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California
23rd June 2026
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THE HOT STORY

California schools face multilingual decline

California's public schools have been experiencing a decline in enrollment for nearly a decade, primarily due to a significant drop in multilingual students, according to the Public Policy Institute of California. The analysis revealed that while enrollment among English-only students has slightly increased by 14,000 over the last decade, multilingual student enrollment has plummeted by 514,000. Julian Lafortune, a senior fellow, noted: “More so than other areas, families of all different backgrounds either not having as many kids or, when they choose to have kids, sending them or moving to areas outside of the immediate Bay Area.” The decline is attributed to lower birth rates and migration patterns, with projections indicating that California's public school enrollment could fall to 5.2m by 2032. This trend poses challenges for school districts, which must adapt to shifting student populations while aiming to expand bilingual programs. Lafortune emphasized the need for structural change in California's school system amidst these challenges.

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GOVERNANCE

LAUSD faces leadership crisis after Carvalho

With Alberto Carvalho's resignation, Los Angeles USD faces the challenge of finding a new superintendent amid budget deficits and declining enrollment. Acting Superintendent Andrés Chait will lead the district temporarily, but a timeline for a permanent replacement is yet to be established. The Board emphasized its commitment to “ensuring stability, continuity, and continued progress through strong leadership.” Carvalho stepped down to prevent further disruption during an FBI investigation related to a $6.2m contract with AllHere, a now-defunct company. John Rogers, Associate Dean at UCLA, expressed concern that the resignation should have come earlier to facilitate a thorough search for a new leader. Community advocates stress the importance of stability, especially as the district navigates fiscal challenges and political pressures.

Twin Rivers board to vote on new superintendent

The Twin Rivers USD board will vote tonight on whether to approve the appointment of Tu Moua Carroz as Superintendent. Moua Carroz is currently assistant superintendent of education services at Roseville Joint UHSD, and has previously held leadership roles at a number of other districts in the Sacramento region.

FINANCE

Funding disparities hurt California schools

At Pinedale Elementary in Fresno, the lack of resources is stark, with a per-pupil expenditure of $16,700, nearly $5,000 below the state average. In contrast, Kratt Elementary, just two miles away, receives $25,000 per student, showcasing the funding disparities in California's education system. The Local Control Funding Formula was intended to address these inequities, but inflation and declining enrollment have exacerbated the problem. Proposed legislation, including Senate Constitutional Amendment 5 by Sen. Dave Cortese, aims to create a reserve account for additional funding to non-basic aid districts. Michael Johnston, associate superintendent at Clovis USD, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating: "For many, many years, these kids have not gotten the same resources."

NATIONAL NEWS

More than half of districts tap reserves as insurance costs continue to climb

A new national study by AASA and the Association of School Business Officials International has found that rapidly rising health care costs are placing significant pressure on public school budgets, forcing many districts to delay hiring, reduce educational spending, and draw on reserve funds to cover escalating insurance expenses. Based on responses from 767 school superintendents and business officials across 42 states, the report found that 98% of district leaders said rising health care costs had a measurable impact on their budgets. During the 2025-26 fiscal year, 92% of districts spent up to 30% of their operating budgets on employee insurance benefits. The primary drivers of premium increases were higher prescription drug costs, cited by 60% of respondents, followed by increased claims for expensive treatments and greater use of high-cost specialty medications such as GLP-1 drugs, both identified by 56% of districts. AASA and ASBO concluded that without additional funding, greater flexibility, and policy reforms, school districts will continue to face difficult trade-offs between maintaining employee health benefits and investing in educational opportunities for students.

DISTRICTS

Ravenswood School Board renames middle school

The Ravenswood School Board has officially renamed the middle school in East Palo Alto from Cesar Chavez Middle School to Ravenswood Middle School. This decision followed unanimous votes after allegations surfaced regarding Chavez's past, including accusations of sexual abuse. Board member Jenny Varghese Bloom emphasized the importance of the new name, stating: “People know who we are, and they need to know more of who we are.” The renaming process involved community input, with 170 responses collected, and Ravenswood emerged as the preferred choice. Additionally, the board plans to rename Costano Elementary School due to its offensive connotation to the Ohlone tribe. Superintendent Gina Sudaria noted that the renaming process for the elementary school will commence after the transition of students from The Primary School, which was recently closed by Mark Zuckerberg and Dr. Priscilla Chan.

Flag debate heats up in Sonoma

The Sonoma Valley USD Board of Trustees is exploring options for revising flag practices on campuses. Superintendent Jason Sutter presented four options, with the board focusing on two: flying the U.S., California, and school flags permanently while rotating additional symbolic flags, or assigning specific purposes to each of the four flagpoles. Sutter recommended the latter, stating: “This approach respects the history of the current flag display while establishing a fair and inclusive process for additional student groups and interests to be represented.” The board also approved the 2026-27 budget, projecting a deficit of $1.9m, and a one-time bonus for management employees. Additionally, an agreement was made to continue afterschool programs with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sonoma Valley.  

Naming rooms to honor local heroes

Riverside USD is set to vote on naming multi-purpose rooms at two new elementary schools after community leaders Morris Mendoza and Dorella Anderson. The Casa Blanca Elementary School, opening in August 2025, may honor Mendoza, who was instrumental in advocating for the school and passed away in 2021. The Eastside Elementary School, scheduled to open in 2027, could be named for Anderson, who dedicated 40 years to the Community Settlement Association and passed away in 2015.

Two local students reach Scholar semifinals

Sabrina Toor from Modesto High and Kate Cooper from Hughson High have been named semifinalists for the U.S. Presidential Scholars program, which honors distinguished graduating seniors. This year, 627 students received this recognition. Toor, founder of the nonprofit Creation4Cessation, expressed her gratitude, saying: “Humbled that someone from the Central Valley would be considered a worthy candidate for this recognition.” She plans to study public health at UC Berkeley. Cooper, a leader in agricultural education and Future Farmers of America will attend Oklahoma State University to double major in agricultural communications and agricultural business.

CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION

Mill Valley Middle School renovation begins

Mill Valley Middle School is undergoing a significant renovation, following the approval of Measure G, a $194m bond aimed at enhancing school facilities. The project will include the installation of 29 portable buildings to create an interim campus for students, set to open in late January. Additionally, the district has approved a $415,000 contract for Van Pelt Construction Services to manage the project.

LEGAL

Allegations of abuse at Menifee school

A federal lawsuit has been filed against the Menifee USD, alleging that a 13-year-old non-verbal student with autism, identified as “R.M.B.,” was locked in a restroom for 5.5 hours, denied food, and subjected to mockery by staff. The complaint, which includes nine allegations such as false imprisonment and violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act, names teacher Lancelot Thomas and Principal Steven Melvin. The lawsuit states: “This case is about a vulnerable child who was supposed to be protected, supported, and educated — but instead was discriminated against, isolated, neglected, harmed and deprived of his constitutional right to liberty and bodily integrity.” The student has since transferred to another school district. The case will proceed after the district's attempt to dismiss it failed.

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Father's deportation shatters son's world

Damian Zermeño, a 15-year-old U.S. citizen, faces life without his father, Saúl Zermeño, who was deported to Mexico after a routine ICE check-in. "I thought it wasn't true," Damian said, reflecting on the sudden separation. This situation is not unique; many children, primarily U.S. citizens, are affected by the Trump administration's deportation policies, leading to severe mental health issues. Research indicates that parental separation can result in long-term health problems, including anxiety and depression. The Women's Refugee Commission and Physicians for Human Rights reported that many parents are not given the option to ensure their children's safety during deportation. As Damian struggles with his father's absence, he is forced to adapt to a new reality, stating: "Fun is over; it's time to be an adult right now."

HEALTH & SAFETY

Fire disrupts schools in Boyle Heights

The fire in Boyle Heights has now entered its sixth day, prompting several schools to alter their operations and relocate due to air quality concerns. Los Angeles USD announced that activities at Dena Elementary and Dacotah Early Education Center will move to Sunrise Elementary School. Similarly, Eastman Early Education Center will shift to Humphreys Elementary, while Stevenson Middle School will relocate to Belvedere Middle School. Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Jaime Moore said: “If progress continues at this rate, it should be out by week's end.” However, air quality levels have been reported as “unhealthy for sensitive groups” to “very unhealthy,” leading to a state of emergency declared by Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and Governor Gavin Newsom. The fire, which began on Wednesday, is believed to have started during solar array testing by contractors, according to Lineage Logistics.

INTERNATIONAL

Beijing eliminates 12,000 degree programs in push for AI leadership

China has launched one of its most sweeping education reforms in decades, reshaping its academic system to prepare students for an economy increasingly driven by artificial intelligence, robotics, and advanced computing. As part of the overhaul, Chinese authorities have eliminated more than 12,000 university degree programs deemed outdated and introduced over 10,000 new courses focused on AI-related disciplines. Universities are also expanding into emerging fields such as "embodied intelligence," which combines artificial intelligence with real-world physical systems, with nine institutions already offering specialized degrees. The reforms extend well beyond higher education. China is introducing AI literacy into schools for children as young as six, treating knowledge of algorithms and artificial intelligence as foundational skills alongside reading and writing. The education transformation supports Beijing's broader ambition to become a global AI leader. The government is considering investments of approximately $295bn in a national AI data-center network and is increasingly integrating AI into fields ranging from medicine and engineering to the humanities.

AND FINALLY......

From student to director

Kane Parsons, a former student of Philip Chidel at the Marin School of the Arts, has made a remarkable leap from classroom to Hollywood with his film "Backrooms." Chidel recalled the moment they watched Parsons' original short film go viral, stating: "We showed the film in class and as we're watching it on YouTube, we're watching it go viral." The film, released on May 29, has become A24's highest-grossing movie, and at just 20 years old, Parsons is the studio's youngest director. His journey has inspired many students, including Gianmarco Cistaro, who expressed that seeing Parsons' success gives hope to aspiring filmmakers. The film's unique concept of "liminal space" resonates with young audiences, making it a cultural phenomenon.
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