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Texas
5th October 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Ten Commandments laws face courts

Five states have enacted laws requiring or authorizing Ten Commandments displays in public school classrooms, prompting legal disputes over whether the posters are passive displays or constitute state-sponsored religious instruction. Arkansas, Alabama, Louisiana, and Texas require displays, while Tennessee authorizes them. Supporters argue that the commandments have a historical role in American law and that teachers are not required to discuss the posters, while challengers contend that placing prescribed religious texts in classrooms violates the First Amendment. The legal debate could reach the U.S. Supreme Court, with challenges involving Texas and Louisiana already appealed to the justices. Courts have differed over the issue, with the 5th Circuit upholding the Texas law and allowing Louisiana’s requirement to take effect, while litigation over Arkansas’ law continues. The cases could address broader questions about religious expression in public schools, including whether mandated displays amount to instruction, whether parents should be able to opt their children out, and how longstanding Supreme Court precedents governing religion in schools should apply.

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STATE NEWS

New rules aim to protect students

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has introduced new rules prohibiting educators from using restraint methods that intentionally inflict pain on students. Restraint is now only permitted in emergencies, not as a disciplinary measure. According to research from Texas Appleseed and Disability Rights Texas, 90% of students restrained are those with disabilities. Starting Monday, all public school staff must undergo training in crisis prevention and intervention techniques. Maia Volk, a mental health policy fellow with Disability Rights Texas, said: "Kids are coming every single day with more and more complex needs over time." The updated rules follow the passage of Senate Bill 133, which bans handcuffing students aged 10 and younger. TEA's new regulations emphasize de-escalation techniques and alternative responses to physical intervention, aiming to create a safer school environment.

Texas seniors score big on taxes

Texas lawmakers have implemented generous homestead exemptions, allowing around 60% of homeowners aged 65 and older to pay $0 in school property taxes. The state has sent billions to school districts to lower tax rates, resulting in a significant drop in property tax bills for seniors. However, some younger Texans argue that these tax breaks disproportionately benefit older homeowners, creating a wealth transfer from younger generations. 

GOVERNANCE

Fort Worth ISD faces scripted lesson debate

During a recent workshop, Fort Worth ISD's board members addressed parental concerns regarding scripted lessons. The board is drafting goals and limits for Superintendent Peter Licata, aiming to enhance student performance and teacher trust. Licata emphasized the positive results of his instructional changes, stating: “Right now we're getting pretty damn good results.” However, board members noted a significant loss of teacher trust, with Manager Tennessee Walker highlighting the need for sustainable results over short-term gains. The board ultimately decided to require teacher feedback on significant instructional changes, reflecting a commitment to respect educators. Community member Norma Garcia-Lopez criticized the board's survey for not accurately representing student demographics, urging for more inclusive feedback. The board plans to finalize goals and limits at their upcoming meeting on November 10.

Prosper ISD names new superintendent

Prosper ISD's Board of Trustees has named Greg Bradley as the lone finalist for the superintendent position during a special meeting on September 30. Board President Kelly Cavender said: "When the board began this search, we were looking for a leader who understands what makes Prosper ISD special. No one understands that better than Dr. Bradley." Bradley, who has a long history with the district, previously served as Principal of Reynolds Middle School and held various administrative roles. He is currently the superintendent at Ennis ISD but expressed excitement about returning to Prosper, saying: "I had such a great experience [in Ennis ISD], but this has been home for a long time." The board is expected to vote on his appointment in October, following a mandatory 21-day waiting period.

Northside ISD seeks new superintendent

The Northside ISD is initiating a national search for a new superintendent to succeed John Craft, who announced his retirement in June but will remain as a consultant until the end of 2026. The Texas Association of School Boards will assist in the search process, which will be discussed in the upcoming school board meeting. Northside ISD, the fourth-largest school district in Texas with 95,937 students, is also facing challenges with declining enrollment, which could impact state funding. Jasso noted that the district is committed to a thorough and transparent search process.

Boerne ISD reshapes leadership team

The Boerne ISD has restructured its Superintendent's Cabinet to accommodate its growth, promoting Dr. John O'Hare to Associate Superintendent, Ramiro Guerrero to Chief of Operations, and Yvette Reyna to Chief of Community Engagement, Strategic Partnerships, and Communications. This restructuring aims to reduce Cabinet-level positions while enhancing responsibilities to better serve students, teachers, and staff.

SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION

Diesel costs squeeze school transport

School districts across the U.S. are facing growing transportation costs as diesel prices approach record highs at about $6.40 per gallon, putting pressure on budgets and prompting some districts to consider more efficient routes or cuts to activities such as field trips and sports transportation. Jefferson County, Colorado, operates nearly 400 buses covering more than 20,000 miles daily, and officials said diesel spending has risen dramatically compared with last year. Some districts that previously diversified their fleets are less exposed to the increase. Boulder’s school district, which uses mostly propane and unleaded-fuel buses alongside some electric vehicles, has seen diesel spending fall 12% from last year after beginning its shift toward alternative fuels about a decade ago. However, transitioning fleets is expensive and takes time, with many districts relying on federal support, including funding from the 2021 Infrastructure Law’s $5bn clean school bus program, which the Trump administration is reviewing.

FINANCE

Denton ISD slashes tax rate

Denton ISD's Board of Trustees approved a budget for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, adopting a tax rate of $1.1528 per $100 of taxable property value, which is a reduction of over five cents from the previous year. Board President Barbara Burns said: “A $345 reduction for the typical homeowner is real money in a household budget.” The decrease is mainly due to a lower maintenance and operations rate assigned by the state. The new tax rate supports a balanced $380m General Fund budget, a significant improvement from the previous year's $19.9m deficit. The reduction reflects the compression applied by the state as local property values rise, along with the continuation of voter-approved M&O pennies and a stable Interest and Sinking rate. Approximately 80% of the budget is allocated to employee salaries and operational costs.

Fort Bend ISD faces $15.2m revenue drop

Fort Bend ISD is reducing its projected revenue by $15.2m due to lower-than-expected enrollment, which remains below the revised estimate of 75,250 students. Maria DiPetta, the district's director of strategic communications, said: “Lower enrollment means less state funding to support district operations, while many costs... do not decrease proportionately.” The district has also closed seven elementary schools and is attempting to attract students through limited open enrollment, which has brought in 356 students from outside the district, generating an estimated $3.6m. Concerns have been raised about new secondary school boundaries potentially leading to further student losses, with Emily Paulison warning that “if you go through with the current plan, the district is going to lose a lot more students.” Trustees are set to vote on the new boundaries on Oct. 5.

Bastrop ISD scores top fiscal rating

Bastrop ISD has achieved the highest fiscal accountability rating under the Financial Accountability Rating System of Texas (FIRST) for the 2025-26 school year, scoring 98 out of 100 points. Chief Financial Officer Mike White announced this at a Board of Trustees meeting, noting that the district has maintained a Superior Achievement rating for eight consecutive years. The FIRST audit evaluates financial management based on 21 indicators, including debt and student enrollment. Although Bastrop ISD lost two points due to debt from recent campus construction, White stated: “There’s nothing we would do differently.” 

DISTRICTS

Empowering futures with P-TECH

Lubbock ISD has launched the Pathways in Technology Early College High Schools (P-TECH) program at Coronado High School, aimed at supporting at-risk and economically disadvantaged students. The program, which begins accepting applications for the 2027-2028 school year, offers students the chance to earn a high school diploma, college credits, and industry-recognized certifications at no cost. “The more choices we give to students when it comes to their future, the greater chance we have to change the futures of families in our community,” said Kathy Rollo, Lubbock ISD superintendent. P-TECH is a collaboration involving Lubbock ISD, South Plains College, Texas Tech University, and industry partners, providing students with work-based learning opportunities and pathways to high-demand careers in fields like STEM and cybersecurity.

Beaumont ISD invests in Apple devices

The Beaumont ISD has approved a four-year lease for approximately $11.19m to replace outdated devices, providing 14,585 Apple devices for pre-K through 12th-grade students and teachers. Rachel Harrah, deputy superintendent, highlighted that 63% of current devices are beyond their recommended life cycle, leading to nearly $470,000 in support costs. “It's almost half a million dollars just supporting a fleet that is barely moving or working,” Harrah said. The district evaluated various models, ultimately recommending 4,085 iPads and 10,500 MacBook Neo laptops due to their performance and reliability. The lease payments will be funded through existing revenue sources, and a replacement cycle will be established post-lease.  

Friendswood ISD's decade of transformation

In an interview with Community Impact, Thad Roher, the Superintendent of Friendswood ISD, reflected on his ten years of leadership, emphasizing the district's growth and future priorities. Roher, a Friendswood native, became superintendent in 2017 and has navigated challenges like Hurricane Harvey and the pandemic. He stated: "For every student, we want to provide the best experience for them," highlighting the district's commitment to broadening educational opportunities. Roher outlined six priorities aimed at fostering a community of learning and modernizing facilities.

CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION

Houston ISD's AC upgrades still falling short

Despite spending $40m on HVAC upgrades, Houston ISD continues to face significant cooling issues in schools. In August 2026, the district logged nearly 2,000 work orders for cooling repairs, with 124 classified as emergencies, slightly up from the previous year. Alishia Jolivette, HISD's chief of facilities, maintenance and operations, said: “We understand HISD has aging facilities, and with aging facilities we also have aging and failing systems.” Parents have expressed frustration over the ongoing problems, with one parent, Gris Sanchez, stating: “I don't understand how they still send messages that everything is fixed.” The district's efforts to address these issues may require a new bond proposal, as noted by Duncan Klussmann, a former superintendent.
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