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Five Houston-area school districts—Cy-Fair, Channelview, Huffman, La Porte, and Spring—are asking voters to approve tax-rate increases in November that would collectively generate about $137 million in additional revenue. The districts face combined projected budget deficits of more than $100 million as declining enrollment reduces funding, while inflation, insurance, transportation, utilities, and other operating costs continue to rise. Cy-Fair is seeking the largest increase, proposing a 12-cent hike expected to generate $103.6 million and eliminate an anticipated $80 million deficit. Channelview is seeking $7.5 million, Spring $15.5 million, Huffman $2 million, and La Porte about $8.4 million. The funding would support expenses including employee compensation, student programs, instructional services, transportation, and general operations. The proposals come despite increased Texas public-school funding in 2025, which district leaders say has not been sufficient to offset higher costs and enrollment declines. Some districts have already made significant cuts or closed schools, while Cy-Fair, Channelview, and Crosby are also pursuing bond measures for infrastructure, technology, new facilities, and other capital projects.

 

Houston Chronicle

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Teachers disciplined or fired for social media posts following the September 2025 assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk have increasingly prevailed in legal challenges. An Education Week analysis found that most of more than a dozen lawsuits have been settled or decided in educators’ favor, raising questions about how schools should balance employees’ First Amendment rights with concerns about workplace disruption. Georgia teacher Michelle Mickens, who criticized Kirk on her private Facebook page while condemning his killing, settled a wrongful termination lawsuit for nearly $300,000. South Carolina teaching assistant Lauren Vaughn has an ongoing lawsuit, while Texas teacher Jennifer Courtemanche reached an undisclosed settlement after being fired over her posts. In Texas, roughly 350 teachers were targeted for investigations, although nearly all state-level complaints were eventually dropped. The cases highlight how social media has complicated established free-speech protections for public employees, as private posts can quickly spread, generate complaints and threats, and pressure districts to act.

 

Education Week News

The Texas Board of Education has revised its high school social studies curriculum, which has raised significant concerns regarding its portrayal of Islam. The new curriculum presents Islam negatively while favorably depicting Christianity and Judaism. Habiiba Quresh, a 15-year-old student, expressed her feelings of alienation, stating: "I feel attacked, as if my religion doesn't belong." The curriculum emphasizes radical Islam's role in the 9/11 attacks, misrepresenting the faith as a whole. Additionally, it omits important aspects of Islamic contributions to fields like mathematics and astronomy. This biased approach perpetuates fear and misunderstanding, particularly among Muslim students, and reflects a broader trend of anti-Muslim sentiment in Texas, as highlighted by a recent Pew Research Center poll.

 

Star-Telegram

The Trump administration’s federal school choice program, launching next year, could become one of the country’s largest sources of K-12 funding, according to an analysis by the American Federation for Children. The program will offer eligible taxpayers a dollar-for-dollar tax credit on donations of up to $1,700 to scholarship-granting organizations, which can fund expenses including tuition, tutoring, and books for public, private, and home-school students. The AFC estimates that 121.5m taxpayers will be eligible to participate. If 20% contribute, the program could generate $37.6bn annually, rivaling the combined funding of Title I and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, while 5% participation could generate $9.4bn. However, actual participation remains uncertain, with comparable state programs typically attracting only 1%-3% of eligible taxpayers. Potential barriers include limited public awareness, administrative burdens, donors’ ability to contribute, and some states’ reluctance to participate.

 

Education Week News

Education and technology groups are raising concerns that the Federal Communications Commission’s review of the $3bn E-rate program could restrict or potentially end a critical source of broadband funding for schools and libraries. Established in 1996, E-rate provides discounted connectivity that now supports not only classroom technology, but also essential operations, including security systems, HVAC controls, and school bus tracking. Advocates argue that concerns about student screen time should be addressed through curriculum decisions rather than changes to connectivity funding. Schools and libraries received more than $13bn through E-rate between 2021 and 2025, with higher discounts going to lower-income communities. Aldine Independent School District in Houston, where nearly all 50,000 students are economically disadvantaged, has received about $11m from the program over the past five years. Aldine Superintendent LaTonya Goffney warned that reducing E-rate support would create an immediate budget shortfall that could force the district to redirect money from teachers, programs, and other services.

 

Education Week News

STEM education has become increasingly common in afterschool programs, with 92% of parents reporting that their child’s program offered science, technology, engineering, or math activities in 2025, up from 73% in 2020, according to the Afterschool Alliance. However, significant geographic disparities remain: only 39% of rural parents said their children participated in STEM activities at least twice a week, compared with 67% of urban parents. Broader access to afterschool programs also remains limited. Parents of nearly 30m children wanted afterschool programming in 2025, but only 7m were able to enroll. The Afterschool Alliance said rural areas face particular challenges because of fewer programs, staff, funders, universities, and other STEM resources, while 85% of families living more than 30 miles from a metropolitan area reported access to a STEM component, compared with 96% of urban families.

 

The 74

Dr. Veronica Kortan has secured a new contract as Superintendent of Harlingen CISD, extending through June 30, 2029, with a salary increase to $260,100. The contract includes a $700 monthly stipend for transportation and a $200 monthly payment for mobile and internet services. Under her leadership, the district has worked to recover from a financial crisis, with a recent budget of $227.2m and a fund balance of approximately $31.1m.

 

Star-Telegram

Former state legislator Kirk Watson is advocating for a parent petition to prevent the Texas Education Agency from taking over Austin ISD. Watson's plan aims to close two failing middle schools, Webb and Burnet, which received preliminary failing ratings for the 2025-26 school year. He emphasized that “Texas law gives the parents at Webb and Burnet a powerful voice,” allowing them to request school closures instead of a district-wide takeover. Parents must submit a validated petition by Oct. 15, which would then be forwarded to Education Commissioner Mike Morath. If the petition garners enough support, Morath is legally obligated to act on it. Watson remains hopeful that the community can influence the outcome, stating that families most impacted should have a say in what comes next.

 

The Texas Tribune

In Belton, six schools have received the Purple Star Campus Designation from the Texas Education Agency, recognizing their commitment to supporting military-connected students and families. Malinda Golden, Belton ISD superintendent, emphasized the importance of creating a welcoming environment, stating: “Nearly 30% of our students are military-connected, and we understand how important it is for them to feel a sense of belonging from the moment they arrive.” To earn this designation, schools must establish a military liaison, provide resources for military families, and implement programs to assist students in transitioning to new school communities. Amber Ross, principal of Hubbard Branch Elementary, expressed pride in their achievement, noting: “Earning the Purple Star designation is a deeply gratifying milestone that reflects our team's unwavering dedication to supporting military-connected students and their families.”

 

Killeen Daily Herald

Paris ISD recently celebrated the August recipients of the GROWL Awards—“Getting Results from Outstanding Wildcat Leaders.” Honorees included Sesilia Morin, Philana Hardy, Jill Nutt, Jeanine Plummer, Jenny Smallwood, Jessica Hunt, Stacey Pettigrew, and Bryan Callihan. Superintendent Althea Dixon and Assistant Superintendent Caleb Tindel hosted a special drawing for grand prizes, sponsored by Mathews Nissan of Paris. Jeanine Plummer and Jenny Smallwood each received $250, while other winners were awarded plaques for their exceptional contributions. 

 

Paris News

Research commissioned by the Assembly of First Nations estimates C$19bn is needed over 20 years to bring on-reserve school infrastructure up to Canadian standards, including C$16.8bn for schools and C$2.2bn for teacher housing. Of 395 schools studied, 77 require immediate replacement and 227 need additions. Saskatchewan faces the largest replacement burden, while Manitoba and Ontario also require multibillion-dollar investment. Separate estimates identify C$1.52bn in school bus replacement needs over five years and about C$1bn in immediate teacher housing deficiencies.

 

CBC News

In a heartwarming incident, Finley, a 1-year-old golden retriever, made a dash for a school bus in Farmington, New York, as his siblings boarded. Owner Ashley Miller described how Finley "busted through my legs to get the kids," prompting a frantic chase. Fortunately, Finley slowed down and was welcomed aboard by laughing students. Miller had to lift the 83-pound dog off the bus, which she described as "quite the challenge." Finley, known for his friendly nature and protective instincts, is a beloved companion to Miller's children, including her 15-year-old daughter and 13-year-old son. 

 

The Miami Herald