The finalists for the 2026 award are Demetrus Liggins, Roosevelt Nivens, Heather Perry and Sonja Santelises.

The commissioner plans to replace each district's school board with a state-selected board of managers. A conservator will also be appointed, holding governing authority over district and campus leaders during the transition, which typically lasts several months.

Many principals described a "climate of distress", the report found, with 70.4% reporting that students from immigrant families have "expressed concerns about their well-being or the well-being of their families."

Texas' ban on DEI programs and LGBTQ+ topics in schools heads to court Dec. 10. Florida's similar case offers clues, but experts say Texas' broader law raises new constitutional concerns.

Families will receive about $10,300 per student for approved educational expenses or private-school tuition. Home-schoolers qualify for $2,000, while students with disabilities can receive up to $30,000.

Christian Jimenez, an American citizen, was taken to the ICE facility in South Portland and released later the same day, his brother said. Authorities are now attempting to charge Christian with interference or obstruction of an investigation, according to his brother.

District officials link the enrollment drop to fewer online students after the voucher rollout and to smaller kindergarten classes. High housing costs are also pushing young families out of the area.

A new Texas law bars educators from recognizing students' gender identities and bans LGBTQ+-related instruction and clubs. Trans students say enforced use of birth names has made school feel hostile and harmful.