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California
16th April 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Who will lead California schools?

California voters remain largely undecided in the race for state superintendent, with none of the 10 candidates reaching 10% support among likely voters, according to a recent Public Policy Institute of California survey. The poll found 51% of voters think education quality has worsened, even as 57% of public school parents say schools are improving. Majorities support transitional kindergarten funding and limits on cellphone use, while only 24% back private school vouchers. Survey director Mark Baldassare said: “When you have more than half the people saying that they think that the quality of education has gotten worse, I think that’s something.” Separately, the California Teachers Association endorsed Tom Steyer for governor after withdrawing support for Eric Swalwell due to sexual assault allegations. CTA President David Goldberg said: "He also walked the picket lines with educators on strike," as he highlighted Steyer's commitment to educator unions. The union, representing over 300,000 members, found Swalwell's allegations "incredibly disturbing and unacceptable," leading to his withdrawal from the race and resignation from Congress. 

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

 

NATIONAL NEWS

New AI rules shake up education

The U.S. Department of Education has announced new artificial intelligence priorities for K-12 districts and colleges applying for grant programs, effective May 13. The new rule mandates that grant proposals must expand AI and computer science education, enhance teacher preparation, and provide professional development for educators to integrate AI into various subjects. Schools and colleges are encouraged to offer dual-enrollment credits for high school students in AI and utilize AI for early intervention and special education. Keith Krueger, CEO of the Consortium for School Networking, emphasized the need for a separate funding stream for AI to ensure sustainability and maintain support for other essential programs. Unlike California's recent guidance, the federal rule lacks a plan for evaluating student data privacy and equitable access in AI implementation.

STATE NEWS

Empowering students through digital wellness

California Assembly Bill 2071 aims to mandate digital wellness education in schools, addressing concerns about technology's impact on students' mental health. Elise Choi, a junior at the Orange County School of the Arts, played a key role in drafting the bill, emphasizing the importance of student involvement in policy change. “It’s powerful to have students at the center of policy change when it comes to education legislation,” Elise said. The bill requires the California Department of Education to develop a curriculum by January 2028, covering topics like healthy screen habits and safe social media interactions. Supporters, including State Assemblymember Josh Hoover, believe this initiative will empower students to manage their technology use responsibly. The bill follows recent court rulings against social media companies for harmful practices and aims to equip students with skills to navigate the digital landscape effectively.

LEGAL

Teacher sues district over discrimination

Jeanine Rupert, a former teacher at Phoebe Hearst Elementary School, is suing the Sacramento City USD for sex- and race-based discrimination, retaliation, emotional distress, and defamation. In her lawsuit, filed in Sacramento Superior Court, Rupert claims that district officials were "intent on destroying" her reputation after she allowed students to help remove unsafe carpet. She argues that her reassignment was retaliation for opposing changes to the kindergarten program proposed by then-assistant superintendent Aprille Shafto. Rupert's complaint states: "The District's conclusions were so far-fetched and unfounded that one cannot assume they were simply stupid." The lawsuit follows significant community support for Rupert, including rallies and a recall campaign against a school board member.

Santa Rosa Schools settle for $6.25m

Santa Rosa City Schools has agreed to a $6.25m settlement related to lawsuits from the families of two students involved in a fatal stabbing at Montgomery High School in 2023. The settlement, filed in Sonoma County Superior Court, includes $3.5m for the family of Jayden Pienta, who died, and $2.75m for Daniel Pulido, who was charged in the incident. The payout marks a record for a Sonoma County public agency linked to a single event. The district acknowledged the ongoing trauma, stating: “Of course, no legal resolution can ease the profound trauma and loss experienced by Jayden and Daniel’s family and friends.” The settlement comes amid significant financial challenges for the district, which is implementing cost-cutting measures to address a $30m deficit.

GOVERNANCE

Math advocate eyes school board seat

John Craig, a 46-year-old math advocate, is contemplating a run for the Palo Alto USD board. He has established a fundraising committee and a website, mirroring candidate Avery Wang's design. Craig, who has voiced support for board member Rowena Chiu and criticized former Superintendent Don Austin, is particularly interested in introducing Multivariable Calculus to the district's curriculum.

Melvoin's final term

Nick Melvoin, a member of the Los Angeles USD board, is seeking a third and final term in the upcoming June 2 election. Representing the Fourth District, which encompasses areas like Bel Air, Brentwood, and Venice, Melvoin has been a moderate advocate for charter schools, focusing on student interests and improved educational outcomes.

DISTRICTS

Women in History: A stellar tribute

The 16th annual “Women in History” presentation at Saugus High School featured a captivating theme centered on female astronauts. The event showcased six notable women: Sally Ride, Jasmin Moghbeli, Sharon Christa McAuliffe, Mae Jemison, Valentina Tereshkova, and Sunita Williams Pandy. Louise Willard, the event organizer and career transition advisor, emphasized the importance of engaging students through live presentations, “Because I think everybody learns in a different way.” Freshman Addison Rivera, who portrayed Jasmin Moghbeli, expressed her passion for acting and the honor of celebrating these women. Wendy Noonan, an English teacher, highlighted the event's educational value, noting that it helps students connect various subjects. The presentation included monologues, costumes, and visual elements, creating an immersive experience for the audience.

STUDENT SUPPORT

Empowering students boosts school success

Districts and schools that actively seek student input on policy changes tend to see improvements in both engagement and academic performance. Amanda Austin, principal of Iberville Math, Science, and Arts Academy East, notes: “I have seen higher engagement, attendance, as well as pride in our school.” Effective strategies include providing multiple avenues for student participation, such as advisory groups and surveys, and creating leadership programs that empower students. Adam Lancto, principal of Grandville High School, emphasizes the importance of including students in decision-making processes, which has led to significant changes like new classroom furniture and AI policies. Additionally, Matthew Epps, principal of the Career Technical Education Center, highlights the need for teachers to embrace student feedback, even when it challenges their practices. By fostering an environment where students feel valued, schools can enhance their overall effectiveness.

Education's hidden challenges revealed

Avery Thrush, a former Voice of Change fellow and current LEE Fellow at the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, reflects on her teaching experiences and the profound impact of external factors on student success. She states: "Students spend the vast majority of their lives before the age of 18 outside of school," highlighting how education is influenced by housing stability, healthcare access, and community safety. Thrush emphasizes that while teachers play a crucial role, the most significant gains occur when systems align to support students. She points to place-based partnerships, like the Harlem Children’s Zone and StriveTogether, as promising initiatives that bring together various stakeholders to create a supportive ecosystem for children and families. These efforts recognize that students arrive at school with the cumulative effects of their life experiences, underscoring the need for a holistic approach to education.

TEACHING

Engaging students through outdoor learning

Shirley J. Brezzell, a fifth-grade science and social studies teacher at Mackenzie Elementary-Middle School in Detroit, is passionate about engaging her students through an outdoor garden she created. Brezzell, named the 2026 Elementary School Science Teacher of the Year by the Michigan Science Teachers Association, incorporates gardening into her lessons to teach about healthy eating and the science of matter. “When they see the process from seed to a piece of fruit that they can actually eat, it is mind-blowing,” Brezzell said. Her innovative “Garden in a Bag” project allows students to grow portable gardens, ensuring they have access to fresh produce even during summer. Brezzell emphasizes the importance of education and aims to empower her students to make informed choices about their health and lifestyle.

SPORTS

Fresno State scores big with jersey patches

Fresno State is poised to enhance its athletics revenue through the NCAA's approval of commercial jersey patches. As it transitions to the Pac-12 Conference, the university aims to close its revenue gap with peers. Athletics director Garrett Klassy emphasized the importance of new revenue streams, stating: “This is your opportunity to get in, big or small.” Other schools, like UNLV and Wyoming, have already secured lucrative deals, with UNLV's agreement worth $11m. Fresno State's revenue-sharing contract with Bulldog Sports Enterprises will allow it to retain 90% of net revenue from jersey patches, which could significantly boost its financial standing. The athletics department is also set to benefit from a $5m increase in student fees approved by university president Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval.

INTERNATIONAL

Sweden reconsiders classroom technology

Sweden’s government is shifting schools away from screens and toward books, paper, and pen-based learning in response to falling literacy and concerns about classroom distraction. The policy includes grants for textbooks, a coming mobile phone ban, and curriculum changes favoring printed materials. Liberal Party education spokesperson Joar Forsell said: “We’re trying, actually, to get rid of screens as much as possible.” Critics, including edtech leaders and researchers, warn that reducing digital exposure could weaken workforce readiness, widen inequality, and leave students less prepared for AI-driven workplaces.
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