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Texas
23rd January 2026
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THE HOT STORY

New initiative aims to combat book bans in schools

We Need Diverse Books (WNDB) has launched the Unbanned Book Network to address the increasing number of book bans in U.S. schools and libraries. The initiative aims to donate books by banned authors and appoint Author Ambassadors to support school districts facing censorship. WNDB chief executive Dhonielle Clayton stated: "We're not only facing an ongoing literacy crisis in the U.S., we're also battling increased rates of censorship, which is infringing on our students' right to read." The program will initially target twenty under-resourced schools in states like Texas and Florida, where bans are most prevalent. This effort is part of a broader response to the surge in book bans, which has been documented by organizations such as PEN America and the American Library Association.

INCREASE ENROLLMENT

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NATIONAL NEWS

Federal judge gives Ed. Dept. extension in mental health grant dispute

A federal judge has granted the U.S. Department of Education a new deadline of February 6 to decide on school mental health grant continuations, after the department failed to meet a December 30 court-ordered deadline. The extension follows a lawsuit from 17 states, including Washington, accusing the department of unlawfully discontinuing grants tied to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts. Despite state objections, Judge Kymberly Evanson ruled the court lacked authority to enforce broader compliance measures sought by the states. The department must now issue awards by February 11 and submit status updates by February 12, Evanson said, adding: “I want there to be no doubt that the department should continue its work at a rapid pace and to not await any adjudication."

LEADERSHIP

Deadline extended for Lake Worth board

The Texas Education Agency has extended the application deadline for Lake Worth ISD's state-appointed board of managers to February 20, allowing more community members to apply. The previous deadline was January 31. TEA Commissioner Mike Morath will select board members after interviews scheduled from March 2-13. Lake Worth's current school board, led by President Tammy Thomas, acknowledged their slow response in appointing a new superintendent, which contributed to the district's challenges. "Everyone is paying the price of the decisions that this board made," Thomas said. The TEA's takeover was initiated after the Marilyn Miller Language Academy received a fifth consecutive F grade, triggering state intervention.

Guiding interns on the foundations of leadership

Nicole Paxton, principal of Mount Vista Community School in Colorado Springs, Colorado, emphasizes the importance of comprehensive training for aspiring school leaders. Reflecting on her own experience, she stated: "I wish I would've learned more about budgeting, how to build relationships with students, or give teachers feedback." Paxton now mentors principal interns, guiding them through traditional duties and emerging responsibilities, while also allowing them to shadow her daily activities. With the increasing demands on principals, including managing student behavior and chronic absenteeism, practical internships are essential. According to the Education Commission of the States, at least 39 states require principal preparation programs to include a practical component. Paxton and other mentors aim to provide real-life experiences, ensuring that interns are well-prepared for the challenges of school leadership.

DISTRICTS

New attendance zones on the horizon at Liberty Hill

Liberty Hill ISD is set to adopt new attendance boundaries that will affect student assignments this fall. The district plans to open four new campuses in the 2026-27 and 2027-28 school years, with a board vote scheduled for February 16. Interim Superintendent Travis Motal said: "The new zones would maximize campuses' capacity, not split neighborhoods, and allow for more efficient transportation routes." The proposed changes aim to alleviate overcrowding at Tierra Rosa Elementary and will reassign students to Lariat Trails Elementary, Legacy Ranch Middle School, and Saddleback Elementary. The district has engaged the community through town halls and a parent advisory committee to gather feedback on the rezoning proposals.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Leander ISD outlines emergency protocols

On January 9, Leander High School experienced a bomb and active shooter threat, prompting a lockdown. The Leander Police Department reported that the threat was received via phone at 1:25 p.m., leading to immediate investigations and a controlled evacuation by SWAT teams. Chief communications officer Christina Hardie stated that an "urgent" message was sent to families at 1:40 p.m., overriding communication preferences. Emergency management director Miguel Escobedo emphasized that reunification procedures are based on standard protocols, with families receiving timely updates through ParentSquare. Hardie noted that communication varies depending on the incident's nature, explaining: "Our goal is to communicate as quickly as possible while ensuring the information we share is accurate." The district encourages families to rely on official channels for updates and to avoid arriving at the campus during emergencies.

WORKFORCE

Arkansas and Delaware only states offering full paid parental leave for teachers

Only two U.S. states, Arkansas and Delaware, require full paid parental leave for teachers, according to a new report by the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ). Of the 34 states that provide no paid leave beyond sick days, some districts have independently introduced benefits, but NCTQ warns that leaving decisions to local authorities creates unequal access. The study also noted that “If states reimburse districts the cost of long-term substitutes, districts need only maintain normal operating costs by paying teachers’ salaries as usual. This policy ensures that educators receive their full pay during leave, while having minimal impact on the state’s overall budget.” The report highlights how access to paid leave improves retention and wellbeing, urging states to extend full benefits to all parents, including fathers and adoptive families.

CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION

Help shape Leander ISD's future

Leander ISD is inviting community members to participate in shaping the district's long-term facility plans through a new Citizens’ Facility Advisory Committee (CFAC) launching this spring. The district aims to recruit 120 volunteers for six subcommittees focusing on elementary schools, middle schools, high schools, ancillary services, information technology, and safety and security. Each subcommittee will collaborate with a district administrator to evaluate current facilities and future needs, making recommendations to the Board of Trustees.

TECHNOLOGY

AI revolutionizes education landscape

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming education, but K-12 schools face challenges in adapting due to a lack of clear policies. As one policymaker said, "You have policy and what's actually happening in the classrooms – those are two very different things." A recent survey conducted by Janice Mak at Arizona State University revealed that while some states provide guidance, local districts often dictate their own AI policies. Ethical concerns, including student safety and data privacy, are prevalent, and many educators report using AI without formal approval. Despite the confusion, there is a push for ethical principles in AI use, emphasizing the need for community engagement in policy development.

STUDENTS

How to help students develop self-regulation skills

Recent observations gleaned by an Education Week poll on LinkedIn indicate a significant decline in students' self-regulation skills, with many educators describing them as "almost nonexistent." This issue is not limited to younger children; teachers report similar challenges among older elementary, middle, and high school students. Poor self-regulation can disrupt learning and contribute to teacher burnout. The survey revealed that 67% of educators rated students' self-regulation skills as low. To address this, educators suggest practical strategies, including using visual aids, providing explicit social-emotional instruction, and modeling self-regulation techniques. Schools are encouraged to implement these strategies to help students manage their emotions and behaviors more effectively.

INTERNATIONAL

Australia’s U-16 social media ban exceeds expectations

Australia’s eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant says social media firms have been dragged “kicking and screaming” into compliance with the country’s strict new law banning under-16s from having accounts. Since the policy came into effect in December, 4.7m child accounts have been removed, and early signs show no major shift to alternative platforms. While companies like Meta argue the ban goes too far and favor parental approval or app store-based age checks, the Australian government is standing firm, with enforcement actions ongoing and fines of up to A$49.5m ($33.8m) for non-compliance. Snapchat has been named a key focus for the next round of enforcement notices. "[The policy] is certainly exceeding our expectations, but we are playing the long game here," she said, adding that regulators will always have to take a dynamic approach to the safety of young people online.
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