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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 University of Pennsylvania’s Pioneering AI in School Systems program will grow into five new districts thanks to $1 million from Google’s philanthropic arm. Launched in Philadelphia, the free initiative trains educators, leaders, and administrators on ethical and effective AI use in K-12 education. “By equipping educators with the tools, knowledge, and ethical frameworks they need, we are helping to shape a future where AI enhances learning and promotes equity,” said Michael Golden, vice dean at Penn’s Graduate School of Education. The expansion aligns with national momentum around AI policy, including recent mandates in Ohio.

 

Education Week News

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

Illinois has reported that 52% of students met proficiency in English and 38% in math on the latest standardized tests, following the introduction of new cut scores by the Illinois State Board of Education. State Superintendent Tony Sanders stated: "They would have increased if we had kept the same cut scores." However, the lack of comparative data from previous years raises concerns about the validity of these results. Robin Steans, president of Advance Illinois, emphasized the need for clarity in understanding growth, stating: "It's very difficult to know what amount of this growth is real growth year over year." Meanwhile, Jessica Handy, executive director of Stand for Children, expressed concerns about the timing of the cut score changes amidst ongoing learning gaps from the COVID pandemic.

 

Chalkbeat

Newark Public Schools is implementing a straightforward approach to equity training, as outlined by Superintendent Roger León during a recent presentation at the Council of Great City Schools conference in Philadelphia. The strategy involves forming leadership teams comprising principals, parents, students, and teachers to identify challenges and assess equity efforts. León emphasized the importance of open communication, stating: "Talk to me, tell me everything that's wrong." The district's equity initiatives also include deploying resources and seeking expert assistance. Despite these efforts, Newark continues to face criticism regarding racism complaints at the Newark School of Global Studies, prompting calls for a curriculum that promotes inclusivity.

 

NJ.com

San Francisco Unified School District Superintendent Maria Su reflects on her first year in office, expressing optimism for the future of public schools in the city. Facing a $114 million budget deficit, staffing shortages, and a malfunctioning payroll system, Su has implemented a two-year fiscal stabilization plan that emphasizes classroom staffing amid a nationwide teacher shortage. The district has also aligned its literacy and math curriculum with state policy. As labor negotiations progress, Su believes SFUSD is on the path to achieving positive budget certification from the state. She stated: "It’s been a very long year, but I see so much hope for us." Su is committed to ensuring financial stability and operational efficiency, aiming for SFUSD to become a world-class school district.

 

EdSource

Temple University’s Youth in Education Summit aimed to combat Philadelphia’s teacher shortage by encouraging local high schoolers, especially Black and brown students, to pursue teaching careers. Over 200 attendees participated in workshops on college readiness and the journeys of educators of color. Monika Shealey, dean at Temple’s College of Education, challenged the notion that these students lack interest in education careers, declaring, “You are throwing that narrative out the window.” Scott Gaiber of Elevate 215 stressed building a supportive system to reduce entry barriers. Many students left with a renewed interest in teaching.

 

Chalkbeat

In March, West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey signed a law banning seven artificial dyes from foods served in schools, effective August 1. This legislation is the first of its kind in the U.S. and is part of a broader movement, with nearly 40 bills introduced in 20 states aimed at regulating food dyes. Chris Derico, the nutrition director for Barbour County Schools, emphasized the importance of reviewing school menus to identify prohibited dyes, stating: "I made sure we did what we could to hopefully achieve the intent of the law." Collaboration among districts is crucial for compliance, as demonstrated by a shared database established by the West Virginia Department of Education's child nutrition office. The law reflects a growing trend toward healthier school meals, supported by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's phase-out of synthetic dyes and the push for natural alternatives.

 

Education Week News

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

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

Guilford County Schools recently unveiled ten new 2025 Blue Bird Vision Propane 72-passenger buses at a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Greensboro, North Carolina. These buses, equipped with a 7.3L V8 Ford engine and ROUSH CleanTech propane fuel system, are designed to provide sustainable and cost-effective transportation. The new buses will be fueled at an on-site propane station at Dudley High School, with Sharp Energy as the fuel provider. The adoption of near-zero-emission propane vehicles is expected to significantly reduce smog-forming emissions and nitrogen oxides by 95% compared to diesel buses, promoting a healthier environment for students and the community.

 

School Bus Fleet

Hingham Public Schools in Massachusetts recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for its first electric school bus project, which aims to transition from diesel to electric buses. This initiative is expected to save the district between $10,000 and $20,000 annually. The project, in partnership with Highland Electric Fleets, will introduce three electric buses and charging infrastructure, with service expected to begin in February 2026. Funding for the project totals $1.1m, including contributions from the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center's Accelerating Clean Transportation Program and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Clean School Bus Program.

 

School Bus Fleet

Many recent college graduates are facing challenges in entering the workforce due to economic uncertainty, a tight job market, and the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky advises students to focus on developing enduring skills, stating: "People should study things they're interested in, and they should develop skills they'll always need." He emphasizes the importance of leadership and communication skills, urging companies to continue hiring for entry-level roles to cultivate future leaders. An analysis from Revelio Labs indicates that entry-level job postings have decreased by approximately 35% from January 2023 to June 2025. Chesky warns that if young people cannot secure jobs, there will be a lack of candidates for strategic positions in the future. He concludes that predicting which industries will remain safe from AI disruption is futile, advocating for continuous learning and curiosity.

 

CNBC

Shasta College and Long Beach City College are leading the way in implementing eight-week academic courses to better accommodate adult learners. This initiative aims to attract working adults who may struggle with traditional semester formats. Research indicates that nearly 25% of California community college enrollments in 2021 were in courses lasting less than ten weeks, a significant increase from 15% pre-pandemic. Colleges are experimenting with these shorter formats to enhance enrollment and retention rates. O. Lee Douglas, vice president of academic affairs at Long Beach City College, emphasized the importance of providing diverse options for students. Shasta College's Accelerated College Education (ACE) program offers various degrees and certificates, allowing students to progress more quickly while maintaining full-time status for financial aid.

 

EdSource