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The United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA), representing over 35,000 educators in Los Angeles USD (LAUSD), has declared an impasse after ten months of negotiations that began on February 18. This declaration initiates a formal mediation process. UTLA President Cecily Myart-Cruz said: "We cannot allow LAUSD to sit on one of the largest school reserves in the country while our communities are under attack." The union is calling for improved support for immigrant students, better class sizes, a salary structure for retention, funding for classroom supplies, and the use of vacant land for affordable housing. Myart-Cruz highlighted that over 20% of full-time educators qualify for low-income assistance, emphasizing that LAUSD's $5.03bn reserves should support educators and students. This decision follows a recent agreement by LAUSD to fully fund employee health benefits through 2027, as noted by Superintendent Alberto Carvalho.

 

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The U.S. Department of Education has ordered the temporary return of up to 247 Office for Civil Rights (OCR) employees, placed on administrative leave in March, due to pending reduction-in-force (RIF) litigation, to resume work handling civil rights complaints from mid-December. “The Department remains committed to defending the RIF as the government-wide effort to reorient and right-size the federal workforce continues,” staff were told in an email on Friday. The agency said the move ensures those still on payroll contribute to enforcement efforts while awaiting a court decision on the legality of the RIFs. A judge’s recent ruling in a similar case at the State Department may influence the outcome.

 

FedScoop

Bloomberg

The strike by West Contra Costa school employees entered its second day as union members reported no progress in contract negotiations with district leadership. Union President Francisco Ortiz expressed disappointment: "We were hopeful that they were finally prepared to solve this crisis, but instead of solutions, we got theatrics." The United Teachers of Richmond, representing over 1,400 education professionals, is demanding a 10% raise over two years, full health benefits, and improvements in class sizes and facilities. The district has countered with a 3% raise and increased contributions to health care. With a history of financial instability, the district faces pressure to cut nearly $33m from its budget. Ortiz emphasized the union's commitment to continue striking until their demands are met, remarking: "Solidarity is a verb, and we are going to demonstrate it again and again until we get what our schools need."

 

Mercury News

San Francisco USD has shown signs of financial recovery after years of instability, with officials reporting progress for the first time since 2021. Superintendent Maria Su said: "We cannot lose momentum," as the district aims for a balanced budget by March. Significant cuts, including $114m from a $1.3bn budget and the elimination of 500 staff positions, were necessary to achieve this. However, challenges remain, as the teachers' union has voted to support a strike if contract negotiations fail. Union vice president Nathalie Hrizi stressed the need for better conditions, noting: "San Francisco educators are ready and willing to fight for the schools our students deserve." Despite recent improvements, the district's financial outlook remains precarious, with state appointees still overseeing spending decisions.

 

San Luis Obispo Tribune

Parents of children with disabilities are increasingly anxious about potential budget cuts proposed by President Donald Trump, which could severely impact essential services. The proposed budget includes nearly $1tn in cuts to Medicaid, which funds vital services for disabled children, including therapy and medical care. Kristin Wright, the executive director of inclusive practices at the Sacramento County Office of Education, underscored the interdependence of these services, emphasizing that upending the basic foundational structure involves more than just a single cut. Advocates worry that these cuts could reverse decades of progress in disability rights and education, leaving families uncertain about their children's futures. Despite the looming cuts, federal laws still entitle students to necessary services, but the funding sources remain unclear.

 

Daily Breeze

Redlands Daily Facts

The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear a legal challenge to President Donald Trump’s executive order aiming to end birthright citizenship for children born in the U.S. to undocumented immigrant parents. The case, Trump v. Barbara, will test whether the order violates the 14th Amendment and longstanding precedent, particularly Wong Kim Ark (1898). A federal judge in New Hampshire previously blocked the order, citing its potential “destabilizing effects” on citizenship. Education leaders warn the policy could depress school enrolment and funding, as families fear immigration enforcement, despite Plyler v. Doe guaranteeing education regardless of status. U.S. Solicitor General D. John Sauer argues that, while the 14th Amendment’s citizenship clause “put it beyond doubt that all blacks, as well as whites, born or naturalized within the jurisdiction of the United States, are citizens of the United States,”  the clause does not “grant citizenship to the children of temporary visitors or illegal aliens.” 

 

CNBC

Education Week News

Politico

Washington Post

The Modesto-area schools are navigating a landscape of challenges and achievements. Concerns have been raised by music teachers regarding a district proposal that could negatively impact visual and performing arts classes, with fears that it may "detract from in-depth music education." Meanwhile, students at Woodrow Elementary School participated in the Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day, honoring the civil rights icon's legacy. Additionally, Patterson Joint USD received a $100,000 grant to enhance its dual enrollment program, allowing high school students to take college courses.

 

The Modesto Bee

Joseph Komrosky has been re-elected as president of the Temecula Valley USD board, following a contentious meeting on December 4, 2025. After being ousted by voters in 2024, Komrosky returned to the board and was chosen for the leadership role with a 3-2 vote. Komrosky aims to foster unity and good governance, emphasizing that "at the end of the day, we are there to serve the students." Heated exchanges and safety concerns marked the meeting, leading to an early adjournment. Concerns over board dynamics and potential conflicts with trustee Emil Barham influenced Anderson's vote.

 

Press Enterprise

Ontario Education Minister Paul Calandra has signalled he is likely to significantly reduce or eliminate the role of public school trustees, citing no justification for their involvement in delivering the Ministry of Education's C$43bn ($31.09bn) budget. A final decision is expected early next year, following review of constitutional protections for Catholic and French-language boards, which he says will retain trustee roles. He has ruled out closing or merging school boards, unifying the Catholic and public systems, or introducing charter schools. Calandra also announced C$162m in funding for new high schools in Ottawa, along with an expansion to an elementary school.

 

CBC News

CTV News

Toronto Star