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The Biden administration has unveiled a new labor rule that extends mandatory overtime pay to an estimated 4m salaried workers, going further than the previous Obama-era rule. From July 1, employers will be required to pay overtime premiums to workers who earn the equivalent of an annual salary of $43,888 when they work more than 40 hours in a week. The total will increased to $58,656 on January 1 2025. “The Department of Labor is ensuring that lower-paid salaried workers receive their hard-earned pay or get much-deserved time back with their families,” said Wage and Hour Administrator Jessica Looman. “This rule establishes clear, predictable guidance for employers on how to pay employees for overtime hours and provides more economic security to the millions of people working long hours without overtime pay.” The salary threshold will increase over time, reaching $58,656 by 2025. The new rule is expected to face legal challenges.

 

US Department of Labor

Reuters

School Leadership’s Guide to Building an Online Learning Program

No two students learn the same way, and alternative options for education have never been more necessary than they are right now. Online learning has become an option that’s gained traction nationwide. According to a recent study, 81% of parents believe online learning helps their children better prepare for the future and 94% believe it positively impacts their children’s ability to understand courses.*

This guide will help school and district leaders like you learn more about the fundamentals of online learning and its benefits.

Topics include:

• Debunking common myths about online education
• An outline of the first steps to create and implement a new program
• Strategies for creating open communication with parents, students, and staff
• How to select the best industry partner to help develop your new program

*FlexPoint 2021 Parent Survey

Download the Guide

 

Jackie Goldberg, President of the Los Angeles USD Board of Education, underscores the pressing need for green spaces in California schools in an era marked by extreme weather conditions. During a visit to a South Los Angeles elementary school amid a historic heat wave, Goldberg observed students seeking refuge from the oppressive heat under sparse shade. Goldberg argues that extreme heat not only jeopardizes students' mental and physical health but also hampers their academic performance. She advocates for the transformation of schoolyards into green spaces, which can mitigate heat effects, enhance academic success, and offer psychological and social benefits to students. Despite Los Angeles USD's initiative to convert its campuses to at least 30% green space by 2035, progress is slow, with substantial financial challenges impeding rapid implementation. With over 560 schools below the green space target and an estimated $4bn needed for the transformation, Goldberg calls on the California Legislature to allocate $1bn in funding for schoolyard greening to accelerate these efforts.

 

Ed Source

A Napa County judge is expected to strike down a second attempt to stop the opening of Mayacamas Countywide Middle School. The Napa Valley USD sued the Napa County Office of Education board and Superintendent Barbera Nemko, claiming that they did not follow the law during the assessment and approval process of the school. The district sought an emergency injunction to halt the school's progress, but was denied. A second motion for a preliminary injunction is also set to be denied. The potential harms to the charter school organization if the school does not open were deemed more significant than those facing the district. "The potential harms that would come to the charter school organization as a result of the school not opening, according to the ruling, 'far more concrete, and far more considerable than those facing NVUSD in the absence of a preliminary injunction,'" the ruling stated.

 

Press Democrat

The master plan for construction at Grant Elementary School in Santa Monica-Malibu USD has been approved by the Board of Education. The plan includes three phases, with major renovations to the campus. The first phase will focus on renovating the library, restoring the central garden, and creating early education space. The library will expand into 6,500 sq. ft. and incorporate learning spaces for all age groups. The second phase will include a new classroom building with a rooftop garden, while the third phase will add a two-story classroom building and convert a parking lot into a cyclist and pedestrian arrival court. The plan aims to meet the educational needs of students and create a more functional campus.

 

Santa Monica Daily Press

The Sierra Sands USD Board of Education has approved the transformation of Pierce and Vieweg elementary schools into magnet schools. Starting in the 2025-26 school year, Pierce will become a transitional kindergarten – sixth-grade visual and performing arts magnet school, while Vieweg will become a TK – eighth-grade science, technology, engineering, and math magnet school. The decision aims to provide unique educational opportunities for students in these schools. The transformation will offer a focus on education and innovation, combining traditional subjects with arts and STEM fields.

 

The Daily Independent

Sacramento City USD has named Lisa Allen as its new superintendent. Allen, who has worked in the district for 28 years, was formerly the deputy superintendent. "My job title may be changing, but my top priority remains the same – improving student outcomes," Allen said. The Board of Education also voted unanimously to appoint Mary Hardin Young as Deputy Superintendent, according to district officials.

 

EdSource

Resma Byrne will replace Allan Mucerino as superintendent of the Alvord USD after he retires at the end of the school year. Byrne joined the Corona-based district three years ago as the assistant superintendent overseeing educational services. According to the employment agreement, Byrne will receive a salary of $300,000 and a doctoral stipend of $1,500. Byrne's appointment was applauded by Alvord school board President Carolyn Wilson. The district serves about 17,500 students in the western Riverside area and part of northeast Corona.

 

Press Enterprise

The San Fernando Valley is sending three local high schools to the national academic decathlon competition in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. El Camino Real Charter High School, Granada Hills Charter High School, and Sherman Oaks Center for Enriched Studies will be representing the Valley. These schools have a long history of success in the academic decathlon. The competition will take place from April 25 to April 27. The Valley schools are known for their excellence in academic decathlon and have consistently performed well in the past. The competition will be a test of their academic abilities and will provide them with a valuable learning experience.

 

Daily Breeze

Pasadena Star-News

After participating in the California Department of Fish and Wildlife's Classroom Aquarium Education Program, students from Butte County released steelhead trout fry into the Feather River. The program aims to teach students about the value of watersheds, habitats, and fish biology. Managed by Jada White, a fisheries biologist, the program provides hands-on learning experiences for students. The students also engaged in various activities, including learning about aquatic invertebrates and traditional Maidu ecological knowledge. The program has been successful in reaching about 450 local students this school year.

 

Chico Enterprise Record

A San Bernardino County high school in Hesperia went on lockdown after a student was found on campus with a loaded firearm. The Hesperia USD immediately contacted the school district police to apprehend the student and lock down the campus. No injuries were reported. The student was quickly located and arrested, and a loaded firearm was recovered on campus. After the student was apprehended, the lockdown was lifted and parents were notified about the incident. Freshman Xavier Ramos stated that he knew students who saw the firearm. The incident at Oak Hills High School highlights the importance of school safety and the need for vigilance in preventing such incidents.

 

Los Angeles Times