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Texas
26th March 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Paxton calls for Hancock's ouster

Attorney General Ken Paxton has called for Gov. Greg Abbott to remove Kelly Hancock from his position as acting comptroller, labeling him a “Never Trumper” and an “incompetent loser.” Paxton stated: “Kelly Hancock was rejected by Texans because he failed to do his job,” emphasizing that Hancock's career is over. The demand follows Hancock's recent letter criticizing Paxton for allowing a Houston Muslim school into the Texas Education Freedom Accounts Program. Hancock requested Paxton to strip the corporate charter from the Houston Quran Academy, citing “documented ties to terrorism.” Despite the controversy, a federal court has mandated that Muslim schools be allowed to participate in the program. Hancock, who previously served as a state senator, was appointed acting comptroller after resigning from his Senate position. He lost the recent Republican primary to Don Huffines, who received 57% of the vote.

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NATIONAL NEWS

White House showcases AI teaching

Melania Trump used a White House summit on AI in education to argue for broader classroom use of artificial intelligence, joined by a humanoid robot called “Figure 03” that greeted attendees in 11 languages. She described a future where humanoid teachers could personalize lessons based on students’ pace and emotional state while supporting U.S. economic competitiveness and expanding access to high-quality instruction for diverse learners. Trump also acknowledged technology risks tied to screen time and child development, while summit participants stressed cooperation among governments, tech firms, and investors.

Schools take on social platforms

A summer multidistrict trial in Oakland will test whether school districts can hold social media companies responsible for harms tied to student use, with plaintiffs arguing the platforms foster addiction in ways similar to opioids. Attorney Jayne Conroy said, “These companies knew about the risks,” alleging they prioritized advertiser profits over children’s safety. The companies dispute that social media is addictive or proven to cause mental health harm, setting up a long legal fight shaped by competing views of science, responsibility, and regulation.

WORKFORCE

Superintendent shakeup in North Texas

Superintendent turnover in North Texas remains a pressing issue as several districts experience leadership changes. Karen Molinar, the superintendent of Fort Worth ISD, is set to depart amid a state takeover, joining a wave of resignations across the region. Factors contributing to this trend include declining enrollment, insufficient funding, and the demanding nature of the role. David DeMatthews, a professor at the University of Texas at Austin, said: “Being a superintendent is not an easy job.” In 2023, 20.6% of superintendents in Texas left their positions, a notable increase from 16.4% in 2021. The ongoing political climate and job stress are also significant contributors to this trend, as superintendents navigate complex challenges while striving to maintain focus on student success.

Teague ISD teachers score big funds

Teague ISD has allocated $1,116,298 in Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) funds to 59 teachers, with final award amounts to be confirmed in April. The funds will be distributed in June. Crystal Adams, TISD Chief Academic Officer and Teague Elementary School Principal, expressed her pride, stating: “Extremely proud doesn’t even begin to cover it. Seeing 59 of our educators earn TIA designations is a testament to the culture of excellence we’ve built here at Teague ISD.” Among the designated teachers, 32 received the Master designation, 19 the Exemplary designation, and 8 the Recognized designation, with varying financial rewards for each.

GOVERNANCE

Candidates clash at Killeen school board event

The West Side Conservative Coalition (WSCC) hosted a meet-and-greet for Killeen ISD school board candidates at Phantom Warrior Brewing Company. Current trustees Marvin Rainwater and Board President Brett E. Williams were present, alongside challengers including Joseph Baez, Lan Carter, Michael Green, and Angela Ann Santos. Each candidate shared their backgrounds and visions for the district. Michael Green emphasized the need for leadership that prioritizes students, stating: “At the end of the day, the system needs to work the way that it's intended to for every student.” Lan Carter criticized transparency issues within KISD, while Santos called for unity in the community.

New principals set to lead Conroe schools

Conroe ISD is set to welcome new principals for the upcoming school year, as the Board of Trustees approved appointments for seven campuses. Tracy Summerville, previously an assistant principal at Hines Elementary, will lead Bradley Elementary. Trina Majeski, with five years at Conroe ISD, will take charge of Cox Intermediate. Sarah Dorsey, an associate principal at Grand Oaks High School, will now oversee the Ninth Grade Campus. Jarret Hostas will serve as principal at Stockton Junior High. Nicholas Kral, who joined Conroe ISD in 2019, will lead Suchma Elementary, while Denise Coello transitions from BB Rice Elementary to Travis Intermediate School. Lastly, Kelli McWashington, currently at McDonald Junior High in Katy ISD, will become principal of York Junior High.

Arias aims for change in Uvalde CISD

Natalie Arias, a Uvalde CISD graduate and parent, is running unopposed for an at-large seat on the UCISD Board of Trustees. “I see so much turmoil and struggle happening in the district,” Arias said, emphasizing her desire for change. Arias aims to rebuild trust, prioritize data-driven decisions, and enhance classroom funding. She expressed concern over the district's failing accountability rating and the potential loss of families if improvements aren't made.

Trustee resigns from Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD

Trustee Diana Y. Serna has resigned from the Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD Board of Trustees, effective immediately, due to health concerns.

ABSENTEEISM

Early outreach boosts attendance

School districts using early, frequent, and positive family outreach saw chronic absenteeism fall from 22.4% to about 19% across the first 90 days over three school years, a 3.46-point drop equal to 27,000 fewer chronically absent students. The strongest gains came in pre-K, kindergarten, and among low-income students. Kara Stern, director of education for SchoolStatus, said: “We’re seeing that we can tell by a certain point in the school year—early in the school year—who’s going to be chronically absent,” underscoring the value of acting before attendance problems become entrenched.

DISTRICTS

Edgewood hands over school control

Edgewood ISD trustees voted to transfer daily operations of Brentwood Middle School to the Colorado-based Third Future Schools charter network, aiming to enhance academic performance. Brentwood has received unacceptable ratings from the Texas Education Agency for three consecutive years, primarily based on STAAR exam results. The decision, made after an hour of closed-door discussions, was met with criticism regarding transparency, particularly from board member Michael Valdez. Despite concerns, Superintendent Eduardo Hernández emphasized that over 35 meetings with parents had occurred regarding the school's accountability score.

Boerne schools join elite leadership program

Five campuses from Boerne ISD have been chosen to participate in the Holdsworth Center for Public Education's Campus Leadership Program. The selected schools include Boerne High School, Cibolo Creek Elementary School, Curington Elementary School, Van Raub Elementary School, and Viola Wilson Elementary School, all part of a cohort of 72 campuses statewide.

Clear Creek ISD offers new grade options

Clear Creek ISD has introduced new options for students to advance a grade level or earn course credit without prior instruction, following a board meeting. The district will implement board-approved assessments for first- through eighth-grade students to test for acceleration and for sixth- through 12th-grade students to earn course credit by exam. To qualify, students must achieve a minimum score of 80 on specific assessments, including those from the University of Texas or Texas Tech.

Killeen ISD sells sugar loaf school

The Killeen ISD board has approved the sale of the decommissioned Sugar Loaf Elementary School property for $350,000 to New Life Christian Fellowship Center. The property, which spans approximately six acres and includes a 63,100 square foot building, was decommissioned in 2021 following the opening of a new elementary school.

Lamar CISD refines Innovative School Day

Lamar Consolidated ISD is enhancing its Innovative School Day program, which allows teachers to catch up on curriculum while offering students unique lessons. At a recent board meeting, several contracts were approved with vendors like YMCA of Greater Houston and Engineering for Kids of Southwest Houston to develop and implement these programs.

FINANCE

Eanes ISD bond plans take shape

Eanes ISD is moving forward with plans for a potential $900m bond election in May 2027, as discussed by the Long-Range Facility Planning Committee (LRFPC) during a recent board meeting. Committee members Craig Boyle, Tom Oehler, and Holly Noel presented updates on various projects, including the modernization of several elementary and middle schools, and the construction of new facilities at Westlake High School. The timeline for the bond planning is set to begin in August, with community engagement efforts planned for the summer. The last day to call for the bond election is February 12, 2027, with the election scheduled for May 1.

Ector County ISD earns top honor

Ector County ISD has been honored with the 2026 Award of Merit for Purchasing Operations by the Texas Association of School Business Officials. This award, established in 2009, recognizes Texas school districts that adhere to professional standards in acquiring goods and services. Only 84 districts qualified for the award this year, demonstrating their commitment to best practices.

SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION

Teamsters back strike action by First Student drivers over benefits dispute

School bus workers at First Student have voted by an 88% margin to authorize strike action, covering around 17,000 employees represented by 96 Teamsters bargaining units, after negotiations over a new national contract broke down ahead of its March 31 expiry. The union said the dispute is focused on core employment terms, including access to health care and retirement benefits for all workers, as well as minimum guaranteed hours and paid time off, accusing the company of attempting to cut costs by limiting benefits. Workers indicated they do not want to strike but are prepared to do so if a fair agreement is not reached, while union leadership emphasized the vote demonstrates strong support for industrial action if negotiations fail to progress.

Huntington ISD faces costly bus mandate

Huntington ISD is facing potential costs exceeding $500,000 to comply with a new state school bus safety mandate requiring three-point lap and shoulder belts by September 1, 2029. Transportation director Todd Ricks explained that retrofitting the current bus fleet could cost around $630,000, while replacing it entirely would amount to approximately $3.03m. The district plans to delay compliance as long as possible, hoping for state financial assistance.

New buses on the way for NBISD

The New Braunfels ISD board of trustees approved the acquisition of 10 new school buses for $1.55m on March 16, funded by the district's voter-approved 2024 bond, Proposition A. This purchase includes seven 77-passenger buses, two 54-passenger special needs buses, and one 14-passenger special needs bus. The decision to expedite the purchase is in response to anticipated price increases due to stricter federal emissions standards, with costs expected to rise by $22,000-$25,000 per unit by January 2027.

SOCIAL & COMMUNITY

Broader gains seen in schools supporting LGBTQ inclusion

Research indicates that an inclusive environment for LGBTQ teenagers positively impacts all students in high school. A study published in the Journal of Adolescence found that cisgender students, those whose gender identity aligns with their assigned sex at birth, experience enhanced social well-being when attending schools that promote openness toward LGBTQ peers. Lead researcher Robert Klein, a doctoral candidate in psychology at Cornell University, said: "There seems to be this exposure effect that as people are around these identities more, they become more positively oriented toward them." The study surveyed 287 cisgender heterosexual teens across 38 schools in Michigan, revealing that increased exposure to LGBTQ issues fosters greater acceptance and social connection among all students. The findings align with Klein's previous research, which highlighted the importance of self-esteem in reducing anxiety among LGBTQ teens. The studies collectively advocate for fostering affirming environments in schools to benefit all students.

HIGHER EDUCATION

Universities under pressure to remove Epstein-linked donor names

Students, faculty, and alumni at several U.S. universities, including Harvard and Ohio State, are calling for the removal of building names linked to wealthy donors who had associations with Jeffrey Epstein, arguing that such honors conflict with institutional values and may cause harm to campus communities. The push follows the release of new government documents detailing Epstein’s network, prompting renewed scrutiny of figures such as Leslie Wexner, Howard Lutnick, and Steve Tisch, whose names appear on prominent campus buildings despite not being accused of crimes. So far, universities have not removed any names, citing formal review processes, legal agreements tied to donations, and potential financial implications, including the possibility of returning large gifts or facing litigation. Institutions are instead reviewing requests through committees and governance structures, reflecting the tension between reputational concerns, donor relationships, and historical legacy as campuses debate where to draw the line on honoring controversial figures.

INTERNATIONAL

Ontario tightens graduation rules

Ontario education minister Paul Calandra has directed school boards and educators to ensure upcoming graduation ceremonies remain strictly focused on celebrating student achievement and avoid any political messaging or “divisive or contentious issues,” according to an internal memo. The directive warns that failure to comply could pose risks to student well-being and signals the minister is prepared to use powers under the Education Act to enforce compliance, including holding staff to the same behavioral standards expected of students. The memo follows past controversies, including an incident in which a student was barred from attending graduation after planning pro-Palestinian remarks, and comes amid heightened political sensitivity around student activism.
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