lisa Descant, CEO of CIS of Houston, said: “It’s important for students to start the school year on the right foot with all the needed supplies.” The initiative aims to support students from underserved communities, ensuring they are prepared for learning. In the previous year, CIS served over 122,000 students, highlighting the significant impact of such partnerships.

INTERNATIONAL

France pulls funding as school uniform trial struggles to deliver results

France’s school uniform experiment is winding down after two years of mixed results, falling participation, and the withdrawal of state funding. The program, launched in 2024 and backed by President Emmanuel Macron and former Education Minister Gabriel Attal, aimed to strengthen social cohesion, reduce inequality, and improve student behavior. Participation fell from about 204 schools in 2024 to 123 the following year, and many local authorities have now abandoned the scheme because they cannot afford to continue without government support. The state initially allocated €1.6m ($1.84m), but no dedicated funding was included in the 2026 budget. Municipalities also cited rising manufacturing costs, administrative burdens, and difficulties enforcing uniform rules. A May 2026 government evaluation found limited evidence that uniforms improved behavior, academic performance, or social relationships. While some teachers and parents said uniforms reduced visible social differences and strengthened school identity, many students highlighted practical problems, including discomfort and feeling singled out outside school.
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