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Texas
24th September 2026
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THE HOT STORY

School bonds reach record scale

Voters will decide on 373 school district bond measures this November, representing nearly $53bn in proposed borrowing for construction, facility upgrades, safety improvements, and other capital projects. Districts are asking for larger sums than before the COVID-19 pandemic, partly because of higher construction costs and a shift toward larger, more comprehensive projects, while voter approval rates have fallen from 82% in 2018 to 75% in 2024. Safety and security spending has become increasingly common, with the number of bond measures proposing such investments roughly doubling between 2018 and 2024, and secure entrance projects rising sharply. However, smaller and lower-wealth districts can face greater difficulty using bonds because borrowing capacity depends heavily on local property values, making major capital projects harder to finance without state or federal support.

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DISTRICTS

Houston ISD faces steep enrollment drop

Houston ISD is grappling with a significant decline in student enrollment, losing nearly 10,000 students this year, which has triggered budget cuts and staff reassignments. As of September 4, HISD reported an enrollment of just over 155,600 students, a drop of about 6% from the previous year. Superintendent Mike Miles said, “We have to make responsible decisions now so the District remains financially strong.” The district anticipated a loss of only 4,000 students, equating to a $50m funding shortfall. Experts like Duncan Klussmann from the University of Houston noted that this trend reflects broader national challenges, including competition from charter schools and declining birth rates. HISD's financial struggles are compounded by a state takeover that began in June 2023, leading to accelerated enrollment declines.

Attendance crisis: Beaumont ISD takes action

Sandi Massey, Superintendent of Beaumont ISD, led a meeting with parents and community members to address the district's declining attendance. Currently, BISD's enrollment is at 14,574, with 17,221 student absences recorded since August 12. Massey highlighted that attendance is a significant challenge, stating: “It’s really hard to look at 90s and go like, ‘Oh, we’re not doing so bad,’ but it’s only September.” The district's attendance rate has dropped from 96% last year to about 89.7% by the end of the school year, resulting in a loss of nearly $8m in funding. The meeting focused on identifying barriers to attendance, including transportation issues and health care access. Community suggestions included creating carpools and partnerships with local businesses to encourage attendance. Massey emphasized the need for collaboration to support students and improve attendance rates.

McKinney's new academy: a game changer

McKinney ISD has launched the Collegiate Academy of McKinney (CAM), enrolling 151 students across three high school campuses. Javetta Jones-Roberson, the district's coordinator of advanced academics, presented the program's goals to the MISD board, emphasizing its alignment with the district's Strategic Plan to prepare students for college, careers, and military service. “We were really intentional about how we were implementing our Collegiate Academy of McKinney,” Jones-Roberson said. The program incorporates the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) principles, ensuring students engage in college visits and study groups. Students will take a mix of MISD courses and dual-credit classes, with the aim of earning an associate's degree by graduation. 

Students march for change in Austin

In response to a recent shooting near Navarro High School, students in Austin organized protests against immigration enforcement and violence. About 70 students marched on Lamar Boulevard, expressing their anger and fear, particularly in light of the local immigrant community's struggles. Pflugerville ISD Superintendent Quintin Shepherd noted that the walkouts were student-organized and would result in unexcused absences. The protests highlight the ongoing issues of violence and discrimination faced by minorities in the community.

FINANCE

Texas candidates clash over school vouchers

The Texas gubernatorial race is heating up over the controversial school voucher program, which allows families to use taxpayer money for private school tuition. Republican Governor Greg Abbott, who enacted the program with a $1bn investment, believes it gives families the choice to select the best educational options for their children. "Vouchers ensure Texas families will have the choice to put their money toward the right school for them," Abbott said. In contrast, Democratic candidate Gina Hinojosa argues that vouchers divert essential funds from public schools, stating they are "a payout for the privileged rather than a way to help children in the classroom." Hinojosa's five-point plan aims to strengthen public education, including the elimination of the voucher program.

Katy ISD dives into voucher market

Katy ISD is set to participate in Texas' school voucher program, allowing families to use state-funded accounts for educational expenses. The district aims to sell courses through the Odyssey marketplace, expanding its Legacy Virtual High School into a statewide operation. Deputy Superintendent Leslie Haack said: “Our superintendent led this charge,” emphasizing the need for Katy ISD to remain competitive. The initiative is part of a strategy to generate revenue and provide access to virtual courses, career certifications, and homeschooling materials. The district plans to charge $400 per course for out-of-district students and $250 for in-district students.  

Funding cuts hit Calhoun County schools

Calhoun County ISD anticipates a reduction of approximately $244,000 in federal grant funding for the 2026-27 school year, primarily due to declining enrollment and fewer students classified as at risk. Megan Hernandez, the district's federal programs director, reported the loss during a school board meeting, highlighting the elimination of a $116,000 Title V grant after census data fell below eligibility thresholds. “With this loss of federal grant money, we lost around $243,999 in the year 26-27,” Hernandez said. The district must now consider reducing or shifting expenses previously covered by federal grants to its general operating fund, Fund 199. Hernandez noted that many recurring federal grants are linked to enrollment figures, which have decreased, leading to diminished funding.

Celina ISD cuts property tax rate

Residents in Celina ISD will benefit from a reduced property tax rate of $1.2088 per $100 of property valuation for the fiscal year 2026-27, down from $1.2089 in the previous year. This decrease, approved by the CISD Board on Aug. 31, is complemented by a decline in average home values in the area. As a result, the average tax bill for Collin County residents will drop by $272.97, while Denton County residents will see a reduction of $793.39.

GOVERNANCE

Luna and Witterstaetter take charge at TEPSA

Liliana Luna, principal of Nash Elementary, and Elodia Witterstaetter, the district's director of state and federal programs, have been appointed to significant roles within the Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association (TEPSA). Luna will serve as Region 8 leader, while Witterstaetter takes on the role of association president for the school year. 

CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION

New Caney ISD eyes land for school

New Caney ISD leaders are pursuing the acquisition of 50 acres of land for a future school along McCleskey Road. During the board meeting on September 21, Superintendent Matt Calvert was authorized to negotiate the purchase of two plots totaling 18.75 acres. Previously, on July 20, the board approved negotiations for a 31.25-acre property in the same area. The upcoming Highlands Middle School, currently under construction, will cost $60.46m and is set to open by fall 2027. Additionally, Elementary School No. 13, a $44 m project, is expected to begin construction in November and be completed by late spring or summer 2028.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Round Rock ISD extends armed guard exemption

Round Rock ISD officials decided to extend their good-cause exemption from House Bill 3, which mandates armed guards at public schools, for another year. District counsel Cindy Hill said: "At this time, we need to look at extending our good-cause exception for at least another year to allow us to not only get a handle on the financial conditions of the district as well as identify other sources of officers." The district faces a budget deficit and would need to hire 27 additional full-time employees at a cost of $4m to comply with the mandate. Despite the goal of hiring 54 officers by the 2025-26 school year, staffing challenges persist.

SOCIAL & COMMUNITY

Santa Fe ISD honors shooting victims

The Santa Fe ISD board has unanimously approved plans and a contract for the Santa Fe Ten Memorial, which will honor the 10 victims of the May 2018 shooting at Santa Fe High School. The board's decision, made on Monday night, allows the memorial foundation to proceed with the project. Alex Sanchez, the school district's CFO, said, "The groundbreaking that occurred earlier in the year was a symbolic start to the process to commemorate the lives lost during the May 18, 2018, tragedy." Funding for the memorial will come from public donations, private entities, and a grant from the State of Texas. The approval aligns with the original Memorandum of Understanding, which required the plans to be 95% complete for the project to move forward.

AND FINALLY...

Meme school is in session

High schoolers and middle schoolers are sharing social media posts that showcase how memes influence classroom discussions. Among the trending memes is "La Peace," a phrase popularized by Twitch streamer Kai Cenat, which has become a humorous reference in classrooms. Another viral sensation, "Gucci Morty," features the character from "Rick and Morty" in fashionable attire, confusing teachers with its unexpected appearances in student projects. "Verity," a character from a YouTube short, has also made its way into educational settings, with teachers incorporating its catchy song into lessons. These memes reflect the evolving culture of education, as students engage with humor and creativity in their learning environments. "I can't do Nathan" has emerged as a humorous expression of student frustration, encapsulating the challenges of school life.
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