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California
13th February 2026
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THE HOT STORY

California fights back against funding threat

California has initiated a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Education, challenging its threat to withhold $4.9bn in federal education funding over the state's policy on gender identity disclosure. California Attorney General Rob Bonta stated: "We will not stand by as U.S. ED uses baseless claims to attack crucial education funding." The lawsuit argues that the Department's actions are unconstitutional and motivated by discrimination against transgender individuals. The California Department of Education (CDE) has been accused of coercing school districts into withholding information about students' gender identities, which Bonta disputes, asserting that the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act only requires disclosure of educational records. This legal battle is part of a broader conflict over parental notification policies regarding transgender students, with implications for educational rights and student privacy.

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NATIONAL NEWS

Districts depend on flexible federal grants to support student needs, report finds

A new survey by the Association of School Business Officials International and the Title IV-A Coalition shows that school districts across 43 states across the nation rely heavily on federal Title IV-A grants to fund STEM programmes, mental health services, and classroom technology. Among more than 1,000 finance and operations leaders surveyed during the 2024-2025 school year, 56% used funds to expand STEM and computer science, 36% prioritized school-based mental health services, and 29% invested in blended learning and computer-based assessments. Some 78% cited the program’s spending flexibility as its most valuable feature, allowing districts to address gaps not covered by state or local budgets. While Congress allocated $1.38bn for fiscal year 2026, 61% of respondents said funding levels remain insufficient, prompting calls for increased support in the 2027 federal budget to meet rising student and district needs. “Title IV-A’s flexible structure recognizes that one-size-fits-all approaches don’t always work in education," commented James Rowan, CAE, SFO, CEO/Executive Director of ASBO International. "It empowers education leaders, especially in rural, underserved areas, to strategically invest funds to meet their students’ unique needs, whether by enhancing educational offerings, improving school environments, or expanding student access to digital skills and tools to help them succeed.”

WORKFORCE

Los Angeles USD faces potential layoffs ahead

Los Angeles USD is contemplating layoffs due to a projected $191m deficit for the 2027-28 school year, driven by declining enrollment and rising costs. Michael Fine, chief executive of the Fiscal Crisis and Management Assistance Team, said: “When your cuts are driven by declining enrollment... you’re not left with a whole lot of choice.” The district's enrollment has dropped over 3% to 389,000, exacerbating financial pressures. Labor unions are advocating for pay raises amid these challenges, with United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA) voting to authorize a strike if an agreement isn't reached. LAUSD Superintendent Alberto Carvalho emphasized the need to protect students and programs while balancing fiscal responsibilities. The school board's decision on layoffs is expected soon, with notifications to affected employees required by March 15.

Cuts hit Santa Rosa Schools hard

The Santa Rosa City Schools board has approved significant cuts to its workforce and educational programs, impacting counseling staff and special education services. The district's budget is reduced by $14.4m, leading to the elimination of essential programs for elementary students with special needs. "This is not just a budget cut; it’s a loss of support for our most vulnerable students," said Ebxo Ofvgfme, a board member. The cuts also limit mental health services, raising concerns about the well-being of students. The district's financial challenges are compounded by a projected $3m deficit for the upcoming fiscal year, prompting urgent discussions about the future of educational support in the community.

Vallejo school board cuts 80 jobs

The Vallejo City USD board has unanimously approved a reduction of approximately 80 certificated positions for the 2026-2027 school year, following a previous decision to cut 142 classified positions. The board's action aims to address a projected $32m budget deficit over the next two years. The cuts will impact teachers, administrators, and counselors, raising concerns among union members and staff about the support available for students. Assistant Superintendent Matthew Chamberlain emphasized the necessity of these cuts for fiscal stability, warning that without them, the district risks a negative fund balance.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Fresno superintendents urge students to stay

In a joint letter, ten Fresno County superintendents this week urged students to refrain from walkouts, emphasizing that their safety and learning are compromised when they leave campus without permission. The letter stated: “As superintendents across Fresno County, we are writing together to address recent student walkouts and to ask for your partnership in ensuring student safety.” The protests, which have been fueled by recent immigration enforcement actions, have seen hundreds of students from various schools participating. While some districts have previously accompanied students during walkouts, they have ceased this practice due to safety concerns. The superintendents encouraged parents to discuss the importance of classroom attendance and the risks associated with leaving school grounds.

Teacher resigns over ICE fears

Jehan Mirzaei, a teacher at Atascadero Middle School, resigned during a school board meeting on February 3 due to concerns about the administration's handling of fears related to ICE. Mirzaei's resignation followed a conversation with a student who expressed anxiety after witnessing a video of a fatal shooting by an ICE agent. He sought to address these fears through broader discussions but was told such conversations would be too political. "Until the adults show that they can be braver with their voices than the students have to be with their physical selves, I'm not going to be working at AMS," Mirzaei said. Following his resignation, he received a reprimand for his absence during a protest against ICE.

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DISTRICTS

New book approval process proposed

The Redlands USD board in San Bernardino County has instructed the superintendent to create a procedure requiring principals to approve books before they are added to library shelves. Board member Candy Olson raised concerns about the book “Gender Queer: A Memoir” by Maia Kobabe, which she deemed inappropriate for students. Olson stated: "It recounts Kobabe’s life from adolescence to adulthood," highlighting the book's exploration of gender identity and sexuality. Another board member, Jeannette Wilson, criticized the book as “despicable” and called for accountability regarding book placements. The proposed procedure mandates that a record be kept of each book's title, author, and the individual responsible for its addition.

West Contra Costa community fights middle school closure

Supporters of the Betty Reid Soskin Middle School gathered to oppose its planned closure and merger with Pinole Valley Middle School. The West Contra Costa USD board approved a fiscal solvency plan that will cut $42m from its $500m budget for the 2026-27 school year, which includes a 10% staffing reduction. Board member Demetrio Gonzalez-Hoy said: “These are incredibly difficult decisions,” emphasizing the need to "right-size our budget" to avoid losing control. The plan follows the district's first teachers' strike settlement, which provided wage increases but left the district grappling with financial sustainability. Parents and staff at Betty Reid Soskin Middle School expressed their concerns over the merger, with Gonzalez-Hoy apologizing for the decision and pledging to honor Soskin's legacy.

Housing plan sparks environmental concerns

Newport-Mesa USD is considering a proposal to develop an 11.36-acre parcel of land for up to 402 housing units, potentially generating $1.7 bn over a 99-year lease. However, environmentalists, including Melanie Schlotterbeck from the Coastal Corridor Alliance, are advocating for the preservation of the site, citing its ecological significance and the presence of threatened species.

VA lease decision sparks controversy

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has terminated agreements with three entities, including Brentwood School, to utilize parts of its West Los Angeles campus. This decision aligns with President Trump's executive order aimed at establishing a National Center for Warrior Independence, which will provide housing for 6,000 veterans.

GOVERNANCE

New trustee joins Reed Union board

Mike Ghaffary has been appointed to the Reed USD board of trustees, filling the unexpired term of Sherry Wangenheim, who resigned. Ghaffary, a Tiburon resident and math team coach at Del Mar Middle School, was unanimously chosen by the board after interviews on February 6.

CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION

New schools delayed to 2028

Manteca Unified has pushed the planned opening of two new TK-8 elementary campuses south of the 120 Bypass from August 2027 to August 2028 due to site constraints. The Tinnin Road campus must be annexed into the City of Manteca to secure sewer and water service, while the Tara Park site faces high groundwater and storm-drainage challenges.

INTERNATIONAL

Nearly 500 Alberta schools to receive new support teams under C$143m plan

The Alberta government will allocate C$143m ($105m) to create 476 “complexity teams” in elementary schools across the province, aiming to help teachers manage growing academic and behavioral challenges in classrooms. Each team will include one teacher and two educational assistants, providing in-class support such as English-language learning, enrichment for gifted students and help with disruptive behavior, with the option to bring in additional specialists when needed. The funding follows new provincial data from more than 89,000 classrooms and forms part of a broader C$400m, three-year plan to address class size and complexity. All 61 school authorities will receive at least one team, with 143 assigned to Edmonton, 171 to Calgary and 162 elsewhere. While the government says the initiative supports early intervention and builds on plans to hire 3,000 teachers and 1,500 assistants, critics and the Alberta Teachers’ Association argue it reflects years of underfunding and are calling for further support, particularly for Grades 7 to 12.

AND FINALLY......

McMahon to lead U.S. delegation to Winter Olympics closing ceremony

Education Secretary Linda McMahon will head the U.S. delegation to the closing ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Verona, Italy, on February 22, the White House has announced. She will be joined by U.S. Ambassador to Italy and San Marino Tilman Fertitta, Small Business Administration chief Kelly Loeffler, senior Trump adviser Meredith O’Rourke and former Olympic ice hockey player Ryan Suter, among others. 
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