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As California lawmakers finalize a 2025–26 budget amid a multi-billion-dollar deficit, both Gov. Gavin Newsom and the Legislature have agreed on $80.5bn for schools—$4.5bn less than the current year but balanced by rising local property tax revenue. This rare consensus bypasses deeper concerns: stagnant academic performance and persistent achievement gaps. A new PPIC study shows fewer than half of students meet English standards and just 36% do in math, with disparities tied to race, gender, and income. Despite growing per-pupil spending, outcomes lag, and changes to test scoring may further obscure poor results. Lawmakers' reluctance to confront structural issues, such as instructional quality and accountability, risks perpetuating systemic inequities and leaving struggling students behind.

 

LA Daily News

Press Democrat

Ventura County Star

A federal judge has granted a Massachusetts nonprofit’s request to block an attempt by the Trump administration to cut the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights. Judge Myong J. Joun approved a preliminary injunction Wednesday in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts that requires the White House to stop employee layoffs for that office and blocks them from reinstating a March 11 reduction-in-staff directive. The injunction is effective immediately, and the Trump administration must also provide the court a notice of the employees’ return within 24 hours. The Victims Rights Law Center brought the case on behalf of two students over the directive, arguing that it created a resource gap significantly harming students experiencing sexual, racial and disability discrimination. The preliminary injunction orders the administration to file status reports to the court until the office is “restored to the status quo prior to January 20, 2025.”

 

Bloomberg Law

Education Week looks at how U.S. school districts are grappling with delayed funding notices, abrupt rule changes, and uncertainty due to the Trump administration’s moves to cut or withhold billions in federal education funding. The Department of Education has issued fewer timely responses, causing budgeting and hiring disruptions. Some funds appropriated under previous administrations have already been rescinded, sparking legal challenges. As Education Week notes: “Rule changes keep even the savviest district leaders on edge,” amid growing fears that further cuts proposed in Trump’s budget agenda—and Project 2025—may significantly disrupt services for vulnerable students.

 

Education Week News

As school districts seek voter approval for bonds, Education Week looks at how misinformation poses a significant challenge. With inflation affecting household budgets, bond proposals often clash with community concerns about property taxes and educational funding. A recent survey by the National School Public Relations Association revealed that 96% of school communications officials view misinformation as a growing issue. To combat this, districts have developed strategies, including dedicated websites to debunk myths and engaging community influencers. These efforts aim to ensure voters have access to accurate information, ultimately leading to successful bond approvals despite the challenges posed by misinformation.

 

Education Week News

Many U.S. educators feel unprepared to teach multilingual learners (MLs), according to a RAND survey of 7,500 K-12 teachers and 1,300 principals. Half of teachers reported limited readiness, and only 10% of principals prioritized both targeted professional learning and curriculum for MLs. “Educators need to be well-equipped with the right tools...but they also need to know how to use these materials effectively,” said study author Sabrina Lee. Experts urge investing in integrated, high-quality curriculum and training to meet the needs of MLs, who now represent 10% of public school enrollment and are the fastest-growing student group.

 

Education Week News

Juneteenth celebrations across Los Angeles County highlighted the rich history and culture of the African American community. Events included a sold-out luncheon at Alta Loma Park featuring the Altadena Oral History Project and the Ellen Garrison Clark Scholarship Award ceremony. The festivities also included a ceremony at Bruce's Beach Park, honoring the legacy of Willa and Charles Bruce, who ran a seaside resort for Black people in the 1920s. The day also featured a walk for freedom in Pacoima, honoring the legacy of Opal Lee, known as the “Grandmother of Juneteenth.” Meanwhile, Educator Brian Knowles explains to The 74 how he uses Juneteenth to teach deeper, often-avoided aspects of American history, especially in Florida where educational censorship is growing. Knowles highlights Juneteenth as more than a holiday—it’s a portal into the complex path of emancipation. “When we don’t talk about important historical events… we miss the opportunity to open up meaningful conversations,” he says. He advocates for culturally affirming curriculum, like his “BOLDLY BLACK” workbook series, and calls on Black communities to build independent educational spaces. Despite challenges, Knowles remains hopeful: “We’ve found ways to resist... in order to achieve self-sufficiency.”

 

LA Daily News

The 74 (Online)

The Williamsburg Bray School, a significant historical site, has undergone a full restoration, and was opened to the public on Juneteenth. This building, which served as the oldest known institution for the formal education of enslaved and free Black children, was rediscovered in 2020. The school operated from 1760 until 1774, educating around 400 children. Its restoration is part of a broader effort by Colonial Williamsburg to present a more inclusive narrative of Black history.

 

Merced Sun Star

Retiring educator Larry Ferlazzo challenges viral teacher exit videos blaming student behavior, asserting that real issues stem from inadequate school and district support. Drawing from 23 years of experience, he offers practical advice for managing “apathetic” students, academic gaps, cellphone use, AI misuse, and classroom management. He emphasizes building a professional learning network: “Your colleagues want you to succeed.” Ferlazzo stresses student motivation through autonomy, relevance, and relationships, and advocates for systemwide policies and training rather than blaming students or quitting the profession.

 

Education Week News

Minc Robinson Brooker, an education specialist at Pajaro Valley High School, has been honored as one of the Santa Cruz County Office of Education's Teachers of the Year. With over 30 years of experience, she emphasizes open communication with her students, fostering an environment where her “Brilliant Scholars” thrive through “creative, identity-affirming projects that encourage self-advocacy and discovery.”

 

Santa Cruz Sentinel

Megan Russell has been appointed as the new Principal of Sassarini Elementary School, effective July 2025. With a background as a Teacher on Special Assignment and ten years as a classroom teacher, Ms. Russell is known for her dedication to students and families.

 

Sonoma Valley Sun

Palo Alto USD Superintendent Don Austin is introducing an advanced diploma program aimed at allowing students to distinguish themselves academically as early as fourth grade. To earn the advanced diploma, students must complete nine requirements, including four Advanced Placement courses by their junior year and achieving a strong score on the ACT or SAT. The program is set to roll out in the near future, with additional advanced math courses planned for eighth graders. The initiative comes after the election of new board members advocating for enhanced academic offerings.

 

Palo Alto Daily Post

The Alvord Educational Foundation has awarded $66,000 in scholarships to 42 high school seniors, supporting their college aspirations. This year, the foundation increased the number of scholarships, offering amounts of $1,000, $1,500, and $2,000. Notably, La Sierra High senior Camila Rocha received the inaugural Robert Schwandt II Memorial Business Scholarship, valued at $2,000, in honor of the late school board member. Other significant awards included the $2,500 Getty George Community Service Scholarship, given to Anthony Garcia and Sara Copple, both of whom excelled academically and in community service. The foundation continues to play a vital role in enhancing educational opportunities for students in the Alvord USD.

 

Press Enterprise

The Glendale USD board recently celebrated its graduates, including Lily Tanossian, a senior and Student Board Member. Tanossian was recognized for her leadership, having initiated the first student voice panel to address school-wide issues. The board also acknowledged 21 teachers for their participation in the Gifted And Talented Education Program, highlighting their commitment to specialized instruction.

 

Cresenta Valley Weekly

The Santa Clarita Valley School Food Services Agency is providing free meals to children under 18 through the Seamless Summer Option until August 8. Lunches are available at various locations, including Canyon Country Community Center and Newhall Community Center, from 12 to 1 p.m. 

 

Signalscv.com

Chinese students represent about one-third of international students in California, but recent U.S. policies have raised concerns about their future. Gisela Perez Kusakawa, executive director of the Asian American Scholar Forum, noted that these changes create a “cloud of suspicion” for students. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced plans to revoke visas for Chinese students linked to the Chinese Communist Party, but President Donald Trump later reversed this stance, allowing students to enroll as part of a trade agreement. Despite this, the number of Chinese students in the U.S. has been declining, with over 277,000 currently enrolled, down from pre-pandemic levels. Many students are now considering studying in other countries due to the uncertainty surrounding U.S. immigration policies. Al Wang, general manager of Wiseway Global, emphasized that students are increasingly looking for alternatives, as they may find better opportunities closer to home.

 

EdSource

Students at English universities are now expected to engage with challenging ideas, as the Office for Students has released new guidelines aimed at safeguarding free speech on campuses. Arif Ahmed, the free speech director, emphasized that students should be prepared to encounter views that may be "uncomfortable or shocking." This initiative responds to growing concerns about the silencing of diverse opinions, particularly regarding gender-critical academics and pro-Israeli groups. The guidelines stem from legislation passed in 2023, which aims to protect lawful speech while allowing universities to regulate its expression to maintain a conducive learning environment. Julian Sladdin from law firm Pinsent Masons noted the ongoing challenges universities face in navigating complex and polarizing issues related to free speech.

 

Los Angeles Times