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Texas
2nd September 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Texas districts face state intervention

At least 14 Texas public school districts have at least one campus that received a fourth consecutive failing grade in preliminary 2026 accountability ratings, putting them at risk of state intervention if those schools fail again in 2027. Under Texas law, the education commissioner must either take over a district or close a campus after it receives five consecutive unacceptable ratings, with a takeover replacing elected trustees with a state-appointed board of managers for at least two years. Some districts are pursuing turnaround plans, closing struggling campuses, or partnering with outside organizations to pause potential sanctions, while others have reported academic improvements that could help them avoid intervention. Austin ISD has already met the threshold for potential state action after two campuses received a fifth consecutive failing rating, although districts have until September 11 to appeal their 2026 ratings.

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STATE NEWS

Texas governor targets school spending

As the new school year begins, Gov. Greg Abbott is focusing on "administrative bloat" in public education. On August 19, he instructed Texas Comptroller Don Huffines to select up to four school districts for audits regarding excessive administrative spending. Abbott claims these funds could be better utilized in classrooms. However, critics argue that Abbott himself has contributed to the problem by failing to adequately fund public education and promoting private school vouchers without accountability. A recent audit revealed that the Texas Education Agency has one manager for every 3.5 staffers, violating state law. Abbott noted that administrative spending per student in Austin ISD and El Paso ISD has increased, but this is a result of declining enrollment, not necessarily a rise in administrative needs. "It's just sad," he said, highlighting the disconnect between the governor's rhetoric and the realities of Texas public schools.

Texas high school history overhaul imminent

The Texas State Board of Education is set to finalize a significant rewrite of high school history, government, and geography curricula this week. Proposed changes include teaching students how “biblical imagery and founding principles of equality and justice from the Declaration of Independence” relate to Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech. Additionally, the board will discuss framing early Islam through the context of “the Prophet Mohammed’s brutal military campaigns.” The revisions come after a contentious process influenced by conservative lawmakers, aiming to reshape how students learn about race, gender, and cultural diversity. Critics, including Democrats and educators, argue that the new framework minimizes important historical perspectives and emphasizes Christianity over other traditions. The revised curriculum is expected to be implemented in Texas schools starting in the 2030-31 school year.

GOVERNANCE

Austin families protest potential takeover

Austin families gathered to protest a potential state takeover of Austin ISD following the release of the Texas Education Agency (TEA) 2026 scores. Lily McClure, an advocate with Keep Austin Schools Independent, expressed concern, saying, “We asked for help, and they're giving us a takeover.” TEA may intervene after two middle schools received consecutive F ratings. Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath supports state takeovers, claiming they improve school quality, but researchers like Melissa Arnold Lyon warn that results are mixed, stating: “On average, state takeover has not increased academic performance and has exacerbated educational inequality.” TEA's approach aims for districtwide improvement, but the impact of such interventions remains complex and varied across districts.

FINANCE

Nonprofits step up for Austin schools

Two Austin nonprofits, Communities In Schools of Central Texas (CIS) and Austin Ed Fund, are addressing significant budget shortfalls in Austin ISD. CIS raised over $354,200 through its Refuse to Lose campaign, while Austin Ed Fund is distributing $350,000 to 48 teacher-led projects via its Inspire the Future grant program. The district faces a $205m reduction package, impacting essential services for students. "Without the money, these students risk losing the counselors and support staff who connect them to mental health care," said CIS chief executive Sharon Vigil. Austin Ed Fund's Executive Director Michelle Wallis noted that the foundation received 115 grant proposals totaling $842,000 but could only fund 48 projects. Both organizations aim to fill the gaps left by public funding cuts, emphasizing the importance of community support in education.

Bastrop ISD faces budget crisis

Bastrop ISD voters will decide on November 3 whether to approve a 1.3-cent tax rate increase through a voter-approval tax rate election, or VATRE, aimed at generating approximately $6m annually. The district is facing a $1.7m budget shortfall and a mandated reduction in its maintenance and operations tax rate due to rising property values. Chief financial officer Mike White highlighted that inflation has surged by about 30% since 2019, while state funding per student has only increased by 0.8%.

Diboll ISD approves new budget

Diboll ISD's board of trustees approved the 2026-27 budget during their monthly meeting, with a general fund of $21.7m, a child nutrition fund of $1.425m, and a debt services fund of $1.696m. The total tax rate increased by 10.24% to $1.0774 following last year's bond proposals. Assistant Superintendent Olivia Fant presented the 2025-26 state accountability ratings, revealing H.G. Temple Intermediate School received a “D” rating of 69, down from 78. Diboll Junior High improved to a “B” grade, while Diboll High School achieved an “A” rating with a distinction in mathematics. The board also approved various purchases and updates, including a new 12-passenger van and emergency repairs for air-conditioning systems.

ENROLLMENT

Falling enrollment could lead to Amarillo ISD closures

A special meeting of Amarillo ISD's Board of Trustees has discussed a demographic report from consultants STRIVE Public Policy Resources, which projected that a recent decline in enrollment is expected to continue, potentially by around 3,666 students over the next five years. The decline in numbers could be addressed, trustees heard, by closing between six and eight elementary school campuses and by merging sixth-grade campuses into district middle schools, while no closures are expected to be needed at high school level.

TECHNOLOGY

Schools scramble to set AI rules as Google opens Gemini to all K-12 students

Google has expanded access to its Gemini AI chatbot through Google Classroom to K-12 students of all ages in districts that had already enabled Gemini, prompting concerns about whether schools had sufficient time to assess, monitor, and establish appropriate rules for its use. Gemini can help students create flashcards, quizzes, and study guides, assist with math and writing assignments, and generate images, but educators and experts have raised questions about age-appropriate use, student safety, AI literacy, and teacher preparedness. Google says districts can disable Gemini at any time and that the tool includes educational and safety measures, while some school leaders are holding back access until staff receive appropriate training. The rollout comes as schools increasingly develop AI policies and grapple with how to integrate rapidly evolving technology without undermining student learning or teachers’ professional judgment.

Fort Worth ISD teams up with OpenAI

Fort Worth ISD (FWISD) is collaborating with OpenAI to implement the ChatGPT for Teachers program, which aims to enhance educational resources for teachers in the district. OpenAI has partnered with 55 school districts across 20 states, with Fort Worth ISD being the only district in Tarrant County. The program will enable teachers to adapt lessons, prepare materials, and automate administrative tasks, allowing them to "spend more attention on students," according to OpenAI. A spokesperson for Fort Worth ISD stated, "FWISD is in the early stages of exploring opportunities to leverage OpenAI's ChatGPT technology." The initiative also includes a new data privacy agreement to ensure compliance with student data privacy requirements. OpenAI emphasizes that AI should support learning, not replace it, and that educators should control how AI influences classroom experiences.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Laredo ISD boosts security amid viral trend

Laredo ISD (LISD) is enhancing security measures in response to unsettling Cat in the Hat videos circulating on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. An LISD spokesperson said: "Laredo ISD is aware of recent TikTok videos that are circulating on social media," emphasizing the district's collaboration with the Laredo Police Department to address unspecified threats. The police department has also issued a public service announcement, warning that threatening posts will be thoroughly investigated.

HIGHER EDUCATION

U.S. colleges face mounting financial pressure as enrollment challenges intensify

U.S. colleges and universities are facing growing financial pressure as declining numbers of traditional-age students, lower college participation, and shifting enrollment patterns challenge the higher-education business model, including at brand-name institutions such as Syracuse University. The number of traditional-age college students is projected to fall 13% by 2041, while new international enrollment fell 17% this past fall, reducing access to students who often pay full tuition. Schools are also contending with greater competition for students, increasingly aggressive financial-aid offers, migration toward Southern and public universities, and new federal loan caps that could put additional pressure on graduate and professional programs.

Texas university makes top 10 list

Rice University has secured the No. 10 position in Niche's 2027 Best Colleges in America ranking, making it the only Texas institution in the top 10. Niche's methodology involved a "rigorous analysis of academic, admissions, financial, and student life data" from the U.S. Department of Education, along with millions of reviews from students and alumni. Rice received an overall A+ rating, excelling in categories such as academics, diversity, and student life. Additionally, it was recognized as the best college in Texas and ranked No. 1 nationally for kinesiology and physical therapy. Other Texas schools in the top 100 include the University of Texas - Austin at No. 32, Texas A&M University at No. 52, and Trinity University at No. 65.

INTERNATIONAL

Former U.S. teacher urges revival of China-U.S. education exchanges

Retired U.S. educator Ronald Sakolsky has called for renewed, adequately funded teacher exchange programs between China and the United States, arguing that education and sustained people-to-people engagement can help rebuild relations between the two countries. Sakolsky participated in the U.S.-China Teachers Exchange Program, which ran from 1996 to 2014 and sent 116 American teachers to China and 332 Chinese teachers to the United States. He said governments should take the initiative in restoring exchanges, while ordinary citizens must maintain relationships and promote greater understanding by considering perspectives from both countries.
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