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Texas
24th April 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Texas awards vouchers to 42,000 students

This week, over 42,600 students will receive award notifications under the Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) program, as announced by Acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock. "These awards put tens of thousands of Texas families one step closer to the educational path that works best for their children," Hancock said. The program prioritizes low- and middle-income students with disabilities, with 63% of applicants having documented disabilities. A significant portion, 74%, plans to use the funds for private schooling. Houston Independent School District leads in applications, with over 12,000 submitted statewide. The comptroller's office will conduct a lottery for additional awards in the coming weeks, with students having until July 15 to confirm their enrollment in a participating school or opt for homeschooling.

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.

 

STATE NEWS

Teachers fight back against TEA probe

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) is facing scrutiny over its investigation into teachers' social media posts regarding the killing of Charlie Kirk. A federal judge is currently considering whether to halt this ongoing probe, which has led to several educators being placed on administrative leave or disciplined. TEA Commissioner Mike Morath stated: “While the exercise of free speech is a fundamental right we are all blessed to share, it does not give carte blanche authority to celebrate or sow violence against those that share differing beliefs and perspectives.” The Texas chapter of the American Federation of Teachers argues that the TEA's actions infringe on educators' rights to free speech, claiming that Morath's policy targeted protected speech. The lawsuit highlights concerns that teachers are withdrawing from political discourse due to fear of disciplinary action, stating that “public school teachers withdrew as active participants in democracy.”

FINANCE

Conroe ISD unveils $770m budget plan

Conroe ISD is set to present a balanced budget of $770.42m for the fiscal year 2026-27, as outlined by chief financial officer Karen Garza during the April 21 board meeting. This budget reflects an $8.36m increase in both revenues and expenses compared to the previous year, driven by rising local property taxes and state funding changes due to House Bill 2, which provided an $8.4bn boost to public education. The projected tax rate is $0.9348 per $100 valuation, slightly lower than the previous year's rate. Garza noted that the district anticipates flat enrollment, with a projected student population of 72,800, which could lead to a funding loss of $5m-$9m in FY 2027-28, impacting plans for new campuses. The budget approval timeline includes key dates from April to August 2023.

GOVERNANCE

Fort Worth ISD faces major cuts

Fort Worth ISD is undergoing significant changes, including staff reductions and the closure of the International Newcomer Academy, which serves refugee and immigrant students. The Board of Managers is set to vote on these changes on April 28, following a community meeting where the proposed closure was announced. "This program change is part of the ongoing efforts to address the decrease in student enrollment," district records state. The restructuring will affect various positions, including specialists and directors in bilingual programs. This overhaul follows the appointment of new superintendent Peter Licata and a Board of Managers by Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath, marking a state takeover due to previous accountability failures. The district plans to close over 18 schools by 2029 as part of its facility master plan.

New leadership takes charge in Lake Worth

Ena Meyers has been appointed as the new superintendent of Lake Worth ISD, following a state takeover due to years of low academic performance. Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath announced the new leadership team, which includes a five-member board of managers, to oversee improvements in the district. The new team is expected to address the district's challenges, including five consecutive failing ratings at Marilyn Miller Language Academy. The appointed managers will govern the district for at least two years, focusing on enhancing academic outcomes and meeting state standards for governance.

Leadership shakeup at Argyle ISD

Argyle ISD is undergoing significant leadership changes at Jane Ruestmann Elementary for the 2026-2027 school year. Lauren Tullos, the current principal, will transition to the role of director of staff, student, and learner services. Tullos has over 15 years of experience in public education and has been with Argyle ISD since 2022. Hillary Laird, who has worked in public education for over 20 years, will replace Tullos as principal after serving as assistant principal at Hilltop Elementary. Additionally, Leeann Rudolph, the current assistant principal at Ruestmann, will take on a new position as a curriculum specialist for English, Language Arts, and Social Studies.

WORKFORCE

Brownsville ISD boosts teacher salaries

Brownsville ISD is set to generate over $29m this school year through the Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA), a program aimed at enhancing educational outcomes. Since its launch in 2019, TIA has funded more than $150m in increased salaries. Chief HR officer Linda Gallegos informed the BISD Board of Trustees that the program provides teachers with a pathway to higher income while remaining in the classroom. In the 2025-2026 school year, BISD achieved a milestone with 943 new and higher designations, totaling 1,831 designated teachers, making it a leader in TIA utilization in Texas. Gallegos credited the program's growth to the hiring of Emiliano Camarillo as TIA coordinator in 2021, stating: “Since then, that investment has grown into a dedicated team.”

Humble ISD proposes 3% pay hike

Humble ISD officials are proposing a 3% pay increase for staff members in the fiscal year 2026-27 budget. This proposal follows a similar 3% raise approved for the previous year. Despite budget deficits affecting 79% of nearby districts, Humble ISD has maintained a balanced budget. Beattie noted that the proposed raise would help the district remain competitive in recruiting and retaining staff, especially as the market is expected to move about 1.5%. The board will discuss the budget further in a workshop on May 12, with potential approval of the compensation package soon after.

McKinney ISD boosts teacher pay

McKinney ISD has approved a new compensation package for the 2026-27 school year, aimed at attracting and retaining qualified teachers and staff. The decision was made during the board meeting on April 20, with board documents emphasizing that providing raises is “a key factor in recruiting and retaining staff.”

DISTRICTS

United ISD board votes to close schools

The United ISD Board of Trustees approved the closure of Matias De Llano and Amparo Gutierrez elementary schools during a meeting on April 22, 2026. UISD Superintendent Dr. Gerardo Cruz addressed the decision, stating: "A combination of declining enrollment and stagnant state funding has created a crucial imbalance that requires a decision." The closures are part of a broader financial strategy to address projected deficits of $12.2m in 2026 and $23.3m in 2027. The estimated savings from the consolidation are approximately $2.2m, which includes reductions in payroll, contracted services, and operational costs. 

Fort Bend ISD expands pre-K3 program

Fort Bend ISD is set to expand its Pre-K3 program by adding a bilingual classroom at Burton Elementary for the 2026-27 school year. The board of trustees approved a memorandum of understanding with BakerRipley to enhance early childhood education. The program, which began in the 2025-26 school year with 11 classrooms, aims to improve academic conditions for young children and attract families to the district. Students must be three years old by September 1 and meet specific eligibility criteria to enroll. BakerRipley has invested over $1.3m to support the program, while FBISD has financed certified teachers and classroom technology. The new classroom will open in August, continuing the district's commitment to early education.

CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION

New collegiate high school on the horizon

South Texas ISD and the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) are collaborating to explore the establishment of a new collegiate high school. The signing ceremony held in Mercedes signifies their commitment to feasibility planning, which includes assessing academic programs and facility needs. The new campus will cater to students in grades nine through twelve and will be modeled after existing UTRGV collegiate high schools. Superintendent Marco Antonio Lara Jr. emphasized the goal of expanding educational opportunities without competing with existing campuses. The project is still in its early stages, with costs and location yet to be determined.

Bryan ISD moves forward with upgrades

Bryan ISD's board of trustees have unanimously approved several construction and renovation contracts as part of the district's 2025 bond plan, totaling approximately $2.52m. The projects will enhance multipurpose and teaching spaces at Fannin, Jones, Navarro elementary schools, and Long and Rayburn intermediate schools. 

Ector County ISD updates on projects

The Ector County ISD Board of Trustees recently discussed ongoing construction projects during their April meeting. The Transition Learning Center is set for completion in September, with underground electric and plumbing work underway.

SOCIAL & COMMUNITY

Celebrating community heroes at Hays CISD

Hays CISD held its annual Volunteer of the Year luncheon on April 17 at the Academic Support Center, recognizing individuals who significantly contribute to the district. Superintendent Dr. Eric Wright praised the 7,400 volunteers who logged over 14,000 hours, equating to more than $462,000 in value for the community.

TECHNOLOGY

Schools weigh passwordless cybersecurity

Passwordless authentication is emerging as a potential solution for K–12 schools seeking stronger cybersecurity without the friction of traditional passwords and multifactor authentication, though widespread adoption remains limited due to practical and logistical barriers. The approach replaces passwords with alternatives such as biometrics, trusted devices, or security keys, aiming to improve both security and user experience. While widely adopted in enterprise settings, K–12 schools face unique challenges, including resistance to phone-based MFA, limited budgets for staff devices, and restrictions on student cellphone use, all of which complicate identity management. Experts suggest schools begin by assessing current login pain points, segmenting users by age and technical readiness, and piloting small-scale implementations, such as with staff or older students.

SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION

NTSB calls for breath-test technology to prevent impaired driving

The National Transportation Safety Board has recommended that all new school buses be equipped with alcohol-detection systems that can prevent operation if a driver is impaired, following a serious crash in West Virginia involving a drunk driver that injured multiple children. The agency said the issue is not isolated, citing past cases of school bus drivers being arrested or cited for driving under the influence, and emphasized that higher safety standards are needed given the responsibility of transporting children. While the cost and implementation details remain unclear, widespread adoption would likely require federal or state regulation and possibly congressional action. Although school buses are generally considered safe, with relatively few passenger fatalities compared to other vehicles, the NTSB argues that adding alcohol-detection technology could further reduce risks, despite potential resistance from industry stakeholders over costs and operational concerns.

INTERNATIONAL

New Brunswick replaces pay-what-you-can school meal plan with fixed-price system

New Brunswick will begin rolling out a new school lunch program next week using a shared-cost model, with families paying C$4-C$5 ($2.92-$3.65) per meal while the government subsidizes the remainder, abandoning its earlier pledge for a pay-what-you-can system. Education officials said the change was made to ensure long-term sustainability, citing evidence from other provinces where voluntary contributions have declined significantly, although additional support for families unable to afford the cost is expected to be outlined. The program will initially launch in select schools, offering multiple meal options, and forms part of a broader effort to improve student nutrition and access to healthy food, while policymakers and advocates continue to debate the merits of fully universal free school meal programs.
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