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Texas
17th April 2026
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THE HOT STORY

McMahon defends education overhaul

U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon told a Yale audience she wants to reduce the federal role in schools and “shut down the bureaucracy of education,” while continuing funding through block grants that give states more discretion. She said the goal is to leave states a “toolkit of best practices” and defended using funding pressure to influence universities. McMahon also highlighted literacy, school choice and career education, while describing criticism of her canceled Fairfield school visit as driven by “a minority of a few loud voices.” She also said literacy was her top priority and argued universities should ensure equal opportunity while meeting Yale leaders and discussing grade inflation during her Connecticut stop earlier that day.

BLENDED LEARNING

An Administrator's Guide to Blended Learning

Online learning doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing approach. Explore blended learning with this comprehensive guide from FlexPoint®, which includes:  
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WORKFORCE

Teacher morale slips further

In San Antonio, the 2026 State of Teaching survey by Education Week revealed a slight decline in teacher morale across the nation. Shawn Bird, deputy superintendent of the San Antonio ISD, emphasized the need for leaders to address work-life balance and classroom climate, stating: "Teachers are telling us that their job is unmanageable." The Rand Corp. study from 2025 highlighted that teachers face more job intrusions than their peers in other professions. Hallie Gelabert, an instructional facilitator, noted the importance of teamwork, saying: "Creating that partnership where we can help each other is the most positive thing that you can do." The symposium attendees agreed that ongoing professional development is crucial for novice educators, especially in light of challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Teachers seek overtime recognition

Many educators are dedicating significant time beyond their contracted hours to tasks like lesson planning and grading, often without additional pay. A recent LinkedIn poll by Education Week revealed strong opinions on whether teachers should qualify for overtime pay, which they currently do not. Comments highlighted concerns about fair compensation, with one respondent stating: "Any answer other than 'yes' is simply ridiculous." Many teachers report working an extra 20-30 hours weekly, particularly for lesson preparation. The discussion also included suggestions for better salaries and adequate planning time during the school day.

GOVERNANCE

Fort Worth ISD shakes up leadership

Fort Worth ISD's Board of Managers has approved a new instructional model aimed at reorganizing district leadership by establishing four regional offices. Each office will have a regional chief overseeing campuses, including 19 schools in the Elevate Network, which have struggled academically. “The goal of this structure is to establish, to the fullest extent possible, that things that can get into the minutia of school business off the plate of the principal,” said Daniel Soliz, deputy superintendent. The Elevate Network will provide additional support and resources to improve teaching and student outcomes. The new regional chiefs include Kyndra Tyler for Central campuses, Pablo Resendiz for North campuses, Isaac Williams for South campuses, and Shon Joseph for Elevate campuses. This initiative is part of Superintendent Peter Licata's strategy following a state takeover due to poor academic performance.

TECHNOLOGY

New AI rules shake up education

The U.S. Department of Education has announced new artificial intelligence priorities for K-12 districts and colleges applying for grant programs, effective May 13. The new rule mandates that grant proposals must expand AI and computer science education, enhance teacher preparation, and provide professional development for educators to integrate AI into various subjects. Schools and colleges are encouraged to offer dual-enrollment credits for high school students in AI and utilize AI for early intervention and special education. Keith Krueger, CEO of the Consortium for School Networking, emphasized the need for a separate funding stream for AI to ensure sustainability and maintain support for other essential programs. Unlike California's recent guidance, the federal rule lacks a plan for evaluating student data privacy and equitable access in AI implementation.

AI at graduation: Students divided

Students at Plano High School are voicing their concerns over the Plano ISD's decision to use an AI tool, NameCheck, for announcing names at graduation ceremonies. While some students, like senior Bridgette Cruz, appreciate the technology for its accuracy, others, including 18-year-old Avery Cousins, feel it lacks the personal touch of a human announcer. "There is something distinctly valuable about having a human experience, even when it's imperfect," Cousins said. Education policy expert Watt Lesley Black Jr. noted the tension between efficiency and tradition, stating: "The juice is not worth the squeeze." In response, Cousins has initiated a petition to reinstate human announcers, seeking support from her classmates. The district claims the AI system will enhance the graduation experience and is cost-effective, with an annual expense of less than $10,000 for all ceremonies.

DISTRICTS

Houston schools face student exodus

Public school districts in the Greater Houston area experienced significant student transfers during the 2025-26 school year, with Houston ISD leading the losses at 60,430 net transfers out. Alief ISD and Fort Bend ISD followed with 10,629 and 9,197 net transfers, respectively. According to the Texas Education Agency (TEA), these figures reflect students who reside within a district but attend schools elsewhere. "The totals do not account for students who moved to another residence outside of the district's boundaries," a TEA spokesperson said. While some districts, like Deer Park ISD and Friendswood ISD, saw increases in enrollment, the overall trend indicates a concerning shift for many Greater Houston districts. Houston ISD reported a 3.47% increase in net student transfers, with 36% of its students transferring out.

Killeen ISD considers new math curriculum

The Killeen ISD Board of Trustees is set to discuss the adoption of the Bluebonnet (K-5 Math) curriculum for kindergarten and first grade during their upcoming meeting. Karen Rudolph, KISD's head spokeswoman, revealed that the Texas Education Agency (TEA) awarded the district $627,000 through the LIFT (Leadership & Instructional Foundations for Texas) grant program, which mandates the implementation of Bluebonnet. Jo-Lynette Crayton, KISD's assistant superintendent for Elementary Curriculum and Instruction, emphasized that the program is state-approved and aligns with Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) and English Language Proficiency Standards (ELPS). The LIFT program aims to support districts in adopting high-quality instructional materials.

North East ISD opens doors to all students

The North East ISD is taking significant steps to address a decline in student enrollment, which dropped by 2,000 this year. Trustees approved "phase one" of an efficiency plan that allows students from anywhere in San Antonio to apply for admission to NEISD campuses, with applications opening on April 20. NEISD aims to improve efficiency and reduce its $19m deficit while expanding popular academic programs, including a new early college high school focused on the medical field.

Spring ISD adds nine school days

Spring ISD is extending the academic calendar for Ponderosa Elementary and Bailey Middle School by adding nine additional school days for the 2026-27 year. This decision follows the adoption of the Texas Education Agency's Accelerating Campus Excellence (ACE) program, aimed at improving struggling schools by incentivizing high-performing teachers and enhancing curricula.

Boulter Middle shakes up schedule

Tyler ISD is implementing a new schedule for Boulter Middle School, starting the 2026-27 academic year on July 27, earlier than other campuses. This change is part of the Accelerated Campus Excellence (ACE) model aimed at improving student performance, following a recent TEA Accountability rating of D.

Mill Street Elementary gets a makeover

Mill Street Elementary in Lewisville ISD will transition to a Pre-K center starting in the 2026-27 school year.The change follows the campus receiving an “F” accountability rating from the Texas Education Agency for three consecutive years.

Diboll ISD welcomes new finance director

Tara McGlothlin has been appointed as the new director of finance for the Diboll ISD, replacing Katherina Crager, who served for 16 years.

Celebrating excellence in education

Ingleside ISD has acknowledged the significant contributions of Michelle Yoder, a teacher at Ingleside Primary School, by naming her the Family Matters award winner for April. The recognition, which includes a $100 award from the Ingleside ISD Education Foundation, highlights her impact on both the classroom and the broader community.

CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION

Carroll ISD upgrades schools with TIF Zone Funds

The Carroll ISD is set to utilize Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Zone Funds for essential upgrades at Old Union Elementary, Dawson Middle, Eubanks Intermediate schools, and Dragon Stadium. Lanny Mooney, director of facilities, collaborated with principals to identify necessary repairs. Superintendent Jeremy Glenn emphasized that the funds are “specific in their use” for these projects, which are crucial as more students will use the gyms after Durham Intermediate closes in 2027. The district recently discovered that TIF funds could be allocated for capital improvements, previously using them to replace roofs at three schools, costing over $2m. Board president Cameron Bryan expressed gratitude for the partnership with Southlake, highlighting that these funds will not impact the district's general budget. The proposal includes various upgrades, such as new cafeteria tables, stage curtains, and stadium lighting.

Bryan ISD board to discuss renovations

The Bryan ISD board of trustees will convene on April 20 to discuss various agenda items, including instructional materials and campus renovations linked to the 2025 bond plan. Administrators are seeking approval for design and construction contracts for interior renovations, which encompass new multipurpose learning spaces and restroom upgrades. The board will also review new high school math instructional materials as part of the ongoing curriculum review process, funded by the Instructional Materials and Technology Allotment.

SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION

Friendswood ISD faces bus dilemma

Friendswood ISD's board of trustees has declared that the district lacks the financial resources to retrofit or replace school buses with three-point seat belts by the September 2029 deadline mandated by Senate Bill 546. Currently, the district has 41 noncompliant buses, including seven wheelchair buses and 34 standard buses. District officials indicated that 28 of these buses cannot be retrofitted due to age and manufacturer limitations, with replacement costs estimated at $4.5m. Retrofitting the remaining 13 buses would cost about $425,902. A complete replacement of all noncompliant buses would total approximately $6.6m. The district's Proposition A in the upcoming $81.5m bond package aims to fund 10 compliant buses and various facility upgrades.

New bus mandate ahead

Humble ISD trustees discussed the implementation of a new requirement for Texas school districts to equip buses with three-point seat belts, following Senate Bill 546, which mandates compliance by September 2029. The district currently has 94 buses with three-point seat belts, 66 with two-point belts, and 148 without any.
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