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Education Secretary Linda McMahon has announced that the U.S. Department of Education does not intend to honor any of the deadline extensions to spend COVID aid approved under the Biden administration. In a letter to state education leaders, she explained that “extending deadlines for COVID-related grants, which are in fact taxpayer funds, years after the COVID pandemic ended is not consistent with the Department’s priorities and thus not a worthwhile exercise of its discretion." The decision jeopardizes billions in planned projects across at least 40 states, including HVAC upgrades, tutoring contracts, and mental health programs. As of late February, about $4.4bn of $201.3bn remained in unspent funds from the three federal relief allocations under the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) fund approved by Congress. On Monday Joshua Michael, president of the Maryland State Board of Education, said that up to $418m is now at risk, including $305m that has already been spent and is yet to be reimbursed. The department said states can reapply for limited extensions if they prove the funds address pandemic impact. Elleka Yost, director of advocacy and research for the Association of School Business Officials, notes that school districts still will have to honor their contracts, which could mean cutting other budget areas. “Federal funding has become increasingly unpredictable for districts, making it very difficult for school business professionals to accurately forecast and plan,” she added.

 

Chalbeat

Education Week News

K-12 Dive

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The Department of Education has reminded states they can already use existing federal Title I funds to support school choice options. A letter sent to state education chiefs highlights flexibility under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, allowing up to 3% of Title I funds for “direct student services” such as tutoring, dual enrollment, advanced coursework, and transportation to schools of choice. While the guidance doesn't allow use of funds for private school tuition, it aligns with Trump’s broader push for education freedom. Advocates praised the move as a positive early step, while critics noted the guidance introduces nothing new and may deepen funding inequities. The department says this is the first in a series of school choice initiatives. Currently, only Ohio utilizes this funding flexibility. Some states, like Oklahoma, are seeking block grants to gain further control over federal funds.

 

Education Week News

Bay Area Head Start programs have secured federal funding through September, but uncertainty looms. Contra Costa County—where 98% of federal preschool slots are filled—fears budget cuts and policy shifts under a second Trump term, particularly from initiatives like Project 2025. Though no official plan targets Head Start, county leaders warn that cuts to related services like Medicaid or nutrition could still harm families. Santa Clara County has already issued pink slips amid grant delays. Contra Costa is seeking $25.7m to keep 1,200 slots open next year, but officials stress transparency and preparation as federal budget talks continue.

 

Mercury News

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly disrupted education in California, leading to disengaged students and exacerbated inequalities. Lorena Solorio, associate director of the Care Corps Program at Rocketship Public Schools, emphasized that "schools are so much more than just places to teach our students." Innovative approaches have emerged, such as Oakland REACH's virtual family hub, which trained parents to tutor their children, resulting in 60% of K-2 students improving by two or more reading levels. Despite increased funding, California schools face challenges, with Marguerite Roza from the Edunomics Lab noting a decline in test scores. Elsewhere, Compton USD Superintendent Darin Brawley highlighted the importance of data-driven strategies for academic growth.

 

EdSource

PK Diffenbaugh, the superintendent of the Monterey Peninsula USD, has decided to remain in his position instead of stepping down at the end of the school year. Initially announcing his departure in February due to "mental and emotional exhaustion," Diffenbaugh reflected on his decision and said: “I dug deep and I've come to a realization: I'm not ready to leave.”

 

San Luis Obispo Tribune

William S. Hart UHSD is reviewing its policy on service animals, primarily focusing on those in training. The current policy, adopted in 1997 and last revised in 2014, allows animals for instructional purposes with principal approval. Proposed changes include restrictions on employees training service animals during work hours and clarifying responsibilities for care and conduct. The policy change was introduced at the March 19 meeting and will undergo a second reading before approval.

 

Signalscv.com

Saugus USD's asset management advisory committee is set to review the recommendation report for Santa Clarita Elementary School's site on Wednesday. In March, members outlined a draft report, emphasizing that the site should not be used for residential or commercial purposes. They proposed considering partnerships with local agencies or nonprofits to benefit the community through educational and recreational uses. Sarine Abrahamian, an attorney with Orbach, Huff & Henderson, will refine the outline for the report.

 

Signalscv.com

Instagram has launched a new Schools Partnership program to help educators report cyberbullying, fast-tracking their concerns for review and notifying them of any resulting action. Schools in the program will also receive digital safety resources. Sameer Hinduja of the Cyberbullying Research Center said the system empowers educators, who often feel unable to address off-campus bullying. However, Merve Lapus of CommonSense Media cautioned that the effort doesn’t mean Instagram is now a youth-focused platform. He also pointed to a new California law—requiring social platforms to act on school or parent-reported bullying within 30 days—as a likely motivator for Instagram’s action.

 

Education Week News

Los Angeles USD implemented a cellphone ban in mid-February, affecting around 800 campuses. While some students report improved focus and engagement, others are circumventing the rules. LAUSD school board member Nick Melvoin noted that school psychologists have observed fewer fights and drug issues since the ban. Angie Mendoza, a senior, said: "I've been getting better grades because I've been paying more attention in class." However, some students are using old phones or other tricks to bypass the restrictions. The debate continues, with mixed research on the impact of such bans on student well-being.

 

Los Angeles Times

Fresno USD is addressing chronic absenteeism by providing rental subsidies to 10 unhoused families, marking a first in the Central Valley. The $156,000 initiative will place families in two-bedroom units at Crossroads Village, with additional support services planned through community organizations. Currently, 774 students in the district are facing homelessness, and families receiving support must maintain a 90% attendance rate. 

 

EdSource

The Fresno Bee

The Saugus USD governing board will today consider the approval of Conscious Discipline, a behavior consulting firm, to address significant behavior issues in general education classrooms. The proposed one-day workshop aims to equip district behavior council members and site administrators with “brain-based behavior strategies.” The workshop will explore the brain states of students and teachers during behavioral incidents and provide recovery strategies. If approved, the program will cost the district up to $5,420.

 

Signalscv.com

The Modesto City Schools Board has approved the layoffs of 47 employees, including campus supervisors, due to the expiration of temporary COVID-era funding. This reduction will decrease the number of campus supervisors from 86 to 79, raising concerns among students about safety amid reports of fights and drug use. Parents and students expressed worries that the layoffs would worsen safety issues. In response, Sharokina Shams, the chief communications officer, assured that student safety remains a priority, highlighting ongoing security improvements and support resources. The district is also working to help laid-off staff find new positions.

 

The Modesto Bee

Mexico has implemented a government-sponsored ban on junk food in schools to combat its severe obesity and diabetes crisis. The new health guidelines target processed foods like sugary drinks and chips that have long been popular among schoolchildren. The Education Ministry announced the ban on social media, urging parents to prepare healthier meals. UNICEF reports that Mexican children consume more junk food than any other country in Latin America, with 40% of their daily calories coming from sugary and processed foods. Enforcement of the ban may be challenging, as many schools lack resources and monitoring has been inconsistent. Violations could result in fines ranging from $545 to $5,450.

 

CNN Edition

U.S. News

The Netflix drama "Adolescence" is set to be shown in U.K. secondary schools, addressing the toxic and misogynistic influences that young boys encounter online. Anne Mensah, vice president of UK content at Netflix, expressed pride in the show's impact, commenting: "We're incredibly proud of the impact the show has made." The four-part series aims to highlight the pressures faced by young people and their parents, making it a significant educational tool for schools across the U.K.

 

Keys News