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Texas
13th October 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Democrats outline federal education priorities

Democrats could significantly reshape federal education policy if they gain control of either chamber of Congress in the November 3 midterm elections, prioritizing oversight of the Trump administration’s restructuring of the Department of Education and increased funding for public schools. Democratic lawmakers have pledged to investigate the transfer of federal education responsibilities to other agencies, strengthen enforcement of existing education and civil rights laws, and potentially reverse the administration’s school choice initiatives. Proposals include tripling Title I funding for disadvantaged students, investing $130bn in school infrastructure, establishing a $60,000 minimum teacher salary, and expanding special education and prekindergarten funding. Democrats may also seek to repeal the federal tax credit scholarship program, which the administration estimates could reach $26bn annually by 2030. Potential areas for bipartisan cooperation, meanwhile, include early childhood education, career training, broadband funding, and safeguards governing artificial intelligence and student data.

MATHEMATICAL THINKING

Watch Mathematical Thinking Come to Life in Texas Classrooms

Great math classrooms are filled with curiosity, conversation, and discovery. Built specifically for Texas students and educators, Texas Math for Grades 6–12 promotes deep conceptual understanding, meaningful collaboration, and personalized learning that help every student succeed. Fully IMRA-approved and built for the rigor of Texas, the program pairs TEKS-aligned lessons and structured discourse with real-time data and adaptive practice through ALEKS — meeting each student exactly where they are. See it in action: take a look inside Texas Math to watch mathematical thinking come to life — students reasoning, collaborating, and growing into capable mathematicians. Watch how Texas Math inspires confident learners and supports lasting achievement.

Watch the video

 

STATE NEWS

Texas students get free application week

Texas residents can apply to public colleges and universities without application fees from Oct. 12 to Oct. 18 during the Texas Free College Application Week. This initiative allows prospective students to save significant amounts, such as $75 for applications to the University of Texas at Austin and Texas State University. “Free College Application Week is another way Texas makes it easier and affordable for students to plan for and advance their education,” said Higher Education Commissioner Wynn Rosser. The program, established by legislation in 2025, saw over 260,000 applications submitted last year, marking a 495% increase from 2024. The waiver applies to all Texas residents applying for undergraduate programs, including first-time, transfer, and returning students. However, it does not cover graduate programs or private universities, although Texas Tech University is waiving fees for some graduate applicants. Students must submit applications through ApplyTexas to qualify for the waiver.

Childcare insurance crisis deepens

Childcare centers in Texas are grappling with skyrocketing insurance costs, significantly impacting their operations. Delia Merritt, director of Happy Days School, expressed concern over rising premiums, stating: "During that time when they're raising our rates by thousands and thousands and thousands of dollars, it's like — why?" The situation worsened after Texas lawmakers extended the window for childhood sexual abuse claims, leading to a surge in claims against older policies. Insurance agent Samantha Phillips noted that this change caused many insurers to exit the market, leaving only two traditional carriers in Texas. As a result, providers are turning to surplus-lines insurance, which is often more expensive and fragmented. Tim Kaminski, president of the Texas Licensed Child Care Association, reported that his insurance costs tripled, forcing centers to consider raising tuition and cutting programs. 

LEGISLATION

Houston lawmakers seek school takeover reforms

Democratic lawmakers in Houston are proposing legislation to restrict state takeovers of struggling school districts following concerns about accountability, teacher morale, and financial sustainability at Houston ISD. A commission has recommended raising the takeover threshold to 10% of district campuses receiving failing ratings, requiring interventions to end after two consecutive years of acceptable academic performance, and giving local voters greater influence through referendums. Lawmakers also want state-appointed officials to collaborate with elected school trustees rather than excluding them from decision-making. The proposals come as HISD faces declining enrollment, staffing adjustments, and financial pressures under state-appointed Superintendent Mike Miles. However, supporters of the takeover point to significant academic improvements, with the number of failing campuses falling from 56 to five over three years. Miles maintains that the district’s reforms remain financially sustainable despite enrollment-related budget challenges.

GOVERNANCE

Houston ISD takeover: a report's stark warning

The Commission on the HISD Takeover has released a report, highlighting significant concerns regarding the state's management of Houston ISD. The commission, co-chaired by State Sen. Molly Cook, D-Houston, and State Rep. Lauren Ashley Simmons, D-Houston, found that the takeover has "diminished HISD's curriculum to a narrow focus on test preparation" and weakened relationships among students, teachers, and families. The report calls for legislative changes to the state takeover process, including raising the threshold for future takeovers and limiting the powers of state-appointed officials. Despite some reported improvements in test scores, the district has faced declining student enrollment and a loss of experienced educators since the takeover began. HISD will remain under state control until at least June 2027.

Austin ISD faces costly state intervention

Austin ISD is facing a potential state intervention due to poor performance at two middle schools, which could lead to significant financial burdens for the district. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) may require costly changes, including new academic programs and leadership changes. "Financially speaking, the district is already in a stranglehold," said trustee Candace Hunter, highlighting the district's $105m deficit and the need to borrow $140m for payroll. Previous interventions in other districts have resulted in expenses exceeding hundreds of thousands, with no additional funding from the state. As Austin ISD struggles with declining enrollment and budget cuts, the looming intervention raises concerns about the future financial stability of the district.

Superintendent resignation on the table

The Bullard ISD Board of Trustees is set to discuss the voluntary resignation of Superintendent Dr. Micah Dyer during a special meeting today. Dyer was placed on paid administrative leave earlier this week, prompting the board to hold an open forum for public comments before entering an executive session to review his contract. The board emphasized that the decision does not stem from any allegations of misconduct involving students. Dyer, who took on the superintendent role in March, previously worked at Lovelady ISD and Cuero ISD. The board will also discuss appointing an interim superintendent.

FINANCE

Texas voters face crucial tax decision

Texas voters in the Nederland ISD are considering Proposition A, which aims to increase tax revenue by an estimated $4.1m for maintenance and operations. Chief Financial Officer Cody Meaux explained that the measure could yield an additional $3.41m compared to last year, along with $1.6m in state aid. "That's how the state law requires the ballot language to represent," Meaux said, clarifying the differences in revenue estimates. If approved, the district anticipates a $2.2m surplus in its 2026-27 budget, while failure to pass Prop A could lead to a $900,000 shortfall and the cancellation of planned staff pay increases. The district's financial future hinges on this vote.

Pearland ISD earns top financial rating

Pearland ISD's board of trustees will review the district's financial accountability rating during its meeting today, following an impressive “A” rating for the 2025-26 year, based on data from the 2024-25 school year. The Texas Education Agency's Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST) evaluates school districts' financial management practices to ensure optimal funding for instructional purposes. Pearland ISD achieved a score of 98 out of 100 for the 2024-25 school year, an improvement from its previous score of 94 in 2022-23. The district's proactive financial planning and responsive budget decisions contributed to this success. The meeting will take place at 5 p.m. at the Virgil Gant Education Support Center.

CHARTERS

New charter school to honor Frank Liu Jr.

The Frank Liu Jr. Academy of Music and Arts (FLAMA) is set to open in August 2027 in Houston's historic Folgers Coffee building. This charter school, inspired by the late Frank Liu Jr., aims to blend music and arts with academics for underserved students. Liu's foundation is donating $20m to support the school's initial financial needs, addressing the fragility often faced by charter schools. "Charter schools are notoriously fragile," said Kirby Liu, director of development at Lovett Commercial. The academy will prioritize low-income students and is expected to enroll 200 students in its first year, eventually expanding to 875.

DISTRICTS

Parents voice concerns over student stress

At a recent community meeting, parent Renee Ingram raised concerns about the accelerated pace of lessons in Lake Worth ISD, questioning the impact on students who struggle to keep up. Ingram's daughter, a fourth grader, has faced increased stress and meltdowns at home due to the rapid curriculum changes. “I just don't know pushing the kids as fast as they're pushing them is the right way,” Ingram said. Superintendent Ena Meyers acknowledged the need for improvement, stating that about 31% of students are performing at or above the national average in reading, while 36% meet the same standard in math. The district aims to enhance academic support and engage more families in discussions about their children's education, as attendance at meetings remains low. 

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Schools expand cloud-based online protections

U.S. school districts are increasingly adopting cloud-based Domain Name System (DNS) and content filtering tools to protect students online while maintaining access to educational resources. Platforms such as GoGuardian, Lightspeed, and Securly use artificial intelligence and machine learning to identify inappropriate websites, detect proxy services, and defend against phishing, malware, and ransomware. Unlike traditional filtering systems, cloud-based solutions protect school devices both on and off campus while allowing districts to customize access by grade level. Missouri’s Camdenton R-III School District uses GoGuardian to detect suspicious browsing activity, while Ohio’s Chagrin Falls schools use it to monitor classroom devices and flag potential self-harm, bullying, and safety threats. These integrated platforms also support regulatory compliance, parental oversight, and classroom management. However, educators emphasize the importance of balancing online protection with students’ ability to research, explore, and learn independently.

HEALTH & SAFETY

Tesla's robotaxis speed in school zones

Tesla Inc. is facing allegations that its robotaxis, including Model Y and Cybercab, are exceeding speed limits in school zones. A petition submitted in late September prompted regulators to investigate the claims, which include video evidence. Although no accidents have been reported, the review involves around 1,000 robotaxis, with 739 registered in Texas. Tesla's driverless service began in Austin in June 2025, initially with safety monitors, but has since transitioned to fully autonomous vehicles. Concerns have been raised by parents and pedestrians regarding the adherence of these robotaxis to traffic laws designed to protect students. "Dallas soon," said Ashok Elluswamy, Tesla's AI head, hinting at expansion plans.

INTERNATIONAL

Poland cracks down on school violence

In response to a series of stabbing incidents in schools, Poland has launched a significant police operation to enhance security. Prime Minister Donald Tusk emphasized the need to address the "grim trend of violence" among youth, attributing it to the glorification of violence online and in video games. "We have observed a rise in the fascination with violence, both in Poland and worldwide," Tusk said during a crisis meeting. Over 20,000 police officers have been deployed to schools, with inspections of 80,000 educational institutions leading to 135 detentions. The recent attacks include a tragic incident where a 15-year-old former pupil killed a caretaker and injured two teachers. Authorities are determined to ensure the safety of Polish children and prevent further violence.
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