What's new in Dallas-Fort Worth schools this year

North Texas schools are beginning the semester with more per-student funding from the state and several new laws to enforce, including a ban on students' cellphone use during school hours.

Why it matters: The new academic year will not be a fresh start for many school districts amid staffing shortages, tight budgets and pressure to improve school performance ratings.

The latest: A new state law mandates that districts establish policies prohibiting students from using personal communication devices such as cellphones and smart watches during school hours, with some exceptions.

• Another law increases teacher pay and districts' per-student funding by $55, the first base funding change since 2019.

Zoom in: Fort Worth ISD is transitioning 15 of its campuses to an extended academic year that starts Monday and will end on June 30, with 25 more school days than the district's traditional year.

• Dallas ISD also returns to school on Monday but will end classes on May 27. The district is projecting a roughly $128 million budget shortfall for this year.
• The Carrollton-Farmers Branch and Plano school districts have consolidated students into fewer campuses this year after closing some schools in response to declining enrollment.

What we're watching: Gov. Greg Abbott has called a special session and asked state lawmakers to consider eliminating the STAAR test.

• The state's costly school voucher program is slated to launch at the start of the 2026–27 school year and could reduce enrollment at public schools.

What's next: Dallas County is hosting a back-to-school vaccine clinic from 9am–12pm on Saturday. Appointments are recommended.