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On Thursday, the Senate voted 50-38 along party lines to end a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rule that used federal funding to cover Wi-Fi hotspots that could be used outside of school and libraries. A similar House resolution was introduced in February to strike down the recent inclusion of Wi-Fi hotspots in the E-rate program, which has helped connect schools and libraries to affordable telecommunications services for the last 29 years. In fiscal year 2025, schools and districts requested a total of $27.5m for Wi-Fi hotspots alone. The devices are often used to help students who don’t have home internet access complete homework assignments that require digital connections. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) introduced the resolution of disapproval for the program under the Congressional Review Act. The House companion bill awaits a vote; should it proceed both chambers would need to reconcile any differences in committee before approving a final version for President Donald Trump’s signature. FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez said the vote will exacerbate economic disparities, adding: “Those with sufficient internet access are increasingly separated from those without, and this decision risks widening that gap even further." Additionally, the Supreme Court is to decide in the coming months whether the funding mechanism for the E-rate program as a whole is unconstitutional.

 

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The State Board of Education has approved its final round of grants, allocating $618m to 458 additional schools to implement the community school model. This initiative, part of the California Community Schools Partnership Program, aims to support students and families with essential health and social services. With a total investment of $4.1bn, nearly 2,500 schools in California are now funded under this program. State Board of Education President Linda Darling-Hammond said: "Well-resourced community schools have proven to increase attendance, achievement, and attainment for students, transforming their lives and improving the well-being of families." The grant amounts varied significantly, from $712,500 for Bridges Preparatory Academy to $39m for Rialto USD.

 

EdSource

Pro-Palestinian activists and teachers in California are calling for the California State Teachers' Retirement System (CalSTRS) to divest from companies they claim support the ongoing violence in Gaza. The grassroots campaign, CalSTRS Divest, argues that investments in corporations like Palantir Technologies and Lockheed Martin have contributed to the deaths of over 51,000 Palestinians, including many children. Christina, a Bay Area teacher, expressed her distress, stating, “I hate that my taxes and my pension funds both sustain the companies that build the bombs that have killed over 60,000 civilians.” The rally highlights the educators' commitment to aligning their investments with their values, urging CalSTRS to reconsider its financial ties to these corporations.

 

The Sacramento Bee

School districts across the U.S. are cautioning students against a hazardous TikTok trend known as the "Chromebook Challenge," which involves inserting metal objects into USB ports to create sparks and smoke. David Winston, principal of Lincoln Park Middle School of Morris County in New Jersey, emphasized the importance of responsible behavior, warning: "We expect our students to make responsible choices and refrain from any behavior that could result in injury, property damage, disciplinary action, or the loss of privileges." He warned that such actions could be classified as vandalism or even arson if a fire occurs. While no Chromebook fires have been reported in New Jersey, incidents have emerged in Connecticut, including a case where a student was hospitalized and faces criminal charges.

 

The Courier Journal

New Jersey Herald

CNET

California's ambitious investment in youth mental health is facing significant delays, with only 14 school districts billing for services under the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative Fee Schedule Program. Amanda Dickey, executive director of government relations for the Santa Clara County Office of Education, said: “Because we didn't receive reimbursement for a single claim until 15 months after starting program implementation, we were forced to pink slip 27 of our staff.” The California Department of Health Care Services attributes the delays to a “learning curve” for both the state and schools, with many districts struggling to navigate the new billing process. Lawmakers are urging the state to provide better support to ensure schools can effectively implement the program, which aims to address rising mental health issues among students. Autumn Boylan, deputy director of the Office of Strategic Partnerships, emphasized, “This is a significant change for the entire system, and changes of this magnitude take time.”

 

Press Democrat

A group of 40 parents, grandparents, and children has protested against the proposed closure of Flowery school, urging the Sonoma Valley USD Board of Trustees to reconsider their decision. The closure would transfer students from the Dual Immersion program to Sassarini school, displacing current students and teachers. Gabriela M., a mother, emphasized the need to view children as "the future of Sonoma," while other parents highlighted the importance of Flowery as a community hub. The school, which serves 368 students from Transitional Kindergarten to fifth grade, has maintained a stable enrollment due to its popular bilingual program. The community's concerns also include the logistical challenges of transporting students if the closure proceeds.

 

Sonoma Valley Sun

Fresno's colleges and school districts are moving forward with their ethnic graduation ceremonies this spring, despite the Trump administration's attempts to label them as illegal. These celebrations, which honor diverse cultural backgrounds, have a long-standing tradition in the area. “These celebrations are open to all, are consistent with the guidance from the Department of Education and honor the diversity of our campus community,” stated a university spokesperson. Fresno State will host six affinity group ceremonies, while Fresno USD plans three ethnic recognition events. The district's enrollment reflects a diverse student body, with 70% Latino and 7.4% African American students. Despite legal challenges, local institutions remain committed to celebrating their graduates' achievements.

 

The Fresno Bee

The Saugus SD governing board has approved a 2% salary increase for teachers and staff for the 2024-25 school year as part of a new contract. Jennifer Stevenson, assistant superintendent of human resources, highlighted the collaborative effort with the Saugus Teachers Association. Board member Chris Trunkey expressed gratitude for the negotiation teams, stating, “It's never an easy task, but I know when it is approached with thoughtfulness, respect, and transparency that everything gets worked out in the end.” The total compensation increase is approximately $1.96m, effective July 1, 2024, for all employees on paid status. The board unanimously approved contracts for the Saugus Teachers Association, California School Employees Association Chapter 112, and non-represented employees.

 

Signalscv.com

Pasadena USD announced on May 7 that it would rescind layoff notices for 40 of the 66 certificated employees initially targeted for cuts. Superintendent Elizabeth Blanco expressed relief, stating: “We’re pleased to be able to keep so many of our valued educators.” However, the district still plans to eliminate 91 certificated full-time positions to address a $37m deficit caused by declining enrollment and rising costs. Despite protests from the United Teachers of Pasadena, district officials indicated that further cuts would be necessary in the future to resolve ongoing financial challenges.

 

SGV Tribune

Atascadero USD's Board of Trustees recently addressed concerns from parents and students of Carissa Plains Elementary School (CPES) regarding the need for a middle school teacher. Currently, students must travel 45 miles to attend middle school in Atascadero after completing fifth grade. Parent Adrienne Twisselman highlighted the lack of data supporting the district's decision to limit CPES to K-5, stating, “We’re not asking for special treatment, we’re looking to be heard.” Other parents echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the negative impact of long bus rides on students' mental and physical health. While the board acknowledged the parents' concerns, Trustee Rebekah Kozek assured them that their issues were being taken seriously, stating, “There are a lot of steps to take, and the process is just starting.”

 

Atascadero News

Placentia-Yorba Linda USD is taking steps to hire a new superintendent after the resignation of Alex Cherniss. Trustees voted unanimously to send requests for proposals to executive search firms to assist in the hiring process. Acting Superintendent Allan Mucerino emphasized that now is the ideal time to begin the search, aiming for a new hire by July 1. He noted that input from students will be “critical” in the decision-making process. Cherniss, who previously served as the superintendent for the Beverly Hills USD, was praised for his contributions, including the establishment of the district's computer science charter. If a new superintendent is hired before the end of 2025, they will be the eighth leader in the past decade. Current superintendent pay is $1,518 per day for a 247-day year.

 

The Orange Country Register

Over 100 schools and child care facilities in Stanislaus County are located near areas where agricultural pesticides are applied, raising concerns about pesticide drift. This unintentional movement of pesticide particles can expose residents, particularly children, to harmful chemicals. Linda Pinfold, Stanislaus County Agricultural Commissioner, stated, “We cannot say that there was drift onto their property. We do not have evidence of that.” Recent incidents, including one at Modesto Christian High School, have highlighted the risks, with 24 individuals, mostly students, showing symptoms consistent with pesticide exposure. Investigations revealed no evidence of oxyfluorfen drift, but concerns remain about glyphosate, another pesticide not tested for. Advocates like Mark Weller from Californians for Pesticide Reform argue for stricter regulations and expanded buffer zones to protect students. The Healthy Schools Act and new regulations aim to improve notification and safety measures, but challenges persist in communication between schools and growers.

 

The Modesto Bee

A federal class-action lawsuit has been filed against UCLA's medical school, alleging that race is improperly used in admissions decisions, despite legal prohibitions. The lawsuit, initiated by the activist group Do No Harm, Students for Fair Admissions, and Kelly Mahoney, claims that the medical school engages in "intentional discrimination on the basis of race and ethnicity." Dr. Stanley Goldfarb, chairman of Do No Harm, stated, "Do No Harm is fighting for all the students who have been racially discriminated against by UCLA under the guise of political progress." The lawsuit also highlights that Black applicants with lower GPAs and MCAT scores are admitted while white and Asian applicants face stricter standards. This legal action coincides with investigations by the Department of Justice into potential violations of state law and Supreme Court rulings regarding race in admissions.

 

Los Angeles Times

A federal judge has decided to allow Rumeysa Ozturk, a Tufts University doctoral student detained in Louisiana, to appear remotely at her bail hearing instead of being transported to Vermont. U.S. District Judge William Sessions made this decision to expedite her release, stating, "She really shouldn't be forced to undergo another week of detention," according to her lawyer, Monica Allard from the American Civil Liberties Union of Vermont. Ozturk, a Turkish citizen, was arrested on March 25 after co-authoring an opinion piece criticizing the university's response to Israel's actions in Gaza. Her case has gained attention amid the Trump administration's efforts to deport pro-Palestinian activists. Ozturk's health has reportedly deteriorated during her detention, with several asthma attacks occurring.

 

U.S. News

The European Union (EU) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine have completed a comprehensive initiative to restore educational infrastructure implemented in partnership with the Ministry for Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine. The project covered 66 schools across 11 oblasts affected by war. Thanks to renovated premises, upgraded shelters and newly supplied equipment, more than 21,600 students and teachers have been able to return to safe and conducive learning conditions. The selected institutions, coordinated with the Ministry for Communities and Territories Development, had a damage level not exceeding 60%. The scope of work included roof and window replacement, repairs of heating and sanitary systems, refurbishment of bomb shelters, improvement of accessibility, and other essential repair interventions.

 

UNDP