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The recent shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, where a 14-year-old student killed two classmates and two teachers, has raised urgent questions about school threat assessments. The FBI had received several anonymous tips in May 2023 regarding online threats of a school shooting, but the Jackson County Sheriff's Office could not definitively link these to the suspect at the time. Dewey Cornell, a professor at the University of Virginia, emphasized the need for caution, stating: “We’ve got to not jump to conclusions about this particular case.” Experts stress the importance of comprehensive threat assessment strategies in schools, as 85% of public schools reported having a behavioral threat assessment team. However, challenges remain due to varying practices and a lack of resources. As Pauline Moore from the RAND Corporation noted: “There is such a volume of threats these days on social media against schools,” complicating the identification of real threats.

 

Education Week News

California's student data system is overwhelming for parents, with multiple portals like Data Quest and the School Accountability Report Card providing fragmented information. Crystal Trull, a parent in San Diego USD, expressed frustration, saying: “It feels like a smokescreen. Parents don't understand what the data means.” This confusion can hinder parents from accurately assessing their child's school performance, potentially leading to students falling behind. Research from USC highlights the disconnect between parental concerns and the actual state of schools, particularly post-pandemic. Polikoff noted: “Experts raise all these alarm bells but parents don't seem that concerned.” Parents like Jim Leung from Irvine USD are calling for clearer metrics on student success, emphasizing the need for more comprehensive data on college readiness and life skills.

 

Press Democrat

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced the application window for its $200m Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program, running from September 17 to November 1. The three-year program aims to enhance cybersecurity in educational institutions, offering funds between $15,000 and $1.5m based on a $13.60-per-student funding formula. Schools and libraries can use the funds for advanced firewalls, endpoint protection, identity authentication, and network monitoring. The program is separate from the FCC's E-rate program but shares eligibility requirements. Schools are encouraged to apply early to ensure eligibility verification. The initiative comes as schools face a surge in cyberattacks, with 121 incidents reported in 2023.

 

K-12 Dive

National surveys indicate that parents significantly underestimate the academic setbacks their children face due to the pandemic. Education professors Sean Reardon and Tom Kane noted: “To hear parents tell it, the pandemic’s effects on education were transitory.” The Center on Reinventing Public Education's report, State Secrets: How Transparent Are State School Report Cards About the Effects of COVID?, revealed that California's School Dashboard received a D grade for its lack of longitudinal data presentation. Morgan Polikoff, a professor at USC Rossier School of Education, criticized the dashboard for making it difficult to identify trends over time, claiming: “It’s not about having the data—it’s about presenting the data to the public in a way that’s usable.” The report highlights the need for clearer data to help parents understand their children's educational progress.

 

EdSource

In May 2023, Darryl White, senior chair of the Black Parallel School Board, announced a settlement with Sacramento City USD aimed at improving conditions for Black and disabled students. The independent monitor overseeing the implementation of the settlement has reported significant delays attributed to bureaucratic issues within the district. The monitor's action plan includes 22 directives and 166 actions to enhance academic outcomes, but progress has been hindered by poor communication and lack of cooperation from district staff. White expressed optimism about the plan, noting: “Five years is a long time... we’re hoping that we can get away from the ups and downs and get right to the work which is necessary to change the outcomes of African American students and all students with special needs.” The school board is set to discuss these plans at an upcoming meeting.

 

The Sacramento Bee

Robert Nunes, principal of Buhach Colony High School, has resigned following a controversial dance at a back-to-school rally. The Merced UHSD accepted his resignation, and he will take on the role of associate principal starting September 5. Nunes was placed on administrative leave after a video surfaced showing him dancing with the school mascot, Thor, and making a remark: “What happens at Buhach, stays at Buhach.” District spokesperson Viviana Fuentes commented: “This decision comes as part of our commitment to maintaining a safe and respectful environment.” Nunes, who was in his first year as principal, previously served as an associate principal in the district. MUHSD Executive Director Torrin Johnson is serving as interim principal until further notice. The district plans to open the principal position in spring 2025.

 

The Fresno Bee

Merced Sun Star

On August 27, Sonoma police arrested Shawn Kossaw, a 52-year-old registered sex offender, for unlawfully entering St. Francis Solano School property. Police responded to reports of a suspicious individual on campus, where they discovered Kossaw's status as a sex offender under Section 290 of the penal code. School administrators acted promptly, notifying authorities to ensure student safety. Kossaw faces two felony charges for violating parole and a misdemeanor for entering school grounds without permission. Police Chief Brandon Cutting stated: “He was supposed to register in Lake County as a 290 but failed to do so. On top of that, he was on school campus.” Kossaw is currently in county custody awaiting transfer to Lake County.

 

Press Democrat

Santa Monica-Malibu USD officials recently reviewed student performance metrics from the 2023-24 year, revealing that 73% of students met or exceeded standards in the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) English Language Arts (ELA) exams, consistent with the previous year. Franklin Elementary School led with 85% of students meeting standards, while Will Rogers Learning Community and Malibu Elementary School had the lowest scores at 55% and 57%, respectively. In mathematics, 60% of students met or exceeded standards, marking a 2% increase from the prior year. Franklin and Webster Elementary Schools again performed well, while Malibu High School and Malibu Middle School struggled with scores of 46% and 50%. The board also commended John Adams Middle School for its recognition in the California Distinguished Schools Program, with California Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond noting that the selected schools were “exceptional” in closing the achievement gap.

 

Santa Monica Daily Press

The journey of a school principal reveals how anxiety, once perceived as a weakness, can be embraced as a strength. Initially diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder, Noelani Gabriel Holt, a principal at Girls Prep Bronx II in Bronx, New York, learned to accept and manage her anxiety, stating, “You have anxiety. Just accept it. Learn to ride the wave.” This acceptance allowed her to recognize triggers and develop coping strategies, transforming anxiety into a tool for thoughtful decision-making. As a Black woman, she faced societal pressures to conform to the "strong Black woman" stereotype, which often dismissed emotional struggles. However, Holt's experiences have led her to appreciate her anxiety as a vital part of her identity, enhancing her leadership skills and fostering deeper connections with her team. Through reflection and understanding, Holt has turned her anxiety into a source of clarity and insight, ultimately benefiting her role as a leader.

 

EdSurge

Between 2013 and 2022, 1,082 people lost their lives and 132,000 were injured in school bus accidents, according to a report by Brumley Law Firm and 1Point21 Interactive based on data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The report highlights that there were 976 fatal school bus crashes during this period, with an average of 108 deaths and 13,200 injuries annually. Notably, occupants of other vehicles are most likely to be killed in these accidents. The report also indicates a gradual decline in fatalities over the decade, attributed to advancements in safety measures. "School buses are among the most regulated vehicles in the United States," the report states, emphasizing their safety compared to standard cars. However, the report calls for improved safety laws, as only eight states have school bus seat belt laws.

 

School Bus Fleet