Advocacy Blog

Abbott and Hinojosa both spent much of their airtime this week on public education issues, including a call from the governor to audit school districts.

An audit finds “administrative bloat” at TEA—but the governor turns his attention to his perception of the same issue in school districts. 

Patrick: “We’re coming for the books.” 

Public education continues to dominate conversations on the campaign trail, with candidates turning their attention to library books and “administrative bloat.” Plus: House Pensions Committee holds interim hearing on TRS.

ATPE recommends the state pay a modest lump sum to decrease the pension system’s funding period rather than increase teacher contribution rates or move the state rate closer to the constitutional cap. 

Austin ISD had two campuses failing state ratings for five consecutive years.

The candidates for Texas governor—Republican Gov. Greg Abbott and Democratic state Rep. Gina Hinojosa—focused on public education in big ways this week. 

TEA releases 2025-26 accountability ratings. Plus: Catch the ATPE Legislative Update from the 2026 ATPE Summit.

Texas Monthly delves into TEA takeovers and connections between the agency and the Third Futures Schools charter network. Plus: Join ATPE and Devin Siebold for a Back-to-School Bash Tuesday, Aug. 11! 

Members of the newly created Texas Classroom Commission announced, plus SBEC continues conversation on NBCT and TIA.