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Recent Editions
Education Slice
National
Three finalists for the 2026–27 National Middle School Principal of the Year award say fostering a strong sense of belonging is key to improving attendance, behavior, and academic success. Deborah Dennie, principal of Leonardtown Middle School in Maryland, uses creative incentives and community connections to motivate students to attend school. One initiative included inviting Miss Maryland, Maria Derisavi, to encourage students to show up every day. Dennie built excitement with trivia, videos, and prizes ahead of the visit, part of a broader effort to keep students engaged throughout the school year. Her school’s attendance rate has risen to 94.5%, up from 93% the previous year. Sonia Ruiz, principal of Jane Addams Middle School in Illinois, gathers regular feedback from students through surveys to understand what makes them feel connected to school. Using the responses, she implemented a “2x10” strategy in which teachers spend two minutes a day for ten days building relationships with students who feel disconnected. Ruiz has also adjusted advisory periods to address both academic gaps and social-emotional development. David Wiedlich, principal of Radnor Middle School in Pennsylvania, focuses on ensuring every student is known personally by at least one adult. Twice a year, staff review student photos to identify those who may not yet have strong connections with teachers, and then intentionally work to build relationships with them. All three leaders emphasize that when students feel seen, supported, and connected to their school community, they are more likely to attend regularly, stay engaged, and succeed academically.
Full Issue
Education Slice
California
Plaintiffs in California school districts with deteriorating facilities are asking a court to freeze $3bn in state modernization funding while a lawsuit over the funding formula moves forward. They argue the current system favors property-wealthy districts and leaves students in poorer communities in unsafe buildings with mold, asbestos, leaks, and failing infrastructure. John Affeldt, managing attorney for Public Advocates, said: “These funds and the educational opportunity are too important to stand by and watch another $4bn go out unfairly.” A May 13 hearing could shape whether the state pauses distributions or pursues a settlement.
Full Issue
Education Slice
Texas
Texas’s new school voucher program has drawn more than 160,000 applications, far exceeding the roughly 90,000 to 100,000 students expected to receive funding. Early figures suggest many applicants may already be outside public schools, with about 117,000 reporting they did not attend one last year. Critics say that raises doubts about whether the program is reaching its intended students. Comptroller Kelly Hancock said: “We are expecting to sell out in year one,” while officials noted many applicants may be entering school for the first time.
Full Issue
Education Slice
Florida
The Florida Legislature has passed SB 1296, a controversial bill that labor advocates argue could severely undermine public sector unions. Despite significant bipartisan opposition, hundreds of public workers, including teachers and police officers, rallied against the measure. The bill, which now awaits Governor Ron DeSantis's signature, alters union certification elections, requiring at least 50% of public employees in a bargaining unit to participate. House Democratic Leader Fentrice Driskell said: "We should be strengthening the ability of public employees to use their voice, not constructing a system designed to silence it." The bill's sponsor, Rep. Jenna Persons-Mulicka, contends that the right to collectively bargain belongs to public employees, not unions. Concerns have been raised regarding potential violations of free speech and collective bargaining rights, particularly for public safety employees.
Full Issue