The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps the past week’s education news, legislative and election updates, and regulatory developments. ATPE members: Share your thoughts and ask our lobby team questions in The Rotunda on the ATPE Online Community.  

• From Texas Monthly: “Why Is Texas Taking Over So Many School Districts?” 
• Missed the Texas Bluebonnet Curriculum Panel? Watch the Recording Now! 
• Join ATPE and Devin Siebold Aug. 11 for a Back-to-School Bash! 
• Use your teacher voice with ATPE’s advocacy tools 

TEA TAKEOVERS: Since 2020, the Texas Education Agency (TEA), under Education Commissioner Mike Morath's leadership, has seized control of at least eight districts—including Houston and Fort Worth ISDs. In this article, Texas Monthly delves into connections between TEA and current Houston ISD Superintendent Mike Miles and his charter network, Third Future Schools.  

Other districts at risk of takeover, including Austin ISD, have taken precautions and sought out turnaround partnerships to avoid losing local control—but that may not be enough.  Notably, according to the article: “the state received requests for at least eighteen schools over the past year and granted fifteen—all for partnerships with Third Future Schools.”  Austin ISD’s bid to enter into a turnaround partnership with a different charter network was rejected by TEA in May of this year. Read more here. 

BLUEBONNET: Implementing the new Texas Bluebonnet curriculum comes with plenty of questions, but we have you covered. In one of our newest on-demand webinars, the ATPE Member Legal Services and Governmental Relations teams, alongside ATPE member experts, break down what you need to know about the state curriculum implementation and requirements. View the recording on the professional learning portal and earn one hour of continuing professional education credit. 

BACK-TO-SCHOOL BASH: Kick off the 2026-27 school year at the statewide ATPE Back-to-School Bash, an exclusive online event featuring former educator and comedian Devin Siebold! Gather your crew and join educators across Texas at 5 p.m. CDT Tuesday, Aug. 11, for a few much-needed laughs. Expect great comedy, games, and a few fun surprises. Learn more and sign up at atpenews.org. 

Devin Siebold’s appearance is arranged through Gotham Artists. 

MEMBER ADVOCACY: Even when the Legislature’s not in session, we urge you to stay informed and engaged. Here are a few advocacy resources to check out:  

• ATPE Mobile App: Check out the new ATPE Mobile App to conveniently access member benefits and advocacy tools.   

• Advocacy Central: Get in touch with your elected officials about the legislation impacting your profession.   

• Judy: Chat with ATPE’s AI assistant for Texas educators, ready to help you with all things ATPE and all things #txed.    

• ATPE Member Advocate Program (ATPE-MAP): Enroll in ATPE-MAP to earn state-level and local-level advocacy microcredentials, as well as earn continuing professional education (CPE) credit. ATPE-MAP is included in your member benefits, so be sure to check it out today.     

• The Rotunda: Don’t forget, members, that you can interact with your ATPE lobby team throughout the week when you log in to the ATPE Online Community.