AUSTIN, Texas — U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas is scheduled to deliver a public lecture at University of Texas at Austin on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, as part of a series of events marking the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. According to university

A significant policy decision is underway in Texas that could influence how millions of students are taught subjects such as slavery, religion, and broader American history. The Texas State Board of Education is currently revising the state’s social studies curriculum, formally known as the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), which outlines academic standards for students from elementary through high school. The TEKS framework determines the scope and structure of instructi

AUSTIN, Texas — Texas’ first statewide school voucher-style initiative has drawn overwhelming interest, with more than 274,000 applications submitted for the Texas Education Freedom Accounts program by the deadline of Tuesday, March 31, 2026. The volume of applications significantly exceeds the program’s initial capacity of approximately 90,000 students, setting the stage for a highly competitive selection process. The TEFA program, established by the Texas Legislature in 2025,

State lawmakers in Texas are preparing for a significant policy shift as dozens of new laws take effect across December and January, adding to the more than 800 measures already implemented earlier this year. The latest round of legislation, passed during the regular session and the second special session, is set to influence major areas including education, public health, redistricting, immigration enforcement and criminal justice. Each law reflects ongoing political debates in the state and

A 23-year-old student from Andhra Pradesh, identified as Rajyalakshmi (Raji) Yarlagadda, was found dead in her apartment in the United States earlier this week. The young woman, who had recently completed her master’s degree in computer science at Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi, had been actively searching for job opportunities following her graduation. Her death has sent shockwaves through her family and friends, both in India and abroad. According to details shared by

The district has revised its proposed plan to close several schools, confirming that three campuses—Palm Elementary, Bryker Woods Elementary, and Maplewood Elementary—will no longer be part of the closure list. The announcement came through a letter dated November 4 from Superintendent Matias Segura to the community, explaining the decision to modify the timeline and focus. The superintendent emphasized that while the closure list has changed, the district remains committed to its long-term

The Grapevine-Colleyville Independent School District (GCISD) in Texas is evaluating the potential closure of multiple elementary schools as it grapples with a significant budget shortfall and a steady decline in student enrollment. District officials confirmed that two to three schools could be affected, triggering concern among parents and community members who fear their neighborhood schools may soon be shuttered. According to GCISD, the discussion is still in the early stages, a

The Texas Education Agency has announced that it will assume control of Fort Worth Independent School District, marking one of the state’s most significant education interventions in recent years. TEA Commissioner Mike Morath confirmed Thursday that a board of managers will be appointed to replace the district’s elected school board, citing chronic academic underperformance as the driving factor behind the decision. Under state law, the appointed board will have the same powers

Austin, Texas — The Austin Independent School District (AISD) is confronting a budget deficit exceeding $19.7 million and the looming possibility of state intervention if it fails to stabilize its finances and improve underperforming campuses. While no final decisions have been made, district officials have begun a series of public meetings to address community concerns, explain their financial situation, and present a preliminary plan aimed at long-term sustainability. The distri

Austin Independent School District has unveiled a sweeping consolidation and boundary change proposal that could reshape public education in the city for years to come. Facing persistent enrollment decline, a multimillion-dollar budget shortfall, and accountability requirements, district leaders have laid out a plan that includes closing 13 schools, redrawing boundaries across nearly every campus, and repurposing several facilities to new academic programs. The plan, released Friday, immediately

The Houston Independent School District (HISD) has updated its employee leave and hiring policies under the direction of the state-appointed Board of Managers, drawing attention from teachers and staff across the district. The changes address family medical leave, bereavement policies, and background check procedures while reflecting stricter measures around teacher absences. HISD employees who lose a child, grandpar

Austin Independent School District (ISD) is taking critical steps to address a multi-year budget deficit and ensure a more efficient education system. The district, which has faced deficits for three consecutive years, plans to close some schools, redraw attendance boundaries, and implement other realignment measures. The ultimate goal is to reduce $30 million from the district’s budget and streamline operations while preserving the quality of education.

Spring Independent School District (ISD), located in northwest Harris County, kicks off the 2025-26 school year on August 12, 2025. Despite a slight enrollment decline of 345 students, the district remains an essential part of the local community, with a student population of 33,590 as reported by the Texas Education Agency. Student Demographics and Enrollment Trends

Two controversial bills involving religion in Texas public schools are currently awaiting Gov. Greg Abbott’s approval before the Sunday deadline. Senate Bill 10 would mandate the display of the Ten Commandments in all public school classrooms with a specifically Protestant wording. Meanwhile, Senate Bill 11 would permit designated periods for voluntary prayer and Bible reading in public and charter schools. Bot

Cedar Hill, TX – Cedar Hill Independent School District has announced Dr. Maria Gamell as the sole finalist for the position of superintendent following a comprehensive selection process. The announcement was made during a board meeting on Thursday, highlighting Gamell’s extensive experience and vision for educational leadership. With 24 years of service in the field of education, Dr. Gamell most recently

A 13-year-old student from Allen, Texas, has won national fame and a $50,000 cash prize after emerging victorious in the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee. Faizan Zaki, a seventh-grade student at C.M. Rice Middle School in Plano ISD, correctly spelled the challenging word “éclaircissement” to take the top spot during the final round held Thursday night. The word, which means “a clearing up of something obscure,” perfectly summed up Zaki’s commanding clari

Austin state Representative Vikki Goodwin, a Democrat, has officially entered the 2026 race for Texas lieutenant governor, setting up a high-stakes political showdown with Republican incumbent Dan Patrick. The announcement, made Tuesday, introduces Goodwin as a challenger willing to confront long-standing Republican control in Texas with a platform centered on public service, transparency, and essential policy reforms. Goodwin, who has served four terms in the Texas House representi

Rapid growth across Williamson County is reshaping the once-rural town of Liberty Hill, bringing a surge in development, new residents, and pressing challenges for local schools. “When I moved out here 5 years ago, it was very calm, very country,” said Natalie Menteer, a Liberty Hill resident. “Now, apartments going up, homes going up, a lot of businesses it’s growing fast.” That growth is being felt acutely in Liberty Hill ISD (LHISD), where student enrollment i

The Texas House is poised for a pivotal vote that could redefine education funding across the state. Lawmakers are set to decide on two major education bills: one that introduces a $1 billion private school voucher program, and another that aims to invest $8 billion into public school funding. These bills represent two of the most consequential education initiatives of the current legislative session. The voucher proposal is a significant development in Texas politics, especially

The University of Texas at Austin has announced the immediate termination of its Flags program, a cornerstone of its graduation requirements for the past two decades. The university will replace it with a skills-based educational model designed to better align with workforce demands, student flexibility, and public scrutiny around diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The Flags program required undergraduates to complete coursework in cultural diversity, global cultures, ethics,