Education stories in Dallas–Ft. Worth

A Pre-K student was discovered alone in a hot bus after the morning route, leading to the dismissal of the bus driver. Both the school district and the transportation company are conducting a review of the incident.

A federal judge has ruled against Shayma Alzubi's request to be reinstated as principal of Western Hills High School. The judge determined that her emergency reinstatement was not justified amid an ongoing free speech lawsuit.

The Urban Arts Center in Dallas concluded its summer program with a reimagined production of Matilda, showcasing young performers aged 5 to 16. The program emphasizes social-emotional learning alongside artistic development, fostering confident and emotionally healthy young leaders.

The Fort Worth Independent School District has officially changed the first day of school to August 10, 2026, during a board meeting on April 28. This adjustment also includes new dates for student holidays and the last day of the school year.

A federal judge has ruled that Shayma Alzubi will not be reinstated as principal of Western Hills High School after her reassignment due to social media backlash. The judge emphasized the district's responsibility to ensure safety amid threats received by Alzubi.

A federal judge has rejected Shayma Alzubi's request to be reinstated as principal of Western Hills High School, ruling that her reassignment to a higher-paying role did not constitute an adverse employment action. The case involves allegations of First Amendment retaliation linked to her social media posts.

A federal judge has ruled that Fort Worth ISD is not required to reinstate Shayma Alzubi as principal after her reassignment due to threats linked to her social media posts. The judge emphasized the district's responsibility to ensure safety over individual employment preferences.

Dallas Independent School District has introduced a centralized Back-to-School hub to assist families in preparing for the upcoming school year. The hub provides essential resources such as enrollment information, school supply lists, and safety guidelines for over 140,000 returning students.

The Texas State Board for Educator Certification has mandated the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards to revise its materials due to conflicts with state law regarding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. The revisions must be completed by November 2 to avoid impacting teacher candidates' certification scores.

Recent college graduates in North Texas are struggling to secure jobs in a challenging job market, with higher expectations from employers. Experts indicate that while jobs are available, competition is fierce, leading to fewer offers for applicants.

Create + Collaborate, a Fort Worth nonprofit, has launched initiatives to support parents of incoming college students, recognizing their emotional and financial challenges. The organization hosted a Family Hub at its annual conference, providing resources and community for parents preparing their children for college.

Fort Worth ISD's board of managers has approved more than $22 million in new expenditures, including funds for fire alarms, plumbing, and roof repairs. The spending aims to enhance school facilities and services as the new academic year approaches.

Paul Campbell, a 64-year-old Plano ISD teacher, has been charged with additional counts of indecency with a child following his arrest for continuous sexual abuse. The school district is cooperating with the ongoing investigation and has initiated the process to terminate his employment.

The UT Arlington News has released editions summarizing events from July 21 and July 28, 2026. These editions provide insights into campus happenings and community engagement.

Midland ISD has filed a lawsuit against the state of Texas regarding the Robin Hood school funding system. The district argues that recent property tax relief measures have limited their funding capabilities, raising concerns for districts like those in Dallas.

A Weatherford ISD family's struggle for adequate educational resources for their son, Kelton, highlights systemic issues in special education across Texas. The ongoing legal battle could set a precedent affecting many families in similar situations.

Denton ISD hosted back-to-school fairs that attracted around 5,000 families, providing essential tools and health services for students. These events aim to encourage and prepare students for the upcoming school year.

Texas higher education officials are considering the broader use of the Classical Learning Test (CLT) for university admissions, despite a report indicating it is less predictive of college success than the SAT and ACT. The state plans to formally approve the CLT by fall 2028 for certain applicants.

Plano Public Library offers a variety of free programs this August, catering to all ages. From bee-themed activities to college safety workshops, there's something for everyone to enjoy and learn.

The U.S. Department of Education has taken action against two school districts for allegedly hiding students' gender identities from parents. This move follows a National Parents' Day celebration emphasizing parental authority in education.

Shantearrie Como, a paraprofessional at S.H. Crowley Elementary in Crowley ISD, is celebrated for her positivity and support for students and staff. Her leadership and encouraging attitude make her a role model within the school community.

Saltanat Childress, an assistant professor at UT Arlington, has been honored with the 2026 Council on Social Work Education Early Career Award. Her research focuses on preventing interpersonal violence and supporting vulnerable populations, particularly immigrants and refugees.

Fort Worth ISD is set to finalize a new policy that outlines a six-step process for selling district-owned properties, addressing community concerns about transparency and decision-making. The policy requires public meetings and written comments before any sale can proceed.

Dallas ISD has launched the Early Start ADSY program aimed at enhancing academic performance for students. This initiative will provide additional school days for select elementary and middle schools in preparation for the 2026-2027 school year.

Teens participated in the Future Doctors Summer Camp, gaining hands-on experience in medicine through activities like suturing and CPR. The camp, held at Hillcrest and South Oak Cliff high schools, aimed to inspire future healthcare professionals.

Arizona State University is set to offer a Bachelor of Arts in Content Creation, aimed at training students to become social media influencers. The program, starting in the 2026-2027 academic year, includes hands-on projects requiring real audience growth on social media platforms.

The U.S. Treasury's FinCEN has issued an alert about fraud schemes using stolen identities to exploit federal student aid programs. These schemes not only result in financial losses but also hinder legitimate students from enrolling in classes.

Prosper Independent School District has terminated law enforcement teacher Luis Moreno after discovering his past domestic violence arrest. Moreno, a former police officer, was placed on administrative leave following public outcry and the district's investigation.

Nishi and Jyoti P. Bhatia have created an endowment to support graduate student fellowships at UT Dallas. The announcement was celebrated at a naming event for a collaboration space in their honor.

Dr. Jie Zhang, a professor at The University of Texas at Dallas, has been honored as a fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers for his significant contributions to engineering. This recognition highlights his dedication and achievements in the field over his 10-plus years of active service.