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The U.S. government shutdown has ended with a bipartisan funding deal, but neither party emerged satisfied. Democrats failed to secure a key health insurance tax credit extension, while Republicans faced public backlash, as reflected in polls and elections. The shutdown disrupted millions—federal employees missed paychecks and food banks saw long lines due to stalled aid. "Never have American families faced a situation where their health care costs are set to double — double in the blink of an eye," warned Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. Meanwhile, schools are still struggling with food insecurity and disrupted support services. SNAP benefit delays caused food shortages in school pantries, severely affecting low-income families. Federal education staff layoffs halted services for homeless and migrant students, with uncertainty persisting until at least January 30. “I don’t think anything goes back to normal after such a long shutdown,” said Barbara Duffield of SchoolHouse Connection. Advocates warn of ongoing challenges and potential program cuts in upcoming funding decisions.

 

AP News

Ed Source

Politico

The U.S. Department of Education wants to remove a requirement for states to report detailed data on racial disparities in special education in their IDEA Part B grant applications, citing administrative relief. States would still need to comply with the Equity in IDEA rule, but no longer report methodology changes. Critics argue this weakens oversight. “It would erode federal accountability,” say civil rights advocates, noting students with disabilities make up 17% of enrollment but 29% of suspensions. They warn the change risks concealing systemic inequities the 2016 rules aimed to address.

 

K-12 Dive

According to the recent rankings by Children at Risk, six out of the ten highest-scoring middle schools in San Antonio were charter schools. BASIS San Antonio Shavano ranked seventh in the state, while D'Hanis School ranked second locally and 27th statewide. The rankings evaluated 151 middle schools based on STAAR scores, focusing on raw achievement, poverty levels, and growth. San Antonio's average score was 41, below the state average of 50. The most improved school was Jourdanton ISD's Junior High, which raised its score significantly. However, charter schools also faced declines, with Great Hearts Texas experiencing notable drops at several campuses. "While charter schools comprised most of the region's top-performing middle schools, they also represented the majority of schools experiencing significant performance declines," the report noted.

 

Star-Telegram

Cy-Fair ISD concluded the fiscal year 2024-25 with a smaller budget deficit than initially anticipated. Originally projected at around $24m, the district's deficit was reported at $11.1m after accounting for unfilled positions that reduced payroll costs. The Annual Comprehensive Financial Report revealed that CFISD spent approximately $27.6m more than its revenue last fiscal year. The district ended the fiscal year with a fund balance of $549.6m, spending only 1.56% of its budget on general administration costs, significantly lower than the statewide average of 3.51%.  

 

Community Impact Newspaper

Denton ISD has introduced targeted improvement and turnaround plans for six underperforming elementary schools, aiming to enhance student outcomes. The Texas Education Agency reported that schools including Alexander, Borman, Cross Oaks, Martinez, Ginnings, Paloma Creek, Providence, and Stephens did not meet accountability standards for the 2024-25 school year. Luci Schulz, area superintendent, said: "It's really important to note that our school improvement story, it didn't start with TEA." The plans involve relocating Ginnings students and focusing on leadership, staffing, and instructional quality. Schools will also promote a positive culture to engage students and parents. The district's approach is designed to address the challenges faced by economically disadvantaged students and improve overall academic performance.

 

Denton Record-Chronicle

Humble ISD trustees reviewed a turnaround plan for Jack M. Fields Sr. Elementary School after it received consecutive unacceptable scores in the Texas Education Agency's A-F Accountability Ratings. HISD Director of Accountability Sherita Wilson-Rodgers presented the plan during the board's meeting, stating: “In compliance with state and federal requirements, campuses that received a second consecutive unacceptable rating... are required by state law to develop a campus turnaround plan.” The strategy will focus on instructional leadership, data-driven practices, and high-quality instruction. Wilson-Rodgers noted that the district has implemented Bluebonnet mathematics across all grades and is acquiring new instructional materials to enhance literacy. The district is also providing additional academic support and conducting regular check-ins with staff.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

Tomball ISD is set to approve new high school attendance zones in December, as announced by Chief Operating Officer Steven Gutierrez during the trustees' meeting on November 11. The new zones are part of the district's preparations for the opening of Tomball West High School (TWHS) next August, which is projected to enroll 855 students. Gutierrez noted that the changes will only impact ninth and tenth graders, leaving upperclassmen unaffected. Additionally, the fifth-grade addition to Creekside Park Junior High School will not alter the current elementary school zones, as 97% of surveyed parents preferred to maintain their existing schools. The district is in the final phase of its zone reset process, which began in 2023.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

Eanes ISD, in collaboration with Axis Solar, has installed over 8,000 solar panels across its eight campuses, generating 4.75 megawatts of energy. This initiative is projected to save the district approximately $700,000 annually, which will help mitigate budget shortfalls. "This project shows that sustainability and smart financial planning can go hand in hand to benefit students, schools and taxpayers alike," said Graeme Walker, co-founder of Axis Solar. The $8.6m project was funded through the district's 2023 bond and supported by $6m in incentives, including Austin Energy rebates and federal support. Chief Financial Officer Chris Scott noted that the savings are equivalent to 11 teaching positions, highlighting the project's role in addressing fiscal challenges for the 2026-27 school year.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

In its first meeting since the unofficial passage of the 2025 Temple ISD bond, the Board of Trustees discussed various campus improvements. The board unanimously approved targeted plans for Jefferson, Raye-Allen, and Thornton elementary schools, which were selected for Comprehensive Support and Improvement due to their performance under federal accountability laws. The meeting also included discussions on cyber security audits and a financial audit report for 2024-25, which was postponed for a vote due to federal timeline delays. The board will reconvene to canvass votes and declare results for the tax rate and bond elections.

 

Killeen Daily Herald

Walt Disney Elementary and Stevenson Primary schools are set to receive a new replacement campus by 2028, as announced by Arcadis, a design firm for K-12 schools in Greater Houston. The new facility will be constructed on the former site of Walt Disney Elementary, which suffered severe damage from an EF-2 tornado in December 2024. "Students are still attending school at this location," said Alvin ISD Superintendent Carol Nelson. The two-story campus will feature various spaces, including classrooms, a gym, and a library, and is projected to cost nearly $45m, funded through the district's 2024 bond. The timeline for the project includes bidding and permitting from February to June 2026, construction from July 2026 to February 2028, and a planned opening in Fall 2028.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

In Tarrant County, high school students are exploring careers in education through hands-on internship programs. At the Mansfield ISD, four students are interning at Dr. Sarah Jandrucko Early Learners Academy, where they engage with pre-kindergarteners in immersive classrooms. “The biggest difference in what we do: there's no worksheets allowed. Everything's hands-on and play-based, but it all starts with a standard,” said Ashton Oliver, the district's director of early childhood. The program not only provides valuable experience for the interns but also supports primary teachers and offers young students additional role models. With statewide initiatives, students can earn a paraprofessional certification and are guaranteed interviews in their home districts after graduation. Monica Oliver, state director of the Texas Association of Future Educators, noted that these pathways help shape students' visions for their careers in education.

 

Star-Telegram

As AI becomes increasingly integrated into education, the Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) emphasizes the necessity of foundational computer science (CS) education for all students. According to the upcoming 2025 Teacher Landscape Report, 70% of computer science teachers are already incorporating AI into their curricula. The CSTA's recent survey, conducted in partnership with the Alliance for Interdisciplinary Innovation in Computing Education (AiiCE), found that 80% of K-12 computer science teachers view AI as essential to the curriculum. The report highlights that 44 states have established standards for teaching these foundational skills, with many requiring computer science for graduation.

 

EdSource

Full-time bus drivers at Tomball ISD will see their hourly wages rise to at least $25 following a compensation increase approved by trustees on November 11. Nearby Magnolia ISD also approved a pay increase for bus drivers, raising starting rates to $23.25 per hour.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

In Austin, a growing trend known as the "bike bus" is changing the way students commute to school. On Fridays, kids, parents, and teachers gather to bike together along a designated route to Cedar Creek Elementary. Currently, about 15% of students arrive by bike, a significant increase attributed to the bike bus initiative. This movement aims to reverse the decline in biking and walking to school, which has dropped from 42% in the 1960s to just 11% today. Safety is prioritized, with School Resource Officer Mike Cowden overseeing the routine.

 

CultureMap Austin

Fort Worth ISD is partnering with the city of Fort Worth to open schoolyards for community use after school hours, enhancing access to outdoor spaces. This initiative aims to increase the percentage of residents living within a 10-minute walk of a park, which has risen from 61% in 2022 to 69% currently, according to the Trust for Public Land ParkScore Index.

 

Star-Telegram

In Lubbock, students at Westwind Elementary are benefiting from the Lubbock Professional Firefighters Association's Coats for Kids drive, which provided 1,400 coats to local students. The initiative began 13 years ago when firefighters personally funded 100 jackets for children. Now, the LPFFA organizes an annual golf tournament to raise funds for the cause. 

 

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