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As federal funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is set to lapse on November 1, millions of students from low-income families are at risk of hunger. Approximately 44m individuals in 22m households rely on SNAP, with nearly 39% being children. Mallory DePrekel, CEO of Communities in Schools of Michigan, expressed concern: "We're dipping into our rainy day funds, and we seem to have had a lot of rainy days recently." Schools are coordinating with local food banks and community organizations to address the increasing food insecurity among students. The National School Boards Association has urged Congress to resolve the funding impasse, emphasizing that "schools are doing everything they can to provide safe, stable environments where students can learn and thrive—but they cannot do it alone."

 

Education Week News

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Starting July 2026, the U.S. Department of Education will bar employers with a “substantial illegal purpose” from qualifying for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. This includes organizations linked to human trafficking, terrorism, or child abuse law violations. Officials say it ensures public funds benefit legitimate public service groups, not those breaking laws. However, critics argue the rule’s vagueness may allow political targeting, including of groups supporting immigration or gender-affirming care. “It’s an unconstitutional overreach,” said advocacy group Protect Borrowers, which plans to challenge the policy in court.

 

Politico

U.S. Department of Education

The ongoing government shutdown has left school leaders anxious about the future of grant funding and federal support. Education Secretary Linda McMahon highlighted the shutdown's implications, stating, “Two weeks in, millions of American students are still going to school.” While many schools are currently funded, concerns are rising over the potential depletion of resources for preschool programs and school meals. Julia Martin, director of policy and government affairs at the Bruman Group, noted that districts are worried about covering meal costs as federal reimbursements dwindle. The Education Department has halted new grant competitions, leaving schools reliant on existing funds. As the shutdown continues, states may inadvertently violate federal laws due to a lack of guidance, according to Katy Neas, CEO of The Arc of the United States. McMahon has acknowledged that only Congress can fully eliminate the Education Department, despite ongoing efforts to transfer its functions to other agencies.

 

Local10

During a civil trial against former school administrator Ebony Parker, Hannah Zwerner testified about the profound impact of the shooting on her twin sister, Abby Zwerner. Hannah stated: "She had a lot to be excited about—and she doesn't anymore." Abby has filed a $40 million lawsuit against Parker, alleging negligence in failing to act on multiple warnings regarding a 6-year-old student who brought a gun to Richneck Elementary School in Newport News, Virginia, prior to the January 6, 2023, incident. The trial is significant as it may set a precedent for holding school officials accountable for their actions—or lack thereof—during school shootings. Darryl K. Brown, a law professor at the University of Virginia, noted that this case could lead to increased awareness among school officials regarding their responsibilities in preventing such tragedies. The civil trial may serve as a precursor to the upcoming criminal case against Parker, who faces eight counts of felony child neglect.

 

CNN Edition

According to the Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS) 2024, young teachers in the United States are among the most likely to leave the profession, with nearly 30% of educators under thirty planning to exit within five years. This figure is significantly higher than the 20% average in other countries, placing the U.S. in the top five for teacher attrition risk. Jackie Kreamer, director of policy analysis and development for the National Center on Education and the Economy, noted: “In a lot of the really top-performing countries, you see a much more cohesive approach to supporting new teachers.” The survey also revealed that U.S. teachers work longer hours than their OECD peers, with an average of over 45 hours per week, which may limit collaboration opportunities. Additionally, only 25% of U.S. teachers feel valued by society, a decline from previous years.

 

Education Week News

In response to new legislation, Pearland school board members are utilizing AI tools like ChatGPT to review a list of 1,400 books for compliance with Senate Bill 13, which mandates oversight of library purchases. Vice President Kris Schoeffler expressed concern about voting on titles he hadn't reviewed, stating, "I have some trepidation about voting for something I didn't review." While some districts, including Katy ISD and Leander ISD, have adopted AI for similar purposes, critics argue that AI lacks the contextual understanding necessary for nuanced literary evaluation. Rachael Welsh, a high school librarian, warned that reliance on AI could threaten librarian jobs, emphasizing that "AI is not reliable. It can be biased." As districts navigate these challenges, the debate over the role of AI in education continues to evolve.

 

Austin American-Statesman

In a unique approach to artificial intelligence (AI) education, Clayton Dagler, a certified teacher in both computer science and math at Franklin High School in Elk Grove, California, encourages his students to create their own AI tools rather than merely using existing technologies. His machine-learning class, one of the few in the nation, requires students to have a background in precalculus and often Advanced Placement Statistics. Dagler emphasizes the importance of understanding the mathematical principles behind AI, stating: "Some students will [have] careers in this and other students will have more of an understanding of how their world works, at a deeper level than everyone else." This foundational knowledge is intended to prepare students for a future where AI will significantly impact various industries.

 

Education Week News

School crossing guards play a crucial role in ensuring children's safety as they travel to and from school. However, an investigation by the Associated Press (AP) and Cox Media Group reveals that this job can be perilous. The investigation found that at least 230 crossing guards across 37 states and Washington, D.C., were struck by vehicles over the past decade, with nearly three dozen fatalities. Notably, drivers who hit crossing guards often face no criminal charges. The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that crossing guards rank among the most dangerous jobs, with a high fatality rate. Only New Jersey and Massachusetts have made significant efforts to track crossing guard safety, implementing measures after several fatalities. Factors contributing to these incidents include distracted driving, speeding, and inadequate road design. Many crossing guards are senior citizens, with over half of those documented being over 65 years old.

 

U.S. News

In Baltimore, leaders are calling for a review of artificial intelligence security systems after a recent incident where police mistakenly drew weapons on a student due to a bag of Doritos being misidentified as a firearm. Baltimore City Councilman Mark Conway emphasized the need for "better safeguards" for students, stating, "As we continue to see false positives and false negatives for these AI systems, it is clear we need a more rigorous process of vetting." The city and county have invested millions in AI gun detection technology, but concerns have arisen over its effectiveness, particularly following a class action lawsuit against Evolv, one of the companies involved.

 

Bradenton.com

Clear Creek ISD's board of trustees approved approximately $1.2m for a new software platform, police vehicles, and white fleet vehicles during their meeting on Oct. 27. The board sanctioned a five-year purchase of the Brightly Origin software, which will help establish the age of district facilities, enable preventative maintenance, and track maintenance costs over time. Additionally, the board approved seven new police vehicles and six white fleet vehicles for various district uses. Funding for the software and police vehicles will come from the district's 2023 bond, while the white fleet vehicles will be financed through capital funds.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

Wendy W. Amato, chief academic officer at K12 Coalition, emphasizes the importance of utilizing student errors to enhance learning in mathematics. She draws a parallel between the growth of trees in the Biosphere 2 project and the necessity for students to encounter challenges to develop resilience. Amato advocates for a shift in mindset, encouraging educators to normalize mistakes as part of the learning process. She suggests strategies such as the "My Favorite No" practice, where teachers highlight common errors for discussion, and classifying mistakes to help students understand their learning gaps. "By celebrating and spotlighting errors rather than fearing or hiding them, we equip students to develop confidence, curiosity, and lifelong resilience in math," Amato concludes.

 

Education Week News

The "Math Ain't Mathin'" campaign, led by the grassroots group JumpStart Midland, aims to address the alarming math performance in Midland ISD, where only 38% of students are on grade level. Founder Ebony Coleman emphasized, "Right now, only 38% of students in Midland ISD are performing on grade level in math," highlighting the urgency of the situation. The campaign advocates for data transparency, intervention programs, and a long-term foundation for math success.

 

Star-Telegram

An elementary school in Fort Worth, S.S. Dillow Elementary, is set to be demolished and transformed into a city park following approval from the Fort Worth ISD board. The school, which faced structural issues and was permanently closed after the 2024-25 school year, suffered further damage from a recent 2-alarm fire that required over 80 firefighters to contain. The demolition and asbestos abatement will cost the district up to $1,035,000. Fort Worth ISD records stated, “The transition of the property to the care and management of the city of Fort Worth for operation as a public park will allow the property to continue serving the community as a recreational space.”

 

Star-Telegram

The El Campo ISD school board is set to receive the final design for the reconstruction of Hutchins Elementary on Wednesday, with construction expected to begin in January. The board unanimously approved a tentative site plan in September for the addition of two new wings as part of the $81m facilities bond that voters approved in May.

 

El Campo Leader News

Hines, a Houston-based real estate firm, has acquired a 1,532-acre tract in League City to develop a master-planned community featuring 2,730 single-family lots and commercial spaces. The project will include a future school site for the Clear Creek ISD, with home prices projected between $400,000 and $800,000.

 

The Galveston County Daily News

The Comal ISD Board of Trustees has approved a proposal to allocate approximately $1.25m from the 2023 bond funds for wireless connectivity at five high school stadiums. Chief Information Officer Scott Monroe presented the proposal, which is under the $1.5m budget set for this initiative.

 

Herald Zeitung