From cell phones to guaranteed college admission: What Houston parents need to know about the 2025-26 school year

The 2025–2026 school year is fast approaching in Houston, and several new changes are on the horizon with some already underway. Whether your child is staying at the same school or starting somewhere new, updated rules, policies, and procedures will impact students and families across all Houston schools.

These are the important changes taking place in Houston schools this fall, from curriculum expansion and bus transportation to guaranteed college admission and cell phone bans.

District-crafted curriculum expansion at HISD

Almost every Houston ISD campus — except for five schools — will be leaning on teaching materials, exams and lessons designed by the district starting next school year. 

The 130 campuses part of Superintendent Mike Miles’ New Education System — his instructional reform model for the district’s lowest-performing schools — are required to use the district-developed curriculum, while the remaining 140-plus campuses are not.

The NES features centralized schedules with longer school days, a district-approved model of classroom instruction, tightly scripted lessons followed by quizzes every class, as well as higher salaries for educators and a staffing model that excludes librarians.

Texas bill bans cellphone use

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott recently signed House Bill 1481 that requires public school districts or open-enrollment charter schools to adopt and implement policies prohibiting students from using “personal communication devices” during school hours.

Under the bill, schools must either prohibit students from bringing devices on campus or find a way for students to store them while on school property. Schools are also required to have consequences in place for students who are found using the devices. Exceptions will be made if a student has a doctor’s note or if a device is needed to comply with health or safety requirements.

Houston ISD already has cellphone bans in place, according to their student resource guide. Further implementation of cellphone bans across the state may follow.

Houston ISD compensation plan 

Houston ISD has released its 2025–2026 Compensation Plan, outlining changes that will tie teacher pay increases to performance evaluations rather than years of service.

The plan continues the district’s ongoing shift toward performance-based compensation and comes as HISD implements broader reforms across the school system.

Key details from the compensation plan include teacher pay being tied to evaluations, educator pipeline investments, bus driver raises and policy updates. More details can be found here.

Aldine ISD leadership changes

Superintendent Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney has unveiled leadership changes on a district and campus-level basis. The changes are intended to fortify support for campuses and expedite student outcomes, underscoring their commitment to continuous improvement. 

The alignment includes shifts in school assistant superintendent teams, campus leadership appointments and the elevation of a senior leader to support school improvement efforts.

In addition to a new school support structure, Diaka R. Melendez has been promoted to Chief of School Improvement along with new campus principal appointments. More details on specific appointments and leadership changes can be found here.

Spring ISD partners with Houston Christian University 

Spring ISD has announced a new partnership with Houston Christian University (HCU) to offer guaranteed college admission for qualifying high school students, opening a direct path to higher education for hundreds across the district.

The multi-year agreement, effective through 2028, establishes the Guaranteed Admission Program (GAP), which enables eligible Spring ISD juniors and seniors to receive automatic admission to HCU, along with guaranteed merit-based scholarships.

Students who meet the following criteria will qualify for the program: A minimum unweighted GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (through junior year), Successful completion of three years of math, on track for state graduation requirements, Completion of a simplified onboarding form and official transcript submission, No standardized test scores or formal college application are required to participate.

As the program rolls out districtwide, Spring ISD students and families will receive further information and guidance. To learn more about Houston Christian University’s Guaranteed Admission Program (GAP), review eligibility requirements, and to apply, please visit HC.edu/GAP or contact your school counselor.

Cy-Fair ISD reinstates bus transportation

Cy-Fair ISD board members approved a $1.2 billion budget for the 2025-2026 school year which includes reinstating bus transportation for students, including late buses. Transportation services were previously reduced during the 2024-2025 school year after sweeping budget cuts. 

All students living within the CFISD attendance boundary will be eligible for bus transportation for the 2025-2026 school year.