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Texas
28th August 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Austin schools inherit failing records

Six Austin ISD campuses that earned C grades or higher in 2026 inherited four consecutive years of unacceptable accountability ratings after receiving students from schools that closed this summer. The TEA warned that an F in 2027 could count as a fifth consecutive failing rating, potentially triggering campus closure or appointment of a state board of managers. TEA also criticized the district’s late-July closure of Paredes Middle School, saying it “imposed an avoidable hardship on students and families” and questioning whether the anticipated fourth F influenced the decision. District officials said they expected the accountability histories to transfer and emphasized that receiving campuses retain their 2026 grades. An A, B or C next year would clear the inherited failing streak.

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.

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STATE NEWS

Bureaucratic bloat: Texas schools in crisis

Glenn Rogers argues that the Texas Education Agency (TEA) is the primary source of bureaucratic bloat in Texas schools, rather than local Independent School Districts (ISDs). He highlights Governor Greg Abbott's comments on the need for accountability in spending, stating: “Those dollars belong in the classroom, not wasted on bloated bureaucracy.” Rogers points out that the TEA has seen significant growth in management positions, with one manager for every 3.5 full-time employees, which is three times the statutory limit. The recent State Auditor's Office report revealed major issues within the TEA, including high-risk ratings for state-funded grants and a lack of contract transparency. Rogers emphasizes the need to address the excessive administrative costs imposed by the TEA to alleviate the burden on local schools.

H-1B visa ban threatens Texas education

In a letter to Governor Abbott, Jeff Gasaway, the superintendent of Marble Falls ISD, expressed concerns over the proposed ban on H-1B visas, stating that it would exacerbate teacher shortages in Texas. He emphasized that H-1B visas are crucial for filling bilingual teaching positions, particularly for economically disadvantaged and emergent bilingual students. "Without H-1B visas, we would not be able to fully provide the free public education guaranteed to every child under the Texas Constitution," Gasaway said. He urged the governor to collaborate with school districts to address the real challenges in education rather than pursuing policies that could further harm public schools.

Texas schools face book battle

The book 'Night' by Elie Wiesel, a required reading for Texas 8th graders, is at the center of controversy after Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick flagged it among over 2,000 “filthy, dirty, vulgar books” for removal. Despite this, the State Board of Education approved 'Night' for teaching in 2030. Bonnie Wallace, an activist, argued it should be removed due to its graphic content, stating: “Do they need to read about soldiers massacring, throwing up babies, and killing them with machine guns?” Rabbi David Segal defended the book, emphasizing its importance in humanizing the Holocaust, saying, “It has been a foundational book in humanizing the Holocaust to American readers.” The debate continues as Texas schools navigate the complexities of educational content.

GOVERNANCE

Fort Worth ISD leaders seek community trust

Fort Worth ISD leaders, including Superintendent Peter Licata, are actively working to improve relations with the community through strategic action sessions. During a recent session at Diamond Hill-Jarvis High School, Licata emphasized the district's poor performance, stating: “This is why I came out of retirement.” Parents voiced concerns about the new Elevate instructional model, which has led to a more structured curriculum and reduced free time for students. Attendees expressed frustration over communication issues and the perceived blame placed on teachers for the district's struggles. Licata and Board of Managers Chair Pete Geren have committed to enhancing transparency and communication, with Licata noting that the feedback from these sessions will be shared with the Board of Managers. Community members are eager for the district to address their concerns and work collaboratively towards solutions.

ENROLLMENT

Enrollment decline sparks urgent discussion

Tim Harkrider, Superintendent of College Station ISD, led a discussion on the district's future amid declining enrollment. The Texas Education Agency reports a trend of public schools losing students, with CSISD potentially facing a loss of nearly 1,000 students by 2030, which could impact tax revenue.

ACCOUNTABILITY

Kerr County schools show mixed results

The TEA released preliminary A-F accountability ratings for the 2025-26 school year, revealing a mixed performance among Kerr County's public schools. Ingram and Hunt ISDs achieved the highest ratings, both earning district-level A's. Ingram ISD maintained a stable A/91 rating, while Hunt ISD scored A/92. Kerrville ISD improved slightly to a B/81, with notable gains at Starkey Elementary, which rose from an F/58 to a C/75. However, Center Point ISD struggled, posting the lowest score at C/79, with Center Point Elementary earning a D/69.

Wellman-Union earns top marks

Wellman-Union CISD in Lubbock has achieved an “A” rating from the TEA, marking its highest academic accountability score of 92. This rating, based on the 2025-2026 school year, evaluates school progress, closing performance gaps, and student achievement primarily through the STAAR test. With only 245 students, educators emphasize personalized education. The district also earned five out of seven academic distinction designations, a feat accomplished by less than 1% of Texas school districts.  

FINANCE

Killeen ISD budget approved unanimously

The Killeen ISD Board of Trustees approved the district's budget and tax rate for the 2027 fiscal year, starting on September 1. KISD spokeswoman Karen Rudolph said: "Killeen ISD is entering the 2026-27 fiscal year with a lower property tax rate, reduced spending and a significantly smaller planned deficit." The budget allocates $569.8m in revenues and $568.1m in expenditures, reducing the General Fund deficit from $4.2m to $1.4m. The budget also includes a $14 minimum hourly wage, a 1% pay increase, and a starting teacher salary of $59,400. The property tax rate is set at 86.22 cents per $100 valuation, down 1.8% from last year. Taxes for the average KISD residence are expected to drop from $1,108 to $570, reflecting the new tax rate and changes in home values. 

Northwest ISD slashes tax rate

Northwest ISD board members unanimously voted to reduce the district's tax rate for the 2026-27 fiscal year and authorized defeasance of its debt during its recent meeting. The new tax rate is set at $1.0638 per $100 valuation, down from $1.0841 in the previous year. Chief Financial Officer Jonathan Pastusek said: “In 2019, our tax rate was $1.49,” indicating a significant reduction of about one-third since then. The tax rate comprises $0.6428 for maintenance and operations and $0.4210 for interest and sinking.

Lower property tax rate approved

Prosper ISD residents will benefit from a reduced property tax rate of $1.2011 per $100 of valuation for the fiscal year 2026-27, down from $1.2141 in the previous year. Since 2019, the district's tax rate has decreased by 28%. However, PISD faces a projected budget shortfall of $42.2m for FY 2026-27, primarily due to increasing recapture payments and decreasing state allotments.

Lindale ISD slashes tax rate again

Lindale ISD Board of Trustees has adopted a new tax rate of $0.8811, marking a reduction of 5.68 cents from the previous year. Over the past six years, the district has successfully lowered its total tax rate by 28.59 cents while still providing essential programs and services for students.  

DISTRICTS

Our kids are more than tests

Godley ISD Superintendent Rich Dear emphasized the district's commitment to holistic student development during a recent luncheon, stating: "Our kids are much more than tests." The district, which is the fastest-growing in Johnson County, started the year with 3,404 students, up from previous years. Chief Academic Officer Nikki Nix outlined goals for the 2026-27 school year, focusing on academic growth and attendance. The district aims to raise its accountability score from 77 to 80, implementing new math curricula and professional development initiatives. The Mentors Care program has already shown success, helping at-risk students thrive, with 57 students supported by 54 mentors last year. 

McReynolds Middle School reopens after closure

McReynolds Middle School in Houston has reopened as a Disciplinary Alternative Education Program (DAEP) after being closed for consolidation due to poor building conditions. The Houston ISD stated that the facility is now deemed suitable for use, despite its previous closure. Fred Woods, a parent and advocate, criticized the decision, noting that it sends the wrong message to students with disciplinary needs. The school had a Facility Conditions Index score of 75% before its closure, raising questions about the appropriateness of its current use. HISD did not provide details on any improvements made or the number of students currently attending.

POLICY

Dress code dispute ignites student petition

A student-led petition at Humble ISD has gained over 800 signatures, challenging the district's dress code after claims that "hundreds" of girls faced violations in one day. Valeria Requena, a student at Creekwood Middle School, initiated the petition, alleging that around 150 girls were cited on August 20, while district officials reported only 24 violations. The petition argues that girls are disproportionately targeted, with Requena stating: "It perpetuates the harmful notion that girls are responsible for boys' distractions." The petition calls for a more gender-neutral enforcement of the dress code, emphasizing decency without bias. Humble ISD maintains that its policies apply equally to all students and aims to minimize disruptions during enforcement.

CHILDCARE

Travis County boosts afterschool care funding

Travis County is increasing funding and available seats for afterschool care to address a significant shortage affecting families. According to the Andy Roddick Foundation's out-of-school time landscape analysis, only 23% of priority-population students have access to afterschool programs, with over 1,100 children waitlisted. Transportation issues and limited program hours are major barriers for families. Travis County Judge Andy Brown emphasized the initiative's importance, stating: "It solves the stress of parents who are trying to find something safe and productive and enriching for their kids to do after school." The Raising Travis County initiative has invested $51.7m in afterschool care, funding 7,791 slots, and aims to support more families as the county continues to expand its offerings.

HEALTH & WELLBEING

COVID-19 forces school closure

San Perlita ISD closed all campuses for two days due to a "rapid spread of COVID-19," just two weeks into the school year. The closure, announced on Monday, is a precautionary measure, with classes set to resume on Thursday. District officials are actively monitoring the situation and will keep parents informed. "Thank you for your understanding, cooperation and continued support as we work together to keep our Trojan community safe," the district said.

INTERNATIONAL

Cuba's schools open amid crisis

Cuba is set to begin its school year next week, despite facing a severe crisis impacting transportation, electricity, and teacher shortages. Education Minister Naima Trujillo said: "Cuba's educators are aware of the extraordinary impacts of the collective asphyxiation we are suffering ... so this will be a school year whose greatest victory will be that we are able to carry it out at all." Nearly 1.4m children will return to school, but teacher coverage has dropped to 73% due to emigration and better job opportunities. To address staffing shortages, the government plans to hire university students and retirees, while also encouraging schools to accept students in "comfortable clothes" due to a lack of uniforms.
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