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Texas
12th August 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Texas weighs tougher penalties as teacher-student misconduct allegations triple

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has proposed requiring educators convicted of inappropriate relationships with students to serve at least 10 years in prison without parole and register as sex offenders, arguing that stronger penalties are needed to protect students. More than 1,700 allegations involving inappropriate romantic or sexual relationships or communications between teachers and students were reported in Texas schools in 2026, three times the previous year’s total, although nearly 400 investigations were closed after preliminary review, and the number resulting in convictions is unclear. Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows has backed the proposal, indicating that it will be a priority when lawmakers convene next year. Existing state law already requires convicted teachers to forfeit their teaching credentials and taxpayer pensions, while administrators who fail to report misconduct can face fines of up to $10,000 or jail time.

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NATIONAL NEWS

Special education complaints rise 46% across 31 states

Written state complaints involving special education increased 46% across 31 state education agencies, rising from 7,907 in the 2024-25 school year to 11,523 in 2025-26, according to a survey by the Council for Exceptional Children and the National Association of State Directors of Special Education. The organizations said continued underfunding of special education, personnel shortages, and declining confidence in the federal Office for Civil Rights may be contributing to the increase, as families increasingly turn to state-level complaint processes. The federal civil rights office has reduced its workforce and closed seven of its 12 regional offices, including its California office, limiting capacity to investigate discrimination complaints. A Government Accountability Office report found that the office received more than 9,000 complaints between March and September 2025 and resolved 7,072 during that period, primarily by dismissing 90% of them.

Education Department revives research funding

The U.S. Department of Education’s Institute of Education Sciences is restarting competitive education research grantmaking after more than 15 months of delays and cancellations, with roughly $250m in fiscal 2027 funding planned across three waves. The new approach will concentrate grants in areas including STEM, literacy, low-incidence disabilities, and workforce transitions, while organizing researchers into hubs designed to create more coordinated bodies of evidence. However, significant funding uncertainty remains: as of June 30, IES still had access to roughly $223m in fiscal 2025 funds that could expire after September 30, while more than $450m in fiscal 2026 funding had yet to be released by the White House Office of Management and Budget. Researchers have welcomed the resumption of grants, but questions remain about whether IES, which lost 161 employees early in the second Trump administration, has sufficient capacity to administer the new programs and prevent previously appropriated funding from lapsing.

STATE NEWS

Enrollment declines spark school closures

In Houston, public school enrollment is declining, prompting the closure of 12 campuses, as experts predict this trend will persist. Bill King, a fellow at the Baker Institute, noted: "There is also a lot of pride around these schools; a lot of these schools have been here for a really long time, and they are the center of those communities." The latest data from the Houston ISD indicates that by the 2025-26 school year, 63 campuses will be under 50% capacity. This issue extends beyond Houston, with other districts like Fort Bend and Cy-Fair also closing schools. University of Houston professor Duncan Klussmann highlighted that Texas has seen a significant drop in new student enrollment, with families increasingly opting for charter schools, homeschooling, or private education. HISD anticipates a loss of around 4,000 students by the 2026-27 school year, which could result in a $50m reduction in state funding.

Texas schools' summer start sparks debate

Texas Rep. Jared Patterson criticized the early August start dates for schools, calling them "among the dumbest things we do as a state." He argued that starting school during the hottest month poses risks to student athletes, the economy, and the electric grid. Patterson proposed that schools should begin after Labor Day and extend the school year into June. U.S. Rep. Craig Goldman supported this idea, stating: "The problem is, it makes common sense and you know what happens when you bring that into government?" The debate over school start dates is reignited as many Texas districts begin classes in mid-August, despite state laws generally prohibiting early starts. Houston ISD has even expanded its academic calendar to provide more instructional days, emphasizing the need for additional classroom time to help students catch up academically.

FINANCE

McKinney ISD proposes major bond package

McKinney ISD trustees have unanimously approved placing five bond propositions and a Voter-Approved Tax Rate Election (VATRE) on the November 3 ballot. The propositions, developed by the Long Range Facilities Planning Committee, aim to address various needs, including Proposition A, which seeks to increase the maintenance and operations tax rate to $0.7464 per $100 valuation, generating $4.1m for teacher compensation and student programs. Board President Amy Dankel said, "This proposal reflects months of study...," emphasizing the importance of transparency for voters. If approved, the total tax rate will be $1.0664 per $100 valuation, which is $0.0379 lower than last year. Superintendent Shawn Pratt noted the district's efforts to reduce expenses and maintain competitive teacher salaries. 

Round Rock ISD tax rate election set

Round Rock ISD will determine its tax rate for the 2026-27 financial year and call for a tax rate election during its meeting on tomorrow. The election, scheduled for November, will also include three school board seat races. The proposed tax rate of $0.9848 per $100 valuation includes a maintenance and operations rate of $0.7654 and a debt service rate of $0.1830. Chief of human resources Eddie Curran said the voter-approval tax rate election (VATRE) would generate funds for a 2% pay raise and increase starting teacher pay to $58,000. Under the proposed rate, a homeowner with a taxable value of $500,000 would pay $4,742 in district taxes, which is $276 more than the previous year. The board will also discuss updates to the student code of conduct and an agreement with the Austin Area Boys & Girls Club during the meeting.

TECHNOLOGY

AI tool aims to boost reading

San Antonio ISD has implemented an artificial intelligence tool, Coursemojo, to enhance reading and writing instruction in middle schools. The initiative aims to address long-standing academic struggles among students. "The AI program will lead them towards the correct answer," said Anthony Cordova, a seventh-grade reading teacher at Rogers Middle School. While some campuses, like Tafolla, have shown improvement in student performance, overall results remain mixed, with many students still lagging behind. The district faces potential state intervention due to low academic ratings. Experts emphasize that while technology can aid learning, the primary driver of student success remains effective teaching. "Technology is kind of best thought of as a way to enhance teacher-led instruction," noted Shawn Datchuk, a professor at the University of Iowa.

DISTRICTS

Ector County ISD welcomes new school year

Ector County ISD is set to begin its new school year on Tuesday, welcoming approximately 32,000 students, including those at the newly opened Vasquez Middle School in West Odessa. Superintendent Keeley Boyer expressed excitement, stating: "Tomorrow, the very first students ever will attend Vasquez." The school can accommodate 1,000 students, and the district anticipates an influx of 500 to 1,000 additional students after Labor Day. Boyer also highlighted ongoing construction projects, including the new Career and Technical Education Center, expected to open in August 2027. Despite a projected $4.5m deficit in the 2026-27 budget, the district is focused on maintaining staffing levels and enhancing literacy through the Permian Literacy Initiative, which aims to improve reading skills in early education. "The idea is to pilot that and then scale that up," Boyer said.

Revamped MLK Arts Academy welcomes students

The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Arts Academy in South Dallas has undergone a remarkable transformation, welcoming students to a newly renovated campus filled with vibrant classrooms and state-of-the-art facilities. The school, which was once struggling with low enrollment and performance, has now become a premier arts academy, offering a range of creative classes. With an investment of $23m, the school has expanded its offerings and improved its facilities, resulting in a B rating from the Texas Education Agency in 2025. The community's efforts, led by figures like former Dallas ISD Superintendent Michael Hinojosa and philanthropists Linda and Jon Halbert, have been crucial in this revitalization. The academy aims to provide a pathway for students to excel in the arts and secure spots at Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts.

LEGAL

SCOTUS ruling sparks new battles

The U.S. Supreme Court's June 30 decision regarding transgender athletes upheld the status quo, allowing states to maintain bans on participation in teams that align with gender identity. "As litigators, we keep making these arguments until we win," said Beth Parlato, an attorney with the Independent Women's Law Center. While over 20 states permit transgender athletes to compete, advocates anticipate ongoing legal and legislative battles. The ruling raises questions about the interpretation of Title IX, which prohibits sex discrimination but does not define "sex." Justice Brett Kavanaugh suggested that "sex... cannot plausibly be interpreted to refer to anything other than biological sex," potentially influencing future lawsuits. The conservative majority's opinion did not clarify protections for transgender individuals, leaving room for challenges against discrimination. Anna Kirkland, a gender studies professor, expressed concern that the ruling narrows equal protection for all.

Parents challenge Ten Commandments mandate

Emily Roth's daughter learned about heaven at school, raising concerns for Roth, who is raising her children in a non-religious home. The state-mandated display of the Ten Commandments in Spring Branch ISD classrooms has prompted Roth, along with Audrey Nath and Sanjam Kaur Sohal, to sue the state of Texas. Roth stated: “At the most basic level, public school needs to be a place where kids feel like they belong.” The lawsuit challenges the religious content of the displays under the Texas Religious Freedom Restoration Act and the Parental Rights Amendment. The plaintiffs argue that the displays create an exclusionary environment for children from diverse backgrounds. The case highlights the ongoing debate over the intersection of religion and public education in Texas.

NUTRITION

Free meals for all Austin students

Austin ISD will provide free breakfast and lunch to every student at 69 campuses during the 2026-27 school year through the federally funded Community Eligibility Provision program, announced on August 7. Students at non-CEP campuses will also benefit, as those approved for reduced-price meals will receive both meals at no cost, thanks to state funding from the Texas Legislature. The CEP allows schools in low-income areas to serve free meals without requiring applications.

SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION

Track your bus with ease

Denton ISD is easing transportation worries for families with the launch of the Edulog Parent Portal App, which allows parents to track bus locations, arrival times, and scheduled stops using GPS technology. The app aims to provide peace of mind for parents, ensuring they know where their children are headed. As the school year begins tomorrow, Denton ISD has also set up a webpage to assist families in preparing for the new academic year.

CYBERSECURITY

Schools strengthen cybersecurity strategies amid growing AI and data risks

U.S. schools are increasingly moving from reactive cybersecurity measures toward longer-term resilience strategies as ransomware attacks begin to stabilize, although threats remain significant. Confirmed ransomware attacks on U.S. educational institutions declined 9% from 2024 to 2025, while average ransom amounts fell 33%, according to Comparitech, giving IT teams more scope to focus on proactive planning. Schools such as Cityscape Schools in Dallas are adopting structured cybersecurity frameworks, using resources from the Center for Internet Security, and emphasizing executive support, staff training, and data governance. With AI creating new risks around sensitive information, Cityscape has introduced live AI awareness training for employees, while schools are also being urged to regularly review cyber insurance requirements and use state and national cybersecurity resources.

HIGHER EDUCATION

AI literacy: a new frontier

Midwestern State University (MSU Texas) is taking a proactive approach to integrate AI into its educational framework. The university has developed an Artificial Intelligence Strategic Plan aimed at enhancing AI literacy among students while upholding academic integrity. Kristen Garrison, associate vice president for academic affairs, said: "We’re going to survey students and say, 'How do you feel about your Gen AI skills?'" The plan introduces a four-category framework for AI use in classrooms, allowing flexibility based on course objectives. MSU Texas aims to prepare students for the workforce by clarifying AI usage guidelines, thus empowering them to use AI responsibly. Additionally, the university is offering courses like Writing and AI to equip students with practical skills. To further address academic integrity, Provost Marcy Brown Marsden has established an Academic Integrity and Policy Task Force to review and enhance policies related to AI by March 2027.

INTERNATIONAL

Afghanistan’s education ban has excluded 2.4m girls from school

An estimated 2.4m Afghan girls have been barred from secondary education since the Taliban returned to power in 2021, according to UNESCO, making Afghanistan the only country where girls and women are formally prohibited from secondary and higher education. Secondary schools were closed to girls in March 2022, followed by a ban on women attending universities that December, with both restrictions remaining in place despite initially being described as temporary. UNESCO estimates the education bans could push 600,000 Afghan women out of the workforce by 2066, result in $9.6bn in cumulative income losses, increase the risk of early marriage, and contribute to a shortage of more than 11,000 qualified female teachers by 2030. The restrictions are adding to broader strains on Afghanistan’s education system, where more than 2m primary-age children are already out of school for other reasons, more than 90% of 10-year-olds cannot read a simple text, and nearly half of schools lack water, sanitation, or heating.

South African education leaders call for Mathematical Literacy to be scrapped

Former South African Education Minister Naledi Pandor has called for the country to rethink Mathematical Literacy, arguing that the subject has encouraged students to abandon core mathematics and reduced overall participation in the subject. Pandor said Mathematical Literacy should instead provide basic numerical skills to all students, while alternative levels of mathematics could accommodate students with different abilities. Her position aligns with former mathematics education professor Mamokgethi Phakeng, who has argued that Mathematical Literacy offers limited value for university admission and creates incentives for schools to move struggling students away from mathematics to improve overall performance.
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