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Texas
24th August 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Schools shift toward AI literacy

U.S. schools are increasingly moving away from blanket bans on artificial intelligence (AI) and toward AI literacy programs that teach students how to use the technology critically, safely, and effectively. In South Carolina, the 50,000-student Charleston County School District has developed an AI policy and is introducing training for teachers, middle schoolers, and high schoolers covering hallucinations, bias, data privacy, and the importance of verifying AI-generated information. The approach aims to prepare students for an AI-driven future without encouraging them to rely on chatbots in place of independent thinking. Approaches vary nationwide, with 37 states having published official AI guidance for schools. Utah has taken a centralized approach, training more than 7,000 teachers over the past year and requiring districts to establish AI policies by July 2027, while other states and districts are developing their own strategies. Educators say effective AI literacy should teach students not only how the technology works, but also when not to use it, while ensuring that teachers and students in rural and under-resourced districts have access to training and appropriate tools.

STAAR CAMPUS REPORTS

2026 STAAR: 54% Reading, 43% Math - Your Campus?

The 2026 STAAR results are out (G3–G8), but the Texas average won't tell you where your campus stands, reading held at 54% and math at 43% (up a point, still 5 below 2019), with Grades 7–8 reading up while Grade 3 slipped.

That's what we'll show you, free: we'll build your school a board-ready STAAR campus report from your own (publicly available) data, including:
  • Grade-level trends across reading and math
  • Subgroup gaps behind your campus numbers
  • Peer district comparisons, where you lead and lag
  • TEKS-aligned next steps you can act on
We've already done it for 100+ Texas schools. See your campus's full STAAR picture before you set 2026–27 targets.

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STATE NEWS

Texas school ratings: what parents need

Michael Hogue discusses the annual release of Texas school ratings, emphasizing their role in helping parents understand educational progress. The A through F accountability system, now in its ninth year, aims to provide a clear comparison of student learning across approximately 9,000 campuses. Hogue notes: "A school is a community, and no formula can fully describe one." The latest results show that 60% of campuses received an A or B, indicating improvement. However, disparities remain, with 57% of economically disadvantaged students attending A- or B-rated schools compared to 77% of their peers. Hogue stresses the importance of using these ratings to foster discussions about educational quality and improvement, stating that accountability should not be a weapon against teachers but a tool for progress.

WORKFORCE

Rural schools rethink teacher retention

Rural school districts may be able to improve teacher retention by addressing working conditions, community integration, and the unique challenges of geographic isolation. Alaska’s Lower Kuskokwim School District, which serves 4,100 students across 29 largely remote schools, had 78 of its 350 teaching positions unfilled in 2022-23. Research based on the district’s experience found that rural teachers are more likely than urban educators to leave because of working conditions, including housing difficulties and challenges adjusting to isolated communities. Researchers recommend using local data and teacher feedback to identify problems, setting realistic expectations for new hires, providing stronger community and cultural support, and continually evaluating retention initiatives. Experts also caution that traditional strategies, such as mentoring and professional development, may need to be adapted to the realities of small, closely connected rural communities.

FINANCE

Abbott targets El Paso school budget

During a recent visit to El Paso, Gov. Greg Abbott criticized El Paso ISD (EPISD) for its financial management, attributing its budget issues to "bloated" bureaucracy. He announced a new initiative aimed at directing 70% of funding to classrooms and conducting audits to eliminate waste. Abbott highlighted that EPISD's administrative costs rose by 104% despite a 21% decline in student enrollment. In response, EPISD Superintendent Dr. Brian Lusk emphasized the district's commitment to prioritizing classroom resources, stating: "At El Paso ISD, the classroom is the center of our universe." The district has already cut 124 central office positions to address its budget shortfall. Abbott also proposed new limits on classroom screen time and a ban on H-1B visas for public school employees, aiming to reduce foreign influence in education.

Central Texas schools seek tax hike

Five school districts in Central Texas are asking voters to approve property tax increases in November to fund teacher raises and address rising costs. Bastrop ISD seeks to raise its tax rate from $1.0679 to $1.0809 per $100 of property value, generating an additional $6m annually. Del Valle ISD proposes a rate increase from 94 cents to $1.03, aiming for $13.9m to support staff raises. Georgetown ISD plans to raise its rate from $1.0506 to $1.1106, generating $8.4m for salary increases. Leander ISD and Round Rock ISD also propose tax hikes to support staff compensation. “All this is pretty much going back to benefit our staff directly,” said Superintendent Hafedh Azaiez regarding Round Rock ISD's plans. Early voting starts on October 19, with Election Day on November 3.

Montgomery ISD slashes tax rate

The Montgomery ISD board of trustees has approved a lower tax rate for the fiscal year 2026-27, reducing it to $1.0479 per $100 valuation, down from $1.0912. Board President Eddie Winn stated that this decision was made to "pay back the support MISD locals have given the district." The new rate includes $0.6977 for maintenance and operations and $0.3502 for interest and sinking (debt service). Superintendent Mark Ruffin explained that the board chose to lower the I&S rate to maintain a balanced budget while honoring existing voter-approved bonds. Trustee Nate Robb emphasized that property values are determined by the Montgomery Central Appraisal District, not the board, and that the focus is on setting a fair tax rate for constituents.

New Caney ISD budget approved

New Caney ISD's board of trustees have approved a balanced budget for fiscal year 2026-27, featuring total revenues and expenditures of approximately $243.87m. The budget allocates $141.53m for instruction, including employee wages, and $22.12m for facility maintenance. Notably, the total tax rate was set at $1.2393 per $100 valuation, a decrease from the previous rate of $1.2552. Despite a 5% increase in total taxable property value, the median homeowner in the district is expected to pay less in taxes for FY 2026-27. "The median taxpayer is expected to pay less taxes to NCISD for FY 2026-27 compared to FY 2025-26," according to district documents. The median home value is projected at $131,434, resulting in an annual tax of $1,628.86.

Plainview ISD faces $2.8m deficit

Plainview ISD is facing a proposed $2.8m deficit due to declining enrollment and rising costs. Superintendent H.T. Sanchez said: “This is a budget that will be a deficit.” The district anticipates losing about 266 students, which will further reduce state funding linked to attendance. To address the shortfall, Sanchez suggested potential staffing cuts, stating: “Can we balance it by laying off about 200 people? That's the number.” However, the district plans to evaluate enrollment and make adjustments to minimize the impact on classrooms. The proposed budget includes a maintenance and operations tax rate of 76.37 cents per $100 of taxable property value, which is lower than the current rate due to state-mandated tax compression. The district's fund balance has decreased from $28m to an estimated $18m, raising concerns about future financial stability.

DISTRICTS

Lufkin ISD gears up for K-5 shift

Lufkin ISD is preparing to transition its elementary campuses to a K-5 model for the 2027-28 school year. A detailed analysis will begin in September, considering factors like campus capacity and attendance boundaries. The district aims to develop several realignment plans by the end of September, with enrollment for affected programs starting in November. Concerns were raised about classroom space, but initial findings suggest each campus can accommodate at least two classes per grade. The realignment will also influence the use of funds from the 2026 bond, including decisions on portable classrooms.  

CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION

Conroe ISD: Enrollment projections drop, needs remain

Despite a decline in enrollment projections, Conroe ISD officials assert that the need for new schools remains critical. "The schools currently under construction as part of the 2023 bond program were identified based on existing overcrowding and capacity concerns," said Andrew Stewart, Executive Director of Communications. The district anticipates losing $5m-$9m in funding for FY 2027-28 if it no longer qualifies as one of the "fastest-growing districts." Stewart emphasized the importance of accurate enrollment projections for financial planning, stating: "If enrollment is expected to be lower, the district can account for that change when developing future budgets." New schools, including Kacy Arnold Elementary and Grand Oaks Junior High, are set to open in response to current needs, with the district continuously monitoring growth patterns.

Transforming learning in Allen ISD with new spaces

Renovations at Allen ISD have introduced six experiential learning rooms designed to foster hands-on learning. "These rooms will make learning engaging and memorable," said Wilhelm, emphasizing their role in building foundational skills for young learners. The renovations were funded by a voter-approved bond proposal totaling over $442m, which included significant updates across multiple schools. Proposition A allocated $419.1m for full renovations and essential infrastructure work, while Proposition C provided $23.1m for updating computers at all campuses. Cheatham Elementary School and Curtis Middle School also received renovations ahead of the 2026-27 school year.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

New initiative aims to safeguard students

Federal agencies have introduced Project Safe Schools to enhance student protection and accountability in North Texas public schools. U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould emphasized the initiative's goal of restoring transparency, stating: "The culture of silence surrounding misconduct in North Texas public schools is over." This comes after serious allegations against educators, including Forney ISD principal Wendy Bailey and teacher Michael Roell, who faced charges related to child abuse. The Texas Education Agency has conducted over 9,720 misconduct investigations in the past two years, leading to significant disciplinary actions. The initiative also encourages voluntary self-disclosure from school districts regarding any reporting failures, with Raybould urging: "Coming forward demonstrates a commitment to compliance and to protecting children." The U.S. Attorney's Office is taking a firm stance against misconduct, with potential severe consequences for those who conceal it.

INTERNATIONAL

Australian schools face scrutiny over screens, AI, and student learning

Australian education ministers are reconsidering the role of screens in classrooms following declining writing and digital literacy results. Education Minister Jason Clare has raised the possibility of returning NAPLAN writing tests for Years 5, 7, and 9 to pen and paper, while national testing found that just 37% of Year 10 students and 50% of Year 6 students were proficient in digital literacy, the lowest levels recorded since testing began in 2005. The debate comes as students increasingly use AI for schoolwork, with more than 60% of Year 10 students and almost one-third of Year 6 students reporting using AI to generate written content at least monthly. Victoria is already tightening classroom device use from 2027, limiting younger primary students' access and capping screen time for Years 3 to 6 at 90 minutes per day, although school leaders have raised concerns about funding, equipment, and whether screen use outside school is a greater problem. Researchers caution that reducing screen time alone may not improve learning, arguing that educational outcomes depend on how technology is used, rather than simply how often.
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