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Texas
11th June 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Texas students show impressive gains

Texas high school students have made significant progress in state tests, with improvements across subjects like algebra and U.S. history, according to results released on Wednesday. Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath attributed these gains to “focused instruction and high expectations,” and noted that a new ban on cell phone use may have helped students concentrate better. The STAAR end-of-course exams showed that 54% of students in algebra I met grade-level skills, up from 47% last year, although still below the 62% recorded in 2019. Biology saw a notable increase, with 71% of students demonstrating grade-level skills. Killeen ISD reported positive trends, with 95% of students meeting the Approaches standard in U.S. History. Mary Lynn Pruneda, director of education and workforce policy at Texas 2036, emphasized the need for continued investment in teaching materials to further improve math skills, stating: “If you miss the week of instruction on fractions, you're not going to continue.”

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NATIONAL NEWS

Title IX, student privacy, and religious rights dominate Congressional hearing

Superintendents from the Loudoun County, San Francisco, and Chicago school districts faced intense questioning on Wednesday from the U.S. House education committee over policies related to transgender students, parental rights, and school transparency. Republican lawmakers raised concerns about restroom and locker room access, parental notification of student gender transitions, and religious opt-outs from classroom content, while district leaders maintained that their policies comply with applicable state and federal laws and prioritize safe, inclusive learning environments. The hearing highlighted ongoing legal tensions surrounding Title IX, conflicting federal and state directives on transgender rights, and recent court rulings on parental involvement in education. Democratic committee members criticized the proceedings as a politically motivated distraction from broader education issues, including civil rights enforcement, student safety, and support for students with disabilities.

STATE NEWS

Texas students break school choice record

Texas' new Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) program has accepted over 102,000 students, setting a state and national record. Nearly 70% of these students will attend private schools using taxpayer funds when the program launches in the 2026-2027 school year. “Our history-making progress bringing school choice to Texas continues,” said Acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock. The program, which began in February, received 274,183 applications, marking a record for a new school choice initiative. The TEFA program prioritizes low-income and disabled students, with funding allocated based on need. As of June 10, 102,037 students had been awarded TEFA, while nearly 145,000 remain on the waitlist. The program aims to provide families with educational alternatives, allowing them to choose schools that best fit their needs.

CHARTERS

Charters 'headed to a cliff' as enrollment slows

The Texas Tribune talks to education experts about the slowing growth in charter school enrollment - with Bob Templeton, a senior consultant at STRIVE, saying charters are "headed to a cliff" thanks to falling birth rates, the emergence of new schooling options, and fears over immigration enforcement. Home schooling is a growing competitor to both public schools and charters, the piece notes, with the Texas Home School Coalition estimating that more than 750,000 students now learn in their households, with enrollment surging since the COVID-19 pandemic.

FINANCE

Fort Bend ISD faces budget shortfall

Fort Bend ISD's fiscal year 2026-27 budget is projected to have a $32.8m shortfall, an improvement from the previous estimate of $35.9m. During a June 8 meeting, executive director of finance Kelly Schlacks said the budget allows the district to meet its 90-day operating reserve requirement and provides time to address uncertainties. The projected ending fund balance is expected to reach $50.6m, boosted by $1.7m in teacher compensation and $7.2m from land sales. Board President Kristin Tassin noted that a tax rate increase of 1 cent was approved by residents during the 2023 bond election. The district plans no changes to meal prices but will revise à la carte snack item prices.

WORKFORCE

El Paso ISD cuts 249 jobs

El Paso ISD is set to eliminate approximately 249 positions due to declining enrollment and reduced state funding. The layoffs, which will take effect around June 19, will impact various roles, including teachers, social workers, and clerks. Board President Leah Hanany said: "We know that behind every position is a person, a family, and years of service to our students." The district has experienced a loss of about 8,000 students over the past decade, leading to financial pressures. Superintendent Dr. Brian Lusk emphasized the need for financial stability, stating: "While these decisions are painful, our responsibility is to ensure El Paso ISD remains financially stable." Affected employees will receive support regarding job-search assistance and unemployment benefits.

DISTRICTS

Cleburne Education Foundation boosts local schools

The Cleburne Education Foundation (CEF) plays a crucial role in supporting Cleburne ISD amid financial challenges and teacher shortages. Founded in 2011, CEF has awarded over $1m in grants to enhance educational opportunities. "We were formed to use private donations to help fund innovative ideas for teaching in our classrooms," said CEF President Amber Witte. The foundation provides grants for equipment and programs not covered by school budgets, with a focus on benefiting students. Notable initiatives include book vending machines for elementary schools and support for teacher assistants pursuing certification. CEF also hosts fundraising events, such as the annual Nashville Lights concert, to sustain its efforts.

Central ISD board approves new buses

During a recent meeting, the Central ISD board of trustees, led by president Lindsey Davis, approved the purchase of three new Blue Bird school buses, which are $12,000 cheaper than their current Thomas buses. District transportation director Doyle McKinney noted that Blue Bird buses can be serviced locally in Lufkin, enhancing convenience. The board also approved a Teacher Incentive Allotment spending plan, which allocates 90% of state funding to qualified teachers, with a one-time payment in August.

Boerne ISD's bold future plans

Boerne ISD is prioritizing future growth through strategic land acquisitions and facility planning. Over recent years, three committees have collaborated to assess long-term needs, gathering community input and analyzing enrollment trends. "Maintaining a strong land portfolio is essential to being good stewards of taxpayer dollars," said Dr. Kristin Craft, superintendent of Boerne ISD. The district recently expanded its land holdings with the purchase of 70 acres and 31 acres, allowing for proactive planning. Investments from Bond 2022 have also supported capacity expansion, including the construction of Viola Wilson Elementary for $36m, which is significantly lower than current regional costs.

Lewisville honors first Black board member

The Lewisville ISD school board has honored Vernell Gregg, the district's first Black school board member, by naming the new early childhood center after her. The Vernell Gregg Early Childhood Center will serve pre-K programs in the Lewisville High School zone, located at the former Mill Street Elementary School site.

Watts takes the helm at PHS

Megan Watts has been appointed as the new principal of Permian High School (PHS), effective July 1, succeeding Delesa Styles, who has retired. With 14 years of experience in Ector County ISD, including her recent role as principal at Wilson & Young Medal of Honor Middle School, Watts was recognized as the secondary principal of the year for the district.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Longview ISD welcomes new police chief

Longview ISD has officially established its police department, with Ben Kemper sworn in as the first police chief during a ceremony on Monday. Superintendent Dr. Marla Sheppard emphasized the significance of this milestone, stating: "Chief Kemper brings the rare combination of experience, local roots and steady leadership that this moment deserves." Kemper, a Longview High School graduate with nearly 24 years of service in the Longview Police Department, expressed his commitment to fostering relationships for school safety, saying: "Safety in schools starts with relationships." The new police department aims to enhance safety operations across the district.

SPORTS

Girls flag football gains momentum

Superintendents across Texas will be surveyed about sanctioning girls flag football, a sport rapidly gaining popularity. Advocacy from the Houston Texans and Dallas Cowboys has bolstered support, with Susan Bohn, Aledo ISD superintendent, stating: “The committee thought it made sense to send out a superintendent survey to gain clarity on what it might look like with an understanding that the numbers are there.” If approved, Texas would join 23 other states that have sanctioned the sport. The Texans and Cowboys have partnered with schools to enhance participation, which has surged by over 1,500% since the Texans launched their initiative in 2023. The UIL is also exploring a basketball shot clock pilot program for the 2026-27 season, reflecting ongoing efforts to modernize high school athletics in Texas.

INTERNATIONAL

Canada moves to limit social media access for under-16s

Canada has introduced the Safe Social Media Act (Bill C-34), which would require social media platforms to restrict access for users under 16 unless they can demonstrate adequate safeguards for young people. The proposed legislation would also impose new safety requirements on AI chatbots, including measures to respond to users expressing suicidal thoughts, self-harm, or violent intentions, while establishing a Digital Safety Commission to oversee compliance. Companies that breach the rules could face penalties of up to C$10m ($7.15m) or 3% of global revenue, whichever is greater. The bill leaves key details, including age-verification methods and exemption criteria, to be determined through future regulations, while critics have raised concerns about privacy implications and enforcement challenges.

Japan to introduce digital and hybrid textbooks under new education law

Japan's parliament has approved legislation that will give digital textbooks official status alongside traditional paper textbooks, with the Education Ministry targeting implementation from the 2030 academic year at the earliest. Under the revised law, schools will be able to use one of three officially recognized formats: paper textbooks, fully digital textbooks, or hybrid versions combining both. Local education boards will decide which format schools under their jurisdiction adopt, while textbooks will continue to be provided free of charge to elementary and junior high school students. The government believes digital textbooks can improve student engagement, support personalized learning, and enable more innovative teaching methods. The law also expands state oversight to include educational videos and audio content accessed through QR codes embedded in textbooks. Currently, digital textbooks are classified only as supplementary teaching materials because they are digital copies of approved paper textbooks.
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