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The Trump administration's initiative to overturn longstanding school desegregation orders is encountering resistance from U.S. District Judge Dee Drell in Louisiana. The Concordia Parish school system and state officials filed an appeal after Drell rejected their attempt to dismiss a desegregation case dating back to 1965, which was initiated by Black families seeking access to all-white schools. Drell emphasized: "At the heart of this case is public policy and the protection of others," indicating the need for a thorough examination of the case's implications. The Justice Department, which has historically supported these cases, now aligns with state officials claiming they are outdated. However, many families argue that the existing court orders are essential for enhancing education in predominantly Black schools. The case represents a significant test of the administration's efforts to expedite the closure of such legal matters.

 

U.S. News

A coalition of school districts, educators, unions, and advocacy organizations has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration's efforts to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education. The group claims that "the information and actions coming out of the Department have been unpredictable, chaotic, and unprofessional." The lawsuit argues that Secretary of Education Linda McMahon lacks the authority to transfer the department's responsibilities to other agencies. This legal action follows McMahon's announcement to offload $28bn for K-12 schools and $3bn for higher education to the U.S. Department of Labor, among other transfers. Madi Biedermann, a spokesperson for the department, commented: "It’s no surprise that blue states and unions care more about preserving the D.C. bureaucracy than about giving parents, students, and teachers more control over education." The coalition's complaint is part of ongoing litigation against the administration's plans.

 

EdSource

In a recent meeting, Newark students expressed concerns about school infrastructure and mental health issues affecting their education. Cidell Torto, a junior at Science Park High School, emphasized the need for spaces where students can "take a breather." Fatoumata Bah, a senior, urged the school board to involve students in decision-making processes: "Let us sit at the table, not just so we can be heard, but so we can help build something that works." The Youth Power Action Coalition, organized by the Gem Project, aims to address these issues through research and proposed solutions, including a peer mental health education program and improved infrastructure funding. Board President Hasani Council expressed interest in further discussions with the coalition.

 

Chalkbeat

David Reilly will assume the role of superintendent for the Elk Grove USD, California, on January 1, succeeding Christopher Hoffman, who is retiring after 11 years. With twenty-five years of experience in public education, Reilly began his career as an English teacher and advanced to associate superintendent in Elk Grove a decade ago. Michael Vargas, president of the Elk Grove USD board, stated: "At any time, David’s decades of experience as an educator, his passion for learning and his dedication to our district would make him an outstanding leader." Reilly intends to start his tenure by visiting schools and engaging with students, staff, and community members to "listen, learn, and gain a clear understanding of what is working well and where we can grow together."

 

EdSource

Franklin Public Schools is engaged in a legal dispute with the City of Franklin regarding $145m in school district projects. The Wisconsin district alleges that the city overstepped its authority by imposing conditions on construction permits, which were approved by referendum. The lawsuit, filed in Milwaukee County Circuit Court, claims that the city’s plan commission limited access to High View Drive to emergency vehicles without citing any ordinances. Franklin Mayor John Nelson said: "We have instructed our legal counsel to work with the school district for an immediate resolution and avoid a legal battle where no one would win." The district seeks a court ruling to remove the imposed conditions and enforce compliance with city ordinances. The city, represented by attorneys Remzy Bitar and Adam Meyers, has denied the allegations and requested the court to dismiss the lawsuit, asserting that the district's claims lack merit. A scheduling conference is set for January 8, 2026.

 

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

The family of two teenage brothers, Chu Ming Zheng and Jack Jiang, who drowned in a public pool in Bayonne, New Jersey, has reached a $26m settlement, concluding a civil case that revealed a pattern of negligence by the Bayonne Board of Education. The incident occurred on June 8, 2022, when the pool was inadequately staffed, with only two lifeguards present instead of the required three. Darryl L. Zaslow, the family's attorney, stated: "Obviously, everything pales in comparison to the loss of these two children." The settlement will be funded through the New Jersey Schools Insurance Group's North Jersey Educational Fund. The pool has remained closed since the incident, and it is unclear if modifications will be made before reopening. Surveillance footage indicated a lifeguard's lack of urgency during the drowning, raising serious concerns about safety protocols and staff training.

 

NJ.com

The Trump administration's recent lawsuit against California threatens financial aid for students without legal status, causing widespread anxiety among those affected. Michelle, a community college student, expressed her fears, saying: "Trump is taking that opportunity away because he doesn’t like immigrants." The lawsuit challenges California's policy of providing in-state tuition and financial aid, claiming it violates federal law. Legal experts, including Kevin Johnson from UC Davis, suggest the lawsuit may be more politically motivated than legally sound. Despite the uncertainty, California officials, including Nina Sheridan from the Department of Justice, are prepared to defend their policies in court. The outcome could significantly impact over 100,000 undocumented students in California, who rely on state financial aid programs like Cal Grant.

 

The Sacramento Observer

Vivek Ramaswamy, the Ohio Republican gubernatorial candidate, has proposed year-round schooling and extended school hours as a means to alleviate childcare costs. In a recent social media video, he said that such changes could "make parenting more affordable." The proposal is part of a broader discussion on making life more affordable for families. Ramaswamy's spokesperson emphasized that he is listening to parents' demands for a better education system, commenting: "Vivek will keep listening to parents across the state and remains open to any option that gives our children a real chance at a better future." However, Democratic candidate Amy Acton criticized Ramaswamy's proposal, suggesting it reflects a disconnect from average Ohioans. Research indicates that year-round schooling may benefit at-risk student populations, but results on academic outcomes remain inconclusive. Ramaswamy has also advocated for improved educational standards and competitive teacher pay.

 

Cincinnati Enquirer

At a recent Education Week forum, educators emphasized the need for cautious, flexible integration of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in schools. Panelist Justin Reich of MIT advised schools to “be their own local scientists,” given the lack of conclusive research. Aaron Cinquemani stressed the importance of welcoming criticism and adapting policies as understanding grows, while Tina Nuñez described Albuquerque’s broad, evolving guidelines. All agreed that AI literacy is essential, beginning with teachers and extending to students. “It’s OK to be transparent… that we don’t know what to do and we’re trying things,” Reich noted.

 

Education Week News

Florida State University's Florida Institute for Child Welfare is pioneering the use of virtual reality (VR) to train students for real-life scenarios in child welfare. Kristina Finch, Associate Director of Professional Development, emphasized the goal of providing "technical assistance to these other organizations to develop them to help them to really get in tune with the innovations that are out there." Program Manager Kyle Cook highlighted the immersive nature of VR, stating, "The reality we are able to portray in the VR headset is even greater than what we can do on a computer screen." With 16 quadrillion different scenarios available, the training aims to prepare students to effectively serve children and families across Florida.

 

Tallahassee News

Indianapolis Public Schools is considering significant changes to its governance structure, as an advisory panel evaluates options that could alter the authority of the elected school board. The Indianapolis Local Education Alliance (ILEA) is exploring four governance models, including maintaining the current board with added charter oversight and creating an Indianapolis Education Authority led by a mayor-appointed board. ILEA consultant Michael O'Connor said: "Members could decide to add more charter authorizers to certain models." The ILEA will meet in early December to refine these options and will host public input sessions before final recommendations are made to city and state leaders on December 17.

 

Chalkbeat

On a chilly afternoon earlier this month, middle school students from Pulaski Community Middle School in Wisconsin participated in an outdoor learning experience at Sensiba State Wildlife Area, where they scattered wild rice seeds. This initiative is part of a $650,000 grant awarded to the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay (UWGB) from the Freshwater Collaborative, which aims to connect water researchers across the University of Wisconsin system. Emily Tyner, UWGB director of freshwater strategy, emphasized the importance of local research, stating: "Green Bay is one of the biggest freshwater estuaries in the world." The program not only engages K-12 students in environmental education but also supports college-level internships and research projects. Assistant professor Erin Berns-Herrboldt highlighted the equity aspect of the initiative, noting: "The opportunities for students on this are incredible." Through hands-on experiences, students gain valuable insights into water careers, fostering a sense of stewardship for their local ecosystems.

 

Green Bay Press Gazette

Principals play a crucial role as community leaders, extending their responsibilities beyond school grounds. They provide essential support services, such as meals and mental health resources, while also connecting families with housing assistance. To effectively serve their communities, principals must understand local needs and utilize available resources. Sonya Rinehart, principal of John A. Holmes High School in Edenton, North Carolina, exemplifies this by fostering relationships with local businesses to create career opportunities for students. Additionally, principals should engage families, think creatively about partnerships, and rely on their support networks. As Brandon Blackburn, principal of Pikeville High School in Kentucky, commented: “Building those relationships internally allows you to manage the relationships externally.” By embracing these strategies, principals can significantly impact their communities and enhance student success.

 

Education Week News

France's education budget is under significant strain due to its pension system, with over 28% of the 2026 budget allocated for pension contributions. This allocation leaves fewer resources for addressing declining student performance, as French 15-year-olds ranked poorly in international assessments. Gregoire Ensel, vice president of a national parents' federation, stated: "If the world's seventh biggest economy can't fund education for its citizens, it's incomprehensible and scandalous." Despite claims from the education ministry that spending has increased since President Emmanuel Macron took office in 2017, unions argue that these claims do not hold when pensions and inflation are considered. The government plans to cut teaching jobs in response to falling student numbers, further complicating the situation.

 

U.S. News