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The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has taken control of three more public school districts: Beaumont ISD, Connally ISD, and Lake Worth ISD, bringing the total to four this year. TEA Commissioner Mike Morath stated that these actions are necessary due to "unacceptable academic performance," with less than one-third of students reaching grade level. Beaumont has struggled for years, with only 30% of students meeting grade level in the 2018-19 school year. Connally and Lake Worth also face similar challenges, with only 24% and 22% of students meeting grade level, respectively. Morath emphasized that the districts' leaders have shown a "chronic inability to support students," necessitating state intervention. The TEA's recent actions follow its earlier takeovers of Houston ISD and Fort Worth ISD, which have seen improvements in academic performance.

 

Killeen Daily Herald

Texas lawmakers are making significant efforts to reduce property taxes, with Gov. Greg Abbott advocating for a comprehensive tax-cut platform ahead of the 2026 election. Abbott's proposal includes eliminating school property taxes for homeowners and imposing stricter limits on local tax increases. "Every single year, you, my constituents, keep saying our property taxes are too high," Abbott said during a campaign event. While some conservative groups support the plan, tax policy experts express skepticism about its feasibility and potential impact on high tax bills. The Legislative Budget Board estimated that abolishing school property taxes would cost the state $39.5bn in 2023 alone. Abbott aims to fund these cuts through state budget surpluses, but experts warn that these surpluses may not be sustainable in the long term. The proposal would require voter approval and could take years to implement fully.

 

Marshall News Messenger

Longview News-Journal

Northwest ISD is holding two community meetings to discuss proposed attendance boundary changes affecting schools in southern Denton County. The first meeting is scheduled today at Carter Elementary School, focusing on the new attendance zone for Romer Elementary School in north Fort Worth. The second meeting will take place on Wednesday at Daniel Elementary School, addressing the new zone for Barksdale Middle School in Northlake. The district aims to prevent overcrowding, maintain student-teacher ratios, and improve school efficiency. "The committee wanted to spread out the impact and even out the number of students attending the affected campuses," said the district. A final vote on the boundary changes is set for January 12.

 

The Cross Timbers Gazette

Richardson ISD is set to transform its six remaining junior high schools into middle schools by 2028, as presented at the Dec. 11 school board meeting. The initiative, funded by the recently approved 2025 bond, aims to ensure equity across all eight middle school transformations, with Lake Highlands and Forest Meadow already leading the way. Superintendent Tabitha Branum said: "We wanted to ensure that there was equity across all eight middle school transformations." The expansion will accommodate a 1,000-student capacity and enhance academic and extracurricular programs, including science labs, fine arts, and career education. Construction is expected to begin in June, with all campuses opening to sixth graders in fall 2028.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

London ISD has acquired 40 acres of land for a potential new school. While plans are still in the early stages, construction is not expected in the near future. The district will require voter approval through a bond election before proceeding with the new school project.

 

Caller-Times

The Graham Public Education Foundation (GPEF) recently donated $113,266.45 in grants to Graham ISD teachers, enhancing educational opportunities across the district. Janel Madeley, GISD chief academic officer, praised the foundation, adding: "I have never seen another organization that invests into student outcomes more than GPEF." The funds will support various programs, including the University of Texas OnRamps program, which prepares students for college-level courses, and the Gizmos program, offering digital labs for science classes. Additionally, grants were allocated for literacy tools, art programs, and equipment for special needs students. GPEF actively seeks donations to fund these initiatives, ensuring continued support for educators and students alike.

 

Graham Leader

Terri Osborne, Killeen ISD's deputy superintendent for curriculum, instruction, and school leadership, will present an update on the district's charter school partnership for Manor Middle School during a board meeting later today. The "SB 1882" Partnership model will be implemented at the end of the school year, allowing KISD to manage the facility while the charter school oversees staffing, curriculum, budget, and calendar. The Texas Education Agency Authorizer Handbook describes the Call for Quality Schools process, which helps KISD evaluate potential charter operators. The timeline for the partnership includes key dates such as the application deadline on January 9 and board approval on February 17. Osborne's slides indicate that the next board update will occur on January 20. 

 

Killeen Daily Herald

Willis ISD has experienced an 18.41% increase in student enrollment over the past five years, rising from 7,865 to 9,313 students, according to the district's fall 2025 demographics report from Population and Survey Analysts (PASA). Kris Pool from PASA noted that residential development and migration into the district are key factors driving this growth. "Houston ISD is losing students, and we can see a real growth that encompasses Willis ISD that goes north and westward out from the Houston area," Pool said. Additionally, kindergarten enrollment is reportedly higher than the birth rate in the district, which is unusual. Caroline Couch highlighted that home sales have increased by 5.69% year over year, with median home prices at $312,940, indicating a strong housing market that supports the district's growth.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

Comal ISD has appointed Christina Eckert as its new chief communications officer, as announced in a news release on December 15. With 20 years of experience in strategic communications and marketing, Eckert will lead districtwide communications and support the mission of "Growing Greatness." "I am excited for the opportunity to celebrate students, strengthen community trust and support Comal ISD's commitment to 'Growing Greatness,'" Eckert said. Previously, she served as the director of marketing for Northside ISD, focusing on enrollment growth and community engagement. Comal ISD Superintendent John E. Chapman III expressed enthusiasm for Eckert's leadership, saying: "Her leadership, vision and expertise are great assets to our team."

 

Community Impact Newspaper

Georgetown ISD has appointed new principals for Elementary School No. 12 and Middle School No. 5, set to open in August. Michael Coyle, previously the associate principal at Northeast Early College High School, will lead Middle School No. 5. With 25 years of experience, Coyle has a track record of improving accountability ratings and reducing absenteeism. Emily Fraser, currently the principal at McCoy Elementary, will transition to lead Elementary School No. 12 in January. "GISD is such an amazing place, and I am blessed with the honor of opening its next elementary school," Fraser said. Superintendent Devin Padavil emphasized the importance of hiring effective leaders, remarking: "The principal sets the tone for the staff and students." The GISD board will name the new schools at its December 15 meeting, with community input on naming proposals.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

Friendswood ISD students played a pivotal role in determining classroom projects for the 2025-26 school year through the Adopt-A-Grant program. During the FISD Education Foundation's annual Student Grant Committee Meetings, students reviewed teacher-submitted proposals and selected projects that best met campus needs. Notable projects include "Keep Cline Beautiful," which promotes environmental awareness, and "Code-A-Story," combining storytelling with coding skills. FEF Executive Director Ashley Adair said: "The student grant committee process allows FISD students to take a role in shaping the educational opportunities on their campuses." The public can support these projects through donations until March 6, after which the FEF Grant Committee will finalize funding decisions.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

The Big 12 Conference is negotiating a partnership with investment firms RedBird and Weatherford Capital to provide its 16 members with an "opt-in capital solution" that could yield up to $30m per school. This initiative aims to close the revenue gap with the SEC and Big Ten, as the league faces financial pressures in the new revenue-sharing era. Commissioner Brett Yormark emphasized the Big 12's innovative approach, remarking: "We're willing to take calculated risks, break boundaries when appropriate and push the envelope a little bit." The conference has already seen a record $558m distributed to its schools for 2024-25, with sponsorship revenue up 185% year over year. Yormark's leadership has revitalized the league, making it a contender in the evolving landscape of college sports.

 

Dallas News

A survey by Quebec’s Fédération autonome de l’enseignement (FAE) union found that 90% of teachers have experienced some form of violence at work. Eighty-one percent reported being a victim of psychological or verbal abuse, 63% reported physical violence, and nearly 11% reported sexual violence. The union is urging Education Minister Sonia LeBel to urgently address what it calls a systemic issue, particularly acute in early childhood education where injuries from preschoolers are common. “We are here to teach, not to be beaten up,” Catherine Renaud, a FAE vice-president told a news conference on Monday. “Like any other worker, we have the right to work without being subjected to acts of violence.”

 

The Globe and Mail