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Texas
9th September 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Texas schools face takeover dilemma

In North Texas, public school districts are facing potential state takeovers due to poor performance ratings. Texas Education Agency Commissioner Mike Morath has encouraged these districts to collaborate with third-party organizations to manage struggling campuses and avoid intervention. Under Senate Bill 1882, districts can partner with external groups for a two-year exemption from takeovers, allowing them to receive up to seven consecutive F grades. Everman ISD recently partnered with Third Future Schools to manage two of its campuses, one of which has received a fourth F grade. Morath stated: “If it's a good idea for kids, you should do it. You should do it today.” However, concerns remain about the effectiveness of third-party organizations, with some studies indicating mixed results in improving student outcomes. Rachel White, an associate professor at the University of Texas at Austin, expressed skepticism about the long-term benefits of these partnerships, emphasizing the need for more qualitative evidence.

SPECIAL EDUCATION AS AN INTERVENTION

A Powerful Lens for Supporting Students with Learning Differences

Every school year, meetings take place across the state as Texas educators collaborate to support student learning through multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS). These meetings represent a significant investment of time and effort aimed at improving outcomes for all learners, especially those with learning differences who face the greatest challenges in progress and achievement.

To make the most of this time, school teams must focus on identifying effective interventions. But what exactly is intervention in the context of special education? How does it differ from specially designed instruction (SDI)? And how can tools like MTSS and response to intervention (RTI) guide our decisions?

Read this article to explore special education as an intervention

 

NATIONAL NEWS

September 11 teaching expands nationwide

U.S. schools are increasingly expected to teach students about the September 11 attacks, with at least 40 states now having policies that require, recommend, or otherwise encourage instruction or observances, compared with roughly 60% of states not explicitly mentioning 9/11 in education standards a decade after the attacks. Twenty-five states specifically require or expect instruction on the attacks, while another 13 include optional references, but approaches vary significantly by state, grade level, and political context, covering topics ranging from terrorism and military conflicts to civil liberties, discrimination, Guantanamo Bay, and the Abu Ghraib scandal. The growing emphasis comes as about one-third of Americans were born after 9/11, making schools increasingly important in preserving knowledge of the attacks and explaining their continuing impact on U.S. society and foreign policy. Museums and memorial organizations are also expanding teacher training and educational programs, including the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, which has raised more than $25m this year to enhance student field trips, teacher training, and other initiatives.

Cuts to SNAP threaten school meals

Recent cuts to the SNAP are poised to significantly impact school meal access for American children. Over 1m kids have lost SNAP benefits, which could lead to a loss of free breakfast and lunch at schools, crucial for combating childhood hunger and supporting learning. Clarissa Hayes, deputy director of child nutrition programs at the Food Research & Action Center, said: "Cuts to SNAP are not going to stop at the grocery store," emphasizing the broader implications for children's health and academic performance. As schools prepare for the new term, many families, especially those who have never participated in SNAP, may find their children's eligibility for free meals at risk. The situation is exacerbated by rising grocery prices and changes in federal safety net programs, raising concerns about the future of school meal funding.

States push for panic alarms

This year, Illinois, Virginia, and West Virginia have enacted laws mandating or permitting schools to utilize mobile, wearable, or silent panic alarms to summon emergency responders swiftly. Collectively known as Alyssa's Law, these measures honor Alyssa Alhadeff, a victim of the 2018 Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting. While 13 states now have such laws, the specifics vary; some require certain technologies, while others allow schools to consider emergency alert systems. Kenneth Trump, president of National School Safety and Security Services, expressed concern, stating that the low percentage of alerts for emergencies indicates that schools may not need to be mandated to use panic buttons. "Wearable incident response badges help reduce delays," a report from CENTEGIX noted, highlighting their effectiveness in communication.

GOVERNANCE

Community rallies against state takeover

Parents, educators, and community members in Austin have formed a coalition called Keep Austin Schools Independent (KASI) to oppose a potential state takeover of the Austin ISD. This initiative comes after the TEA released accountability ratings, revealing that Burnet and Webb middle schools received their fifth failing rating. Trasell Underwood, vice president of Education Austin, said: “Education Austin is opposed to any takeover of Austin ISD.” The coalition argues that a takeover would replace the elected school board with a state-appointed board, diminishing local accountability. Crystal Brothwell Hernandez, president of the Austin Council of Parent and Teacher Associations, emphasized the need for “real accountability” through an elected board. The coalition is mobilizing community support through petitions and events, with their first Block Walk scheduled for September 13.

Keller ISD election heats up

In the upcoming November 3 election, Keller ISD voters will choose between Barbara Brewer and Tommie Johnson for the Place 6 seat, previously held by Charles Randklev. Both candidates emphasize the importance of addressing challenges like declining enrollment and rising costs. Brewer stated: "My experience... has prepared me to bring strong leadership," while Johnson highlighted the need for "academic excellence for all students." The last day to register to vote is October 5, with early voting from October 19-30.

PRIVATE SCHOOLS

Unlocking education: Texas families embrace TEFA

As the 2026-27 school year begins, many families in the Austin area are utilizing the Texas Education Freedom Accounts program (TEFA), which provides state funds for private schooling or homeschooling. Over 100,000 students received TEFA funds, with more than 1,000 from Austin ISD. Families can receive $10,474 per child for private school expenses, while those with disabilities may get up to $30,000. Laura Colangelo, executive director of the Texas Private Schools Association, noted that families choose private schools for various reasons, including academic needs and bullying. However, critics argue that the program mainly benefits students already in private schools. Dee Carney, director of the Texas Center for Voucher Transparency, said, “The new data tells two stories at the same time: most students using a voucher this year were already in private or home school.” Despite challenges, many families are finding ways to make private education accessible through TEFA.

ENROLLMENT

Richardson ISD combats enrollment decline

In August, Richardson ISD leaders visited over 200 families who enrolled for the 2026-27 school year through open enrollment, aiming to strengthen relationships with new families. Superintendent Tabitha Branum emphasized the importance of making families feel valued, stating, “You are not just a student number. You are a family that we care about.” Facing a $20.8m budget shortfall for the sixth consecutive year, RISD is working to combat declining enrollment, which directly impacts funding. The district has cut nearly $42m from its budget over the past three years, primarily through staff reductions. To enhance recruitment, RISD has invested $200,000 in marketing and is focusing on organic outreach to communicate its mission. Branum noted, “Public education is no longer a monopoly,” highlighting the competitive landscape for student enrollment. Looking ahead, the district plans to identify further budget efficiencies while prioritizing the student experience.

FINANCE

Georgetown ISD's financial audit reveals insights

The financial audit of Georgetown ISD conducted by MoakCasey LLC highlights the district's fiscal standing compared to similar districts. Authorized by the board of trustees, the audit is crucial as GISD seeks to increase its maintenance and operations (M&O) tax rate through a voter-approval tax rate election (VATRE). GISD received a “superior” rating from the Texas Education Agency for the 2024-25 and 2025-26 school years. The audit revealed that over 75% of GISD's operating revenue comes from its M&O tax, significantly higher than the 47% average of peer districts. Superintendent Devin Padavil noted that the VATRE aims to maintain a balanced budget and preserve student programs. If approved, the median homeowner's tax bill could rise by $7.97. The tax rate election will be on the November 3 ballot as “Georgetown Independent School District Proposition A,” with early voting starting on Oct. 19.

Palestine ISD approves budget increase

The Palestine ISD's trustees have approved a $41.3m general fund and a new tax rate of $1.1141 for the 2026-2027 school year. Assistant Superintendent of Finance David Atkeisson noted that the new rate is an increase of $0.0763 from last year, which is below the $0.10 increase promised to voters during the 2025 bond campaign. "We promised the voters that we would not increase the tax rate by more than 10 cents," Atkeisson said. The district's overall grade from the Texas Education Agency was a C, with three campuses receiving an F. Superintendent Jason Marshall emphasized the importance of teacher quality, stating: "The best indicator of how kids are going to be in a classroom is the quality of his or her teacher."

DISTRICTS

Heights Elementary shines in reading

Heights Elementary School in Texas City has received national recognition for its outstanding third-grade reading performance, surpassing expectations based on local economic conditions. The school was designated a Bright Spots school by The 74, a nonprofit education news organization, which analyzed data from nearly 42,000 public schools. Heights ranked in the top 5% of Texas schools for exceeding predicted reading performance. Texas City ISD Superintendent Melissa Duarte emphasized the importance of literacy, stating: “Learning to read changes the trajectory of a child's life.” Principal Sarah Furman noted that the recognition belongs to the students and educators dedicated to fostering growth, saying: “When children discover that they can read, understand and confidently engage with the world around them, possibilities open.”

WORKFORCE

Meet the Teacher of the Year

Tommy Gillett, a teacher at Burks Elementary School, has been honored as the Region 10 Elementary Teacher of the Year for 2026. Gillett emphasized the importance of engaging students and maintaining high expectations, believing that "good teaching is always going to be good teaching." Gillett also reflected on the support he received from the McKinney ISD community, describing it as an opportunity to grow and inspire others.

INTERNATIONAL

China expands education pathways for students with disabilities

China has launched a new national action plan to strengthen special education, aiming to maintain a 97% compulsory-education enrollment rate for school-age children with disabilities through 2030. The plan, issued by the Ministry of Education and six other central government departments, focuses on expanding access, improving teaching quality, increasing digital and artificial intelligence use, strengthening funding and teacher support, and widening international cooperation. It also calls for more high school, vocational, and university opportunities for students with disabilities, including five-year vocational programs, expanded university majors, and stronger academic, living, and career support. By 2025, China had 2,464 special education schools serving 927,000 students with 85,100 specialized teachers, up 33%, 145%, and 95%, respectively, from 2012.
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