Education Slice
Become more informed in minutes....
Education Slice Logo
California
1st April 2026
Together with

FlexPoint Brand Logo

THE HOT STORY

California teachers back Swalwell for governor

The California Teachers Association (CTA), representing 310,000 members, endorsed Rep. Eric Swalwell for governor, highlighting his participation in educator strikes in Dublin and San Francisco. Swalwell expressed gratitude for the endorsement, arguing: "Teachers are the backbone of our communities and the co-authors of our kids’ lives." He also has the support of the Service Employees International Union, which represents 750,000 workers, praising his efforts in Congress against corporate tax cuts that harm working people. Swalwell, who serves California’s 14th District, has faced scrutiny from the Trump administration regarding a past investigation into his ties to a suspected Chinese spy, which he claims is politically motivated.

INCREASE ENROLLMENT

Guide on Marketing Your School or District

This guide provides you with actionable strategies to help communicate your school’s or district’s strengths, attract more families, and ensure parents find the best education option for their children.

Access Free Guide

 

NATIONAL NEWS

Justices deliver broad First Amendment ruling against state therapy restrictions

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled 8–1 that Colorado’s ban on licensed therapists engaging in “conversion therapy” with minors violated the First Amendment because it restricted speech based on viewpoint. Writing for a broad majority, Justice Neil Gorsuch called the law an “egregious assault” on free speech because it permitted some perspectives while barring others. The case was brought by Kaley Chiles, a Christian counselor who said the law blocked counseling aligned with clients’ religious goals. The ruling could weaken similar laws in more than 20 states and the District of Columbia.

Superintendents increasingly face financial strain

According to a recent survey conducted by the AASA, the School Superintendents Association, most superintendents express a desire to remain in their current roles despite financial concerns. The survey, which gathered 1,951 responses from superintendents across 49 states, revealed that while 51% reported stable economic conditions, 38% noted a decline—up from 30% the previous year. Notably, 89% of superintendents plan to stay in their positions, reflecting a commitment to leadership continuity, which is essential for school improvement. The average salary for superintendents was reported at $178,111, significantly higher than that of starting teachers, with a median salary ratio of 3.5 to 1. However, many superintendents and teachers expressed dissatisfaction with their compensation, indicating a need for salary adjustments.

Education programs shift agencies

The Trump administration is transferring responsibility for dozens of Department of Education programs to other federal agencies, placing multiple Cabinet secretaries at the center of federal education policy and signaling a significant restructuring of how these programs are managed. The Department of Labor, led by Lori Chavez-DeRemer, is set to take on the largest share, including most K–12 and more than 40 higher education programs, while the Department of the Interior under Doug Burgum will oversee programs for Native American students. The State Department, led by Marco Rubio, will handle international education initiatives, the Department of Health and Human Services under Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will manage community-based education programs, and the Treasury Department led by Scott Bessent will assume responsibility for the federal student loan portfolio.

WORKFORCE

LAUSD and teachers union clash

As astrike deadline approaches, tensions rise between Los Angeles USD and United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA). An independent fact-finding report revealed significant divisions, recommending a 3% one-time payment and an 8% raise over the next two years. LAUSD praised the report as "fiscally responsible," while UTLA criticized it for neglecting the district's financial realities and compromising student needs. Sarah Kim, a school psychologist and UTLA bargaining team member, said: "Framing this as a trade-off for compensation is not only disrespectful - it is unconscionable." With both UTLA and SEIU Local 99 threatening to strike on April 14, the potential disruption could affect over 500,000 students in the nation's second-largest school district.

New housing for San Jose teachers

In San Jose, a proposal is underway to develop workforce housing specifically for employees of the Alum Rock Union Elementary School District at 2050 Kammerer Ave. The project aims to create approximately 78 homes, with half of the units reserved for lower-income households.

FINANCE

Rincon Valley's budget woes revealed

Rincon Valley USD is grappling with significant financial challenges, as highlighted in a recent report by the Fiscal Crisis Management Assistance Team (FCMAT). The audit revealed "weaknesses" in budgeting practices and inconsistent operations, leading to an $8.5m deficit, approximately 8% of the budget. Interim Superintendent Mike Herfurth stated: "We self-certified as negative... because we wanted to make sure that we were taking action right away." The district has since submitted a positive budget certification, aided by a fiscal recovery plan expected to save $4.9m. However, issues such as inaccurate payroll accounting and poor planning continue to threaten the district's financial stability. The report emphasized the need for improved oversight and realistic budgeting practices to avoid future deficits.

DISTRICTS

Pasadena schools face potential closures

Pasadena USD officials held a virtual town hall yesterday to address concerns regarding potential school closures due to significant financial challenges. The discussions have sparked emotional responses from students, parents, and teachers, with many expressing their worries about the future of their schools. Superintendent Elizabeth Blanco listened to public comments during a recent board meeting, emphasizing the district's commitment to transparency and community engagement.

Reviving McCormick Park for education

Western Placer USD is considering plans to repurpose a privately owned section of McCormick Park, previously used for outdoor education. The 150-acre site, donated by the Western Placer Education Foundation in 2021, was a destination for middle school students until the COVID-19 pandemic halted the program. Barret Hess, the district's outdoor spaces manager, said: "We've been trying to figure out just exactly what place this holds in this community and in our education community."

GOVERNANCE

New HR chief takes the helm at Petuluma City

Jen Hansen has officially taken over as the new assistant superintendent of human resources for Petaluma City Schools, succeeding Jason Sutter. With over 20 years of experience in education, including her recent role as director of human resources at Santa Rosa Junior College, Hansen is well-equipped to handle the challenges ahead, particularly the district's $6m budget cuts.

TRANSPORTATION

Cloud cameras transform bus safety

U.S. school districts are increasingly replacing DVR-based bus camera systems with cloud-based platforms that improve safety, speed investigations, and reduce staff workload. These newer tools provide real-time video, GPS tracking, and AI-assisted search, helping districts respond to incidents in minutes and communicate faster with families. The systems also support discipline cases, protect drivers, and capture illegal passing of stopped buses for possible fines. Added features such as automated alerts, facial recognition, and parent tracking apps are expanding oversight and transparency.

HIGHER EDUCATION

Judge widens admissions data block

A federal judge has expanded a temporary block preventing the Trump administration from requiring a broader group of universities to submit extensive admissions data on race and sex, as part of efforts to enforce the Supreme Court’s 2023 ban on affirmative action. U.S. District Judge F. Dennis Saylor extended protections to members of major academic associations, including leading research universities and Massachusetts-based colleges, after previously limiting relief to public institutions in 17 states. The ruling halts enforcement of a Department of Education survey seeking seven years of admissions data, which critics argue imposes unprecedented requirements without proper procedural approval, with a further hearing scheduled for April 13.

INTERNATIONAL

Alberta tightens school neutrality

Alberta’s Bill 25 would reshape education policy by requiring teachers and school boards to remain neutral and impartial, limiting how political and social issues are discussed in schools. The measure would also restrict most flag displays to the Canadian and Alberta flags, require the national anthem at least weekly, and expand the education minister’s control over board decisions. Critics say the proposal is overly centralized and could chill classroom discussion, while the government says it is removing “politics and ideology” from schools.

UAE schools remain online as conflict with Iran disrupts education system

Remote learning across the UAE has been extended until at least April 17 due to ongoing Iranian missile and drone attacks, with authorities confirming the situation will be reviewed weekly. The decision applies to all public and private schools, as well as nurseries and kindergartens, covering both students and administrative staff to prioritise safety. Education has been disrupted since early March, when institutions were first moved online and spring holidays were brought forward, with remote learning continuing since then.
Industry Slice Logo

Education Slice delivers the latest, most relevant and useful intelligence to key educators, administrators, decision makers and teaching influencers, each weekday morning..

Content is selected to an exacting brief from hundreds of influential media sources and summarised by experienced journalists into an easy-to-read digest email. Education Slice enhances the performance and decision-making capabilities of individuals and teams by delivering the relevant news, innovations and knowledge in a cost-effective way.

If you are interested in sponsorship opportunities within Education Slice, please get in touch via email sales team

Follow us on FacebookFollow us on XFollow us on Linkedin

This e-mail has been sent to [[EMAIL_TO]]

Click here to unsubscribe