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Texas
13th November 2026
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THE HOT STORY

U.S. voters reject school funding increases

U.S. voters rejected numerous proposals to increase public school funding in the 2026 midterm elections, reflecting growing concerns about property taxes, household affordability, and education spending. In Texas, fewer than one-third of 78 school district funding measures passed, while most proposals also failed in Alabama, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, and Virginia. Ohio voters approved just five of 39 proposed school district income taxes, while Virginia rejected 32 of 47 proposed local sales tax increases for school infrastructure. In New Hampshire, approximately 59% of voters supported limits on school district property-tax increases, according to the New Hampshire Association of School Business Officials. Although funding measures secured majority approval in nine other states, several districts face significant financial consequences, including potential budget cuts and closures. Wisconsin’s Hustisford school district announced its dissolution following repeated unsuccessful tax referendums, highlighting the mounting financial pressures facing public education.

MATHEMATICAL THINKING

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NATIONAL NEWS

Treasury targets year-end rules for $1,700 federal school choice tax credit

The IRS is preparing to introduce expansive eligibility rules for a new federal K-12 school choice program, aiming to allow scholarship funds to cover a wide range of educational expenses beyond private school tuition. The Treasury Department expects to publish updated regulations by the end of 2026, ahead of the program's January 1, 2027, launch. Under the initiative, taxpayers can receive dollar-for-dollar federal tax credits of up to $1,700 for contributions to scholarship-granting organizations, with at least 32 states already participating. Potential eligible expenses include tutoring, before- and after-school programs, special needs services, and educational technology, although specific rules remain under development. Public school advocates have raised concerns that private schools could benefit disproportionately, while disability organizations have urged regulators to prevent scholarship funds from replacing legally mandated services. Treasury officials are also developing payroll deduction guidance and working with tax preparers to increase awareness and participation. The remaining states and Washington, D.C., have until December 31 to decide whether to join the program.

ENROLLMENT

Enrollment declines hit North Texas schools

Nearly all major school districts in North Texas experienced enrollment declines this year, exacerbating budget pressures and raising the possibility of campus closures. According to district figures, the only exception was McKinney ISD, which saw a slight increase of 0.45%. Dallas ISD, the largest district, reported a 4.4% drop, resulting in a revenue loss of about $25m. Superintendent Stephanie Elizalde attributed the decline primarily to a decreasing birth rate, alongside competition from charter schools and private institutions. “We cannot continue to ignore those realities or continue to postpone difficult decisions,” said Irving ISD Superintendent Dorian Galindo, highlighting the need for potential school closures. The trend reflects a broader statewide issue, with Texas public school enrollment dropping by 76,000 students, marking the largest decline outside the COVID-19 pandemic.

Alvin ISD dual enrollment skyrockets

Nearly 1,800 students from Alvin ISD (AISD) participated in dual enrollment during the 2025-26 school year, reflecting a 20% increase over three years. This partnership, initiated in 1948, allows students to earn college credits and pursue associate degrees. Alvin College President Robert Exley noted that "54% of dual enrollment graduates transfer to a university for a bachelor's degree." Over the past three years, AISD graduates have earned nearly 300 associate degrees and around 30 certificates. Additionally, since 2022, AISD seniors have received nearly $290,000 in foundation scholarships. Looking ahead, the college plans to offer new certificates in various fields starting in the 2027-28 school year and aims to provide middle school students with opportunities to visit the campus.

FINANCE

Hitchcock ISD turns financial corner

Hitchcock ISD has achieved a passing financial accountability rating from the Texas Education Agency (TEA), marking a significant turnaround after two consecutive failing grades. Superintendent Darryl Henson said: “Going from a zero to a C-plus was no small feat,” highlighting the district's efforts to address financial issues. TEA awarded Hitchcock ISD a score of 79, equivalent to “Meets Standard Achievement,” following budget cuts and improved financial oversight. Despite these improvements, the district faces ongoing academic challenges, with Stewart Elementary School and Crosby Middle School struggling academically. Henson emphasized the need for better funding, stating, “Do I still believe that we are underfunded to meet the academic current need right now? Absolutely, yes.”  

Northside ISD faces budget cuts

Northside ISD in San Antonio is eliminating planned employee raises and cutting its budget after voters rejected a property tax increase and an $886m bond issue. Nearly 55% of voters opposed a tax hike intended to generate $35m for staff pay increases. Megan Bradley, the district's deputy superintendent for business and finance, said: "We're going to have some hard decisions, and we know that." The district plans to revert to a previous tax rate and propose $10m in additional cuts to address a projected $31.6m budget deficit for 2027. The failure of the bond propositions raises concerns about funding for facility repairs, with interim Superintendent Jessica Palomares emphasizing the need for efficient management of resources.

CHARTERS

Judson ISD considers charter takeover

Judson ISD trustees voted unanimously to consider transferring control of two campuses to a charter operator to prevent a state takeover. Interim Superintendent Ann Dixon described the meeting as a "sad night," emphasizing the urgency of the situation as both Metzger Middle School and Hartman Elementary have received four consecutive failing grades. Under Senate Bill 1882, the district can partner with third-party organizations to manage schools, pausing accountability ratings and securing additional funding. Dixon noted: "Do we lose one school to save the rest of the district?" The district is racing against time to find a qualified partner before the release of final STAAR results in late May.

GOVERNANCE

Katy ISD charts future course

Katy ISD is taking significant steps to shape its future, as discussed in a special meeting on November 9. The board of trustees, alongside Julie Moynihan from engage2learn, reviewed insights from the strategic design committee's "strategic design refresh" held in October. This initiative involved over 100 participants, including district staff, students, and community members, aiming to identify critical opportunities and set specific goals for 2026-28. The newly established goals focus on areas such as student and staff safety, personalized learning, operational resources, effective assessments, technology practices, staff retention, financial monitoring, community engagement, and overall well-being.  

DISTRICTS

Ellison High School faces major changes

Ellison High School is at a crossroads as Killeen ISD considers significant changes due to a decline of over 5,000 students since the 2022-23 school year and 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, presented the Optimization 2.0 plan, which includes scenarios such as closing Ellison High by the 2028-29 school year and rezoning students to other high schools. The district is also contemplating a school-within-a-school model for relocating Early College High School to Ellison, which could save costs but still requires some improvements.  

Attendance woes hit Willis ISD

Susan Clardy, the executive director of continuous improvement and accountability at Willis ISD, presented a report detailing attendance and enrollment changes since the 2025-26 school year. As of October 30, the district's attendance rate stands at 94.27%, a slight decrease from 94.49% last year. Clardy said: “The gap is small but even a few tenths of a point equals thousands of student days.” While five campuses showed improved attendance, eight others fell behind last year's figures. Notably, Cobblefield Alternative Academy experienced a 9.50% drop in attendance. Despite these challenges, district enrollment has increased by 41 students, peaking at 9,776 before settling at 9,649 as of November 11.

Denton ISD proposes new school boundaries

Denton ISD's Assistant Superintendent Lacey Rainey presented new attendance boundary recommendations for middle and high schools during its latest board meeting. If approved, these changes will take effect in the 2028-29 school year, coinciding with the opening of Mia Price High School, the district's fifth comprehensive high school. The adjustments aim to accommodate rapid residential growth along the U.S. 380 corridor.  

Center Point's principal champions community spirit

Dr. Frank Zavala, principal of Center Point Elementary School, emphasizes the importance of community involvement and individual attention for students. "Center Point is a close-knit community," he said, highlighting the strong parental support and the peaceful environment. Zavala aims to improve test scores with a new curriculum from Bluebonnet Learning, which aligns with Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills. He also plans to introduce a "kids' safety patrol" to foster responsibility among older students.  

Cy-Fair ISD unveils new school calendar

Cypress-Fairbanks ISD has approved its 2027-28 academic calendar, with classes starting on August 11, 2027, and concluding on May 25, 2028. The decision followed a community survey that garnered over 31,000 responses, with 66% of selected students and more than half of parents supporting the approved calendar.  

WORKFORCE

Salary hikes stalled for Coupland school staff

Recent elections in Hutto and Coupland saw voters reject proposals for a new justice center and salary increases for school employees. Coupland ISD Superintendent Earl Parcell noted that the failed voter-approved tax rate election would have generated over $260,000 for the district, primarily for hiring and salary increases. He stated: “Without the three additional enrichment pennies, (Coupland) will have to continue making do with less than our neighbors.” 

CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION

Frisco ISD eyes Staley Middle School demolition

Frisco ISD leaders are contemplating the demolition of the former Staley Middle School campus due to high renovation and maintenance costs.  

Clear Creek ISD plans major facility changes

Clear Creek ISD is considering a consolidation plan that could lead to the relocation and demolition of several facilities by 2028. During a workshop on November 9, the board reviewed proposals to move Clear Path Alternative School to the Learner Support Center and relocate Assessment and Evaluation to the Technology Learning Center, while demolishing the Bay Professional Learning Center. The estimated cost for this consolidation is $7.3m, with funding sourced from bond funds and additional savings.  

SOCIAL & COMMUNITY

Coats for kids: a warm gesture

In Lubbock, students at Roberts and Maedgen elementary schools received free winter coats through the annual Coats 4 Kids campaign, organized by Lubbock Fire Rescue and the Lubbock Professional Fire Fighters Association. This year, nearly 900 coats were distributed to pre-k through 5th-grade students.

HIGHER EDUCATION

American Bar Association proposes easing law school accreditation rules

The American Bar Association (ABA) is considering further reductions to its law school accreditation requirements as it faces mounting scrutiny from the Trump administration and the potential loss of its longstanding federal recognition as the primary accreditor of US legal education. The ABA's legal education council is scheduled to vote on four proposed reforms, including removing the requirement for full-time faculty to teach first-year courses, reducing mandatory classroom instruction hours, relaxing full-time faculty staffing requirements, and allowing greater flexibility in admitting students without bachelor's degrees. The proposals form part of a broader review launched in 2025 to reduce administrative burdens, lower costs, and encourage innovation in legal education. The US Department of Education is expected to decide in the coming weeks whether to withdraw the council's accreditation authority, following concerns about its independence from the wider ABA. While some legal education experts have welcomed the proposed reforms, others have questioned whether they adequately address more fundamental issues surrounding accreditation standards and educational quality.

INTERNATIONAL

Google scales AI teacher training across new markets

Google has announced plans to expand its free AI Educator Series to Brazil, Mexico, Spain, Australia, and sub-Saharan Africa, helping teachers and university faculty integrate Gemini into classroom instruction, assessments, and administrative tasks. Developed in partnership with ISTE+ASCD, the program offers self-paced training, digital badges, and opportunities to earn continuing education credits. New U.S. modules focus on interactive assessments, game-based learning, and assignment design to strengthen critical thinking and responsible AI use. The expansion builds on existing initiatives across Asia and Europe, including training opportunities for more than one million educators in the Philippines and 650,000 teachers in the UK. Google also reported training 80,000 educators in India during September, while Malaysian teachers have reported saving three to five hours of preparation time per topic.
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