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Texas
17th September 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Morath's mission: Texas education reform

Mike Morath, Texas Education Commissioner, set a goal a decade ago to make Texas No. 1 in education, emphasizing the importance of improving outcomes for Black and Hispanic students. Despite some progress, such as a rise in fourth-grade math scores, Texas remains in the bottom third nationally. Morath said: “Everywhere that I have had direct governance oversight for student learning, student learning has increased.” However, challenges persist, with fewer than half of Black and Hispanic students meeting grade-level expectations in reading. Critics argue that Morath's leadership style and policies have led to diminished local autonomy and trust among educators. David Anderson, an education consultant, noted, “the level of trust and confidence in TEA and the commissioner is probably the lowest that I have seen in my 53-year career.” Morath remains committed to improving education for Texas' 5.5m students, asserting: “I feel the weight of this.”

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NATIONAL NEWS

ABA providers push for greater classroom access

Private equity-backed providers of applied behavior analysis (ABA) are increasing campaign contributions and lobbying efforts as states consider tighter oversight, Medicaid reimbursement limits, and rules governing private therapists’ access to public schools. Rapid growth in Medicaid spending on ABA has attracted private equity investment, while recent federal audits and state concerns about costs have prompted proposals to cap services and payments, strengthen provider standards, and scrutinize billing. Schools are emerging as a focus of the policy debate. Florida, Louisiana, and Pennsylvania have enacted measures providing private autism therapy technicians with greater classroom access, while Colorado requires districts to establish policies for medically necessary services. School administrators have raised concerns about liability, oversight of privately employed therapists, and lost instructional time, while supporters have pushed for greater access to ABA services during the school day.

STATE NEWS

Texas schools face grade penalties

Texas's educational accountability system is under scrutiny as Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick proposed legislation to dock a school district's A-F performance rating for having a banned book. This move highlights a significant flaw in how Texas measures educational quality, as it prioritizes administrative compliance over actual student learning. The current A-F framework reduces schools to standardized test results, neglecting vital achievements in extracurricular activities, civic engagement, and workforce pathways. "If Texas leadership wants an accountability system that genuinely reflects educational excellence, it must move past punitive metrics," the article states. To improve the grading system, it suggests recognizing achievements in fine arts, character education, and community support that contribute to student growth.

TECHNOLOGY

AI reshapes classroom dynamics

Two years ago, discussions about AI in schools primarily focused on preventing cheating. However, as AI tools become more prevalent, districts are establishing guidelines for their use. Veronica Yan, a professor at the University of Texas at Austin, emphasized the importance of preparing students to use AI responsibly, stating: "If that is what happens, then we're not headed in a good direction." In Dallas ISD, leaders are training teachers to effectively integrate AI into classrooms while ensuring students learn critical thinking skills. The district has prohibited AI use in elementary and middle schools but allows high school students to use it for research and study aids. The Brookings Institution's report warns that over-reliance on AI could undermine students' cognitive development. Education leaders are urged to implement AI in ways that enhance learning rather than replace foundational skills.

FINANCE

Tomball ISD slashes property tax rate

Tomball ISD's board has approved a reduced property tax rate for fiscal year 2026-27. The new total property tax rate is $1.0558 per $100 valuation, reflecting a decrease of $0.0071 from the previous year. Additionally, the board authorized contracts for two bond projects, including a $49.27m construction contract for the new Tomball Intermediate School facility, funded by the $429m bond package passed in May 2025. The board also approved an increase in the contract for the Tomball High School Career and Technology facility, raising it from $8.63m to $8.73m using Bond 2021 funds.  

Houston's park investment in jeopardy

After Houston ISD ended its lease, the City of Houston faces the dilemma of removing $1.3m in park improvements at Grimes Park or surrendering them to HISD. The city invested in the park under a lease that allowed for termination with 60 days' notice, raising concerns about the lack of protections for public investments. City Councilmembers Carolyn Evans-Shabazz and Edward Pollard questioned the decision to invest in property not owned by the city, with Evans-Shabazz stating: “In the future, we need to look at how we negotiate these contracts.” HISD plans to use the land for a new $182.5m career and technical education center, which could benefit nearly 4,000 students. However, the abrupt termination has left residents without a neighborhood park and youth sports teams searching for new practice locations.

Turner’s gift is a slam dunk

Myles Turner, center for the Milwaukee Bucks, has pledged $2m to Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD, marking a significant contribution to the community. The new Trinity Arena will be named Mylers Turner Fieldhouse in recognition of his donation, which follows a recent $1m gift to Empowering the Masses, a nonprofit in Dallas-Fort Worth. Turner, a former standout at Euless Trinity, also donated $15,000 to the school's visual and performing arts department. "It’s important to give back to the community that supported me," Turner said. He was a top recruit and led Trinity to its first district title in 1999 before being drafted by the Indiana Pacers in 2015.  

DISTRICTS

Boosting scores with new strategy

Clear Creek ISD has implemented a new instructional support blueprint aimed at enhancing accountability and test scores across its elementary and intermediate campuses. During the 2025-26 school year, targeted support was provided to several campuses, including Whitcomb Elementary and Clear Lake Intermediate, based on their accountability ratings. The district introduced campus instructional specialists and district content specialists to facilitate this support. According to district documents, "targeted elementary campus scores improved by an average of 4.6 and intermediate scores improved by 6.5" compared to the previous school year. As a result, all CCISD campuses will now receive high-level instructional support, tailored to their specific needs.

Austin ISD unveils new dashboard

Austin ISD has launched a public dashboard to monitor academic and staffing data at 29 campuses rated "unacceptable" by the Texas Education Agency. This initiative aims to enhance transparency for families and staff, allowing them to track teacher quality and student performance throughout the school year. Superintendent Matias Segura emphasized the importance of the dashboard, stating: "We are being really clear on how each of these data points shows for each of these schools." The dashboard will include metrics such as principal experience, teacher vacancy rates, and academic progress assessments, with updates scheduled for the 15th of each month.

Brainfuse expands tutoring in Orange County

Brainfuse has been a key player in Orange County's educational landscape for over a decade, providing online tutoring through its partnership with the Orange County Library System. Recently, Brainfuse became an approved tutoring provider for Orange County Public Schools, allowing individual schools to select its services based on student needs. “No two schools will use tutoring in exactly the same way,” said Nakeia Jones, K–12 Partnerships Manager at Brainfuse. The program offers tailored tutoring in subjects like English language arts and mathematics, with options for scheduled or on-demand sessions. Brainfuse aligns its instruction with Florida's B.E.S.T. Standards and provides secure dashboards for teachers to track student progress.

WORKFORCE

Retired educators demand pension relief

Retired educators in Williamson County are increasingly concerned about their pensions not keeping pace with rising costs and healthcare. During a meeting last week, Brock Gregg, associate director of the Texas Retired Teachers Association (TRTA), emphasized the need for legislative support, stating: “It’s important that that system is sound because that’s what’s going to pay for you to keep getting your money for the rest of your life.” The TRTA reported that Texas teachers' pensions have fallen an average of 30% behind inflation, with many retirees relying solely on their pensions, averaging $2,317 monthly. The TRTA is advocating for the 90th Legislature to tie benefit increases to inflation and to fully fund TRS-Care, the health insurance for TRS members, which over 217,000 retirees depend on.

GOVERNANCE

Election showdown for school board seat

On November 3, College Station ISD voters will choose between incumbent Kim Ege and challenger Michelle Gallagher for the Place 6 seat on the school board. Early voting is from October 19 to October 30, with the registration deadline on October 5. Ege emphasized the importance of strong public schools, stating: "I want to see students succeed and our community continue to be a place people want to live." Gallagher highlighted the need for educators' voices in decision-making, advocating for smaller class sizes and better support for teachers. Both candidates addressed the district's priorities, including funding, teacher retention, and tailored support for diverse student needs.

Trustee's Facebook post sparks grievance

The Liberty Hill ISD Board of Trustees addressed a grievance filed by Jonna Williams against Trustee Megan Parsons regarding a Facebook post that included personal information about Williams and her daughter. Williams claimed Parsons improperly shared this information, while Parsons stated it was an oversight meant to illustrate the timing of an email. Deputy Superintendent Alex Salazar reviewed the grievance and found no evidence of policy violations. After a special meeting, the board partially granted Williams' grievance and ordered a review of board policies. "We as a board recognize that some of the actions were inconsistent with the expectations of a board during this process," said Board President Kendall Carter.  

CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION

Killeen ISD moves forward with renovation

The Killeen ISD is advancing with the renovation of the Franklin and Emily Pratt Learning & Leadership Center. During a recent school board meeting, trustees unanimously approved the contractor ranking and authorized Superintendent King Davis to finalize contracts. The project aims to relocate the professional development center from the Dock Jackson Jr. Professional Learning Center (JPLC) to the Pratt facility, with construction set to start in November and completion expected by April 28, 2027. Adam Rich, KISD's assistant superintendent for facilities services, noted that this renovation will also facilitate the decommissioning of the 72-year-old JPLC. 

SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION

New buses and pay boost approved

During a special board meeting, Bryan ISD trustees approved the purchase of eight new school buses for $1.3m and a pay increase for bus drivers. The district will acquire six general education buses and two special-needs buses, which will help address the aging fleet and driver shortage.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Waco ISD struggles with security costs

Since the state Legislature mandated armed personnel in public schools, Waco ISD has consistently requested waivers from full implementation. Waco ISD Police Officer MacKenzie Blacketer highlighted the district's reliance on local law enforcement, stating: "Waco ISD, like other area districts, sees a gap between its costs for meeting state security requirements and the available state funding." The district continues to face challenges in filling vacancies within its police force while depending on Waco Police and the McLennan County Sheriff's Office for support.

SOCIAL & COMMUNITY

Cereal drive aims to combat hunger

This September, the West Texas Food Bank is partnering with local schools for the Elementary School Cereal Drive in honor of Hunger Action Month. Students from Compass Academy, Trinity School of Midland, Midland Classical Academy, and Midland Christian School are collecting unopened, unexpired cereal boxes to assist families facing hunger in West Texas. The food bank emphasizes that cereal is a valuable, shelf-stable item that can be easily distributed.  
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