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The Trump administration has disbanded the Federal School Safety Clearinghouse External Advisory Board, which was established to guide federal agencies on school safety practices. The board, formed after the tragic Parkland shooting, included safety experts and parents of victims. Tony Montalto, president of Stand With Parkland, expressed disappointment, stating, “What is more critical infrastructure than our schools?” The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) cited a need to prioritize national security in its decision. The board had only met once and was in the early stages of setting priorities. Liz King, a board member, emphasized the importance of diverse perspectives in school safety discussions, noting, “Every child deserves the chance to be safe in school every day.” The board's future remains uncertain as DHS has not clarified whether it will be reconstituted.

 

Education Week News

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The Chicago Board of Education has drawn $400m from its short-term revolving credit agreements with Bank of America and PNC Bank, to help it deal with pressures including underfunded pensions, and rising labor costs. A spokesperson for the fourth-largest U.S. public school district did not say specifically what the latest advance will be used for but said in an email statement that the money will “fund current operational expenses.” In other Chicago news, Chicago Teachers Union president Stacy Davis Gates has expressed concerns over the ongoing contract negotiations, stating that the current fact-finding process is “stacked against” the union. This situation could lead to a strike vote as early as March. Gates emphasized the limitations imposed on the arbitrator by law, suggesting that the union is likely to reject any recommendations made. She described the prospect of being forced into a strike vote as “a very cruel and mean joke.” The union's leaders are increasingly frustrated with the process, which they view as merely a formality.

 

Chicago Sun Times

Bloomberg

Texas lawmakers are set to allocate billions over the next two years for various initiatives, including a school voucher-like program, property tax cuts, and increased teacher pay. The initial budget drafts propose $1bn for education savings accounts, doubling the previous amount, reflecting a shift in support for such programs. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick emphasized the need for $6.5bn to maintain border security operations. The proposed budgets also include nearly $5bn for public school funding and $3.5bn for property tax relief. Rep. Armando Walle highlighted the need for investment in essential services, stating, “First and foremost are our neighborhood schools and educators.” The budget drafts will require further negotiation before final approval.

 

The Texas Tribune

A federal judge has issued a temporary restraining order against the Brevard Public Schools district in Florida's public comment policy, deeming it "unconstitutional" due to its prohibition on "abusive" speech. The order, prompted by a lawsuit from Moms for Liberty, was granted just before a school board meeting. Brett Nolan, Senior Attorney at the Institute for Free Speech, remarked: “It’s unfortunate that today’s order was even necessary,” emphasizing parents' rights to voice concerns. The board responded by splitting public comment into two sections, allowing agenda-related discussions first, followed by non-agenda comments after the meeting. This change was met with criticism from former board member Amy Kneessy, who argued that it undermined public input. The board aims to revise the policy while navigating the legal challenges posed by the lawsuit.

 

Florida Today

The recent removal of a 13-year-old policy by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which previously discouraged immigration enforcement at sensitive locations like schools, has raised concerns among educators. Alejandra Vázquez Baur, co-founder of the National Newcomer Network, emphasized that “the sensitive locations memo... is not the thing that made schools safe for children.” Legal experts assert that immigrant students and families still retain rights under U.S. law, including access to public education. Schools are encouraged to establish clear immigration protocols, train staff on students' rights, and communicate effectively with families to alleviate fears of immigration raids. Missy Testerman, the 2024 Teacher of the Year, noted that “policies that instill fear also negatively impact an educator's ability to work with families.” As schools navigate these changes, they must prioritize the safety and rights of all students.

 

Education Week News

The Iowa House is advancing a bill aimed at banning certain artificial food dyes in schools, reflecting California's recent legislation. House Study Bill 5 seeks to prevent schools from serving meals containing ingredients linked to health risks. Republican Reps. Jeff Shipley and Brooke Boden support the bill, emphasizing the need for better food safety standards. Shipley stated: "As a system, we're acknowledging that these things can cause problems." The bill, which currently lacks an implementation date, aims to initiate a broader discussion on food safety, including potential regulations on contaminants like pesticides. While some lawmakers express concerns about including margarine in the ban, others advocate for a more thorough examination of food ingredients to ensure children's health. Lobbyists for school associations are undecided but suggest delaying implementation to accommodate existing contracts.

 

DesMoines Register.com

In Louisiana, a new law mandating the display of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms has ignited controversy. Opponents argue that this requirement infringes on the separation of church and state, potentially isolating non-Christian students. As the state issues compliance guidelines, a three-judge panel recently heard arguments regarding the law's implications. Sara Cline from the Associated Press highlights the tension, stating, "Opponents threatening to sue if any such posters are hung up." The outcome of this legal battle remains uncertain as schools navigate the complexities of the mandate.

 

The Baltimore Sun

The Massachusetts Teachers Association (MTA) has outlined its legislative priorities for the new session, focusing on legalizing teacher strikes and establishing minimum salaries for educators. MTA President Max Page emphasized that “having the legal right to strike will get everyone to the table,” aiming to resolve stalled negotiations. The proposed bills include a $55,000 minimum salary for Education Support Professionals and a $70,000 minimum for teachers, addressing issues that have led to recent strikes. Additionally, the MTA seeks to declare free public higher education a right and improve support for adjunct faculty. Page criticized the current funding system, stating, “let's do what we did before” to ensure funding keeps pace with inflation. The MTA's initiatives aim to create a more equitable education system in Massachusetts.

 

Boston Globe

The Orland Park High School District 230 in Illinois has finalized a contract with its teachers' union after extensive negotiations lasting over nine months, which included federal mediation. The agreement, approved by the school board, will result in a 19.5% increase in district costs over three years. It also provides higher compensation for teachers who lead co-curricular activities.

 

Chicago Tribune

Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) is under a court order to ensure the presence of 25 school resource officers by February 17, following a lawsuit filed by the Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty on behalf of parent Charlene Abughrin. The lawsuit argued that school police are essential for safety, with lawyer Lauren Greuel stating, "This is a massive triumph for parents and kids who want to go to school in a safe environment." The law, known as Act 12, mandates the implementation of a police program without providing funding, leading to disputes between MPS and the city over financial responsibilities. MPS previously ended its school police program in 2020 due to concerns about police presence affecting student performance. A follow-up hearing is scheduled for February 17.

 

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

The Castro Elementary School in southwest Denver is set to close at the end of the school year, leaving its building vacant. The Denver school board recently rejected a request from Compass Academy, a charter middle school focused on bilingual education, to relocate to Castro. Superintendent Alex Marrero emphasized the need for community involvement in repurposing closed school buildings, leading to the board's unanimous decision against Compass' request. However, Marrero expressed optimism, stating, “I believe this is all going to work out,” as discussions will continue regarding the future use of several vacant elementary school buildings. The board's closure policy requires a list of vacant buildings to be published annually, allowing charter schools to apply for use.

 

Chalkbeat

Sugarcane, a film that details the legacy of residential schools in Canada, and in particular that of the St. Joseph's Mission near Williams Lake, B.C., has been nominated for the 2025 Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature. Directed by Julian Brave NoiseCat, a member of the Canim Lake Band Tsq̓éscen̓, the film follows him and his father as they learn about the history of St. Joseph's, which was operated by  the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate from 1886 to 1981. It examines the Williams Lake First Nation's ongoing investigation into St. Joseph's, which has heard accounts of disappearances, murders, and systematic torture. "The history and legacy of residential schools in this country have had a significant impact on all of our communities through the direct trauma, through the intergenerational trauma," commented Williams Lake First Nation Chief Willie Sellars. "But the most disturbing thing about that conversation is most Canadians and most people in the world don't know that story...people are going to be talking about it now. Hopefully, it will empower the survivors to tell their story."

 

CBC News