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The Trump administration's initiative to terminate 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 refused to dismiss a desegregation case dating back to the 1960s. The case, initiated by Black families seeking access to all-white schools, remains significant as some families argue that existing court orders are essential for enhancing education in predominantly Black schools. Drell emphasized: "At the heart of this case is public policy and the protection of others," indicating the court's responsibility to uphold established legal precedents. The Justice Department, which has historically supported these cases, is now advocating for their dismissal, framing them as federal overreach into local school governance.

 

Education Week News

A recent report titled TK-12 Governance in California: Past, Present and Future, released by the Policy Analysis for California Education (PACE), argues for urgent reforms to California's school governance system. The report emphasizes that systemic weaknesses are hindering the success of key initiatives, such as universal kindergarten and efforts to close the achievement gap. Julie Marsh, professor of education policy at the University of Southern California (USC) and co-author of the report, said: "Given shifting federal responsibilities, declining enrollment, and widening achievement gaps, California can no longer postpone reforms that have been overdue for a century." A significant recommendation includes transferring control of the Department of Education from the elected State Superintendent of Public Instruction to the governor, which aims to clarify authority and improve accountability. The report also notes that the current governance structure has been criticized for decades, with previous attempts at reform facing voter resistance. The overall effectiveness of state governance received a grade of 2.8, indicating a need for substantial improvement.

 

EdSource

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) students are graduating at near record-high rates, yet only 48% of those who enroll in college complete their degree within a decade, according to an annual study from the University of Chicago Consortium on School Research and the To&Through Project. Alex Usher, director of data and research at the To&Through Project, stated: "Getting students into college is a great first step, but starting college and not completing is not a good outcome." The report highlights significant disparities in completion rates, particularly among racial and gender groups, with Black men at 27% and Asian and white women at 81%. Despite challenges, including the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and financial aid delays, 66% of the CPS class of 2024 enrolled in college immediately after graduation, surpassing the national average of 61%. Usher emphasized the progress made, noting, "I don't think most Chicagoans know how much progress we've made in the last 20 years."

 

Chicago Tribune

The Portland Public Schools board is set to vote today on a five-year, $61 million contract with Procedeo, a Texas-based construction firm, to manage over $1bn in upgrades for three high schools. Superintendent Kimberlee Armstrong said that the partnership "strengthens our capacity, stabilizes project leadership and supports a more predictable and transparent delivery of voter-approved improvements." However, the second-place bidder, Turner & Townsend Heery, has challenged the decision, claiming the procurement process was biased and inconsistent with Oregon law. The district's senior director of purchasing defended the evaluation process, arguing there was "no basis for the protest." The district, under pressure to complete modernization projects on time and within budget, faces scrutiny over the contract's cost and the evaluation process, with concerns raised about scoring irregularities and potential conflicts of interest.

 

The Oregonian

In a recent meeting, Newark students presented their research on pressing school infrastructure issues, including inadequate heating and mental health stigmas, to the school board. Cidell Torto, a junior at Science Park High School, emphasized the need for spaces where students can "take a breather." The Youth Power Action Coalition, organized by the Gem Project, aims to enhance youth civic engagement and has been working to address these concerns. Fatoumata Bah, a senior, urged the 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 coalition's findings highlight the need for improved mental health support and infrastructure funding to foster a better learning environment.

 

NJ.com

The Tuscaloosa City Schools (TCS) system is in the process of selecting a new superintendent, with applications accepted until January 16. The board aims to replace Mike Daria, who has served since 2016. Eric Wilson, the school board chairman, emphasized the importance of this decision, commenting: "Finding the right superintendent is one of the most important responsibilities we have as a board." Candidate interviews are scheduled for January 26 to 30, with the new superintendent expected to be announced on February 2 and to begin duties on May 1. The minimum salary for the position is $240,000, negotiable based on experience and qualifications.

 

Tuscaloosa News

Columbus City Schools (CCS) is facing a significant financial challenge, with a projected $110m deficit and plans to cut $50m from its annual budget. The CCS Board of Education is considering layoffs that could affect 445 positions, including teachers, administrators, and support staff. CCS board President Michael Cole said: "The toughest space the board will have discussions on will be around personnel." Despite an increase in staffing since 2015, enrollment has declined by over 3,000 students, leading to concerns about sustainability. Vlad Kogan, a political science professor at Ohio State University, remarked that the district "has pretty much dug its own financial grave" by increasing staff while enrollment decreases. The district's spending per pupil has risen significantly, yet it ranks low in performance among similar districts. As the board deliberates, the focus remains on minimizing the impact on students while addressing the budget crisis.

 

The Columbus Dispatch

In a piece for Education Week educators Valerie Peña-Hernandez and Craig Aarons-Martin discuss how placing restrictions on classroom debates does not protect students but rather abandons them, stating: "When we avoid conversations about race, identity, or love, we are not protecting students—we are abandoning them." Aarons-Martin highlighted the detrimental effects of legislation limiting discussions on LGBTQ+ identities and race, noting that such censorship denies students' humanity. He remarked: "Silence is not neutrality—it's complicity." Both educators advocate for creating "brave spaces" in classrooms to foster open dialogue and affirm students' identities, stressing that affirmation must be a daily commitment, not a seasonal gesture.

 

Education Week News

Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) has made significant progress in addressing lead paint hazards across its facilities, with a total cleanup cost projected at approximately $43m. Superintendent Brenda Cassellius reported that the district is nearing the completion of lead abatement work in about 100 schools, following a lead poisoning incident involving a student at Golda Meir Elementary School. MPS has implemented a Lead Action Plan, which includes inspections and necessary cleanup in schools built before 1978. Cassellius said: "Every MPS school will get a full risk assessment for lead-based hazards every three years." The district is also focusing on lead levels in water and soil, with plans to test 8,000 students for lead exposure in 2026. Ongoing monitoring and maintenance will be essential to ensure student safety from lead hazards.

 

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Ohio Representative Adam Bird plans to introduce a bill in 2026 to prohibit middle and high school students from profiting from name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals. Bird said that young athletes should not face financial pressures, adding that sports "should be about fun and learning and growing." However, attorney Luke Fedlam contends that such a ban would disadvantage Ohio's student athletes, as nearly every state allows some form of NIL with parental permission. The Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) recently approved NIL for high school students with limitations, and Doug Ute, OHSAA executive director, emphasized that courts have ruled against preventing student-athletes from monetizing their NIL. The proposed ban's support within the GOP-controlled Legislature remains uncertain as Bird prepares to advocate for it next year.

 

The Columbus Dispatch

The increasing interest in artificial intelligence (AI) programs among students is evident as universities expand their offerings. According to The New York Times, more than 3,000 students enrolled in a new AI and cybersecurity college at the University of South Florida in Tampa this semester. Institutions are responding to the popularity of generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude. For instance, the University of Washington recently launched a $10m campuswide AI initiative, while Penn State aims to prepare students, faculty, and staff to lead in an AI-driven economy. Additionally, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill plans to consolidate two schools to form an AI college, and Arizona State University will feature rapper will.i.am leading an AI course titled “The Agentic Self.” Many universities are rebranding their computer science programs to incorporate AI more broadly.

 

Edscoop

The NSW Education Department has warned that schools in bushfire-prone areas of the Australian state may close on high-risk days, after 26 public schools in Central West and Riverina shut last week during catastrophic fire conditions. “Decision-making around bushfire risk is informed by ensuring the safety of students and staff and is made in consultation with emergency services,” the Department said in a statement. “The Department of Education works closely with the Rural Fire Service [RFS] to make sure decisions are based on the latest information available and communicated with school communities the day before they need to take action.”

 

The Educator