Latest TexEdNews:

Reported Elsewhere:

Having problems?
Please refresh your browser.

Reported Elsewhere

Where possible, these headlines link to no-paywall or soft paywall articles, or to websites offering free trials. TexEdNews neither condones nor endorses the accuracy of this news feed.

Nov. 12, 2026
Election News
How Gina Hinojosa may — or may not — be able to end state takeovers of schools in Texas

(Texas Standard) The process is complicated, and involves the state Legislature.

Democratic flip on Texas State Board of Education could bring more inclusive history and science lessons to classrooms

(Texas Public Radio) Democrats are set to win an 8-7 majority on the Texas State Board of Education, though one close Houston-area race could still go to a recount. Board member Marisa Pérez-Díaz says the new majority wants more minority history in core classes, a fresh look at recently adopted social studies and science standards, and stronger civics lessons. Her first goal is to give teachers a bigger voice in writing standards, but any changes will take time and must follow state rules.

Bill filed to give every Texas household $1,500, a Gov.-elect Gina Hinojosa campaign promise

(KSAT) As Texas Democrats firm up their agenda ahead of next year’s legislative session, more details have emerged about a key campaign pledge by Gov.-elect Gina Hinojosa to tackle the state’s cost of living woes: sending $1,500 checks to every Texas household. State Sen. Roland Gutierrez, a San Antonio Democrat, laid out a proposal this week to implement that pledge, spelling out some of the potential mechanics of how Texas — not in the business of sending cash payments to its residents — would send $1,500 to 11.6 million households. 

Republican Files Legislation Banning Taxpayer-Funded Lobbying


(Texas Scorecard) The legislation likely faces another uphill battle since Democrats hold the majority in the Texas House.

No nurse at your child’s school? Texas bill would require parents to be notified

(KPRC) A Houston lawmaker’s proposal comes months after KPRC 2’s ENOUGH found dozens of HISD campuses operating without school nurses.

Also Reported
Northside ISD expects ‘hard decisions’ after voters reject bond, tax hike

(San Antonio Express-News) San Antonio’s largest school district is eliminating planned employee raises and cutting its budget after voters rejected a property tax rate increase and an $886 million bond issue last week.

It’s Back to the Drawing Board After Cy-Fair Bond Fails 

(Houston Press) Cypress-Fairbanks ISD voters overwhelmingly rejected both a tax increase and a $1.63 billion bond package. The district now faces an $88 million deficit and will have to make cuts instead of funding staff stipends or bringing back laid-off librarians. Trustees hope new state leadership will deliver more school funding in the 2027 legislative session.

Pearland ISD establishes legislative priorities ahead of 2027 Texas Legislature

(Community Impact) School funding, special education services and teacher retention are among the issues Pearland ISD wants state lawmakers to address during the 2027 Texas Legislature, following board approval of the district’s priorities at its Nov. 10 meeting.

Community pushback delays Fort Worth ISD changes to student transfers and advisory committee

(Fort Worth Report) Fort Worth ISD’s state-appointed board delayed two proposed policy changes until December after parents and educators objected. One would have let administrators replace the school-choice lottery rules. The other would have shrunk the district advisory committee and cut parent and teacher seats.

Judson ISD considers charter partnership to avoid state takeover

(San Antonio Express-News) Judson Independent School District trustees voted unanimously on Monday to consider handing over the day-to-day control of two campuses to a third-party charter operator to avoid a state takeover. The board’s 6–0 vote approved a policy that allows and governs potential partnerships, letting the district keep the option open. Trustees did not yet approve any partnership or contract.

Hitchcock ISD avoids more state sanctions after financial rating appeal

(Galveston County Daily News) Free first view or via private browser: Hitchcock ISD won a state appeal that raised its financial rating to a passing C after two failing years, avoiding further sanctions. The superintendent credited budget cuts, tighter controls, and a clean audit, which was delayed after an administrator’s February arrest. The district now projects a small surplus, but two of its schools still have failing or near-failing academic ratings.

Dallas ISD’s South Oak Cliff High School earns A-rating after decade of transformation and community rebirth

(WFAA) South Oak Cliff High School’s remarkable transformation from a struggling institution to a thriving community fosters pride and success.

Katy ISD develops 9 goals for strategic planning from 2026-28

(Community Impact) Katy ISD took another step in mapping out the path district officials want to take over the next several years. At a special Nov. 9 meeting, the Katy ISD board of trustees met with Julie Moynihan, a certified executive facilitator and coach at engage2learn—a strategic solutions partner that works exclusively with public school districts—to review the results and ideas from the board-nominated strategic design committee’s “strategic design refresh” that took place in October.

Clear Creek ISD eyes summer 2028 for $7.3M facility consolidation

(Community Impact) Clear Creek ISD could move and demolish several facilities by 2028 if the district decides to move forward with a proposed consolidation plan.

Richardson ISD explores new microschools as families seek more flexible learning options

(CBS Texas) Richardson ISD is considering two new microschools that combine traditional classroom instruction and learning from home to expand options for families and remain competitive in a growing school-choice landscape.

Texas dance, drill teams push for official UIL sanctioning

(Fox 26 Houston) Texas dance and drill team advocates are pushing for official University Interscholastic League (UIL) sanctioning, which would unlock district athletic funding, trainer protocols and an official state title. The Texas Dance Educators’ Association plans to launch a pilot program in 2027, culminating in a final competition round in Katy. Organizers are modeling the proposed state championship structure after UIL marching band competitions and hope to secure full sanctioning by 2028.

Friday night lights live: How could TV broadcasts impact Texas high school football?

(Dallas Morning News) The UIL has voted to allow live TV broadcasts of regular-season Friday night high school football starting next season, pending Texas Education Agency approval and consent from both schools’ coaches. Supporters, including the state coaches association, say it will help high school football compete with college games moving to Friday nights and give players more exposure. Some worry about attendance, and others want schools to share in broadcast revenue.

Bryan police, school district investigating fight during girls’ basketball game at Bryan ISD High School

(KBTX) Bryan police and Bryan ISD are investigating a fight that broke out Tuesday night during a girls’ basketball game between Bryan High School and Brenham High School. Video shared with KBTX shows a physical altercation erupting on the court during the game. At one point, a person who appears to be an adult is seen running onto the court from the sidelines and body-slamming a Brenham student to the floor.

Hudson ISD reviewing safety guidelines, procedures after student detained for sexual assault on campus

(KETK) A Hudson Junior High student was taken to a juvenile detention center after allegedly sexually assaulting another student in a campus restroom. Hudson ISD says that on Nov. 3, two students were let out of class to use the restroom, and camera footage shows the male student following the female student into the girls’ bathroom. Two girls who were in the bathroom reported it to school officials.

Texas Tech regents cut some classes on race, gender as options for graduation requirements

(Texas Tribune) Texas Tech regents voted Wednesday to remove 21 courses, including some focused on race, gender and social justice, from the list students can use to meet graduation requirements. Angelo State and Midwestern State also made smaller cuts. The changes take effect in fall 2027 under a 2025 state law requiring regular reviews of these courses. Recent Democratic election wins could lead to changes in the law and university leadership.

Missing pride: Many University of Dallas students don’t feel they belong on campus

(Dallas Observer) The University of Texas at Dallas has rolled back LGBTQ+ programs and art. Students have been too scared to speak up, until now.

Our Lady of the Lake University launches football program

(San Antonio Current) Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) will kick off its inaugural football season next year, school officials said this week, touting the program as a way to attract more students and bolster school pride. The move comes as the 131-year-old private university struggles with declining enrollment and the surprise departure of its president.

UT Austin creates new major after ending ethnic, gender studies majors

(Austin American-Statesman) The Social and Cultural Analysis major would offer four tracks drawing on scholarship from the discontinued majors. Final approvals are still pending.

Sul Ross University cuts popular nursing program

(Big Bend Sentinel) Sul Ross State University suspended its nursing degree program in October after the state board flagged low licensing exam pass rates. Freshman Arianna Moritz, who came from Ohio on a rodeo scholarship to study nursing, was told by her professor to consider transferring. She says the university handled the communication poorly, since officials had known about the problem since July. The number of pre-nursing students affected is still unknown.

Man charged with assault at UT Tyler Turning Point USA event

(Fox 4 KDFW) A man is accused of assaulting at least one person during a Turning Point USA event at UT Tyler Tuesday. Ciro Stephen Tomlian is charged with two counts of assault with a deadly weapon and one count of assault causing bodily injury. Video shows a man tearing down an American flag before getting into an argument with event attendees.

NHTSA probes whether Waymo fixed robotaxis passing stopped school buses

(CBS Austin) The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating whether Waymo has fixed a problem with its driverless cars failing to stop for school buses. Austin ISD reported 19 violations, including five after a software update intended to fix the problem. NHTSA has received eight additional reports from other parts of the country. Waymo says the update is working and its vehicles have not been cited since March 2026. However, enforcing school bus safety laws against driverless vehicles remains a challenge, prompting calls for tougher penalties against autonomous vehicle companies.

Austin ISD facing shortage of bus drivers

(KXAN) Austin ISD doesn’t have enough bus drivers, said Kris Hafezizadeh, who runs the district’s transportation department. Over the past three weeks, the shortage has come from drivers calling in sick, drivers leaving because Austin costs more to live in, and high gas prices for drivers who commute into the city. Hafezizadeh said 25 drivers have left in the past two months because of living costs. The district has 11 drivers in training, but it can take two to three months before they’re ready to drive.

Texas school district cuts bus idling as it braces for $1 million fuel budget overrun

(The Cool Down) Two San Antonio-area districts are facing big fuel cost increases this year. Northside ISD expects to go $1 million over its fuel budget, and North East ISD has already spent over half its transportation budget. To save diesel, both are cutting back on bus idling.

Edinburg CISD offers inclement weather rides after San Carlos mother voices safety concerns

(KRGV) The Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District said families may be able to get transportation in bad weather after a San Carlos mother raised concerns about her children walking to school in the rain.

Harris County kindergarten MMR rate rises, still below pre-pandemic level

(KPRC) Kindergarten MMR vaccination coverage improved in Harris County during the 2025-26 school year, but rates across the Houston area have still not returned to where they were before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Click for Earlier
“Reported Elsewhere” Dates

Latest from TexEdNews!

$ = Subscribers Only

TexEdNews Article Archives

$ = Subscribers Only

Commissioner’s Decisions
(Through October 2026)
SY 2025-26
PEIMS Articles: