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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US Supreme Court Rejects Attempt To Overturn Llano County Library’s Removal of ‘Explicit Books’

December 0908:30 AM

SCOTUS could still take up the issue after related cases are decided. The U.S. Supreme Court has declined to hear a case about the Llano County library’s removal of explicit books, preserving a Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling that upheld the library’s action. Llano County had been sued for removing 17 books from the county library due to their treatment of racial and sexual themes. All of the books were tailored to children. view article

Abbott Cools on Casino Support as Gambling Interests Lose Ground in Texas

December 0908:30 AM

Gov. Greg Abbott is backing away from a casino expansion effort he previously signaled openness toward, marking a significant a shift after years of high-dollar lobbying and campaign cash from casino interests failed to move lawmakers toward legalized gambling. In a new interview with CBS 11 News, Abbott said he is “not there yet” on casino legalization, citing concerns over addiction and recent sports-betting scandals involving athletes. view article

Exclusive: Migrant families paint grim picture of life in Texas ICE detention facility, new court documents show

December 0908:30 AM

Immigrant families held at a detention facility in Texas describe prolonged stays, despondent children, limited access to potable water and agents offering money for families to voluntarily leave the country, according to new court declarations filed early Tuesday morning. The filings paint a portrait of the inside of the South Texas Family Residential Center in Dilley, Texas, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility where, as of November, there were around 160 families who had either crossed the US-Mexico border or been picked up by authorities in the United States as part of the administration’s sweeping crackdown. view article

Houston ISD agrees to settle federal lawsuit with Bellaire HS parents who sued over preferred pronoun use

December 0908:00 AM

As part of a settlement agreement filed Friday in court, the district will direct staff at Bellaire High School to use pronouns that align with a student’s sex at birth until the student turns 18 years old. view article

Texas launches plan to open Turning Point USA chapters in every high school

December 0905:00 AM

Republican officials in Oklahoma and Florida have also launched plans to expand the presence of the conservative youth organization founded by Charlie Kirk. view article

CDC vaccine committee overturns decades-old hepatitis B recommendation for newborns

December 0809:00 AM

ATLANTA — A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention committee voted to eliminate a recommendation that all newborn babies receive a vaccine against hepatitis B, ending a policy that has been in place since 1991 to protect Americans against an incurable liver disease that can lead to cirrhosis, cancer and liver failure. The current three-dose series for hepatitis B includes one vaccine administered to infants within 24 hours of birth, and subsequent booster shots given one month and six months after the initial dose. The universal vaccination policy is credited with a 99% drop in serious infections among American children between 1990 and 2019. In its updated guidelines, the agency will continue to recommend that babies born to mothers who test positive for hepatitis B receive a vaccine at birth. However, in all other cases, the decision will be left to “individual-based decision-making,” a change that experts say will lead to an increase in chronic hepatitis B infections. The new recommendation also suggests that parents delay the first dose of the vaccine until at least two months after birth. view article

Howe ISD names new superintendent

December 0808:29 AM

The Howe Independent School District board of trustees have selected Ritchie Bowling as the next superintendent. Bowling previously spent 10 years with Howe ISD serving as the assistant superintendent and principal for the middle and elementary schools. The Grayson County native said he's ready to push the district forward. view article

Fort Bend ISD substitute teacher off job after allegedly assaulting student, officials say

December 0808:22 AM

A substitute teacher won't be allowed to return to Almeta Crawford High School after assaulting a 14-year-old student on Wednesday afternoon, officials said. Cell phone video shows the teacher picking up the boy and slamming him into a countertop as other students attempt to intervene. view article

Center ISD trustees to consider athletic director’s employment

December 0808:21 AM

Center ISD trustees will consider a change in leadership of its athletic department next week. Nick Brown has served as athletic director and head football coach for one year. On Wednesday, the board will consider administrative recommendations regarding the employment, assignment and possible separation agreement with the athletic director during a closed session. Then, the board will then consider and take possible action concerning a separation agreement. The meeting will be held at 5:15 p.m. view article

Police, attorneys have public scuffle over Celina ISD investigation

December 0808:18 AM

In the ongoing situation regarding a former Celina ISD coach accused of improper conduct with middle school students, a disagreement over evidence is now taking place. https://www.fox4news.com/news/celina-isd-investigation-police-vs-attorneys view article

Prosper ISD sets middle school attendance zones for 2026-27 school year

December 0808:13 AM

With a new middle school set to open in the 2026-27 school year, Prosper ISD officials have set new attendance zones for its middle school campuses. The district's board of trustees approved the attendance boundaries during a Nov. 17 board meeting. view article

As major staffing changes take shape, Austin ISD’s chief HR leader to leave

December 0808:12 AM

The Austin school district’s head of human resources — a longtime district employee — has resigned from the district, making her the latest top executive to leave, a district spokesperson confirmed view article

Whitewright ISD substitute teacher fired, arrested for allegedly being intoxicated while at work

December 0808:09 AM

A Whitewright ISD substitute teacher has been fired and arrested after he was allegedly drunk while at work. Whitewright ISD Police stated that district administration got reports of substitute teacher Michael Wood leaving a liquor store with alcohol during his lunch break on November 21. An administrator and ISD officer talked to Wood, who was assigned to the in school suspension room. The officer reported that he could smell alcohol on Wood’s person. view article

12.8.2025: Paxton Sues EPIC

December 0808:02 AM

Paxton Sues EPIC City To Halt ‘Illegal Development Scheme’…China Taking ‘New Approach’ To Influence K-12 Education…New Law Lets Texas Pharmacists Dispense Ivermectin Without Prescription…Man Taught School For Two Years While Wanted For Child Sexual Assault… view article

Patrick Backs Trump’s Baby Investment Plan, Wants To Double It in Texas

December 0805:28 AM

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick says Texas should create its own version of President Donald Trump’s new child investment accounts, announcing that the state should provide every Texas newborn with an additional $1,000 in publicly funded, long-term savings beginning in 2027. The initiative mirrors and expands upon the federal Trump Accounts program created under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025, which seeds every American newborn’s account with $1,000 that cannot be accessed until adulthood and grows through investment in a broad U.S. stock-market index. The accounts are intended to accumulate wealth from birth and teach families and children long-term financial planning. view article

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Roma ISD Asks Public To ‘Avoid Speculation’ About Misconduct Allegations

December 0805:00 AM

Superintendent Carlos Gonzalez stated that “negative commentary” on social media casts the school in an “unfounded negative light.” A South Texas school superintendent is asking the public to avoid “speculation” and “negative commentary” after announcing on social media that an employee was accused of misconduct involving a student. Roma Independent School District Superintendent Carlos Gonzalez posted on Facebook Friday that an unnamed staff member had been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of an investigation. view article

Arlington ISD’s enrollment projected to drop below 50,000 next year

December 0508:31 AM

In April, Arlington ISD trustees were told that a declining birth rate and charter schools are pushing the district’s enrollment to fall under 50,000 students by 2032. Now, the school board members know it may happen as soon as next year. Board President Justin Chapa said that the enrollment drop was a part of a larger issue. view article

Dr. Josue D. Borrego named finalist for Canutillo ISD superintendent role

December 0508:29 AM

Dr. Josue D. Borrego has been named the lone finalist for the Canutillo Independent School District superintendency following a unanimous vote by the Board of Trustees on Tuesday. Borrego, currently an associate superintendent and senior executive director in the Houston Independent School District, is expected to assume the role in January after a state-mandated waiting period. view article

Fort Worth ISD takeover: What we know about the board of managers applicants

December 0508:28 AM

Now that the deadline has passed to apply to serve on the board of managers for Fort Worth ISD, more details have emerged about the nearly 300 applicants. After opening applications for the board of managers following its announcement of its intent to appoint a board of managers and conservator to oversee Fort Worth ISD, the Texas Education Agency extended the deadline to apply from Nov. 21 to Dec. 1. view article

Kansas school ditching Chromebooks for pencil and paper

December 0508:28 AM

A Kansas school is shelving Chromebooks for pencil and paper. On Tuesday, McPherson Middle School announced in a letter to families that students will be turning in their Chromebooks at the end of the semester. The school hopes that returning to “paper and pencil tasks” will “promote deeper thinking, handwriting fluency, and less screen fatigue.” view article

Waymo’s self-driving vehicles pass Austin ISD school buses at least 20 times, district says

December 0508:26 AM

Austin ISD has videos showing Waymo, a self-driving vehicle, illegally passing its school buses 20 times since the first week of classes, August 2025, to now. Related view article

Aldine ISD teacher arrested for child sex assault 2 years after warrant was issued: court records

December 0508:23 AM

A teacher from Aldine ISD has been released on bond after being arrested on charges of child sexual assault, according to court records. Aldine ISD says Derrick Banks, 39, is an agriculture teacher at Eisenhower High School. Court records show he had two warrants for the first-degree felony offense of aggravated sexual assault of a child under the age of 14 for the past two years. view article

Lamar University, Hamshire-Fannett ISD expand student teacher residency program

December 0508:22 AM

Lamar University and Hamshire-Fannett ISD are continuing a partnership that gives aspiring educators hands-on experience in local classrooms before they graduate. The student teacher residency program pairs education students with host teachers for a full year, allowing them to co-teach while completing their degrees. view article

Answers to 3 key questions about how Austin ISD’s school closure plan will proceed

December 0508:22 AM

After the Austin school district’s consequential decision last month to close 10 campuses, questions remain about the enrollment process, how students will be assisted with transitions and where staff will move. view article

Dimmitt ISD to receive $218,000 for workforce development

December 0508:18 AM

Governor Greg Abbott announced Wednesday that Dimmitt ISD, along with five other school districts, will receive grant funds to support workforce development. Six dual credit grants totaling more than $1 million will go train students for high-demand, good-paying jobs after graduation. view article

Victoria ISD considers elementary modernization plan through potential bond election

December 0508:15 AM

The Victoria Independent School District has identified some areas of need regarding the elementary schools within the district. Several require roof renovations, along with other upgrades to achieve the board's desire of modernizing more elementary and middle schools in the district. A Bond Action Committee approached the school board with a proposed plan that would involve a bond election in May for at least $200 million for the various projects the board seeks. view article

Socorro ISD responds to questions on compliance with Texas armed officer mandate

December 0508:13 AM

KFOX14/CBS4 has been trying to get in contact with Socorro ISD to learn if it complies with Texas House Bill 3, which mandates an armed peace officer at every school campus. The law, effective in 2023, was updated by House Bill 121 during the most recent legislative session, which now allos the Texas Education Agency to commission officers to enhance school safety. view article

Fort Worth ISD to offer district-wide CPR training

December 0508:11 AM

The Fort Worth ISD announced on Thursday that it will offer district-wide CPR training and emergency planning as part of the American Heart Association's "district of lifesavers" program. The program aims to turn bystanders into lifesavers and double the survival rate from cardiac arrest outside of hospitals. view article

Harper ISD teacher arrested for allegedly recording student changing in his home

December 0508:11 AM

New details have been released after a Harper ISD Assistant Band Director was arrested for illegally recording a minor. On Thursday, Gillespie County released the full arrest affidavit of Pedro DeLuna III, who was arrested on Monday for allegedly recording a 15-year-old Harper High School student. view article

Bus aide recovering after rollover crash involving Somerset ISD school bus

December 0508:07 AM

A bus aide from Somerset ISD is recovering following a rollover crash early this morning. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, the incident occurred around 5:45 a.m. on Highway 16 and Encino Drive when a vehicle pulled out in front of the bus. view article

Somerset ISD bus crash sends aide to hospital; students uninjured

December 0508:03 AM

An aide was rushed to the hospital early Thursday after a Somerset Independent School District bus was involved in an accident in Atascosa County, said district officials. The crash happened around 6 a.m. on Highway 16 near Encino Road. view article

Facing $37M budget deficit, Judson ISD hasn’t had a chief financial officer in more than a month

December 0409:46 AM

Despite being in financial straits, the school board for Judson Independent School District voted not to hire a candidate for chief financial officer. The role has been vacant for more than a month. District staff had recommended the board approve a candidate for the CFO position, but Judson trustees voted 4-3 against the hire after spending nearly four hours in closed session during a board meeting on Nov. 6. Board President Monica Ryan, who voted against filling the position, said the world of school district CFOs is very small, but she wants to wait on a new hire because the job is “very challenging even under normal circumstances.” view article

Texas’ “bathroom bill” is about to go into effect. Here’s what it does.

December 0408:40 AM

Senate Bill 8, which takes effect on Thursday, places new restrictions on which restrooms transgender people can use in certain government-owned buildings and schools. view article

New details emerge in arrest of McCollum High School teacher

December 0408:30 AM

A San Antonio high school teacher accused of sexually assaulting a student was placed behind bars on Wednesday, December 3, according to online jail records. The Bexar County Sheriff's Office made the arrest the day prior. view article

Former youth pastor at north Texas church sentenced to 12 years in federal prison on child pornography conviction

December 0408:30 AM

DALLAS — A former youth pastor in a north Texas church was sentenced Wednesday to 12 years in federal prison for receiving child pornography. This sentence was announced by U.S. Attorney Sarah R. Saldaña of the Northern District of Texas. This investigation was conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the Garland Police Department. According to the factual resume filed in the case, Joshua Earls, 30, of Garland, Texas, admitted that while he was a youth pastor, he established a relationship with a girl at his church, "Jane Doe," who was 16 years old at the time. Earls had pleaded guilty plea in October 2013 to one count of receiving child pornography. In addition to the 144-month federal prison sentence, U.S. District Judge Barbara M. G. Lynn also sentenced Earls to a lifetime of supervised release. view article

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TexasISD.com was the brainchild of Joe F. Smith. Joe retired early from a successful career as Superintendent of Schools for Hudson ISD, deep in the Piney Woods of East Texas. Due to a long battle with Post-Polio Syndrome the doctor made him hang it up and rest for six months. Never being the kind of person to sit still and also not being the person to listen to his doctor, Joe logged lengthy sessions in front of his PC researching school issues, reading papers and corresponding with his friends and colleagues in the education business.

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