Texas Ends In-State Tuition for Illegals Hours After Trump DOJ Files Lawsuit

Just two days after the Texas Legislature adjourned without passing legislation to end in-state tuition for illegal aliens, the Trump administration’s Department of Justice has filed a federal lawsuit against the state of Texas. Now, the state has settled, ending the discounted tuition for illegals for now. Filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas, the lawsuit challenges longstanding provisions of the Texas Education Code that allow certain illegal aliens to pay in-state tuition at public colleges and universities—rates that are significantly lower than those charged to U.S. citizens from other states. “Federal law prohibits illegal aliens from getting in-state tuition benefits that are denied to out-of-state U.S. citizens,” the DOJ complaint reads. “There are no exceptions. Yet the State of Texas has ignored this law for years.”
Texas Education Agency extends Houston school district takeover through 2027

Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath applauded the district for its improvements while citing the need for more time to “achieve lasting success for students.” The state takeover of the Houston Independent School District will continue for two more years, the Texas Education Agency announced Monday. Education Commissioner Mike Morath had until June 1 to decide next steps for the state’s largest school district, whose former superintendent and elected school board members were ousted and replaced in 2023 due to years of poor academic outcomes at a single campus and allegations of leadership misconduct.
The 2025 regular Texas legislative session is over. Here’s what lawmakers did.

The Legislature wrapped up without the same drama that defined the end of the last two sessions, with state GOP leaders checking off nearly everything on their to-do lists.
From vouchers to a cellphone ban, this year’s lawmaking session brought transformative changes to Texas schools

An agenda driven by conservative priorities, schools’ financial duress and teacher needs led to an $8.5 billion boost, new discipline rules, more Christianity in classrooms and a DEI ban. Texas’ 2025 legislative session will likely be remembered for its education agenda. From private school vouchers to a public school funding boost, through a heavier emphasis on Christianity and student discipline, to bans on cellphones and diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, lawmakers advanced bills that will have a lasting impact on students, teachers and parents for years to come. One proposal that would have scrapped the state standardized test fell through in the final days of session, while the much-awaited school funding package changed drastically from an earlier version school officials favored more. When signed by Gov. Greg Abbott, much of the legislation approved by lawmakers will take effect in September, right around the time schools get going for the 2025-26 academic year. Here is a recap of the most significant legislative developments this session.
Bill to scrap STAAR test dies in the Texas Legislature

A legislative effort to scrap the STAAR test to respond to concerns that the test puts unnecessary pressure on students died in the last days of the legislative session. House Bill 4, authored by state Rep. Brad Buckley, would have swapped the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness test for three shorter tests given throughout the school year. The Senate and House failed to come out of closed-door negotiations with a compromise in time, missing a key legislative deadline this weekend. Legislators in the House and Senate agreed that Texas schools needed to do away with the STAAR test. But in the end, the two chambers could not close the gulf over what they wanted to see out of the new test and from the A- ratings system, which uses standardized test results to grade schools’ performance. Tensions had come to a head in recent years when a dispute over how ratings should be calculated led to two years of scores to be held up in court. The Senate wanted to solidify the Texas Education Agency commissioner’s authority to set stricter standards for the ratings system. And to discourage schools from taking legal action again, the upper chamber’s version of the bill gave the TEA commissioner authority to appoint a conservator to districts that initiate lawsuits. The House version, meanwhile, required the TEA to get approval from the Legislature before making major changes to the ratings system. And it left an avenue for districts to sue to challenge the TEA in the future, while setting up a fast-track court process so those lawsuits would not halt the release of the ratings. The two chambers also differed over whether to keep or do away with a mandatory social studies test, with the House in favor of less testing. Keep tabs on Texas politics and policy with our morning newsletter Keep tabs on Texas politics and policy with our morning newsletter
Plano ISD student Faizan Zaki wins Scripps National Spelling Bee

Faizan Zaki, 13, stood as the final contestant Thursday night in the Scripps National Spelling Bee and contemplated the word that could make him champion: éclaircissement. The Plano ISD student went through the word, the excitement in his voice growing letter by letter and his breath catching slightly as he finished it perfectly and the judges declared him the winner. Faizan dropped to the floor exhausted and triumphant as the confetti rained down on him.

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Austin ISD 8th grader dies after incident at celebration: principal

June 0208:31 AM

Covington Middle School eighth-grade student has passed away Principal says he died from complications after a medical emergency at a field trip CMS will be open Friday, May 30 as a counseling center view article

Houston ISD schools under Mike Miles’ reform model would receive $3,500 more per student under proposed budget

June 0208:27 AM

Under Houston ISD Superintendent Mike Miles' proposed budget for the 2025-26 school year, campuses under his instructional reform program would receive around $3,500 more per student compared to other schools. Miles said during a budget workshop meeting last week that schools in his New Education System (NES) — 130 of the district's lowest-performing campuses — would receive $10,635 per student, while other campuses would receive $7,103. He attributed the difference to additional learning coaches and special education costs at the NES schools. view article

Union-backed trustees, now a majority, flex muscle on Northside ISD board

June 0208:26 AM

The May 3 election put union-backed trustees in control of the Northside Independent School District board. On Tuesday, they locked down all three officer positions. Trustees selected Karla Duran to serve as president of the seven-member for the next year. Newly elected Sonia L. Jasso was chosen board vice president on her first night on the dais, and trustee David Salcido was reelected board secretary. view article

Leander ISD considers school consolidations amid budget deficit, despite new state funding

June 0208:26 AM

As state lawmakers tout new investments in public education, Leander ISD leaders say it’s still not enough to prevent school closures and deep staffing cuts. During a packed school board meeting Thursday night, families, students, and educators pleaded with trustees to save their neighborhood campuses from possible consolidation. view article

Denton ISD land purchase conflicts with neighborhood’s fight to preserve Hartlee Field area

June 0208:25 AM

For nearly a year, neighbors in northeast Denton have been working to preserve the Hartlee Field area, with its historic World War II hangars, from development by turning it into a state park. They’re not anti-development, but for this area they say it makes sense to preserve it, especially given Denton’s dwindling green spaces. view article

Aldine ISD Celebrates Teachers Earning TIA Designations, $7.6 Million in Incentives

June 0208:25 AM

Aldine ISD honored 279 teachers during its annual Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) Reception on May 29, recognizing educators across the district who earned a new or higher designation this school year through the state’s TIA program. This year, Aldine ISD generated more than $8.4 million through the TIA, with more than $7.6 million allocated directly to teachers. Teachers were celebrated for their impact on student achievement and instructional excellence: 152 earned the Recognized designation, 84 were named Exemplary, and 43 reached the highest designation, Master. view article

Travis County DA: ‘Insufficient evidence’ to charge Austin ISD executive for tampering

June 0208:25 AM

Travis County prosecutors say there is insufficient evidence to charge a long-time Austin Independent School District executive with tampering with government records. In a court record filed on Wednesday, the Travis County District Attorney’s Office stated that it would not file charges. view article

2 accused in Longview ISD elementary abuse case appear in court

June 0208:25 AM

Two women accused in the abuse of multiple disabled Longview elementary students appeared in court Friday. Cassandra James, 51, of Hallsville and Linda Lister, 63, of Longview, are two of six people accused of abusing 11 students at J.L. Everhart Elementary from 2019 to 2021. A $2.5 million settlement was reached between Longview ISD and the affected families in 2023. view article

Northside ISD investigates incident in which San Antonio teacher shared alcoholic beverages with students

June 0208:24 AM

Campus administrators at Pease Middle School in the Northside ISD said Friday they are conducting an investigation after a special education teacher brought several cans of Hard Mountain Dew Blast, a drink that contains alcohol, to the school and made them available to students in three classes. This occurred on Thursday, May 29, the last day of school. In a statement, district officials explained that the staff member brought the drinks, not realizing that they contained alcohol, as a treat for students. view article

La Vega ISD launches free summer meal program

June 0208:23 AM

La Vega Independent School District will kick off its 2025 Seamless Summer Option Feeding Program on Monday, June 2, offering free meals to children through July 24. The program provides complimentary breakfast and lunch every Monday through Thursday to all children, regardless of age, residency, or school enrollment. No paperwork or registration is required. view article

How RFK Jr., Democrats and Republicans found common ground over food labels in Texas

June 0208:22 AM

Months ago, when Texas Senate Health and Human Services Committee Chair Lois Kolkhorst first held a hearing on Senate Bill 25 — requiring among other things, warning labels on foods containing certain additives — the first person to speak was Calley Means, a top adviser to U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy. view article

Waco ISD addresses concerns over high school demolition

June 0208:20 AM

What some mistook for an “explosion” at Waco High was actually part of scheduled demolition work, Waco ISD said, as the district prepares for a new facility opening in fall 2025. Waco ISD released a statement to reassure concerned residents: “Waco ISD is in the regularly scheduled abatement and demolition process of the old Waco High School in preparation for the new facility opening in fall 2025.” view article

Exclusive: HISD state takeover will continue for 2 more years, TEA commissioner Morath says

June 0208:19 AM

The state takeover of Houston ISD will continue for two more years before the Texas Education Agency announces the timeline for the transition back to elected board members overseeing the district. TEA Commissioner Mike Morath said in a letter that HISD has made "tremendous" improvements in student academic performance during the first year of state intervention, as well as gains in finance, operations, special education compliance and school board governance. view article

San Angelo ISD to Consider $305K Change Order for Oakes Sewer Project During Special Meeting

June 0208:19 AM

The San Angelo Independent School District Board of Trustees will hold a special meeting on Monday, June 2, at 8 a.m. to consider a $305,000 change order for the Central Oakes sewer line replacement project. The meeting will take place in the board room of the SAISD Administration Building at 1621 University Ave. The agenda includes public comment and discussion of Bid #25-001, which pertains to unanticipated construction issues discovered during the initial phase of the project. view article

Austin ISD bus swerves off-road, 2 adults transported to hospital

June 0208:17 AM

Austin Independent School District confirmed to KXAN that a school bus crashed near Steck Avenue Wednesday morning. The vehicle “swerved off” Steck Avenue, driving down a grass embankment. It stopped on a MoPac frontage road, blocking the northbound on ramp, according to the Texas Department of Transportation. view article

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New details emerge in alleged teacher attack at Plano ISD elementary school

June 0208:17 AM

New details have emerged about a frightening incident outside a Plano ISD elementary school last week, where a teacher was allegedly attacked. According to newly obtained arrest documents, Daniel Okungbowa approached a woman outside Boggess Elementary School last Thursday morning and began asking her questions about her job. view article

Texas Legislature approves $8.5 billion boost for public schools after years of stagnant funding

June 0205:00 AM

The Texas House on Thursday gave the final stamp of approval to legislation authorizing roughly $8.5 billion in funding for public schools, sending the bill to Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk where it is soon expected to become law. Final passage of House Bill 2, which will give schools additional money for teacher and staff salaries, educator preparation, special education, safety requirements and early childhood learning, comes on the heels of extensive negotiations between the House and Senate over how the final version of the bill would look. Abbott has already said he intends to sign the bill, a notable difference from two years ago when he and the Legislature withheld billions from public schools following a failed attempt to create a private school voucher program. This year, lawmakers vowed to approve vouchers and new public school funding in tandem. The Legislature finalized the education finance package on a 122-13 vote nearly a month after vouchers officially became law. view article

Plano ISD student Faizan Zaki wins Scripps National Spelling Bee

May 3008:48 AM

Faizan Zaki, 13, stood as the final contestant Thursday night in the Scripps National Spelling Bee and contemplated the word that could make him champion: éclaircissement. The Plano ISD student went through the word, the excitement in his voice growing letter by letter and his breath catching slightly as he finished it perfectly and the judges declared him the winner. Faizan dropped to the floor exhausted and triumphant as the confetti rained down on him. view article

Faizan Zaki, previous runner-up, wins 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee

May 3008:44 AM

Faizan Zaki — who was last year's runner-up — is the winner of the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee. The 13-year-old received the coveted Scripps Cup Thursday night after correctly spelling éclaircissement — a French word that means clarification, explanation or enlightenment in English. He outspelled more than 240 other competitors from across the country, including runner-up Sarvadnya Kadam. view article

A new round of property tax cuts is headed to Abbott and Texas voters

May 3008:43 AM

So touching to see Faizan's dad go and pat/hug the first runner up before moving towards his son. What a fine show of character! Hats off to him for setting a fine example for his son and for every other child and parent watching. New property tax relief for homeowners and businesses is headed to Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk and onto the November ballot. The proposal raises the homestead exemption from $100,000 to $140,000 for most homeowners, effectively reducing the taxable value of a home. The Texas Senate gave final sign-off on the tax cuts Thursday, days after the House view article

More North Texas school districts are switching to 4-day weeks. Here’s why.

May 3008:38 AM

More public school districts in Texas are turning to shorter school weeks, including several in North Texas. For the 2025-2026 school year, Kennedale ISD in Tarrant County and Ponder ISD in Denton County will transition to a four-day school week. At least 18 public school districts in the North Texas area have already made the change. view article

Fort Worth ISD trustees approved $109M in purchases. Here’s what they bought in April

May 3008:35 AM

What is it? The contract allows the district to accept debit and credit card payments for goods and services. What’s the cost? $143,926 Who’s the vendor? KEV Group Where’s the funding coming from? General fund What was the vote? 9-0 view article

Seguin ISD names interim superintendent, Vijil reassigned to superintendent emeritus role

May 3008:35 AM

Seguin ISD’s superintendent has taken on her new role early, and the board has named an interim to lead the district until it has hired its new leader. During a specially called meeting on Wednesday, the Seguin ISD Board of Trustees approved an amended retirement agreement that reassigns Superintendent Veronica Vijil to superintendent emeritus earlier than originally agreed upon and named Seguin ISD Chief Financial Officer Elizabeth Banks (formerly Oaks) as the interim superintendent, Seguin ISD Board President Denise Crettenden said. view article

Abilene ISD honors Jennifer Crisp as 2024-25 elementary teacher of the year

May 3008:34 AM

ABILENE, Texas — Abilene ISD officially named its 2024-25 Elementary Teacher of the Year. The award was given to Jennifer Crisp, a teacher from Taylor Elementary. “I was completely shocked, humbled, and honored,” Crisp said. “One of the great things about that event is that you hear all the stories of the excellent teaching happening in our district. It was inspirational, and I wish everyone in our district could have heard those stories. They make you feel good about education.” view article

Mercedes ISD superintendent resigns following DWI arrest

May 3008:29 AM

The Mercedes ISD school board voted to accept superintendent Benjamin Clinton’s resignation during a meeting on Tuesday. The school board voted unanimously on the resignation and to approve the interim superintendent agreement. Alicia Noyola was named interim superintendent on May 20. Noyola is the former Harlingen CISD superintendent, a position she held for more than two years. She retired from the position in August 2023. view article

Texas Legislature approves $8.5 billion boost for public schools after years of stagnant funding

May 3008:15 AM

Gov. Greg Abbott has already said he intends to sign the bill, which will give schools funding for salary increases, special education, teacher preparation and operational costs. view article

Trustees, parents would review school library books under bill OK’d by Texas House

May 3006:04 AM

AUSTIN -- School boards could pull books from school library shelves if they deem them profane or indecent under legislation given final passage Wednesday in the Texas House. Librarians, who are charged with curating the book collections, would need to seek the school board's approval before buying books under Senate Bill 13, by Sen. Angela Paxton, R-McKinney. District officials could appoint local advisory councils, composed of parents, educators and community members, to review books and make recommendations to the school board. view article

Arlington ISD’s enrollment could shrink by 2032. Here’s what’s driving the decline

May 2908:40 AM

Arlington ISD’s enrollment could drop below 50,000 in the next seven years, a report recently presented to the school board revealed. The presentation showed two factors are contributing to the possible drop off in enrollment: competition with charter schools and the waning enrollment of kindergarteners. view article

Georgetown eyes new fees, service cuts to address possible budget gap

May 2908:40 AM

In a three-year budget model, Georgetown officials are evaluating ways to increase revenue and lower expenses as forecasts show the city’s operating expenses are outpacing revenue sources. At a May 13 City Council workshop, City Manger David Morgan said Georgetown could be facing an $80 million negative balance in the general fund by fiscal year 2027-28 if no action is taken. “This is not what we will propose, this is not what will happen,” Morgan said during his presentation. “This is ... us making sure that we're doing our due diligence to manage our budget.” view article

Texas to expand how schools discipline students

May 2908:40 AM

House Bill 6, which now heads to the governor, targets the increase in violence that has plagued schools since the pandemic Texas schools will be able to use harsher punishments to discipline students after the Texas Legislature passed a sweeping package on Wednesday — part of their efforts to stem student violence after the pandemic .“Disruptions are impeding both the ability of teachers to teach and the ability of students to learn,” said state Sen. Charles Perry, R-Lubbock. House Bill 6 would extend how long schools can place students in in-school suspensions from three days to as long as they see appropriate. Principals would need to review the placement every 10 days. Students facing in-school suspension still complete schoolwork in a different classroom on school grounds. view article

Bill that would have banned Texas minors from social media misses key deadline

May 2908:30 AM

House Bill 186, approved by the lower chamber in May, never received a vote in the Senate. A bill that would have banned minors from having a social media account has missed a deadline to pass in the Texas Senate. House Bill 186, filed by Rep. Jared Patterson, R-Frisco, sailed through the House 116-25 in May, but never received a vote in the Senate several days after a slew of teenagers spoke against it during a Senate committee hearing. The contents of the bill could still be attached to another as an amendment or as part of a budget stipulation, but it is unlikely this late into the legislative session, which ends Monday. view article

Texas just defined man and woman. Here’s why that matters.

May 2908:30 AM

The Texas Legislature has passed a bill that strictly defines man and woman based on reproductive organs. The bill has no civil or criminal penalties attached, but instead will take these new definitions and apply them across state records. When Gov. Greg Abbott signs House Bill 229, Texas will become the 14th state to implement one of these so-called “sex definition” laws in recent years. Supporters of the legislation say it’s necessary to protect women’s rights and spaces, and the immutable differences between the sexes. view article

Texas parents, school boards may have more control over school library books after House OKs bill

May 2908:30 AM

The Texas House approved a bill Wednesday that would give Texas parents and school boards a bigger role over what books students can access in public school libraries. view article

El Paso ISD leaves Superintendent Diana Sayavedra’s position unchanged

May 2908:29 AM

The El Paso Independent School District took no action regarding the future of Diana Sayavedra's role as superintendent. The special board meeting was called by Board President Leah Hanany to address Sayavedra's duties and employment status. view article

Booming Texas town’s growth prompts school district’s massive land deal

May 2908:28 AM

Boerne Independent School District announced last week that it is in the process of purchasing 70 acres of land near the intersection of Interstate 10 and Old Fredericksburg Road in south Kendall County. The decision to enter the land deal was made May 20, and leaders say the move is to prepare for increasing enrollment projections. Last year, the school district announced it was raising the pay for school bus drivers in the wake of a nearly 1,000 increase in bus riders from the previous school year. view article

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