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Texas
8th October 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Texas students shape school technology policies

Students across North Texas are taking a more active role in shaping school policies around AI, digital devices, and screen time as districts grapple with rapidly changing technology and limited statewide guidance. Groups such as Descreened, founded by Wylie High School students, are encouraging teenagers to reduce unnecessary screen use through offline activities, while AI SMART at Trinity Christian Academy is advocating for clearer rules that allow students to use AI as a learning tool without replacing independent thinking. Concerns about screen time extend beyond schools, with research from Rutgers University finding that the share of U.S. preschool-aged children who were read to at least three times a week fell from about 85% in 2019 to 75% in 2024, with increased screen time associated with a lower likelihood of reading. Meanwhile, AI SMART members argue that simply banning AI could leave students unprepared for workplaces where the technology is becoming increasingly common. Texas currently has no statewide policy governing AI use in schools or limiting school screen time, although Gov. Greg Abbott has called for lawmakers to address screen time next year.

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STATE NEWS

Texas schools boost STAAR scores

The Texas Education Agency's (TEA) decision to use automated scoring for the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) has led to a significant increase in requests for rescoring written answers. In spring 2024, requests surged to 64,489, up from 21,620 the previous year. Allison Matney, director of the Texas Center for School Accountability, noted that increased awareness among district administrators contributed to this rise. “That traction of superintendents talking to each other... made more districts aware that not only can they do this process, but actually they should, and they need to,” Matney said. The rescoring process has resulted in over 13,300 improved reading scores, with 42% initially graded by humans. TEA officials emphasized that their hybrid model keeps human judgment central to scoring while expediting results for districts.

Texas leads in school book bans

PEN America’s latest report reveals that Texas banned more school library books than any other state during the 2025-26 school year, with over 8,000 bans recorded. Nationwide, nearly 12,000 bans were documented, marking the highest number since tracking began in 2021. The report attributes Texas' high figures to state legislation, particularly Senate Bill 13, which enhances parental and school board roles in book access decisions. "Bans in 72% of the school districts tracked could be linked to state legislation," the report noted. The most frequently banned titles include “Sold” by Patricia McCormick and “The Handmaid's Tale” by Margaret Atwood. Additionally, the report highlights a concerning trend of school districts using generative AI to expedite book reviews, often leading to censorship without proper context evaluation. Despite the alarming statistics, PEN America warns that many book bans may be underreported due to a lack of comprehensive data collection across states.

NATIONAL NEWS

Superintendent turnover returns to pre-pandemic levels

Superintendent turnover among the nation’s 500 largest school districts has fallen to its lowest level since the pandemic, with just over 17% of districts changing leaders during the last school year, according to ILO Group’s Superintendent Research Project. The rate is similar to pre-pandemic levels, following a 45% increase in superintendent turnover nationally between 2020 and 2023. Despite the recent stabilization, the pandemic has left a lasting impact on district leadership. Of the 500 superintendents leading the surveyed districts when schools closed during the pandemic, only 78 remain in the same positions today. ILO Group chief executive Julia Rafal-Baer warned that frequent leadership changes can disrupt strategies, reset priorities, and prevent initiatives from producing results. The research also found that women now account for 34% of superintendents, an increase of 0.8%.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Safer routes urged around schools

School-age pedestrian deaths on weekdays during the school year have remained broadly unchanged over the past five years, with 134 children killed in 2024, according to an Education Week analysis of federal data. Researchers warn that children face particular risks around dawn and in the evening, while larger vehicles, high-speed road designs, and schools located farther from residential areas can make walking more dangerous. Experts say safety lessons and speed-limit signs are not enough, recommending measures such as narrower lanes, crosswalks, bike routes, and safer school entrances. New York City is reducing speed limits to 15 mph near hundreds of schools, redesigning streets, and expanding temporary car-free zones around schools. Researchers also encourage districts to map students’ routes and work with transportation authorities on infrastructure improvements that make walking and cycling safer.

ENROLLMENT

Enrollment drop at Manor Middle school

Manor Middle School, managed by Third Future Schools (TFS), has reported a decline of over 150 students, with current enrollment at 366 compared to 533 last year when it was under Killeen ISD's management. Scott Hequembourg, Killeen deputy superintendent for operations, said: “We do believe that we have kind of stabilized around that number.” TFS, which has been operating in Texas since 2020, faces challenges, including a $14m deficit and a reduction in staff. Zach Craddock, TFS Superintendent, noted that while the school is off to a strong start in instruction, enrollment remains a significant hurdle, particularly after a STEM program was relocated, resulting in a loss of 72 students. Craddock assured that TFS would not seek additional funding from KISD.

DISTRICTS

Judge halts Calhoun County ISD actions

Calhoun County ISD's plans have been temporarily halted by District Judge Julie C. Bauknight due to a lawsuit alleging violations of the Texas Open Meetings Act. The lawsuit, filed by residents including Brandy Boriskie and Melissa Gee, challenges the district's process in approving the closure of Port O'Connor Elementary School and the transfer of Seadrift students. The plaintiffs claim that discussions occurred outside of public meetings, constituting a "walking quorum." The judge's order prevents the district from implementing its 2026-27 budget and tax rate, as well as proceeding with a voter-approval tax rate election scheduled for November 3. The district is facing budget challenges, with a projected deficit of about $4.69m. The lawsuit raises concerns about the transparency of the district's decision-making process.

Abilene explores health insurance options

The Abilene ISD School Board recently discussed employee health insurance options during a workshop led by chief talent officer Alison Sims. The current plan's premiums have risen by $247.57 since the 2022-23 school year, compared to a $169 increase under the Texas Retirement System's ActiveCare program, which features a lower deductible of $2,500. A recommendation regarding the future health insurance provider will be made in November, allowing the district to meet a December 31 deadline for potentially rejoining TRS ActiveCare, which requires a five-year commitment. Additionally, the board reviewed improvement plans for schools with low accountability ratings, emphasizing data-driven decisions.

Breaking the summer learning barrier at Crowley

Elementary students at four Crowley ISD schools began the 2026-27 school year on July 13, aiming to enhance academic performance through an extended school year. The initiative, part of the Breakthrough Schools program, seeks to combat chronic absenteeism, which affected nearly 25% of Crowley ISD students in the previous year. Joshua Childs, an associate professor at the University of Texas at Austin, emphasized: "Attendance matters because students who attend school more frequently and regularly often achieve higher on academic tests." Despite the early start, attendance rates remained below 90%, with the highest average at Jackie Carden Elementary at 77%. The district's approach contrasts with other North Texas districts, focusing on early instruction rather than extending the school year into summer.  

GOVERNANCE

New conservator appointed for South San Antonio ISD

Diana Sayavedra has been appointed as the new conservator for South San Antonio ISD by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) after a year of state oversight. Sayavedra, who previously served as the superintendent of El Paso ISD, took over from Abe Saavedra, who resigned due to family health issues. At an August board meeting, Sayavedra stated that the district has made "significant progress" toward meeting its exit criteria for returning to local control, with nine out of twelve campuses scoring a C or higher in the latest state accountability scores.

CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION

New JROTC facility on the horizon

A new Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) facility is proposed for Connally High School in Pflugerville ISD, as chief operations officer Victor Valdez updated the board on October 1. Currently, Connally hosts an Army JROTC program with about 150 students, but lacks a dedicated facility, unlike Hendrickson High School's Marine Corps program. The planned 8,000-square-foot building aims to increase capacity to 210 students and will feature a commons area, flexible classrooms, a marksmanship range, and outdoor training grounds.  

Denton ISD secures new school site

Denton ISD and Landmark by Hillwood have announced the acquisition of a 12-acre site for a future elementary school, funded by the district's 2023 bond. This initiative is part of Proposition A, a $1.2bn package aimed at establishing three new elementary schools, a fifth high school, and an advanced technology center. With projections indicating an increase of over 5,000 students by the 2034-35 school year, the district is preparing for significant population growth.  

CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION

Discovering careers in manufacturing

Approximately 1,500 high school students from over 11 school systems in North Texas participated in National Manufacturing Day, hosted by the Texas Manufacturing Assistance Center at the White Settlement ISD Fine Arts Academy. The event aimed to introduce students to various careers in modern manufacturing, with Robin Evans, an event coordinator, stating: "You can't dream about what you don't know about." Students engaged with over 40 interactive stations, including robotics and live demonstrations, which sparked interest in manufacturing careers. 

HIGHER EDUCATION

Trump administration proposes $70,000 fee for international student work permits

The Trump administration has proposed a $70,000 fee for international students seeking employment in the United States through the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program. Under the Department of Homeland Security's proposal, universities would pay $70,000 for each student's initial application and $30,000 for each renewal. The OPT program allows international students to work in fields related to their studies for up to one year after graduation, with eligible STEM graduates receiving an additional two years. DHS argues that the fees would address fraud and prevent the program from being used to obtain inexpensive foreign labor. However, education advocates warn that the proposal could discourage international enrollment, increase financial pressure on universities, and undermine American innovation and workforce development. The proposal is subject to a 60-day public comment period and could face legal challenges before taking effect.
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