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Monday, June 29, 2026
Mandated Bible stories in reading lists, revamped history for Texas public schools approved
(Texas Tribune) Texas will require Bible stories in public schools after the State Board of Education approved a mandatory reading list Friday alongside a rewrite of K-8 social studies lessons that minimize racial, geographic and cultural diversity. The Republican-led board passed the mandated Christian stories in public school lessons on a 9-4 vote along party lines, with two members not present for the vote. The revamped social studies lessons, which required separate votes for each grade, also passed. The board postponed changes to four high school courses, which members will vote on at a future meeting.
Texas Supreme Court rejects lawsuit by survivors of Uvalde school shooting
(Texas Tribune) The Texas Supreme Court on Friday rejected an appeal by Robb Elementary students and teachers who argued failures by the Department of Public Safety and Uvalde County contributed to a botched response to the 2022 shooting that killed 19 students and two teachers. The court’s order, issued without comment, upheld a February ruling by the San Antonio-based 4th Court of Appeals that dismissed the lawsuit.
Austin ISD is closer than ever to a state intervention. Here’s what happens next
(Austin American-Statesman) Over the past few years, the state has increasingly laid the groundwork to take over more Texas school systems, and Austin ISD has become a vulnerable target. A potential announcement could come as soon as August, when the state releases 2026 grades for public school campuses, although the next steps toward intervention could take months to play out. Related:
- Austin ISD delays boundary changes to 2028, hints at more school closures (Austin American-Statesman)
Keller ISD Budget: 1% Raises For All, But Lags Behind North Texas Peers
(Dallas Express) Keller ISD approved its 2026-27 budget with raises for every employee, but the 1% increase trails what most other DFW disticts are offering.
Q&A: North East ISD’s newest leader talks challenges, AI and changing public education landscape
(San Antonio Report) New North East ISD Superintendent Anthony Jarrett said his top priorities are addressing declining enrollment, managing budget challenges, and adapting to Texas’ new education savings account (voucher) program while keeping the district focused on student success.
Midway ISD narrows its deficit and raises pay after tough decisions
(Waco Bridge) Midway Independent School District reduced its budget deficit after closing Speegleville Elementary School, eliminating programs and reorganizing staff. The budget includes a 2% raise for all employees.
Alvin ISD trustees approve lower property insurance rate
(Community Impact) Alvin ISD’s board of trustees approved a property insurance premium cost of over $5.4 million at its June 23 meeting. The new cost has dipped by nearly $430,000 compared to the rate approved for the 2025-26 fiscal year. This premium reduction is largely due to a $0.015, or 5.5% decrease in the property insurance rate, according to district documents.
Midland ISD denies ICE at construction site amid rumors
(KMID/KPEJ) After social media posts claimed ICE agents were conducting an operation at a Midland construction site Friday morning, Midland ISD has issued a statement, saying there were no federal immigration officers on the district’s job site, and no arrests were made.
Former president of Boling ISD school board sentenced for sexually exploiting child, possessing child pornography
(KPRC) Former Boling ISD Board President Jerry James Svatek Jr. has been sentenced to 40 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to producing and possessing child sexual abuse material. The court heard that Svatek continued distributing images of a child victim through an underground online community even after serving as a school board president, and considered victim impact statements describing the harm caused to the child’s family. In addition to the prison sentence, he was ordered to pay $78,500 in restitution to the victims, serve lifetime supervised release after his prison term, comply with strict restrictions on internet access and contact with children, and register as a sex offender.
Son of former Arp ISD assistant principal pleads guilty to luring 14-year-old he impregnated
(CBS 19) The son of a former Arp Elementary assistant principal pleaded guilty Friday to luring a 14-year-old girl, whom he later impregnated, away from her parents to commit a felony. Blake Florence, 23, was arrested in late August 2025 on charges of sexual assault of a child and tampering with physical evidence, along with his mother, Karla Florence, who was the assistant principal at Arp Elementary at the time. She was arrested on charges of failure to report and making a false report to a peace officer. Records show that Karla Florence has not been indicted on any charges since her arrest.
Judge denies Amarillo ISD bid to dismiss seizure death lawsuit; trial set July 28
(KVII) A federal lawsuit filed against Amarillo ISD for the 2022 death of Jaxson Mendoza is headed to trial after a judge denied the district’s motion for summary judgment. The ruling by U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk clears the way for a jury trial scheduled to begin July 28. The lawsuit stems from August 24, 2022, when 14-year-old Mendoza suffered a prolonged seizure during a basketball warmup on the track at Amarillo High School.
National Science Foundation finds no violations in Texas A&M research security contract
(Houston Chronicle) The National Science Foundation found no violations in a major $17 million Texas A&M University contract that came under scrutiny when a key GOP leader alleged that the institution failed to protect other federally funded research from entities linked to the Chinese military.
Texas A&M University-San Antonio’s first doctoral program now accepting applications
(San Antonio Report) Texas A&M University-San Antonio’s first-ever doctoral program — the Doctor of Education Leadership — is fully vetted and ready to start welcoming applicants that will start classes this fall, officials announced this week.
Texas Southern University gets $300,000 grant for estate planning services for Houston neighborhood
(Houston Chronicle) The program will enable residents to more effectively handle property and estate matters.
HBCU Love: Jarvis Christian University Partnership Expands Educational Opportunities for Texas Youth
(Texas Metro News) Jarvis Christian University continues to advance its mission of expanding educational opportunity through a partnership with the Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD) that enables students in TJJD facilities to earn college credit while preparing for future academic and professional success.
More kids want schools specializing in trades, college and medicine. San Antonio’s largest districts deliver
(San Antonio Report) Families in San Antonio’s largest school districts want career and technical education programs, according to student application numbers for the upcoming 2026-27 school year. A review of the number of applications for magnets and other “choice” schools in San Antonio Independent School District, North East ISD and Northside ISD show preference for trade-based and early college programs, especially those with a focus on the medical field, science, technology, engineering and math or STEM.
Smart glasses give visually impaired Lighthouse East Texas campers new independence
(KTRE) Blind and visually impaired campers at East Texas Lighthouse are getting a new way to navigate the world, thanks to technology that can describe what’s around them. At this week’s East Texas Lighthouse camp for people who are blind or visually impaired, campers received Meta smart glasses that can assist with everyday tasks — from reading menus to finding signs — giving them more independence in real-world situations.
Texas Democrats leave convention united in effort to end GOP’s 30-year hold on Texas
(KUT) Texas Democrats spent their 3-day convention in Corpus Christi rallying party activists, training volunteers and making the case for Democratic policies and candidates across the state ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
Texas public schools are central to Gina Hinojosa’s bid for governor. Will voters care?
(Fort Worth Report) Fort Worth parents heard the Democrat’s anti-takeover case against Gov. Greg Abbott, but one wanted more clarity on school accountability.
Federal student loan changes are coming July 1. Here’s what’s changing
(San Antonio Report) The July 1 deadline is quickly approaching and there are some notable changes to how federal student loans are issued and repaid, under the Trump administration’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Nearly 4 million student loan borrowers live in Texas, with their total debt accounting for $132 billion of the more than $1.7 trillion total student loan debt in the United States, according to data from the Education Data Initiative.
Census: Texas leads the U.S. in having more kids, but the state’s fertility rate is still falling
(Texas Tribune) Texans are having more babies than the rest of the United States as the nation’s fertility rate declines, Census data released Thursday show. But the state’s fertility rate is falling, too.
June 26, 2026
Texas public virtual school with 12,000 students abruptly closes
(Houston Chronicle) Lone Star Online Academy promised students and staff they would stay open despite years of F-ratings and accreditation warnings. A few weeks later, the school’s parent (Roscoe Collegiate ISD) shut it down. The virtual school had been dragging down the rural district’s accountability rating after years of F-ratings and was threatening the district’s own accreditation.
Houston ISD passes $2 billion budget, with $25M deficit heading into 2026-27 school year
(Houston Chronicle) Houston ISD’s board of managers unanimously approved a $2 billion budget with an expected $24.6 million deficit in its general fund, paving the way for state-appointed Superintendent Mike Miles’ vision for a pay-for-performance teacher compensation system and AI-focused schools. The district’s deficit is smaller than other large Texas districts. Related:
Judson ISD board approves proposed budget cut plan amid projected $35 million deficit
(News4SA) The Judson ISD board unanimously approved a budget decreasing their budget shortfall from nearly $35 million to $6.1 million. The district decreased the budget deficit by closing 4 schools and eliminating 536 positions.
Beaumont ISD superintendent confronts low test scores, outlines turnaround plan
(KFDM) State-appointed Beaumont ISD Superintendent Sandi Massey told the school board that the district is facing “some difficult truth” as it works to improve low test scores and staffing shortages. “Hear truth. That’s difficult. And tonight you’re going to see some difficult truth,” Massey said as she addressed trustees.
El Paso County lost nearly 12,000 school-age children since 2020, census estimates show
(El Paso Matters) New Census Bureau estimates show El Paso County lost nearly 12,000 school-age children since 2020, driven by declining birth rates and more families moving away than arriving.
TEA conservator gives perspective on school districts’ financial challenges
(KTSM) Texas Education Agency conservator Michael Hinojosa, who has been providing oversight at the Socorro Independent School District since 2024, joined KTSM 9 News anchor Andy Morgan to talk about the overall health of the public school system in Texas, and when the TEA steps in to assist school districts. Hinojosa, who served as a superintendent for 27 years in Texas, points to numerous bad decisions, declining enrollment, and stagnant state funding as to why school district finances are in the red.
Arlington ISD launches new virtual school options this fall. Could it mean more students?
(Arlington Report) Arlington ISD will offer two new virtual options as a new state law removes barriers for Texas public schools.
Parents push for less testing, scripted learning at Fort Worth ISD-led listening sessions
(Fort Worth Star-Telegram) Among the most common answers to questions about what they want to see change, attendees at the first listening session mentioned using less scripted curriculum, giving teachers the freedom to teach the way they want, putting less focus on exams like the STAAR and MAP tests, and improving student skills such as literacy, communication, and critical thinking.
Kermit ISD approves outside investigation after parents allege abuse of special education students
(NewsWest9) Parents believe Kermit ISD’s initial probe into allegations of abuse of special education students was biased and incomplete.
Amarillo ISD Trustees take no action in Jaxson Mendoza case during special meeting
(KFDA) Amarillo ISD trustees met Thursday evening to discuss ongoing litigation involving the death of former Amarillo High School student Jaxson Mendoza. Mendoza died in 2022 after suffering a seizure while warming up on the Amarillo High School track. During the special meeting, trustees entered closed session with legal counsel to discuss the lawsuit. After returning to open session, the board took no action.
Booster club mother files federal lawsuit against Plano ISD
(Dallas Morning News) The suit alleges Plano ISD illegally took over a high school choir booster club and then had its officers falsely arrested.
Former Texas Tech professor, 4 others plead guilty to fentanyl trafficking
(EverythingLubbock) A former Texas Tech University professor and four others pleaded guilty Thursday for their roles in a fentanyl trafficking ring involving two variations of the drug known as “Ghost” and “Pink Flamingo,” according to federal court records. According to court documents, Daniel Taylor, 50, is being charged with conspiracy to distribute or possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of Fentanyl. Mackenzie Gilcrease, 28, Madelyn Gunn, 29, Alisha Red-Eagle, 21, and Marissa Lopez, 23, pleaded guilty.
Records: Edinburg CISD coach had sex with student at hotel on track meet trip
(ValleyCentral) An affidavit obtained by ValleyCentral reveals why a now-former Edinburg High School coach is accused of having an inappropriate relationship with a student. Christian Roxburgh of Edinburg was charged with having an inappropriate relationship between an educator and a student, a second-degree felony. The affidavit alleges that on Feb. 28, 2026, the student and Roxburgh had sexual intercourse at a hotel during an overnight trip for a track meet event in New Braunfels, Texas. The relationship continued during school hours in Roxburgh’s classroom, where the two allegedly engaged in inappropriate affectionate conduct.
Texas Tech student sued by TTU System over trademark infringement
(KCBD) A viral song inspired by field-rushing arrests now faces a legal challenge from the university.
After KUT chief’s firing, donors discuss future outside UT Austin
(Austin American-Statesman) Over the past five years, Lynne Dobson and her husband Greg Wooldridge have donated $2.5 million to KUT to bolster local journalism at Austin’s public radio station and help fund its inaugural community festival. A public dispute between the University of Texas, which has licensed the station for its entire 68-year existence, and KUT’s management led to the last-minute displacement of the May festival off campus and the firing of General Manager Debbie Hiott. Since then, the funders have begun questioning whether the station and UT should sever ties. “We are just concerned that the ability to do journalism the way it is intended to do, if that becomes compromised, there have to be other alternatives,” Wooldridge said. Related:
UT Arlington launches paid teacher residency program
(UT Arlington) The University of Texas at Arlington’s College of Education is launching a paid teaching residency program to transform how future educators are prepared for the classroom. To support the launch of the teaching residency program, the College of Education has been accepted into the US PREP Coalition, a network of more than 40 universities nationwide working to strengthen educator preparation programs. The college will also receive funding from the Fort Worth Education Partnership to begin designing the new program.
Palo Alto College launching new program to train youth on combating New World screwworm
(KIII) The program, at Palo Alto College in San Antonio, has already attracted attention from several local high schools, is expected to launch in August.
Examining family-centered solutions to San Antonio’s literacy crisis
(Texas Public Radio) Across San Antonio, schools and nonprofits are exploring how helping parents and children build literacy skills together can improve outcomes for both generations.
Expert offers security tips after cyberattack on Alamo Heights ISD
(Texas Public Radio) A global cybersecurity company has some advice for the 26,000 parents, students, and staff in the Alamo Heights school district after a cyberattack on sensitive information.
10 Dallas ISD Programs or Schools You Should Know About That Aren’t Magnet Schools
(D Magazine) This list is by no means exhaustive, which means one thing: You should check out more Dallas ISD schools.
A Fort Worth nonprofit is imagining a world where schools and businesses offer childcare
(KERA) Childcare is expensive. The Center for Transforming Lives in Fort Worth is trying to help.
Trump immigration policies fueled absenteeism uptick, research says
(K-12 Dive) Even a federal law enforcement vehicle parked a block and a half away were enough to impact attendance, an Annenberg researcher said.
Supreme Court undermines Temporary Protective Status program, putting 147,000 immigrants in Texas at risk of deportation
(Texas Public Radio) The Supreme Court ruled Thursday that the Trump administration can revoke Temporary Protected Status for immigrants from Haiti and Syria. The 6-to-3 ruling puts more than 1.3 million immigrants under TPS across the United States, including roughly 147,000 in Texas, at imminent risk of arrest and deportation.
Texas GOP calls for ban on transgender teachers, more healthcare restrictions
(Houston Chronicle) The Texas Republican Party added more anti-LGBTQ+ planks to its policy platform this month.
June 25, 2026
Texas Education Agency leader dodges questions about Bluebonnet curriculum mistakes
(Fox 4 KDFW) Education Commissioner Mike Morath on Wednesday declined to answer questions during a State Board of Education meeting about the Bluebonnet curriculum, which is expected to cost more than $8 million to correct thousands of errors found in the state-developed instructional materials. The Texas Education Agency says the vendor responsible for the mistakes has been fired. Critics, including some state board members, questioned how so many errors were approved and why taxpayers must cover the cost of reprinting, shipping, and disposing of flawed materials. The optional curriculum, which has drawn controversy for its inclusion of Bible-related content, is currently used in about one-quarter of Texas school districts.
What to know about the push to make Bible stories required reading in Texas public schools
(AP) A final vote by the Republican-controlled Texas State Board of Education on whether to approve the plan is set for Friday. Here’s what to know about the proposal and the broader fight over religion in public schools. Related:
Katy ISD Board Approves Pay Raises, Bonus Payments for Teachers and Staff
(Covering Katy News) Katy ISD trustees approved pay raises and bonus payments for employees Monday, even as the district projects a $15.7 million budget shortfall for the 2026-27 fiscal year.
Fort Worth ISD approves teacher raises, settlement for former superintendent
(NBC DFW) The state-appointed Fort Worth ISD board of managers approved the district’s budget for the upcoming school year during its Tuesday night meeting, including a 5% pay increase for classroom teachers and initiatives aimed at improving recruitment and retention at high-need schools. The board also approved a contract settlement for former Superintendent Karen Molinar. Under the agreement, Molinar will receive one year of pay and additional benefits. Molinar was named permanent superintendent by the previous school board before both she and the board were replaced during the state’s takeover of the district earlier this year.
School Closures Are Escalating Across Texas. ‘It’s Not a Local Failure.’
(Texas Observer) State funding and policy have fallen short, advocates say, and the consequences are not confined to your backyard.
SBOE Member Brandon Hall Calls For Investigation Of Arlington ISD Administrator
(Dallas Express) Texas State Board of Education member Brandon Hall (R-District 11) is calling for an investigation into an Arlington ISD administrator after public social media posts showed the administrator’s past participation in drag performances. As previously reported by The Dallas Express, public social media posts identify newly appointed Arlington ISD administrator Rylee Russell-Bruton with the drag name “Fauxbia” and show past participation in Dallas-Fort Worth drag competitions and events.
Texas SBOE Member Sends Legal Threats Over ‘Marxist’ Social Media Posts
(Dallas Express) Texas State Board of Education member Marisa Perez-Diaz has sent cease-and-desist letters to two fellow board members over social media posts that criticized her as a “Marxist” while sharing her public remarks and a photo tied to her work. Perez-Diaz represents SBOE District 3. She sent the June 23 letters to Brandon Hall of District 11 and Pickren of District 7.
San Antonio ISD board picks lone finalist from Houston as superintendent
(San Antonio Report) San Antonio Independent School District’s board named its pick for the district’s new leader on Wednesday night. The board named Adrian Bustillos, who currently works as chief transformation officer at Aldine ISD in Houston.
More than 26,000 impacted in ransomware incident reported by Alamo Heights ISD
(KENS) The names, Social Security numbers and medical information of more than 26,000 people were exposed as part of a data breach impacting Alamo Heights ISD. The San Antonio school district reported the breach to the office of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton on Monday, saying that those affected were in the process of being notified by mail. It’s unclear how much of the affected population are students, staff or faculty members with Alamo Heights ISD, which serves about 4,700 students.
Beaumont ISD shifts teacher pay toward performance model, ends traditional step raises
(KFDM) State appointed Beaumont ISD Superintendent Sandi Massey says the district is changing how it pays some teachers, moving away from traditional step increases and toward a performance-based model tied to evaluations and student results.
Public hearing held on Corpus Christi ISD permit application to drill 3 emergency water wells
(KRIS) Corpus Christi ISD is seeking approval to drill three water wells at district facilities as a precautionary measure in the event of a water emergency or severe city water restrictions.
Raymondville ISD police chief calls social media post false, investigation initiated
(myRGV) A story and photo posted on social media claiming a privately owned white Chevrolet Corvette was worked on in a Raymondville Independent School District maintenance shop posted on social media are a total fabrication, RISD Police Chief Oscar Gutierrez said last Friday. The photo of the car was apparently Photoshopped into a garage of some kind, but only part of the hydraulic lift shown in the photo can be seen, the rest is not visible, the police chief said. The online article is topped with Josephat Lozano’s byline and the title “Independent Investigative Journalist.”
18 years in prison, 25 years of supervised release for former Amarillo ISD Tascosa High School wrestling coach
(KFDA) Former Amarillo ISD Tascosa High School wrestling coach Nicholas Jade Herrmann will spend 18 years in federal prison. Following his release from prison, Herrmann will serve 25 years of supervised release. A federal grand jury indicted him on a charge of enticement of a minor in May 2025. He entered his guilty plea in January.
Former Edinburg CISD coach arrested for inappropriate relationship with a student
(myRGV) A former Edinburg school district coach was arrested Wednesday on a charge of inappropriate relationship between an educator and a student. In a news release, the district said Christian Roxburgh surrendered to the district’s police department. No information on the allegations were released. Edinburg CISD cited an investigation, saying it is limited on what information it can release.
Ex-El Paso soldier pleads guilty; used AI to make child porn with photos of kids he knew
(KFOX) A former El Paso soldier pleaded guilty to child porn charges, including using AI to create pornography using innocent images of children he knew personally. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, on Wednesday, former Army soldier Seth Herrera, 36, pleaded guilty to child exploitation crimes he committed while living in El Paso and then moving to Alaska.
The Last Safe Haven for DEI in Texas Higher Ed?
(Dallas Observer) As programs focused on cultural diversity and inclusion are eliminated throughout Texas, there is a corner of higher education that remains a safe haven for DEI: accredited social work programs.
Dallas College unveils plans, names developer for new downtown El Centro campus
(Dallas Morning News) Dallas College has chosen Matthews Development, a firm that has led several large projects in Dallas, to oversee its planned $500 million campus and mixed-use development downtown. The 800,000-square-foot project will significantly expand the school’s three-acre campus into a “knowledge district” along the Austin Street corridor. The development will house an all-new El Centro campus, administrative offices and training centers to foster collaboration between academia and industry.
Our Lady of the Lake University closes its Center for Mexican American Studies and Research, leaders say shift expands access
(San Antonio Report) Collections that once belonged to the school’s Center for Mexican American Studies and Research will be reshuffled among different departments at Our Lady of the Lake University, a Hispanic serving institution on San Antonio’s West Side.
Will Texas’ new top voting official be a ‘disruptor’? Locals are preparing for it
(Texas Public Radio) Just months ahead of closely contested midterm elections, Texas is about to get a new top voting official. Many locals fear the frontrunner is a 34-year-old conservative state lawmaker and pastor with no election administration experience.
Photos alleging mold at Yoakum ISD spark concerns
(Crossroads Today) The district has not yet responded to questions about the reported issue or potential impact on students and staff.
A Mammoth Expansion For Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
(Houston Press) A new multi-million dollar complex nearby will “complement” not “replace” existing operations, officials say.
Camp Mystic files for bankruptcy, attorney for victim’s families call move a ‘delay of accountability’
(KENS) Camp Mystic’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing will pause litigation over the 2025 flood tragedy, sparking outrage from the families of flood victims.
North Texas foundation dedicates $10 million to education initiatives
(Dallas Morning News) The Communities Foundation of Texas awarded a string of grants to Dallas-area nonprofits to re-engage disconnected youth and promote responsible AI use in classrooms.
Maternal healthcare ‘deserts’ leave thousands of Texas women to their own devices
(Texas Standard) Cash-strapped rural hospitals in East Texas and beyond are closing their labor-and-delivery units.
June 24, 2026
More Bible stories for public schools given initial approval by Texas education board
(Texas Tribune) The majority-Republican State Board of Education granted preliminary approval Tuesday afternoon to a reading list for all public schools that includes teaching Christian stories. The board members then began debating a rewrite of Texas’ social studies lessons, with an initial vote expected on those proposed changes upon conclusion. Final votes on the two proposals are expected Friday.
Facing state probe and infighting, Judson ISD names a new leader for 4th time this year
(San Antonio Report) Amidst a state investigation and board infighting, Judson Independent School District named a new interim leader. On Tuesday, the board chose Ann Dixon, a longtime educator and familiar face at Judson, in a 6-1 vote. Once the superintendent of Somerset ISD, Dixon has served as interim at more than 20 other districts in Texas, including Judson at one point. Related:
North East ISD passes budget as voucher projections cloud financial outlook
(San Antonio Express-News) North East Independent School District could lose up to $8 million if the nearly 2,000 students living in district boundaries who were awarded private school vouchers take part in the program this fall. Last week, school board trustees learned more about the projected impact of vouchers on the district’s financial outlook before passing a nearly $564 million budget for the upcoming academic year. District officials estimated NEISD will end the 2025-26 school year with a shortfall of just over $17 million.
El Paso ISD eyes up to $450 million bond election, outlines $1 billion in long-term needs
(El Paso Matters) The El Paso ISD board in August may vote whether to call for the bond election in November. If approved, the bond would be used to upgrade outdated air-conditioning systems and address decades of deferred maintenance.
Fort Worth ISD’s first takeover budget prioritizes academic achievement, leaders say
(Fort Worth Report) Fort Worth ISD’s board of managers approved a nearly $1.1 billion Fort Worth ISD budget that leaders say will drive academic improvements despite shortfall spike.
TEA retroactively approved certification waiver for Houston ISD’s Mike Miles on last day of school year
(Houston Chronicle) Houston ISD waited nearly a full school year to seek a state waiver, allowing appointed Superintendent Mike Miles to lead the district for 11 months without a required superintendent certification, state records show, even after the district’s state-appointed board authorized administrators to apply for one the previous June. The Texas Education Agency approved the waiver on June 4, the last day of the 2025-2026 school year, making it retroactive to cover the months Miles had already served without an active certification or a waiver. The new waiver covers three school years, starting with the 2025-26 school year.
Waco ISD aims to retain teachers, staff with pay plan
(Waco Bridge) Waco Independent School District will tap into funds from the recent Indian Spring Middle School sale to help boost teacher and staff compensation by $4.8 million in the coming school year.
Former ILTexas charter teacher’s sexual assault case dismissed in Brazos County
(KBTX) Prosecutors say newly obtained information left them without enough admissible evidence to prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt, leading to the dismissal of the 2024 charge. Jose Hernandez Grimaldo was arrested in May 2024 after being accused of sexually assaulting a student inside a restroom at the IL campus on Longmire Drive in College Station. He was fired following his arrest.
Texas Doc Hit With $89M ‘Free’ Heart Test Rap Targeting College Athletes
(Hoodline) Federal prosecutors say a Texas physician turned college athletes’ health fears into a multimillion-dollar business, using “free” heart screenings as the front for an $89 million billing scheme that skipped proper medical review and allegedly missed signs that later preceded a patient’s death. A federal grand jury on Tuesday indicted 53-year-old Jason Finkelstein in a case that prosecutors say ran from 2019 through the end of 2025, targeting student-athletes whose schools signed on for mass cardiovascular screenings.
Stephen F. Austin State University growth fueled by new investments, enrollment gains and entrepreneurship center
(CBS 19) Stephen F. Austin State University is seeing record summer enrollment since joining the UT system, sparking campus growth with new facilities and initiatives to attract more students this fall.
Southwest University to launch teacher preparation program amid El Paso schools’ enrollment decline
(El Paso Matters) New bachelor’s degree programs target nontraditional students as educators debate what to do about teacher shortages and Texas preparation quality.
Houston City College to launch trade program with $17M investment from Bloomberg Philanthropies
(Community Impact) Houston City College has received a $17 million investment from Bloomberg Philanthropies to launch Gulf Coast TradeUp Careers, a program aimed at providing free training in skilled trades and connecting students with paid apprenticeship opportunities.
First cohort of Texas State Technical College data center operators graduates
(Waco Tribune-Herald) Texas State Technical College in Abilene honored its first cohort of 12 Big Country residents Thursday during a graduation ceremony for the newly established Mechanical, Electrical and Information (MEI) Data Center Operator program.
This Fort Worth program is finding dyslexia in kids whom school districts missed
(Fort Worth Star-Telegram) Literacy Roundup, a partnership between Fort Worth and the Sid W. Richardson Foundation, is holding dyslexia screenings across the city.
Older adults with dyslexia learn to read decades after leaving Houston schools
(Houston Chronicle) Houston adults with dyslexia learn to read at Neuhaus Education Center amid a worsening literacy crisis. Their goals are simple: read with grandkids, study the Bible and move past a lifelong barrier.
Big Sandy ISD teacher builds healthcare program from tragedy
(KLTV) Big Sandy teacher built a healthcare program from scratch out of one of the hardest moments of her life. Now, that program is about to reach a major milestone. Kimberly Ward-Fields came to Big Sandy High School as a post-COVID nurse after losing her husband Arthur to COVID-19 on August 29, 2021.
When Texas Sixth Graders Study Neuroscienace
(Issues in Science and Technology) Baylor College of Medicine in Houston is partnering with Texas school districts to create K–12 health science programs that prepare students for careers, meet workforce needs, and increase health literacy.
Dallas ISD To Launch Universal Student ID Badge System
(Dallas Express) The new badges will be issued to all students and produced directly on individual campuses using a standardized district-wide design. While the badges will share a consistent appearance throughout the district, each school’s mascot will be incorporated into the design.
New report shows affordable childcare is hard to find in Texas
(KERA) More than half of Texas counties are considered childcare deserts, and according to a new report from the Texas Women’s Foundation, the lack of access to childcare is hurting the state’s economy.
Insurance: Texas School Districts – One Statute Says YES, Another Says NO
(RiskManagers.us) Sec. 1501.009 of the TEXAS INSURANCE CODE stipulates an independent school district may elect to participate as a small employer without regard to the number of employees in the district. Is it a Dead Letter statute? The answer is yes. Sec. 1501.009 of the TEXAS INSURANCE CODE has been superseded by Texas Education Code Section 22.004 which imposes requirements that small‑group plans cannot meet. Carriers will not provide small group quotes to school districts. Most Texas school districts don’t know this.
City of Amarillo just happens to find an extra $43 million sitting in the bank: What happens now?
(High Plains Pundit) The City of Amarillo’s recent discovery of tens of millions of dollars in previously unspent Capital Improvement Program (CIP) funds has sparked an important conversation about transparency, accountability, and financial oversight at City Hall. Some of the money had reportedly remained untouched for years because completed projects were never formally closed out within the city’s accounting system.
June 23, 2026
Texas board hears heated testimony on social studies standards as final vote nears
(Dallas Morning News) Dozens of speakers called on the Texas State Board of Education to move forward with a set of revised social studies standards during testimony that began Monday afternoon and stretched well into the night. Dozens more asked the board to amend the standards to give more attention to certain cultures or chapters in history.
SBOE Considers Removing ‘Entrepreneurship’ and Reframing ‘Free Enterprise’ in Financial Literacy Course
(Texas Scorecard) A California nonprofit co-founded by a Democrat donor stands ready to flood Texas high schools with its free curriculum.
How Three Texas Districts Claimed 50,000 Students and $432 Million a Year
(Open Data) Three Texas districts now enroll 50,000 virtual students and draw $432 million a year in state aid. The mechanism: contracted virtual academies that dilute per-pupil property wealth below the recapture threshold, turning small towns into some of the state’s largest per-capita aid recipients. Fort Stockton, Roscoe, and Hallsville are three small Texas towns with a combined population of about 13,000. Together, their school districts officially enroll more than 50,000 students. None of them built a new school.
Gov. Abbott orders Texas agencies to expand trade and workforce training
(Fox 7 Austin) Gov. Greg Abbott ordered four Texas agencies to immediately expand workforce training, apprenticeships, and trade education programs. The directives affect the Texas Workforce Commission, Texas Education Agency, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.
Cy-Fair budget deficit grows to $80 million as district weighs tax rate election
(Houston Chronicle) Trustees for Cypress-Fairbanks ISD approved a $1.25 billion budget for the coming school year with an $80 million deficit – $13 million more than what was previously projected.
Lumberton ISD opens transfers to out-of-district students for a fee, drawing mixed reviews
(KFDM) A new transfer policy in Lumberton ISD is drawing mixed reactions as the district looks for new revenue amid declining enrollment and budget pressures. Lumberton ISD recently approved a transfer program that allows students who live outside district boundaries to enroll for a fee of $3,000.
Student support program scaling back at 25 Austin ISD campuses after budget cuts
(KVUE) Nonprofit Communities In Schools said it will no longer provide services at 25 Austin ISD campuses next school year after changes in the district’s approved budget.
Are Texas’ five largest school districts still growing under statewide enrollment loss?
(San Antonio Express-News) Three of the state’s largest districts in Houston, Dallas and San Antonio are reeling from plunging enrollment. Meanwhile, two large Houston-area districts that have historically enjoyed growth from new development are adjusting to changes in enrollment trends, according to news reports and the districts’ own estimates.
Alleged board failures trigger TEA investigation into Judson ISD
(San Antonio Express-News) After months of infighting on the Judson Independent School District board, the Texas Education Agency has launched a special investigation into alleged board governance failings and whether the district failed to report child abuse to the appropriate authorities. Allegations center largely on transparency, procedural concerns and student safety issues, Richard Segovia, TEA’s director of special investigations, wrote to the district on June 8.
Texas lawmakers consider limits on private messages between teachers and students
(CBS Austin) Texas lawmakers are looking at whether the state should set stricter rules for how teachers communicate with students, including limits on private texts, social media messages, personal emails and other one-on-one communication.
High-profile attorneys join Karmelo Anthony appeal effort
(NBC DFW) A high-profile legal team announced Monday that it will represent Karmelo Anthony as he appeals his murder conviction and 35-year prison sentence in the death of Frisco teenager Austin Metcalf. In a news release issued by Stand with Karmelo, six attorneys from North Texas and Austin said they will represent Anthony pro bono while conducting what they described as a fresh and independent review of the trial record.
AFFIDAVIT: Hardin-Jefferson ISD coach/teacher picked up teenage girl multiple times to have sex in pickup truck
(KFDM) A now former Hardin-Jefferson ISD coach and teacher picked up a 16-year-old HJISD student multiple times and drove her to a gas station/convenience store where they had sex in his pickup truck, according to details of a probable cause affidavit KFDM obtained from Magistrate Marc DeRouen for the arrest of Derek Peveto, 46.
Former Amarillo ISD middle school teacher charged with indecency takes plea deal for probation
(KFDA) Clark Inskeep, a former Amarillo ISD Austin Middle School teacher, accepted a plea deal just days before his scheduled trial on five counts of indecency with a child by sexual contact. Prosecutors agreed to reduce the charges to five counts of indecent assault, a Class A misdemeanor, after consulting with the victims, who wanted to avoid a jury trial. Inskeep was sentenced to two years of deferred adjudication probation, must undergo assessments, provide a DNA sample, have no contact with the victims, and pay court-ordered fees. He had originally faced second-degree felony charges stemming from allegations that he touched the breasts of three students on five occasions in 2021.
$250K bond set for Laguna Little Miss Kickball coach charged with child grooming
(KIII) Newly released court records outline the investigation that led to child grooming and online solicitation charges against Harry Grabowske.
Former Refugio ISD coach charged after alleged Victoria shooting incident
(Refugio County Press) Former Refugio ISD coach Richard Vernon Mascorro III, 27, has been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, evading arrest or detention and unlawfully carrying a weapon following an alleged Memorial Day incident in Victoria, according to a complaint filed by the Victoria Police Department and released by the Victoria County Sheriff’s Office in response to a public records request.
Pasadena ISD sees early academic improvements from dual-language instruction
(Houston Chronicle) A new language program for non-native English-speaking students at Pasadena ISD elementary schools is proving to help students improve academically, researchers said.
Lockhart ISD has reshaped the way its schools run. Students scores have climbed
(San Antonio Express-News) Lockhart ISD revamped campus leadership by giving teachers more say over professional development and day-to-day coaching. The district says the model led to student growth.
Nation’s first girls flag football school to open in Texas with help of former NFL star
(USA Today) Texas Sports Academy will be opening the nation’s first girls flag football school this fall, it announced Tuesday, June 16. The school will operate out of the Elite Performance Training facility in Frisco, Tex., about 30 minutes north of Dallas, and will welcome approximately 20 girls in grades 6 to 12 for its first year. Applications for this fall are now open. Related:
UT San Antonio earns final accreditation after merging with UT Health San Antonio
(San Antonio Report) This month, the University of Texas at San Antonio received the final approval validating its accreditation status after merging with the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.
With $10M boost, TCU launches institution that can study athletes, workers — and dogs
(Fort Worth Report) TCU’s new Roach Institute of Athlete Engineering, an interdisciplinary research hub the university launched Tuesday with a $10 million gift from The Roach Foundation of Fort Worth, will study how people perform, move, recover and stay safe under pressure. Researchers’ work will include studying “traditional” athletes, such as football and soccer players; “tactical” athletes such as military forces, police and firefighters; and “industrial” athletes in fields such as manufacturing, oil, construction and transportation.
Waste Watch: Lamar State College audits reveal missing laptops, record-keeping failures
(KFDM) A new state audit found asset management and record-keeping problems at Lamar Institute of Technology and Lamar State College-Port Arthur, while Lamar State College-Orange largely complied with state requirements for tracking and safeguarding taxpayer-funded property.
When Hill Country town lost its newspaper, students stepped in to fill the void
(San Antonio Express-News) Texas A&M University-San Antonio journalism professor Teresa Telerico and her students are working to make sure Castroville doesn’t become a news desert.
Q&A: Meet the UT San Antonio dean working to apply AI to everyday life
(San Antonio Report) This spring UT San Antonio welcomed its founding dean of the College of AI, Cyber and Computing, Jinjun Xiong, who hopes to lead the college toward collaboration with local industry and discoveries that help meet society’s needs. UT San Antonio’s College of AI, Cyber and Computing was inaugurated in September 2025 and is located in the Downtown Campus’ San Pedro I building. It houses a wide array of degree programs — including artificial intelligence, computer engineering, cybersecurity and more.
Texas Supreme Court: Texas can’t claim immunity from repurchase claims
(Center Square) The state can’t take someone’s land, decide not to use it then claim governmental immunity once the former owner sues to repurchase the property, according to the Texas Supreme Court.
‘What happens in Texas does not stay in Texas’: Professors’ group to investigate UNT, other colleges
(KERA) The American Association of University Professors launched an inquiry committee to investigate Texas colleges they say have enabled attacks on academic freedom. The University of North Texas is among them.
Humble ISD votes to reduce size of district’s school library advisory council
(Community Impact) Humble ISD trustees approved a change to the district’s school library advisory council that will reduce the number of members from 21 to a minimum of seven.
After a tornado, here’s how Dallas ISD rebuilt Walnut Hill from scratch
(KERA) After a 2019 tornado leveled Walnut Hill Elementary School, Dallas ISD leaders decided to combine it with a nearby middle school – and rebuild the campus to compete for students.
These children were sold for sex. Then the system failed them again
(Dallas Morning News) A Dallas Morning News investigation into child sex trafficking cases reveals that Dallas-Fort Worth has the most uncompensated victims in the nation.
June 22, 2026
Which Bible passages are in Texas’ proposed student reading list? Here’s what the selections reveal
(Texas Tribune) The chosen readings, to be voted on soon by the State Board of Education, draw heavily from Christian perspectives.
Texas school districts are struggling to balance their budgets. Who is responsible?
(CBS Austin) As a number of Texas school boards move to approve budgets for the upcoming school year, many are having to make sacrifices. The extent, however, varies widely, even between neighboring districts.
El Paso ISD adopts budget, shrinks projected deficit from $37M to $4.3M
(KFOX) After months of financial uncertainty and difficult conversations, the El Paso Independent School District board of trustees approved a budget and spending plan for the 2026-27 school year that district leaders say puts EPISD on a more stable path. Officials said the district cut 851 jobs.
Ysleta ISD nearly depletes savings under adopted budget, avoids layoffs for now
(El Paso Matters) The Ysleta Independent School District Board of Trustees adopted a budget Wednesday, June 17, for the 2026-27 school year that nearly depletes its savings and increases employees’ health insurance costs without pay raises. The budget includes a deficit of just over $12 million, which will eat much of the current $16.5 million fund balance. Related:
Austin ISD approves budget, preserves full-time librarians at every campus
(KXAN) Austin ISD trustees approved a budget Thursday night aimed at addressing a projected $181 million deficit for the 2026-27 school year. The budget includes nearly $186 million in spending reductions as district leaders work to stabilize finances amid declining enrollment, falling property values and a lack of state funding.
Socorro ISD approves balanced budget, state conservator delays departure over special education data reporting
(El Paso Matters) Socorro ISD approved a balanced budget with a small surplus as state oversight may continue and district leaders plan to rebuild depleted reserves. Related:
Bryan ISD approves balanced 2026-27 budget amid enrollment, funding challenges
(Community Impact) Bryan ISD trustees approved a balanced $186.5 million operating budget for the 2026-27 school year during their June 15 meeting, despite ongoing challenges tied to declining enrollment, stagnant state funding and rising costs.
Arlington ISD trustees adopt nearly $60M budget shortfall amid declining enrollment
(Arlington Report) Arlington ISD will face a nearly $60 million shortfall next year despite a staff reorganization and no raises for employees. Related:
- Arlington ISD moves 6th grade to junior high level despite parent concerns (Arlington Report)
A $1.4M budget shortfall won’t stop Lake Worth ISD’s turnaround, state appointed leaders say
(Fort Worth Report) The board of managers on Wednesday unanimously approved a 2026-27 budget with a projected $1.4 million general fund shortfall. Superintendent Ena Meyers presented the shortfall as a planned investment in Lake Worth’s academic turnaround, including new lesson plans, teacher support and staffing changes.
Conroe ISD reviews rising costs, decentralization plan for special education department
(Community Impact) Conroe ISD is preparing the next steps of its decentralization plan amid rising costs in its special education department.
Fort Bend ISD approves fiscal year 2026-27 budget with $32.8M shortfall
(Community Impact) At a June 15 meeting, the Fort Bend ISD board of trustees voted unanimously to approve the FY 2026-27 budget with a $32.8 million shortfall, which was initially predicted at $26.2 million last summer and rose as high as $56.4 million in February. The budget includes a compensation plan with targeted investments designed to attract, retain and reward educators and support staff, district officials announced in a June 16 news release.
‘Drum roll’: Keller ISD ’26-27 spending plan closes $12M shortfall
(Fort Worth Report) The Keller ISD finance department presented an optimistic 2026-27 budget to school trustees at their June 11 meeting: a spending plan that would close a looming $12 million shortfall and even produce a small surplus. Finance staffers propose to erase the projected deficit by leaving open positions unfilled; reducing department budgets; and drawing down a reserve fund for workers’ compensation. Expenditures for facilities and buildings remain intact — and employees will get a small pay increase.
San Elizario ISD to close 2 elementary schools, reorganize grade levels
(KVIA) The San Elizario Independent School District Board of Trustees approved closing two of its elementary schools, Superintendent Jeannie Meza-Chavez confirmed with ABC-7 Tuesday. In a letter Meza-Chavez sent to faculty and staff, she said the district’s decision to close the campuses and reorganize grade levels is because of statewide enrollment declining, increasing costs and limited funding.
Houston-area districts closed 26 schools over the past year. Here’s a look
(Houston Chronicle) District leaders in Aldine, Fort Bend, Houston and other ISDs have pointed to aging facilities, budget gaps and under-enrolled campuses as reasons for the closures.
After academic decline, Edgewood ISD changes who runs three schools
(San Antonio Express-News) Edgewood ISD will resume control of three campuses that a nonprofit and university ran for several years. The schools have recently struggled to perform academically. Edgewood trustees voted to terminate the district’s partnerships with the nonprofit Texas Council for International Studies, which runs Las Palmas and Cisneros, and Texas A&M University-San Antonio’s Institute for School and Community Partnerships, which runs Garcia.
College Station ISD votes to change employee health insurance, citing rising costs with current provider
(Community Impact) College Station ISD board members voted June 16 in favor of changing the employee health insurance benefits and plan from Blue Cross Blue Shield to Baylor Scott & White for the 2026-27 school year. Data presented at the meeting showed the overall rate of the Blue Cross Blue Shield plan increased 27.9% from the previous year, with an overall increase of 47.1% over the last three years.
Judson ISD interim leader steps down after 5 months on the job
(San Antonio Report) After arriving at a troubled Judson Independent School District five months ago, Interim Superintendent Robert Jaklich is stepping down. Jaklich is the third person tapped to lead the district on a temporary basis after the board pushed out Superintendent Milton Fields in a bitter months-long saga where board members accused him of financial mismanagement, harassment and failure to disclose knowledge of alleged abuse.
TEA closes investigation into outgoing San Antonio ISD superintendent, says allegations were ‘unsubstantiated’
(KSAT) The Texas Education Agency is no longer investigating San Antonio Independent School District’s outgoing superintendent after he was accused of failing to report educator misconduct, according to a letter from the agency shared with KSAT Investigates. The district and superintendent Jaime Aquino received the letter one day after the TEA confirmed to KSAT it had opened an investigation earlier this month. Related:
Reassigned Muslim Fort Worth ISD educator sues, wants principal job back
(Fort Worth Report) Shayma Alzubi, the Muslim educator reassigned from her role as Western Hills High School principal after online backlash over her past social media posts, is suing Fort Worth ISD in federal court. The June 18 federal lawsuit alleges the FWISD violated Alzubi’s First Amendment guarantee of free speech and 14th Amendment equal protection rights after announcing her promotion.
Uvalde school shooting: Former district police chief gets 2027 court date
(Fox 7 Austin) The court date set for former Uvalde CISD police chief Pete Arredondo is set to begin on Feb. 22, 2027, according to his attorney’s office. Arrendondo faces 10 counts of abandoning or endangering a child. He was indicted in June 2024 and pled not guilty in July 2024.
Newly released video captures the aftermath of a fatal teen stabbing at a Texas track meet
(AP) Newly released video from an officer’s body camera and a surveillance camera at a Texas running track captures the moments after a teenage athlete fatally stabbed another teen from a rival team in the stadium bleachers during a high school meet last year.
Wylie ISD East High School Assistant Principal Faces New Federal Child Exploitation Charges
(Dallas Express) Federal prosecutors announced that Zachary Christian Neu, 32, of Richardson, has been indicted on two counts of enticement of a minor. The federal indictment comes weeks after Neu was arrested by the Wylie Police Department and charged with solicitation of prostitution of a person younger than 18 and improper relationship between an educator and a student, both second-degree felonies under Texas law.
Lubbock man accused of taking girl from school indicted on indecency charge
(Lubbock Avalanche-Journal) A Lubbock County grand jury indicted Arthur Soto, 39, with a second-degree felony count of indecency with a child by sexual contact. His charges stem from a Lubbock police investigation that began on April 16 after Lubbock ISD police officers received a report that a student at Roberts Elementary School was sexually abused by Soto after he had taken her out of school for a doctor’s appointment, according to a probable cause affidavit. Investigators found video from the school’s security cameras that showed Soto, who was a “friend of the family” taking the girl from school.
Affidavit: Former West ISD teacher/coach accused of exchanging nude images with student
(KWTX) The McLennan County Sheriff’s Office arrested a former West ISD teacher and coach on June 17 as it investigates allegations of an improper relationship involving the educator and a student. Dylan Goforth, 34, was arrested as a result of an investigation that began in January 2026, according to the sheriff’s office.
Alice ISD cooperating in probe of Schallert PTA president
(KRIS) The district says a financial institution first raised concerns about the Schallert PTA’s accounts, prompting an immediate report to Alice police.
Video released of girl’s arrest at Killeen middle school. ‘You had no right to manhandle my daughter’ says mom
(KDH News) The Texas Education Agency determined last month that a Killeen ISD police officer and employee were involved in an incident in which a “prohibited aversive technique” was used during the arrest of a middle school student. The district has since released the body-cam footage of the arrest to the mother, who shared it with with KDH News. “You had no right to manhandle my daughter,” KISD parent Keneshea Williams said. “I don’t care what nobody says. At the end of the day, you had no right to do her like that.”
Krum ISD Places Softball Coach On Leave Following Family Violence Arrest
(Dallas Express) Krum ISD has placed Krum High School head softball coach and teacher Mitchell Davis on administrative leave after his arrest on family violence-related charges, district officials said.
Trump ramps up Education Department’s dismantling with changes on special education and civil rights
(AP) The Department of Justice will take on enforcement of civil rights in education, while the Department of Health and Human Services will oversee special education, administration officials announced. With those moves, the Education Department has now carved away the vast majority of its functions for other agencies to handle.
Texas college watchdog received nearly 70 complaints, opened one investigation, records show
(Texas Tribune) Allegations filed in the first five months of the new ombudsman’s work challenged course content, DEI, academic freedom and employment disputes.
Records challenge UT-Austin’s allegations against fired KUT leader
(Texas Tribune) The university fired General Manager Debbie Hiott on Monday citing “oversight and management of planning” for the public radio station’s inaugural festival.
UIL issues public reprimands and probations to Progreso ISD High School, coaches
(ValleyCentral) For the second straight year, the UIL issued public reprimands to Progreso High School. The UIL added two years of probation to Progreso High School, which is already one year into serving a two year probation for rule violations in 2025. That ruling came just minutes before the Red Ants boy’s soccer team’s semifinal match against Salado, which resulted in a Progreso forfeit. In addition to the school, the UIL served four Progreso coaches with public reprimands. The rulings all stem from a series of ineligible players either competing without a previous athletic participation form on file or due to a clerical error that led to a misclassification spanning from 2022 to 2025.
Hays CISD moves forward with affordable housing community for staff
(KXAN) Hays Consolidated Independent School District leaders have partnered with Upward Communities to offer affordable rental homes in Uhland. “Hays ISD will be the largest privately funded teacher housing initiative in the United States,” said Jason Roberts, Founder and CEO of Upward Communities.
Breach exposes data of 3 million Texas hunting and fishing license holders, officials say
(CBS Texas) More than 3 million Texans are being offered free credit monitoring after a cybersecurity incident exposed driver’s license and contact information from the state’s hunting and fishing license system, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department officials said.
Flu outbreak among Air Force recruits at Joint Base San Antonio after Hegseth ends mandatory flu vaccine
(ABC News) The basic training facility for the Air Force in San Antonio, Texas, is experiencing a flu outbreak following the end of mandatory vaccination for all service members.
June 12, 2026
Fort Worth ISD hit hard by principal turnover following TEA takeover of district
(Fort Worth Star-Telegram) The Fort Worth school district’s state-appointed leadership has named new leaders of more than 30 campuses in recent weeks and months.
Austin ISD fund balance falls to 10% as district considers cuts, possible loan
(KXAN) Austin ISD officials said Thursday in an email to KXAN that the district’s savings account has dropped to a critical level as leaders prepare to adopt a budget that will require significant cuts. District officials said that level is half of what the board has traditionally required, though trustees voted earlier this year to amend the reserve target from 20%. Austin ISD also expects it may need to take out a loan as early as September to meet payroll obligations. Related:
Houston ISD delays $2B budget vote. Here’s how much HISD will spend per student
(Houston Chronicle) Houston ISD’s appointed board of managers delayed voting on a $2 billion budget Thursday, moving the measure to a special meeting on June 25, five days before the end of the fiscal year. HISD is bracing to lose about $50 million in revenue due to a projected enrollment decline of 4,000 students and will eliminate 300 positions in its central office at the end of the year. HISD estimates that nearly 63,400 students will attend campuses in its New Education System (NES) reform model and plans to allocate $8,459 per student on average. It will allocate $2,194 less to students outside NES, or an average of $6,265 per student, according to a Thursday presentation.
El Paso ISD employees targeted for layoffs receive notices, union leaders warn against resigning voluntarily
(El Paso Matters) El Paso ISD has begun notifying employees that they may be laid off. Union leaders are warning them that resigning voluntarily could put their unemployment benefits at risk.
Texas School Districts Following Trend to Prevent TEA Takeover
(KWKT) Many Texas districts teetering on the edge of a TEA takeover are now looking to Third Future Schools to fix their failing campuses. Killeen ISD is the latest district to partner with Third Future Schools, a public charter school organization, to save a failing campus before the TEA steps in. Related:
Waco ISD is sitting on $32 million from a school sale. Some see a war chest for hiring top teachers
(Waco Bridge) As school districts face tough decisions amid budget deficits, Waco ISD trustees hope to make the most of the $32.2 million sale of the former Indian Spring Middle School. Board president Angelo Ochoa is proposing setting aside most of that windfall for a permanent endowment fund to help recruit and retain educators.
Denton ISD projects $325K budget surplus for FY 2026-27
(Community Impact) Denton ISD officials project a roughly $325,000 surplus for fiscal year 2026-27 following board approval of next fiscal year’s general fund at a June 9 board meeting. The budget projects the district collecting nearly $380.34 million in revenue and spending more than $380.01 million in expenditures with a property tax rate of $1.1922 per $100 of valuation.
‘Not a lot of wiggle room’: Humble ISD adopts budget with $600,000 surplus for next school year
(Houston Chronicle) Humble ISD’s board of trustees approved a budget for the 2026-27 school year Tuesday that projects a nearly $600,000 budget surplus and includes teacher and staff pay raises. “There’s not a lot of wiggle room here going forward,” Chief Financial Officer Billy Beattie said. “But we’re not going to give up on looking for additional revenue and ways to lower costs, so we’ll do everything we possibly can to control it and not be a hundred percent dependent on the state when they meet for the next legislative session.”
Mansfield ISD Says Board President Eligible After Residency Review
(Dallas Express) Mansfield ISD says Board President Jandel Crutchfield is legally eligible to serve after an independent review found she has been a district resident since at least 2018.
School Nurse Conference brings in hundreds to Temple
(KWKT) Hundreds of school nurses are in Temple this week for Baylor Scott & White McLane Children’s Medical Center School nurse conference.
Social media influencer Jake Lang Held On $1M Bond After Karmelo Anthony Sentencing
(Dallas Express) North Texas authorities arrested social media influencer Jake Lang on a felony terroristic threat charge the same day he appeared outside the Collin County courthouse during proceedings tied to Karmelo Anthony’s murder conviction and sentencing.
Viral Video Of Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD Boswell High Lesbian Teacher Sparks Backlash In Texas
(Dallas Express) A Boswell High School teacher is facing criticism after a social media video discussing her sexual orientation circulated online.
Dallas County loses $1.63 billion a year as childcare costs sideline workers
(Dallas Morning News) Dallas County families lose an estimated $1.63 billion in earnings each year because thousands of mothers with young children remain sidelined from the workforce by childcare barriers, according to a new report released Tuesday. The news comes as Dallas County leaders debate a proposal to expand public investment in childcare.
Mariachi music teacher gets life without parole in child sex abuse case
(News4SA) A man convicted of sexually abusing multiple children has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. A jury found 71-year-old Joe Suarez Jr. guilty of Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child and Indecency with a Child after hearing testimony from victims and witnesses during a four-day trial. He was sentenced to two consecutive 20-year prison sentences, the maximum punishment allowed under Texas law. The allegations first surfaced in 2016 when a child disclosed sexual abuse. Two additional victims later came forward, saying Suarez had also abused them.
Trinity University Press staff will join relaunched Texas Monthly Press
(San Antonio Express-News) On Thursday, Trinity University announced that Trinity University Press employees will be hired in similar roles by the soon-to-be-relaunched Texas Monthly Press, according to an email from Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Megan Mustain.
Texas AG warns Big 12 could face legal action if league pursues actions against Tech over Sorsby
(NBC DFW) The Texas attorney general’s office warned the Big 12 on Thursday of potential legal action from Texas Tech as the conference considers what to do after quarterback Brendan Sorsby won a court order restoring his eligibility and setting aside his ban by the NCAA for gambling on pro and college sports.
Texans, Food Banks Struggle With SNAP Cuts
(Austin Chronicle) Stricter work requirements cause hardship.
$65M affordable housing complex with learning lab opens in East Fort Worth
(Fort Worth Report) The new Palladium City Skyline apartment complex features a free learning lab for students who live at the east Fort Worth site.
BusRight Proudly Honors Texas Special Education School Bus Driver With Inaugural ‘Behind the Wheel’ Award
(BusinessWire) BusRight, the leading all-in-one student transportation technology platform, today announced Lawson Crook, a special education bus driver for Sulphur Springs Independent School District (ISD) in Texas, as the winner of its inaugural Behind The Wheel Award. Crook was selected for his extraordinary commitment to the students he serves from a pool of more than 300 nominations BusRight received from transportation leaders nationwide.
June 11, 2026
Comptroller Announces 102,000 Education Freedom Account Awards
(Texas Scorecard) Acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock announced Wednesday that the Texas Education Freedom Accounts program has granted 102,000 accounts to students for the 2026-27 school year. Of the 102,000 accounts, 4,100 were awarded this week. All new students qualified for Tier 2 application priority, meaning their family’s income fell below 200 percent of the federal poverty level ($66,000 a year for a family of four).
United ISD tables compensation plan vote for next week
(KGNS) United ISD trustees voted to table a proposed compensation plan that would freeze base pay but reduce some extra pay, like stipends and contract days for certain non-teacher groups within United ISD. The board said it wanted clearer options before taking a final vote.
Ector County ISD staff unlikely to receive general pay raises in upcoming school year according to district officials
(NewsWest9) Citing a $4.5 million deficit in the proposed 2026-27 district budget, ECISD leaders indicate that general pay raises are unlikely under current circumstances.
Copperas Cove ISD Uses $5.5 Million in Unexpected Revenue for Staff Incentives, District Improvements
(KWKT) The CCISD Board approved a $500 retention incentive for all employees for the 2026–27 school year during a special meeting on Monday. The measure, funded by $5.5 million in unprojected revenue, underscores the district’s effort to invest in employees while continuing to meet critical operational and financial needs. “The $5.5 million of projected revenue comes from Military Impact Aid,” Superintendent Brent Hawkins said.
Austin ISD Proposes Cutting 558 Positions, Changing Bus Transportation, Selling Campuses, and More
(Austin Chronicle) The district must eliminate a $181 million deficit and approve a budget this month.
Judson ISD employees won’t be getting raises next school year
(San Antonio Report) As school districts across San Antonio draft up budgets for the next school year, Judson ISD is freezing employee pay. On Monday, Judson’s board voted 5-1 to keep employee wages the same for the 2026-27 school year. Keeping pay stagnant is only one of the latest moves by Judson’s leadership to fix the district’t $35 million budget deficit. In February, the board approved closing four schools at the end of the 2025-26 cycle, saving the district about $7 million.
Pearland ISD trustees anticipate $3.2M shortfall for FY 2026-27
(Community Impact) Pearland ISD anticipates a shortfall of nearly $3.2 million for fiscal year 2026-27, which was approved at the June 9 board of trustees meeting.
Karmelo Anthony to appeal murder conviction in Frisco track meet stabbing case
(Fox 4 KDFW) Karmelo Anthony has filed a notice of appeal after a Collin County jury convicted him of murder and sentenced him to 35 years in prison in the fatal stabbing at a Frisco track meet. Anthony was transferred to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice on Wednesday, where he underwent intake and a new booking photo was taken. The notice of appeal begins the process of challenging the conviction and sentence in a higher court, a common step in serious felony cases that can take months or years to resolve.
3 Canutillo ISD staff members arrested after investigation into Deanna Davenport Elementary special education classroom
(KVIA) ABC-7 obtained the arrest affidavit for special education teacher Ruth Julieta Flores and substitute teacher Cecilia Rocha-Lucero. Both detail the two allegedly witnessing paraprofessional Josue Urrutia yelling at students and failing to stop or report him. Documents alleged that on May 5, Flores failed to report Josue Urrutia, who allegedly grabbed a student and yelled in his face.
‘Putting yourself at a disadvantage’: Multimillion practice fields new Texas HS football flex
(Houston Chronicle) The battle against extreme heat is rapidly casting a shadow over the future of football practice fields across Texas-literally. According to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, Athens ISD filed a $10 million project to begin construction of new facilities and amenities for its athletic department, most notably a new metal frame over the practice field at Athens High School. The new construction project aligns with an ongoing statewide trend, driven by the University Interscholastic League’s (UIL) effort to implement the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) policy.
Brazoria County deputy terminated after deadly shooting of college student
(Fox West Texas) Brazoria County Sheriff Bo Stallman announced Tuesday that a deputy involved in a deadly shooting has been terminated. Earlier this month, 19-year-old John Gabriel Mendoza Jr. was shot and killed at the end of a chase in Lake Jackson. Mendoza Jr. played football at Brazoswood High School. His family said he had just gotten home after finishing his first year of college at Texas State University.
Tarrant County College fee reversal shows tension behind Texas tuition freeze
(Fort Worth Report) As costs rise and revenues tighten, public colleges across the state are navigating tuition concerns. TCC shows what that means locally.
‘Love on the Spectrum’ inspires a dating class at UT Austin for students with disabilities
(Austin American-Statesman) The TV reality show ‘Love on the Spectrum’-inspired class at UT teaches students with disabilities key skills for dating and connecting with peers.
St. Pius X Catholic School in El Paso closing due to low enrollment, financial struggles
(KVIA) St. Pius X Catholic Parish announced the closure of St. Pius X Catholic School Wednesday. The parish said the school’s enrollment fell since the COVID-19 pandemic and caused financial challenges.
Abbott recommends sweeping data center regulation, including eliminating sales tax exemption
(Texas Tribune) The recommendations for legislative action amount to a striking call for industry regulation by the Republican governor in a state that has long prided itself on being a favorable environment for business.
North Texas school districts are renaming Cesar Chavez schools. Here’s where things stand
(Dallas Morning News) Dallas, Fort Worth and Little Elm ISDs are severing ties with the labor leader, who died in 1993 but now faces sexual assault allegations.
June 10, 2026
Karmelo Anthony sentenced to 35 years in fatal stabbing of Austin Metcalf at Frisco track meet
(KERA) A Collin County jury sentenced 19-year-old Karmelo Anthony to 35 years in prison Tuesday for the murder of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf at a Frisco track meet last year. It came just hours after Anthony was found guilty of murder in the fatal stabbing.
Texas’ charter school boom may soon bust, experts caution
(Texas Tribune) Texas’ charters continued growing this school year, but the pace slowed. Experts warn that the enrollment drop facing traditional school districts could also affect charters.
Texas rural school districts see increase in students, while urban schools see decline
(Spectrum News) This school year, Texas saw the largest drop in public school enrollment in nearly 40 years, not including the COVID-19 pandemic. There was one other exception: some rural school districts. According to Texas 2036, urban districts have lost over 17% of their students, or 170,000 kids, in just 10 years. That number is expected to keep increasing as birth rates lower and charter schools become more accessible to urban families. But rural districts grew by over 13%.
El Paso ISD employees notified of position cuts, teachers association says
(KFOX) The El Paso Independent School District has begun notifying employees that their positions have been cut, according to El Paso Teachers Association President Norma De La Rosa. “I started getting messages early this evening of some of our members receiving notification, either through a letter that was sent to them via email or through a phone call that their position had been reviewed and was basically cut,” De La Rosa said. She added, “It’s devastating because now these employees, these teachers, are now in a position of, ‘ What do they do.'” EPISD trustees approved a plan last week that includes cutting more than 200 positions districtwide, including 54 teacher positions.
Fort Worth ISD cut schools and jobs. Why is a $49.8M shortfall looming next year?
(KERA) Fort Worth ISD has fewer students — but a budget built for a bigger district. State-appointed takeover leaders say that must change. Related:
Houston ISD will start new ‘Kinder Bridge’ grade level after kindergarten next year. Here’s what to know
(Houston Chronicle) Some Houston ISD students will skip entering kindergarten or first grade next year and will transition to a new “kinder bridge” program instead. By 2028, Houston ISD plans to require students to meet a reading benchmark before advancing to third grade. The state-appointed board of managers has to approve the new requirement. Related:
- Houston ISD Test Scores Improve Following State Takeover (Texas Scorecard)
Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD is replacing all of its librarians with paraprofessionals
(Texas Public Radio) When school starts this fall in the Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City Independent School District near San Antonio, none of the district’s 15 campus libraries will be operated by a certified librarian. As a cost-saving measure, SCUC’s libraries will be staffed by hourly workers known as paraprofessionals who are not required to have a college degree. Decisions about what books should be purchased for the libraries will be made by a central office administrator who is not a certified librarian either.
San Antonio ISD’s six-figure travel tab: Hawaii, conferences and a district in deficit
(KSAT) Top leaders at San Antonio ISD have spent more than $120,000 on travel to conferences across the country since 2024, according to a review of records by KSAT Investigates. The district faces a $46 million budget deficit.
Richardson ISD to raise facility rental custodial fees, streamline leasing process
(Community Impact) Richardson ISD will raise custodial fees for organizations leasing district facilities as part of an ongoing effort to reduce expenditures across the district. RISD will begin using the platform PracticePlan for all facility rentals, which Mike Jasso, assistant superintendent of district operations, said will streamline the rental process and automate manual tasks that district staff typically cover for facility leasing.
Why Amarillo ISD enrollment is declining: Demographic shifts, birth rates, housing and school choice
(High Plains Pundit) Amarillo Independent School District officials received a detailed community profile report this week that paints a clear picture of the challenges facing the district over the next several years: declining enrollment driven by demographic shifts, changing housing patterns, and the continued expansion of school choice options.
Corpus Christi ISD board approves $368 million budget with raises for all eligible employees
(KRIS) Corpus Christi ISD’s board of trustees approved a $368 million budget for the 2026-2027 school year that includes raises for all eligible permanent employees. The board voted during its June 8 meeting to approve the budget, which includes market adjustments to the minimum, midrange and maximum pay grades — the first such adjustment since the 2021-2022 school year.
Canutillo ISD warns about scam text messages
(KTSM) The Canutillo Independent School District is alerting residents who live inside the district about a “spoofing/scam” text message. The message falsely claims to be from Superintendent Josue Borrego, Ph.D., and asks recipients for a favor, the district said.
Longview ISD formally launches police department, swears in first chief
(CBS19) Longview ISD has launched its own police department, appointing Benjamin Kemper on Monday as the first chief to enhance student and staff safety through strong relationships.
AAUP Investigating Academic Freedom, Shared Governance Across Texas Colleges
(Inside Higher Education) An American Association of University Professors committee is investigating academic freedom and shared governance violations across Texas, where public university leaders have restricted what faculty can teach, and where Republican lawmakers have put faculty governing bodies under university presidents’ control.
Western Texas College discontinues on-campus turf management programs
(KCBD) The college cites enrollment challenges, state accountability requirements in decision.
SMU launches athlete-driven media platform Mustang Studios
(Dallas Morning News) SMU’s Mustang Partners, the athletic department’s revenue-generation arm, and College Sports Co. announced the launch of an athlete-driven media platform focused on original programming and content created around the school’s athletes. School officials said the launch of Mustang Studios underscores the athletic department’s investment in storytelling and new branding opportunities for athletes in one of the nation’s largest markets.
Texas Tech boycott tracker: Here are the schools considering refusal to play Brendan Sorsby after ‘bulls—’ ruling
(Sporting News) After a district court judge overturned Texas Tech QB Brendan Sorsby’s ineligibility and put him in position to play college football in 2026, many are wondering whether the NCAA has any power remaining. The answer isn’t totally clear, but some schools believe they still have some say in the saga.
Amarillo Civic Center unveils $167,000 basketball court, eyes bookings to offset cost
(KVII) Nearly 60 years after it opened, the Amarillo Civic Center has a new $167,000 basketball court, and city leaders say there is already strong interest in booking it.
Youth Orchestras of San Antonio will soon have a home for the first time
(San Antonio Express-News) If all goes according to plan, Youth Orchestras of San Antonio will be settling into its very first home around this time next year. Construction began a few weeks ago to transform the original Shearer Hills Baptist Church building into a home for the youth music program. So far, a little more than $10 million has been raised for the $15 million project.
Dallas advocacy group urges fall tax election to help pay for childcare
(KERA) The Dallas Childcare Works Coalition wants county commissioners to put a 3% childcare tax on November’s ballot. Voter approval would raise $132 million for childcare, allowing thousands of mothers to rejoin the workforce outside the home.
June 9, 2026
Breaking News:
Karmelo Anthony sentenced to 35 years in fatal stabbing of Austin Metcalf at Frisco track meet
(KERA) A Collin County jury sentenced 19-year-old Karmelo Anthony to 35 years in prison Tuesday for the murder of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf at a Frisco track meet last year. It came just hours after Anthony was found guilty of murder in the fatal stabbing.
Spring Branch ISD says TEA funding formula change cost district $9.6 million
(KPRC) Spring Branch ISD officials say a recent TEA funding formula change resulted in a $9.6 million loss in expected state revenue. District leaders warn the shortfall could impact future budgets, staffing, and financial reserves. During a school board meeting Monday night, district leaders said Spring Branch ISD received funding from House Bill 2, the school finance package approved by lawmakers last year. However, officials said in May there was a change to a TEA funding formula, reducing the amount of money the district anticipated receiving.
Conroe ISD trustees say proposed new procedures for the board give president too much control
(Houston Chronicle) Conroe ISD trustees will consider adopting a new code of conduct and operating policy this month that two members say gives the board president too much control.
Fort Worth ISD investigates educator following social media backlash, parents fear ‘chilling effect’
(Dallas Observer) Parents and activists are expressing concern as a Fort Worth ISD teacher is under investigation following another round of conservative social media backlash. FWISD also recently reassigned a principal following similar right-wing social media backlash, while a Wylie ISD principal resigned after months of online vitriol over Qurans being handed out on campus.
Governor candidate Hinojosa launches program to fight Texas school closures, citing public school crisis
(CBS Austin) As school districts across Texas, including Austin ISD, face budget crises and the threat of campus closures, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Gina Hinojosa is launching a new effort she says is aimed at helping communities fight back. Hinojosa announced a nonpartisan organizing program called Team Texas Public Schools. The program is designed to train parents, teachers, and administrators to fight school closures in communities “getting hit the hardest.”
Goliad ISD says arrested trustee remains on board, has not resigned
(KIII) Goliad ISD said Monday that trustee Daniel San Miguel has not resigned and remains a member of the school board following his arrest because the district does not have the authority to remove an elected trustee. The statement came after San Miguel, a Goliad ISD trustee and former Refugio school resource officer, was arrested on charges of aggravated sexual assault of a child and official oppression, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Texas Attorney General Questions Eagle Pass ISD Charges for Super Bowl Event Records Requested
(Maverick Times) The Texas Attorney General’s Office has questioned whether Eagle Pass Independent School District can legally charge The Marverick Times $162 to fulfill a public-information request seeking records related to a Super Bowl event. The request, filed in February 2026, sought documents such as invoices, purchase orders, payments, budgets, receipts, and other accounting records connected to the event. The dispute centers on whether the requested records should be provided at a lower cost or without charge under state open-records laws.
Brownsville Minor accused of creating sexually explicit AI images of female classmates
(ValleyCentral) The Brownsville Police Department issued a warning on Thursday and reminded the public that using artificial intelligence technology to create sexually explicit images without a person’s consent comes with criminal consequences. On May 27, Brownsville police arrested a juvenile accused of creating sexually explicit images of female classmates based on photos that he allegedly obtained from social media. The juvenile was charged with 10 counts of unlawful production or distribution of deep fake sexually explicit media, police said.
Clarendon ISD High School football coach accused of having improper relationship with student
(KVII) A Clarendon ISD High School football coach is accused of having an improper relationship with a student. Izaiah Kelley, 23, is charged with improper relationship between an educator and a student. The alleged victim is a 17-year-old girl.
Volunteer parent coach charged after shooting at Baytown sports complex, court records show
(KTRK) A volunteer parent coach for a pee-wee flag football team is facing felony charges after investigators say he opened fire in a crowded parking lot following a game in Baytown. Nicholas Davis, who volunteered as a coach for a pee-wee flag football team as part of I-9 Sports, was arrested and is being held in the Harris County Jail. Prosecutors have charged him with two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Investigators believe the incident stemmed from a long-running dispute involving Davis, his ex-girlfriend, and her current boyfriend.
Texas Tech faces widespread boycott threats after judge clears QB Brendan Sorsby
(KRLD) Texas Tech is confronting a growing backlash across college athletics after a Lubbock County judge granted quarterback Brendan Sorsby a temporary injunction Monday, clearing him to play for the Red Raiders in the 2026 season despite an NCAA gambling ban. The ruling has sparked outrage from coaches and athletic directors nationwide, with multiple programs taking concrete steps to avoid competing against Texas Tech.
San Antonio’s Our Lady of the Lake University launches 3-year bachelor’s degree program
(San Antonio Current) Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) has become the first Texas higher-ed institution to offer a reduced-hour, three-year bachelor’s degree program, the San Antonio school announced Monday. Majors available under the program include psychology, criminology and criminal justice, social work and childhood studies. Students also will be able to couple with a minor.
Report over bolstering UT Rio Grande Valley presence in Cameron County released
(myRGV) The “Task Force of the Future,” a collaboration between the city of Brownsville and University of Texas Rio Grande Valley launched last year to strengthen the university’s presence in Brownsville and Cameron County, has released its initial report, which features a number of “actionable recommendations.” Among them: Continuing to reduce student travel between Brownsville and Edinburg through the use of “student transportation data, course demands dashboards and academic scheduling to expand course offerings in Brownsville,” according to the city.
How much is the typical nursing graduate degree in El Paso? New loan caps spark concerns about future nursing workforce
(El Paso Matters) Some fear new federal limits on student loans for graduate student nursing degrees could worsen shortages of nurse practitioners, faculty and healthcare leaders across Texas.
Texas State University to offer helicopter pilot training starting fall 2026
(KCEN) Texas State University is launching helicopter pilot training for the first time in a new partnership with Veracity Aviation that will start fall 2026. Students can earn their aviation degree while getting hands-on flight training.
‘We sacrificed’: Austin parents are spending thousands on their kids’ sports dreams
(Austin American-Statesman) Is the sky-rocketing price of camps and tournaments worth it? Austin-area parents share their stories — and cost breakdowns.
Port Arthur lands $4M soccer complex with aims for hosting international tournaments
(Houston Chronicle) According to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, construction is set to begin on a new indoor soccer facility, GT Sports Complex, in Port Arthur. Groundbreaking is scheduled for June 20, with an estimated construction cost of $4 million. The facility will be approximately 14,300 square feet and will include multiple fields and additional event space.
There are now 5 confirmed screwworm cases, including 1 in the Texas Hill Country
(KUT) Federal officials have confirmed three additional cases of New World screwworm in Texas, bringing the state’s total to five confirmed detections in less than a week. Related:
Federal judge strikes down Trump’s $100,000 fee on new H-1B visas
(AP) A federal judge on Monday struck down the Trump administration’s $100,000 fee on new H-1B visas, contradicting an earlier federal court ruling upholding the fee hike. But U.S. District Court Judge Leo Sorokin in Boston sided with 20 states and struck down the visa policy, concluding that the executive branch exceeded its authority and violated the Administrative Procedure Act, which governs how federal agencies develop and issue regulations.
Lewisville ISD renames one of its elementary schools after first African American elected to Board of Trustees
(WFAA) Mill Street Elementary will be renamed to Vernell Gregg Learning Academy to honor the long-time educator.
June 8, 2026
El Paso ISD staff await answers as parents react to approved cuts
(KFOX) As students in the El Paso Independent School District head into summer break, families and employees are facing new uncertainty after trustees declared a financial exigency and approved a reduction-in-force plan aimed at closing a major budget gap. Trustees approved a plan Thursday night that includes cutting more than 200 positions districtwide, including 54 teacher positions. Superintendent Dr. Brian Lusk called the move difficult but necessary. Related:
Fort Worth school district investigating teacher for social media posts
(Fort Worth Star-Telegram) The Fort Worth school district is investigating Western Hills High School teacher Ernie Moran after a Tarrant County conservative activist posted screenshots of his classroom website and social media posts on X. Carlos Turcios, who is a freelance writer for The Dallas Express, posted on X on May 27 that Moran’s website has an “LGBTQ, Black Lives Matter, and a foreign flag.” Moran is a Spanish teacher, and has the flag of Spain posted on his Fort Worth ISD website.
Karmelo Anthony Trial: State rests after jurors hear testimony on a Saturday
(Fox 7 Austin) A major development in the murder trial of Frisco teenager Karmelo Anthony. After calling 21 witnesses, prosecutors rested their case Saturday in Collin County. Anthony’s defense team has now begun presenting its case, arguing the killing was justified.
Carroll ISD will use land sales to close a projected budget deficit
(Fort Worth Report) Carroll Independent School District is counting on $8.75 million in land sales this year to offset a projected $1.6 million budget deficit and $1.7 million loss in state funding.
Richardson ISD approves $20.8 million shortfall budget, salary raises for FY 2026-27
(Community Impact) The Richardson ISD board of trustees unanimously approved a $20.8 million deficit budget for fiscal year 2026-27 at the June 4 meeting. The budget includes district-wide raises for teachers and staff as well as $25.7 million in budget cuts through staff reductions and secondary school schedule changes.
Lubbock-Cooper ISD proposes new feeder system to keep student groups together
(KCBD) Lubbock-Cooper ISD is proposing a new feeder system that would keep students who attend the same middle school together through high school. The district says student groups are currently broken apart as they age through the district. The new proposal aims to account for new growth and give students stability as they transition from middle to high school, but one parent argues the map would do the opposite.
A San Antonio middle school is banking on the sports medicine industry
(San Antonio Report) Northside Independent School District is launching a sports medicine magnet program at Stinson Middle School. The magnet is starting with an inaugural sixth grade class of about 100 students on Aug. 10 and is designed to give students an early look at sports medicine jobs such as physical therapists and athletic trainers.
Beaumont ISD announces teacher incentive stipend program
(KBMT) Beaumont ISD launches a teacher incentive program with stipends to attract and retain educators, aiming to boost student achievement across the district.
East Side San Antonio charter school closes its doors for the last time
(Texas Public Radio) TEA cited low academic performance for the closure of Essence Preparatory School, but parents and educators question the decision and the fairness of A-F ratings.
Goliad ISD board member, former Refugio school resource officer arrested in Goliad County
(KIII) Refugio Police released a statement saying Daniel San Miguel was terminated from the department four days before his arrest by DPS on charges of aggravated sexual assault of a child and official oppression. Refugio ISD confirmed San Miguel served as a School Resource Officer assigned to the district from January 2026 through May 2026 under an agreement with the Refugio Police Department. Meanwhile, Goliad ISD said San Miguel currently serves on its school board — and emphasized that the alleged conduct is not related to GISD operations, employees, or students.
Docs: La Joya ISD teacher arrested after numerous reprimands, kissing student
(Valley Central) A teacher at La Joya High School was arrested after allegedly making inappropriate contact with a student, police documents show. Marco Antonio Deleon, 31, is charged with one count of indecent assault, according to Hidalgo County Jail records.
Second victim ID’d after former Wylie ISD admin charged with soliciting prostitution from minor
(Fox 4 KDFW) Zachary Neu, a former Wylie ISD assistant principal, was arrested on June 4 and charged with soliciting prostitution from a minor. On Friday, June 5, Neu was given an additional charge of improper relationship between an educator and student after a second victim was discovered. Neu had allegedly offered to buy a recent graduate of Wylie East High School, where he was an assistant principal, alcohol and lingerie in exchange for sex.
Affidavit: Multiple incidents of sexual conduct with 14-year-old led to United ISD teacher’s arrest
(Laredo Morning Times) An arrest affidavit states that multiple incidents of allege sexual conduct with a 14-year-old student inside a Juan Ramirez Middle School classroom led to a teacher’s arrest. David Martinez, 51, was arrested May 22 by the United ISD Police Department and charged with two counts of indecency with a child by sexual contact and two counts of sexual assault of a child.
Austin police: No charges after child ate THC lollipop at private school
(Austin Post) Austin police said no charges will be filed after a 4-year-old consumed a THC-infused lollipop at school last month. The boy showed signs of impairment on May 22 after eating a lollipop that had been passed out in a birthday celebration goodie bag at The Nest at Anderson Mill, a private Montessori school in Northwest Austin.
Broaddus ISD says former teacher investigated for student relationship
(KLTV) According to a letter sent to parents, the district became aware of a possible inappropriate relationship on Thursday. The matter has now been referred to law enforcement. The teacher is no longer employed by the district. The allegations involve grooming behavior and possible physical contact.
A battle over ‘indoctrination,’ workforce is reshaping core curriculum at Texas colleges
(Houston Chronicle) Under a new state law and a conservative push in higher education, Texas’ public colleges and universities are reviewing almost 13,000 courses in the core curriculum to ensure they are “foundational” – but many institutions aren’t saying how they’re making that call.
After protests over academic cuts, UNT announces $2 million arts gift
(Houston Chronicle) University officials called the donation “transformational” as UNT continues working to reduce a multimillion-dollar deficit.
To double in size, UNT Health Fort Worth cuts colleges from 6 to 4
(Fort Worth Report) The reorganization is expected to save the institution about $600,000 annually.
University of Houston charts course for $77 million medical research building
(Houston Chronicle) The University of Houston is continuing its expansion with another on-campus medical research facility.
TCU fraternity chapter suspended after conduct appeal, officials say
(Fort Worth Star-Telegram) Texas Christian University’s chapter of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity was suspended Thursday at the conclusion of a conduct appeal process, officials with the university’s interfraternity council said. The chapter will not recruit new members this fall or participate in other council activities during the suspension period, according to the statement. No further details were immediately available Friday regarding the length of the suspension period or the conduct that led to the chapter’s suspension.
Federal student loan changes cause delays, recalculations and uncertainty for students and universities
(San Antonio Report) Manual calculations, recalculations, careful documentation and delayed award letters. This is the latest new normal for financial aid officials across higher education institutions after changes to federal loans by the Department of Education. “It’s the end of May and we’re getting that out now,” said Marivel Ojeda, Director of Financial Assistance at St. Mary’s University.
Texas State University student plunges 40 ft down manhole shaft, sues
(Houston Chronicle) A Texas State University student is suing the university and a construction contractor after claiming he sustained multiple injuries from falling down a 40-foot manhole shaft he thought was concrete.
Texas Southern University Expands Elite Flight Training Fleet with New Twin-Engine Aircraft
(PR Newswire) The momentum continues for Texas Southern University’s aviation program. The program made Houston aviation history again Friday with the delivery of a brand-new twin-engine Diamond DA42. This twin-engine plane will allow our students to earn their multi-engine rating, which is the final significant step before they attain their Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) rating. All pilots must earn their ATP in order to fly for the airlines. The new plane is one of the most advanced multi-engine trainers in the world.
Texas Supreme Court throws out lawsuit by cities arguing telecom companies get illegal discounts
(KERA) Texas Supreme Court justices say they won’t decide whether two state laws give an illegal discount to telecommunication companies — because the nearly 60 cities challenging the statutes in a lawsuit shouldn’t have sued the state of Texas in the first place.
Second screwworm case in Texas confirmed as Abbott expands state disaster declaration
(Texas Tribune) The U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed a second case of New World screwworm in Zavala County on Friday, just hours after Gov. Greg Abbott expanded a statewide disaster declaration in response to the screwworm’s arrival in Texas.
June 5, 2026
In emotional meeting, El Paso ISD board approves financial exigency and starts steep budget cuts
(El Paso Matters) El Paso’s largest school district moved forward Thursday with a massive overhaul and job reduction, with the El Paso Independent School District Board of Trustees voting 5-1 to declare financial exigency and adopt a plan to slash the district’s payroll. Trustee Daniel Call, who raised questions about whether the board had enough information about budget options, voted no.
‘We are at The Hunger Games’: Austin ISD community discusses millions in cuts
(KUT) The Austin Independent School District’s proposed budget makes cuts to programs, transportation and as many as 558 positions. At a meeting Thursday night, teachers, staff and parents voiced their concerns over those deep cuts. They urged district officials and the board of trustees to reconsider the proposals being made to reduce the $181 million budget deficit.
Arlington ISD employees will not see a raise as district fights budget shortfall
(Arlington Report) Trustees voted not to increase teacher and staff salaries for the first time since at least the 2019-20 school year.
Karmelo Anthony trial begins with competing theories of murder, self-defense
(Dallas Morning News) From the start of Karmelo Anthony’s murder trial, there was no dispute over who plunged a knife into Austin Metcalf’s chest. The question jurors must answer is why. The dueling accounts laid out by Collin County prosecutors and Anthony’s defense attorneys Thursday in the trial’s first hours offered sharply different perspectives jurors will be asked to weigh as the testimony unfolds. Related:
A new UIL rule helped trigger this $6M Texas football construction project
(Houston Chronicle) Huntsville ISD High School will get a multimillion-dollar upgrade to make things a bit easier for athletics during hot weather days. The project carries an estimated price tag of $6 million, as the scope of work includes constructing a new open-air pre-engineered metal canopy structure over an existing artificial-turf practice playfield used for football and soccer. The initiative for the new construction project follows the University Interscholastic League’s (UIL) effort to implement the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) policy.
Austin ISD police chief injured after motorcycle crash while on duty
(KUT) Austin Independent School District Police Chief Wayne Sneed was injured in a motorcycle accident while participating in an “official motorcade operation” around 8:20 p.m. on Wednesday, the Austin Police Department said During the board meeting on Thursday night, trustee Kathryn Whitley Chu said Sneed was coming from an Austin high school graduation. Officials said two police motorcycles were involved in the collision. Sneed was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, police said.
New study shows marks Texas parents give for public schools versus private schools
(KTRK) A new study shows how Texans view education, and researchers said it could explain why so many parents applied for the new private school voucher program. School may be out for summer, but the grades keep coming. This time, in the form of marks from a new Texas Southern University study that spoke to more than 1,700 Texans looking at the quality of education. A study author, Rice University professor Mark Jones, said they found Texans think there’s room for improvement.
Celina ISD removes first books from libraries, classrooms under new state law
(Community Impact) The Celina ISD board of trustees has removed eight titles from its library catalog, including “Beloved” by Toni Morrison and “The Color Purple” by Alice Walker. The board voted to remove the books under Senate Bill 13, a state law which went into effect last September, at meetings April 20 and May 18.
Updated Carroll ISD budget projection shows potential shortfall for FY 2025-26
(Community Impact) A late April budget projection for fiscal year 2025-26 shows Carroll ISD’s general fund could have a shortfall of $2.1 million. Chase Park, CISD’s deputy superintendent for business and finance, said he projects the shortfall could end up around $1.6 million.
Grapevine-Colleyville ISD could have surplus FY 2026-27 budget, factors in further staff reductions
(Community Impact) Based on the preliminary budget presented, net revenues for the FY 2026-27 general fund could be nearly $147.37 million, Chief Financial Officer Carla Settle said. Projected general fund expenditures are $147.28 million. This would result in a projected surplus of $91,112 in the general fund, according to Settle’s presentation.
West Brook High School principal resigns a month after TEA takeover of Beaumont ISD
(KBMT) West Brook High School principal Nicholas Phillips resigned Wednesday, the latest development at a Beaumont ISD campus navigating state oversight of the district. Phillips’ resignation comes just over a month after the Texas Education Agency took over Beaumont ISD due to ongoing performance issues.
Medical examiner identifies cause of death for Lindale ISD student who suffered medical emergency
(CBS19) The Tarrant County Medical Examiner ruled 8-year-old Adrian Thompson’s death accidental due to choking at school. Investigations and safety reviews are ongoing. Nearly a week after her death, Lindale ISD leaders said the Texas Rangers are conducting a formal investigation into her death, and the findings will be shared with the Thompson family and the Lindale community. The school district said it is also seeking an independent, outside entity to review safety equipment and emergency response measures.
Former Wylie ISD Assistant Principal arrested, charged with Compelling Prostitution Under Age 18
(KRLD) Former Wylie ISD East High School assistant principal Zachary Neu, 32, has been arrested on a charge of compelling prostitution of a person younger than 18, according to the Wylie Police Department. Police said Neu was taken into custody following an investigation that began after authorities received a report that he had been communicating inappropriately with a recent 2026 Wylie East graduate. Investigators alleged that during the conversations, Neu offered to buy alcohol for the teen and send money for lingerie in exchange for sexual conduct.
San Antonio ISD says ex-employee no longer with district after deadly conduct arrest
(News4SA) A former San Antonio Independent School District employee is facing a deadly conduct charge after he allegedly pointed a firearm in the direction of a co-worker during an off-duty gathering last year. 23-year-old Matthew Issac Sanchez, was charged with deadly conduct, a Class A misdemeanor.
UT Austin takes down Cesar Chavez statue months after sexual assault allegations surface
(KXAN) Workers wearing UT construction gear dismantled the statue, located between Battle Hall and the West Mall Office Building on Thursday. The monument, created by artist Pablo Eduardo, had stood on campus since 2007.
UNT, other schools to offer bachelor degrees in AI
(Spectrum News) The University of North Texas will offer a Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence beginning in fall 2026. UNT already offers a master’s in AI, which isn’t uncommon among universities in Texas. But only a select group of universities offers undergraduate degrees in AI.
Texas School for the Deaf attempts to cleanse population, parents allege
(Hays Free Press) Two families have been left devastated after Texas School for the Deaf (TSD) suddenly deemed their children unfit to attend. After an attempt to rid the school of deaf students with a disability, the parents claim, some children are left to receive a lesser deaf education.
A $700M renovation is changing the Alamo from a place to an experience
(KXAN) The Alamo is ready to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary — but that wasn’t always a guarantee. A $700 million full-scale renovation project is changing the landscape of the Alamo — highlighting its history beyond the famous 1836 battle.
Caught on camera, but not charged: Why many vigilante child predator stings don’t make it to court
(KPRC) Police and prosecutors say viral confrontations may expose suspected offenders, but evidence gathered by civilian groups often fails to meet the legal standards needed for prosecution.
Texas investigates Celsius, Alani Nu after lawsuit blames drink for teen’s death
(Fox 4 KDFW) Texas is investigating Celsius Holdings over allegations that its subsidiary, Alani Nutrition, uses youth-oriented branding to market highly caffeinated drinks to minors. The probe follows a wrongful death lawsuit filed by the family of a 17-year-old Texas girl who allegedly died from an enlarged heart after consuming Alani Nu. Investigators are examining whether the brand’s colorful packaging and lack of explicit age-restriction warnings violated the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act.
June 4, 2026
Gunter ISD superintendent questions new Texas Education Agency tool
(KTEN) “It takes one upset community member just to say your name and to make a claim. And if it cannot be disproven quick enough, then it becomes a name on this dashboard. We need to keep that in perspective as we look at this,” said Gunter ISD Superintendent Brandon Enos about the TEA’s new Educator Misconduct Dashboard.
‘You are white trash.’ Deluge of vulgar messages sent to former Wylie ISD principal
(Fort Worth Star-Telegram) The Wylie East High School principal received hundreds of voicemails and emails, many profane and threatening, prior to her resignation. Tiffany Doolan, who had worked for Wylie ISD 19 years, resigned on May 26 after receiving backlash for a “Why Islam” cultural awareness event that occurred at the high school in February. The district said in a statement posted to its website that criticisms became personal and that Doolan was a victim of targeted online attacks and public hostility.
Former SBOE Candidate Says Consultants Promised Donations, Delivered ‘Disaster’
(Texas Scorecard) In a court filing responding to a lawsuit, Stephen Yearout claims his former consultants promised a $50,000 donation, sent him to the wrong place to file for office, and ultimately told him to drop out. Campaign Edge360 Corp. sued former SBOE District 9 candidate Yearout and his campaign committee earlier this year, seeking payment under a campaign consulting agreement that included a $65,000 management fee and other compensation.
Texas is considering a bigger role for Christianity in schools this month. Here’s how
(Dallas Morning News) Texas’ State Board of Education is expected to vote this month on a pair of proposals that would add to the growing presence of Christianity in classrooms across the state. It’s an effort conservative leaders have championed, saying the state’s education system needs to return to foundational American values. Critics say the push for more Christian teaching would give students an incomplete picture of the nation’s history and leaves out other religious traditions.
Austin ISD budget cuts to reduce student bus options, teacher benefits
(Austin American-Statesman) To eliminate its $181 million deficit, Austin ISD plans to cut almost 560 positions, including librarians, counselors and assistant principals.
Resignation letter: ex-El Paso ISD CFO Martha Aguirre cites lack of confidence and respect
(KFOX) Former El Paso Independent School District Chief Financial Officer Martha Aguirre’s resignation letter was obtained by KFOX14/CBS4. In the letter, Aguirre wrote that an “expressed lack of confidence” in her technical abilities and what she described as repeated dismissive responses to information she shared made it increasingly difficult for her to continue effectively in her role.
Jury seated in Karmelo Anthony track meet murder trial after immigration question sparks pushback, all Black jurors dismissed
(CBS Texas) Twelve jurors and six alternates have been chosen for the Karmelo Anthony murder trial.
Houston ISD high school teacher sues the district to pause contract nonrenewals, alleging retaliation
(Houston Chronicle) A high school math teacher is suing Houston ISD and seeking a pause to district contract nonrenewals after he reported educator misconduct to the state and was proposed for contract nonrenewal himself. If a Harris County judge rules in the teacher’s favor, it could pause a process that led to hundreds of teachers being terminated or resigning under HISD’s state-appointed leadership. Related:
Lockhart ISD launches districtwide initiative to reduce screen time, expand free play
(KVUE) The Lockhart ISD Board of Trustees approved the “Childhood Unlocked” initiative during Monday night’s meeting.
La Joya ISD launches dashboard to track district progress
(Progress Times) La Joya ISD launched a new tracking tool to promote transparency and ongoing accountability throughout its five-year strategic plan.
Texas university’s Pride Month post vanishes hours after going live
(Houston Chronicle) Lamar University in Beaumont reportedly pulled down a Pride Month post from its Facebook hours after it went live.
Texas Dream Act goes to court over fight to restore in-state tuition for undocumented students
(Texas Tribune) Advocates want a federal appeals court to allow them to fight for the Texas Dream Act. The law giving eligible undocumented students in-state tuition at colleges was blocked last year.
Texas colleges pass D.E.I. compliance audit, but some students question whether the ban is the right approach
(KXXV) Texas colleges largely received a passing grade on enforcing the state’s diversity, equity and inclusion ban, according to a Texas Tribune report — but not all students are convinced the law is working as intended.
Exclusive: Houston ISD student detained by ICE was on the verge of a successful asylum claim, attorneys say
(Houston Chronicle) Lamar High School junior Geremy Arteaga Cruz, 19, has been detained at the Polk Adult Detention Facility since January.
State Lawmaker Continues Legal Fight Against Barbers Hill Education Foundation
(Texas Scorecard) State Rep. Terri Leo Wilson has appealed a district judge’s denial of her free‑speech motion to throw out Barbers Hill Education Foundation’s lawsuit against her, blocking her from recouping attorney’s fees.
Fort Worth ISD revises Farrington Field land development request after residents urge caution
(Fort Worth Report) Developers have until July 24 to submit plans for land around the stadium. Fort Worth ISD says Farrington Field itself is not for sale.
Education Department abandons civil rights focus on Black students
(Fox 4 KDFW) The Department of Education under President Trump is ending generations of addressing inequities for Black students, in some cases withholding federal funds for programs that aim to help Black students. The Trump administration says it’s simply following the law. Civil rights advocates, however, say it’s an erasure of legal history.
FCC announces ‘top-to-bottom’ review of E-Rate
(K-12 Dive) FCC Chairman Brendan Carr cited increased screentime for kids and state efforts to limit devices in class as impetus for potential reform.
Region 9 hosts ‘Collaboration for Growth’ conference
(KFDX) Hundreds of teachers and school faculty from districts across North Texas packed Region 9 Education Service Center in Wichita Falls to gain insight into how to positively impact students’ lives in the classroom.
Frisco removes public input from council agendas indefinitely
(Community Impact) The Frisco City Council will no longer allow general public comments unless it relates to an agenda item. “We have been hearing from our residents overwhelmingly they want the business of the city of Frisco to come back and the decorum in council chambers to come back,” he said. “Quite frankly it’s moved beyond a First Amendment issue and has become a safety issue. We will return to civil discourse.”
Potentially explosive gas leaks reported thousands of times in Texas
(KERA) State law requires excavators to notify Texas811 so underground pipes can be marked — but many do not. An explosion that leveled an Oak Cliff apartment complex has been linked to gas pipe damage.
Did Texas Gift Supplemental Funding to Keep TRS ActiveCare Solvent or To Mitigate Rate Increases?
(RiskManagers.us) We asked ChatGPT “Why Did Texas Gift Supplemental Funding to the TRS ActiveCare?” Here is the response.
Texas now requires cities to do an audit before raising property taxes. Some small towns can’t afford it
(Texas Tribune) More than 130 cities, most with fewer than 10,000 residents, were blocked from increasing their property tax revenue because they had broken the law.
First U.S. screwworm case confirmed in South Texas
(Texas Tribune) Officials tested a sample from La Pryor in Zavala County at a lab in lowa, confirming the infestation, Secretary Brooke Rollins said.
Western Texas College offers school bus driver training in Snyder this summer
(Fox West Texas) Western Texas College in Snyder is offering summer training to help CDL holders earn school bus endorsements and fill regional driver shortages.
June 3, 2026
Crystal City ISD faces closure, consolidation risk amid $9.2 million debt crisis
(KSAT) CCISD interim Superintendent proposes paid athletics, budget cuts to keep district from consolidating with other local districts.
‘We will right the ship’: El Paso ISD plans largest workforce reduction in county school district history amid budget crisis
(El Paso Matters) If the El Paso Independent School District declares financial exigency and permits Superintendent Brian Lusk to cut hundreds of jobs in coming weeks, the district can move quickly to restore financial health, the school board was told Tuesday morning. The board was presented with a plan for extensive cost cuts to prevent a deficit of more than $40 million in the 2026-27 budget after racking up a deficit of more than $50 million this year. The seven members will vote Thursday night on the plan which would declare a financial exigency for the remainder of this budget year, which ends June 30, and for all of 2026-27.
North East ISD escapes appointment of a state conservator following amended cell phone policy
(Texas Public Radio) The TEA rescinded its recommendation to appoint a conservator after the district voted to implement a bell-to-bell cell phone ban next school year.
Mike Miles’ HISD reforms are spreading through Texas schools as state takeovers, partnerships expand
(Houston Chronicle) Houston ISD’s state-appointed Superintendent Mike Miles’ reforms are spreading beyond Houston as his top deputies from HISD lead other Texas districts under state takeovers, struggling campuses adopt his instructional model, and districts partner with the charter network he founded. Related:
Texas public school teachers are leaving the profession at a higher rate than the national norm
(Spectrum News) A Texas Education Agency employee told lawmakers the rate of teachers leaving the profession in the state is 12% compared to 7% to 8% nationally. “There’s a lot of promising data that programs that the Legislature has funded in HB 2 will lead to the decrease in teacher attrition that we need,” said Kelvey Oeser, the commissioner of educator support for the Texas Education Agency.
Fort Worth ISD parents, educators protest Muslim principal’s reassignment at board meeting
(Fort Worth Report) A majority of speakers brought posters in against the district reassigning Shayma Alzubi.
Another Houston-area school district is consolidating special education programs for the upcoming school year
(Houston Public Media) The move by Cypress-Fairbanks ISD will require transferring students to new campuses so they can access the specialized programs in Texas’ third-largest school district. The changes resemble Houston ISD’s special education restructuring, which prompted a federal civil rights investigation.
Mansfield ISD school trustees investigating residency claim made by board president
(Fort Worth Star-Telegram) The Mansfield school board is looking into questions about whether the board president meets district residency requirements following a Star-Telegram report on Tuesday. Stu Madison, a lawyer for the Mansfield school district, told the Star-Telegram via email the board had asked an outside attorney to examine the issue.
Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson stepping down
(Texas Standard) Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson announced Tuesday she will resign effective July 17, capping off three and a half years as the state’s top election official. Nelson’s office oversees elections. Abbott appointed her to the role in 2023 after she became the longest-serving Republican woman in Texas Senate history.
South Texas man arrested after using AI to turn school social media photos into child pornography
(Fox 7 Austin) 31-year-old Adan Covarrubias was arrested on May 19, 2026, and booked into the Dimmit County Jail, just Northeast of Laredo, on charges of possession of computer-generated child pornography. The suspect allegedly downloaded public photos of children from social media pages affiliated with South Texas schools to create the material, with 30 victims identified so far. The first-degree felony charges were brought under a new Texas law that explicitly criminalizes AI-generated material depicting children, and the investigation remains active.
Nearly 100 children rescued, 276 arrested in statewide operation targeting online predators
(Fox West Texas) A major operation in Texas, Operation Soteria Shield, led to the rescue of 89 children and the arrest of 276 suspects accused of exploiting minors online.
Ex-band director at Copperas Cove ISD High is facing 13 years in prison
(KDH News) Disable ad blocker to access: Coryell County prosecutors will be asking a judge to sentence ex-Copperas Cove ISD High School band director Lawrence Dale Varela-Halbert to 13 years in prison, which is the maximum allowed under a plea agreement that was reached this week. Varela-Halbert pleaded guilty Wednesday in a Gatesville courtroom to one count of sexual assault of a child, which is a second-degree felony, according to Coryell County District Attorney Dusty Boyd. Sentencing is set for July 27.
Records: Ex-Randolph ISD High School volleyball coach arrested for improper relationship with student
(KSAT) BreAnn Halcumb, 34, was arrested in East Texas on a Bexar County warrant. Halcumb is now a volleyball coach in Bastrop ISD.
Former United ISD teacher avoids prison, gets 10 years probation
(KGNS) A former United ISD high school teacher convicted of an improper relationship with a student will not serve time in state prison. Emmanuel Palacios was sentenced to 10 years of probation with strict sex offender conditions. A judge sentenced Palacios after he pleaded guilty to one count of improper relationship between an educator and student. As a parole condition, Palacios will serve 180 days in the Webb County Jail, register as a sex offender while on probation, complete a sex offender education program and post a warning sign outside his home.
Attempted copper theft at Corpus Christi ISD Fannin Elementary causes gas leak
(KIII) An attempted copper theft at Fannin Elementary led to a gas leak after suspects reportedly cut power to the campus and tried to remove copper wiring from the roof before fleeing some time between Friday night and Saturday morning. During the attempted theft, investigators say the suspects damaged a gas line, causing a gas leak on campus. Authorities believe the suspects fled after school officials noticed the power outage and went to investigate.
Parent, lawyer raise concerns about Frenship ISD response to inappropriate conduct in special education classroom
(KCBD) Questions arise after teacher aide T’nae Harrel was arrested for voyeurism after incident with 7-year-old student.
Alamo Colleges confronts $28 million budget deficit as tax revenue falls short
(San Antonio Report) Stagnant property values, slow residential property sales, new tax exceptions and funding changes have Alamo Colleges District officials preparing to address an imminent $28 million budget shortfall for fiscal year 2027. “We have never seen anything like this,” said Priscilla Camacho, Alamo Colleges District chief legislative, industry and external relations officer, when addressing the board of trustees in late May.
‘It’s going to become much more unaffordable’: New student loan rules spark concern
(ValleyCentral) Sweeping changes to the federal student loan system are scheduled to take effect July 1, bringing significant changes for future borrowers and current students navigating repayment. Advocates warn the overhaul could make higher education more expensive for many families, with some students potentially turning to private lenders to fill funding gaps.
Texas State University to become first Division I school in the Lone Star State to offer women’s gymnastics
(Spectrum News) The Bobcats will launch the state’s first Division I women’s gymnastics program in early 2028, one academic year after the school’s planned move to the new-look Pac 12 conference. A search for its first head coach is underway, with recruiting to start immediately afterward.
Austin will soon have a $30 million Ayn Rand indoctrination center near UT Austin campus
(San Antonio Current) The institute aims to influence young minds using the controversial philosopher’s writings promoting radical self-interest and unfettered capitalism.
Newborn screening in Texas expands to include rare neurological condition
(KVUE) Texas added a new enzyme deficiency test to its newborn screening, increasing the total conditions screened to 60.
Here’s why childcare has become a workforce issue for Dallas employers
(Dallas Morning News) Business, nonprofit and government leaders say childcare access affects jobs, retention and economic growth across North Texas.
Lemonade Day teaches Coastal Bend kids business skills through hands-on entrepreneurship
(KIII) Young entrepreneurs learn budgeting, marketing and leadership while preparing to run their own businesses across eight Coastal Bend communities.
June 2, 2026
Texas schools say they still face budget difficulties despite $8.5 billion boost
(Texas Tribune) Public school leaders told lawmakers how they’re navigating finances, teacher quality and special education after last year’s state funding overhaul.
6 things to know: How El Paso ISD is handling a financial crisis
(El Paso Matters) Questions linger for families and employees of the El Paso Independent School District as its leaders deal with an unprecedented financial crisis discovered just weeks before summer break. EPISD expects to end the current school year with a $52.8 million deficit, which will erode much of the district’s savings, and likely eliminate an estimated 410 jobs, some of which will be through layoffs, to address a $42 million budget gap for the 2026-27 school year. Related:
Dallas ISD Approves $1.8B Budget, Raises Teacher Pay To $68K
(Dallas Express) The Dallas ISD Board of Trustees has approved a $1.8 billion budget for the 2026-2027 school year that raises starting teacher pay and lifts wages for campus support and central office staff. The spending plan, approved Thursday, sets starting teacher pay at $68,000 and raises the district’s minimum hourly wage to $17.50, the district announced. Central staff not tied to an excellence initiative will receive 2% of the midpoint for both support and professional employees. Altogether, the compensation package totals $56.4 million.
Austin ISD librarian cuts spark backlash after district reverses course
(KUT) Weeks after Austin ISD assured families and staff that librarian positions would be protected from budget cuts, the district informed employees one day before summer break that some schools will only have a librarian part-time, a reversal that sparked outrage from educators who accused district leaders of breaking their word.
Midway and Lorena ISD waive transfer application fees amid enrollment decline
(KWTX) Midway and Lorena ISD opened up their out-of-district transfer applications Monday, waiving their fees for the first time as public schools across the state see a drop in enrollment. At Midway ISD, transfer application fees normally cost $1,000. At Lorena ISD, the fee is $1,400 for a family’s first student and $700 for every student after. By waiving these fees their hope is to bring in more transfer students.
Houston ISD reaches the 3rd anniversary of the state takeover. What’s been lost, gained since 2023?
(Houston Chronicle) Overall, the third anniversary of the takeover highlights a mixed record: measurable academic improvement alongside ongoing concerns about enrollment declines, staffing instability, program cuts, and the absence of elected local governance. Related:
Fort Worth school board meeting interrupted by protester yelling about Sharia law
(Fort Worth Star-Telegram) The protester stormed into the Monday board meeting yelling “We need to stop Sharia law in Texas!” He was escorted out of the board meeting by security officers. The meeting occurred shortly after a Fort Worth school district principal was reassigned after old posts of hers surfaced on social media. Shayma Alzubi was named the principal of Western Hills High School in May, but days later the school district reassigned her after online backlash over her old social media posts.
Former United ISD teacher sentenced after admitting to improper relationship with student
(KGNS) Former United ISD teacher Emmanuel Palacios was sentenced Monday, June 1, after admitting to an improper relationship with a student, prosecutors said. The victim was a student at the LBJ Ninth Grade Campus, where Palacios had taught for seven years. Palacios pleaded guilty to one count of improper relationship between an educator and a student. Per video: The sentence is currently being held as confidential.
Former United ISD teacher arrested on allegations of sexual misconduct with student
(KGNS) A former United ISD teacher was arrested following an investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct with a student at Juan Ramirez Middle School during the 2024-25 school year. David Martinez faces allegations that he engaged in sexual contact with a student on multiple occasions inside his classroom, according to an arrest affidavit.
Parents suing Fort Worth private school after their 16-year-old son suffered a spinal cord injury from bullying
(WFAA) According to the suit, the student at the All Saints’ Episcopal School in Fort Worth suffered a severe concussion along with the spinal cord injury, and was temporarily paralyzed after being reportedly tricked by other students into a viral Tik Tok challenge.
Webb County attorney’s office handled nearly 250 vaping cases during school year
(KGNS) Laredo police said they are seeing vape pens more often, including among teens, and officials said the legal consequences can be serious, especially when a cartridge contains THC. Webb County Attorney Marco Montemayor said that during the 2025-26 school year, his office handled nearly 250 vaping cases compared with about a dozen simple possession of marijuana cases.
2 families say their student at a Spring charter school should be named valedictorian over GPA dispute
(KTRK) Two families at Legacy, The School of Sport Sciences in Spring challenged the school’s decision to award the valedictorian title to a junior who chose to graduate early, arguing that senior Nathan Olivarri had originally been named valedictorian and that the school’s GPA calculations and timing violated its own policies. A judge ruled in favor of Olivarri, ordering the school to recognize him as the Class of 2026 valedictorian and allow him to deliver the valedictory speech at graduation. Olivarri subsequently addressed graduates as valedictorian and thanked the court and his family for their support. School officials said the legal dispute remains ongoing despite the judge’s ruling.
UT Dallas uses Minecraft to teach medical reasoning
(Spectrum News) Students in a University of Texas at Dallas course are learning medical reasoning in an unlikely place: Minecraft. The course, Experiential Medical Reasoning, places pre-med students inside a virtual hospital built within the popular video game. There, students interview fictional patients, order tests, review charts and practice making diagnoses.
Food banks, schools rush to feed food-insecure students over summer
(KVIA) El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Interim CEO Kris Yagel says El Paso has a food insecurity rate at almost 40%, which he says is about double the national and Texas average. Right now, they’re working on getting as much fresh fruits and vegetables this harvest season for the children, but struggle with finding a source for protein.
Operation STEER Brings School Bus Emergency Response Training to North Texas
(School Bus Fleet) Prosper ISD hosted the third annual training for transportation professionals across 67 districts to learn how to respond to emergencies, such as rollovers and evacuations, and proper use of safety equipment.
‘Effective immediately’: All Texas CDL and commercial learner permit exams will only be administered in English
(KBTX) The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) on Monday announced that “effective immediately” all Texas CDL and commercial learner permit (CLP) knowledge examinations will be administered in English only. Related:
- Texas lifts commercial drivers license ban for temporary agricultural workers (Houston Public Media)
The number of uninsured young children has risen across the U.S., report finds, but Texas has the most
(Dallas Morning News) The number of uninsured young children has risen nationwide, a new report found. Texas has the highest rate in the country.
Paxton sues city of Denton to block Pride swim event over ‘gender-neutral’ changing room plans
(WFAA) Paxton claims Denton ignored warnings that the event would violate state law. The city says it already took the appropriate steps to comply.
New details released on Texas Children’s Hospital’s planned detransition clinic
(Texas Tribune) The Houston hospital must set up the facility within 90 days of the $10 million settlement it reached with the Texas attorney general and create a list of potential gender affirming patients.
Texas’ app age verification law allowed to go into effect for now
(Texas Tribune) A federal appeals court allowed Texas to require app stores to verify users’ ages and seek parental consent before a minor can download apps.
June 1, 2026
From school closures to staff cuts, Texas admins will detail budget woes to lawmakers
(Texas Tribune) On Monday, school leaders from across the state will detail the financial challenges still plaguing their districts roughly a year after receiving the significant increase in funding. Public school leaders will share how they are navigating finances, teacher quality and special education in the wake of last year’s state funding overhaul.
‘I worked so hard’: El Paso ISD employees fear layoffs, financial exigency vote delayed
(El Paso Matters) The El Paso Independent District Board of Trustees has postponed by two days its plan to vote whether to accept the recommendations to declare financial exigency and eliminate an estimated 410 jobs to help address a financial crisis. The board initially planned to vote at its 8 a.m. June 2 meeting, but pushed the decision until a 5 p.m. meeting Thursday, June 4, which will allow more community members to give input on next steps at both meetings.
Texarkana ISD to eliminate 30 positions amid budget cuts
(KSLA) Texarkana Independent School District (TISD) will eliminate around 30 positions for the 2026-27 school year to compensate for a revenue shortage, according to school leaders. Dr. Doug Brubaker, superintendent of TISD, said the district will cut around $3.5 million from the budget. He said employees should not worry about their jobs, though. “It is really about reducing the number of positions that we have as people leave through attrition as opposed to any other approach,” Brubaker said.
Austin ISD teachers heartbroken by TEA denial as leaders downplay takeover fears
(Austin American-Statesman) Austin ISD leaders downplayed TEA’s denial and a looming state takeover Thursday, but teachers said they fear state intervention could gut campus progress.
False alarm — no pay discrepancies found at La Joya ISD
(Progress Times) The La Joya ISD administration disproved the possible pay discrepancies linked to a data integrity issue that originated with the previous administration.
Harris County DA reindicts 4 in Houston ISD teacher cheating scandal, dismisses case against former principal
(Houston Chronicle) Nearly two years after five Houston educators and testing administrators were accused of running an organized crime ring that helped teachers cheat their way to state certifications, Harris County prosecutors have amended their charges against four of the alleged conspirators and entirely dropped their case against a fifth.
Houston ISD’s Mike Miles was paid consulting fees after state ban. What happens next?
(Houston Chronicle) Houston ISD’s state-appointed Superintendent Mike Miles accepted at least $190,000 in consulting fees from his charter school network – including thousands of dollars in payments after a state law barred district administrators from profiting from outside education work. While the district says Miles returned “any financial benefit,” the payments raise questions about the law’s enforcement. Related:
Schertz-Cibolo Universal City ISD board votes to censure trustee Matthew Short
(KSAT) Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD’s board voted on Thursday to censure trustee Matthew Short, according to video of the district meeting posted online. The censure is a public reprimand. It is the second action taken by the board against Short in the last three months.
Beaumont ISD superintendent reflects on first month amid sweeping changes, parent concerns
(KBMT) State appointed Beaumont ISD Superintendent Sandi Massey acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the changes, including concerns raised by teachers during recent board meetings.
STAAR: Making the Grade
(Austin Chronicle) STAAR tests are high-stakes for Texas school districts. Is it a good idea to outsource the scoring to machines?
The trial of Karmelo Anthony is set to begin. Here’s what happened and what to expect
(CBS Texas ) Karmelo Anthony, the Centennial High School student charged with killing Memorial High School student Austin Metcalf during a track meet last year, is now facing trial. Anthony’s trial — with jury selection set to begin Monday. The case has been marred by controversy, racial tension and threats, while drawing national attention, particularly on social media.
Coalition files complaint against United ISD board members
(KGNS) A coalition of local groups filed a complaint accusing some United ISD board members of possibly violating the Texas Open Meetings Act, but the groups did not name the trustees involved. The Laredo Conservative PAC, Parents United and the Webb County Republican Party announced the complaint outside United ISD’s main office. They claim that between one and four trustees may have made decisions outside properly posted public meetings tied to recent school closures.
Spring Branch ISD settles lawsuit over the death of special education student who choked on rubber gloves
(Houston Chronicle) Spring Branch ISD has settled a lawsuit over the death of a Stratford High School student with disabilities after his parents alleged the district failed to help him when he swallowed and choked on a rubber glove. The district, in northwest Harris County, said Wednesday that it had settled the case but did not offer details of the settlement. Related:
1 Southwest Texas College student dead in Uvalde, another injured after bucket truck incident
(Fox 26 Houston) One student was killed and another was injured after an incident involving a bucket truck at Southwest Texas College in Uvalde on Thursday. The students were part of the Powerline Technology program, according to a statement from the college. The incident is under investigation, officials said. Officials have not yet released the cause of death for the student who was killed.
Class of 2026 enters the toughest job market in years: ‘A bad time to be a new college graduate’
(Houston Chronicle) Houston-area career counselors say that the job market has become more frustrating for their students.
From regents to presidents: Who oversees Texas public universities?
(Austin American-Statesman) After Senate Bill 37, politically appointed trustees have more influence over university decisions. But here’s what presidents and faculty still have a say over.
Baylor-backed study says AI has a blind spot on religion
(Houston Chronicle) As artificial intelligence spreads across workplaces and classrooms, researchers from four universities are alleging it has a major blind spot: religion. The AllFaith Benchmark, a set of tests on how AI handles different religions, found that religious perspectives are often left out of AI responses, claims The Consortium for Evaluation of Faith and Ethics in AI (CEFE-AI).
Teaching restrictions prompted half of surveyed Texas Tech faculty to alter courses, results show
(Texas Tribune) A faculty senate survey found professors altered or were asked to change material in 277 courses after Texas Tech’s restrictions on race, sexuality and gender.
Former United ISD employee arrested on child sex crime charges
(KGNS) UISD police arrested David Martinez on May 22. He faces two counts of indecency with a child through sexual contact and two counts of sexual assault of a child. UISD confirmed Martinez was a former employee but declined to disclose his role or campus.
Education is no longer a ‘professional degree.’ What will the ripple effects be?
(K-12 Dive) Education advocates are worried about the negative impact a new federal student loan cap will have on staffing for many roles in schools.
Texas Examines Use of National Teacher Certification for Incentive Pay
(The74) Teachers with national certification earn more, but Texas is questioning its worth.
Affidavit: Children rescued from Temple home that ‘smelled like death’ had never been to school, are illiterate
(KWTX) Two men are behind bars after reports of a foul odor led police officers in Temple to a home where two young children were allegedly living in deplorable conditions, surrounded by rotting garbage, rodent feces, and maggots, arrest affidavits obtained by KWTX state.
CDC finds that most of those hospitalized with measles in West Texas were children or pregnant adults
(Texas Public Radio) A report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has found that more than 90% of the people hospitalized during the first two months of the 2025 measles outbreak in West Texas were children. More than half were under the age of four. Of the five adults who required hospital care for measles during that period, four of them were pregnant.
Killeen ISD student with special needs walks stage at graduation, gets standing ovation
(KWTX) If you don’t remember, Sean Roberts is the special needs teen at Killeen ISD who was originally told he wouldn’t be allowed to walk the stage due to time constraints. A social media post led to an uproar and the district making adjustments so he could walk. And on Friday, when his name was called, the crowd went wild.
How Cherokee farming traditions are transforming one Texas school
(Texas Tribune) Native American crops and storytelling connect students, families and culture at this Austin elementary.
‘It made me sad’: Inside the final year of a beloved Fort Worth ISD school
(Fort Worth Report) Families say the southeast Fort Worth ISD campus gave students stability, trust and belonging that won’t easily transfer.
Laredo unveils inclusive playground inspired by United ISD middle school students
(Laredo Morning Times) Seven years after a group of United ISD Trautmann Middle School students proposed an inclusive playground for Laredo, city officials celebrated the opening of the Salamander Play Zone at North Central Park.
