The 89th Legislative Session has come to a close with a strong focus on public education. To help you navigate education policy changes, we’ve highlighted five key takeaways that capture the most impactful legislation and initiatives shaping the future of our public schools.

• Public education scored an $8.5 billion investment. With school systems across the state facing budget deficits, the Legislature delivered a robust school finance package to help ease the strain. House Bill 2 directs funding toward high-impact areas like early education and staff compensation, including a dedicated allotment to support raises for non-teaching staff.

In addition to a $55 per-student increase in base funding, the bill includes targeted investments to help cover the rising costs of school safety, special education, and essential expenses like insurance. By covering these critical needs, the new funding allows districts greater flexibility to stabilize their budgets and invest in strategies that directly support student success.

• This session was a win for educators. Lawmakers prioritized strengthening the state’s teacher pipeline through targeted investments in both compensation and preparation. HB 2 boosts pay for experienced and effective teachers by establishing permanent raises at key career milestones such as years 3 and 5 and expanding the Teacher Incentive Allotment to allow up to 50 percent of teachers to qualify for additional pay based on demonstrated impact in the classroom. 

The bill also invests in high-quality preparation pathways that provide aspiring educators with real classroom experience, supports certification fee waivers in hard-to-staff areas like bilingual and special education, and offers free Pre-K for teachers’ children, all aimed at building a stronger, more sustainable educator workforce.

• Lawmakers made strong improvements in early education. Along with funding increases in HB 2, the Legislature supported targeted efforts to improve literacy and math outcomes. The bill establishes a system for regular reading and math screenings in grades K–3, allowing educators and parents to closely monitor student progress and provide timely, evidence-based interventions for those at risk of falling behind.

The bill also strengthens teacher development by requiring Math Achievement Academies, complementing existing Reading Academies and equipping teachers with the skills they need to foster strong early learning and help more students succeed.

• The Legislature remains committed to postsecondary success. Last session, lawmakers made great strides in increasing postsecondary access with a new system for financing community colleges and free dual credit pathways for economically disadvantaged students. This session, SB 1786 further broadens free dual credit opportunities and defines postsecondary credentials of value to focus on a self-sufficient wage.

Additional improvements include a statewide portal to streamline the college application and financial aid process (SB 2314), defining chronic absenteeism to drive support for students at risk of dropping out of school (SB 991), and investments in quality career and technical education programs (HB 2 and HB 120). 

• Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) will begin in the 2026–2027 school year. While not directly tied to public education, SB 2 introduces a universal ESA program and was signed into law by the Governor in early May. The program is available to all Texas school-aged children, with priority for low-income families and students.

The bill allocates state funds to applicants for approved non-public educational expenses, including private school tuition, instructional materials, tutoring, and certain homeschooling costs. As the program is implemented, the state could see shifts in public and private school enrollment. 

While significant legislation was passed this session in education, the conversation around assessment and accountability remains unresolved. Lawmakers considered bills like SB 1962, which aimed to strengthen these systems and ensure the consistent release of annual academic accountability ratings. They were ultimately unable to reach consensus but we look forward to this critical dialogue continuing during the legislative interim and to driving solutions aimed at upholding a fair, rigorous, and transparent assessment and accountability system. 

For a deeper look at the bills that are set to shape the future of public education in our Houston schools, join Good Reason Houston on June 11 for our webinar, From Capitol to Classroom: The 89th Texas Legislative Session’s Impact on Texas Schools.