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The U.S. Education Department has eliminated two significant teacher-training programs, the $70m Teacher Quality Partnerships and the $80m Supporting Effective Educator Development grants, as part of a broader initiative to cut diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. Savannah Newhouse, a department spokeswoman, stated, “Teacher-prep programs should be prioritizing training that prepares youth with the fundamentals they need to succeed for the future.” Critics argue that these cuts will negatively impact teacher diversity and student outcomes. Sharif El-Mekki, founder of the Center for Black Educator Development, emphasized that removing DEI-related programs “reinforces inequalities that have existed for generations.” The decision has sparked significant backlash from educators and institutions reliant on these grants, with many expressing concerns over the future of teacher preparation and support. Late Tuesday, President Donald Trump sent a memorandum to all agency heads, requesting public details on all cuts. However, the Department of Education is yet provide criteria on how the teacher-prep grants were being judged.

 

The Hill

Education Week News

The 74

School Leadership’s Guide to Career and Technical Education

Economic impacts are changing the employment landscape. Now more than ever it's critical to prepare students for careers in current and emerging professions through Career and Technical Education (CTE). Having developed 180+ award-winning digital courses, FlexPoint knows that CTE offerings look different for every school, based on location and student population. School and district leaders can learn how to enhance their CTE programs through the free FlexPoint guide.

In the guide, you’ll have access to:

• An overview of nationally recognized Career Clusters and Programs of Study
• Tips for selecting the best career pathways that evolve with the employment landscape
  
• Sample survey questions to gauge students’ interests in future career opportunities
  
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Download CTE Guide

 

The "Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act" aims to allow schools to offer whole and 2% milk alongside low-fat options, a significant shift from the current restrictions. Proponents argue that whole milk provides essential nutrients and has unique health benefits, with Amy Winters, executive director of the Wisconsin Dairy Foods Association, stating, "Expanding the availability of all milk options... will help ensure more children receive the essential nutrients dairy provides." However, opponents caution that whole milk's high saturated fat content could pose health risks, with Erin Ogden from the Center for Science in the Public Interest emphasizing that fat-free and low-fat milk can provide the same nutrients without the added saturated fat. The bill recently passed a U.S. House committee and is set for a full House vote.

 

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Petaluma City Schools has officially named its newest school, Valley Vista Public Waldorf, following a merger between Valley Vista and Live Oak Charter elementary schools. The decision was made during a board meeting on February 11, led by principal Jaime Buschman and executive director Linda Delgado. Community input played a significant role in the naming process, with over 100 attendees participating in meetings to discuss potential names.

 

Press Democrat

The Santa Rosa City Schools trustees have opted for a smaller venue, moving their crucial meeting to Santa Rosa City Hall, which accommodates only 180 people, despite a recent meeting attracting around 500 attendees. The trustees are expected to decide on school closures necessary to address a $20m budget gap, with various models under consideration, including a 7-12 model that would integrate middle schoolers into high school campuses.

 

Press Democrat

On January 30, Hollister School District officials celebrated the opening of new Extended Learning Opportunity Program (ELOP) buildings at Sunnyslope, Calaveras, and Ladd Lane Elementary Schools. The district allocated $5.17m in ELOP funding for these modular buildings, designed to enhance afterschool programs in collaboration with partners like the Youth Alliance and YMCA. Dr. Colleen Myers, Director of Educational Services, emphasized the significance of the new spaces, stating: “Today that promise becomes a reality. These buildings are more than just physical spaces. They’re symbols of opportunity, innovation and equity.” The new facilities will support various activities, including arts and technology, and are expected to last 100 years, providing nearly 1,000 square feet of additional classroom space. Board President Kim O’Connor expressed her excitement, highlighting the diverse opportunities these spaces will offer for students.

 

Hollister Free Lance

The legal dispute over Mayacamas Countywide Middle School is set to go to trial on November 3, following Napa Valley USD's lawsuit against the Napa County Office of Education. The district has raised concerns about fiscal and legal implications since the charter school was proposed in 2021. Initially rejected by both the school district and the county office, the California State Board of Education later approved the charter, allowing it to open in August 2023. Napa Valley argues that the foundation behind the charter exploited a legal loophole to bypass a previous court ruling and failed to consider the financial impact on local public schools. The district's lawsuit seeks to block the charter school, but previous attempts for an emergency injunction were denied. As of now, Mayacamas has over a hundred students enrolled and aims to provide an alternative educational option.

 

Press Democrat

Los Angeles USD has enforced a new rule banning cell phones in classrooms. The decision follows a 5-2 vote by the district's board in June, aimed at addressing concerns over cyberbullying and distractions. Board member Nick Melvoin emphasized that the resolution is intended to combat these issues, stating: "We want to create a focused learning environment." The ban will prohibit students from using cell phones and social media throughout the school day, marking a significant shift in the district's approach to technology in education.

 

Pasadena Star-News

Press-Telegram

East Bay Express reports that the California School for the Deaf (CSD) in Fremont faces a dire funding crisis, threatening its future and the education of hundreds of deaf students. Despite its historical significance and contributions to bilingual education, CSD has struggled with funding and staffing shortages for decades. “Our buildings are falling apart, and we can’t afford rent,” said Aselefech Tiku, a CSD high school counselor who lives in her car. “If we can’t keep this school open, where will the students go?” The piece notes that a combination of being born to hearing parents, which is the case for over 90% of deaf children, and inadequate supportive services in mainstream schools means many deaf youth fall behind in language development.

 

East Bay Express

The Petaluma City Schools Board of Trustees is facing significant budget cuts, needing to reduce $2m from next year's budget. Public feedback has strongly opposed the elimination of school nurse positions, with many speakers emphasizing their critical role. Superintendent Matthew Harris and his team proposed cuts, including a COVID-funded nurse and other positions, but public sentiment has shifted towards preserving these essential roles. The board is now considering alternative funding options, including Title 1 funds, to maintain the nurse positions, with board member Ryan Williams affirming, “We can do better and we should stay at this better level.” A final vote on the budget cuts is expected on February 25.

 

Press Democrat

On Tuesday, approximately 250 students from Hiram Johnson High School in Sacramento staged a walkout to protest President Donald Trump and his administration. The demonstration, which followed a similar protest at McClatchy High earlier this month, began around noon after the fourth-period class. The students marched 1.5 miles to Sacramento State, expressing their concerns about the future. Leydi Ayala, a junior, stated, “It's important for me to march because my parents went through all this struggle to give us a good future, and the fact that Donald Trump wants to take that away from us — I find that idiotic.”

 

The Sacramento Bee

In the face of a nationwide bus driver shortage, accountability emerges as a crucial factor for retention in school transportation departments. Leaders must prioritize personal and team accountability to create a supportive work environment. As noted in the article, "a lack of accountability leads to more vacancies in the long run." By modeling responsible behaviors, leaders can foster trust and clarity, which are essential for keeping drivers engaged. To cultivate this culture, transportation leaders should commit to self-assessment, set clear expectations, and encourage open feedback. Ultimately, accountability not only enhances job satisfaction but also strengthens team cohesion, making it vital for retaining qualified drivers.

 

School Bus Fleet

Julianne Hoefer has been appointed as the new superintendent of the Ocean View School District following a unanimous board vote on February 11. Hoefer, who previously served as the interim superintendent, expressed her commitment to the community, stating, “I really believe the board did it right.” With a contract running through June 2028 and an annual salary of $327,000, she aims to maintain innovative programs while addressing challenges like declining enrollment. Hoefer emphasized the importance of keeping the community united, saying, “Every decision needs to be made with a focus on what the impact is on students.” Her leadership will be crucial as the district navigates potential school closures and program preservation.

 

Los Angeles Times

More than 1,000 teachers from the San Ramon Valley are set to rally at Dougherty Valley High School to protest proposed budget cuts by the school district. The San Ramon Valley Education Association reported that the district plans to cut $26m, which includes reductions to vital mental health services like counselors and social workers. Similar protests occurred recently in Fresno and West Contra Costa, where educators criticized cuts that they deemed harmful to students.

 

EdSource

Mt. Diablo USD's $50m contract with Schneider Electric has led to significant HVAC issues, leaving teachers and students uncomfortable. Complaints have surged, with over 90 adverse working condition forms filed by teachers regarding temperature inconsistencies. Melanie Koslow, the district's director of maintenance, acknowledged “unforeseen issues” with the programming, while board vice president Cherise Khaund emphasized the need for Schneider Electric to be held accountable.

 

Mercury News

Japan's largest opposition party, the CDP, is reportedly keen to use the Bank of Japan's exchange-traded funds (ETFs) to help cover the cost of making high school education free as part of the normalization of monetary policy. “It’s abnormal that a central bank is holding risky assets with a book value of ¥37tn ($244bn). Including the latent profits, the assets are about double that value and it’s a problem that those profits aren’t being returned to the public.” said CDP finance chief Takeshi Shina. 

 

The Japan Times

Bob Hoskins, a former Turlock High School teacher, will receive the Distinguished Service Award from the San Joaquin Engineers Council for his significant contributions to education and the engineering profession. The award ceremony will take place at the Council's 50th annual banquet at the University of the Pacific's DeRosa Center. Hoskins, who holds multiple degrees and served in the United States Marine Corps, has left a lasting impact on his students and the school's technology program.

 

Turlock Journal