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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.
