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In an effort to address the mental and physical health of students, Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo is pushing for the passage of the Healthy Homework Act in California. The bill aims to develop updated homework guidelines and mandate that school boards establish policies that support students' well-being. The bill cites a survey that found 45% of California high schoolers consider homework a major source of stress. Supporters argue that homework needs to be dialed back to ensure equity among students. However, critics argue that homework is essential for practice and mastery of skills. The bill has sparked controversy and is reminiscent of a previous attempt in 1901 to abolish homework for students 14 and younger.

 

Daily Breeze

The protest encampment on the University of Southern California's (USC) campus has been cleared by police. USC President Carol Folt said that the school's Department of Public Safety and the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) "removed the occupiers who had rebuilt their illegal encampment in Alumni Park." Folt requested the LAPD to assist in removing the encampment "as peacefully and safely as possible." LAPD confirmed that there were "no arrests, no use of force, and no injuries to officers or protestors" during the operation. USC had garnered national attention in recent weeks over the pro-Palestinian demonstrations on its campus. Dozens were arrested late last month during the protests.

 

The Fresno Bee

Over the past 15 years, racial and economic segregation has significantly increased in large U.S. school districts, according to a study by Sean Reardon and Ann Owens of the Stanford University Center on Poverty and Inequality. The study tracked the demographics of schools from 1967 to 2022, highlighting a regression in student exposure to other races and income levels since 1991. In particular, 533 school districts serving the majority of Black K-12 public students saw a 25% increase in Black-white segregation. Hispanic and Asian students, as well as those eligible for free meals, also experience more segregation now compared to 1991. The researchers attribute the rise in segregation not to neighborhood segregation, which has declined, but to the cessation of efforts to integrate schools beyond neighborhood patterns, coupled with the expansion of charter schools and other school choice programs following reduced court oversight. This shift away from court-enforced integration policies, such as bussing and rezoning, has allowed schools to revert to their local demographic patterns, intensifying segregation, according to the research.

 

Education Week News

The U.S. Department of Education has launched a $50m grant program to encourage more students to complete their FAFSA forms. The program aims to close the FAFSA completion gap and support states, districts, and community-based groups in helping students pay for college. The FAFSA application process was overhauled for the first time in 40 years, but issues with the new application left many students unable to complete and submit the form. The $50m grant program, called the FAFSA Student Support Strategy, will provide relief for future applicants and help schools and organizations add advisers, counselors, and coaches to support students and families. The program will also improve communication and provide transportation support as needed. The Department of Education aims to decrease barriers and increase FAFSA submissions with this initiative.

 

Mercury News

San Francisco USD (SFUSD) officials have acknowledged that the proposed $790m bond measure is not enough to address the district's aging facilities. The district initially planned for a $1bn school bond, but decided to address previous bond shortcomings before proposing a larger bond. Despite the funding delay, commissioners agree that the funds are urgently needed to repair district property. The bond will focus on improving mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and air-ventilation systems in schools, with priority given to specific schools in need of improvements. Superintendent Matt Wayne believes that the proposal will allow the district to invest in the most critical areas. Parents have criticized the district for delaying repairs after a previous bond was passed in 2016.

 

San Francisco Examiner

After an elongated negotiation period, Santa Monica-Malibu USD (SMMUSD) officials and Union SEIU Local 99 have reached a tentative contract agreement. The agreement includes an 18% wage increase through the 2025-26 school year, retroactive pay, and improved health care benefits. Local 99 members will vote on the contract between Monday and Wednesday. The agreement also extends work calendars for certain positions, allowing for training and professional development opportunities. The reduction of Physical Activity Specialist positions led to impacted employees either accepting district positions as Paraeducators or entering credentialing programs. Local 99 has been collaborating with SMMUSD in planning new elementary school physical education programs.

 

Santa Monica Daily Press

Saugus USD is set to approve the final list of classified employees who will be laid off at the end of the school year. The district has identified 16.78 full-time equivalent positions that need to be reduced or laid off due to a lack of work or funds. The resolution includes 10 employees being laid off and 12 employees having their hours reduced. Memorandums of understanding are also on the agenda, outlining the rights of the remaining employees and the laid-off personnel to be rehired within 39 months of termination. The personnel will retain their benefits and seniority.

 

Signalscv.com

The Fresno USD board has unanimously appointed Misty Her as the interim superintendent. Ms Her, who has worked for the district for over 30 years, will take on the role starting May 8. She is the first woman to lead the district and the nation's highest-ranking Hmong K-12 educational professional. The district has also launched a nationwide search for a permanent superintendent. Outgoing Superintendent Bob Nelson will transition into an advisory role.

 

The Fresno Bee

EdSource

Redlands USD hosted its second annual Student Film Fest at Harkins Premiere Theaters, showcasing films produced by students from various elementary and middle schools. The event provided students with an opportunity to learn valuable lessons in collaboration, critical thinking, and cutting-edge technology. More than 1,400 attendees packed the auditoriums, creating a Hollywood-like atmosphere. The film fest allows students to showcase their creativity, storytelling abilities, and technical skills, while also exploring potential careers in the entertainment industry. The event was a success, inspiring students to pursue their dreams with confidence and enthusiasm.

 

Redlands Daily Facts

Amid a sharp rise in school crime, drug use, and fighting, a safety task force in Los Angeles has recommended that individual school campuses be allowed to decide whether to station a police officer on campus. This recommendation comes in response to calls from many parents to restore officers. Recent practice in the L.A. USD has been to keep police off campus, with school police patrolling areas around schools and responding to emergency calls off and on campus. However, incidents of fights and physical aggression have almost doubled since police were removed from campus, prompting concerns about safety. The task force's recommendations will be presented to the Board of Education, but immediate action is not expected.

 

The Fresno Bee

Los Angeles Times

A monumental victory for sustainability was recognized as Santa Monica-Malibu USD (SMMUSD) celebrated a transition to 100% renewable energy sources. The switch back to renewable energy was driven by student activists at Santa Monica High School, particularly members of Samohi's Team Marine. The students presented a petition with over 800 signatures, leading the SMMUSD Board of Education to approve the transition. The district previously ran on 100% green power through the Clean Power Alliance (CPA) but switched back to non-renewable sources due to cost reasons. However, Team Marine's persistence and advocacy played a crucial role in the board's decision to switch back. The partnership with CPA will now ensure that energy generated for school sites is from renewable sources. 

 

Santa Monica Daily Press