It’s Wednesday, May 20, 2026

Hey y’all, welcome back to another TexEd Report.

In case you missed it, new data released from the Texas Comptroller’s Office along with an analysis from the Texas Center for Voucher Transparency shows over half of all voucher recipients already attend private schools. And for students that aren’t already enrolled, acceptance into the program is just the first step in a long process that doesn’t guarantee a student will attend a private school.

Data also shows out of all applicants awarded, 38% are White, 27% are Hispanic, 16% are Black, 12% are multiracial, and 6% are Asian or Pacific Islander.

Students awarded vouchers have until July 15 to confirm their private school enrollment.

Now for this week’s news. In today’s edition, you’ll find an interview with gubernatorial candidate Gina Hinojosa—who I caught up with in Dallas over the weekend—information on another mock funeral taking place this week at a North Texas university, learn more about a college sports boycott, and read some scripture. Sound interesting? Let’s get into it.

If you missed last week’s edition, catch it here.

Katie Serrano

DFW Political Correspondent, COURIER Texas

The TEA wants to know your thoughts on their required reading list that includes the Bible

Photo via Getty Images

In April, the Texas State Board of Education gave preliminary approval to a mandatory list of books all public schools will be required to teach starting in 2030.

The Texas Education Agency’s proposed list has been criticized for being too long, outdated, lacking diversity, and for including passages from the Bible.

The list, which originally included over 300 titles, has been significantly parsed down. Several Bible passages have also been removed or swapped out with an alternative Christian text.

For example, Matthew 7:12, also known as “The Golden Rule,” expresses the notion “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” It was originally included in the Kindergarten reading list, but has been replaced with “The Berenstain Bears and the Golden Rule.”

Now, the TEA is asking for public comment and feedback on the list’s contents before the board meets again next month. You can share your thoughts here until June 15.

Read more

Gina Hinojosa: ‘Our schools are in crisis’

Over the weekend, I caught up with state Rep. Gina Hinojosa (D-Austin) during a campaign stop in Dallas. Hinojosa, who is looking to unseat Republican Gov. Greg Abbott in November, made waves at last week’s Public Education Committee meeting by sharing her frustrations with all the issues public schools in Texas are facing.

From declining enrollment, budget shortages, campus closures, and an increase in state takeovers—hear what first step Hinojosa said she would take to get education in Texas back on track below:

Students to Mourn UNT and Academic Freedom at Board of Regents Meeting:

Students Engaged in Advancing Texas are staging another funeral at a Board of Regents meeting, this time for the University of North Texas System. Event organizers are mourning the loss of more than 70 academic programs, the elimination of programs like LGBTQ and Asian studies, and the censorship of art criticizing immigration policy.

Where: UNT Health, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth

Date: Thursday, May 21

Time: 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

Texas A&M University System ‘Year in Review’

A coalition of faculty, students, alumni, and community leaders will host an online “Year in Review” discussion focused on major developments, controversies, and governance issues across the Texas A&M University System over the past academic year. This discussion will occur alongside the regular May meeting of the TAMU System Board of Regents.

Where: Virtual, Zoom

Date: Thursday, May 21

Time: 5 p.m.

🏈NAACP urges Black athletes to boycott 8 states—including Texas: The NAACP has launched its “Out of Bounds” campaign, urging Black athletes and fans to boycott sports programs in states that are working to “limit, weaken, or erase Black voting representation.” (Inside Higher Ed)

🔍HISD under investigation as parents raise concerns over special education changes: Houston ISD is facing state and federal scrutiny as agencies investigate complaints tied to its special education policies. Parents and advocates say proposed campus consolidations could push students with disabilities into more restrictive settings, raising new concerns about compliance and equity. (Courier Texas)

👨‍⚖️Ken Paxton sues North Texas Muslim STEM school: Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed suit against a Richardson-based institution known as “TexAM,” alleging it’s illegally operating a university without the state certification required to do so. (KVUE)

If you’re just now joining us, throughout the month of May we’ll be reading “The Testaments,” the sequel to Margaret Atwood’s 1985 dystopian novel “The Handmaid’s Tale.”

Here’s a third batch of discussion questions to help lead you through the novel:

1. Daisy is from outside of Gilead—how does her perspective and life experience contrast with Agnes’s?

2. How do the characters begin to resist Gilead more actively?

3. The book addresses topics like reproductive control, sexuality, and systemic oppression—why are these frequently cited in book challenges?