Education Slice
Become more informed in minutes....
Education Slice Logo
Texas
4th May 2026
Together with

THE HOT STORY

Real wages for teachers and school staff decline

Teacher salaries in the U.S. rose 3.5% to an average of $74,495 in the 2024–25 school year, but inflation has significantly eroded those gains, leaving pay 4.6% lower in real terms compared with a decade ago, according to a National Education Association report. The analysis highlights persistent concerns over educator pay, with higher salaries concentrated in states like California and New York that also have high living costs, while lower-paying states often leave teachers earning below typical household expenses. Education support professionals saw even weaker progress, with nominal pay rising modestly to $38,494, but only increasing by about $300 after inflation, and falling 9% in real terms over the past decade. Many continue to face financial strain, often needing multiple jobs. The report underscores ongoing challenges in maintaining competitive wages for educators, amid rising living costs and continued debate over funding and pay reforms.

IMPROVE STUDENT ENGAGEMENT

What Educators Need to Know About Engagement in 2026

Student engagement and instructional rigor don’t have to be at odds. Engagement shapes how much students read, whether they complete texts, and how effectively they build knowledge and comprehension over time. Scholastic’s new white paper, Engagement Through Reading, draws on the latest research to make the case for engagement as a core instructional condition that drives academic outcomes. Learn how to apply the latest student engagement research in your school or district.

Read now

 

STATE NEWS

New program tackles Texas teacher shortage

East Texas A&M University is addressing the teacher shortage in Texas with a new online, competency-based teacher preparation program, supported by a $416,555 grant from the Greater Texas Foundation. Set to launch in fall 2026, the program offers Bachelor of Science degrees in elementary education and early childhood education, catering to working adults and paraprofessionals. "East Texas A&M is leading the way in meeting the needs of today's learners," said Sue McMillin, president and CEO of Greater Texas Foundation. The initiative aims to provide flexible pathways for aspiring teachers, particularly in rural areas, amidst ongoing vacancies in Texas schools. The program includes hands-on experiences and clinical placements, ensuring students gain real-world classroom experience. Dr. Kathryn Dixon, associate dean of the College of Education and Human Services, emphasized the importance of accessible routes to teaching, remarking: "Competency-based pathways allow for more accessible and affordable routes to becoming a teacher for people who might not otherwise be able to pursue that goal."

FINANCE

Texas bond votes diverge

Voters in Lancaster ISD in Texas approved all four propositions in a $376m bond package aimed at funding district-wide improvements, including upgrades to elementary school campuses, enhanced technology, and revamped athletic facilities, with no increase to the tax rate. The largest portion, $322m under Proposition A, will go toward infrastructure improvements such as climate control systems and plumbing, with overall approval margins ranging from about 57% to 62%. Elsewhere in Texas, in Arlington ISD, voters approved two of three propositions within a $501m bond package, backing measures to replace two elementary schools and upgrade technology, while narrowly rejecting Proposition C, which would have funded athletic facility improvements. The approved measures, which carry a one-cent tax rate increase, passed with roughly 59% support, while the athletic proposal failed with 51.76% voting against.

Budget cuts spark fear in Austin ISD

Austin ISD is facing significant budget cuts, prompting concerns from staff and families about the impact on students and teachers. During a recent meeting, parents and educators expressed their fears over proposed job losses, reduced stipends, and cuts to planning time, all aimed at addressing a projected $181m deficit. CFO Katrina Montgomery acknowledged the challenges, warning: "It's going to be hard. It is going to hurt." The district's financial struggles stem from declining enrollment and rising costs, with a projected $49m deficit by June. Montgomery emphasized the need for immediate action, saying: "We have no more time to make this decision." Parents stressed the importance of preserving programs for at-risk students, highlighting that for some, athletics are the key to staying in school.

Lampasas voters back school bond

Voters in Lampasas ISD approved Proposition A, a $115.5m bond, with a vote of 1,310 "for" and 1,150 "against." This funding will facilitate the construction of a new middle school for 1,000 students, the demolition of the existing facility, and safety upgrades at several elementary schools. Wes Graham, Principal of Lampasas Middle School, pointed out the necessity of a new facility, saying: "As facilities age, sometimes repair is no longer an option." Propositions B and C, which aimed to address traffic solutions and maintenance improvements, were not approved. The bond will also replace around 35 school buses to meet current state regulations.

GOVERNANCE

Houston ISD cabinet shuffle signals big changes

Kasey Bailey has been promoted to Chief of Schools at Houston ISD following the departure of Sandi Massey, who became the superintendent of Beaumont ISD. This cabinet shuffle occurs as several HISD leaders transition to lead other districts under new state takeovers. Bailey, a long-time HISD employee, previously served as the west division chief and has held various roles within the district over the past decade. Her promotion may indicate a broader implementation of state-appointed Superintendent Mike Miles' instructional model across Texas, as HISD officials assist in managing takeovers in Fort Worth, Beaumont, and Lake Worth ISDs. "These takeovers come as other Texas districts seek to avoid sanctions and improve struggling schools," the article notes. At least seven Texas districts are planning to partner with Third Future Schools to enhance school management.

Brownsville ISD seeks new superintendent

Brownsville ISD Board of Trustees is actively searching for a new Superintendent of Schools, accepting applications until May 22. Following the administrative leave of former Superintendent Jesus H. Chavez, Alda T. Benavides has been appointed as interim superintendent. Benavides, a seasoned educator, previously served as the superintendent of La Joya ISD and Edcouch-Elsa ISD. The board is looking for a leader with a strong background in large public school districts, emphasizing community engagement and student outcomes.

DISTRICTS

Austin school merger brings communities together

As Austin ISD prepares to merge schools, communities are working to blend diverse identities into a cohesive environment. On a windy Saturday, families from Pickle and Ridgetop Elementary schools gathered for a joint playdate, aiming to foster connections before the upcoming merger. Oscar Patino, the campus parent support specialist, noted: "This culture is different from Ridgetop kids." With Ridgetop closing due to budget deficits, parents like Amber Woodward emphasize the importance of collaboration: "We really want everyone operating together." Challenges include communication and ensuring all voices are heard, especially as Ridgetop's well-funded PTA merges with Pickle's traditions. Principal Kara Schultz plans to launch a family survey to gather input on the new school's priorities. The Austin Ed Fund is also supporting the transition with grants for art projects and community-building activities. Despite the challenges, families are hopeful about creating a new, united community.

Odessa High earns AVID revalidation

Odessa High School has proudly revalidated its status as an AVID National Demonstration School, a designation held by only about 2% of AVID schools in the U.S. The rigorous revalidation process assesses the school's commitment to AVID strategies across all classes, not just the elective ones. "AVID Center and our guests come to see something real," said Naomi Fuentes, the AVID Coordinator at OHS. This achievement reflects a decade-long commitment to educational excellence since first earning the designation in 2014. Fuentes emphasized the ongoing effort to adapt and improve, saying: "We don't stay stuck, we level up." The revalidation signifies a sustained dedication to transforming the school's culture and instruction, ensuring students are well-prepared for success after high school.

TECHNOLOGY

K–12 schools urged to expand IT training

As schools adopt more digital tools and artificial intelligence (AI), K–12 IT teams are being called to take on a more strategic role, driving technology integration, safeguarding data, and supporting classroom innovation, which is increasing the need for targeted professional development. Experts say IT staff must understand not only technical systems but also instructional practices, student privacy laws, and ethical data use, particularly as technologies like AI reshape learning environments. The article highlights the importance of cross-department collaboration, with IT professionals working closely with educators and administrators to ensure responsible technology use and support digital citizenship. Training programs, certifications, and partnerships with technology vendors are seen as critical to keeping IT teams up to date, while shared learning across districts can improve efficiency and security.

CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION

Houston nonprofit reshapes local schools

Good Reason Houston, recently led by new CEO Courtney Isaak Pichon, has significantly impacted local education since its inception nearly a decade ago. Initially starting with $8.4m in funding, the nonprofit has expanded its reach to nearly 20 public and charter school systems, influencing district planning and college access for over 700,000 students. Brenda Hellyer, chancellor of San Jacinto College, said: "What Good Reason Houston has the power to do is pull together lots of school districts that work with multiple colleges." Despite its successes, some community advocates, like Heather Golden, criticize the organization for not adequately addressing the challenges faced by districts, particularly after the state takeover of Houston ISD. Isaak Pichon emphasized the need for collaboration, noting: "Our charge has gotten bigger," as the nonprofit aims to double the number of graduates earning a living wage by 2040.

INTERNATIONAL

Boys pulling further ahead in math

A global analysis of TIMSS data from 1995 to 2023 has found that boys are increasingly outperforming girls in mathematics, particularly by fourth grade, with significant gender gaps now evident across the majority of participating countries. In 2023, boys outperformed girls in 81% of countries at the fourth-grade level, up sharply from 52% in 2019 and 39% in 2015, while boys were also disproportionately represented among top performers and girls more likely to fall into the lowest achievement bracket. The research, published by the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement in partnership with UNESCO, emphasizes that the gap is not due to innate ability, but instead reflects differences in confidence, classroom dynamics, teacher expectations, and persistent gender stereotypes. Girls consistently report lower self-belief in mathematics, which affects their participation, engagement, and long-term learning pathways. To address the issue, the report recommends early interventions to build girls’ confidence in math, training teachers to recognize and counteract bias, and tracking gender-based performance data. 

AND FINALLY...

103-year-old earns high school diploma

Jo Edna Niblett, a 103-year-old woman, recently received her high school diploma after putting her education on hold to serve during World War II. Recognized by the Pickens County School District during the Class of 2026's Military Enlistee Ceremony on April 29, Niblett was honored for her resilience and patriotism. She worked at Bell Aircraft as a "Rosie the Riveter," contributing to the war effort by welding B-29 bombers. Superintendent Dr. Travis Thomas said, "This diploma represents more than academic achievement—it represents a lifetime of service, sacrifice, and strength." The ceremony celebrated Niblett's legacy and aimed to remind attendees of the importance of stepping up in times of need.
Industry Slice Logo

Education Slice delivers the latest, most relevant and useful intelligence to key educators, administrators, decision makers and teaching influencers, each weekday morning..

Content is selected to an exacting brief from hundreds of influential media sources and summarised by experienced journalists into an easy-to-read digest email. Education Slice enhances the performance and decision-making capabilities of individuals and teams by delivering the relevant news, innovations and knowledge in a cost-effective way.

If you are interested in sponsorship opportunities within Education Slice, please get in touch via email sales team

Follow us on FacebookFollow us on XFollow us on Linkedin

This e-mail has been sent to [[EMAIL_TO]]

Click here to unsubscribe