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On Thursday, a coalition of nearly 600 local, state and national organizations representing districts, teachers, families, and students, in signing a letter to Secretary of Education Linda McMahon and Office of Management Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought, asking them to facilitate the speedy release of over $6.8bn in federal education funds for ESSA Title programs I-C, II-A, III-A, IV-A, and IV-B. “These programs serve more than 95,000 K-12 schools and 55m students, as well as 1.2m adult learners. The delays are forcing schools to lay off staff, cancel professional development, eliminate afterschool and summer programs, and scramble to prepare for the upcoming school year without the resources they were promised,” the letter stated, adding: “With just weeks before schools reopen, this funding delay is sabotaging student learning, educator preparedness, and essential services—particularly for English learners, rural students, and families with the greatest need." The July 1 disbursements to states are seen as critical for the institutions that educate and support young people and adult learners across the country. The letter's sentiment were echoed in a separate missive on Thursday to McMahon and Vought from seventeen Democratic state governors describing the funding freeze as "unacceptable," and detrimental to school operations and student services. Signatories included Katie Hobbs of Arizona, Gavin Newsom of California, J.B. Pritzker of Illinois, Michelle Lujan Grisham of New Mexico, and Daniel McKee of Rhode Island.

 

Allied For Progress - Press Release

Allied For Progress - Letter to Secretary McMahon and Director Vought

California has added 3,000 new classroom teachers and numerous administrators despite a decline in student enrollment and budget cuts following the end of pandemic funding. The California Department of Education (CDE) released the long-awaited data, which had not been updated since the 2018-19 school year. José Magaña, executive director of Bay Area Latinos for Education, emphasized the importance of accessible data, stating, “It’s very difficult to do this work without having the data in front of us.” The report reveals a 19% increase in Hispanic teachers and a 21% rise in Hispanic administrators over the past five years. However, challenges remain, including declining enrollment and budget constraints that may affect future teacher numbers. The CDE plans to release additional data for the 2024-25 school year later this year.

 

EdSource

California lawmakers are debating two competing bills aimed at reforming charter school oversight in response to significant fraud cases. Assembly Bill 84, introduced by Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi, seeks to impose stricter audit requirements and oversight on charter schools, particularly those offering non-classroom-based homeschooling programs. Muratsuchi remarked: "I will not compromise on the ultimate goal of strengthening charter school oversight and accountability to crack down on the bad actors." In contrast, Senate Bill 414, supported by Angelique Ashby and charter school advocates, aims to enhance accountability without overburdening schools. Critics argue that SB 414 lacks sufficient measures to prevent fraud. The ongoing negotiations may lead to a consolidated bill, balancing oversight with the needs of charter schools. Both bills were advanced in their respective committees and will continue to be discussed over the summer.

 

The Sacramento Bee

Jason Glass has been appointed as the new superintendent of Laguna Beach USD, emphasizing the importance of community in education. Reflecting on his upbringing, he commented: “I grew up seeing that the community would do anything for us as kids.” Glass, who has a rich background in educational leadership, aims to understand the community's aspirations and needs before implementing changes. He acknowledges the challenges posed by the pandemic, including social-emotional issues and academic performance drops, and believes in the necessity of fostering human connections in education. "We’ve got to emphasize and create opportunities for human connections," he said. Glass is committed to integrating local cultural experiences into the curriculum, ensuring a well-rounded education for students.

 

Los Angeles Times

Pajaro Valley USD is implementing a model where law enforcement officers collaborate with mental health clinicians to address both physical and emotional needs on campus. This initiative aims to enhance student safety and well-being. Proponents are urging the school board to renew contracts with law enforcement agencies to continue this program.

 

Santa Cruz Sentinel

The California School Boards Association (CSBA) has launched a comprehensive set of resources aimed at assisting school leaders in understanding and implementing artificial intelligence (AI) in educational settings. This initiative includes fact sheets, research briefs, and webinars covering various aspects of AI, such as legal considerations and ethical frameworks. Susan Markarian, chair of the AI Taskforce and trustee in the Pacific Union Elementary School District, emphasized the importance of adapting to AI's rapid evolution, commenting: “As AI transforms society, it is essential that we do our best to keep pace with and address the implications of this new technology.” The CSBA is committed to providing ongoing support and resources as AI technology continues to develop.

 

EdSource

Tess Mata's tragic death at Robb Elementary in Uvalde, Texas, has led her family to sue major companies they believe contributed to the gun violence that claimed her life. The Matas, along with other families, allege that exposure to violent content in video games, particularly “Call of Duty,” and social media platforms like Instagram, played a role in the shooter's actions. Veronica Mata stated, “They glorify these weapons. They made it enticing for young kids to want to purchase these guns.” The lawsuit claims that these companies have created an environment that encourages violence among youth. Activision and Meta are seeking to dismiss the case, citing First Amendment protections. The families are determined to hold these corporations accountable, with lawyer Josh Koskoff emphasizing that “any adolescent that wants to download Call of Duty can do that.” The outcome of this case could set a significant precedent in the ongoing debate over the influence of violent media on real-world actions.

 

Los Angeles Times

In a piece for Education Week, educators Marie Moreno, Rachel Edoho-Eket, and David Upegui share effective, low-cost strategies for improving the teaching environment. Moreno emphasizes that enhancing teacher satisfaction doesn't require a large budget. Key recommendations include prioritizing teacher collaboration time, providing regular constructive feedback, and cultivating a positive school culture. Edoho-Eket highlights the importance of recognizing staff contributions and involving teachers in decision-making processes. Upegui advocates for administrators to be physically present in classrooms to foster connections and support. These strategies aim to create a supportive atmosphere that benefits both teachers and students, ultimately leading to better educational outcomes.

 

Education Week News

Hayk Poghosyan, a graduate of Verdugo Hills High School, is one of 11 LA County seniors awarded the 2025 Milken Scholar title. This scholarship, a collaboration between the Milken Institute and the Milken Family Foundation, provides a $10,000 cash prize and lifelong support for college and career development. Since moving to the U.S. from Armenia in 2012, Poghosyan has made significant contributions as a tutor, community service leader, and artist. He founded the Overseas English Tutoring Camp and revived a local art center post-COVID. As valedictorian, he is the first in his family to attend college, planning to study electrical engineering and philosophy at Princeton. He aims to become a patent attorney, showcasing his dedication to education and community service.

 

Cresenta Valley Weekly