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Texas
11th September 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Voucher program raises eyebrows

Education advocates expressed concern over new data revealing that 80% of individuals on the Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) voucher waitlist have never attended public school. Critics argue that the $1bn program, promoted by Gov. Greg Abbott, was intended to assist low-income families and children with disabilities, but instead appears to benefit families already in private schools. Dee Carney, director of the Texas Center for Voucher Transparency, said: “Texans deserve to know whether the $1bn taxpayer-funded program is delivering on the claim from supporters that vouchers would create new educational opportunities.” The report titled “Choice on Paper, Not in Practice” highlights that many private schools use religious criteria in admissions, and families often face hidden costs that the vouchers do not cover. As the legislature considers doubling the program's funding, critics urge for more transparency regarding its effectiveness.

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

 

WORKFORCE

Building a brighter future for teachers

Alvin ISD has approved a memorandum of understanding with the University of Houston-Clear Lake to establish teacher residencies aimed at creating a pipeline for new educators. This initiative, supported by the Learning Acceleration Support Opportunities (LASO) Cycle 4 program, will provide aspiring teachers with a year-long classroom experience during the 2026-27 school year. Superintendent Rhonda Mason stated: “Because the cost is so low, it does appear to be something that we can sustain as long as we have the relationship with University of Houston-Clear Lake.” The program is expected to help fill hard-to-fill teaching positions, including special education and secondary mathematics. The district will invest $10,000 in the program this year.

Fort Worth teachers face contract penalties

Fort Worth ISD is set to report up to 14 additional teachers to the Texas Education Agency for contract abandonment, following a previous report of nine teachers in August. The Board of Managers voted on this action, with Rosa Maria Berdeja and Tennessee Walker opposing the decision. Under state law, teachers who abandon contracts within 45 days of the school year may face penalties, including a potential one-year revocation of their teaching certification. Former district employee Samantha Garcia criticized the policy, stating: “This policy will not improve retention, strengthen instruction, nor support students. It simply adds fear to a profession already stretched thin.” Parents have also expressed concerns about the message this sends to educators, emphasizing the need for a supportive environment to retain teachers. Superintendent Peter Licata confirmed that all reported teachers had been contacted multiple times without response.

GOVERNANCE

Ortiz aims for Copperas Cove ISD Place 5

James Ortiz, a retired teacher with 29 years of experience in Copperas Cove ISD, is running for Place 5 on the Board of Trustees in the upcoming election on Nov. 3. Ortiz's main objectives include supporting teachers by protecting planning time, enhancing staff morale, and improving communication between the district and the community. He also advocates for security and facility upgrades funded by last year's voter-approved school bond, emphasizing that expanded classroom space will benefit both teachers and students. Ortiz encourages community engagement through his candidate Facebook page, stating, "I want to counter online negativity by fostering open dialogue and building trust." Early voting begins on Oct. 19.

FINANCE

Fort Worth ISD scores big grant

Fort Worth ISD has been awarded a grant from the Texas Trust Gives Foundation to establish entrepreneurial and business incubator classrooms, aimed at equipping students with essential tools for launching professional ventures. The funding will primarily support business and entrepreneurship programs at the World Language Institute, a multilingual school serving economically disadvantaged students. The initiative aims to enhance the existing “makerspace” program, allowing students to gain hands-on experience in entrepreneurship, computer science, and engineering. Texas Trust's executive director, Washima Huq, noted that Fort Worth ISD's application stood out due to its potential impact on a large number of underserved students. The program will initially serve around 80 students and is expected to expand to more campuses in the future.

Lewisville ISD sets record low tax rate

Lewisville ISD has adopted its lowest tax rate since 1999, set at $1.0778 per $100 of taxable value for the 2026-2027 budget. Despite this decrease, the district faces a $7.3m deficit largely due to recent raises and benefits for teachers and staff. Board member Jenny Proznik emphasized that the board does not control the tax rate, stating, “We don't raise [the tax rate], we don't lower it, we simply adopt the number the state gives us.” The Texas Education Agency determines the Maintenance and Operations rate based on legislative formulas. Lewisville ISD also recently received an “A” rating from the Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas, scoring a perfect 100, the highest in southern Denton County. The district remains committed to addressing the challenges posed by state funding formulas that limit local revenue generation.

Humble ISD keeps tax rate flat

Property owners in Humble ISD will see a flat tax rate of $1.1052 per $100 valuation for the fiscal year 2026-27, as unanimously approved by HISD trustees on Sept. 8. This rate remains unchanged from the previous year and includes $0.7552 for local maintenance and operations and $0.3500 for debt service. Average home values in the district increased slightly from $346,000 to $348,300, leading to an estimated average tax bill rise of $28, from $2,342 to $2,370. HISD Chief Financial Officer Billy Beattie mentioned that the district's budget for FY 2026-27 is projected at $559.4m, with a revenue of $560.1m, which includes a 3% pay increase for staff and new special education positions.

INFRASTRUCTURE

Huckabee wins big for Abilene ISD

The Abilene ISD school board has approved Huckabee, a Texas-based architecture firm, to conduct a comprehensive facility condition assessment of all AISD instructional buildings. This decision was made during a meeting, where Huckabee, which previously collaborated with AISD on various projects, scored an impressive 99 out of 100 in the proposal evaluation.

DISTRICTS

Boerne schools earn military-friendly status

Boerne ISD has announced that half of its campuses have received the Purple Star Campus Designation, recognizing them as the most military-friendly schools in Texas. Recently added to this prestigious list are Boerne High School, Boerne Champion High School, Boerne Middle School North, Voss Middle School, and Cibolo Creek and Van Raub elementary schools. Superintendent Kristin Craft expressed gratitude, saying: “We are honored that so many military families choose Boerne as their home.” The designation, established in 2019, highlights schools that support military families through various initiatives, including a campus-based military liaison and accessible resources. Boerne ISD aims for all its campuses to achieve this distinction in the coming years, showcasing the community's commitment to military families.

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Boosting mental health awareness in schools

Pearland ISD students will engage in five sessions focused on mental health awareness, following the board of trustees' approval of an agreement with UTHealth Houston's Department of Psychiatry. The Youth Aware of Mental Health (YAM) program aims to enhance adolescents' understanding and discussion of mental health through interactive lectures and activities. Key skills such as problem-solving, emotional intelligence, and empathy will be emphasized. "The program is designed to increase knowledge and discussion about mental health among adolescents," said a representative from UTHealth Houston. The agreement, effective until June 2028, will incur no financial costs for the district.

IDEA schools shine as healthiest

The Alliance for a Healthier Generation has recognized four schools within IDEA Public Schools in the Permian Basin as America's Healthiest Schools for 2026. This annual honor celebrates schools that adopt best practices to support the health of students, staff, and families. A total of 1,376 schools across 35 states received recognition this year, with IDEA Yukon College Preparatory earning All-Star status. The recognition underscores IDEA's commitment to holistic education through its Healthy Kids Here program, which focuses on nutrition, fitness, and healthcare services. “At IDEA, we know that students need to be healthy and well-nourished to be ready to learn,” said Eva Rodriguez, senior vice president of student health and wellness for IDEA Public Schools. More information can be found at ideapublicschools.org.

TECHNOLOGY

AI education: the future is here

Samsung has partnered with the Mark Cuban Foundation to launch a free AI curriculum for students in grades 6-12, announced on Tuesday. This initiative includes lessons on AI prompting and ethical considerations, reflecting a growing trend in formal education around artificial intelligence. Currently, Texas institutions offer over 20 degree programs in AI. The article poses a question to readers: "Do you think schools should be teaching students how to use AI?" This initiative aims to prepare students for a future where AI plays a significant role in various fields.

INTERNATIONAL

Beijing expands integrated K-12 education groups

Beijing is strengthening its network of education groups to provide more integrated K-12 learning and expand access to resources across schools. In Chaoyang district, 21 education groups have been established, with leading schools supporting suburban and underprivileged campuses. The Beijing Chenjinglun High School Education Group, which encompasses 46 campuses and more than 30,000 students and teachers, has introduced a program connecting curricula and teaching across grades 1 through 12. Beginning this semester, 15 disciplines are participating in reforms designed to break down traditional grade boundaries, strengthen collaboration among teachers, and provide students with more continuous academic and extracurricular development. The initiative is part of Beijing’s broader effort to reform education and cultivate talent as technology, including AI, changes learning needs. Officials say greater flexibility across grade levels could allow schools to tailor instruction more closely to individual students’ progress and abilities.

OTHER

America marks 25 years since 9/11

Americans are commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks with memorial ceremonies, moments of silence, readings of victims’ names and volunteer projects. Nearly 3,000 people were killed in 2001, while the attacks reshaped U.S. security, foreign policy and public life for decades. Schools are also using the anniversary to educate students, many of whom were born long after 9/11. New York’s ceremony will additionally honor people who later died from illnesses linked to toxic dust exposure. Jay Winuk, co-founder of 9/11 Day, said: “One appropriate way to remember is by serving.”
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