Latest TexEdNews:

Reported Elsewhere:

Having problems?
Please refresh your browser.

Reported Elsewhere

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

August 18, 2026
The Takeover Tab: State-Imposed Superintendent Buyouts Cost School Districts Big Bucks

(Texas Observer) The State of Texas’s latest takeovers of four school districts, including Fort Worth, Beaumont, Lake Worth, and Connally Independent School Districts have already had a direct cost to local taxpayers. All four districts were forced to negotiate settlements with superintendents ousted by the Texas Education Agency, in packages totalling more than $1 million. And, critics of TEA takeovers say, those costs are just the beginning of expenses that come with state intervention but without state recompense.

Families ask U.S. Supreme Court to rule on Texas’ Ten Commandments requirement for public schools

(Texas Tribune) Texas families on Monday asked the U.S. Supreme Court to decide whether state lawmakers can require public schools to display the Ten Commandments. The formal request comes after the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled earlier this year that Texas’ and Louisiana’s laws mandating such displays did not violate the Constitution’s ban on states prioritizing one religion over others. 

Colorado school district rejects controversial reading curriculum because of errors, Texas focus

(Texas Tribune) On Wednesday, elementary schools in a small southwestern Colorado district stopped using a controversial reading curriculum developed by the state of Texas.

Abbott announces new education initiative focused on reading and math at roundtable discussion in Waco

(KWTX) Gov. Greg Abbott held a roundtable discussion in Waco Monday to announce a new education initiative focused on helping students who are struggling with reading and math. Abbott said he is asking legislators in the next session to create a program called the Student Success Academy. While the outline for this initiative is still being worked out, Abbott says so far it appears to be on target about what is needed. “These in-school academies will give parents and teachers a straightforward plan to help struggling students get back on track and boost their reading and math comprehension,“ Abbott said in a press release.

Turning Point USA Lubbock challenges Lubbock ISD on age-inappropriate books

(Lubbock Avalanche-Journal) Lubbock’s chapter of the Turning Point USA conservative advocacy group hosted a news conference Monday evening calling attention to what the organization calls potentially harmful books and other materials in Lubbock ISD libraries. Related:

Austin Mayor Kirk Watson hopes to avoid Austin ISD takeover

(KUT) After two Austin Independent School District middle schools triggered a state intervention, Austin Mayor Kirk Watson said Monday he hopes state officials acknowledge the district has made progress. Now, it’s up to Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath whether to take over the whole district or do a less drastic intervention. Watson said there have been no talks with state officials, but that he expects those conversations will happen soon.

Socorro ISD calls for tax ratification election to fund teachers, raises, student programs

(El Paso Matters) The Socorro Independent School District is asking voters to allow it to raise its tax rate beyond what is allowed by the state to fund additional teachers, pay raises, upgrade technology, improve heating and cooling systems and begin rebuilding its savings.

The Demographic Shift: Frisco, Plano, Celina, McKinney, Dallas ISDs

(Dallas Express) A review of Texas Education Agency enrollment data for five North Texas districts — Plano, Dallas, McKinney, Celina, and Frisco — shows that the demographic changes are not uniform. In some districts, racial and ethnic shifts have been substantial, while others have remained comparatively stable.

Katy ISD and Lamar CISD adapt to post-COVID enrollment increases

(Community Impact) Katy ISD and Lamar CISD were two of the few districts in the state that did not see a decrease in enrollment during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Texas Education Agency.

Conroe ISD, other Montgomery County districts see enrollment gains in past 5 years

(Community Impact) Several Montgomery County school districts, including Conroe ISD, have seen enrollment increases in the last five years, while others in the Greater Houston region experienced losses.

UPDATE: Copperas Cove ISD to remain closed Tuesday, as local disaster declared due to water main breaks

(KXXV) The Copperas Cove ISD will be closed and classes cancelled, as the community continues to deal with the effects from water main breaks. The City declared a local disaster Monday following critical water infrastructure failures that left the entire municipal water system compromised. The district released classes early on Monday.

Irving ISD offers testing after tuberculosis exposure at MacArthur High School

(WFAA) After a small group of students was possibly exposed to tuberculosis last school year, Irving ISD is offering testing.

Wet-Bulb Globe Temperatures could climb to “extreme” levels for the first time this summer

(KBTX) As we’ve been tracking wet-bulb globe temperatures (WBGT) all summer long with new UIL rules in effect, we’re expecting readings to reach the highest they have so far this season. Outdoor workouts would be prohibited during this time, per UIL. Related:

A North Texas lawmaker wants to push the start of school back. Would it help cut energy costs?

(Dallas Morning News) As a North Texas lawmaker calls for the state to push the beginning of the school year back a few weeks, experts say it isn’t clear that such a move would help districts save much on their energy costs.

South San Antonio ISD seeks voter support for upgrades after HVAC failures displace around 300 students

(KSAT) South San Antonio Independent School District’s first week of school started hot in classrooms and busy in the district office. About 300 students were relocated to different classrooms in the first week of school after HVAC units failed, raising concerns about learning conditions across the district, school officials said. Now, district leaders are looking to voters for a solution.

UT San Antonio systems go offline after attempted cybersecurity breach

(San Antonio Report) Just days before the first day of school at the University of Texas at San Antonio, students, faculty and staff have little to no access to university accounts and systems after a potential cybersecurity breach was caught over the weekend. University officials alerted students, faculty and staff of “unauthorized activity” over the weekend that targeted the university’s technology systems. This prompted university officials to cut access to some online services as an ongoing investigation identifies any ongoing threats. The university said in a statement that the actions taken were deemed effective and their ongoing investigation has not found evidence of a data breach.

Breaking down UT Austin’s new core curriculum: Here’s what students would have to take

(Austin American-Statesman) UT’s new core curriculum could change what every student must learn. How does it differ from existing Texas requirements? A deep dive into required classes.

University of Houston may give administrators more control over already weakened faculty councils

(Houston Chronicle) The University of Houston System could officially embed administrators within faculty councils at two campuses, a move some professors say will further erode the groups’ authority just one year after a GOP law weakened faculty advisory groups statewide. The system’s board of regents will consider revising the bylaws for faculty councils at UH and UH-Downtown on Thursday, according to an agenda posted with the Texas Secretary of State.

Protecting Texas research focus of hearing as Abbott eyes limiting foreign influence in education

(Texas Tribune) Lawmakers will review security rules for universities as Gov. Greg Abbott campaigns for a fourth term by targeting foreign influence in education.

Karmelo Anthony hearings this week seek new judge, trial

(CBS Texas) The family of Karmelo Anthony is calling on supporters to attend this week’s hearings over whether he should get a new trial and a new judge. The two hearings are expected to draw as much attention as the trial in June, when a jury found Anthony guilty of murdering Austin Metcalf and sentenced him to 35 years in prison. 

Youth aviation pilot program draws 1,000+ applicants, federal funding possible

(KGNS) A free youth aviation pilot program that launched in April drew more than 1,000 applications — far exceeding the 50 organizers expected — and may soon receive millions in federal dollars to expand into local high schools. In response to the overwhelming interest, program director and pilot Victor Trevino expanded the program by adding additional classes and is seeking federal support through the VMAX aviation education initiative, which could provide up to $5 million in funding. If awarded, the grant would allow participating high schools to install flight simulators so students can earn flight experience as part of their coursework.

Anderson-Shiro CISD launches early college high school program through Blinn College

(KXXV) Anderson-Shiro CISD is offering early college high school classes through Blinn College for the first time this year, allowing students to earn an associate’s degree alongside their high school diploma at no cost. The program, which launched this school year, is designed to take students from their freshman year through graduation. The class of 2030 could leave high school with up to 60 transferable college credits or a full associate’s degree.

North Zulch ISD approves full-time facility dog to support student well-being

(KXXV) North Zulch ISD has approved a full-time facility dog to help students through trying times. A golden retriever will join the district in June 2027 to support student well-being. A new, permanent dog for North Zulch is currently in training, a process expected to take one year before placement at the school. The value of a comforting canine has already been established. The district got the use of a borrowed support dog from Iola ISD after the death of a student in an accident last spring.

Click for Earlier
“Reported Elsewhere” Dates

Latest from TexEdNews!

$ = Subscribers Only

TexEdNews Article Archives

$ = Subscribers Only

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