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California's education system is facing a significant crisis due to funding freezes, proposed cuts, and potential government shutdowns, which threaten essential resources for millions of students. With approximately $8bn in federal K-12 education funding at stake, state leaders are taking legal action to protect core services for vulnerable populations. The Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) aims to direct resources to high-need students, but disparities in funding allocations persist. Los Angeles USD has implemented initiatives like the Student Equity Needs Index (SENI) to address these issues, yet challenges remain. If federal funding disappears, the only safeguard is how effectively states and districts use what they have, indicating the importance of strategic resource management. To strengthen funding systems, leaders must enhance need-based formulas, ensure equitable per-pupil funding, and empower school leaders to make informed spending decisions.

 

EdSource

California's public pension systems, including CalPERS and CalSTRS, are taking on significant risks while yielding poor investment returns, according to the Reason Foundation's 2025 Public Pension Solvency and Performance Report. With over $265bn in unfunded liabilities, California has the highest public pension debt in the U.S., translating to over $6,000 per resident. CalPERS and CalSTRS have shifted towards high-risk investment strategies, increasing their allocation to alternative investments from 11% in 2001 to 37% in 2024. Despite these changes, their average returns remain below the national average, with CalPERS achieving only 6.8% over the past 20 years. Zachary Christensen, managing director of the Pension Integrity Project, emphasized the need for cautious investment strategies to protect taxpayers and retirees, noting: "Taxpayers at the state and local level would see more money siphoned away from infrastructure, education, and public safety to make up for investment losses."

 

The Orange Country Register

Pasadena Star-News

ICE agents mistakenly detained a high school intern outside Rhode Island Superior Court, triggering outrage from Gov. Dan McKee and Chief Justice Paul Suttell. The teen, driven by Judge Joseph McBurney, was surrounded by agents who restrained and questioned him before confirming his identity and releasing him. ICE claimed they were pursuing a child predator and that the intern resembled the target. The incident, caught on video, spurred renewed criticism of courthouse arrests and calls for expanded virtual hearings. “This was not a harmless mistake,” said McKee, calling ICE’s actions “shameful.”

 

CNN

Rialto USD is under scrutiny following a forensic audit revealing over $3m in excess federal funding due to inflated student meal counts. The audit, conducted by CliftonLarsenAllen, found that the district received more than $2.9m in overpayments from the U.S. Department of Agriculture during the summer months of 2021, 2022, and 2023. Daniel Moussatche, attorney for whistleblower Sarah Dunbar-Riley, called for a criminal investigation, claiming: "The time has come for state and federal criminal investigators to investigate and bring criminal wrongdoers to justice." The district is now working with the California Department of Education to reconcile discrepancies and return the funds. Allegations of mismanagement and fraud have surfaced, with former Nutrition Services lead agent Fausat Rahman-Davies and others implicated in the scandal.

 

Inland Valley Daily Bulletin

The Livingston USD in Merced County has successfully reduced chronic absenteeism from 18.3% in 2023 to 14.2% in spring 2024, surpassing its goal of a 3% reduction. This improvement is attributed to enhanced school counseling services, as detailed in a study by the UCLA Center for the Transformation of Schools. Alma Lopez, the lead school counselor, emphasized the importance of identifying students' challenges, remarking: "We're looking at the data to identify the students initially, and then digging a little deeper to try and find what's the root cause of the challenge they're having." The district also saw a decrease in suspension rates, from 3.4% to 2.8%, while California's rates increased. The study highlights the positive impact of consistent counseling on student well-being and academic performance, with parents noting the critical support provided during challenging transitions.

 

Los Angeles Times

At a recent meeting, the Saugus USD governing board declined to accept recommendations from the behavioral council after a lengthy discussion. Board members expressed concerns about the effectiveness and cost of proposed programs, particularly questioning the focus on Tier 1 students under the Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) system. Michelle Barries, the district's assistant superintendent of student support services, noted that Tier 3 interventions have "barely begun." Governing board member Matthew Watson made the case for a research-based approach, claiming: "I don't think it is financially feasible to cobble together all these different programs." The board's decision reflects ongoing challenges in addressing student behavior effectively and consistently across schools.

 

Signalscv.com

Sonoma Valley USD has formed a 7-11 Committee to evaluate district-owned properties, aiming to identify surplus real estate no longer needed for educational purposes. The committee is actively seeking community members to participate, emphasizing the importance of public input. "All Committee proceedings and deliberations are open to the public," ensuring transparency throughout the process. The committee will assess various factors, including potential uses for the property, financial implications of leasing versus selling, and community impact. Once the review is complete, the committee will present a report to the Board of Trustees with recommendations for the future of the identified surplus properties. The 7-11 Committee, named after the California Education Code, is designed to involve diverse community perspectives in decisions regarding school properties.

 

Sonoma Valley Sun

Sequoia UHSD's Board of Trustees has reached a contract agreement for the 2025-26 school year, granting a 3% salary increase and a $1,000 stipend to its teachers and staff. The agreement is retroactive to July 1, 2025, and aims to address the rising cost of living. The total cost for the salary adjustments is approximately $6.3m, impacting the district's general fund budget.

 

San Mateo Daily Journal

The Burlingame School District Board of Trustees has appointed Semonti Stephens as its newest member, filling the vacancy left by outgoing President Dan Devoy, who served for four years.

 

San Mateo Daily Journal

The Alberta government has released a report from the Aggression and Complexity Action Team, outlining seven recommendations to address escalating violence and increasing classroom complexity, issues that have been raised for years by teachers and the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA). Complexity refers to the challenges of teaching diverse learners with varying needs. The report suggests setting class size criteria, hiring more teachers and educational assistants, clarifying staff roles in clinical and therapeutic support, expanding early childhood funding, and improving access to pre-Grade 1 services. Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides stated that the report offers a clear path to improve classroom conditions and ensure student success. ATA president Jason Schilling noted these recommendations echo what teachers have demanded for years, particularly during the recent strike, which was ended when the government invoked the notwithstanding clause. Premier Danielle Smith highlighted a C$10bn education investment this year and announced plans to hire 3,000 teachers and 1,500 education assistants over three years. A new cabinet committee co-chaired by Smith and Nicolaides will oversee the report’s implementation “over the next few months.”

 

Calgary Herald

CBC News

The Globe and Mail

Fifty out of 303 abducted schoolchildren from St. Mary’s School in Niger state, Nigeria, have escaped and reunited with their families, according to Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna. The remaining 253 students and 12 teachers are still held. Pope Leo XIV expressed sorrow and urged immediate release. No group has claimed responsibility, and authorities remain silent on rescue efforts. In a separate incident, 38 kidnapped worshippers in Kwara state were freed. President Tinubu vowed continued efforts to ensure nationwide safety, saying: “Every Nigerian...has the right to safety.”

 

Politico