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The U.S. Department of Education has mandated that states and school districts certify they are not using diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, in order to continue receiving federal funds. A letter from the Trump administration gives state education chiefs 10 days to comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits race-based discrimination. The letter states that DEI practices are considered “impermissible” and could lead to funding cuts. “Federal financial assistance is a privilege, not a right,” Craig Trainor, acting assistant secretary for civil rights, said in a statement. He added that many schools have flouted their legal obligations, “including by using DEI programs to discriminate against one group of Americans to favor another.” Michael Pillera, director of the educational opportunities project for the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, remarked: “The goal here is increased threats and intimidation to cause a chilling effect.” The Education Department's actions have sparked confusion among educators regarding what constitutes a violation of the orders, with many working to address racial disparities since the murder of George Floyd in 2020.

 

AP News

Education Week News

Los Angeles Times

NPR

School Leadership’s Guide to Career and Technical Education

Economic impacts are changing the employment landscape. Now more than ever it's critical to prepare students for careers in current and emerging professions through Career and Technical Education (CTE). Having developed 200+ award-winning digital courses, FlexPoint knows that CTE offerings look different for every school, based on location and student population. School and district leaders can learn how to enhance their CTE programs through the free FlexPoint guide.

In the guide, you’ll have access to:

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Download CTE Guide

 

The Trump administration's federal funding cuts are significantly impacting Milwaukee schools, which rely on federal support for 2%-20% of their budgets. According to the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI), statewide cuts could jeopardize $842m in federal funds, affecting over 6,100 educator jobs. Milwaukee Public Schools alone is set to receive approximately $195m, constituting 20% of its revenue limit for 2025. The DPI data reveals that Milwaukee schools are more dependent on federal funding compared to suburban districts, largely due to a higher population of economically disadvantaged students. As noted in the Wisconsin Policy Forum report, "Many of the programs funded by federal money support students who are economically disadvantaged or need extra support."

 

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

In Memphis-Shelby County Schools, a contentious debate over intervention strategies is unfolding. Proposals from the state legislature suggest either transferring power from the elected school board to a state-appointed board or granting the Shelby County Commission greater control. Republican Sen. Brent Taylor criticized the current board, stating, “(MSCS has) a school board that is as credible as my mother's Facebook page.” The Senate bill, which passed 8-1, aims to address underperformance in schools, particularly those with over 50% low-income students. Meanwhile, Democratic Sen. Raumesh Akbari raised concerns about targeting economically disadvantaged districts, arguing that existing laws already allow for intervention in cases of financial misconduct. Community voices are divided, with some advocating for local solutions rather than state overreach. The House and Senate proposals differ significantly, requiring reconciliation before any legislation can be enacted.

 

Chalkbeat

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey has enacted a paid parental leave law for Alabama state employees, effective July 1. Sponsored by Senator Vivian Figures, the law provides eight weeks of paid leave for female employees and two weeks for male employees following the birth, stillbirth, or miscarriage of a child. Adoptive parents of children aged three or younger are also eligible for leave. Ivey emphasized the importance of supporting families, commenting: “No parent should have to choose between their paycheck and spending time with their newly welcomed child.” This makes Alabama the 39th state to offer such benefits, reflecting a commitment to family values and workforce support. The law includes a return-to-work provision requiring employees to return for at least eight weeks after leave, with exceptions for serious health conditions.

 

Al.com

The House Student Academy Success Subcommittee has advanced a bill, HB 1483, aimed at enhancing transparency in Florida's school grading system. Rep. Susan Valdes (R-Tampa) said: "The purpose of this bill is to provide truth and transparency to our parents, students, and teachers on how well each school is preparing its students." Currently, Florida's grading system misrepresents academic performance, with grades like 'A' being assigned for scores as low as 62% in elementary schools. The proposed changes would gradually align the grading scale with traditional standards, with an 'A' requiring 90% by the 2033-2034 school year. The bill also mandates that both the current and traditional grades be displayed on student report cards. If passed, the new grading system will take effect in the 2026-2027 school year.

 

The Floridian

Tampa Bay Times

U.S. Sens. John Cornyn (R-TX), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), and Mark Kelly (D-AZ) have introduced legislation which would continue to exempt new school bus drivers from the “Under-the-Hood” Commercial Driver’s License testing requirement to help alleviate the nationwide shortage of drivers. Companion legislation is being led in the House of Representatives by Congressman John Carter (TX-31). “Young Americans are our nation’s most valuable resource, and it is essential that they have safe and reliable transportation to their schools,” Cornyn commented. “This legislation would help ensure there are school bus drivers available in every neighborhood across the country by removing an antiquated and unnecessary obstacle to their certification.” Baldwin added: “Children in Wisconsin and across the country should be able to take the bus and get to school safely and on time. Unfortunately, many communities are struggling to find school bus drivers, and that’s why I am working with my Republican and Democratic colleagues to cut red tape, get good drivers behind the wheel, and ensure kids can get to school safely.”

 

Odessa American

The recent implementation of tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China is poised to impact the school bus industry significantly. On Wednesday, President Donald Trump announced a 25% tariff on auto imports and a 10% baseline tariff, which could lead to increased production costs for manufacturers. Blue Bird, a prominent school bus manufacturer, said: “We closely monitor developments related to U.S. trade policies, including tariffs, and their potential impact on our business.” Curt Macysyn, executive director of the National School Transportation Association, commented: School bus manufacturing remains an American success story, but we are concerned because individual bus components could be subjected to proposed tariffs. We will continue to observe and react appropriately to developments." As the situation evolves, industry stakeholders are closely observing the developments and preparing for possible price adjustments.

 

School Bus Fleet

In Orange County, human trafficking awareness is gaining momentum, particularly among high school students. Shyima Hall, a victim from 2002, has inspired Vanguard University’s “Live2Free” club to educate local youth about the realities of trafficking. Jasmine Allen, a senior at Vanguard, emphasized the need for awareness, stating, “I think people need to be more aware, especially in the O.C., where it's perceived to be so safe.” The university's “Safe Communities, Safe Kids” program, funded by an $825,000 grant from the Samueli Foundation, aims to enhance education on trafficking in public schools. Presentations include discussions on labor and sex trafficking, with students actively engaging in identifying red flags in scenarios. Jamie Macintosh, program coordinator, noted the importance of making students aware of potential dangers, saying, “For me, just making them aware is the biggest thing.” The initiative seeks to empower students to recognize and report concerning behaviors.

 

Los Angeles Times

Data on K-12 superintendents was once limited, but new research is transforming how states support district leaders. Spearheaded by Rachel White at the University of Texas, national data now reveals tenure trends, demographics, and mentorship needs. In Texas, women now hold 25% of superintendent roles, up from 15% in 2008. Ohio used survey findings to strengthen mentorship for women, especially in finance and political navigation. Administrator associations are using this research to design better professional development and reduce turnover. The Superintendent Lab, led by White, is expanding this work to ensure superintendents are seen, supported, and set up for success.

 

Education Week News

Florida lawmakers are advancing two bills, House Bill 123 and Senate Bill 140, aimed at easing the process for establishing charter schools. These bills propose to remove the requirement for charter schools to obtain approval from 50% of teachers and parents before converting a public school. Currently, the law mandates that at least half of the teachers and parents must vote in favor of the conversion. Nonpartisan staff from the Florida House of Representatives highlighted the need for these changes, stating, "The current requirements include a vote of at least 50% of teachers employed at the school and a vote of 50% of the parents with children enrolled at the school." The proposed legislation seeks to streamline this process.

 

WPTV

Denver Public Schools (DPS) is undergoing significant changes as it closes seven schools due to declining enrollment, with plans to repurpose some buildings. Palmer Elementary will transform into a preschool center for the 2025-26 school year, responding to community demand. Andrew Huber, the executive director of enrollment and campus planning for DPS, stated, “the safety of our students remains our top priority” as they navigate these transitions. Meanwhile, Castro Elementary will become the new home for Summit Academy, a school for middle and high school students at risk of dropping out. The district is still determining the future of other vacant buildings, including Columbian Elementary, where community interest in a child care center is being considered. DPS aims to engage the community further to explore potential uses for these spaces.

 

Chalkbeat

California State University (CSU) has issued a warning for faculty, staff, and students to "carefully assess the necessity of international travel" due to recent immigration enforcement actions. The guidance emphasizes the need for caution, stating, "Immigration policies, practices, travel bans, and health and safety risks are shifting daily." It highlights potential stricter border security and scrutiny for visa-holders, particularly those involved in sensitive research areas. CSU advises international students to carry essential documents, including course registrations and transcripts, to prove their affiliation with the university. The memo follows reports of visa revocations linked to student activism, prompting legal action from organizations like the American Association of University Professors.

 

EdSource

The Yael Foundation has launched a leadership exchange program, with the aim of strengthening connections and collaboration among Jewish educators globally. The initiative links Jewish school leaders from Europe and Latin America with their peers in the United States, and offers a six-month mentorship and knowledge-sharing opportunity aimed at enhancing Jewish education worldwide. “For too long, Jewish schools around the world have been islands working on their own without significant collaboration," explained Yael Foundation founder Uri Poliavich. "This program is an expression of our belief that strong, inspired leadership and partnerships are the key to a vibrant Jewish future. By creating meaningful peer-to-peer partnerships, we are fostering a strong sense of global Jewish solidarity.”

 

The Jerusalem Post