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California
3rd July 2026
 

THE HOT STORY

Mascot law spurs tribal dialogue

California schools are responding to the updated California Racial Mascots Act by retiring some Native American-themed names or securing tribal consent to keep them. Sanger High School retained Apache with permission from the Lipan Apache Band of Texas and North Fork Rancheria, and raised the Lipan Apache Band flag after Chief Richard Gonzalez said: “It gives us honor because you’re doing it in a respectful and honorable way.” Other districts, including Fresno Unified and Fullerton High School, are changing mascots after consultation. Assemblymember James Ramos, D-San Bernardino, said the issue “goes deeper than the name being changed,” emphasizing whether Native American students feel respected, included and able to succeed on campus.

STATE NEWS

Funding boost for California schools

In his final budget, Gov. Gavin Newsom secured funding for key educational programs while addressing concerns from districts facing financial challenges due to declining enrollment. The Legislature passed the main budget bill, which includes Assembly Bill 126, ensuring continued support for TK-12 schools. The budget allocates additional funding for community schools and after-school programs, particularly for low-income K-6 students. Newsom emphasized the importance of nutritious meals for all students, with a one-time $500m grant for kitchen upgrades. Districts will also benefit from a $2.4bn increase in special education funding and a $5bn block grant, equating to $937 per student. Despite some districts expressing concerns over funding not keeping pace with rising costs, the budget aims to shield schools from financial pressures, as noted by Newsom's administration. The 2026-27 budget encompasses various educational needs, from special education to universal meals.

California students miss history lessons

As the United States marks its 250th anniversary, concerns arise about California students' grasp of historical events leading to the American Revolution and the principles of the Declaration of Independence. California's decision to eliminate statewide history assessments in 2013 has left educators and parents questioning students' understanding of foundational concepts. "Without meaningful assessments, we can’t know whether students are mastering history or merely absorbing political agendas," said Sheridan Karras, research director at California Policy Center. The state’s current standards require students to learn about significant historical documents and debates, yet the lack of testing means there is no reliable way to measure this knowledge. To address this issue, Karras suggests amending the standardized testing program to include history assessments and revising the History-Social Science Framework to align with state standards. Ensuring students learn the history and civics content is crucial for the next generation's understanding of American ideals.

California schools go phone-free

California's Phone-Free Schools Act, now in effect, mandates public school districts to restrict or ban student cellphone use during school hours. This law addresses rising concerns from parents in Santa Barbara and Goleta regarding excessive screen time and its effects on children's mental health. Governor Gavin Newsom, who signed the bill into law in 2024, emphasized the need for intervention, stating: "We know that excessive smartphone use increases anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues – but we have the power to intervene." Santa Barbara USD has already implemented an "Off and Away" policy, requiring students to store their devices during school hours. Other districts, like Carpinteria Unified and Goleta Union, have adopted similar measures to promote a focused learning environment.

NATIONAL NEWS

Federal panel recommends stronger religious expression protections in public schools

A federal religious liberty commission established by President Donald Trump has released draft recommendations urging federal agencies to expand protections for religious expression in K-12 schools, including supporting Ten Commandments displays, creating guidance on parents' rights to opt children out of lessons that conflict with their religious beliefs, and promoting students' and school employees' rights to express their faith on campus. The report also recommends "Know Your Rights" materials for schools, a Justice Department hotline to investigate alleged religious liberty violations, expanded school choice, support for school chaplain programs, and extending the Equal Access Act to elementary schools. The commission argues that many schools incorrectly limit religious expression and that federal policy should place greater emphasis on protecting religious freedom in public education. Critics, including church-state separation advocates, say the proposals advance a Christian nationalist agenda, undermine the separation of church and state, and could disadvantage students from minority faiths or those who identify as LGBTQ+. The recommendations are not binding but could influence future federal education and Justice Department policies.

DISTRICTS

Yuba County Grand Jury issues findings

The Yuba County Civil Grand Jury's 2025-2026 Final Report commended the sheriff's office and Marysville Joint USD's school resource officer program, noting "broad support for the SRO program among the school staff." However, it criticized Marysville for its "deteriorating street surfaces" and lack of communication regarding maintenance. The report highlighted issues such as potholes and unclear maintenance priorities, prompting recommendations for a documented long-term pavement management plan and improved tracking systems for maintenance requests. The grand jury urged the city to allocate more resources for street repairs and develop better communication strategies with residents. Additionally, the Olivehurst Public Utilities District was advised to enhance public awareness of its services. A formal response from the city of Marysville is forthcoming.

GOVERNANCE

Miki Inbody announces retirement from Fontana USD

Miki R. Inbody, Fontana USD superintendent, has announced her retirement effective at the end of the year after three years in the role. A Fontana alumna, Inbody has dedicated 35 years to public education, starting as a teacher in the 1990s.

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Council halts new smoke shops

The Los Angeles City Council unanimously approved an interim ordinance on Wednesday to prohibit new smoke and vape shops in the 15th Council District. Proposed by Councilmember Tim McOsker, the ordinance aims to address concerns from constituents regarding the proliferation of these businesses near sensitive areas such as schools and parks. “While the city evaluates long-term solutions, it is prudent to pause the approval of new locations,” McOsker said. The ordinance takes effect immediately and will last for 45 days, with possible extensions. A report indicated that Los Angeles has over 3,000 licensed tobacco retailers, with many located near schools. McOsker emphasized that this issue extends beyond just one district, highlighting the need for a citywide strategy to manage tobacco retailer concentration.

LEGAL

Fresno USD faces bus crash lawsuit

Fresno USD is facing a lawsuit related to a crash involving one of its school buses that occurred on December 9, 2025. The complaint, filed last month, alleges that a minor was injured when a Fresno Unified bus driver rear-ended a delivery truck. However, reports from YourCentralValley and ABC30 present conflicting accounts of the incident, with ABC30 stating that the bus was rear-ended instead. The lawsuit claims negligence on the part of the district and seeks damages and legal costs for the injured plaintiff.

Teacher pleads not guilty to theft

Cinnamon Mary Trimpey, a 57-year-old former teacher at Rio Linda High School, pleaded not guilty to felony embezzlement and grand theft charges in Sacramento Superior Court. Trimpey was accused of misappropriating funds from the school's Associated Student Body bank account between December 2022 and March 2024, with discrepancies noted by the school's principal. Prosecutors allege she opened a private bank account to conceal her actions, which allowed the alleged theft to go unnoticed. Trimpey, who was arrested earlier this week, posted bond and is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on July 15. Twin Rivers USD officials confirmed she is no longer employed by the district.

CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION

School withdraws plans for expansion

The Port of Los Angeles High School has abandoned its proposal to develop a gymnasium and other facilities on a former courthouse site in San Pedro, leaving the future of the 1.8-acre parcel uncertain. Principal Tim Dikdan said: “While we are deeply disappointed that opposition and special interests have stalled a project designed to serve our youth and the community at last, we respect that the county has chosen a different path for this property.” Local officials, including Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn, have expressed a preference for creating open space and community amenities instead. A survey indicated that 31.3% of respondents favored park space, while 24.6% supported affordable housing.

HIGHER EDUCATION

Is college still worth it?

For decades, the prevailing belief has been that a bachelor's degree is essential for economic success. However, recent discussions among politicians, educators, and philanthropists suggest that many lucrative jobs do not require a degree. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore emphasized at the Education Writers Association conference that high schools should focus on diverse pathways to economic mobility, stating: "If a student chooses a different route... then right on." While some non-college jobs, like plumbing and HVAC installation, offer decent salaries, many others, such as home health aides and retail workers, pay below the median. The data indicates that college-educated workers generally enjoy higher wages, making the decision to forgo a degree particularly risky, especially for women. Ultimately, the article concludes that while non-college pathways exist, the value of a bachelor's degree remains significant in today's economy.

INTERNATIONAL

Pearson delays England SATs results after technical issues

Pearson has apologized for delaying the release of England's SATs results by more than a week, pushing the publication date from July 7 to July 16 because of technical issues. The National Association of Head Teachers called the delay in the release of the test results for 10-11 year olds as "completely unacceptable," while Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson described it as "deeply frustrating." NAHT General Secretary Paul Whiteman criticized the last-minute announcement, noting that schools had previously been reassured the results would be delivered on time and emphasizing the high standards expected of Pearson. He also raised concerns about the accuracy of marking following the technical problems and called for a full investigation to ensure similar issues do not happen again, while Pearson said it is working to resolve the problems and deliver accurate results.
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