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A New Hampshire federal judge has formally dismissed a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s directive targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies in public schools, after both sides agreed the case was no longer necessary. The lawsuit stemmed from a February 2025 “Dear Colleague Letter” issued by the U.S. Department of Education, which warned school districts that DEI-related policies or contracts could violate federal civil rights laws and risk the loss of federal funding. The letter prompted concern among school officials nationwide and led New Hampshire districts to review contracts for potential violations. The National Education Association and the American Civil Liberties Union, along with several New Hampshire school districts, sued the administration, arguing the directive was unconstitutional. The plaintiffs secured early court victories, including a preliminary injunction blocking enforcement in New Hampshire. Similar rulings in other jurisdictions further weakened the policy. In early February, the Department of Education agreed it would no longer rely on or enforce the challenged actions, leading Judge Landya McCafferty on Wednesday to dismiss the case as moot. Plaintiffs welcomed the decision, saying it protects educators’ ability to teach subjects involving race, gender, and inclusion without fear of federal penalties.

 

New Hampshire Bulletin

UPI

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Dan Walters, a CalMatters columnist, writes that although California has significantly increased education spending under Gov. Gavin Newsom, many school districts remain in financial trouble. Per-pupil funding has risen from about $17,000 to over $27,000 since Newsom took office, though inflation reduces the real gain. The proposed 2026–27 budget includes $88.7bn in state funds, but Newsom plans to delay $5.6bn in required payments to help manage the state deficit. Meanwhile, districts face declining enrollment, rising labor costs, and union pressure, especially in urban areas. Systems like San Francisco, Sacramento, and Los Angeles Unified are struggling with deficits. Walters argues that while educators seek more funding, large increases would cost billions more, worsening the state’s ongoing budget shortfalls.

 

East Bay

The Los Angeles USD (LAUSD) Board of Education voted 4-3 to authorize layoff notices for March 15, impacting 657 central office positions due to an $877m budget deficit for the 2026-2027 school year. LAUSD's Chief Financial Officer Saman Bravo-Karimi said: "If the RIF is not authorized, our projected expenditures and corresponding deficits will go up next year and beyond." However, union leaders challenged the district's financial claims, citing recent state revenue data that could improve the situation. They urged the board to delay layoff notices until updated tax collections are considered. Board member Rocío Rivas expressed concerns about the potential instability caused by broad layoff notices, remarking: "That instability has operational human capital and moral consequences." Final layoff decisions will be made in May or June after further review.

 

LA Daily News

Santa Monica-Malibu USD plans to lay off over 27 employees, including teachers and custodial staff, by the end of the 2025-2026 school year. Parents are particularly concerned about the elimination of five teachers who provide essential Language and Literacy Interventionist (LLI) services, which are crucial for struggling readers. Yaso Thiagarajah, a parent, said: "I have seen firsthand how this targeted instruction acts as a critical bridge between struggling to read and academic success." The layoffs also include more than 20 custodial positions, raising concerns about the impact on school cleanliness and safety. SEIU Local 99, representing many affected workers, is frustrated with the district's handling of negotiations and the lack of transparency regarding the layoffs. The union emphasized that the proposals are about "stability, safety, and respect for the work we do every day." The district has until March 15 to notify affected employees, with cuts set to take effect in the 2026-2027 school year.

 

Santa Monica Daily Press

The Elk Grove USD board recently voted to eliminate or reassign numerous classified positions, totaling approximately 60 full-time equivalent roles, due to budget constraints. Positions affected include library technicians, paraeducators, and mental health therapists. Despite these cuts, the board approved a significant pay raise for its members, increasing their compensation from $750 to $3,000 per month, as mandated by California's AB 1390.

 

The Sacramento Bee

Atascadero USD educators and supporters are advocating for a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) increase and protection from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during recent school board meetings. Teachers argue that the lack of a COLA effectively amounts to a pay cut, with many earning below the living wage in California. “Asking for a meager 2% raise... we would still be $4,000 below the line,” said a concerned teacher. Additionally, fears regarding ICE presence in schools have prompted calls for policy changes to ensure student safety. Superintendent Dr. Tom Bennett acknowledged the concerns, stating, “I want you to know that your concerns are valid, and I hear and understand what you’re saying.” The next board meeting is scheduled for March 3.

 

Atascadero News

The Windsor USD Board of Trustees is set to approve the layoff of over 37 teachers and staff for the 2026-2027 academic year. The agenda for its meeting later today indicates that 19 special education teachers, along with other staff, will be affected. Superintendent Kelsey Edwards said, "The goal is to ensure that we are providing the best possible education for all students." The district is facing significant budget constraints, leading to these difficult decisions. Edwards emphasized the importance of maintaining quality education despite the challenges, stating that the layoffs are a response to "the need to balance the budget while still supporting our students."

 

Press Democrat

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John McGilligan, the music director at Marina High School, was recently honored as one of the Huntington Beach Union High School District's Teachers of the Year. With 20 years of teaching experience, McGilligan oversees various music programs, including the marching band and orchestras. He expressed gratitude for the recognition, saying: "I happened to land in a pretty arts-friendly district." Principal Tim Floyd praised McGilligan's dedication, noting his strong relationships with students and parents, which enhance the school's positive culture. Meanwhile, Julie Chaicharee, a social studies teacher at Fountain Valley High, also received the Teacher of the Year award, sharing her surprise and gratitude during a ceremony. Chaicharee emphasized the importance of making history relevant to students, noting: "The consequences of the past... set the foundation for the future."

 

Los Angeles Times

Newport-Mesa USD is contemplating the future of an 11.36-acre parcel, which could either be developed for housing or preserved for endangered species. The Coastal Corridor Alliance has offered $2m to purchase the land for conservation, but school board member Krista Weigand noted, “I appreciate the offer, but it was $2m for 11 acres of ocean view land.” The district has received bids from developers that could yield significantly more revenue over a 99-year lease, with proposals including 134 single-family homes and 50 rental units, potentially generating $582m. Jeff Dixon, the district's chief business officer, emphasized that the final decision will depend on the entitlement and permitting processes. The school board is expected to make a decision next month.

 

Los Angeles Times

San Carlos School District is reconsidering its approach to a parcel tax renewal, initially planned for June, due to weak polling support. Board President Sara Kinahan expressed disappointment over the lack of a "path to victory in June," but noted strong backing for the district's programs and educators. The proposed tax, which "can't wait until 2028," would replace an existing tax of $334.60 per parcel and requires two-thirds voter approval. Kinahan emphasized the need to inform the community about the district's financial challenges, noting: "We really do need to get ahead of this looming problem." Superintendent Jennifer Frentress highlighted positive sentiments toward the district but acknowledged the necessity of addressing fiscal concerns. The district anticipates a budget deficit of approximately $2.5m this year, projected to rise to nearly $4.39m in two years. Kinahan remains hopeful that the additional time until November will allow for effective community education and support for the tax measure.

 

San Mateo Daily Journal

Text messages suggest Vallejo City USD officials may have discussed school closures in private ahead of a public vote, raising concerns about a potential violation of the Brown Act, California’s open meeting law. Messages obtained through a public records request show Superintendent Rubén Aurelio and Trustee Glenn Amboy agreeing to discuss the issue in closed session before the board unanimously voted on December 17 to close three elementary schools. The vote included Highland Elementary, a decision that surprised the community and was made without public debate at the meeting. Legal experts say the exchange and lack of open discussion could indicate a breach of the Brown Act, which requires most board deliberations to occur publicly. While no definitive violation has been proven, the incident has prompted concerns about transparency and accountability. Any confirmed breach could require the board to reconsider its decision, though only if formally challenged within 90 days.

 

Vallejo Sun

Teacher unions, student representatives, and civil liberties advocates say Ontario’s recent takeover of seven school boards is a distraction from years of chronic underfunding in public education. At a news conference at Queen’s Park earlier this week, representatives from the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation, the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario, and the Ontario Student Trustees’ Association argued that provincial supervision does not address staffing shortages, larger class sizes, or the financial pressures facing schools. They cited estimates that public education has been underfunded by C$6.3bn ($4.6bn) since 2018. Education Minister Paul Calandra has defended the interventions, saying the province stepped in over financial mismanagement and to protect classroom resources. He has also signaled he may eliminate elected school board trustees entirely in favour of provincial supervisors. Critics say the moves undermine democratic governance and silence student and parent voices, with some student trustees reporting limited access to provincially appointed supervisors.

 

CBC News