Education Slice
Become more informed in minutes...
Education Slice Logo
Texas
27th October 2026
Together with

THE HOT STORY

Federal school choice divides Democratic governors

Democratic governors face an end-of-year decision on joining the federal Education Freedom Tax Credit, which offers dollar-for-dollar tax credits on donations of up to $1,700 to fund student scholarships. With 31 states participating, including just two Democratic-led states, the program could reach $26bn by 2030. Supporters highlight funding opportunities for public and private school students, while opponents warn of inequitable distribution, limited accountability and potential damage to public education. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul defended participation, stating: "I'm not going to leave money on the table when it could help our kids." Meanwhile, Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek has rejected the initiative, citing concerns about federal education policy. Teachers' unions remain strongly opposed, while school choice advocates anticipate more Democratic governors joining after the November elections.

DIGITAL CURRICULUM

Choose the Right Digital Curriculum

How do you determine which digital courses will meet your students’ and teachers’ needs best? Get expert answers to your digital curriculum questions in the free Digital Curriculum Buyer’s Guide from FlexPoint. While you learn how to identify quality digital courses, you’ll complete worksheets that will offer a clear path toward your goals. These insights, tips, and more are vital to making the right purchasing decisions for your school or district.

Download Free Guide

 

NATIONAL NEWS

U.S. school districts face mounting financial pressure as healthcare costs surge

U.S. school districts are facing escalating healthcare expenses that are placing increasing pressure on budgets, staffing, and employee benefits, as medical inflation, rising prescription drug costs, and expensive treatments strain already limited resources. At the Association of School Business Officials International conference earlier this month, representatives from Ohio’s Big Walnut school district highlighted the financial impact of high-cost medical claims, with ten of its 336 insured employees generating claims exceeding $50,000 each this fiscal year. Meanwhile, Illinois’ West Aurora district spent $26m on medical expenses in 2026, more than 10% of its $215m operating budget, with costs projected to rise by another $5m next year. Districts are exploring alternative insurance plans, Health Savings Accounts, virtual healthcare, and prescription drug initiatives to control spending without undermining employee recruitment and retention. West Aurora estimates that changes to its GLP-1 drug coverage could save $750,000 to $1m annually. However, declining student enrollment, state-level funding constraints, and the growing availability of costly new treatments are expected to intensify financial pressures.

STATE NEWS

Hinojosa vs. Abbott: Education showdown

In the lead-up to the November 3 election, Democrat Gina Hinojosa is challenging Republican Gov. Greg Abbott, focusing on education issues while Abbott emphasizes property tax cuts. Hinojosa criticizes Abbott's record, particularly the state takeovers of school districts, stating: “This is a model that threatens our public school kids across this state.” Polls indicate that voters are concerned about the economy and corruption, but education remains a critical topic. Abbott has touted his administration's achievements, claiming: “Our students are doing better in schools than ever before.” As the election approaches, the candidates' differing approaches to education could significantly influence voter turnout and engagement, especially in urban areas where state interventions have sparked controversy.

TECHNOLOGY

Navigating AI in classrooms today

As artificial intelligence (AI) tools become prevalent in Texas classrooms, school leaders are grappling with their role in education. Aroutis Foster, dean of the Baker School of Education at American University, emphasized the importance of teaching skills rather than merely focusing on test performance, asking: “Are they getting better at the skill, or are they getting a better finished product?” Research indicates that nearly three-quarters of parents report their children use AI occasionally, raising concerns about academic integrity and critical thinking. While some districts, like New York City Public Schools, have restricted AI use, others, such as Dallas ISD, are cautiously integrating it into curricula. Dallas ISD allows high school students to use AI for research but prohibits its use for completing assignments. Parents like Atheeth Sishtla advocate for balanced AI use, stressing the need for guidelines to ensure deep learning rather than superficial knowledge. “If we don't enable or keep those guardrails in place,” he said, “we will go back into a generation where we just have surface-level knowledge.”

GOVERNANCE

Fort Worth ISD navigates state control

The state takeover of Fort Worth ISD has sparked significant debate among candidates this election season. Democratic gubernatorial candidate Gina Hinojosa aims to end such interventions, while Gov. Greg Abbott supports the accountability measures that led to the takeover. The district's first full year under state control has seen nearly 800 teachers leave, raising concerns about scripted lessons and diminished teacher autonomy. Superintendent Peter Licata is revising goals for student achievement, aiming for a 5% annual increase in third graders meeting state assessment standards. While the district seeks community feedback, it must maintain high expectations for student performance. "Setting the bar high is the right move," Licata emphasized, as the district strives to improve academic outcomes after years of underperformance.

Frisco ISD sets legislative priorities

Megan DeWolfe, Frisco ISD's director of government affairs and community engagement, presented the district's legislative priorities during the latest board meeting. The priorities, developed by the Legislative Leadership Committee, focus on assessment, accountability, school finance, and district of innovation ahead of the 90th Texas Legislative session starting on January 12, 2027. DeWolfe emphasized the importance of basing the support staff retention allotment on the number of employees rather than student enrollment, stating: “The committee thought it made a lot more sense to base that allotment off the number of people you have employed rather than the number of students you have.” Kimberly Smith,the district's chief finance and strategy officer, supported this approach to maintain stable funding for raises amid declining enrollment.

Pflugerville schools tackle improvement plans

Pflugerville ISD's recent board meeting highlighted the requirement for six campuses to submit targeted improvement plans (TIP) to the state. Rachel Naugle, director of school improvement, noted that five of these campuses received grants from the Texas Education Agency, necessitating the TIP. While Westview Middle School was federally identified due to a "C" accountability rating in 2026, Naugle emphasized that a TIP does not imply a low rating. The strategies include the Accelerating Campus Excellence model and intensive curriculum and instruction. Additionally, chief financial officer Jennifer Land reported a decrease in the projected budget shortfall from $14.4m to $11m, aided by increased enrollment and revenues.

WORKFORCE

Liberty Hill ISD rolls out recruitment incentives

The Liberty Hill ISD board of trustees has approved new incentives to attract and retain teachers and substitutes. "Being able to retain and recruit is really our top priority," said Rebecca Owen, the district's executive director of human resources. The initiatives include a stipend program to enhance substitute coverage, costing up to $99,000, and an additional $20 for substitutes covering Fridays, expected to cost $45,120. The district is also increasing its teacher referral bonus to $4,000 for special education and pre-K roles, with a maximum potential cost of $76,160. Furthermore, up to $56,000 will be allocated to support special education staff, addressing the additional demands they face. Owen emphasized the importance of giving autonomy to principals and the special education department to manage these resources effectively.

Willis ISD board approves $1,000 stipend

The Willis ISD (WISD) board of trustees has approved a $1,000 employee retention stipend during its October 21 meeting. This stipend is part of a broader initiative aimed at enhancing employee retention, following a previous $1,500 stipend approved on April 22. The new stipend will be distributed in December to employees who remain with WISD from November 1, 2026, until May 26, 2027. Employees who leave or have their contracts terminated must repay the stipend. Garrett Matej, WISD's chief financial officer, said: "Retention stipends are one of the ways the Board invests in the people who serve our students every day." He emphasized that retaining experienced staff is beneficial for students and a responsible use of district resources.

DISTRICTS

Beaumont ISD earns superior rating

Beaumont ISD has achieved a superior rating from the Texas Education Agency for the eighth consecutive year, reflecting its strong financial management. Chief Financial Officer Cheryl Hernandez presented the district's score of 95, classified as an A, to the school board, emphasizing the importance of fiscal responsibility. "This achievement reflects our district's commitment to fiscal responsibility, financial accountability and [shows] we're being good stewards of taxpayer money," Hernandez said. The Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas evaluates 21 indicators to assess how effectively schools manage their financial resources. Hernandez expressed pride in the district's accomplishment, which underscores its dedication to transparency and sound financial decisions.

CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION

Young entrepreneurs thrive at Biztown

At Biztown, an immersive learning facility opened by Richardson ISD and Junior Achievement of Dallas, students experience running a business firsthand. Eleven-year-old Austin Glover, who served as vice president of FedEx, noted: “Not a lot of people agree with a lot of stuff,” highlighting the teamwork involved in business operations. The program aims to enhance students' financial literacy and career readiness, with Chris LaTurno, president and chief executive of Junior Achievement of Dallas, stating: “We're exposing them to different industries that make them wonder or think.” The initiative aligns with a new Texas law requiring high school students to take personal finance courses, emphasizing the importance of early career exploration and financial education.

New auto shop opens at Houston ISD

The Barbara Jordan Career Center in Houston has launched a student-run auto shop, allowing high school students to gain hands-on experience in vehicle maintenance. The initiative is part of Houston ISD's broader effort to enhance career and technical education, aiming to quadruple enrollment at the center by the 2028-29 school year. The district is investing $20m to upgrade the center and plans to build a second hub in Sunnyside.  

CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION

New building honors Krueger

Comal ISD has officially named its new Life Bridges building after former trustee Dan Krueger, who served from 1994 to 2009. The decision was made during a board meeting on October 22, where Superintendent John E. Chapman III emphasized Krueger's significant contributions to the community, stating: "I was only as good as Dan Krueger." The Life Bridges program supports young adults with disabilities, helping them transition from school to adult life. The new facility is part of a $560.56m bond approved by voters in 2023, aimed at enhancing educational opportunities.  

HIGHER EDUCATION

Easier college admissions for seniors

Eligible seniors from Houston ISD and Dickinson ISD will benefit from guaranteed-admission programs to Houston Christian University and the University of Houston-Clear Lake starting next fall. Students with a 3.0 GPA can gain admission to Houston Christian University without a traditional application, while Dickinson ISD students need a 2.75 GPA to apply to UHCL. "Students should be able to see a clear path from where they are today to where they want to go next," said UHCL President Richard Walker. These initiatives aim to simplify the college application process and increase enrollment, addressing the need for more Texans to pursue higher education. The programs are part of a broader trend to enhance accessibility and outreach to potential students, particularly in underserved regions.

INTERNATIONAL

France announces university admissions overhaul for 2028

France's government has pledged to replace its national university admissions platform, Parcoursup, in 2028, with substantial reforms planned for 2027, following weeks of nationwide student protests over education funding, living costs, and unequal access to higher education. Higher Education Minister Philippe Baptiste announced the changes as students criticized the platform's unclear selection criteria and barriers to securing places on preferred courses. The demonstrations, which began with school blockades in September, escalated into widespread unrest on October 17, involving clashes with police, looting, and damage to public buildings. Subsequent protests attracted more than 400,000 participants according to authorities, while organizers estimated nearly 800,000. Students are also demanding additional teachers, improved school facilities, smaller classes, and changes to teaching hours. The government has already committed to deploying 3,000 additional substitute teachers to struggling high schools, as President Emmanuel Macron faces mounting pressure to address educational inequalities and deteriorating learning conditions.

Australia rethinks classroom screen time

Australian education authorities are considering reducing screen time in classrooms following declining international test results, with Federal Education Minister Jason Clare proposing a school 'digital detox' for discussion with state counterparts next month. The proposal follows Sweden's efforts to replace digital devices with textbooks and handwritten learning, although the country's continued decline in reading and math scores has raised questions about the effectiveness of its approach. Research from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development suggests moderate use of digital technology can support learning, while excessive screen time and digital distractions are associated with weaker academic performance. Meanwhile, high-performing education systems are pursuing different strategies, with Estonia embracing artificial intelligence in secondary schools, China combining traditional teaching methods with AI experimentation, and Japan taking a more cautious approach to digital textbooks. 
Industry Slice Logo

Education Slice delivers the latest, most relevant and useful intelligence to key educators, administrators, decision makers and teaching influencers, each weekday morning..

Content is selected to an exacting brief from hundreds of influential media sources and summarised by experienced journalists into an easy-to-read digest email. Education Slice enhances the performance and decision-making capabilities of individuals and teams by delivering the relevant news, innovations and knowledge in a cost-effective way.

If you are interested in sponsorship opportunities within Education Slice, please get in touch via email sales team

Follow us on FacebookFollow us on XFollow us on Linkedin

This e-mail has been sent to [[EMAIL_TO]]

Click here to unsubscribe