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Texas
18th September 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Federal judge overturns Education Department policy targeting DEI-related grants

A federal judge has struck down a U.S. Department of Education policy requiring the termination of grants supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, ruling that the directive was arbitrary and capricious. U.S. District Judge Angel Kelley found that the policy lacked clear criteria for determining which programs constituted DEI and failed to consider the impact of cancellations on teachers and teacher-training programs. The department announced in February 2025 that it was canceling more than $600m in grants, with more than 90% of awards under two K-12 teacher preparation programs ultimately terminated. The ruling came in a lawsuit brought by eight Democratic-led states, although separate claims seeking to recover terminated funding would need to proceed in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims.

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WORKFORCE

Paid leave could retain teachers

Schools and states could help retain teachers by expanding paid parental leave and providing stronger workplace accommodations for employees returning after childbirth, according to experts. Fewer than a third of states require districts to offer teachers any paid parental leave, and Arkansas and Delaware are the only states providing at least 12 weeks of fully paid leave, leaving many educators dependent on accumulated sick days and unpaid leave. Postpartum teachers can face physical recovery challenges, anxiety, depression, difficulties with lactation, and burnout as they return to demanding classrooms, while schools are required under the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act to provide reasonable accommodations for pregnancy, childbirth, recovery, and postpartum conditions. Suggested support includes time for medical appointments, assistance with physically demanding duties, additional classroom help, and longer paid leave, which research has associated with lower postpartum depression rates, stronger mother-child bonding, and better infant health. California is set to expand support by providing educators with 14 weeks of paid pregnancy disability beginning January 27.

Administrators may step in as subs

College Station ISD is contemplating a plan that would require administrators to take on substitute teacher roles, inspired by El Paso ISD's cost-saving measures. With an $8.3m budget shortfall for the 2026-27 school year and declining enrollment, the board is exploring this initiative to enhance student-administrator connections. Trustee Chris Field emphasized the importance of understanding how board decisions impact classrooms, stating: “We would be able to see how the decisions we're making in this boardroom are affecting the people in the classrooms.” While no decisions were made during the Septenber 15 workshop, further discussions are anticipated in future meetings.

Unlocking teaching potential for coaches

The Texas High School Coaches Association (THSCA) announced a partnership with Teachers of Tomorrow, offering members exclusive savings on an alternative pathway to obtain a Texas teaching certificate. This initiative provides coaches and education professionals an affordable route to certification, including $500 off the certification program fee and a 50% discount on exam preparation through The Learning Liaisons (TLL).

GOVERNANCE

Parents take charge in Austin ISD

As Austin ISD confronts a potential state takeover, Mayor Kirk Watson has proposed that parents of two North Austin schools take action. They can petition Education Commissioner Mike Morath to close Burnet and Webb middle schools, which have received failing ratings for five consecutive years. "If a majority of parents at a campus petition Morath to close their school, he must follow their ask," Watson stated. Parents must act quickly, submitting their petitions by October 15. Austin ISD will not assist in gathering signatures but will allow families to voice their concerns independently. Superintendent Matias Segura emphasized that the district is preparing options to support students and families. The outcome of this initiative will be determined by Morath's decision in December.

Carroll election canceled: unopposed trustees remain

The Carroll ISD board of trustees has canceled its November 3 election due to all candidates running unopposed. Board trustee positions for Place 1, Place 2, and Place 3 were uncontested, meaning the current trustees will retain their roles. Christy Stacy will continue in Place 1, Eric Lannen in Place 2, and Mandy Reece in Place 3. The board certified the unopposed candidates during its September 14 meeting, and they will be sworn in at a November meeting.

Houston ISD deputy superintendent resigns

Kristen Hole, the deputy superintendent of Houston ISD, has resigned to join her family out of state, according to reports. Hole had been balancing her time between her new home and Houston to oversee new programs for the 2026-27 school year. "Kristen has given a great deal to this District, both professionally and personally," said HISD Superintendent Mike Miles.

New CFO for Godley ISD

Dr. James Drake has officially started as the new chief financial officer of Godley ISD, bringing extensive experience in education finance and operations. Previously, Drake held significant roles in Monrovia USD and Gonzales USD in California, where he focused on financial strengthening and long-term planning.

Trustees extend superintendent's contract

At the Goose Creek CISD Board of Trustees meeting on September 14, Superintendent Joe Rodriguez's contract was extended, reflecting the board's confidence in his leadership. 

FINANCE

Friendswood ISD gears up for upgrades

Friendswood ISD is advancing several projects funded by its 2026 bond program, including the purchase of new school buses and renovations to various facilities. At a board meeting on September 14, the district approved nearly $1.7m for nine 77-passenger buses and two 53-passenger buses, which will comply with Senate Bill 546, requiring all Texas school buses to have three-point seat belts by September 1, 2029. The district plans to replace 10 noncompliant buses. Additionally, a $12.9m renovation of the career and agricultural science center is in the design phase, with construction expected to start in April 2027. New science labs at Windsong Elementary and Bales Intermediate are also in the design process, with construction slated for February 2027. The district is addressing roof issues at Westwood Elementary, with $200,000 allocated for repairs.

Tesla's $10.1bn project approved

Lamar Consolidated ISD officials have approved an agreement for a state economic incentive as Tesla seeks to finalize its site selection for a new manufacturing facility, known as Project Crystal Sun. This $10.1bn project aims to establish a solar cell manufacturing facility on a 3,057-acre site. Superintendent Roosevelt Nivens emphasized that the district would not lose tax revenue, as the state will compensate for the funds not paid by Tesla during the tax limitation period.  

CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION

Clear Creek ISD faces $124m upgrade challenge

A year-long study of Clear Creek ISD (CCISD) facilities reveals that the district may require over $124m in upgrades and repairs within the next five years. Conducted by PBK Architects, the analysis assessed the condition of various assets across the district's schools. CCISD Superintendent Karen Engle mentioned that the findings were uploaded to Origin, a data analysis software, to help district leaders understand the facilities' conditions and repair costs. CCISD Director of Facility Services Alex Aragon highlighted the importance of maintaining a safe and comfortable environment for students, stating: “Our students can't learn unless they are safe and comfortable." The district plans to review the findings annually and prioritize projects accordingly.

DISTRICTS

North East ISD plans campus closures by 2026

North East ISD (NEISD) is set to propose a plan for campus closures by the end of 2026, as stated by Superintendent Anthony Jarrett. A list of 16 elementary schools has been identified for potential closure due to low enrollment and high operational costs. Jarrett emphasized that while some schools meet closure criteria, others will be spared due to specialized programs or previous closures. "We have a responsibility to address the financial and operational realities that come with serving fewer students," Jarrett said. NEISD is facing a steady decline in student enrollment, which impacts funding, although the district's current enrollment is better than projected. The budget deficit, initially estimated at nearly $20m, has reportedly improved to just over $17m.

Hutto ISD boundary plans revealed

Hutto ISD is preparing for the opening of its second comprehensive high school next year, with boundary plans currently under discussion. According to Assistant Superintendent of Operations Dustin Barton, the proposed attendance zone will be divided along Hwy. 79, with students north attending Creekside High School and those south attending Hutto High School. Notably, current eleventh-grade students may remain at HHS for their final year, along with varsity athletes and students in specific programs not offered at CHS. 

STUDENTS

Dallas County students soar academically

The Commit Partnership's 2026 Dallas County Economic Mobility Report reveals that while academic performance among students has significantly improved, translating these gains into economic mobility remains a challenge. "Readiness changes a life only when a student can enroll, persist, complete a credential, and enter a career that's going to pay them a living wage," said Miguel Solis, Commit's president. The report highlights that 47,558 more students are meeting critical benchmarks, surpassing the five-year goal by 21%. However, postsecondary enrollment has declined from 62% in 2012 to 55%, indicating a gap in the education-to-workforce pipeline. The report aims to place 150,000 more students on a path to economic mobility by 2040, with a goal of halving child poverty in the area.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Experts urge simpler, age-appropriate lockdown drills

School safety experts and research distinguish routine lockdown drills from more intense active shooter simulations, despite the terms often being used interchangeably. Lockdown drills generally involve locking doors, turning off lights, and moving out of sight, while active shooter simulations can include actors, simulated gunfire, fake blood, and nonlethal projectiles. In a piece for The Conversation Emily Greene-Colozzi, assistant professor of criminology and justice studies at UMass Lowell cites studies that suggest lockdown drills may improve preparedness, reduce fear, and potentially limit casualties. She also notes that evidence on high-intensity simulations is mixed, and that concerns remain about psychological harm. Experts recommend age-appropriate, neutral approaches, particularly for younger children, but inconsistent terminology, policies, and practices across states make it difficult to assess the overall benefits and risks of school preparedness drills.

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Get kids moving with shining light

As National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month unfolds, a 2026 JAMA Network Open study reveals that about 36.5% of children aged six-11 and 38.5% of adolescents aged 12-19 in the U.S. are overweight or obese. Despite federal guidelines recommending at least 60 minutes of daily physical activity for children, only 20%-28% meet this target. Amy Burton, founder of Shining Light Fitness, emphasizes the importance of making movement enjoyable, stating, "Kids don't have to be great athletes to become active kids." Shining Light Fitness offers a practical online platform for homeschool families, providing age-appropriate workouts and sports skills instruction, making physical activity accessible and fun. The program aims to help children develop healthy habits while integrating character development and biblical instruction.

INTERNATIONAL

U.K. teens ranked unhappiest in Europe

U.K. teenagers have recorded the lowest life satisfaction among 29 European countries for the second consecutive PISA survey, according to analysis by The Children's Society. Almost one in five 15-year-olds reported low life satisfaction, while 11.1% said they were unhappy with school, and 43% worried about achieving good grades at school or college. Wider concerns also affected well-being, with four in 10 young people worried about rising prices, and 38% concerned about crime. Girls reported lower satisfaction than boys in several areas, including school, family, appearance, and life overall, with 21.2% unhappy with how they looked. The findings highlight the pressures affecting students both inside and outside the classroom, and the need for greater support for young people's well-being. Mark Russell, chief executive of The Children's Society, said: "This isn't a one-off. It's a pattern, and it should be a wake-up call."
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