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California
18th March 2026
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THE HOT STORY

California sues Oakland USD

The California Department of Education has filed a lawsuit against Oakland USD, alleging it failed to address multiple complaints of antisemitism on its campuses. The lawsuit, initiated in early March, follows complaints from Jewish advocacy groups regarding pro-Palestinian materials and curricula. The department seeks a court order to compel the district to implement corrective actions outlined in a January 23 decision, which included condemning antisemitism and consulting Jewish organizations for training. District officials have requested additional time to comply with these directives. Additionally, two Jewish advocacy groups have sued the state, claiming it has allowed antisemitic harassment to persist in California public schools. 

BLENDED LEARNING

An Administrator's Guide to Blended Learning  

Online learning doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing approach. Explore blended learning with this comprehensive guide from FlexPoint®, which includes:    
  • Worksheets to define your school’s needs
  • Outline of blended learning classroom models
  • List of questions to ask curriculum providers
  • Best practices for educator training
  • Instructional strategies and tips
  • Key benefits for you, students, and staff    
Download the FlexPoint guide to find the right mix of face-to-face and online instruction for your school or district.  

Download Free Guide

 

WORKFORCE

L.A. Teachers Union poised to strike

With contract negotiations stalled, the Los Angeles Teachers Union is expected to announce a strike date that could disrupt the education of approximately 390,000 students. The announcement will coincide with a significant rally in Gloria Molina Grand Park, involving three employee unions. The union's Vice President, Julie Van Winkle, emphasized the need for better wages, stating: “Our members aren't trying to buy one house in San Pedro and six houses in Florida. They're just trying to afford rent in the district in which they teach.” The union's latest proposal includes a 17% salary increase over two years, particularly benefiting early career teachers. Meanwhile, the district has offered an 8% raise over two years, with financial pressures looming due to declining enrollment and the expiration of pandemic aid.

New team tackles housing for educators

The Novato USD has introduced a new team to advance its education workforce housing plans. Planning consultant Sean Kennings and financial adviser Ty Taylor presented to the district's housing advisory committee, outlining their roles in the project. Kennings will manage the project and guide the development of 190 to 220 affordable homes for district employees on surplus properties.

NATIONAL NEWS

School equity gains slip

An Education Law Center analysis found that while most states held steady or modestly increased school funding from 2022 to 2023, more than 10 reduced the share going to high-poverty districts, reversing a decade-long pattern. Research director Danielle Farrie said: “In order to be fair, school funding must be both adequate and equitable.” The report identified 17 progressive states in 2023, down from 28 in 2022. It also showed wide variation in per-pupil funding, with New York highest and Idaho lowest, while advocates warned long-term inequities remain entrenched.

FINANCE

Sonoma Valley schools see funding boost

Rena Seifts, associate superintendent of Sonoma Valley USD, presented the second interim fiscal report, revealing an increase of over $545,000 in funds compared to the first interim report. Projected revenues rose by $239,507, primarily from property taxes and donations, while expenditures decreased by $305,865 due to cuts in employee salaries and benefits. The district anticipates an increase in the ending fund balance from $11.8m in 2025-26 to $22m in 2027-28, although these figures may be adjusted for additional expenses.

TECHNOLOGY

AI adoption accelerating in schools

A Stanford review of more than 1,100 studies found AI use in K–12 education is growing quickly, but strong evidence about its effects remains thin. Only 20 studies used causal methods, and most research focused on technical performance, short-term outcomes, and math. Early results suggest AI can improve performance when it helps students work through reasoning rather than giving answers outright. But findings are mixed for independent student use, raising concerns about true skill development. The review also points to teacher time savings, while warning that policy and spending decisions are outpacing the evidence.

Sonoma Valley defines AI use

Sonoma Valley USD in California has approved a comprehensive policy governing the use of AI across its schools, establishing guardrails for students, staff, and other users as the technology becomes more widespread in education. The policy encourages AI as a tool to enhance learning, support teaching, and improve administrative efficiency, but stresses that it should supplement, not replace, critical thinking, instruction, and professional judgment. It also requires ethical, transparent use, equitable access, and strong safeguards around privacy and data security, alongside ongoing staff training and community engagement. At the same time, the district has clearly defined prohibited uses, including generating harmful or discriminatory content, sharing confidential or personal information, and violating academic integrity or conduct policies.

POLICY

Phone-free school push grows

Communities nationwide are debating the role of smartphones in schools, with many advocating for bell-to-bell phone-free policies. Cheryl Westmont, Co-Chair of the Peninsula/Silicon Valley chapter of Mothers Against Media Addiction, emphasizes the need for healthier technology habits, stating: "We are living through a youth mental health crisis." Research links excessive smartphone use to increased anxiety and decreased attention spans, which have plummeted from 2.5 minutes in 2004 to just 47 seconds today. Schools that have adopted phone-free policies report positive outcomes, including improved student engagement and teacher satisfaction.

LAUSD weighs screen time limits

Nick Melvoin of the Los Angeles Unified school board argues that classrooms have grown too quiet as students spend more time on screens and less time interacting with peers. His proposal would create developmentally appropriate screen-time guidelines and could make LAUSD the first district to adopt broad limits on classroom device use. The resolution calls for reviewing whether one-to-one devices should be removed for younger students during school hours. Melvoin asks: “What actually helps kids learn best?” and frames the effort around using technology to support, not weaken, instruction and social connection.

DISTRICTS

San Antonio High School saved from closure

San Antonio High School, a vital alternative education institution in Petaluma, will remain open through the 2026-27 school year after the Petaluma City Schools District board unanimously decided to withdraw a resolution that proposed its closure. The resolution aimed to freeze new enrollments and transition current students to other schools, but board members acknowledged the need for further discussion on the district's alternative education system.

Longtime San Luis schools leader to retire

Eric Prater, the Superintendent of San Luis Coastal USD, announced his retirement effective July 2027 after 17 years in the role.

CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION

Bridging the gap: K-12 schools' role

EdSource discusses the critical role K-12 schools play in bridging the gap between high school, higher education, and the workforce. As students face challenges like underemployment and student debt, the need for intentional career preparation is evident. "The college for all model is missing the critical career piece," the article states. In collaboration with Education Strategy Group, Making Waves Academy is exploring how to shift from this model to one that prioritizes students' success in the job market. Insights from students reveal a desire for earlier exposure to career opportunities and essential skills like leadership and financial literacy. EdSource emphasizes the importance of partnerships with local organizations to enhance real-world experiences and support students in their career journeys.

LEGAL

Parent arrested during school sit-in

Jessica Vroman, a parent in the Natomas USD, was arrested during a sit-in at the district office on Thursday. Vroman, who was protesting the ongoing teachers strike, stated in a video: "We are staging a sit-in until someone meets with us." The district office has been closed since the strike began, and district spokesperson Deidra Powell described Vroman's actions as "concerning." Following her arrest, a crowd of over a hundred parents, teachers, and students rallied in support of her outside the office.
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