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Odyssey, a New York firm, has been awarded the contract to manage Texas's new private school voucher program, known as Texas Education Freedom Accounts. This decision follows a competitive bidding process, with Odyssey's bid being the lowest at $26m for 2026 and 2027. The program, which aims to provide funding for private school tuition, homeschooling, and educational materials, has been heavily supported by Gov. Greg Abbott, who has invested significant political capital in its passage. "Odyssey is proud to have been the top-scoring company in a competitive bidding process," said an Odyssey spokesperson. However, critics, including Maggie Stern from Our Schools Our Democracy, have raised concerns about Odyssey's past operational issues in similar programs, urging for thorough oversight of the $1bn taxpayer investment.

 

San Antonio Current

ICE agents mistakenly detained a high school intern outside Rhode Island Superior Court, triggering outrage from Gov. Dan McKee and Chief Justice Paul Suttell. The teen, driven by Judge Joseph McBurney, was surrounded by agents who restrained and questioned him before confirming his identity and releasing him. ICE claimed they were pursuing a child predator and that the intern resembled the target. The incident, caught on video, spurred renewed criticism of courthouse arrests and calls for expanded virtual hearings. “This was not a harmless mistake,” said McKee, calling ICE’s actions “shameful.”

 

CNN

McAllen ISD has been ordered by a federal judge to remove the Ten Commandments from classrooms following a lawsuit challenging Senate Bill 10, which mandated their display. The lawsuit, filed by parents in 14 Texas school districts, claims the mandate violates the First Amendment's establishment clause. 

 

The Monitor

Temple ISD Superintendent Bobby Ott recently met with his leadership team to establish a timeline for the two bond propositions approved by voters, totaling $122.45m. "We're movin' on this," Ott said, indicating that security upgrades from Proposition A are expected to be completed before the next school year. Proposition A, which received 59.3% approval, includes $2.75m for campus security enhancements, while Proposition B, approved by 57.3% of voters, allocates $119.7m for campus upgrades, with construction starting no earlier than fall 2026. Plans for additional student resource officers and various campus improvements are also underway, with applications for construction firms due by December 16. Ott noted that the first bond sale is targeted for June 2026, aiming to save taxpayer money.

 

Killeen Daily Herald

During a recent meeting, the Diboll ISD board of trustees discussed the timeline for a newly approved $12m bond project aimed at improving infrastructure, particularly at the Diboll Junior High campus. Construction bidding is scheduled for October 2026, with completion expected in about two years.

 

Lufkin Daily News

Five schools in Judson ISD are now on targeted improvement plans as mandated by the Texas Education Agency (TEA). During a board meeting administrators presented plans for Escondido Elementary, Converse Elementary, Paschall Elementary, Kirby STEM, and Judson High School. These plans are required for campuses with one F or three consecutive D TEA ratings. Superintendent Milton "Rob" Fields III emphasized the importance of "capacity building," which includes increased support from Education Service Center Region 20 (ESC 20). Kristin Saunders, assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction, noted positive feedback from ESC 20 representatives during their campus visits.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

Montgomery ISD's enrollment has decreased by 1.3%, losing 131 students, according to the fall 2025 demographics report from Zonda Demographics. Rocky Gardiner, who presented the report, indicated that "school choice, for the most part, is contributing to the enrollment decline." This trend is not isolated to Montgomery ISD, as Gardiner noted that many surrounding districts are experiencing similar issues. Despite the current decline, the district is projected to grow by 4.3% from 2026-27 to 2035-36, reaching 12,268 students.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

Bastrop ISD is implementing a turnaround plan for Cedar Creek Middle School after the campus received an "F" in the state's 2024-25 accountability ratings. The plan aims to enhance student performance in math and reading, with the goal of achieving a "C," although Principal Riza Cooper aspires for a "B." 

 

Community Impact Newspaper

Clear Creek ISD is set to enhance its curriculum with the introduction of three new courses approved by the board of trustees. The courses—Intermediate Dance 1, Financial Math, and Engineering Beyond Earth—aim to "expand innovative, student-centered learning opportunities," as stated in board agenda documents. Notably, the Engineering Beyond Earth course is exclusively for high school students and is part of the district's STREAM program.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

Killeen ISD board of trustees has amended the Student Code of Conduct, allowing elementary students to bring phones to school while complying with House Bill 1481.

 

Killeen Daily Herald

Fourteen teachers at Angleton ISD have been granted additional time to fulfill their state certification requirements, following a decision by trustees to retain experienced educators in the classroom. The recent passage of House Bill 2 eliminated the district's ability to employ uncertified teachers for core subjects. Previously, as a District of Innovation, Angleton ISD could hire teachers still working towards certification, provided they were actively pursuing it.

 

The Facts

Frisco ISD educators recently received a boost in their efforts to innovate through the Frisco Education Foundation's Grants for Great Ideas program. Teachers submit proposals for funding each fall, and the Frisco Education Foundation announces the winners in November. "If teachers can dream it, they can do it," said a representative from the foundation, highlighting the program's goal to empower educators to make a significant impact on their campuses. This annual event supports creative teaching methods and fosters a culture of innovation within the district.

 

Allen American

Paris ISD has recognized Lesley Young, a teacher at Paris Junior High School, as the October Credit Union of Texas Teacher of the Month. This program, sponsored by CUTX, allows community members to nominate and vote for exceptional educators.

 

Paris News

LaBecca Thompson has been appointed as the interim principal of Eastern Hills Middle School, effective December 1, according to Killeen ISD. Thompson previously served as principal of Mountain View Elementary and has a strong commitment to enhancing the educational experience for students. Eastern Hills is set to close at the end of the 2025-26 school year as part of KISD's District Optimization strategy.

 

Killeen Daily Herald

Lake Travis ISD's second high school may not open as planned in August 2028 due to delays in site permit issuance. Chief financial officer Pam Sanchez reported that while the board approved a maximum price of $46.3m for the first phase of construction, the necessary permit was not received until November 19, causing a two- to three-month setback.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

Four West Texas schools have been awarded JET grants from the Texas Workforce Commission to enhance career and technical education programs for high school students. Christa Henley, Dean of Dual Credit and Early College Programs at South Plains College, emphasized the importance of these funds, stating, “Offering them really hands-on experience as far as getting the equipment and materials that they need to understand that workforce.” The grants will prepare 241 students for careers in nursing and industrial engineering technician roles, allowing schools to expand their dual credit course offerings. Henley encourages students to pursue career and technical education, noting that it helps them realize their potential and prepares them for the workforce before graduation.

 

Kcbd Tv

Spring Hill ISD's Backpack Program addresses food insecurity among students by providing backpacks filled with nonperishable food for weekends and holidays. Over 90 students benefit from the program, which relies on community support and donations. The program not only provides food but also teaches students valuable skills as they participate in packing the bags.

 

Longview News-Journal

The Alberta government has released a report from the Aggression and Complexity Action Team, outlining seven recommendations to address escalating violence and increasing classroom complexity, issues that have been raised for years by teachers and the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA). Complexity refers to the challenges of teaching diverse learners with varying needs. The report suggests setting class size criteria, hiring more teachers and educational assistants, clarifying staff roles in clinical and therapeutic support, expanding early childhood funding, and improving access to pre-Grade 1 services. Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides stated that the report offers a clear path to improve classroom conditions and ensure student success. ATA president Jason Schilling noted these recommendations echo what teachers have demanded for years, particularly during the recent strike, which was ended when the government invoked the notwithstanding clause. Premier Danielle Smith highlighted a $10bn education investment this year and announced plans to hire 3,000 teachers and 1,500 education assistants over three years. A new cabinet committee co-chaired by Smith and Nicolaides will oversee the report’s implementation “over the next few months.”

 

Calgary Herald

CBC News

The Globe and Mail

Fifty out of 303 abducted schoolchildren from St. Mary’s School in Niger state, Nigeria, have escaped and reunited with their families, according to Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna. The remaining 253 students and 12 teachers are still held. Pope Leo XIV expressed sorrow and urged immediate release. No group has claimed responsibility, and authorities remain silent on rescue efforts. In a separate incident, 38 kidnapped worshippers in Kwara state were freed. President Tinubu vowed continued efforts to ensure nationwide safety, saying: “Every Nigerian...has the right to safety.”

 

Politico