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Texas
17th August 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Extreme heat disrupts U.S. schools

As students return to classrooms across much of the United States, a prolonged heat wave affecting roughly 97m people is forcing schools to take additional precautions to protect children from dangerous temperatures. With temperatures approaching 100 F and heat indexes potentially reaching 115 F in parts of the Southeast, some districts are keeping students indoors for recess when heat indexes reach certain levels, encouraging families to send children with bottled water, and canceling high school football activities. The conditions pose particular risks for student-athletes, with at least 58 players nationwide dying from exertional heat stroke between 1992 and 2024. Persistently high overnight temperatures are expected to provide little relief as schools navigate the extreme heat during the opening weeks of the academic year.

BLENDED LEARNING

An Administrator's Guide to Blended Learning

Online learning doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing approach. Explore blended learning with this comprehensive guide from FlexPoint®, which includes:
  • Worksheets to define your school’s needs
  • Outline of blended learning classroom models
  • List of questions to ask curriculum providers
  • Best practices for educator training
  • Instructional strategies and tips
  • Key benefits for you, students, and staff
Download the FlexPoint® guide to find the right mix of face-to-face and online instruction for your school or district.

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STATE NEWS

Texas tightens athlete heat protections

Texas schools are implementing new heat protections for student-athletes as fall sports begin amid temperatures that typically reach the mid-90s in August. Before outdoor activities, teams must now check the wet-bulb globe temperature, which measures air temperature, humidity, wind speed, and cloud cover, and use the reading to determine whether practices should be shortened or canceled. The requirement brings Texas in line with 17 other states and comes as approximately 9,000 student-athletes nationwide are treated for heat-related illnesses each year. Medical experts are also emphasizing gradual heat acclimatization, recognizing symptoms such as weakness, confusion, nausea, and dizziness, and improving access to athletic trainers, although only 37% of public high schools have a full-time trainer. The new Texas requirement applies to practices, but not game days.

Misconduct reports skyrocket in Texas

In 2026, misconduct reports in Texas schools have surged dramatically, with 16,848 reports recorded so far, compared to 6,456 in 2025, according to the Texas Education Agency (TEA). As students return to school, the data reveals a troubling trend, particularly in the greater Houston area, where at least seven districts have reported incidents of educators having inappropriate relationships with students. Districts affected include Alief ISD, Galena Park ISD, and Katy ISD, among others. Of the reported cases, four educators surrendered their teaching licenses, two received reprimands, and one had their license revoked. "Misconduct reports have more than doubled in the last year," the TEA data indicates.

GOVERNANCE

HISD board approves Miles' evaluation

The Houston ISD Board of Managers has approved Superintendent Mike Miles' annual evaluation and bonus. This decision followed Miles' announcement that the number of HISD's F-rated schools increased from zero to four for the 2025-26 school year, despite a rise in A- and B-rated schools. According to his contract, the board must evaluate the superintendent annually by October 1. Miles is eligible for a bonus of up to $231,000, in addition to his base salary of $462,000. HISD has not disclosed his evaluation score or the exact bonus amount. The board assesses him across seven categories, including vision and communication strategy. Last September, Miles received a bonus of $173,660 after scoring 91.4 out of 100.

Fort Worth ISD seeks community input

The Fort Worth ISD Board of Managers has initiated a community listening survey to gather insights on what parents and community members prioritize for students. Following several community listening sessions, the board aims to address key questions regarding essential knowledge, skills, and values for students. “As members of the FWISD School Board, we are committed to ensuring our FWISD students have the capacity to live purposeful, choice-filled lives,” the survey states. The board, appointed by Texas Education Agency Commissioner Mike Morath, emphasizes “radical transparency” in its operations. Despite these efforts, many community members feel more needs to be done. The survey will accept responses until September 15.

DISTRICTS

Dallas ISD scores big with B rating

Superintendent Stephanie Elizalde has announced that Dallas ISD received a B rating from the Texas Education Agency's annual accountability ratings, marking the second consecutive year with this score. The district improved its score to 85, up from 83 last year, reflecting a nine-point increase from 2023 results. Elizalde acknowledged the efforts of teachers and support staff, stating: “While a district score of 85 indicates that there is room for growth, we want to take a moment to celebrate what this nine-point increase means for our entire community and for our students in particular.” Although 94% of campuses received A, B, or C ratings, the district did not meet Elizalde's goal of having no D or F-rated campuses. Individual campus ratings will be released soon.

Ector County schools soar in ratings

Ector County ISD has announced significant improvements in its STAAR A-F Accountability Ratings, with 74% of its schools earning A, B, or C ratings. This year, ECISD achieved an overall score of 77, a C rating, up from 72 in the previous two years. "I am extremely proud of our team," said Superintendent Dr. Keeley Boyer, highlighting the impact of their new strategic plan, "Growing Forward. Together." Notable achievements include a graduation rate of 89.1% and double-digit growth in Algebra 1 and English 1. Dr. Boyer emphasized the need for continued focus on student outcomes, stating, "We understand we still have work to do." The district aims to sustain and build on these gains moving forward.

Friendswood ISD scores big in ratings

Friendswood ISD has achieved remarkable success, receiving the Texas Education Agency's highest score for the 2026 Accountability Rating. The district earned an overall A rating with a score of 92 out of 100, with all six campuses, including C.W. Cline Elementary and Friendswood High School, also receiving A ratings. Superintendent Thad Roher said, “This is an incredible accomplishment for our entire Mustang family,” highlighting the dedication of teachers, staff, students, and community support. The district's impressive 99% graduation rate reflects its commitment to student outcomes. Roher emphasized: “Excellence does not happen by accident,” underscoring the collective effort to prioritize students' needs.

WORKFORCE

Teachers rewarded for AP success

Midland ISD educators received $142,250 in incentives from the Midland Education Foundation after their students achieved scores of 4 or 5 on Advanced Placement exams during the 2025-26 school year. A total of 54 teachers from various schools, including Midland High School and Midland Lee High School, were recognized for their contributions to student success. Ellen Boyd, an AP English Literature teacher at Midland Lee High School, expressed gratitude, saying: “Their support reminds us that the work happening in our classrooms matters, and together we're helping prepare students for bright futures.” The foundation emphasized that these awards reflect the dedication of teachers in preparing students for success beyond high school.

FINANCE

Socorro ISD achieves stable credit rating

The Socorro ISD has successfully passed a balanced budget for the second consecutive year, earning a stable credit rating from Moody's. Chief Financial Officer David Solis stated: "What the rating reflects is the financial progress the district has made over the last couple of years." This improvement follows significant expenditure reductions and a projected $4m addition to the district's fund balance. SISD has made tough decisions, including eliminating around 150 positions, to achieve this financial stability. The district's long-term plan focuses on maintaining strong financial reserves and eliminating short-term borrowing, while the board adopted a $550.5m operating budget for the 2026–27 school year, generating a $550,000 surplus.

CHARTERS

Marshall ISD eyes charter partnership

Marshall ISD is contemplating a partnership with a charter system to enhance state funding and other advantages. “This charter will help us maintain a level of consistency that we want for our students,” said Andrew Chilcoat, assistant superintendent for auxiliary services. The Texas Senate Bill 1882 allows public school districts to collaborate with charter schools, which can lead to increased funding and flexibility in accountability ratings. If implemented, Marshall ISD could gain an additional $8.6m in state funding for the 2025-26 school year. The district aims to maintain control over its campuses and employees, ensuring that any charter partner supports its goals. “We still want control of our employees,” Chilcoat emphasized. The process involves selecting a charter partner and applying for state approval, with the potential for a planning year to allocate funds for improvements. Langley noted that the goal is to achieve 100% certified teachers, enhancing the educational experience for students.

CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION

New high school construction begins

The Hays CISD community is set to welcome a new comprehensive high school as construction begins on a $396m project. The new High School No. 4, which will accommodate 2,800 students, is expected to open for the 2030-31 school year. This initiative is funded by Proposition B from the 2025 voter-approved bond, addressing the district's growing enrollment, which has seen an increase of about 1,000 students annually since 2018. District officials have also encouraged community members to suggest names for the new high school and Elementary School No. 18, which is anticipated to break ground in January. 

SOCIAL & COMMUNITY

Pink Pantry expands to 41 schools

The Junior League of Midland and ConocoPhillips have relaunched the Pink Pantry program, providing essential hygiene products to students at no cost. This year, the initiative has expanded to 41 campuses across Midland ISD and Greenwood ISD. “We are incredibly grateful for ConocoPhillips' continued partnership and investment in Pink Pantry,” said Katy Beth DeWinne, Junior League of Midland president. The program aims to ensure that “every child has access to basic necessities that promote dignity, well-being and academic success,” according to Beth Atkinson Ryan, ConocoPhillips Permian managing counsel. The Pink Pantry offers free items like soap, shampoo, and menstrual products, which are restocked monthly to support students throughout the school year. During the 2025-26 league year, the program served about 8,800 students and distributed over 8,600 hygiene products.

INTERNATIONAL

Alberta delays school flag restrictions

The Alberta government has delayed new rules that would restrict which flags can be displayed at schools, require schools to play the Canadian national anthem weekly, and give Education and Childcare Minister Demetrios Nicolaides the authority to name or rename public schools. The measures had been scheduled to take effect September 1st as part of An Act to Remove Politics and Ideology from Classrooms and Amend the Education Act, 2026, but the government said it will consult stakeholders, provide updated timelines, and support schools through the transition. Other provisions of the legislation, including a new student code of conduct, greater ministerial oversight of superintendents and school board priorities, and digital provincial exams, are still expected to take effect September 1st. Teachers and opposition critics have raised concerns that restrictions on Pride, Métis, Indigenous, francophone, and other flags could undermine students’ sense of inclusion and belonging.
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