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California
22nd April 2026
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THE HOT STORY

L.A. schools limit screen usage

The Los Angeles USD Board of Education is set to approve a proposal that significantly reduces student screen time in classrooms, reversing previous initiatives aimed at increasing digital access. The resolution, introduced by board member Nick Melvoin, encourages teachers to "promote the use of paper and pen assignments" and suggests banning access to platforms like YouTube and gaming sites. It aims to limit screen exposure until the second grade and track usage thereafter. Melvoin emphasized the need for balance, remarking: "While access to and developing skills in technology are critical in a digital world, excessive screen time can be associated with vision problems, increased anxiety and depression." The proposal also includes a call for a cost-benefit analysis of classroom technology contracts.

MULTILINGUAL LEARNERS

Designated vs. Integrated ELD Instruction

Targeted ELD instruction, also referred to as dedicated or designated ELD instruction, is designed to help English learners develop critical English language skills needed for learning across content areas. This instruction should be aligned to your state’s adopted ELD standards and requires explicit development of English language knowledge, skills, and abilities. A targeted ELD program has the sole goal of English acquisition.

During a protected time in the school day, targeted ELD engages English learners in focused language acquisition and academic vocabulary building across the four domains of listening, speaking, writing, and reading. This differs from integrated ELD instruction, which provides robust support for accessing lesson-specific content and developing skills within an ELA or other content area class.

Learn more in this article

 

NATIONAL NEWS

Education Department to maintain funding pipeline for schools amid transition concerns

The U.S. Department of Education will continue distributing key K-12 funding through its existing grants system this summer, easing concerns among state and local officials that a planned transition to other agencies could delay critical payments. Programs such as Title I and special education funding under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act will be delivered via the traditional July 1 channel, giving states more time to prepare for a future shift to the Department of Labor, where many education programs are expected to move. Officials said the decision aims to prevent disruptions that could have impacted summer programs or school openings. However, uncertainty remains over whether future funding rounds, including those scheduled for October, will follow the same process. The transition reflects broader efforts by the Trump administration to shift responsibilities away from the Education Department, though logistical challenges, past funding delays, and concerns about the Labor Department’s capacity have made states cautious about relying on the new system.

FINANCE

LAUSD's budget crisis looms large

Parents in Los Angeles are relieved that labor disputes did not disrupt classrooms, but the agreements with United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA) may lead to financial strain. The tentative contracts, which include a 12% salary increase for teachers and additional support staff, are projected to cost LAUSD about $1.2bn annually. "The flexing of our collective power forced LAUSD to direct significant funding into critical priorities," said UTLA. However, LAUSD faces a $1.3bn budget deficit this year and a projected $1.5bn shortfall by 2027. Despite a decline in student enrollment, the district has added support staff while maintaining too many schools, leading to unsustainable costs. "My hunch is that the only way the district will be able to come up with the money is to lay off lots of people," said Pedro Noguera, dean of USC Rossier School of Education.

Oakland schools halt superintendent search

Oakland USD has suspended its search for a new superintendent due to ongoing budget issues, a decision that surprised several board members and raised transparency concerns. Jennifer Brouhard, the school board president, confirmed that the board would focus on resolving financial troubles instead of recruiting a permanent replacement for Kyla Johnson-Trammell, who was fired last year. Brouhard said: "There are big inconsistencies in the information the board has had in making decisions about the budget." The district faces significant financial challenges, including a potential $50m deficit, and the interim superintendent, Denise Saddler, is expected to remain in her role until at least fall.

Fresno Unified's budget deficit skyrockets

Fresno USD's projected budget deficit for the upcoming school year has surged to $88m. Previously, the deficit was estimated at $77m, with a projected $59m shortfall anticipated for the 2026-27 school year. The district once attributed the financial challenges to low attendance and declining enrollment but now cites increased expenses due to a higher demand for special education staff and rising transportation costs. Despite a decline in overall enrollment, the number of students needing special education services has risen, reflecting a statewide trend. The district has not disclosed its plans to address the fiscal gap, although it approved early retirement for 573 employees to save $56m over five years. In February, preliminary layoff notices were issued to 274 employees, while board members began receiving pay raises they had previously approved.

Burlingame School District seeks more funds

The Burlingame School District Board of Trustees has unanimously voted to increase the bond measure amount from $89m to $100m for voter approval in November. Trustee Nicole Mustafa emphasized the need for financial flexibility, stating: “This is the longest we've gone between bonds, so that's certainly worth considering.” The funds will primarily address ongoing maintenance costs, including re-piping buildings and updating Wi-Fi. Trustee Katie Jay noted that previous projects have been delayed, justifying the higher bond request. While Trustee Doug Brown mentioned that the difference between $89m and $100m is not significant for taxpayers, he urged careful consideration of future needs. The final decision on the bond measure will be made by the trustees before early August.

DISTRICTS

Oakland USD delays superintendent search as budget pressures mount

Oakland USD has suspended its search for a new superintendent as it grapples with significant budget challenges, a decision that has raised concerns over transparency and deepened internal divisions. Board leadership confirmed the pause was discussed in a closed-session meeting without a formal vote, with the focus shifting to addressing financial pressures, including an estimated $50m budget shortfall and scrutiny over a proposed teacher pay deal. The move reportedly caught several board members off guard, with some learning of it indirectly, and criticism has emerged over the lack of public disclosure. Interim superintendent Denise Saddler is now expected to remain in the role until at least the fall, while political tensions persist over the district’s financial strategy, declining enrollment, and past leadership decisions, with county officials warning that the district’s fiscal outlook remains uncertain.

Petaluma schools fly Pride flag year-round

The Petaluma City Schools Board of Education has unanimously approved a resolution to fly the Progress Pride flag year-round at all district campuses, reflecting their commitment to inclusion for LGBTQIA+ students, staff, and families. The decision follows discussions among district leaders, including Superintendent Matthew Harris, who emphasized the importance of a unified approach to flying symbolic flags. The resolution aims to create a safe and welcoming environment, with Harris noting: “The purpose of the resolution is centered on inclusion.” The flag will be displayed alongside the U.S. and California flags, with considerations for additional flags in the future.

ENROLLMENT

School closures loom in Sacramento

Enrollment in Sacramento City USD has dropped from over 41,000 in 2016 to around 36,000 today, leading to concerns about the financial viability of the district. More than half of the schools are operating below 70% capacity, prompting discussions about potential consolidations and closures. Board President Tara Jeane emphasized the need for a thoughtful approach, noting: "This needs to be equitable — it's reimagining what's best for our students at our core." The district faces a projected shortfall of over $300m by 2028, and the upcoming special board meeting will address facilities optimization and consolidation plans. While no immediate actions are planned, the possibility of closing up to 20 schools exists to ensure every student has a seat. Jeane aims to restore trust in the district's decision-making process, focusing on optimizing resources for student education.

WORKFORCE

Teachers demand fair health care benefits

Teachers in the Little Lake City School District are on strike for the fourth day, protesting mid-year health care changes they claim equate to significant pay cuts. The Little Lake Education Association is advocating for smaller class sizes, increased support for special education staff, and fully funded health care. Superintendent Jonathan Vasquez stated that the district can no longer afford to fully fund employee health care benefits due to declining enrollment, which has drained its reserves. He emphasized: “The district desires an agreement that balances student needs and employee compensation while ensuring fiscal solvency today, tomorrow and into the future.” The union is also working to recall all five school board members in the district, which serves 3,500 students.

States undervalue assistant teachers

Assistant teachers are essential in early childhood classrooms, but most state policies do not match their responsibilities. A National Institute for Early Education Research report found that only one-third of state-funded preschool programs require minimum credentials and just 30% meet recommended professional development standards. Low requirements help drive low pay, averaging $11.88 per hour, while limited advancement pathways make it harder for assistants to gain further education. Some states, including New Mexico and Alabama, are taking stronger steps to improve qualifications, training, and compensation.

Accountability with dignity

Katy Myers Allis argues that instructional excellence should be built through support, not fear. Reflecting on a teacher’s distress after missing benchmark goals, the Fort Worth principal realized that strict systems can unintentionally turn accountability into emotional pressure. Her leadership team shifted to coaching, in-class modeling, public celebration of growth, and clear next steps. As Allis writes, accountability had to feel like “support, not surveillance.” Teachers improved measurably, but the deeper gain was renewed confidence, trust, and professional identity.

EARLY EDUCATION

LAUSD tackles child-care crisis

Los Angeles USD is addressing a significant affordability crisis in child care, with median costs for infant care reaching about $1,800 monthly in L.A. County. Board member Kelly Gonez emphasized the importance of early learning, stating: “We know that there are still gaps in terms of access to programs and care for our families in Los Angeles.” The district plans to double its infant care centers and expand early education programs, aiming to strengthen enrollment and alleviate financial burdens on families. The proposal includes reopening shuttered centers and enhancing partnerships with local child-care providers. The resolution, expected to be approved by the Board of Education, seeks to create a consistent student pipeline, potentially increasing enrollment as families are encouraged to stay within the district. The expansion will also focus on dual language preschool programs and collaboration with community-based providers to meet diverse family needs.

CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION

Granite Hills earns top honor

Granite Hills High School has been recognized as a SkillsUSA Model of Excellence school in Workplace Skills for 2026. Only 24 schools nationwide have received this prestigious title, which is the highest honor from SkillsUSA, a leading workforce development organization. “This is the highest honor bestowed on chapters by SkillsUSA,” said Apple Valley USD officials. The Models of Excellence program emphasizes the development of personal, workplace, and technical skills, enabling students to practice essential skills like communication and teamwork.

TECHNOLOGY

Roblox settles with three states, commits to stronger child protections

Roblox has reached a $35.8m settlement with attorneys general in West Virginia, Alabama, and Nevada over allegations that it failed to adequately protect children on its platform, agreeing to implement stronger safety measures and fund education initiatives. The agreements require Roblox to enhance safeguards, including verifying the ages of all users and restricting adults from contacting users under 16, while part of the settlement funds will support child safety education programs. The settlements follow years of scrutiny over the platform’s exposure to harmful interactions, with officials stating the company had not done enough to prevent risks to young users. Roblox said it has already introduced multiple safety updates, including new account types for younger users, and will continue investing in protections. Despite the settlements, legal pressure remains, with several other US states—including Tennessee, Texas, and Florida—continuing to pursue separate lawsuits over child safety concerns.

TRANSPORTATION

AI supports transportation leadership

Writing for School Bus Fleet, Melody Coniglio of West Geauga Local School District presents artificial intelligence as a practical support tool for school transportation leaders, helping with parent communication, board reporting, training materials and policy summaries while preserving human judgment. Drawing on a well-attended “ChatGPT for Beginners” session at NAPT ACTS 2025, the author argues AI is a “productivity multiplier” that reduces drafting time and improves consistency across messages. Coniglio emphasizes careful prompting, avoiding sensitive data and reviewing outputs, while framing AI as a way to free up more time for leadership, operations and staff support.

INTERNATIONAL

South Africa and India deepen education links with new school partnerships

South Africa and India are developing new school twinning partnerships to strengthen educational collaboration, with plans underway to link additional schools in the Western Cape and Limpopo with counterparts in India. The initiative, led by South Africa’s High Commissioner to India, Professor Anil Sooklal, builds on existing successful partnerships and aims to foster long-term cultural and academic relationships through student and teacher exchanges starting at primary and secondary school levels. Officials see early engagement between students as key to deepening bilateral ties, while also exploring broader education opportunities, including scholarships and corporate sponsorships to enable South African students to study in India at little to no cost. Multinational companies such as Tata and Mahindra are expected to play a role in funding, complementing university subsidies and expanding access to higher education for students who might otherwise be unable to afford it.

 
IOL

AND FINALLY......

Pennsylvania educator named National Teacher of the Year

Leon Smith, a high school history teacher at Haverford High School in Havertown, Pennsylvania, has been named the 2026 National Teacher of the Year. With a 25-year career dedicated to teaching Advanced Placement classes in U.S. history and African American studies, Smith emphasizes the importance of recognizing students' hidden talents. He stated: "An adult can tell you that they see something in you that maybe you didn't see in yourself." Smith's teaching approach includes community-building exercises and critical discussions, aiming to foster civic engagement among his students. His efforts extend beyond the classroom, as he takes students to the state Capitol to engage with policymakers. The Council of Chief State School Officers commended his focus on inclusivity in history education. As Teacher of the Year, Smith will advocate for the vital role educators play in shaping future generations.
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