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Texas
14th August 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Texas school voucher program faces challenges

Texas Governor Greg Abbott's Parent Empowerment Night highlighted the ongoing challenges of the Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) program. Over 20,700 students have returned their school vouchers, with more than two-thirds previously enrolled in public schools. Dee Carney, director of the Texas Center for Voucher Transparency, said: “Just because you got an award does not mean you have a seat in a private school.” Many families face obstacles such as high tuition costs and limited availability of suitable private schools. Education experts, including David DeMatthews from the University of Texas at Austin, noted that low-income students with disabilities struggle the most to find appropriate educational options. The program aims to provide financial assistance, but critics argue that many families are opting out due to unmet needs and challenges in securing private school placements.

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NATIONAL NEWS

Nearly one in four U.S. students remains chronically absent six years after pandemic

U.S. public schools continue to struggle with elevated chronic absenteeism six years after the pandemic began, with 22.6% of students missing at least 10% of school days in 2025, down about one percentage point from the previous year but still substantially above the roughly 15% recorded before COVID-19. Data collected from 45 states by the free-market-oriented American Enterprise Institute think tank indicates that attendance is gradually improving, but researchers say pandemic-era changes to attitudes toward regular attendance have persisted and could make it difficult for schools to reverse declines in academic performance. Districts are increasingly pursuing efforts to bring students back to classrooms, including Los Angeles USD, where administrators have visited families to encourage attendance. Chronic absenteeism in the district declined to 27.7% last school year but remains above the 26% recorded in 2018-2019, illustrating the continuing challenge of returning attendance to pre-pandemic levels.

STATE NEWS

Texas weighs broader classroom screen restrictions after statewide cellphone ban

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has proposed further restricting the use of laptops, tablets, and other electronic devices in K-12 classrooms, arguing that schools should emphasize books, handwriting, and direct teacher instruction while reserving technology for specific lessons and assessments. The proposal, which would require legislative approval next year, follows Texas’ statewide ban on cellphone use in public schools and comes amid broader concerns about the effects of excessive screen time on children. Abbott has not yet detailed specific limits or how restrictions would differ by grade level, but he cited reports of improved participation, grades, and reduced bullying following the cellphone ban. Several Texas districts have already begun reducing classroom technology and limiting AI use, while six states have enacted laws addressing screen time in schools.

Texas schools face new closure rules

As the 2026-27 school year approaches, public school leaders in Texas have closed at least nine schools to address ongoing state accountability issues and prevent state intervention. A new rule from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) complicates future closures by assigning the closed campus's rating to the new school if students are transferred to a C, D, or F-rated campus. “The adopted amendment clarifies the conditions under which a district may close a campus,” TEA stated. This rule will not affect closures approved before the upcoming school year, but Education Commissioner Mike Morath retains discretion to transfer failing ratings on a case-by-case basis. Currently, eight Texas districts are under state-appointed boards due to failing ratings, with potential for more to follow if they receive a fifth consecutive failing grade.

Texas classrooms embrace religious teachings

Texas students will experience increased religious content in classrooms due to new laws and programs. A significant change is the statewide private school voucher program, which has already provided funding for 85,000 students. The State Board of Education has mandated Bible readings, with a new reading list that includes biblical texts from second grade to 10th grade. Critics argue that this approach narrows the view of history and literature, sidelining racial and religious diversity. Education Commissioner Mike Morath emphasized that the Bluebonnet curriculum aims to provide "high-quality" materials, with the state investing at least $100m in its development. Additionally, a law allows for daily prayer in schools, though many districts opted out due to logistical concerns.

GOVERNANCE

Education Commissioner faces tough choices

Austin ISD faces significant challenges as Education Commissioner Mike Morath considers actions following five consecutive failing ratings for Webb and Burnet middle schools. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has previously taken over seven school systems since 2015 due to academic issues. Despite Austin ISD's overall rating improving from a C to a B, the district still struggles with D and F-rated campuses. Superintendent Matias Segura emphasized the urgency for improvement, stating: “There’s without a doubt been and will continue to be a sense of urgency for all schools.” The district is exploring options to avoid a takeover, including potential meetings with Gov. Greg Abbott. Parents and teachers have voiced concerns about losing local control, with Trasell Underwood, vice president of Education Austin, stating: “School employees see problems, and they're in a position to provide ideas on fixing the issues.”

Fort Worth ISD schools gain autonomy

Fort Worth ISD is implementing a new system that allows schools to operate with increased autonomy based on performance tiers. During a board meeting, Deputy Superintendent Daniel Soliz explained that schools will progress through three levels: Elevate, Emerge, and Exemplar. Each tier offers varying degrees of freedom from district regulations, with the Elevate tier focusing on the lowest-performing schools. “One time is a happening, two times is considered a trend and three times is a pattern that is established,” said Superintendent Peter Licata, emphasizing the importance of consistent performance. The Elevate Network will initially support 19 schools, expanding to 24 based on upcoming accountability ratings. Schools in the Emerge tier will have more flexibility, while Exemplar schools will enjoy nearly full autonomy in decision-making.  

WORKFORCE

Fort Worth ISD cracks down on teachers

The Fort Worth ISD Board of Managers has approved a measure to report teachers who break their contracts early, which could lead to penalties including a one-year revocation of their teaching certification. The decision was unanimous, except for board member Rosa Maria Berdeja, who expressed concerns about the unprecedented changes during the state takeover. “I feel that extending grace and exercising discretion in this unique moment in time... would serve both our educators and our district,” Berdeja said. Superintendent Peter Licata reported that 45 teachers resigned after the 45-day deadline, with 36 approved and nine not. Licata emphasized the importance of commitment, stating, “When you make a commitment, you make a commitment to teach children.”

Principal turnover hits Houston ISD

Houston ISD is experiencing significant principal turnover, with at least 54 schools seeing new leadership for the 2026-27 school year. This change affects about 20% of the district's 264 schools, contributing to instability and increased teacher turnover, as noted by experts. State-appointed Superintendent Mike Miles reported a drop in teacher numbers from 10,500 to 9,600, with five teacher vacancies at the start of the year. Reasons for the turnover include promotions and changes in upper management, as many top officials have moved to other districts under new state takeovers. Poor evaluations have also contributed to the turnover, with some principals leaving due to performance issues.

NUTRITION

Houston ISD ends automatic free lunch

Starting in the 2026–2027 school year, 33 Houston ISD campuses will no longer automatically provide free lunch to all students, affecting over 35,000 children. Families at these schools must now submit a Meal Benefits Application to qualify for free or reduced-price lunches. Breakfast will remain free for all HISD students. The change is due to the campuses' non-participation in the federal Community Eligibility Provision, which requires at least 25% of students to receive automatic certification through assistance programs.

DISTRICTS

Temple ISD celebrates A rating success

Temple ISD has received commendable news from the Texas Education Agency (TEA), with Temple High School achieving an A rating and the district overall earning a B. Fred W. Edwards Academy maintained its A rating for the third consecutive year, while five other schools received B ratings. Deputy Superintendent Lisa Adams emphasized the district's focus on student growth and rigorous instruction, ensuring students are prepared for their future endeavors. Ott noted the intentional strategies implemented to achieve these results, including developing improvement plans and investing in staff.  

Vasquez Middle School opens with record

Ector County ISD trustees have met with Superintendent Dr. Keeley Boyer, who highlighted the opening of Vasquez Middle School, which welcomed 358 sixth graders, the highest number for any middle school. The trustees discussed the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) Board Policy Update 127 and received a presentation on rising healthcare costs, projecting a $9m loss for the district's medical plan. The local medical plan committee is exploring cost-saving measures, including changes to Blue Cross Blue Shield and Lucy RX. Additionally, the trustees reviewed the pilot for the Multi-Tiered System of Support Behavior framework, which has shown a decrease in disciplinary actions by 3-23% across participating schools. The district's STAAR results improved, with a 68% passing rate, influencing upcoming accountability ratings from the Texas Education Agency.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Bryan ISD boosts security for students

In a recent meeting, Bryan ISD trustees approved a $1.8m investment in security services for the 2026-27 school year, including contracts with Jet Security for armed guards and an interlocal agreement with the city for school resource officers. Deputy Supt. Brian Merrell noted that the district received 14 proposals from over 220 vendors. The plan includes 10 school resource officers, with the district covering 75% of the costs

STEM

DOJ finds three National Science Foundation STEM programs unconstitutional

The U.S. Department of Justice has determined that three National Science Foundation STEM education programs are unconstitutional because of their race-based criteria, including initiatives supporting Hispanic-serving institutions, graduate education, and minority participation. The programs account for roughly $104m  of NSF’s $938m STEM education fund, although the DOJ said the agency cannot reprogram the funding and may instead treat it as residual funding within its broader STEM education appropriation. Two other programs can continue without provisions deemed unconstitutional, while four programs reviewed by the DOJ were found constitutional. The decision has drawn criticism from Democratic lawmakers and science advocates, who argue that eliminating the programs could reduce educational and career opportunities for underrepresented students.

SPORTS

Income gap shapes access to youth sports

A new AP-Ipsos poll has found that although Americans overwhelmingly view organized sports as beneficial for children, participation varies significantly by household income. About seven in 10 parents of K-12 students earning at least $100,000 annually say their children participate in organized sports, compared with about four in 10 lower-income parents. Costs are a significant barrier: about two-thirds of sports parents spend up to $2,000 annually on equipment, fees, training, and travel, while scheduling, fees, travel, and equipment expenses are widely cited as challenges. Despite those pressures, parents largely believe sports provide important benefits, including physical fitness, teamwork, resilience, friendships, reduced screen time, and stronger self-confidence. Many also consider potential college admissions or scholarship benefits, although relatively few young athletes ultimately compete at the collegiate level or receive athletic scholarships

HIGHER EDUCATION

Harvard wins dismissal of federal lawsuit over alleged antisemitic discrimination

Harvard University has secured the dismissal of a Trump administration lawsuit alleging that it failed to protect Jewish students from discrimination, with U.S. District Judge Richard G. Stearns ruling that the incidents cited by the government were “too isolated and episodic” to establish a persistent violation of federal civil rights law. The government had sought to halt $2.6bn in existing federal grants and recover millions of dollars in previous grant payments, citing incidents of antisemitism largely from the 2023-2024 school year. Harvard, which has acknowledged shortcomings in its previous response to antisemitism, argued that it has since undertaken extensive institution-wide efforts to address the issue and characterized the lawsuit as part of a broader dispute over federal funding and academic independence. The Justice Department said it disagrees with the ruling and is evaluating its next steps.

INTERNATIONAL

Ontario teachers to get C$750 Staples accounts for classroom supplies

Ontario has selected Staples Canada to operate its new classroom supply program, which will provide 80,000 elementary educators with C$750 ($540) each per school year to purchase everyday teaching supplies. The online portal will open September 1, a week before classes begin, and will offer around 3,000 products, including paper, storage units, math supplies, paper towels, and calculators, with the selection informed by a survey of 23,000 teachers. The province said Staples’ bid was nearly half the price of the second-ranked bidder and that orders will be delivered directly to schools within three to five business days, including in rural, Northern, remote, and fly-in communities. The initiative has faced criticism after it emerged that C$300 of each C$750 account will be drawn from existing school funding.
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