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Texas
23rd April 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Teachers creatively resist Ten Commandments

In Texas, educators are finding innovative ways to comply with a federal ruling that mandates the display of the Ten Commandments in classrooms while resisting its implications. The Fifth Circuit's decision allows the state's 2025 law to remain in effect, but many teachers are creatively pushing back. One teacher noted: "I seriously haven't had one question or comment about it from any of the 150-ish kids that cycle through my room every day." Some educators are surrounding the mandated posters with materials from other belief systems or using resources from illegalposter.com to make a statement while adhering to the law. This approach has been described as "malicious compliance," where teachers follow the law's letter but challenge its intent. Others have expressed their refusal to display the posters at all, emphasizing the ongoing debate over church and state separation in education.

INTERVENTION VS. REMEDIATION

What is the difference between intervention and remediation?

Understanding the difference between remediation and intervention—and designing systems that deliver each appropriately—is one of the most important responsibilities schools face when implementing RTI or MTSS. This article defines the difference between intervention and remediation, explains how both fit within RTI/MTSS systems, and highlights why both are important components of an effective RTI/MTSS process.

Read about the difference and why it matters.

 

NATIONAL NEWS

Justice Department delays accessibility deadline

The U.S. Department of Justice has postponed the deadline for public institutions to make their digital content accessible to individuals with disabilities, extending it to April 26, 2027, for larger entities and 2028 for smaller ones. This decision has sparked outrage among disability rights advocates, including Corbb O'Connor, president of the National Federation of the Blind of Minnesota, who said, "Yet again, the blind have been told to wait to live on terms of equality." The delay comes after years of anticipation for clearer guidelines under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which had not previously defined digital accessibility standards. Jennifer Mathis, who helped craft the original rule, criticized the postponement as "mindless and cruel," emphasizing the need for certainty in accessibility regulations.

STATE NEWS

Texas ditches STAAR for new tests

Texas is set to replace the STAAR exams with a new Student Success Tool by the 2027-28 school year. This change aims to reduce the time spent on test preparation and provide a more accurate measure of student progress. Mary Lynn Pruneda, director of education and workforce policy for Texas 2036, said: "The first thing parents need to know is that useless testing in Texas has been made illegal." The new system will consist of three shorter assessments throughout the year, with results available within 48 hours, compared to the months-long wait for STAAR results. However, some lawmakers express concern that the new format may lead to increased testing time. The STAAR will remain unchanged for the upcoming school year, with minor adjustments to test results and accountability ratings.

Roblox faces Texas investigation over violence

Roblox is responding to an investigation initiated by Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows regarding violent content on its platform. Following concerns raised by Rep. Don McLaughlin about a simulation game depicting the Robb Elementary School shooting, Kaufman, Roblox's Chief Safety Officer, stated: "Behaviors that promote violent extremism and depictions of sensitive real-world events are against our policies." The investigation will assess the effectiveness of Roblox's safety features, including age verification and parental controls, and explore potential legislative actions to protect minors. Burrows emphasized the need for accountability, statingl: "Turning an unspeakable act of violence... into entertainment is a profound moral failure." The inquiry also aims to evaluate the legal protections gaming platforms have under federal law.

WORKFORCE

Liberty Hill boosts teacher salaries

The Liberty Hill ISD Board of Trustees approved a new teacher compensation plan during their April 20 meeting, which includes salary increases for the 2026–27 school year. The plan raises the starting teacher salary to $58,500 and ensures at least a 3% increase at the midpoint, with adjustments for all experience levels. Superintendent Travis Motal said: “This is a direct result of our community passing Prop A in November,” highlighting the funding flexibility it provided for these adjustments. The district aims to position itself at or above the market median compared to 15 surrounding districts while maintaining a balanced budget. This approval marks the first phase of a broader compensation review, with further recommendations for other staff expected in May.

Hays CISD librarians to see pay changes

Hays CISD is set to implement changes to its employee compensation plan for the 2026-27 academic year. The adjustments, influenced by recent budget cuts, include the removal of certain positions and modifications to work calendars. Christina Courson, Chief Human Resources Officer, stated: “Librarians are the only group that are required to have a master's degree from the group impacted.” To ensure fair compensation, librarians will transition to a new pay scale. Additionally, some library media specialists may receive lead stipends for taking on expanded roles across multiple campuses.

GOVERNANCE

Alvin ISD selects new superintendent

Rhonda Mason has been named the sole finalist for the superintendent position at Alvin ISD following a 5-2 vote by the board of trustees. However, trustees Earl Humbird and Cheryl Harris raised concerns about her lack of executive-level experience. Harris noted: "I will not be extending my vote for Dr. Mason," citing her absence of "executive cabinet or superintendent experience." The board will consider finalizing Mason's contract on May 13, after a required 21-day waiting period. The search process involved reviewing 42 candidates and gathering community input through a public questionnaire and meeting.

Anahuac ISD seeks new leader

Dr. David Walker, the current superintendent of High Island ISD, has been named the lone finalist for the superintendent position at Anahuac ISD. This announcement follows the retirement notice from the current Anahuac ISD Superintendent Cody Abshier, who will step down at the end of the school year. The AISD board has been actively searching for a suitable replacement, and on April 17, they confirmed Walker as their top candidate. 

DISTRICTS

Midland ISD cuts ties with IDEA

On Tuesday, the Midland ISD Board of Trustees unanimously voted to terminate its contract with IDEA Public Schools for operating Travis Elementary. The agreement, established under Senate Bill 1882 in 2019, was set to last until July 31, 2030. However, IDEA Travis received a D rating from the Texas Education Agency for three consecutive years, allowing the district to terminate the contract. Trustee Matt Friez stated: “I move to terminate the MISD Travis Elementary School lease agreement with tenant IDEA Public Schools because they have received three consecutive D's.” IDEA Public Schools will continue to operate the school until June 1, 2026.

S.C. Marshall Middle School approved

S.C. Marshall Middle School will be named after S.C. Marshall, a key figure in expanding educational access for Black students in Georgetown. The Georgetown ISD board of trustees unanimously approved the name during an April 20 meeting. Marshall was the principal of The Colored School, the first school for Black students in the area, and successfully advocated for the inclusion of high school classes, leading to the establishment of The Georgetown Colored High School in 1913. “Naming this new school in Marshall's honor reflects Georgetown ISD's commitment to recognizing those who have made a lasting impact on public education,” said trustee Cody Hirt. The school is set to open in the 2027-28 school year, a year later than planned due to budget concerns.

Empowering students through TechCycle

The TechCycle Program, a collaboration between Pearland ISD and CompuCycle, offers hands-on training for students with disabilities, preparing them for post-high school opportunities. Kelly Hess, CEO of CompuCycle, emphasized the program's dual purpose: "We can give them a responsible and secure way to dispose of these materials, but also we can pay them." Students learn to dismantle electronics, gaining valuable skills and earning money for their efforts. The initiative, inspired by a conference on supporting youth with disabilities, aims to empower students and help them realize their potential in the community.

San Marcos CISD adds instructional days

San Marcos CISD has adopted a new academic calendar, adding six instructional days to enhance funding for its summer learning program. The board of trustees voted 6-1 to rescind the previously approved 2026-27 calendar and implement the Additional Days School Year (ADSY) calendar. Chief of Communications Andrew Fernandez explained that this change allows the district to receive funding from the Texas Education Agency for adding up to 30 additional instructional days.

Bastrop ISD launches virtual academy

Bastrop ISD is set to launch its virtual academy this fall, initially catering to middle school students in grades six through eight. Chief Academic Officer Jennifer Eberly stated that the pilot program will be limited to 200 students, approximately 50 per middle school, to ensure sustainability. The academy will offer an asynchronous "school within a school" model, allowing district students to access core courses online while participating in extracurricular activities on campus. Out-of-district students will only have access to the online curriculum.

FINANCE

Lamar CISD eyes balanced budget

Lamar CISD is on track for a balanced budget for the 2026-27 school year, according to Chief Financial Officer Greg Buchanan. The fiscal year 2025-26 is projected to generate $534.6m in revenue, slightly below expectations, but savings of $12m from lower-than-expected salaries and expenditures will bolster the district's fund balance to $106m. For the upcoming budget, the finance committee anticipates $562.7m in revenue, factoring in a 3% property growth and accommodating 50,307 students. Buchanan proposed a 3% raise for teachers, amounting to $2,200, and increasing starting salaries to $68,900.

CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION

New Goddard School breaks ground

A new early childhood education facility, The Goddard School, has begun construction in Round Rock, set to open this fall. The campus will cater to children aged six weeks to six years and will feature a multi-purpose room and several playgrounds.

INTERNATIONAL

ATA challenge pushed to 2027

The Alberta Teachers’ Association’s constitutional challenge to Alberta’s Back to School Act has been postponed until July 2027, giving its legal team time to incorporate upcoming Supreme Court of Canada decisions that may affect arguments around the notwithstanding clause. The law, passed in October 2025, ended a three-week strike, sent more than 51,000 teachers back to work, and imposed a four-year agreement. The union argues the act breached constitutional rights, but an injunction bid was denied in March.
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