News from Texas
From places in Texas
Northside ISD Carpentry Teacher Wins $75k Award for Trade Program
Warren High School's carpentry teacher, Chase Haecker, received a $75,000 award for teaching excellence. The national grant recognizes skilled trade educators in programs like carpentry. Haecker has been teaching at Warren High School for 18 years.
El Paso ISD Cancels Athletic Games and Fine Arts Practices
The El Paso Independent School District has canceled all athletic games and fine arts practices scheduled for today due to current weather conditions. These activities will be rescheduled for a later time.
Disney Dreamers Academy Expands to Middle School Students in Houston and Three Other Cities
The Disney Dreamers Academy is expanding through a new partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs, launching in January 2027. The pilot program will focus on middle school students across the Houston, Orlando, Atlanta, and Miami metro areas. The first class will include 200 students from these four locations.
Canutillo ISD Releasing Students Early Due to Storms and Flooding Concerns
The Canutillo Independent School District announced an early release for students due to anticipated storms and flooding. Elementary schools are scheduled to dismiss at 2:30, and all afterschool athletic events and extracurricular activities are canceled or postponed.
HISD budget cuts affect Houston campuses; families notified of changes
Houston ISD is implementing budget and staffing cuts across its campuses. These adjustments are linked to lower-than-expected enrollment and funding changes. Families are learning about the impact through notices detailing classroom and program modifications.
Houston Woman Claims 'Ghost Student' Stole Identity for Federal Aid
A Houston woman discovered a fraudulent FAFSA application filed in her name after logging into her federal student aid account. She believes someone stole her identity to apply for aid and obtain transcripts from multiple schools, including the University of Houston.
New Elementary School Opens for Far West Side Families
The Goddard School of San Antonio-Potranco is now open to provide early childhood education options for families on the far West Side. The school aims to offer a state-of-the-art, hands-on learning environment with high scores in curriculum and safety. It opened recently with about 50 families enrolled out of its 200-kid capacity.
UT San Antonio Highlights Benefits After Merger Anniversary
UT San Antonio is in its second year as a merged institution, with President Taylor Eighmy noting tangible benefits. The merger has reportedly boosted student applications and enrollment for the university. Enrollment increased by nearly 5% this fall.
2026 State of Higher Education Forum to Discuss Industry Partnerships
Local college and university leaders will join business and community figures at the 2026 State of Higher Education Forum. The event aims to discuss how partnerships between education and industry drive regional growth. Panelists include representatives from Tarrant County College, Tarleton State University, and Texas Wesleyan University.
Parents Weigh Petition as Austin ISD Faces Possible State Intervention
Parents at Burnet and Webb middle schools are considering a petition regarding possible state intervention in Austin ISD after both campuses received fifth consecutive failing ratings. If the ratings stand, state law requires intervention, which could include closing the campuses or appointing a board of managers.
Austin ISD Budget Strains Amid Enrollment Dip and Rising Transport Costs
Austin ISD faces a $5.7 million budget reduction need due to lower enrollment and increased transportation spending. The district could lose an estimated $14 million in revenue from declining student numbers. Leaders must borrow funds as reserves are low following previous cuts.
Lubbock ISD Launches P-TECH Program at Coronado High School
Lubbock ISD is launching Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH) at Coronado High School. This initiative partners with South Plains College, Texas Tech University, and local industry leaders to offer tuition-free career preparation starting in ninth grade. The program aims to connect classroom learning with workforce needs.
Laredo College Board Seeks Applicants for Trustee Vacancy
The Laredo College Board of Trustees is accepting applications to fill a vacancy left by Mercurio Martinez Jr. Board members will appoint someone to serve out the remainder of position three's term through November 2028. Applications are open until October 8 at the elections office in Memorial Hall on the Fort McIntosh campus.
Laredo College Marks 80th Anniversary Celebration
Students, faculty, and staff gathered at Laredo College's Fort McIntosh and South campuses to begin celebrations for the college's 80th anniversary. President Dr. Minita Ramirez stated the milestone honors generations of local students and educators. Campus leaders plan to continue transforming lives for another 80 years.
Houston ISD Evaluating Campuses for Potential Teacher Cuts and Relocations
Houston ISD is evaluating campuses to potentially cut and relocate teachers and funding for the 2026-27 school year. This adjustment aims to match actual student enrollment with resources. These budgeting changes are part of an annual process as the school year has begun.
New UTA Scholarship Honors C. Donald Babers' Legacy in Fort Worth
A new University of Texas at Arlington scholarship endowment was established to honor C. Donald Babers, a 1969 graduate. The endowment supports needs-based first-generation students and was announced during a ceremony for Babers Manor in Fort Worth’s Stop Six neighborhood.
ENOUGH investigates uncertified teachers at challenged Houston schools
Texas has more uncertified teachers in its classrooms than any other state. HISD had approximately 2,500 teachers lacking state certification last school year. Parents can check a teacher’s status by entering the name and looking for 'Standard' versus 'Provisional' on their phones.
Lake Worth ISD Offers Free AI Literacy Course to High School Students
Lake Worth ISD is offering an optional, self-paced AI literacy course for high school students. The program teaches students how to spot AI errors, check sources, and use the technology responsibly. This initiative is part of a national effort providing free licenses.
Girls Inc. launches boys mentorship and leadership pilot program
The Tarrant nonprofit's board created Vantage Point last year, a mentorship and leadership pilot initiative for young men in grades 3 through 12. This followed interest after superintendents noted the impact of Girls Inc. on young women. The program began at several local schools.
Tarleton State Fort Worth and T3 Partnership Launch Innovation Lab
Tarleton State University Fort Worth and the Tarrant To & Through (T3) Partnership opened a new Innovation Lab. This lab will support the development of a digital workforce platform connecting local students to high-growth career opportunities. The launch expands workforce development across Tarrant County.
Free Childcare Center Opens for Student Parents at Houston City College
Houston City College Southwest now offers free childcare to parents who are students. This initiative, a collaboration between the college and YMCA, helps reduce difficulties for families pursuing education while caring for children. Eligible students must be registered in an institution program and remain on campus to use the service.
Private AI-Driven K-8 School Plans New Houston Heights Campus
Alpha School plans to open a new campus in the Houston Heights area for the 2027-28 school year. The institution uses an AI-driven, student-centered approach combining adaptive technology with mastery-based learning. Tuition for the new Heights campus is slated to cost $50,000.
Austin ISD Budget Strains Amid Enrollment Dip and Rising Transport Costs
The Austin school district faces a strained budget due to lower enrollment and increased transportation costs. The district needs to find $5.7 million in additional reductions to avoid a deficit, despite losing an estimated $14 million in revenue from declining student numbers.
Superintendent: Parents Should Guide Fate of Failing Austin Schools
Austin ISD Superintendent Matias Segura stated that parents at two failing middle schools should have a say regarding potential closures. This is seen as an effort to prevent a state takeover by the Texas Education Agency, which has flagged Burnet and Webb middle schools for poor test scores.
Summarized from public news sources, not original Juncture reporting. Open the linked sources for the full story.
Places in Texas
15 places, 14 with news in the last 30 days
- Houston94 stories this week
- Dallas45 stories this week
- San Antonio45 stories this week
- Fort Worth34 stories this week
- Austin31 stories this week
- El Paso30 stories this week
- Laredo6 stories this week
- Corpus Christi3 stories this week
- Lubbock2 stories this week
- Plano1 stories this week
- Arlington1 stories this week
- Frisco1 stories this week
- Irving1 stories this week
- McKinney1 stories this week