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Recent Editions
Education Slice
National
A coalition of education advocacy groups, including the National Center for Learning Disabilities, has sued the Trump administration, alleging the Office of Management and Budget and the U.S. Department of Education unlawfully withheld congressionally appropriated funding for the Institute of Education Sciences. The lawsuit argues the administration has prevented the agency from spending funds approved by Congress, placing $793m for education research programs at risk of expiring on September 30, alongside $50m for the Comprehensive Centers program and additional funding for the Education Innovation and Research program, which expires later in the year. Plaintiffs say the funding freeze could have a devastating impact on education research, teacher support, and programs serving students with learning disabilities and high-need communities, while the Education Department said it remains committed to meeting its statutory obligations and supporting high-quality research.
Full Issue
Education Slice
California
California's new state budget has transferred significant powers from the elected schools superintendent to a governor-appointed official, a move supported by Gov. Gavin Newsom and education reform advocates. This change, described as "a monumental victory for California's students" by Ted Lempert, president of Children Now, aims to streamline oversight of the state's $149bn public education system, which serves over 6m students. Critics, including candidates for the superintendent position, argue that this shift undermines democratic processes and the will of voters, as it bypasses the traditional legislative process. The new law allows the governor's education commissioner to control the education budget and policy, raising concerns about accountability and transparency in public education. Both candidates, Sonja Shaw and Richard Barrera, have expressed strong opposition to the changes, fearing they will diminish the independent voice of the elected superintendent.
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Education Slice
Texas
Texas families have started receiving funding from the state's billion-dollar school voucher program, which promised to prioritize students with disabilities. However, many families are finding that the average awarded amount is only around $16,000, significantly less than the promised $30,000. Dee Carney, director of the Texas Center for Voucher Transparency, noted: "For whatever reason, there's a disconnect between the voucher program and what supporters promised for students with disabilities." Despite the funding, some families still cannot afford private school tuition, which can exceed the voucher amount. The comptroller's office reported that approximately 28,000 students with disabilities from low-income households received awards, but 1,134 opted out due to financial constraints. Carney emphasized that while applications are prioritized, this does not guarantee admission to a suitable private school.
Full Issue
Education Slice
Florida
The involvement of Republican School Board member Adam Cervera in a Democratic fundraising dinner advertisement has led to a contentious political campaign and a defamation lawsuit. Cervera, appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, is accused in a "Republican Voter Alert" text of misusing public funds for the ad, which he claims is false. He has filed a lawsuit against Michael Worley and the political action committee Making Democracy Work, seeking to remove the ad and prevent further false accusations. Cervera stated: “I’m not going to sit by while a political consultant knowingly spreads falsehoods to mislead voters.” The controversy began after the Broward School District's logo appeared in the ad for a Democratic event, prompting an investigation by the state Department of Education. Worley defended the claims, asserting that taxpayer money was used for the ad, a statement he stands by despite Cervera's denial of attending the event.
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