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Texas
20th August 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Texas to audit school spending

Texas Comptroller Don Huffines announced a review of select school districts to ensure responsible spending of taxpayer funds, following a request from Gov. Greg Abbott. The Huffines Performance Review aims to verify that district spending complies with the law and benefits students, classrooms, and teachers, rather than supporting administrative growth. "Texans must have confidence that their school tax dollars support educational opportunities for students," Huffines said. Abbott emphasized the importance of the $104.9bn education budget being used effectively to enhance student support. The review will focus on up to four independent school districts and is expected to conclude by December 31, 2026, allowing the Legislature to consider any recommendations for reform.

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:
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  • 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 schools face foreign worker ban

Gov. Greg Abbott has proposed a ban on hiring foreign workers on H-1B visas in Texas schools, which could significantly impact Dallas ISD, the largest employer of H-1B teachers in the nation. Abbott stated, "We need to find Texans or Americans who can educate our students. Period." The Dallas ISD has hired 171 H-1B employees, primarily to address critical teacher shortages. The proposed policy aims to eliminate foreign influence in education, extending to partnerships and financial arrangements with foreign entities. Similar restrictions are already enforced in Texas colleges. Dallas ISD officials emphasized the need for more local teachers if the ban is enacted, highlighting the district's efforts to recruit bilingual educators from abroad.

ACCOUNTABILITY

Texas schools face accountability scrutiny

Texas released its school accountability ratings, highlighting the public's role in funding education. As communities assess their local campuses, concerns arise about the lack of accountability for private schools benefiting from taxpayer-funded Education Freedom Accounts, initiated by Senate Bill 2 in 2025. "That raises a basic question that every taxpayer should be willing to ask," said Danny Massey, superintendent of Brazosport ISD. The program, starting in the 2026–27 school year, allows families to use public funds for private-school tuition and other educational expenses, prompting a debate on the fairness of public versus private education funding.

Katy ISD earns solid ‘B’ rating

Katy ISD has received a ‘B’ accountability rating for the 2025-26 school year from the Texas Education Agency (TEA), maintaining its score of 88 out of 100 points from the previous year. According to TEA data, 85% of campuses statewide achieved a rating of ‘C’ or higher, indicating acceptable academic performance. The rating system evaluates student achievement, school progress, and closing the gaps among student groups. Superintendent Ken Gregorski expressed gratitude for the efforts of students and faculty, stating: “While there is always more work to do, these results reflect the excellence in action happening in classrooms every day.” Overall, 72 of 78 KISD campuses received a rating of ‘C’ or higher, with 42 campuses earning an ‘A’.

Plano ISD scores big with 'B' rating

Plano ISD (PISD) has achieved an overall B rating, scoring 85 out of 100 points from the Texas Education Agency's accountability ratings for the 2025-26 school year. This marks an improvement from the previous year's score of 82, making it the highest rating PISD has received since the rankings were updated in 2022-23. The rating evaluates student learning and readiness for the next grade, as well as preparation for post-high school success. PISD excelled in all three categories: Student Achievement, School Progress, and Closing the Gaps, receiving a B in each. Of the 67 PISD campuses graded, 22 earned an A, 27 a B, and 13 a C, while five elementary campuses received a D. More details on individual campus scores are available on the TEA's website.

Humble ISD rises to 'B' rating

Humble ISD has improved its rating from C to B for the 2025-26 school year, according to the Texas Education Agency (TEA)'s A-F accountability ratings released on August 14. The district scored 83 out of 100 points, a significant increase from previous years, where it received 75 points in 2023-24 and 77 points in 2024-25. With 47,734 students enrolled, Humble ISD now boasts 11 A-rated campuses and has made notable progress, including Jack M. Fields Sr. Elementary School, which improved from an F to a B rating.

PFISD climbs to a 'B' rating

Pflugerville ISD's A-F accountability rating improved from a "C" to a "B" for the 2025-26 school year, scoring 81 out of 100 points. The district boasts 6 "A"-rated campuses, 12 "B"-rated, 12 "C"-rated, and 4 "D"-rated, with no "F"-rated campuses. Notably, Timmerman Elementary improved from an "F" to a "B," while Westview Middle School rose from an "F" to a "C."

Georgetown ISD rises to a 'B'

Georgetown ISD has improved its overall rating to a “B” with a four-point increase, according to the Texas Education Agency's 2025-26 accountability ratings. However, two campuses, Annie Purl Elementary School and George Wagner Middle School, received “unacceptable” grades of 67 and 69, respectively. While 13 of the district's 18 campuses improved their scores, the two failing schools are required to create improvement plans.

Hays CISD maintains strong 'B' rating

Hays CISD has received a 'B' rating for the 2025-26 school year from the Texas Education Agency, scoring 81 out of 100 points. This marks the district's fifth consecutive 'B' rating, with two campuses achieving 'A' ratings, 15 rated 'B', nine 'C', one 'D', and one 'F'.

GOVERNANCE

PBTISD names Henson as finalist

The Pecos-Barstow-Toyah ISD Board of Trustees has named Chris Henson as the lone finalist for the superintendent position. Henson, who has dedicated 20 years to the district, began his career as athletic director and has held various roles, including acting superintendent since April 2026. Henson expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him and emphasized his commitment to ensuring every student has the support needed to succeed. The board will officially vote on Henson's employment after a 21-day notice period, as required by Texas law.

New leadership at Los Fresnos CISD

Los Fresnos CISD has appointed Joseph Villarreal as the new superintendent of schools. This decision was made during a special board meeting following his selection as the lone finalist on July 24 and the completion of the required 21-day waiting period. Villarreal, who has 25 years of experience in public education, previously served as superintendent in Santa Maria ISD and has held various leadership roles within Los Fresnos CISD.

New principal ready to lead HPMS

Rose Gonzales has taken on the role of principal at Hal Peterson Middle School (HPMS) in Kerrville ISD. "I wear a lot of hats," she said, emphasizing her responsibilities as an instructional leader and collaborator with teachers. Gonzales, who has been with HPMS for three years as assistant principal, plans to continue implementing successful policies from her predecessor, Dr. Sonerka Mouton. A Kerrville native, she has a rich background in education, having earned her degrees from Schreiner University and worked in various roles, including school counselor.

POLICY

Parents outraged over classroom cameras

Parents and community members are expressing frustration over Fort Worth ISD (FWISD)'s decision to install live web cameras in third to fifth grade classrooms without prior notice. A district spokesperson stated: "The purpose of the web cameras is instructional continuity," clarifying that the cameras are not for recording but for providing live feeds when students cannot attend their assigned classrooms. Families Organized and Responding to Takeover, an education advocacy group, emphasized the need for transparency, stating: "FWISD families and staff have the right to know the purpose of the new web camera policy." Concerns about safety and communication have been raised, especially since the district previously faced issues with Zoom during the pandemic. The Elevate Network, aimed at improving struggling campuses, has been a point of contention since the Texas Education Agency took over the district.

LEGAL

Trustee's future hangs in balance

Goliad ISD is facing a complex situation regarding trustee Daniel San Miguel, who was recently rearrested on charges of stalking and aggravated sexual assault of a child. Goliad ISD Superintendent Holly Lyon stated: “Unlike an employee of the District, an elected public official generally cannot simply be terminated or removed from office by a vote of the remaining members of the Board.” Texas law does not allow for a general recall process for school board trustees, meaning residents cannot petition for San Miguel's removal. He remains on the board as the charges against him are pending, and any potential removal would need to follow legal procedures.

DISTRICTS

Granger teachers get pay raises

Granger ISD trustees approved a compensation package that includes pay raises for teachers and a 2% increase for other staff members. Superintendent Stephen Brosch said: “Considering the volatile dynamics of public education and the lack of funding public education is facing, (the raises for teachers and staff) was a major win for the Granger ISD community.” The board also discussed the deteriorating roof of the elementary school gym, which has sustained significant damage but does not pose an immediate risk to students. The cost of repairs is substantial, and trustees are awaiting a restoration company's assessment before proceeding. Additionally, the district is launching two new programs: Lion PRIDE Dads, aimed at mentoring students, and the Education Connection Program, which focuses on early childhood literacy.  

Round Rock ISD voters face big decisions

Voters in Round Rock ISD will make crucial decisions in the upcoming November 3 election, which includes both board and tax rate measures. The trustees set a tax rate of $0.9848 per $100 valuation for the 2026-27 financial year, comprising a $0.7654 maintenance and operations rate and a $0.1830 debt service rate. Eddie Curran, Chief of Human Resources, said the proposed VATRE would "generate funds needed to provide a 2% general pay raise" and increase starting teacher pay to $58,000. Additionally, elections for board seats currently held by Amber Landrum, Alicia Markum, Amy Weir, and Fabian Cuero will also take place, with three races contested.

ABSENTEEISM

Chronic absenteeism: a growing crisis

Chronic absenteeism has surged in American schools, with over 23% of students missing 10% or more of the school year, a significant increase since the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers Jerome A. Graham, Su Yon Choi, and Yi-Chih Chiang highlight that factors like poverty and housing instability contribute to this issue. However, they emphasize the importance of a positive school climate in reducing absenteeism. "When schools attend to the conditions that make all students feel welcomed and valued, they are much more likely to show up," said the researchers. Their analysis indicates that connectedness, safety, and structured learning environments are crucial for improving attendance. Schools must prioritize creating a welcoming atmosphere to effectively combat chronic absenteeism.

TECHNOLOGY

BCI technology could give students greater classroom independence

Brain-computer interface technology could eventually help students with severe physical disabilities communicate, complete schoolwork, and participate more independently in class. The systems interpret electrical brain activity through headsets or implanted devices and could supplement assistive tools such as eye-tracking software and switch controls. Researchers say widespread classroom use may still be at least a decade away, with pediatric systems requiring personalized designs, teacher training, and collaboration with caregivers. Data privacy is also a significant concern, prompting researchers to explore processing brain data directly on headsets rather than transferring sensitive information to external computers. While the technology remains at an early stage, researchers believe it could provide greater independence for students whose disabilities limit their ability to use existing assistive technologies.

CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION

Schools upgrade cooling systems as extreme heat threatens learning

In a Time op-ed, former Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist and Jonathan Klein, chief executive and co-founder of UndauntedK12, discuss how extreme heat is increasingly disrupting U.S. schools, with aging buildings and air-conditioning systems struggling with higher temperatures. During the 2024-25 school year, more than 9m students across 10,000 schools experienced closures or disruptions linked to extreme heat and other severe weather. Research cited in the article suggests that excessive classroom heat can reduce concentration and learning, increase absenteeism, and worsen health problems. Schools are responding by modernizing HVAC systems, installing geothermal or ground-source heat pumps, and combining these upgrades with solar power and energy storage. These investments can provide more reliable heating and cooling, improve indoor air quality, and reduce schools’ exposure to rising and volatile energy costs. Federal energy tax credits and Elective Pay are also helping districts reduce upfront costs and make projects more financially viable. Several districts are already implementing these solutions. Center Grove Community Schools in Indiana is replacing aging boilers, chillers, and fan coils with a geothermal heat pump system, while a school in Menasha, Wisconsin, has combined ground-source heat pumps with solar panels and energy storage. Prince William County schools in Virginia are taking steps to protect their budgets from projected utility cost increases.

AND FINALLY...

Python takes heat for blaze

A female python named Nanner is at the center of a fire incident at Forest Middle School in Virginia, where officials claim she accidentally started the blaze by knocking over a heat fixture. The fire, which occurred on August 13, resulted in significant water damage to eight classrooms and the death of a tortoise. Brittany Jacobs, Nanner's owner and a life science teacher, disputes the fire marshal's findings, stating that the snake was trying to escape the fire. "I am devastated for many reasons right now," Jacobs said, reflecting on the loss of her teaching materials and the tortoise. Cleanup efforts are ongoing, with most classrooms expected to reopen soon, while the affected classroom may take up to a month to restore. The investigation into the fire's cause is still underway.
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