The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps the past week’s education news, legislative and election updates, and regulatory developments. ATPE members: Share your thoughts and ask our lobby team questions in The Rotunda on the ATPE Online Community.  

• From The Texas Tribune: Texas’ longstanding “Robin Hood” school finance system will face a new legal challenge
• SBEC holds work session to discuss proposed changes to educator preparation/certification
• Meet your 2026-27 ATPE state officers!
• The Bluebonnet Q&A: Your Questions. Our Experts.
• You’re invited to ATPE's Back-to-School Bash with Devin Siebold!
• Use your teacher voice with ATPE’s advocacy tools

RECAPTURE: The Midland ISD school board voted unanimously this week to file suit against Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath and state leaders over recapture, commonly known as “Robin Hood.” Trustees argue that the recapture system has stripped school boards of local control over tax revenue and placed an unfair burden on the district’s large number of economically disadvantaged students. One trustee pointed out that the recapture formula doesn't account for the fact that more than half of Midland ISD’s students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. 

The recapture system was enacted in 1993 following a legal challenge over significant disparities in school funding between low-income districts and wealthier communities. Only 34 districts paid into the system when recapture was first implemented in 1994, compared with hundreds today—some of which are in major urban areas with declining enrollment and high numbers of students in poverty. Midland is among the top 10 districts in Texas sending money back to the state for recapture.  

Read more in this article republished from The Texas Tribune. 

SBEC: The State Board for Educator Certification met July 23-24 in Austin. Items discussed in the two-day work session and hearing included proposed changes to the Accountability System for Educator Preparation (ASEP), TEA’s certification exam strategy, and discussion regarding the potential continuation of National Board Certification as a tier in the Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA). ATPE lobbyist Tricia Cave will have a full recap on Monday.  

STATE OFFICERS: During the 46th Annual ATPE House of Delegates (HOD) meeting at the 2026 ATPE Summit, delegates elected the following members as the association’s 2026-27 state officers: 

• State President: Eli Rodriguez, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD, Region 4 
• State Vice President: Teresa Millard, Woden ISD, Region 7 
• State Secretary: Twila Figueroa, McAllen ISD, Region 1 
• State Treasurer: Dani Boepple, Mesquite ISD, Region 10 

In accordance with the ATPE State Bylaws, because each state officer election was uncontested, the nominees won their respective positions by acclamation. These officers will begin their one-year terms Aug. 1. Read more about ATPE’s newly elected state officers. 

BLUEBONNET: Join ATPE at 5 p.m. CDT July 28 for a webinar on Bluebonnet curriculum implementation. Hear from the ATPE Member Legal Services and Governmental Relations (GR) teams as well as ATPE member experts on navigating curriculum implementation and understanding legal guardrails. This webinar is open to all Texas public education employees. Those attending are eligible to receive one continuing education credit for this event. Learn more and register at atpenews.org. 

BACK-TO-SCHOOL BASH: Kick off the 2026-27 school year at the statewide ATPE Back-to-School Bash, an exclusive online event featuring former educator and comedian Devin Siebold! Gather your crew and join educators across Texas at 5 p.m. CDT Tuesday, Aug. 11, for a few much-needed laughs. Expect great comedy, games, and a few fun surprises. Learn more and sign up at atpenews.org. 

Devin Siebold’s appearance is arranged through Gotham Artists. 

MEMBER ADVOCACY: Even when the Legislature’s not in session, we urge you to stay informed and engaged. Here are a few advocacy resources to check out:  

• ATPE Mobile App: Check out the new ATPE Mobile App to conveniently access member benefits and advocacy tools.   
• Advocacy Central: Get in touch with your elected officials about the legislation impacting your profession.   
• Judy: Chat with ATPE’s AI assistant for Texas educators, ready to help you with all things ATPE and all things #txed.    
• ATPE Member Advocate Program (ATPE-MAP): Enroll in ATPE-MAP to earn state-level and local-level advocacy microcredentials, as well as earn continuing professional education (CPE) credit. ATPE-MAP is included in your member benefits, so be sure to check it out today.     
• The Rotunda: Don’t forget, members, that you can interact with your ATPE lobby team throughout the week when you log in to the ATPE Online Community.