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California
12th June 2026
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THE HOT STORY

GOP lawmakers clash with SF Schools

Republican lawmakers have accused San Francisco USD of promoting political and gender ideology, claiming it indoctrinates students and pressures teachers to mislead parents. During a congressional hearing titled “Breaking Trust: Attacks on Parental Rights, Inappropriate Content and Legal Abuses in America's Schools,” Superintendent Maria Su defended the district's policies on transgender students and ethnic studies, stating, “SFUSD does not seek to direct students' personal beliefs, identities or family values. Our role is educational.” The Department of Justice is currently investigating four California school districts, including San Francisco Unified, regarding their policies on gender identity and sexual orientation. Su emphasized the importance of creating safe environments for students, asserting that the district is committed to following state and federal laws while allowing parents to opt out of certain educational content. The hearing highlighted the ongoing national debate over parental rights and LGBTQ+ issues in education.

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NATIONAL NEWS

Report raises questions over OCR leadership and enforcement practices

The U.S. Department of Education has acknowledged that it violated a federal court injunction governing the handling of certain Title IX cases, after a supplemental investigation fully substantiated allegations made by whistleblower Timothy Mattson, an employee in the department’s Office for Civil Rights. The U.S. Office of Special Counsel found that department leadership continued processing complaints related to gender identity and sexual orientation in states covered by a 2022 court order that blocked enforcement of Biden-era Title IX guidance. The investigation also identified significant flaws in the department’s initial review, concluding that senior officials may have attempted to circumvent the injunction and potentially conceal those efforts. The department has launched further internal investigations into potential retaliation and workplace concerns and said corrective action, including possible disciplinary measures, will be considered.

WORKFORCE

Raises spark controversy in Lucia Mar

The Lucia Mar USD board has approved salary increases for management positions, including Superintendent Paul Fawcett, despite pushback from staff. Teachers argued that the raises were disproportionate compared to their own recent adjustments, which included a 3% retroactive salary increase and 2% for the upcoming school year. Josh Stambaugh, a teacher at Nipomo High School, criticized the timing of the decision, calling it "sneaky and underhanded." Board members defended the raises, stating they were equivalent to those given to teachers and classified staff. Board President Don Stewart emphasized the board's transparency, saying: "There's no subterfuge." Ultimately, the board voted unanimously to approve the increases, with members expressing gratitude for Fawcett's leadership.

DISTRICTS

Locke Academy faces closure threat

Los Angeles USD is moving to close Alain Leroy Locke College Preparatory Academy, citing its “chronically underperforming” status. The district's staff argues that the school has failed to meet academic standards, with test scores below state averages. However, Green Dot Public Schools, which has operated Locke for nearly two decades, is appealing the decision, claiming significant improvements in student performance since their takeover in 2008. Tanya Ortiz Franklin, a board member, expressed her support, stating: “Locke has demonstrated, through clear and measurable evidence, sufficient academic progress to meet the criteria for renewal.” The debate highlights the challenges faced by schools in urban areas, particularly those with high rates of English learners and socioeconomically disadvantaged students.

New leader for Pittsburg schools

Sonjhia Lowery, an educator with over 31 years of experience, will become the new superintendent of Pittsburg USD on July 1, succeeding Janet Schulze, who has held the position since 2014. Lowery previously served as the superintendent of Old Adobe USD, where she navigated challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic while focusing on student learning and community engagement. She has also held leadership roles in Stockton USD and Elk Grove USD.

Graduation joy at Vista Del Lago

The graduation season is in full swing for seniors at Vista Del Lago High School in Moreno Valley, who celebrated their achievements in a vibrant ceremony on June 8. Wearing purple caps and gowns, the Class of 2026 marked the beginning of their future. Moreno Valley USD will continue its graduation festivities, with Moreno Valley High School graduating on June 9, Canyon Springs High School on June 10, and Valley View High School concluding the ceremonies on June 11.

Trustee ousted after moving away

Julianna Villegas Hart has been removed from her position as Trustee of Napa Valley USD after relocating outside her district. The school board declared a vacancy for her former District 7 seat during a special meeting on June 9. Villegas Hart, who was elected in 2022 and re-elected for a four-year term in 2024, faced censure earlier this year for alleged violations of board policies. 

TRANSPORTATION

Fuel prices force school budget cuts

Skyrocketing diesel prices are straining school district budgets in California, where the average price for a gallon has reached $7.05, up $2.28 from last year. Matthew Belasco, director of maintenance, operations and transportation at Pittsburg USD, emphasized the need for state funding for zero-emission school buses, stating: "There's never been a better time to invest in clean electric school buses." The district has already invested in electric buses to reduce health risks from diesel fumes and save on operational costs. With diesel fueling costs rising significantly, the savings from electric buses are becoming increasingly apparent, making them a financially viable option for schools. The Zero-Emission School Bus and Infrastructure (ZESBI) incentive could further support this transition, benefiting students and communities facing high air pollution exposure.

STEM

Explore the ocean: a new classroom

The Los Angeles Waterfront is set to become a dynamic classroom through the new AltaSea STEM network program, which aims to integrate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education with workforce development. Terry Tamminem, president and CEO of AltaSea, emphasized the waterfront's potential, stating, “The L.A. Waterfront is one of the most powerful classrooms in California.” The program will offer hands-on experiences, internships, and mentorships, allowing students to explore marine science, maritime history, and ocean technology. Los Angeles City Councilmember Tim McOsker highlighted the collaboration among educational and nonprofit institutions, noting it will transform the waterfront into a living classroom. Activities have already commenced, with expanded programs expected in the fall. For further details, contact AltaSea’s Robin Aube or Alan Hill.

CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION

Parents demand career readiness in schools

According to a recent survey by EdChoice and Morning Consult, parents are increasingly prioritizing career readiness and life skills for their children. The survey, which involved around 2,250 adults and 1,300 school parents, revealed that 54% of parents believe their child's K-12 school is effectively preparing students for careers. Colyn Ritter, a research analyst at EdChoice, said, “Schools are trying to figure out how to navigate that intersection, and the tech is moving so fast.” Additionally, support for Education Savings Accounts for school choice remains strong, with 77% of MAGA supporters and 75% of liberals backing the initiative. The survey highlights a growing demand for flexibility in educational options, reflecting parents' desire for better educational outcomes.

SOCIAL & COMMUNITY

Free summer meals keep kids fed

Despite summer recess, several districts in the Inland Empire are providing free meals to children aged 18 and under, with no paperwork or income requirements. Christine Stephens, spokesperson for Redlands USD, said: “During the school year, many students rely on school breakfast and lunch programs as a regular source of healthy meals, and the summer program helps bridge that gap while supporting student health and well-being.” The YMCA in Redlands is one of the locations offering these meals, serving breakfast and lunch throughout the week until August 12. Other districts in Riverside, San Bernardino, and Los Angeles counties are also participating in this initiative.

FURTHER EDUCATION

Oakland colleges to merge, transform

In a significant move, Laney and Merritt colleges in Oakland will merge to form "Oakland City College" in 2026, aiming to address a troubling dropout rate. Peralta's Chancellor Tammeil Gilkerson emphasized the need for a comprehensive improvement plan, stating: "We can't continue to ask students to absorb the consequences of our financial and organizational challenges." The merger is part of a broader strategy to streamline operations and enhance student support, including more evening and online classes. However, the plan has faced opposition, with concerns about potential funding losses and the preservation of Merritt's historical significance. Vice Chancellor Tina Vasconcellos highlighted a staggering 90% dropout rate among certain programs, underscoring the urgency for change. Despite the controversy, the Board of Trustees voted 4-2 in favor of the merger, with some members advocating for further deliberation.

HIGHER EDUCATION

UC admissions board reconsiders testing

The University of California's admissions board is reconsidering the reinstatement of SAT and ACT test requirements, a move driven by faculty concerns over students' math preparedness. "We now observe preparation gaps so severe that instructors must reteach middle-school mathematics," said Ahmet Palazoglu, chair of the Academic Senate. This decision follows a report indicating a significant increase in incoming students with math skills below high school level. The board plans to form a work group to evaluate the pros and cons of standardized testing and high school course requirements. Any changes would require approval from the UC Board of Regents and would not take effect until at least fall 2028.

INTERNATIONAL

New Brunswick agrees new teacher contract focused on retention

New Brunswick teachers have secured a new five-year collective agreement that includes a 14.5% salary increase through 2031, along with retention premiums of up to 3% for longer-serving educators, as the province seeks to improve recruitment and retention across the education system. The agreement will be applied retroactively to March 2026, when the previous contract expired. Union leaders said negotiations focused heavily on making salaries more competitive for early-career teachers and addressing staffing challenges, including an expected wave of retirements and ongoing substitute teacher shortages. The contract also includes provisions to compensate teachers when they give up lesson preparation time to cover classes for colleagues. While the province has not disclosed the total cost of the agreement, Education Minister Claire Johnson described the deal as a major step toward strengthening the education system, calling it "the closest thing" to a silver bullet for addressing workforce challenges.

AND FINALLY......

Close.... but no cigar

A group of high school athletes in Ipswich, Massachusetts, has forfeited a state playoff game due to a controversial photo showing them with cigars. The Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) prohibits tobacco use, leading the school district to block several players from participating. Drew Wile, a parent of one of the students, argued that the cigars were not real, stating, "The crime and the punishment are not even close to each other." John Gianakakis, another parent, explained how he created fake cigars using banana leaves and chamomile, emphasizing their poor quality. Despite the team's excitement for the Division 4 State Semifinals, they chose to forfeit rather than play with a reduced roster. Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy criticized the school district's decision, calling it "insane" and suggesting that MIAA officials should face consequences for their actions.
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