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Recent Editions
Education Slice
National
Rising employee health care costs are placing growing pressure on school district budgets, forcing leaders to make difficult financial tradeoffs that could affect classroom investments, facilities, staffing, and employee recruitment, according to a recent survey by AASA, The School Superintendents Association, and the Association of School Business Officials International. The survey of 767 superintendents, conducted in March and April, found that 98% said rising health care costs are having a measurable impact on their district budgets. While the findings are not nationally representative, they reflect the views of members of both organizations. Nearly half of respondents said they had already shifted funding away from other priorities to cover higher health insurance costs. According to the survey, prescription drug costs were the leading driver of higher insurance premiums, cited by 60% of respondents. Elleka Yost, ASBO's director of advocacy and research, emphasized the broader consequences of escalating health care costs. “When you consider the opportunity costs, if you’re putting money toward rising healthcare premiums, there are things you are not able to invest in instead,” she commented. “If districts are no longer able to provide those attractive benefits packages, someone … may be more likely to find a career somewhere else that’s able to provide more robust paid benefits or a higher salary."
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Education Slice
California
Bay Area schools are adapting to the rise of AI by integrating responsible usage into everyday teaching rather than treating it as a separate lesson. California's education officials emphasize the importance of fact-checking, privacy, and transparency in AI use. According to Stanford's 2026 AI Index, over 80% of U.S. high school and college students utilize AI for school tasks, yet only half of schools have clear AI policies. San Francisco USD has not yet approved any AI tools for student use, highlighting the need for caution. The San Mateo UHSD exemplifies proactive measures by encouraging students to consult teachers before using AI and to track their AI usage. The district's "Trust but Verify" mindset encapsulates the essence of safe AI education, focusing on accuracy, privacy, and academic integrity. As California's AI in Education Working Group continues its work, local districts are shaping AI policies in real time, prioritizing privacy, equity, and honesty.
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Education Slice
Texas
The Texas State Board of Education is poised to vote on a controversial reading list that would require over 5m public school students to read Bible passages alongside classic literature like Charles Dickens' “Great Expectations.” This proposal, if approved, would be the first of its kind in the U.S. and is set to take effect in 2030. Critics, including Elva Mendoza from the Texas Freedom Network, argue that the list lacks diversity and undermines the separation of church and state, stating: “Kids of all faith backgrounds and no faith are served by Texas schools and they should all feel welcome.” Supporters, however, believe that incorporating biblical texts promotes strong values. The board will also vote on a social studies curriculum linking Bible stories to American history.
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Education Slice
Florida
The Florida Education Association (FEA) has endorsed Democrat David Jolly for Governor, highlighting his commitment to public education and support for teachers. "This endorsement is a recognition of David Jolly's advocacy for teachers, support professionals, higher education institutions, and our neighborhood public schools," the FEA stated. Representing 120,000 members in Pre-K-12 and higher education, the FEA emphasized the importance of strengthening public education and supporting workers as essential for community development and Florida's economic future. Jolly expressed gratitude for the endorsement, stating:, "I'm proud to have the support of the Florida Education Association," and reaffirmed his dedication to ensuring every student in Florida has the opportunity to succeed. The FEA also raised concerns about funding issues and the impact of anti-worker legislation on education. Jolly is competing in a crowded gubernatorial race against several Republican candidates.
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