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Texas
11th August 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Black families face school trade-offs

The Texas Tribune looks at how Black families in Texas are increasingly choosing between under-resourced neighborhood schools offering cultural familiarity and better-rated campuses with stronger academic programs but less community representation. In 2025, 35% of majority-Black schools received D or F ratings, compared with 8% of majority-white schools. Researchers attribute the disparity to unequal funding, limited advanced courses, staff shortages and insufficient numbers of Black teachers. State officials argue that accountability ratings and intervention encourage faster improvement, citing test-score gains in Houston. Critics warn that ratings can overlook poverty, instability and resource gaps while triggering damaging takeovers or closures. Families transferring children elsewhere may secure better opportunities individually but further reduce attendance-based funding and parental involvement at struggling local schools.

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STATE NEWS

School grades miss bigger picture

University of Texas education professor David DeMatthews argues that the state’s A-F school ratings rely too heavily on STAAR test results and fail to capture many important aspects of education. He says accountability is necessary but should also consider student safety, relationships with teachers, access to advanced courses, creativity, critical thinking and civic development. External factors such as housing, healthcare and family support also influence academic performance. DeMatthews cites Houston ISD’s state takeover, where improved test results have coincided with teacher turnover, declining enrollment, reduced parent satisfaction and concerns about curriculum and special education. He concludes that A-F grades should be viewed as limited snapshots rather than definitive judgments of school quality.

Texas schools face new intervention rules

A new Texas Education Agency rule will prevent districts from escaping the consequences of repeated failing grades simply by closing struggling schools. From August 16, poor ratings may transfer to the campus receiving the largest share of displaced students unless it is rated A or B. The change could affect Austin ISD’s closure of Paredes Middle School, whose pupils are being transferred mainly to C-rated Bailey Middle School. Education groups warn the policy could restrict local decision-making as falling enrollment and financial pressures force more closures. The agency says the rule will encourage districts to place pupils more carefully and prevent them from moving children between academically weak schools.

POLICY

Are cellphone bans effective?

Since France implemented the first comprehensive student cellphone ban in 2018, 106 countries and 39 U.S. states have followed suit. However, experts like Sonia Livingstone, a professor at the London School of Economics, argue that "the jury is out" on the effectiveness of these bans. While some studies indicate improved academic performance and reduced bullying among students without phones, others show no significant changes. The push for bans reflects growing concerns about technology's impact on youth, as highlighted by former U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy's call for stricter regulations. Despite the bans, students often find ways to circumvent them, raising questions about their practicality and effectiveness. In Norway, a study found that cellphone restrictions positively impacted grades, particularly for girls, suggesting that while bans may help, their overall effectiveness remains uncertain.

Cell phone ban boosts student interaction

As Texas students enter their second year under a statewide cell phone ban during school hours, Lubbock ISD officials report overwhelmingly positive outcomes. Dr. Kathy Rollo, Lubbock ISD Superintendent, noted: “It is really neat when you walk into a high school campus now,” highlighting the increased student interaction and decreased distractions. The policy, which requires students to keep phones off and out of sight, has led to improved class participation and grades, as well as a reduction in bullying. Rollo said: “The result was actually marvelous,” emphasizing the enhanced social behaviors among students. With the policy in place for the upcoming school year, parents are reminded to keep their contact information updated to maintain communication with their children.

DISTRICTS

Chaos in special education at Houston ISD

Houston ISD’s consolidation of special education services has left many families unsure where their children will study or what support they will receive as the new school year begins. Around 5,000 pupils are being moved to selected campuses under a plan intended to concentrate specialist resources. Parents and former employees argue that transfers were poorly communicated, could reduce inclusion in mainstream classes and may violate federal requirements for individualized education plans. The Texas Education Agency said parental consent must be obtained before plans are changed and has ordered corrective action, while the U.S. Department of Education is investigating. Houston ISD maintains that it is complying with the law and improving services through smaller, more specialized classes.

TEFA accounts shake up enrollment

As Fort Bend ISD prepares for the new school year, officials are closely monitoring the effects of the Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) on enrollment. Launched in 2025, the TEFA program provides funding for various educational opportunities, including private school tuition and homeschooling, with a budget capped at $1bn. Approximately 122,000 students have been accepted, with Fort Bend ISD seeing 8,429 applications. Jaretha Jordan, deputy superintendent, noted that the district anticipates enrollment losses between 700 to 1,100 students. Kelly Schlacks, Executive Director of Finance, said: “We won't know the full impact of [the program] until the enrollment stabilizes.” The district plans to introduce seven new programs aimed at retaining students amid these challenges, as it faces potential funding losses of up to $12 m due to the TEFA program.

Bright Futures Academy opens doors

Lamar CISD is launching Bright Futures Academy to address the growing needs of students with autism spectrum disorder, which has seen a 334.1% increase in enrollment over the past decade, according to the Texas Education Agency. The academy will welcome up to 95 students from early childhood through second grade starting on August 11, 2026. Located at the former Beasley Elementary School site, it aims to provide tailored education through three levels of study, focusing on social skills and compliance. Principal Toni Scott emphasized the community-centered approach, stating: “One of the things that makes Bright Futures Academy so special is that it was created with people at the center: students, families, educators and the whole community.” The academy plans to expand by adding one grade level each year until it reaches fifth grade.

Richardson ISD welcomes out-of-district students

Richardson ISD and other North Texas districts are implementing open enrollment policies to counteract declining student numbers. The Texas 2036 report revealed a significant drop of over 76,000 students in public school enrollment last year, prompting districts to attract students from outside their boundaries. This trend is not unique to Richardson; other districts like Dallas ISD and Mansfield ISD are also adopting similar strategies to remain competitive. Richardson ISD Superintendent Tabitha Branum noted: "We're all in the end having to compete for enrollment to maintain what we do in each of our school districts."

WORKFORCE

Fort Worth ISD kicks off school year with zero vacancies

Fort Worth ISD has begun the school year with no core classroom teacher vacancies, a significant achievement announced by Superintendent Peter Licata. This comes after over 1,000 teachers resigned following the Texas Education Agency's takeover due to stagnant academic performance, marking a 58% increase from the previous year. Licata attributed the district's success in filling positions to a 5% raise for teachers, making Fort Worth ISD an attractive option for educators. "Starting a school year with zero teaching vacancies, that is unprecedented," Licata said. Despite this success, the job board still lists various openings, including positions for special education and bilingual support teachers. Denisha Presley, Human Resources Chief, noted that the district's virtual information sessions attracted teachers from across the country, including the Philippines. 

NUTRITION

Lunch program rules get a makeover

The USDA National School Lunch Program has served nearly 246 bn lunches since its inception in 1969. Originally established during World War II, the program has undergone significant changes, including the recent return of whole milk after 13 years. The program's authority is divided among Congress, the USDA, and local school districts, which must adhere to federal meal patterns to receive reimbursement. The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act allows schools to offer whole and 2% milk, but districts must still navigate supply and pricing challenges. "Pizza and french fries have outlasted every attempt to push them off the menu," highlighting the influence of lobbying on school nutrition standards. As the USDA revises its guidelines, the focus remains on balancing nutrition with agricultural interests.

CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION

Richardson ISD plans new centers

Richardson ISD is set to open a new Environmental Science Center in fall 2029 and a Career and Technical Education (CTE) center in August 2030, as part of the $1.4bn bond approved in November 2025. Superintendent Tabitha Branum expressed enthusiasm, stating: “Momentum is building and we're really looking forward to this work.” The CTE center will be located near the RISD Operations Center, with design work starting this school year.

Longview ISD breaks ground on expansion

Longview ISD officials and community members have initiated an expansion project for the district’s Transportation Center, marking the final undertaking from the 2024 voter-approved bond measure. The 10,000-square-foot project, with a maximum guaranteed cost of $7.43m, aims to modernize the existing facility and is expected to be substantially completed by the third quarter of 2027.

Corpus Christi schools face demolition

The Corpus Christi ISD has decided to demolish several closed campuses, including Fannin, Kostoryz, Sanders, and Travis elementary schools, as well as Browne and Martin middle schools, ahead of the 2026-27 school year. Superintendent Roland Hernandez said: "Stand-alone buildings who are vacant become invitations [for] lots of broken windows, for people getting into the building." The demolitions, costing over $3.2m, will be funded by bond 2022 and are set to be completed by June 30, 2027. The work will be carried out by three local companies, with the decision receiving majority support from the school board, except for trustee Mary Bell, who voted against it.

SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION

Austin ISD reverses bus plan

Austin ISD has announced a reversal of its new bus plan just days before the start of the school year. The district decided to restore neighborhood-level bus stops for middle school students after receiving feedback on its previously proposed transportation hub model. Kris Hafezizadeh, executive director for Austin ISD Transportation & Vehicle Services, said: "After careful consideration, we have decided to restore neighborhood-level bus stops for middle school students." The revised plan will maintain the hub model for high school students, with final bus stop details expected to be public by August 13, just five days before classes begin on August 18.
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