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August 3, 2026
Houston mothers challenge Ten Commandments posters under Texas’ new parental rights amendment

(Texas Tribune) The parents’ suit leverages Texas law — versus federal First Amendment arguments — in the latest legal case involving the classroom posters. Related:

Federal judge declines to reinstate Muslim educator as Fort Worth ISD principal

(KERA) A federal judge decided that Fort Worth ISD will not be forced to reinstate educator Shayma Alzubi as principal of Western Hills High School. Judge Mark Pittman of the Northern District of Texas issued his decision Tuesday after he found the reassignment — and later promotion — did not harm Alzubi’s employment. The district reassigned her after receiving threats over her social media posts.

United ISD considering $30M loan, plans to discuss additional school closures

(Laredo Morning Times) The United Independent School District will consider taking out a loan of at least $30 million to cover payroll and operating expenses and will continue discussing the possibility of additional campus closures amid its budget shortfall.

Why Is Texas Taking Over So Many School Districts?

(Texas Monthly) Under commissioner Mike Morath, the Texas Education Agency has intervened in more than a dozen school districts. And it’s just getting started.

Hundreds of El Paso teachers leave classrooms as enrollment decline reshapes area schools, workforce

(El Paso Matters) School district officials in El Paso say there will likely be fewer teachers over the years as student enrollment declines.

Inside Austin ISD’s talks to avoid a state takeover as three schools await ratings

(Austin American-Statesman) With the possibility of a state takeover looming, Austin Independent School District officials are exploring options that would avert intervention, according to three people familiar with behind-the-scenes discussions. 

Arlington ISD cut 307 positions. Parents say the losses go beyond the classroom

(Arlington Report) Arlington ISD eliminated 307 positions as part of budget cuts driven by declining enrollment and financial pressures, but parents say the impact extends well beyond classroom staffing. They told the school board that cuts to librarians, instructional coaches, counselors and other support staff will reduce academic support, student services and school culture. Related:

Evadale ISD finds microbial growth in classrooms, temporary buildings approved

(KBMT) Evadale ISD says microbial growth has been discovered in several classrooms across its elementary and junior high buildings, prompting district leaders to take swift action ahead of the new school year. To keep students and staff safe, the Evadale ISD school board has approved temporary classroom buildings for all affected classes.

Balmorhea ISD shares why the Texas Education Agency is actively investigating its superintendent

(NewsWest9) As the first day of school approaches, the Texas Education Agency confirmed it has opened an investigation into Balmorhea ISD’s superintendent.

Clear Creek ISD teachers to get smaller raise in 2026-27 school year, compared to previous year

(Community Impact) Clear Creek ISD teachers will receive a 1% increase in the 2026-27 fiscal year, despite some board of trustees members saying the raise is not sufficient to keep up with inflation.

Houston ISD will use ‘AI-powered education’ Alpha platform at 2 elementary schools

(Houston Chronicle) Houston ISD announced Friday that it will use an artificial intelligence platform developed by Alpha School at Clemente Martinez and Gregg elementary schools during the school year that begins Aug. 10. Related:

More North Texas students can attend school from home. Why districts added online options

(Dallas Morning News) Texas overhauled its framework for virtual schools last year, making it easier for public school districts like Frisco, Arlington and Grand Prairie to offer individual courses or entire programs.

Katy ISD attendance incentive initiative sees 3 years of growth

(Community Impact) Based on the $6,215 basic student allotment given by the state, Assistant Superintendent of Finance Jamey Hynds said the district has seen over 800 additional students in class, bringing in over $5 million annually for Katy ISD. Related:

Parents sue Plano ISD, principal and teacher for $1 million over alleged sexual abuse of daughter

(KERA) The parents of an 8-year-old girl are suing Plano ISD, saying the district failed to prevent longtime 2nd-grade teacher Paul Campbell from sexually abusing their daughter. The suit, which also names Campbell and Brinker Elementary principal Jennifer King as defendants, claims the school knew about an earlier accusation against Campbell but didn’t report it to the state as required, didn’t investigate Campbell, or supervise his actions.

Socorro ISD board probes trustee accused of choking 16-year-old

(El Paso Times) The Socorro ISD Board of Trustees is hiring a special investigator to look into allegations that one of its members choked a 16-year-old boy. Trustee Ryan Reid Woodcraft, 43, who faces a charge of assault causing bodily injuries, will continue to hold his seat. Woodcraft was arrested on July 25 after he allegedly choked a 16-year-old boy at a Father’s Day barbecue. The teen turned “red and purple in the face, drooling and tears coming out of his eyes,” a criminal complaint affidavit states.

Arrest documents detail abuse that led to multiple employees being fired from Forney ISD

(WFAA) An arrest warrant obtained by WFAA is shedding new light on the “misconduct” that led to multiple Forney ISD employees being removed from their school. WFAA previously reported that Crosby Elementary School’s principal had been let go from the district amid a multi-agency investigation that also implicated a number of aides and a teacher who worked for FISD. Forney ISD officials say the investigation stems from allegations made regarding misconduct by a teacher (see “Related” below). Related:

Houston ISD teacher accused of having sex with student is set to appear before judge in August

(Houston Chronicle) A Houston ISD teacher charged with having an improper sexual relationship with a student is scheduled to appear in court this month, according to court records. Jesse Sifuentes, 40, was accused of having sex with a student at least eight times in 2024 when she was 18 and he was her teacher at the High School for Law and Justice, records said. He was arrested July 19, and his arraignment is scheduled for Aug. 19 in the 339th Criminal District Court.

Ex-Hardin-Jefferson ISD teacher faces six new felony charges in Hardin County

(KBMT) A former Hardin-Jefferson ISD teacher and coach already jailed in Jefferson County on charges of having a sexual relationship with a 16-year-old student now faces six additional felony charges out of Hardin County. Derek Bryan Peveto, 46, has been held in the Jefferson County jail since July 7 on charges of improper relationship between educator and student, trafficking of persons to engage in conduct for sex or benefit, and indecency with a child/sexual contact. All of the charges are second-degree felonies that carry from 2 to 20 years in prison.

Ex-Stockdale ISD teacher accused of improper relationship with student gets 13-year prison sentence

(KSAT) A former Stockdale Independent School District teacher was sentenced to 13 years in prison after he was accused of having an improper relationship with a student. Peter Aaron Leach ‘waived his right to a jury trial,’ officials say.

Texas DEI watchdog received 73 college complaints. Just 2 led to investigations

(Austin American-Statesman) Six months after lawmakers launched an initiative to hold colleges and universities accountable over a statewide diversity, equity and inclusion ban and limits on core curriculum, the new ombudsman office has only investigated two complaints. Most complaints involved issues outside the office’s authority, including harassment claims and concerns about classroom instruction. Related:

4-Year-Old Left Alone On Crowley School Bus For 6 Hours, Per Family; Driver Fired

(Dallas Express) Crowley ISD has terminated a bus driver after a pre-kindergarten student was left alone on a school bus last week following the morning route, the district said. The 4-year-old child was later found inside the bus at a Durham School Services transportation lot, where an employee discovered the student. Medical personnel evaluated the child before she was reunited with her family.

Texas Tech defers to AG on media requests for Galaxy stadium deal

(Lubbock Avalanche-Journal) The Texas Tech University System has deferred to the state Attorney General’s office open records requests from the Avalanche-Journal and two other local media organizations seeking contract and additional information about Tech Athletics’ recent football stadium naming rights agreement with Galaxy.

University of St. Thomas data breach settlement could pay student, employee victims up to $4,500

(Houston Chronicle) University of St. Thomas students, employees and alumni whose personal information was compromised in a 2025 data breach may be eligible for some relief after the institution received preliminary approval to settle a class action lawsuit.  

UNT cites Texas DEI ban to deny funding 11 professors’ memberships to professional groups

(Dallas Morning News) The University of North Texas has denied 11 professors funding for memberships to professional organizations it says violate the state’s DEI ban — a move some faculty members describe as unjustified and warn could undercut their career development. Professors generally join national associations tied to their academic discipline to network with peers and elevate their scholarly reputation. Some of the funding requests UNT denied include a group for journalism educators and a society of clinical psychologists.

60 years later, the UT Tower shooting stands as one of Texas’ darkest day

(MySA) Eighteen people lost their lives on August 1, 1966.

State finds some registered Texas voters were wrongly flagged as potential noncitizens

(Texas Standard) The secretary of state told counties to immediately reinstate any Texans who were removed from the voter roll despite showing DPS proof of citizenship.

Exclusive: UIL guided coach through paperwork tied to star’s loss of eligibility

(Fort Worth Star-Telegram) A University Interscholastic League employee guided Euless Trinity’s head football coach through the filing of a prior athletic participation form for a high-profile player who was ultimately ruled ineligible, according to public documents obtained by the Star-Telegram. The five-star cornerback, who tried to transfer to North Crowley ahead of his senior season, was ruled ineligible before reclassifying.

DeSoto ISD has no certified athletic trainers on staff as football, volleyball seasons near

(Dallas Morning News) As of Friday, DeSoto ISD had no certified athletic trainers on staff to help athletes as their season starts, a person with knowledge of the situation told The Dallas Morning News. Students and parents voiced their displeasure with the district regarding the trainer situation at a school board meeting last Monday.

Midnight practices open Texas high school football season

(KSAT) Some coaches use the early start to get players on the field before the heat.

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