What to know before applying for Texas’ education savings accounts next year

The Texas comptroller’s office has released a set of rules to govern the state’s $1 billion education savings account program, or ESAs. Accepted families will receive thousands of dollars in state funds to send their children to a private school or homeschool them. The overview: Accredited private schools and education vendors can begin applying to join the program as soon as Dec. 9, and applications will open for interested families Feb. 4. Most families accepted into the program will receive about $10,300 per student, which can be spent on tuition at accredited private prekindergarten or K-12 schools and related expenses. Homeschooled students will receive up to $2,000 per year, while students with disabilities will be eligible for up to $30,000 annually.
Lt. Gov. Patrick Counters Abbott’s Plan to Reduce Property Taxes

Gov. Greg Abbott, meanwhile, has proposed tackling rising appraisals and local tax increases. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick announced a property tax reform plan aimed at increasing the homestead exemption for millions of Texas homeowners. The plan falls short of many of the elements of the property tax cut proposal introduced by Gov. Greg Abbott just last month. At a Tuesday press conference, Patrick outlined reforms that build on past efforts to raise homestead exemptions. He also introduced a new initiative known as “Operation Double Nickel.”
How Odyssey rose from tech startup to manager of Texas’ $1B school voucher program

When Texas chose a company to roll out the state’s $1 billion private school voucher program, it passed over more established vendors in favor of a four-year-old tech startup that said it could do it for almost half the cost. Now, Odyssey must execute on its promises to meet an aggressive timeline while avoiding missteps that have dogged other program launches. The New York-based company has rapidly expanded in recent years, launching programs in eight states that subsidize students’ private education costs with taxpayer dollars.
Paxton Launches Financial Transparency Investigation Into Nearly 1,000 Cities

Attorney General Ken Paxton is escalating his confrontation with local governments over property tax compliance, launching a sweeping investigation into nearly 1,000 Texas cities. This comes just months after previously ordering four municipalities to pause their newly adopted tax rates amid allegations of audit violations. Paxton’s office said the widened review is aimed at ensuring strict adherence to Senate Bill 1851, the new state law that bars any city out of audit compliance from raising property taxes above the no-new-revenue rate.
UNT is the first college in the state to get a naloxone vending machine

The University of North Texas is the first public college in Texas to get a free naloxone vending machine, and Regan Browne, director of the Recovery and Intervention Support and Education Center — called RISE — considers it a win. Browne is new to the director’s chair at RISE, and she was among locals who attended the unveiling of a naloxone vending machine at Rubber Gloves Rehearsal Studios, a storied Denton music venue, in June. A teen survived an overdose there in April because a quick-thinking patron knew the signs and administered naloxone, the generic form of the brand-name drug Narcan. Naloxone is a nasal spray that can reverse the effects of opioids, even a potentially lethal dose.
A slate of new Texas laws go into effect December and January. Here’s what to watch.

Dozens of new Texas laws will take effect in December and January, bringing wide-ranging changes to the state’s education system, law enforcement, taxes and more. Over 800 laws from this year’s regular legislative session already took effect on Sept. 1, but more measures from that period as well as the second special session will soon activate. Some also had to wait for voters’ approval, such as more tax exemption for businesses’ inventory.

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Conroe ISD updates policies based on Texas laws, making some even more restrictive

October 2308:30 AM

After several months of discussion, members of the Conroe ISD Board of Trustees approved changes to several district policies to comply with new legislation, but went a step further than some of those Texas laws. Some changes are due to new legislation, while others are clarifications of existing district policies. In November, the board will adopt 12 more new or updated policies, Superintendent David Vinson said. The new Senate Bill 12 prohibits assisting students with "social transitioning," which is defined as adopting a different name or pronouns to express a gender identity different from their biological sex at birth. view article

TCU to end stand-alone departments focused on women and gender, race and ethnic studies

October 2308:04 AM

TCU will close its women and gender studies department and comparative race and ethnic studies department after this school year, with plans to fold instruction of the subjects into the English department. The move was announced Friday in a meeting and email to Texas Christian University faculty, citing low enrollment as among the reasons. Faculty members said the merger follows a lack of support for the departments amid political challenges A university spokesperson said external pressure does not impact university decision-making and that changes to departments are based on academic demand. University officials must secure fiscal sustainability and “ensure a more efficient and effective use of faculty and administrative resources,” Provost Floyd Wormley Jr. wrote in the email to English faculty. view article

Conroe ISD updates policies based on Texas laws, making some even more restrictive

October 2305:00 AM

Leon | Alcala PLLC: Lago Vista Board Announces Lone Finalist

October 2208:29 PM

The Lago Vista ISD Board of Trustees is pleased to announce that Dr. Mindy Curran has been named the lone finalist for the position of Superintendent of Schools for Lago Vista ISD. The Board made the selection following an extensive search process that included multiple rounds of interviews, stakeholder input, and careful consideration of candidates’ experience, leadership qualities, and alignment with the district’s vision and values. Curran currently serves as Interim Superintendent at Ingram ISD. Throughout her 28-year career in education, Curran has demonstrated a strong commitment to student success, academic excellence, and collaborative leadership. State law requires a 21-day waiting period before the Board can officially vote to employ the new superintendent. Following this period, the Board anticipates taking final action on November 10, 2025.The Board extends its appreciation to all those who participated in the search process and looks forward to welcoming Dr. Mindy Curran as the next leader of Lago Vista ISD. view article

White Settlement Road name change too costly, affected Fort Worth business owners say

October 2208:38 AM

City Council members will vote Tuesday on changing the name to Westside Drive at the request of developers to mirror the name of their upcoming $1.7 billion Westside Village. The project along White Settlement Road is set to break ground next year and, upon completion, will include a mix of office and retail space, plus a luxury hotel and apartments. view article

Feds slash the budget for program that helped 65,000 Texans enroll for health insurance

October 2208:33 AM

With the Affordable Care Act navigator budget cut by 90%, nonprofits are seeking ways to fund their efforts to bring more of the state’s uninsured into regular health care. view article

Education Commissioner will shut down schools or take over board in Lake Worth ISD

October 2208:31 AM

It's a similar story to what we've heard in Fort Worth—repeated years of failing at campuses requiring the state to take action. Hanging right on the wall of the library of Lucille Collins Middle School was a chart with clothespins. The pins each had the name of a student, and were clipped next to the words Masters, Meets, Approaches, or Did Not Meet, referring to scores on state tests of academic expectation. The majority of the clothespins were on 'Did Not Meet' in almost every category. view article

Federal Lawsuit Challenges Texas’ New App Store Age Checks

October 2208:30 AM

The App Store Accountability Act is set to take effect on January 1. A federal lawsuit is challenging Texas’ new App Store Accountability Act, which is set to take effect January 1, 2026. This is the latest development in an ongoing clash between Texas lawmakers and Big Tech. The act—also known as Senate Bill 2420—forces app stores to age‑verify every user and obtain parental consent before any minor can download or purchase an app. The lawsuit alleges SB 2420 violates the U.S. Constitution’s First Amendment and Commerce Clause as well as fundamental privacy rights. view article

How two Texas redistricting cases, 37 years apart, set the stage for the latest congressional redraw

October 2208:30 AM

The 5th Circuit last year overturned its previous ruling that allowed racial groups to band together to challenge voting maps, laying the groundwork for Texas’ mid-decade redistricting. view article

With Focus on Trust and Transparency, Killeen ISD Selects Dr. King Davis as Lone Finalist for Superintendent

October 2208:29 AM

The Killeen Independent School District Board of Trustees voted 7-0 Monday to name Dr. King Davis the lone finalist for superintendent of schools, selecting an experienced educator known for a calm, steady presence and the ability to build trust in times of challenge. The announcement follows a search process that included community focus groups and surveys that identified what stakeholders wanted to see in the district’s next leader. Trustees said working with and observing Dr. Davis during his 10 weeks as Killeen ISD’s interim superintendent provided clear evidence of his fit for the role. view article

Lake Worth ISD is poised for state intervention; a former Dallas ISD superintendent is trying to hel

October 2208:28 AM

One person alone cannot turn around a struggling school district. It takes a team dedicated to change, and former Dallas ISD superintendent Michael Hinojosa is on Lake Worth’s team now. Hinojosa retired from the state’s second-largest school district in 2022 and launched a consulting firm. He had two stints leading Dallas ISD. Cumulatively, he served for 13 years and is credited with helping Dallas make gains in academically and with accountability. view article

A guide to understanding Denton ISD’s proposed tax increase

October 2208:25 AM

Denton ISD leaders make no bones about Proposition A, the sole school district item on a beefy Nov. 4 ballot: It’s a 5-cent tax rate increase. Denton ISD Superintendent Susannah O’Bara and Deputy Superintendent Jeremy Thompson, who oversees the district’s financial operations, were just as plain about the reason for taking the tax hike to voters: The district has already “pulled the other levers” to cut their expenses over three years of deficit budgets. This school year, Denton ISD is operating with a $15 million budget deficit. view article

Houston ISD to Elect New Trustees Despite Ongoing State Takeover

October 2208:25 AM

Houston Independent School District (HISD) will hold elections for three school board seats in the upcoming November election, even though the district remains under state control. Trustee positions for Districts 5, 6, and 7 will appear on the November 4 ballot for four-year terms. Districts 1 and 9 saw unopposed candidates, so their names will not appear on the ballot. view article

Groesbeck ISD investigates racist threats against student

October 2208:25 AM

Groesbeck ISD is investigating the high school after students made racist remarks and death threats over social media. A mother said this happened on Friday when her daughter made a comment about the high school football team. She is now pulling her tenth grader out of the district. The mother told News 10 her child did not go to school Monday because students threatened to hang her in a group message. She said she is disappointed because more than 20 people were in that group message, adding racism is learned at home. view article

Centerville ISD employee under investigation for alleged ‘unprofessional’ conduct with student

October 2208:24 AM

Centerville ISD is again at the center of an investigation involving a member of its staff. Assistant Superintendent Dottie Sullivan sent a statement to parents on Tuesday, notifying them of an allegation regarding an employee’s “unprofessional conduct” involving a student on the elementary campus. No additional information was shared, but Sullivan said the district is committed to full transparency. “Please be assured that student safety and campus integrity remain our highest priority,” she said. The Leon County Sheriff’s Office and Child Protective Services are each conducting their own investigations into this case, Sullivan confirmed. view article

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Rockdale ISD Superintendent Dr. Denise Monzingo announces retirement

October 2208:23 AM

Rockdale ISD Superintendent Dr. Denise Monzingo is set to retire after 12 years with the district. Rockdale ISD made the announcement on Tuesday, Oct. 21. According to Rockdale ISD, Monzingo has 40 years of experience in public education, having served as Superintendent of Schools at Rockdale ISD since 2014. view article

Lancaster ISD Band Director Accused of Child Sex Crime

October 2208:23 AM

DeShawn Parks is charged with indecency with a child by sexual contact. A Lancaster High School music teacher is on administrative leave after being accused of sexually touching a minor. Assistant Band Director DeShawn Darrell Parks, 39, was arrested on October 10 and charged with indecency with a child by sexual contact, a second-degree felony punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison. Parks has worked for Lancaster Independent School District for more than 10 years. view article

Exploring AI is future-proofing for students, new Uplift CEO says at charter’s tech expo

October 2208:22 AM

High schooler Monroe Farbs didn’t expect a robot to go in for a hug. The Uplift Summit International Preparatory junior watched a humanoid machine offer three options — fist bump, handshake or hug — and then mirror each move with uncanny timing at a booth inside Esports Stadium Arlington. “It sparked that inner curiosity to figure out why it works the way it does, and how we could mimic or improve it,” said Farbs, a member of the Arlington charter school’s robotics team. Uplift Education’s second annual Tech Expo on Oct. 9 drew students from all 13 of the charter network’s high schools for hands-on exhibits, esports matches and panels with more than 50 organizations, including American Airlines, DreamWorks Animation and the U.S. Cyber Command. view article

Cedar Hill ISD board of trustees deny grievance, won’t return Melanie Benjamin to AD role

October 2208:18 AM

It was past midnight when the Cedar Hill ISD board of trustees emerged from closed session to vote on a Level III grievance filed against the school district on behalf of former CHISD athletic director Melanie Benjamin. At the end of a board meeting that lasted nearly six hours, Benjamin was present to watch the trustees vote to deny her grievance, despite an overwhelming show of public support for Benjamin earlier in the evening. view article

Dallas ISD sees surge in “A” schools after $3.5 billion bond investment

October 2208:18 AM

"You can do two things with money: you can spend it or you can invest it. And in this case, this is an investment. What happens to kids when they see new facilities, even the one we're in today," said Dr. Stephanie Elizalde, Dallas ISD Superintendent. "What that does is it reminds them that they are valued - and guess what that does? It brings out the best in students and then their parents partner with us. because they know that the school is their school." view article

TEA commissioner weighs drastic choices for Lake Worth ISD’s future

October 2208:16 AM

The Texas Education Agency commissioner says Lake Worth ISD has had chronic academic problems at several campuses, with one school earning a failing grade five years in a row. According to state law, the TEA commissioner must now take drastic action. view article

Bonham ISD earns Superior Achievement for Financial Integrity Rating

October 2208:15 AM

A regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of Bonham ISD was held October 20, 2025 in the Bonham ISD Administration Center. Board President Chance Roberts called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm. All board members were present, except Kenzie McCraw and LaTonia Arris. Fifth graders from IW Evans led the pledges to the US and Texas flags. view article

East Austin community seeks alternative to Austin ISD’s school closures

October 2208:15 AM

The future of several Austin ISD schools remains uncertain as the district is forced to make some difficult decisions. Community members are now airing their frustrations. view article

Water line break prompts early release at Liberty Hill ISD schools

October 2208:14 AM

A major water line break along Highway 29 led to an early release for students at Liberty Hill High School and Bill Burden Elementary School on Tuesday. Liberty Hill Independent School District posted on Facebook, alerting families of the incident. view article

Frisco ISD to close Staley Middle School

October 2208:12 AM

Frisco ISD’s Staley Middle School will be closed after the 2025-26 school year. District leaders discussed the campus closure during an Oct. 20 board meeting. The board of trustees moved to close the campus in a unanimous vote. “We simply have more students going out of our buildings than coming in,” trustee Sherrie Salas said. “We would prefer [Frisco ISD] be immune to campus closures, but that is not the case. The landscape of public education is changing.” view article

Taylor ISD teachers receive grant, note student excellence

October 2208:12 AM

Taylor ISD teachers receive grant, note student excellence Recipients include esports program Taylor teachers and principals had a lot to celebrate at the monthly school board meeting with strides in student academic success and a financial boost from the Taylor Educational Enrichment Foundation. While many of the distributed grants were in the range of $1,000, Taylor High School Career and Technical Education robotics teacher Joseph Thompson received TEE’s “Game Changer” grant of $37,186 for the startup of an esports program at the high school. view article

City, Denton ISD swapping land: One middle school track in exchange for another that could become a park

October 2208:12 AM

The city is set to swap land with Denton ISD, exchanging 9.4 acres that are already used for school sports next to South Lakes Park for 3.4 acres on Congress Street that could one day become a city park. The Denton City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to approve the land exchange. view article

Spring Branch ISD case shows the harm of a gutted Voting Rights Act: ‘Your chances were slim to none’

October 2208:12 AM

As early voting begins for the Nov. 4 elections, I want to speak to those who feel their vote doesn't matter, who have tuned out or who have become ambivalent about their voting power. I know you've lost faith in the system, and I can't blame you. Like many concerned Americans, I listened to some of the U.S. Supreme Court's discussion about the Voting Rights Act of 1965 last week with a sick feeling in my stomach. The court heard oral arguments in Louisiana v. Callais, a case that scrutinizes the constitutionality of Section 2, a part of the Voting Rights Act that bans any voting practice or rule that discriminates based on race, color or language spoken. view article

Sweetwater ISD classes canceled due to water issue

October 2208:11 AM

Classes at Sweetwater ISD are canceled on Wednesday, October 22, due to a water main break. District officials say all campuses will be closed while crews work to restore service. No additional details have been released at this time. view article

Alvarado ISD teacher’s death leaves community in disbelief amid husband’s arrest

October 2208:10 AM

Days after 33-year-old Alvarado High School teacher Chelsea Spillers was found dead in her home, her neighbor says the community is grappling with guilt and disbelief. “I think we're all kind of feeling that, we wish we had known, or we wish we had taken more action,” said neighbor Ashley Crow, who lives nearby. view article

Full-circle moment: Alvin ISD alum works to wipe out student lunch debt

October 2208:05 AM

A former Alvin ISD student is giving back to the district that helped shape him by helping students who, like him, once struggled to afford lunch. Kelechi Iroegbu, a graduate of Alvin ISD, launched a GoFundMe campaign to pay off about $17,000 in student lunch debt across the district. He said the effort is about more than money. view article

Plan to pump billions of gallons of water from East Texas appears on hold

October 2205:00 AM

An East Texas farm sued the local groundwater conservation district that has authority over the aquifer that would be pumped. As part of a settlement, the district has voided its original permits. LUFKIN — An East Texas groundwater conservation district is negotiating a legal path that would pause a plan to pump billions of gallons of water out of the region. The Neches & Trinity Valleys Groundwater Conservation District is allowing its lawyers to settle a lawsuit with a poultry farm that sued the district, which gave preliminary approval to a Dallas-area company to install 40 high-capacity water wells above the Carrizo Wilcox Aquifer. The nascent settlement, which became public Monday, is the latest twist in a monthslong debate over the project, which drew the ire of community members, local businesses and lawmakers. It resulted in several community meetings and an 11-hour legislative committee hearing. The lawsuit was filed by Wayne-Sanderson Farms, a poultry business in East Texas. The lawsuit argued the project would hurt its business. view article

Texas Verifies All Voters’ Citizenship With SAVE Data

October 2205:00 AM

The secretary of state identified 2,724 potential noncitizens registered to vote in Texas. After running its entire list of more than 18 million voters through the SAVE database, Texas has identified 2,724 potential noncitizens who are registered to vote in the state. Secretary of State Jane Nelson announced Monday that her office had completed a full comparison of the state’s voter registration list against data in the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ SAVE database. view article

80-year-old grandmother becomes oldest woman to finish the Ironman World Championship

October 2205:00 AM

For most of Natalie Grabow's life, she didn't know how to swim. At age 59, she decided to change that, so she could face an even bigger challenge. "It was a big hurdle I had to overcome," Grabow told NPR via email, "in order to do a triathlon." [Whatever Happened To ... The 101-Year-Old Champion Runner From India?] Whatever Happened To ... The 101-Year-Old Champion Runner From India? Grabow is now being hailed as an inspiration. Not only did she learn to swim and then compete in a triathlon, but the 80-year-old grandmother just became the oldest woman to finish the grueling Ironman World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. "Absolutely incredible," the PA announcer said as Grabow crossed the finish line to loud cheers and a crowd chanting her first name. view article

A new South Texas data center will rely on untapped renewable energy

October 2109:09 AM

The new data center will work directly with a nearby windfarm to use energy the windfarm can’t send to the state’s electricity grid. view article

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