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As federal funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is set to lapse on November 1, millions of students from low-income families are at risk of hunger. Approximately 44m individuals in 22m households rely on SNAP, with nearly 39% being children. Mallory DePrekel, CEO of Communities in Schools of Michigan, expressed concern: "We're dipping into our rainy day funds, and we seem to have had a lot of rainy days recently." Schools are coordinating with local food banks and community organizations to address the increasing food insecurity among students. The National School Boards Association has urged Congress to resolve the funding impasse, emphasizing that "schools are doing everything they can to provide safe, stable environments where students can learn and thrive—but they cannot do it alone."

 

Education Week News

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Starting July 2026, the U.S. Department of Education will bar employers with a “substantial illegal purpose” from qualifying for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. This includes organizations linked to human trafficking, terrorism, or child abuse law violations. Officials say it ensures public funds benefit legitimate public service groups, not those breaking laws. However, critics argue the rule’s vagueness may allow political targeting, including of groups supporting immigration or gender-affirming care. “It’s an unconstitutional overreach,” said advocacy group Protect Borrowers, which plans to challenge the policy in court.

 

Politico

U.S. Department of Education

During a civil trial against former school administrator Ebony Parker, Hannah Zwerner testified about the profound impact of the shooting on her twin sister, Abby Zwerner. Hannah stated: "She had a lot to be excited about—and she doesn't anymore." Abby has filed a $40 million lawsuit against Parker, alleging negligence in failing to act on multiple warnings regarding a 6-year-old student who brought a gun to Richneck Elementary School in Newport News, Virginia, prior to the January 6, 2023, incident. The trial is significant as it may set a precedent for holding school officials accountable for their actions—or lack thereof—during school shootings. Darryl K. Brown, a law professor at the University of Virginia, noted that this case could lead to increased awareness among school officials regarding their responsibilities in preventing such tragedies. The civil trial may serve as a precursor to the upcoming criminal case against Parker, who faces eight counts of felony child neglect.

 

CNN Edition

San Francisco USD Superintendent Maria Su reflects on her first year in office, expressing optimism for the future of public schools in the city. Facing a $114m budget deficit, staffing shortages, and a malfunctioning payroll system, Su has implemented a two-year fiscal stabilization plan that emphasizes classroom staffing amid a nationwide teacher shortage. The district has also aligned its literacy and math curriculum with state policy. As labor negotiations progress, Su believes SFUSD is on the path to achieving positive budget certification from the state. She stated: "It’s been a very long year, but I see so much hope for us." Su is committed to ensuring financial stability and operational efficiency, aiming for SFUSD to become a world-class school district.

 

EdSource

An investigation by San Juan USD found that Trustee Nick Bloise meets the residency requirements for his elected position. Bloise, who was elected to his Area 4 seat in 2024, had claimed a homeowner's exemption on a property outside his trustee area. Chief of Human Resources Daniel Thigpen stated, “San Juan Unified takes residency requirements seriously and values community engagement on issues of public trust.” The investigation also addressed complaints regarding Bloise's conduct during school visits, leading to a 90-day ban from school sites due to “inappropriate and excessive” personal disclosures. The details of the investigations were not fully disclosed, raising questions about transparency.

 

The Sacramento Bee

Clayton Dagler, a dual-certified teacher in computer science and math at Franklin High School in Elk Grove, California, takes a hands-on approach to AI education by having students design their own AI tools. His machine-learning course, among the few of its kind nationwide, requires strong math foundations, including precalculus and often AP Statistics. Dagler stresses the value of understanding AI's underlying mathematics: “Some students will [have] careers in this and other students will have more of an understanding of how their world works, at a deeper level than everyone else.” The course aims to future-proof students for AI-driven industries.

 

Education Week News

Miliani Rodriguez, a senior at Coachella Valley High School, is the lead plaintiff in the lawsuit Miliani R. v. State of California, which challenges the state's school renovation funding practices. Rodriguez highlights the poor conditions of her school, including broken air conditioning and leaking ceilings, which she initially thought were normal. However, after visiting a nearby high school with modern facilities, she recognized the disparities in educational environments. The lawsuit argues that the current funding model favors wealthier districts, perpetuating inequalities and denying poorer districts access to necessary resources.

 

EdSource

The Sonoma County Office of Education's teachers union has lodged a complaint with a state panel, alleging that the county's elected schools chief, Amie Carter, acted “dishonestly” during the recent hiring process for an administrator position. The conflict arises from concerns over the integrity of the hiring practices employed by Carter. As stated in the complaint, the union seeks accountability and transparency in the hiring process to ensure fair treatment for all candidates.

 

Press Democrat

The Palos Verdes Peninsula USD recently celebrated 15 of its campuses being recognized as some of the healthiest in the nation. The Alliance for a Healthier Generation, a national organization focused on children's health, honored 1,102 schools across the country for meeting rigorous standards in nine categories, including nutrition, food access, and physical education. This recognition highlights the district's commitment to promoting health and wellness among its students, showcasing the importance of a supportive environment for children's development.

 

Daily Breeze

During the Glendale USD's first student voice panel of the year, students from various high schools expressed concerns about safety, career preparedness, and school culture. Jennifer Nakano from Crescenta Valley High said: “There is not enough time to prepare us for all the emergencies that could happen.” Students highlighted inadequate security measures, particularly in bathrooms, and called for more female guards. They also emphasized the need for life skills and financial literacy classes, with Glendale High student Izabela Petrosyan stating: “There are no classes, no events to help prep students on how to take wealth.” Board members, including Shant Sahakian and Ingrid Gunnell, acknowledged these issues and discussed potential solutions, such as implementing QR codes for reporting incidents. Superintendent Dr. Darneika Watson confirmed the board's commitment to addressing these concerns.

 

Cresenta Valley Weekly

Jesuit High School in Carmichael is set to transition from an all-boys institution to a coeducational model by fall 2027, marking a significant change since its founding in 1963. This shift is supported by a $1m donation from Billy and Jessaca Downing, aimed at enhancing campus infrastructure and expanding programs for female students. The decision, made by the board of trustees, follows extensive research and reflects changing demographics and declining enrollment in the region. Despite the board's commitment to this new direction, some parents and alumni are resisting, advocating for the preservation of the school's single-sex model, with $3m in pledges collected to support their cause.

 

The Sacramento Bee

School crossing guards play a crucial role in ensuring children's safety as they travel to and from school. However, an investigation by the Associated Press (AP) and Cox Media Group reveals that this job can be perilous. The investigation found that at least 230 crossing guards across 37 states and Washington, D.C., were struck by vehicles over the past decade, with nearly three dozen fatalities. Notably, drivers who hit crossing guards often face no criminal charges. The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that crossing guards rank among the most dangerous jobs, with a high fatality rate. Only New Jersey and Massachusetts have made significant efforts to track crossing guard safety, implementing measures after several fatalities. Factors contributing to these incidents include distracted driving, speeding, and inadequate road design. Many crossing guards are senior citizens, with over half of those documented being over 65 years old.

 

U.S. News

In Baltimore, leaders are calling for a review of artificial intelligence security systems after a recent incident where police mistakenly drew weapons on a student due to a bag of Doritos being misidentified as a firearm. Baltimore City Councilman Mark Conway emphasized the need for "better safeguards" for students, stating, "As we continue to see false positives and false negatives for these AI systems, it is clear we need a more rigorous process of vetting." The city and county have invested millions in AI gun detection technology, but concerns have arisen over its effectiveness, particularly following a class action lawsuit against Evolv, one of the companies involved.

 

Bradenton.com

Many recent college graduates are facing challenges in entering the workforce due to economic uncertainty, a tight job market, and the rise of AI. Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky advises students to focus on developing enduring skills, stating: "People should study things they're interested in, and they should develop skills they'll always need." He emphasizes the importance of leadership and communication skills, urging companies to continue hiring for entry-level roles to cultivate future leaders. An analysis from Revelio Labs indicates that entry-level job postings have decreased by approximately 35% from January 2023 to June 2025. Chesky warns that if young people cannot secure jobs, there will be a lack of candidates for strategic positions in the future. He concludes that predicting which industries will remain safe from AI disruption is futile, advocating for continuous learning and curiosity.

 

CNBC

The Los Angeles Recording School has been recognized by Billboard Magazine as one of the Top Music Business Schools for 2025, marking its eighth consecutive year of excellence in music education. The selection process considers industry recommendations, alumni success, and unique program qualities. The school offers immersive degree programs that prepare students for various roles in the music and entertainment sectors, focusing on essential skills like marketing strategy and tour management.

 

Chino Champion