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USA
22nd April 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Education Department to maintain funding pipeline for schools amid transition concerns

The U.S. Department of Education will continue distributing key K-12 funding through its existing grants system this summer, easing concerns among state and local officials that a planned transition to other agencies could delay critical payments. Programs such as Title I and special education funding under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act will be delivered via the traditional July 1 channel, giving states more time to prepare for a future shift to the Department of Labor, where many education programs are expected to move. Officials said the decision aims to prevent disruptions that could have impacted summer programs or school openings. However, uncertainty remains over whether future funding rounds, including those scheduled for October, will follow the same process. The transition reflects broader efforts by the Trump administration to shift responsibilities away from the Education Department, though logistical challenges, past funding delays, and concerns about the Labor Department’s capacity have made states cautious about relying on the new system.

THE LATEST IN SPECIAL EDUCATION

What’s Shaping Special Education Today

With approximately 7.5 million students nationwide receiving special education services, guidance around special education continues to evolve making it difficult for leaders to keep pace with the most relevant information. To help leaders stay current, a curated collection of the latest special education insights and free resources brings together expert perspectives and research‑aligned guidance.

These timely resources spotlight current thinking on special education as intervention, evidence‑based dyslexia practices, and instructional approaches that support students with learning disabilities across broader systems of support.


 

POLICY

U.S. delays implementation of school disability access rule

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has extended the deadline for public institutions to comply with new digital accessibility guidelines under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Originally set for this week, the new deadline is now April 26 2027 for larger entities and 2028 for smaller ones. This decision has drawn criticism from disability rights advocates, including Corbb O'Connor, president of the National Federation of the Blind of Minnesota, who stated: "Yet again, the blind have been told to wait to live on terms of equality." The delay has raised concerns about the impact on students with disabilities, as institutions struggle to meet compliance costs. Jennifer Mathis, who helped craft the original rule, emphasized the need for clarity and certainty in accessibility standards, stating: "To delay the standards now... is just mindless and cruel."

 
NPR

DISTRICTS

Memphis-Shelby board to fight state takeover

The Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) board is poised to vote on hiring legal counsel to contest state takeover legislation recently passed by Tennessee Republicans. This legislation would empower a state-appointed oversight board to control the district's budget and staffing decisions, including the authority to hire and fire the superintendent. Board Chair Natalie McKinney stated: "My belief is that this is an overreach, and it is an attempt to disenfranchise our community and our voters." The bill, which still requires approval from the House and Senate, has raised concerns among Democrats regarding its legality and its specific targeting of MSCS. The proposed oversight board would have significant authority, including veto power over budgets and contracts, and the ability to terminate the superintendent for noncompliance. McKinney emphasized that the legislation fails to address academic issues, focusing instead on administrative control.

IRS penalties deepen financial strain for Minneapolis Public Schools

Minneapolis Public Schools has incurred $5.3m in IRS penalties over the past four years due to tax errors and late filings, compounding financial oversight concerns as the district confronts a $50.5m budget deficit. The penalties include $2.9m tied to employment tax errors between 2023 and 2025, and $2.3m related to late filing of wage statements and health coverage information, with $770,500 already paid. The issues were highlighted in an investigative report that also revealed the delayed transfer of nearly $3m to an employee health insurance fund, further underscoring weaknesses in financial management previously described as being at a “crisis point.” The district is now working with tax specialists to reduce or recover penalties and improve compliance systems, while simultaneously considering significant cost-cutting measures, including the potential elimination of up to 187 staff positions.

Oakland USD delays superintendent search as budget pressures mount

Oakland USD in California has suspended its search for a new superintendent as it grapples with significant budget challenges, a decision that has raised concerns over transparency and deepened internal divisions. Board leadership confirmed the pause was discussed in a closed-session meeting without a formal vote, with the focus shifting to addressing financial pressures, including an estimated $50 million budget shortfall and scrutiny over a proposed teacher pay deal. The move reportedly caught several board members off guard, with some learning of it indirectly, and criticism has emerged over the lack of public disclosure. Interim superintendent Denise Saddler is now expected to remain in the role until at least the fall, while political tensions persist over the district’s financial strategy, declining enrollment, and past leadership decisions, with county officials warning that the district’s fiscal outlook remains uncertain.

LEGAL

Ohio lawmakers move to close loophole allowing sex offenders in schools

Ohio lawmakers are proposing legislation that would prohibit most registered sex offenders from entering schools and daycare facilities, aiming to close a gap in current law that restricts where offenders can live but not where they can go. Senate Bill 422 would ban tier II and tier III offenders—those convicted of more serious crimes—from being present on school or childcare premises, with limited exceptions such as dropping off children or voting when schools are used as polling stations. Violations would carry a first-degree misdemeanor for a first offense, escalating to a felony for repeat offenses. Supporters say the measure is designed to better protect children and families, noting that only a handful of states currently enforce similar restrictions. The bill is expected to face potential legal scrutiny but could be passed before the end of the year if it advances through the legislature.

Texas permitted to require Ten Commandments in classrooms, appeals court says

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit has ruled that Texas can mandate the display of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms, reversing a lower court's decision. The majority opinion, authored by Circuit Judge Stuart Kyle Duncan, stated that the law does not infringe upon the U.S. Constitution's establishment clause or the free exercise of religion. Duncan noted: "It punishes no one who rejects the Ten Commandments, no matter the reason." In contrast, challengers, including attorney Jon Youngwood, expressed disappointment, arguing that the ruling undermines First Amendment principles. Youngwood indicated plans to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court to protect the religious-freedom rights of families. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton hailed the decision as a victory for moral values, emphasizing the importance of students learning from the Ten Commandments.

TECHNOLOGY

Roblox settles with three states, commits to stronger child protections

Roblox has reached a $35.8m settlement with attorneys general in West Virginia, Alabama, and Nevada over allegations that it failed to adequately protect children on its platform, agreeing to implement stronger safety measures and fund education initiatives. The agreements require Roblox to enhance safeguards, including verifying the ages of all users and restricting adults from contacting users under 16, while part of the settlement funds will support child safety education programs. The settlements follow years of scrutiny over the platform’s exposure to harmful interactions, with officials stating the company had not done enough to prevent risks to young users. Roblox said it has already introduced multiple safety updates, including new account types for younger users, and will continue investing in protections. Despite the settlements, legal pressure remains, with several other U.S. states—including Tennessee, Texas, and Florida—continuing to pursue separate lawsuits over child safety concerns.

Los Angeles USD rolls out limits on student screen time

Los Angeles USD has unanimously voted to limit classroom screen time, directing staff to create a policy by June for the upcoming school year. This resolution, supported by Schools Beyond Screens, aims to establish clear guidelines on screen usage across grade levels, addressing concerns about excessive device use impacting student learning. Board member Nick Melvoin stated: "This is not about going backwards. This is about rethinking school time and screen time in schools to ensure we are doing what actually helps students learn best." Proposed measures include daily and weekly screen time limits, elimination of digital device use in early education, and restrictions on access to non-educational content. While the resolution received general support, some parents expressed that it could have been more stringent.

LEADERSHIP

Milwaukee Public Schools chief outlines challenges and priorities after first year in role

Milwaukee Public Schools Superintendent Brenda Cassellius has described her first year in the role as “challenging,” grading her performance a B or B+, as she navigated financial mismanagement, a $46m budget overspend, infrastructure issues including lead paint removal, and ongoing tensions with the teachers’ union. Cassellius has begun implementing cost-cutting measures and reallocating resources toward schools, but her relationship with the Milwaukee Teachers’ Education Association remains strained amid disputes over layoffs, delayed wage increases, and broader budget decisions. Union leaders have criticized her leadership as inconsistent and destabilizing, while Cassellius has defended her approach as necessary to balance the district’s $1.6bn budget and prioritize students. Looking ahead, she plans to focus on stabilizing finances, hiring over 150 additional staff, addressing declining enrollment and aging facilities, and improving student outcomes, including tackling chronic absenteeism and school safety. She also warned that a future property tax referendum may be needed if state funding remains insufficient, emphasizing that rebuilding trust and making difficult decisions will be critical to the district’s progress.

INTERNATIONAL

South Africa and India deepen education links with new school partnerships

South Africa and India are developing new school twinning partnerships to strengthen educational collaboration, with plans underway to link additional schools in the Western Cape and Limpopo with counterparts in India. The initiative, led by South Africa’s High Commissioner to India, Professor Anil Sooklal, builds on existing successful partnerships and aims to foster long-term cultural and academic relationships through student and teacher exchanges starting at primary and secondary school levels. Officials see early engagement between students as key to deepening bilateral ties, while also exploring broader education opportunities, including scholarships and corporate sponsorships to enable South African students to study in India at little to no cost. Multinational companies such as Tata and Mahindra are expected to play a role in funding, complementing university subsidies and expanding access to higher education for students who might otherwise be unable to afford it.

 
IOL

AND FINALLY......

Pennsylvania educator named National Teacher of the Year

Leon Smith, a high school history teacher at Haverford High School in Havertown, Pennsylvania, has been named the 2026 National Teacher of the Year. With a 25-year career dedicated to teaching Advanced Placement classes in U.S. history and African American studies, Smith emphasizes the importance of recognizing students' hidden talents. He stated: "An adult can tell you that they see something in you that maybe you didn't see in yourself." Smith's teaching approach includes community-building exercises and critical discussions, aiming to foster civic engagement among his students. His efforts extend beyond the classroom, as he takes students to the state Capitol to engage with policymakers. The Council of Chief State School Officers commended his focus on inclusivity in history education. As Teacher of the Year, Smith will advocate for the vital role educators play in shaping future generations.
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