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Texas
4th September 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Private schools could lose tax-exempt status over race-based admissions and aid

The Trump administration has proposed Treasury regulations that would threaten the tax-exempt status of private K-12 schools, colleges, and trade schools that use race-based preferences in admissions, scholarships, financial aid, athletics, or other programs. The rules, which the Treasury Department says would affect 18,000 educational institutions, would still allow schools to consider race-neutral factors such as family income, geography, individual hardship, academic achievement, and first-generation status, as well as religious affiliation. The administration has tied the proposal to the Supreme Court’s 2023 affirmative-action ruling and its broader campaign against DEI initiatives, while critics argue the regulations go beyond the court’s decision and could discourage schools from pursuing programs aimed at addressing discrimination. The rules would take effect after May 31, 2027, and educators and advocates have 60 days to submit comments or request a public hearing.

DIGITAL CURRICULUM

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STATE NEWS

Texas education vouchers seek $2 bn boost

The Texas Education Freedom Accounts program, initially allocated $1bn for its first two years, is now seeking an additional $2bn to support school vouchers. Don Huffines, who oversees the program, requested $916m to continue funding current students and $980m for those on the waitlist. Currently, nearly 110,000 students are enrolled, with 106,000 waiting for vouchers. Huffines statedl “The agency is requesting exceptional items that will further support greater choice in education.” However, the proposal has faced criticism, particularly from Texas State Teachers Association President Linda Estrada, who highlighted the challenges of declining enrollments and budget constraints. Critics warn that if funding continues unchecked, the program could escalate to over $4.8bn by fiscal year 2030. Lawmakers will consider the budget proposal when the legislative session begins in January.

Texas education board sparks outrage

The Texas State Board of Education has preliminarily approved significant changes to high school social studies curricula, largely ignoring concerns from Muslim representatives about the portrayal of Islam. The board's Republican majority has proposed that students learn about "radical Islam" in the context of the 9/11 attacks, while dismissing the importance of Muslim contributions to subjects like algebra and astronomy. Andrea Hutchison, a social studies curriculum coordinator, cautioned that the proposed narratives do not “hold up to close historical scrutiny.” Students expressed feelings of alienation, with 15-year-old Habiiba Quresh stating: “I feel attacked, as if my religion doesn't belong.” Critics argue that the revisions minimize racial and cultural diversity in education, while Republican members assert the need for a focus on American values. The new framework is set to be implemented in the 2030-31 school year.

Hinojosa's bold plan for Texas schools

Gina Hinojosa, a Democrat running for governor, outlined her education reform plan at a Dallas park on September 3. She pledged to fire Texas Education Agency Commissioner Mike Morath on her first day and replace the A-F school grading system with a more accountable assessment. Hinojosa emphasized the need to prioritize students over vendor profits, stating: “When I'm governor, I will prioritize our kids in the classroom.” Supporters, including Ashleigh Johnson, a mother of four, and John Kuhn, a veteran educator, criticized current Governor Greg Abbott's education policies, highlighting the closure of nearly 200 schools in three years due to funding freezes. Johnson noted: “We're not just voting anti-Greg Abbott; we’re voting for Gina and for what she stands for.” Hinojosa's plan aims to enhance teacher salaries and restore essential programs in Texas schools.

NATIONAL NEWS

Education Department releases 2023-24 school disparities data after eight-month delay

The U.S. Department of Education has released its 2023-24 Civil Rights Data Collection more than eight months later than initially planned, providing nationwide information on racial, ethnic, and disability-based disparities across virtually every federally funded school district, as well as charter, alternative, and juvenile justice schools. Unlike previous releases, the department quietly published only raw data files without an accompanying report highlighting major findings, trends, or comparisons with earlier years. The collection includes new measures covering preschool discipline, teacher absenteeism, and credit recovery, but the Trump administration withheld collected information on gender identity-based harassment and nonbinary students. The 2025-26 collection will also eliminate some gender identity and nonbinary reporting measures, prompting concerns among researchers that changing requirements could make it harder to consistently track disparities and student experiences over time. The department has confirmed that the congressionally authorized data collection will continue, with preparations for the 2027-28 and 2029-30 cycles already underway.

FINANCE

Katy ISD approves $1.17bn budget

Katy ISD's Board of Trustees has approved a $1.17bn general operating fund budget for the 2026–2027 fiscal year, part of a total budget of $1.48bn. The budget maintains a tax rate of $1.1171 per $100 of valuation, unchanged from the previous year. "We remain committed to being responsible with our resources," said board president Lance Redmon, emphasizing the focus on student success with 83% of expenditures directed towards instruction and support. Despite a projected $25.7m operating budget deficit, chief financial officer Christopher Smith noted that the district often ends the year with a balanced budget due to strategic savings. The budget also includes a 1% pay increase for teachers and employees, along with two lump-sum payments in 2026.

Teachers need more classroom funds

In Little River-Academy, teachers are facing significant challenges due to limited funding for classroom innovations. The Academy Education Foundation has announced financial support aimed at improving classroom conditions for various teachers within the Academy ISD. "Teachers are the backbone of education," highlighting the critical need for adequate resources to enhance learning environments, said a representative from the foundation. Despite these efforts, many educators still struggle with budget constraints that hinder their ability to implement new ideas and technologies in their classrooms.

GOVERNANCE

Austin ISD board race heats up

The upcoming election for the Austin ISD board on November 3 is drawing significant attention, with 13 candidates competing for five positions. This election is particularly notable as it is the first contested race since 2014, amid concerns of a potential state takeover due to failing ratings at two middle schools. Daniel Dawer, a doctoral candidate at the University of Texas, emphasized the limited power of trustees during a takeover, stating, “they can come speak at a board of managers meeting, but that doesn't mean that their advice would be listened to.” Candidates like Pamela Mathai and Cynthia Soliz are motivated by the need for strong advocacy for educators and students. The election process continues despite the uncertainty surrounding the district's governance, with the last day to register to vote on October 5.

DISTRICTS

Houston ISD students sweat it out

Houston ISD students are grappling with severe air conditioning issues as temperatures soared to historic highs. The district recorded eight triple-digit days in late August, leading to complaints from parents about inadequate cooling in schools like Briarmeadow Charter and Bush Elementary. Trey Serna, a district spokesperson, acknowledged the aging systems and said: “When one of those systems isn't cooling the way it should, our facilities and maintenance teams are responding.” Despite a $120m loan for HVAC upgrades, problems persist, with over 2,200 reported issues in August 2025, a 15% increase from the previous year.

Beaumont ISD hosts second Community Action series

Beaumont ISD is hosting its second Community Action series with Superintendent Sandi Massey on September 15 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. This event aims to foster dialogue and collaboration among parents, families, staff, and community stakeholders regarding the future of BISD. Participants will have the chance to engage directly with Massey, share their views, and discuss ways to enhance the educational experience for students.

CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION

Building a brighter future: Denton ISD's new schools

Denton ISD is utilizing 2023 bond funds to enhance educational facilities, including the construction of Mia Price High School and the Jim Alexander Advanced Technology Center in Cross Roads. Brandon Boyter, DISD's executive director of construction planning, stated: "These facilities are designed not only to meet the needs of today's learners but also support the evolving educational needs of future generations." With enrollment projected to reach nearly 36,000 students by the 2029-30 school year, the district aims to accommodate growth driven by a population increase in Denton, which rose from 141,522 in 2019 to 165,986 in 2024. The new technology center will offer alternative education paths, serving all DISD high schoolers. The facilities are expected to open by the 2028-29 school year, with construction costs for the technology center estimated at $70m.

Bastrop ISD's $500m construction boom

Bastrop ISD is approaching the completion of over $500m in bond-funded construction, with only two projects remaining. The expansion of Mina Elementary School was finished in August, while Bastrop High School is 70% complete and expected to finish by December 2027. Additionally, Elementary School No. 10, a new 106,477-square-foot campus, is 10% complete and slated to open in August 2027. Voters approved $183.7m in bonds in 2021 and $321.5m in 2023 for various district improvements. With over 22,000 future single-family lots projected by spring 2026, growth in the district is anticipated to continue.

New school set to open in 2027

A new elementary school in Alvin ISD is set to open for the 2027-28 school year, as part of the district's $380m bond program approved in 2024. Nearly $225m of this bond is earmarked for new campus construction, which includes two elementary schools, a junior high, and a replacement for Walt Disney Elementary. Earl Humbird Elementary will replace Walt Disney and Stevenson elementary schools, with construction starting in summer 2026 and an expected opening in 2028-29. The bond also allocates $144m for upgrading aging facilities and enhancing campus capacity, including projects at Alvin High School and Manvel High School. "The final phase of the security vestibule program is scheduled for summer 2027," documents show.

NUTRITION

SNAP cuts threaten free school meals across the U.S.

More than 1 million children have lost Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits since July 2025, raising concerns that reduced participation could also threaten universal free school meals. SNAP enrollment helps determine federal reimbursement under the Community Eligibility Provision, which supported free meals at more than 49,000 public schools during the 2024-25 school year. As SNAP participation falls, some districts could receive less federal funding and may have to cover additional costs or end universal meal programs. Dozens of schools, including campuses in San Antonio, Houston, and Miami-Dade County, have already discontinued universal meals this academic year, although the role of SNAP declines remains unclear. Children can still qualify for free or reduced-price meals based on household income, but advocates warn that application requirements and strict eligibility thresholds could leave some families without assistance. Losing free school meals could cost families nearly $1,000 per student each school year.

 
NPR

INTERNATIONAL

Toronto makes school food program available across all public schools

Toronto is expanding its school food program to every public school in the city, giving an additional 33,000 students access to meals when the new school year begins. Mayor Olivia Chow’s administration has increased annual funding for the initiative by more than 80% since her election three years ago, with a C$32m ($23.18m) investment now supporting meals for 325,000 students. The expansion comes as food costs remain elevated and one in 10 Toronto residents rely on food donations, while Chow’s two highest-profile election challengers, Brad Bradford and Chris Alexander, have both said they support continuing the program.

SE Asia's schools brace for active shooter drills

In response to a recent school shooting in Thailand, Southeast Asian nations are increasing their focus on active shooter drills in educational institutions. Students in San Rafael, Philippines, participated in the Nationwide Simultaneous School Safety Drill, emphasizing the Department of Education's commitment to enhancing school safety and emergency preparedness. "It's a new reality in the country. We are preparing for all kinds of emergencies," said Jonvic Remulla, Secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government. The drill involved a full-scale lockdown exercise and aimed to improve awareness and response to potential threats. This initiative follows a series of tragic incidents in both Thailand and the Philippines, highlighting the urgent need for effective safety measures in schools.
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