Students will no longer be able to access their cellphones or other electronic devices in public schools when a new law takes effect Sept. 1, according to The News. Texas school districts will have 90 days to adopt and enforce policies on how cellphones will be restricted or stored on their campuses.
The new law allows for an exception if the district provides electronic devices to students for instructional purposes.
Other new laws require displaying a poster or framed copy of the Ten Commandments in each classroom, allowing districts to adopt policies setting aside time for students and staff to pray or read a religious text and a ban on school-sponsored LGBTQ clubs.
If approved by voters in November, homeowners should see lower property tax bills with the homestead exemption being raised from $100,000 to $140,000. Residents with disabilities or those 65 and older will see the exemption rise to $200,000 if the proposed amendments pass
TEA releases 2025 accountability ratings
The Texas Education Agency has released both the 2025 A-F accountability ratings and the delayed 2024 ratings for public school systems and campuses. The latter were delayed by legal challenges.
“Today marks a return to clarity and accountability. With the release of the 2025 A–F Ratings, we are reinforcing our commitment to transparency and to providing accurate, readily available information that helps every family understand how their school is doing,” said Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath.
A total of 1,208 districts and 9,084 campuses were rated in 2025. Compared with 2024, 24% of districts and 31% of campuses improved their letter grade. A small portion — 15% — saw their grades decline, while most maintained their previous rating.
To view the 2025 A-F Ratings for school systems and campuses across the state, go to www.Txschools.gov. The site features several different facets to allow people to better understand that accountability ratings data, including a map to search for schools by address and compare selected schools.
Gary Borders is a veteran award-winning Texas journalist. He published a number of community newspapers in Texas during a 30-year span, including in Longview, Fort Stockton, Nacogdoches, Lufkin and Cedar Park. Email: [email protected].
