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On Thursday, the Senate voted 50-38 along party lines to end a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rule that used federal funding to cover Wi-Fi hotspots that could be used outside of school and libraries. A similar House resolution was introduced in February to strike down the recent inclusion of Wi-Fi hotspots in the E-rate program, which has helped connect schools and libraries to affordable telecommunications services for the last 29 years. In fiscal year 2025, schools and districts requested a total of $27.5m for Wi-Fi hotspots alone. The devices are often used to help students who don’t have home internet access complete homework assignments that require digital connections. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) introduced the resolution of disapproval for the program under the Congressional Review Act. The House companion bill awaits a vote; should it proceed both chambers would need to reconcile any differences in committee before approving a final version for President Donald Trump’s signature. FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez said the vote will exacerbate economic disparities, adding: “Those with sufficient internet access are increasingly separated from those without, and this decision risks widening that gap even further." Additionally, the Supreme Court is to decide in the coming months whether the funding mechanism for the E-rate program as a whole is unconstitutional.

 

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School districts across the U.S. are cautioning students against a hazardous TikTok trend known as the "Chromebook Challenge," which involves inserting metal objects into USB ports to create sparks and smoke. David Winston, principal of Lincoln Park Middle School of Morris County in New Jersey, emphasized the importance of responsible behavior, warning: "We expect our students to make responsible choices and refrain from any behavior that could result in injury, property damage, disciplinary action, or the loss of privileges." He warned that such actions could be classified as vandalism or even arson if a fire occurs. While no Chromebook fires have been reported in New Jersey, incidents have emerged in Connecticut, including a case where a student was hospitalized and faces criminal charges.

 

The Courier Journal

New Jersey Herald

CNET

Brenda Cassellius, the new Superintendent of Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS), has initiated significant job cuts in the district's academic office, affecting 181 employees. This decision aims to redirect resources from the central office to schools, addressing unsatisfactory academic outcomes. Cassellius said: "The central office will become smaller, and we will build capacity within schools that aligns with our academic focus for the upcoming school year." The restructuring follows an operational review by MGT of America Consulting, which highlighted overlapping roles. The cuts are expected to save $4m-$5m, which will be reinvested in staff training. However, the Milwaukee Teachers Education Association criticized the move, expressing disappointment over the "unnecessary wholesale excessing" of dedicated educators. Cassellius plans to share further details about her leadership team and budget on upcoming dates.

 

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

The Green Bay School District is trading two smaller parcels of land, totaling 22.6 acres, for a larger 22.65-acre section of Shaha Memorial Park. This move aims to consolidate land for potential future school facilities on the city's far east side. Lori Blakeslee, the district's communications director, stated, "It's set aside in case Green Bay needs a school on the far east side in the future." The parcels being traded are adjacent to parks in Bellevue, which plan to expand into the newly available land. The swap is expected to incur no significant costs, with any expenses shared equally between the school district and the village. The village board has approved the decision, and no rezoning is required.

 

Green Bay Press Gazette

The School Town of Munster (STM) in Indiana is searching for a new superintendent following Bret Heller's resignation, announced on Wednesday. Heller accepted a position with the Thompson School District in Loveland, Colorado, effective July 1. In his resignation email, he expressed, “I am incredibly proud of the progress we have made together,” highlighting the relationships he built within the community. STM Board President Kyle Dempsey praised Heller's leadership, commenting: “His work has helped position our schools for long-term success.” Heller, who joined Munster in 2022, navigated various challenges, including the potential impacts of Senate Bill 1, which will significantly reduce district funding. He assured parents of his commitment to a smooth transition before his departure.

 

Chicago Tribune

Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) is advancing two significant facility projects, investing over $32m to transform the vacant Cooley High School into a community sports complex and relocating Davis Aerospace Technical High School back to Coleman A. Young International Airport. The Cooley project will feature a football field, outdoor track, and community space, with completion expected by 2026. Superintendent Nikolai Vitti emphasized the importance of these developments, commenting: “We are laser-focused on honoring this commitment with an exciting new complex that builds on Cooley's legacy.” Meanwhile, the Davis Aerospace relocation aims to enhance aviation training and double student enrollment, with a projected completion by 2027.

 

Chalkbeat

A new guide from Elon University and the American Association of Colleges and Universities aims to help students integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into their studies. The second edition of the Student Guide to Artificial Intelligence offers practical advice for preparing for careers that require AI skills, developed with input from scholars and students across 14 countries. Elon University President Connie Book stated, “By providing a free resource written in a way all students can access, we hope to increase AI literacy.” The guide covers five key AI skills: research, writing, creative work, data analysis, and studying, along with topics on academic integrity, AI ethics, and career planning. This updated version reflects the rapid advancements in AI technology and its applications in education.

 

Edscoop

In Colorado, approximately 450,000 students from preschool to 12th grade received $120 this month in grocery funds through the Summer EBT program, aimed at supporting low-income families during summer break. The initiative, primarily funded by the federal government, is expected to extend benefits to an additional 50,000 students. Unlike last year, when many families received their benefits late, this year most received them by May 1. Colorado has taken significant steps to combat child hunger, including a 2022 ballot measure for free school meals for all public school students. Over 500,000 children are anticipated to benefit from the program this summer, with many receiving funds automatically. Families can still access free summer meals at local schools or sites.

 

Chalkbeat

Daniela Robledo, an immigrant from Argentina, is among eight participants in the Praxis Prep program in Wayne Township, Indiana, aimed at helping college-educated immigrants obtain teaching licenses. After years of working in housekeeping and retail, Robledo is now pursuing her dream of teaching again. The program addresses the challenges faced by immigrants, as 20% of those with college degrees are either unemployed or underemployed, according to the Migrant Policy Center. Christy McIntyre-Gray, director of Wayne Township Adult Education, emphasized the importance of the program, commenting: “They've worked really hard, they have skills to contribute.” The initiative not only benefits the participants but also enriches the educational experience for students from immigrant families. As the program faces potential budget cuts, McIntyre-Gray remains hopeful about its future.

 

Chalkbeat

A federal judge has decided to allow Rumeysa Ozturk, a Tufts University doctoral student detained in Louisiana, to appear remotely at her bail hearing instead of being transported to Vermont. U.S. District Judge William Sessions made this decision to expedite her release, stating, "She really shouldn't be forced to undergo another week of detention," according to her lawyer, Monica Allard from the American Civil Liberties Union of Vermont. Ozturk, a Turkish citizen, was arrested on March 25 after co-authoring an opinion piece criticizing the university's response to Israel's actions in Gaza. Her case has gained attention amid the Trump administration's efforts to deport pro-Palestinian activists. Ozturk's health has reportedly deteriorated during her detention, with several asthma attacks occurring.

 

U.S. News

A federal class-action lawsuit has been filed against UCLA's medical school, alleging that race is improperly used in admissions decisions, despite legal prohibitions. The lawsuit, initiated by the activist group Do No Harm, Students for Fair Admissions, and Kelly Mahoney, claims that the medical school engages in "intentional discrimination on the basis of race and ethnicity." Dr. Stanley Goldfarb, chairman of Do No Harm, stated, "Do No Harm is fighting for all the students who have been racially discriminated against by UCLA under the guise of political progress." The lawsuit also highlights that Black applicants with lower GPAs and MCAT scores are admitted while white and Asian applicants face stricter standards. This legal action coincides with investigations by the Department of Justice into potential violations of state law and Supreme Court rulings regarding race in admissions.

 

Los Angeles Times

The European Union (EU) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine have completed a comprehensive initiative to restore educational infrastructure implemented in partnership with the Ministry for Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine. The project covered 66 schools across 11 oblasts affected by war. Thanks to renovated premises, upgraded shelters and newly supplied equipment, more than 21,600 students and teachers have been able to return to safe and conducive learning conditions. The selected institutions, coordinated with the Ministry for Communities and Territories Development, had a damage level not exceeding 60%. The scope of work included roof and window replacement, repairs of heating and sanitary systems, refurbishment of bomb shelters, improvement of accessibility, and other essential repair interventions.

 

UNDP