2025 Texas Education Updates: A Q&A Guide for Parents, Teachers, and Community Members
- Janice Thomas
- 7 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
Big changes are here for Texas public education—and they affect your child, your school, and your community. From school funding and classroom policies to attendance enforcement and special education services, new laws passed in 2025 are reshaping how schools operate statewide.
Not sure what it all means? Start here:
Q: What major changes did the Texas Legislature make to public education in 2025?
A: Texas passed several laws that reshape how public schools are funded, operated, and held accountable. Key changes include:
A $8.5 billion funding package for public education
New Education Savings Accounts (vouchers)
Required posting of the Ten Commandments in classrooms
A statewide ban on DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) programs
Bans on personal cellphone use by students during the school day
Special education funding reforms
New attendance enforcement laws and policies
Q: How will the $8.5 billion investment impact students?
A: This historic investment includes teacher raises, early learning programs, support for special education, and funding for non-instructional staff. However, how that money is used is decided locally by school boards. If aligned to student outcomes, it can improve learning and support. If mismanaged, students may not see the benefit.
Q: What are Education Savings Accounts (ESAs), and who do they help?
A: ESAs offer families up to $10,000 per child to use for private, home, or virtual schooling. Students with disabilities may receive up to $30,000. While this increases options for some, it also means public schools may lose funding when students exit—especially in underfunded districts. This creates inequities between communities.
Q: Will teachers and staff get paid more?
A: Yes. Most teachers will receive a $5,000 raise, and support staff will benefit from a $45-per-student stipend. Early-career teachers will also be eligible for targeted incentives. The impact will depend on how districts distribute the funds and whether those increases are sustained.
Q: What are the new curriculum and discipline mandates?
A: Three major mandates were passed:
DEI Ban: Schools may no longer offer or promote DEI-based training or programs, including student clubs focused on gender or race.
Ten Commandments Posting: Every public school classroom must display a framed copy.
Cellphone Ban: Students are prohibited from using personal devices during the school day, with some exceptions (IEP, 504, medical needs).
These laws may affect the classroom climate, student identity, and teacher flexibility.
Q: What changed for students in Special Education?
A: Funding will now follow the individual student, rather than being allocated by classroom. This could result in more personalized services—but only if districts implement it transparently and parents advocate for full support in their child’s IEP or 504 plan.
Q: What are the new attendance and truancy rules?
A: Attendance enforcement has been strengthened. New laws require districts to:
Create formal attendance plans with student supports (tutoring, counseling, etc.)
Excuse up to 5 hours/week of off-campus religious instruction
Require struggling districts to return to a 5-day school week
Pursue truancy complaints against parents if absenteeism is unresolved
These changes increase pressure on schools to monitor absences—and on families to stay informed and engaged.
Q: Do these changes affect all students and schools the same way?
A: No. The needs of students vary greatly by community, culture, and access to resources. For example:
A phone ban may help reduce distractions at one school but remove safety tools at another.
Removing DEI programs may not impact one district—but eliminate support structures in another.
Vouchers may benefit higher-income families but harm students in public schools with declining enrollment.
This is why local governance, leadership, and advocacy are so critical.
These laws will shape our schools for years to come—but it’s the decisions made locally that will shape your child’s experience.
Laws change systems — but people change outcomes.
You do not need a title to be a leader in your child’s education. You just need your voice, your presence, and your vote.
This is why it matters who governs your schools. Whether elected or appointed, school board members and candidates must have the knowledge, skills, and mindset to govern effectively on behalf of students and families.
Explore the official text of each law, track updates, and see how your elected officials voted by visiting the Texas Legislature Online:
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