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California
11th February 2026
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THE HOT STORY

San Francisco teachers' strike continues

San Francisco USD remains closed for the third consecutive day as teachers strike for higher wages and improved health benefits. The United Educators of San Francisco, representing 6,000 educators, is demanding a 9% salary increase and full health benefits. However, district officials claim that the SFUSD, under state fiscal oversight since 2024, cannot meet these demands. The district has provided over 2,655 Independent Study packets and distributed thousands of meals to support students during the strike. “We understand the strain that school closures place on families,” district officials said, emphasizing their commitment to keeping families informed. Negotiations between the district and the union have been ongoing since October, but no agreement has been reached.

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NATIONAL NEWS

Federal policy clarifies that teachers may join students in prayer

The U.S. Department of Education has released new guidance emphasizing the rights of students and teachers to express their religious beliefs in public schools. This guidance allows for prayer as long as it does not disrupt school activities or coerce participation. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon said: "Our Constitution safeguards the free exercise of religion as one of the guiding principles of our republic." The guidance also mandates that schools protect students from religious harassment and accommodate those needing to pray at specific times. However, schools cannot sponsor religious activities and must treat religious student groups like any other student club. The document reflects a shift towards prioritizing individual religious expression, particularly for educators, while maintaining a neutral school environment.

Parents push K-12 AI literacy

Despite the rapid spread of artificial intelligence (AI), only 40 school districts in 17 states, about 0.30%, have district-level AI guidance. Pew data cited shows 26% of teens used ChatGPT for schoolwork in 2024, up from 13% in 2023, while most received no responsible-use instruction and many parents say schools haven’t shared policies. Dr. Julaine Fowlin, assistant professor and executive director for the Center for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning at the Medical University of South Carolina, argues this creates students who either fear AI as cheating or misuse it as a shortcut. She describes advocating in her South Carolina district, eventually joining an AI planning team and seeing a board-approved classroom policy in January, and urges parents to push for clear communication, training, and AI literacy. 

Teachers battle social media misinformation

Teachers across the U.S. are increasingly addressing misinformation from social media in their classrooms, according to a national survey conducted by K12. The survey revealed that 67% of teachers have had to "un-teach" incorrect information students learned online, with over 49% stating this happens frequently. As digital content becomes more prevalent in education, teachers are tasked with correcting misleading details while maintaining traditional instruction. The survey also found that 73% of parents reported their children watch educational videos online, with 89% noting improved grades. However, 57% of teachers believe that online videos are both beneficial and detrimental to student learning.

TEACHING

Schools rethink how teens learn about money

U.S. high schools are revamping personal-finance instruction as more states make it a graduation requirement. Thirty states now mandate a standalone course, projected to cover over 73% of public high school students by 2031, up from 11% in 2023. Schools are emphasizing hands-on learning: Connecticut’s Ethel Walker School has students invest real endowment funds, monitor results over multiple years, and earn tax-preparer certification to assist local families. In California, Da Vinci Communications students map decades-long financial plans, explore compounding and budgeting, and begin saving early through activities like letters to their future selves and opening Roth IRAs at 18. Educators say this experiential approach strengthens engagement, while researchers find credit and debt outcomes improve even as wealth-building effects stay mixed.

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Peer support program transforms lives

Antioch High School in Contra Costa County has seen significant improvements through its peer support program, which includes 80 trained peer advocates. Cristian Topete, a senior and peer advocate, shared: “Once I joined this program, it made me realize that I wasn’t alone in my situation.” The program, initiated by Shira Sweitzer, has expanded since the Covid pandemic, addressing increased youth mental health issues. It offers mentoring, conflict mediation, and substance use discussions, allowing students to connect with their peers rather than adults. A recent pilot program indicated that 96% of students felt better after accessing peer support, highlighting its effectiveness in fostering student well-being.

FINANCE

Santa Rosa schools face budget crisis

Santa Rosa City Schools is facing a severe financial crisis, with a risk of insolvency looming. Michael Fine, chief executive of the Fiscal Crisis and Management Assistance Team, warned the school board about "serious cash issues - far more serious than any other district in the state." To meet minimum reserve requirements, the district must cut $3m from its $239m budget this year and an additional $23m for the 2026-27 school year. The district is considering eliminating around 100 positions, including teachers and support staff, to save approximately $14m. If the situation worsens, a state takeover could occur, leading to a loss of local control over financial decisions.

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DISTRICTS

Nine-hour school days for some Manteca students

In Manteca USD, over 15% of nearly 26,000 students spend at least nine hours a day at school due to mismatched parental work schedules. Approximately 400 students are on campus for nearly 10 hours daily, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. This trend is common in the Northern San Joaquin Valley, known for its super commuters. Manteca Unified offers expanded learning opportunities, which include programs before and after school, intercession, and summer school. “It’s not child care,” emphasized Candace Espinola, coordinator for expanded learning opportunities, highlighting the focus on students' academic and social needs.

TIDE Academy closure hits hard

Principal Simone Rick-Kennel has announced the closure of TIDE Academy, a decision made by the Sequoia UHSD Board of Trustees on February 4. Senior Marcus Burke expressed the somber atmosphere, stating: “Everyone already knew, but after hearing the announcement, I remember the room got quiet; it was weird.” The board's decision to close the school at the end of the year has left students feeling uncertain about transferring to Woodside High School, with concerns about the social environment and commute. Board President Amy Koo emphasized the importance of understanding student needs for future planning.

Community rallies against school closures

In response to San Jose USD's proposal to close up to a third of its elementary schools due to declining enrollment, hundreds of parents and community members rallied at the district office. The closures are part of the "Schools of Tomorrow" initiative, aimed at addressing a loss of nearly 6,000 students since 2017. Lizeth Hernandez, a parent at Lowell Elementary School, expressed concern, saying: "I worry about what this could mean for the lower income communities and our families." The district's board is set to vote on the closures by March 12, with parents advocating for alternatives to minimize disruption.

Redlands school board debates book policy

The Redlands USD board is considering a new policy that would empower principals to remove explicit books from library shelves. This proposal, discussed on February 10, aims to ensure that library materials are "age-appropriate and wholesome." Under the policy, principals would have two business days to report any book removals to the superintendent. A report from February 10 states that the procedure would "ensure accountability and adherence to guiding concepts of decency." While some community members support the policy, arguing for librarian accountability, others oppose it, claiming it could lead to censorship of classic literature.

Graduation excitement at Golden 1 Center

Graduating seniors from Sacramento City USD will receive their diplomas at the Golden 1 Center, marking the first time the district has held graduations at this venue. Families from C.K. McClatchy, West Campus, Rosemont, Hiram Johnson, John F. Kennedy, and Luther Burbank high schools will gather for the ceremonies on June 8 and 9. The district's contract with the Sacramento Kings ownership group costs $300,000. Previously, graduations were held at Memorial Auditorium and Sutter Health Park, with the latter chosen during the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center was unavailable, prompting the move to the arena. "It's the first time the district has held graduations at the downtown arena," said district spokesperson Al Goldberg.

INTERNATIONAL

Mass shooting at B.C. school leaves 10 dead, community in shock

Ten people, including a female suspect, were killed in shootings at a secondary school and a nearby home in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, in what officials described as a devastating tragedy. RCMP said eight people, including the suspected shooter, died at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School on Tuesday afternoon. The suspect, described in an alert as a woman wearing a dress with brown hair, was found dead at the school from what are believed to be self-inflicted injuries. Police have not released further details about the shooter's identity or a possible motive. More than 25 people were injured at the school, including two with life-threatening injuries. About 100 students and staff were evacuated after police received reports of an active shooter around 1:20 p.m. Officers arrived within minutes and encountered what they described as a “very dramatic scene.” Two additional bodies were later discovered at a residence believed to be connected to the incident, bringing the total number of dead to 10. Support services are being mobilized for students, families, first responders and residents as the community begins to process the events.
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