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Recent Editions
Education Slice
National
With the final Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds now spent, education leaders say the $189.5bn federal investment helped schools stabilize during the pandemic through academic support, technology, mental health services, and facility upgrades, but its overall impact remains difficult to measure. Research suggests targeted gains, including improved math performance, while many districts credit the funding with preventing deeper learning loss and enabling long-term operational changes, though some now face financial strain after using one-time funds for ongoing expenses. Elleka Yost, director of advocacy and research at the Association of School Business Officials International, emphasized that districts that planned ahead have avoided financial disruption, and said school finance leaders were responsible stewards of the funding. She also noted that ESSER’s flexibility “gave a lot of opportunity” for districts to address evolving challenges facing students, families, and communities during the pandemic.
Full Issue
Education Slice
California
The California First District Court of Appeal has ruled that West Contra Costa USD must hire more qualified teachers, overturning a previous decision that favored the district. The court stated, “The importance of public education is beyond question — or need of justification,” emphasizing the necessity of qualified instructors in classrooms. This case, Cleare v. West Contra Costa Unified School District, marks a significant moment as it is the first instance of a school district being sued under the Williams Settlement Legislation, which mandates access to qualified teachers. Lead plaintiff Sam Cleare, a teacher in the district, expressed that the ruling is a crucial step in holding the district accountable for providing every child with an educator. The court's decision aims to prevent the district from using substitutes beyond their legal authorization and requires the filling of teacher vacancies with certified educators.
Full Issue
Education Slice
Texas
A survey by the Charles Butt Foundation revealed that fewer than half of Texas public school teachers felt adequately prepared for their careers. The 2025 Texas Teacher Poll indicated that about two-thirds of nearly 1,200 respondents considered leaving the profession, primarily due to inadequate salaries. Gov. Greg Abbott has prioritized addressing these issues, including the establishment of a Teacher Vacancy Task Force and the allocation of $8.5bn for public education. However, a significant challenge remains: the rise of uncertified teachers, with over 42,000, or 12%, lacking certification in the 2024-25 school year. Jacob Kirksey, an associate professor at Texas Tech University, noted that the increase in uncertified teachers was exacerbated by staffing shortages during the COVID-19 pandemic. New legislation, House Bill 2, aims to phase out the hiring of uncertified teachers in foundational subjects by 2030, emphasizing the need for effective teacher retention and preparation.
Full Issue
Education Slice
Florida
The Florida Department of Education is set to update rules to enhance students' religious rights in public schools. The proposed changes include refining the statute on excused absences for religious instruction, with an online workshop scheduled for April 7. Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas emphasized the need for these updates to align with federal guidelines on prayer and religious expression, noting: "The action aimed to adhere to updated federal guidelines on prayer and religious expression." The department is currently accepting public comments on the proposal, which aims for greater consistency and clarity.
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