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Texas
10th November 2026
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THE HOT STORY

U.S. school closures hit post-pandemic high

School closures across the U.S. are accelerating as declining birth rates, falling enrollment, and shrinking education funding force districts to consolidate campuses and cut costs. A total of 1,156 schools closed during the last academic year, the highest number since the pandemic, while public school enrollment fell by more than 1.4m students, or roughly 3%, between 2019 and 2024. Researchers estimate that declining enrollment could cost schools $11.5bn in annual state revenue by 2030-2031, potentially triggering further closures, layoffs, and program cuts. In California, Vallejo City USD has closed five campuses since 2025 and proposed significant staffing reductions to address a $36m deficit. However, research suggests closures often deliver limited financial savings while disrupting students' education, increasing classroom sizes, and encouraging families to seek alternatives, potentially accelerating enrollment losses.

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

 

NATIONAL NEWS

Hegseth orders overhaul of U.S. military education to prioritize combat readiness

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered 33 immediate reforms to the military’s professional education system, seeking to prioritize combat readiness, operational effectiveness, and battlefield leadership over academic theory. The changes, affecting senior service colleges and intermediate-level military education institutions, will introduce mandatory wargames or comprehensive examinations to assess students’ understanding of national security and joint military operations. Hegseth has also directed institutions to increase the proportion of faculty with military or defense experience, introduce three-year performance-based contracts for newly appointed civilian instructors, and establish dedicated positions for recently deployed officers to incorporate current combat experience into teaching. The overhaul follows earlier restrictions on civilian academic appointments and military participation in certain civilian universities.

Food education builds healthier communities

American schools should integrate food education into everyday teaching to improve students’ health, critical thinking, and civic engagement, according to Jason Hammel, a Chicago chef and co-founder of the nonprofit Pilot Light. In an opinion article for The 74, Hammel highlights that American students receive fewer than eight hours of nutrition education annually, while approximately one in five children and teenagers are obese. He argues that food education should extend beyond nutrition advice to help students understand food production, environmental sustainability, and the broader social and economic systems shaping their diets. Through Pilot Light, teachers incorporate food-related activities into subjects such as math, science, history, and English, using hands-on lessons to increase student engagement and connect classroom learning to real-world issues. Hammel highlights examples of students advocating against Styrofoam use and developing solutions to protect school-raised chickens, demonstrating how food education can encourage problem-solving and community participation. He calls for greater investment in food education across American schools, arguing that it can equip students with the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions about their health, communities, and environment.

STATE NEWS

Federal grant overhaul sparks fears of funding delays

The US Department of Education is overhauling its federal grant rules, prompting concerns that increased administrative requirements and greater discretion to cancel funding could disrupt school services and create financial uncertainty. Grant recipients must now provide written justifications for individual payment requests, including withdrawals as small as $75, while proposed changes would allow officials to terminate grants that no longer align with departmental priorities. The administration is also increasingly awarding larger, upfront grants to fewer recipients, with its Innovative Approaches to Literacy program making just four awards against an initial expectation of 25–35. Education advocates warn that the changes could delay funding, disadvantage smaller and rural districts, and undermine staffing and student support programs. However, department officials argue that tighter oversight will prevent inappropriate spending and improve educational outcomes. Following Democrats’ reported gains in both chambers of Congress, lawmakers could introduce stronger funding protections and oversight to limit future disruptions.

Texas blue wave reshapes political landscape

In the recent elections, Texas voters decisively chose Democratic candidates, leading to a significant shift in the state's political landscape. Gina Hinojosa has been elected as governor, with Vikki Goodwin as lieutenant governor, marking a historic moment for the Democratic Party in Texas. Although the Democrats now hold a majority in the House, the Senate remains under Republican control. State Rep. Nicole Collier emphasized the focus on "working families, public education, healthcare," highlighting key issues for the new administration. Hinojosa aims to end the state's voucher program and reform education policies, stating, "ensure Texans' taxpayer dollars go where they belong: into the neighborhood schools families depend on." With a divided legislature, the upcoming session presents both challenges and opportunities for Democrats to push their agenda forward.

FINANCE

Austin ISD challenges state investigation

Austin ISD officials are questioning the authority of the state comptroller's office regarding an investigation into district spending. The district has suspended its cooperation, citing concerns over the legitimacy of requests for library records and staff interviews. General Counsel Kenneth Walker expressed doubts about the investigation's fairness and timeline, stating: “As of now, the process as described and the associated timeline cast significant doubt on the accuracy of any final product of this investigation.” The comptroller's office aims to determine if taxpayer funds are being used appropriately, but the investigation's scope has expanded beyond initial expectations, raising further concerns from Austin ISD.

Canyon ISD faces financial hurdles

Canyon ISD is grappling with financial challenges as operational costs rise faster than revenue. Superintendent Dr. Darryl Flusche emphasized that the district prioritizes "protecting the student experience" while implementing spending reductions of approximately $1.5m outside direct classroom instruction. Despite efforts to manage costs through natural attrition and limiting travel, ongoing financial pressures may necessitate further decisions. The district's funding structure complicates matters, as increases in local property values do not guarantee additional funding due to state finance formulas. Canyon ISD has proposed Voter-Approval Tax Rate Elections (VATRE) to generate extra revenue, but previous proposals were not approved. The district remains committed to maintaining academic programs while navigating these financial hurdles.

GOVERNANCE

Killeen ISD considers major school changes

Killeen ISD (KISD) has held its first community town hall regarding the Optimization 2.0 plan, where about 80 attendees learned about potential changes due to a decline of over 5,000 students since the 2022-23 school year. KISD faces a projected loss of approximately $31m in federal Impact Aid funding over the next five years. Adam Rich, KISD's assistant superintendent for facilities services, revealed plans that may include closing Ellison High School and relocating students to other high schools. A new scenario presented at the town hall involves renaming Chaparral High School to Ellison to honor its legacy, which could cost the district an estimated $2m to $3m. The district will hold additional town halls to discuss these changes further, with the next meeting scheduled for Thursday at Killeen High School.

Houston ISD faces scrutiny over special education

The Texas Education Agency has mandated that Houston ISD (HISD) rectify its special education program or risk losing state funding. Following the consolidation of students into fewer schools, the agency substantiated nine complaints against HISD, highlighting failures in communication with parents and adherence to individual learning plans (IEPs). The district has been placed on a six-month action plan to review 650 student records, correct noncompliant IEPs, conduct town halls, train teachers, and establish a parent advisory group. Dina Kushaliyeva, a former HISD parent, expressed her loss of faith in the district's ability to support her daughter, stating: "The school was not able to confirm that they... had any knowledge of anything about her IEP."

Pearland ISD sets legislative priorities

Pearland ISD's board of trustees will review the district's legislative priorities during its meeting today, ahead of the 2027 Texas Legislative Session starting January 12. District officials collaborated with school board members from Alvin, Brazosport, Pearland, and Sweeny ISDs on October 28 to establish these priorities. The proposed list includes increasing the basic allotment, sustaining full-day pre-K funding, enhancing special education funding, funding Senate Bill 546 for school bus seatbelt mandates, and expanding local control.  

Skeen joins Lubbock ISD board

The Lubbock ISD Board of Trustees has appointed Christina Skeen to fill the vacant District 5 seat. With over two decades of experience in education, Skeen expressed her readiness to serve the district that shaped her career, stating, “I believe every student deserves strong educational opportunities, regardless of the campus they attend or the circumstances they bring to school.” She will serve the remainder of the term, which ends in May 2028, following John Weddige's resignation. Board President Nancy Sharp highlighted Skeen's unique perspective as a former educator and parent of current students. Lubbock ISD Superintendent Kathy Rollo praised Skeen's professional and personal experience, emphasizing her commitment to navigating challenges in public education. Skeen aims to foster transparency and community trust while prioritizing the needs of students and families in Lubbock ISD.

DISTRICTS

Students soar with opportunity culture

A study by a Texas Tech University researcher revealed that Midland ISD's Opportunity Culture program significantly improved student learning outcomes in math and reading from 2021 to 2025. Students taught by Multi-Classroom Leader (MCL) teachers gained the equivalent of two to six additional months of learning in math each year, with grades 3-5 experiencing the most substantial improvements. Chelsea Reyes, Midland's director of talent development, emphasized that the program aims to "strengthen instruction while creating opportunities for teachers to advance professionally." The study also highlighted that MCL teams achieved higher value-added results, showcasing the benefits of collaboration and teacher leadership on student achievement.

Richardson ISD unveils innovative microschools

Richardson ISD is set to launch two innovative microschool models in the 2027-28 school year, aimed at providing alternative learning environments for families. Superintendent Tabitha Branum emphasized the need for competitive programming to address declining enrollment, stating: “As we are seeing some declines in enrollment from multiple factors, we want to ensure that we have competitive programming that will allow us to recruit, retain or recover students.” The Studio will offer a hybrid learning model for fourth and fifth graders, while Lumen Academy will focus on holistic education for kindergarten and first graders. Both programs will adhere to state standards and aim to attract families seeking personalized learning options. The district plans to pilot these programs at select campuses and hopes to expand them in the future.

Killeen ISD faces tough decisions

Marvin Rainwater, a Killeen ISD board member and former principal of Ellison High School, described the potential closure of the campus as “an intensely personal decision.” The district is facing declining enrollment, prompting discussions about the future of Ellison High, which opened in 1978.

Trustees honored for years of service

United ISD (UISD) trustees Aliza Flores Oliveros and Javier Montemayor Jr. were honored for their dedicated service during a recent board meeting. Montemayor, who served for 16 years, was praised for his leadership and commitment, with Medina-Moreno noting: "Today marks a profoundly meaningful moment for our district." Flores Oliveros, recognized for 12 years of service, was commended for her passion and insight. Both leaders received tokens of appreciation for their contributions to UISD's growth and success.

Honoring Texarkana's educational heroes

Texarkana ISD recently honored three distinguished alumni: Dr. Loretta Rhodes-Sanders, Melva Hildreth Flowers, and Jim Pendergast. Rhodes-Sanders, a retired educational diagnostician, has over 50 years in public education and received the 2022 Fort Worth ISD Service Award. Flowers, with over 40 years in education and community leadership, is recognized as the Texas & Southwest Regional NAHRO Commissioner of the Year.  

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Waymo faces recall probe over safety

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has initiated a recall query into 2,895 vehicles operated by Waymo due to ongoing traffic safety violations involving school buses. The investigation will assess whether a software update implemented in December 2025 effectively addressed issues that allowed Waymo's driverless cars to pass school buses with flashing red lights. Most violations occurred after Waymo claimed the remedy was fully deployed. NHTSA is reviewing the adequacy of this software fix and the causes of incidents that continued post-remedy. Additionally, NHTSA opened a probe in January after a Waymo vehicle struck a child near an elementary school in Santa Monica, California. "The recall query will assess the adequacy of the remedy," NHTSA stated.

SOCIAL & COMMUNITY

Honoring heroes: Veterans Day celebrations

In recognition of Veterans Day, students and staff from two Longview school districts held special programs to honor local veterans. At Spring Hill ISD, Superintendent Penny Fleet emphasized the importance of recognizing veterans by name during an assembly that featured performances from various school choirs. “We have all the students participate in some fashion,” Fleet said. Meanwhile, Pine Tree ISD hosted its fourth annual veterans program, organized by Pine Tree Leadership, where students led the assembly and performed alongside district choirs and dance teams.  

INTERNATIONAL

Japan plans AI anime language app

Japan is planning to develop an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered language-learning app that will allow overseas anime and manga fans to practice Japanese through conversations with popular characters, as part of efforts to strengthen its global cultural influence. Developed by the Japan Foundation at the request of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the app is expected to be completed by fiscal 2028, subject to budget approval, and will primarily target younger international audiences. The initiative follows a 2024 survey showing that overseas Japanese-language learners reached a record 4m, up 5.4% from 2021, with 61.3% citing Japanese pop culture as a motivation for studying the language. The ministry has requested ¥1.83bn ($11.6m) for fiscal 2027 to support the international expansion of Japanese content, with the app also intended to improve access to affordable language education in regions with limited teaching resources.
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