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The Los Angeles USD (LAUSD) board has delayed a decision on Superintendent Alberto Carvalho’s employment after meeting in closed session for four hours, following FBI raids on his home and the district’s headquarters. The board recessed without action and will reconvene Friday to continue discussions. The federal investigation reportedly centers on financial matters related to Carvalho personally, not the district. The raids have been linked in media reports to AllHere Education, an AI company contracted by LAUSD for $6.2m to develop a student chatbot. The company later collapsed amid fraud charges against its founder. Carvalho previously worked with the firm during his tenure in Miami-Dade County. Carvalho has not publicly commented. Teachers’ union UTLA and parent advocacy groups are calling for transparency, with some urging the board to place Carvalho on administrative leave. The leadership uncertainty comes at a challenging time for LAUSD, which faces budget pressures, labor tensions, and ongoing controversies. The board’s next steps remain unclear.

 

EdSource

Los Angeles Times

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Education organizations, led by the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Preparation (AACTE), are advocating for a significant congressional investment to revamp teacher-preparation pipelines. A new report calls for $2.5bn in new or expanded teacher workforce development grants and scholarships, alongside the establishment of a national educator workforce data system. The report emphasizes the urgent need for support, commenting: "Teachers and school staff are now on the frontlines of addressing trauma, anxiety, and learning loss, often without the preparation, staffing, or resources to meet the magnitude of these needs." The AACTE also proposes transforming the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) grants into a nationwide teacher-residency scholarship program. Despite potential political challenges, there is a growing interest in Congress to support these initiatives, particularly in light of recent hearings on teaching. AACTE representatives stress the necessity for a national educator workforce strategy to adapt to evolving educational demands.

 

Education Week News

The Pajaro Valley Federation of Teachers organized a civic engagement event to oppose the layoffs of over 160 staff members approved by the Board of Trustees. The event, titled "A Night of Civic Engagement," took place next to the school board meeting, where union representatives delivered a petition with over 1,000 signatures urging the board to reverse the cuts. Brandon Diniz, president of the Pajaro Valley Federation of Teachers, emphasized the need for a supportive environment, claiming: "The way things are going, I think a lot of folks want a space to be able to come together and engage civically." Concerns were raised about the impact of layoffs on student support services, with teachers advocating for alternative solutions rather than cuts. The community's response highlighted the urgency of preserving educational resources.

 

Santa Cruz Sentinel

Residents of Santa Fe Springs will vote on two $45m bond measures on June 2, aimed at addressing facility needs in the Little Lake City School District. The district's superintendent, Jonathan Vasquez, said: "These are essential investments to keep schools safe, functional, and supportive of student achievement." However, community members and teachers have expressed concerns about the district's spending priorities and past financial management. Eric Marsoobian, bargaining chair for the teachers’ association, highlighted an independent audit report revealing "deficiencies of revenues over expenditures" from previous bond measures. Parent Melissa Maggard expressed skepticism about the district's ability to manage funds effectively, noting: "We need to work on rebuilding that trust in the board before we’re willing to increase property taxes." The bond measures require 55% voter approval to pass.

 

Press-Telegram

West Contra Costa USD is facing a significant budget deficit of $87m over two years, prompting the decision to cut 324 positions, including 186 layoffs. This decision has left nearly 200 employees anxious about their jobs. During a recent meeting, community members and students voiced their concerns, emphasizing the negative impact on programs like music and theater. The district's financial struggles are compounded by declining enrollment and rising operational costs, with current enrollment at 24,792, down from 28,247 pre-pandemic. Trustee Jamela Smith-Folds noted that overpromising has led to the current situation, stating, “We cannot vote on hope.” The district plans to utilize reserve funds and borrow from a retiree health fund to balance the budget.

 

East Bay

Pacifica School District has appointed Carisa Bowman as its new superintendent following a 3-0 vote by trustees after a four-month search. Bowman, who has been serving as interim superintendent since Darnise Williams' departure last June, will lead the district under a contract that extends through June 2029. Kathryn, a journalist with experience across various publications, emphasized the importance of community engagement, urging: "Let everyone of us start fresh by looking at each other in the eye and saying 'hello'." The district is focused on addressing community concerns and improving transparency in its operations.

 

Half Moon Bay Review

Fresno USD is closing 19 preschool classes due to a $7m loss in state funding, part of a larger plan involving 274 layoffs amid a $77m deficit. Valerie Velasquez, a paraeducator, expressed concern, saying: "They did not say whether we'll be moved to somewhere else or if they're gonna lay us off completely." Chief academic officer Carlos Castillo explained that the funding decrease results from a new state allocation method based on enrollment. The district aims to prioritize elementary sites, as some secondary locations will close due to low enrollment. Currently, 1,600 children are enrolled in preschools, and families are encouraged to find nearby alternatives. Castillo noted: "We strategically did that so our families wouldn't have to be burdened with having to drive across town."

 

Merced Sun Star

More than 350 students with exceptional needs from Covina-Valley USD participated in the second annual Sports Festival on February 5, focusing on inclusion and community. Students engaged in various activities, including frisbee golf, javelin throw, and races, earning medals and bracelets while enjoying the day. "It’s important to create spaces where our students can thrive and have a good time," said Dr. Josie Paredes, Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services. The event, supported by school staff and parents, concluded with a parade, showcasing students' pride in representing their schools. Interim Superintendent Jonathan Blackmore emphasized the festival's role in promoting inclusion and student well-being, remarking: "Seeing students feel confident, supported, and proud to represent their schools reflects the heart of this District’s commitment."

 

SGV Tribune

During a recent school board meeting on February 17, 2026, Corona-Norco USD showcased its visual and performing arts programs through an engaging presentation. Music teacher Ian Enderson demonstrated puppetry and dance, captivating board member Jami Merchant and others in attendance. Visual and performing arts coordinator Michelle Usher led the session, emphasizing the importance of arts in education. "VAPA: Building an Empire, Leaving a Legacy" was the theme of the presentation, highlighting the district's commitment to fostering creativity among students.

 

Press Enterprise

Alberta’s 2026 budget increases education funding and commits billions to new school construction, while raising the education property tax to help cover costs amid a projected C$9.4bn ($6.87bn) deficit. Finance Minister Nate Horner announced a 7.2% rise in the education and childcare operating budget to C$10.8bn for 2026-27. The province will invest $3.3bn over three years to build and modernize schools, with 40 new projects planned across Edmonton, Calgary, and other regions. Alberta aims to create more than 200,000 new school spaces by 2032, including 17,000 through a C$600m modular classroom program. The budget allocates C$355m for class size and complexity, including C$55m for a classroom complexity grant, and plans to hire 5,000 teaching staff over three years to address growing enrolment. Early childhood and independent school funding will also increase, with C$496m allocated for 2026-27. To fund operations, the education property tax will rise, generating an estimated C$3.6bn in 2026-27, covering about one-third of operating costs. While the government says the budget prioritizes essential services during a period of lower oil prices, critics, including the Alberta Teachers’ Association, questioned whether funding commitments will meet staffing targets and deliver meaningful new school construction.

 

Edmonton Journal