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The Trump administration's attempt to overturn longstanding school desegregation orders is facing significant resistance from U.S. District Judge Dee Drell in Louisiana. The Concordia Parish school system and state officials have appealed after Drell rejected their request to dismiss a 1965 lawsuit initiated by Black families seeking access to all-white schools. Drell emphasized: "At the heart of this case is public policy and the protection of others," highlighting the importance of adhering to established legal precedents. The Justice Department, which has historically supported these cases, now argues they are outdated. However, many families believe the existing court orders are essential for improving education in predominantly Black schools. The case represents a critical test of the administration's efforts to end such legal battles rooted in the Civil Rights era.

 

Local10

U.S. News

Kelly Hancock, Texas’ acting chief financial officer, has finalized rules for the state's private school voucher program, clarifying funding for pre-kindergarten students and setting application dates. Families can apply starting February 4, with the program launching in the 2026-27 school year. Most families will receive about $10,300 annually for each participating student, while students with disabilities could receive up to $30,000. The finalized rules ensure preschoolers meeting public pre-K requirements are eligible for the full amount. However, the comptroller's office declined to add more accountability measures, noting: "These requested additions are outside the scope of the proposed rules." The program will be overseen by the Texas comptroller’s office, which will manage $1bn in funds through education savings accounts.

 

The Gilmer Mirror

Star-Telegram

Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath recently met with Turning Point USA Senior Director Josh Thifault to discuss establishing chapters of the conservative group in Texas high schools. This meeting occurred shortly before Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick pledged $1m to support the initiative. Thifault emphasized the group's success in Florida and Oklahoma, saying: "Both states have issued stern warnings against anyone attempting to stop students from forming Club America chapters." While it remains unclear if a formal partnership was established, the interest in Turning Point USA has surged following the death of its founder, Charlie Kirk. Critics, including Zeph Capo, president of the Texas American Federation of Teachers, raise concerns about the appropriateness of such politically charged organizations in K-12 education. Morath's meeting has further fueled skepticism regarding the motivations behind recent investigations into educators' comments related to Kirk's death.

 

San Antonio Current

A federal judge has mandated that several Texas school districts, including Comal ISD, must eliminate Ten Commandments posters from classrooms by December. The decision follows the Cribbs Ringer v. Comal ISD lawsuit, initiated by a coalition of multifaith and nonreligious families seeking the removal of these religious displays from public school settings.

 

Herald Zeitung

Georgetown ISD is anticipating a slowdown in enrollment growth over the next decade, with projections indicating a decrease to 17,364 students by the 2034-35 school year. The district's current enrollment stands at 14,061 students, aligning with earlier forecasts. Factors such as a cooling housing market and a rise in private school and homeschooling options are expected to limit growth, potentially capping enrollment at 16,133 students by 2035-36.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

Officials at Katy ISD may need to consider rezoning due to unbalanced growth, according to a new demographic study by Population and Survey Analysts. The district, which has seen a decline in student population after years of growth, is projected to lose students this year, particularly among Hispanic enrollments. Factors contributing to this trend include lower birth rates, competition from alternative education options, and a slowdown in in-migration. Despite these challenges, Katy ISD anticipates over 40,000 new occupancies in the next decade, which may necessitate adjustments in school facilities to accommodate localized growth in certain areas.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

The city of Hutto recently voted 4-3 to terminate its interlocal agreement with Hutto ISD, a decision that caught the school board off guard during its own meeting. The agreement, which included 18 collaborative items, was described by Hutto ISD officials as a "guiding framework" for both entities. Despite the dissolution, Mayor Mike Snyder remarked: "It will be business as usual," indicating that the city would not assist the district in planning future school sites.

 

Taylor Daily Press

Councilwoman Jessica Gonzalez has proposed establishing a children's museum and immersion center in Killeen by repurposing an existing Killeen ISD building. She stated that the museum would promote “hands-on learning, creativity and community engagement,” serving as an “educational and cultural hub.” A group of local business leaders and community members is ready to form a donor group for initial funding. Killeen City Council will discuss this proposal in an upcoming meeting, considering options for utilizing unused Killeen ISD schools, including the old Bellaire Elementary School.

 

Killeen Daily Herald

Liberty Hill ISD is set to expand Bill Burden, Rancho Sienna, and Santa Rita elementaries to accommodate 1,000 students each by August 2027, up from their current capacity of 800. The total budget for the three projects is $23.5m, funded by the 2023 bond. The district anticipates enrollment growth from over 10,400 students to nearly 19,500 by the 2034-25 school year, according to Zonda Demographics.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

Victoria ISD is implementing a districtwide retention incentive to enhance teacher retention. The initiative will provide full-time employees with $600 and part-time employees with $300, to be included in the December payroll. The funding for these incentives comes from savings generated by unfilled vacancies and reduced costs in various areas.

 

Victoria Advocate

Tomball ISD is set to launch the Tomball Academy of Future Educators (TAFE) in partnership with Lone Star College-Tomball in fall 2026. This new program aims to address teacher shortages and create a "pipeline of really dedicated, caring teachers," according to LSC-Tomball President Lee Ann Nutt. TAFE will be the district's second P-TECH program, following the Tomball Academy of Healthcare, which offers students certifications and an associate's degree.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

Dr. Sarah Thornell has been appointed as the new principal of Justin Elementary School in Northwest ISD, succeeding Dr. Stephen Garretson, who will retire in December. Currently serving as the principal at Sendera Ranch Elementary, Dr. Thornell expressed her enthusiasm for the transition. Following her move, Kenni Dwyer has been named the interim principal of Sendera Ranch Elementary.

 

The Cross Timbers Gazette

The Clarksville ISD Board of Trustees has announced Dr. Tracie Robinson as the lone finalist for the superintendent position.

 

Paris News

The Lago Vista ISD Board of Trustees has unanimously approved the hiring of Dr. Mindy Curran as the new superintendent.

 

Hill Country News

Denton ISD's Child Nutrition department provided over 4m lunches and 1.6m breakfasts during the 2024-25 school year. The department, consisting of 283 staff members, aims to ensure students have access to nutritious meals that support their growth and learning. Approximately 13,900 students receive free lunch, while about 2,500 pay a reduced price, with participation rates around 47% to 49%. Changes for the 2025-26 school year include reduced added sugars and a requirement for 80% of grains to be whole-grain rich. Additionally, the department plans to cut sodium content in lunches and breakfasts by 15% and 10%, respectively, by the 2027-28 school year.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

Hope Austin, a nonprofit founded by Monica von Waaden in 2016, addresses youth food insecurity in Central Texas by delivering meal kits and fresh produce to schools. Serving around 5,200 students weekly across 117 schools, the organization prioritizes dignity and respect, operating anonymously to protect the identities of those they help. Volunteers like Karen Esparza emphasize the growing food insecurity, which affects 22.9% of children in Travis County, according to the Central Texas Food Bank. Hope Austin collaborates with school administrators and social workers to tailor resources for students, ensuring accessibility for families facing transportation challenges.

 

The Austin Chronicle