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Legal experts say they do not expect to see a significant increase in lawsuits, despite a decision by the Supreme Court in June in A.J.T. v. Osseo Area Schools that endorsed a lower burden of proof for claims of disability discrimination against school systems. The case involved a Minnesota student with epilepsy whose request for classes that started later in the school day and went into the evening hours was rejected by Osseo Area Schools. The student and her family filed a complaint under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) claiming a denial of a free, appropriate public education. An administrative law judge found that the district had violated IDEA and awarded additional services to the student. A federal district court also ruled in the student’s favor. The student and family then sued the school district under the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The same federal district court ruled against the student and in favor of the school district. The 8th Circuit upheld the ruling. “For school districts, frankly, I think the general impression people have is going to be overblown,” said Perry Zirkel, an expert in special education law. “I don’t see it having a major long-range effect for school district people or for parents.” Some people might have the impression that the removal of the bad faith and gross misjudgment standard “will open the floodgates” of litigation against districts, Zirkel said. “But it won’t open the floodgates, because all you’ll have is a different bar or standard or control for the floodgate, which is still quite high.”

 

K-12 Dive

Wisconsin's vaccination rates for K-12 students have declined, with only 86.4% up-to-date on required vaccines, a drop of nearly 3% from the previous year. This decrease is attributed to a new meningitis vaccine requirement that many students have not met. As the state faces a measles outbreak, with nine confirmed cases in Oconto County, health officials express concern over Wisconsin's low vaccination rates, particularly among kindergartners, where less than 85% are vaccinated against measles. Stephanie Schauer, director of the Wisconsin Immunization Program, emphasized: "Vaccination is the first line of defense for your child's health," highlighting the importance of routine immunizations in protecting both children and the community. The trend of declining vaccination rates coincides with an increase in parents seeking exemptions since the COVID-19 pandemic, with about 6.7% of students having exemptions for required vaccines in the 2024-25 school year.

 

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is set to eliminate 480 custodian jobs and end all private custodial contracts, directly managing cleaning services instead. This decision, aimed at addressing a $734m deficit, has drawn criticism from unions representing custodians. Starting September 30, CPS will oversee 2,100 full-time custodians, terminating contracts with private companies that were projected to cost $222m over two years. Charles Mayfield, CPS's chief operating officer, said: “As the District faces significant budget challenges, it is necessary to consolidate custodial services to ensure greater efficiency and long-term sustainability.” Concerns have been raised about maintaining cleanliness in schools with these staffing cuts just weeks before the school year begins.

 

Chalkbeat

An external review of Milwaukee Public Schools' (MPS) Office of Human Resources has revealed significant challenges in recruitment, hiring, pay, and staff discipline. Superintendent Brenda Cassellius said the review "is not yet a response, and it does not include solutions," but is instead a "starting point." The review, conducted by the Council of the Great City Schools (COGS), highlighted problems such as a slow hiring process, insufficient teacher recruitment models, and inequitable pay practices that discourage employee retention. The report also noted inconsistencies in discipline policies and a lack of communication within the HR department. Ray Hart, executive director of COGS, urged MPS to implement the recommendations from previous reviews, commenting: "One of the first things we recommend... is that you pay close attention to actually implementing those things that are suggested." The findings underscore the urgent need for MPS to reform its HR practices to better support staff and students.

 

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

A federal judge has issued a temporary injunction against a new Arkansas law mandating the display of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms. U.S. District Judge Timothy L. Brooks granted the injunction after seven families challenged the law, which was signed by Republican Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders. In his ruling, Brooks wrote: “Why would Arkansas pass an obviously unconstitutional law? Most likely because the state is part of a coordinated strategy among several states to inject Christian religious doctrine into public-school classrooms,” highlighting the law's potential violation of constitutional rights. The injunction currently affects four districts: Bentonville, Fayetteville, Siloam Springs, and Springdale. The American Civil Liberties Union, along with other organizations, filed the lawsuit, arguing that the law pressures students into observing a state-favored religion. Similar laws in Texas and Louisiana are also facing legal challenges, with expectations that the cases may reach the U.S. Supreme Court.

 

U.S. News

In Michigan, a proposed constitutional amendment aimed at funding schools through a new tax on wealthy individuals has sparked significant debate. The Board of State Canvassers struggled to finalize the petition language, deadlocking over concerns about its impact on small businesses. Vice Chair Mary Ellen Gurewitz said: “We approved the summary. And now everybody who doesn't like the summary wants... a second bite at the apple.” The Invest in MI Kids coalition proposes a 5% surcharge on high earners, which they argue could address $4bn-$5bn in school underfunding. However, opponents, including Kelli Saunders from the Small Business Association of Michigan, argue it could harm small business owners. Despite the board's inability to agree on the summary, the coalition plans to move forward with petition circulation, aiming to gather 446,198 signatures for the 2026 ballot.

 

Chalkbeat

From June 14 to 18, Indigenous students in grades three to eight in Arizona participated in Camp Indi-Genius, a summer camp designed to connect them with their heritage through culturally relevant learning. This year marked the camp's third iteration, focusing on creative activities that celebrate Native American traditions while also training future Indigenous educators. The camp provides "a like-minded space" for youth to engage with their culture and learn from one another. The initiative aims to uplift Native American youth and empower them through education, fostering a sense of community and identity.

 

Arizona Daily Sun

United Schools Network, which operates four charter school campuses in Columbus, Ohio, is set to launch its own busing service for the 2025 school year, reducing reliance on public school transportation. The initiative, costing over $1.1m, is partly funded by the state and is expected to serve around 600 of the 900 students enrolled. This decision follows a contentious period with Columbus City Schools, which deemed many charter students "impractical" for transportation. United Schools has partnered with 4MATIV and FirstStudent to develop this new busing network, emphasizing family engagement in the planning process. President Kathryn Anstaett noted: “This student-centered solution will improve reliability, maximize learning time, and support our families every step of the way.”

 

The Columbus Dispatch

Colorado's new Teacher Degree Apprenticeship Program is set to transform the teaching landscape by combining college classes with on-the-job training for aspiring educators. Launched under a 2023 state law, the program aims to address the state's significant teacher shortage, which saw around 2,800 vacancies last year. Sergio De La Rosa, an apprentice, shared: “It's never too late to find out where you truly belong,” highlighting the program's impact on individuals seeking to enter the teaching profession. The initiative not only helps fill teaching positions but also attracts diverse candidates, including bilingual educators. With flexible, virtual courses and the potential for debt-free graduation through grants and scholarships, the program is a promising solution to Colorado's educational challenges.

 

Chalkbeat

The new federal program, part of the “One Big, Beautiful Bill Act” championed by President Donald Trump, introduces tax credits for donations to organizations providing private-school scholarships. States must now decide whether to participate, with many Republican governors expressing enthusiasm. The program allows taxpayers to claim a 100% tax credit for donations up to $1,700, targeting families with incomes below 300% of the median gross income. Casey Cobb, a professor of education policy, noted that the funding could support various educational expenses beyond tuition, but primarily aims to assist families seeking private schooling. As states evaluate their options, the response has been mixed, with some Democratic leaders considering how to leverage the funds for public education. “The governor is committed to ensuring that every student in Maryland has the best education possible,” said Carter Elliot, a spokesperson for Maryland Gov. Wes Moore.

 

Education Week News

In Afghanistan, girls' education has been severely restricted since the Taliban regained power in August 2021. The Taliban's ban on female education has left nearly 1.5 million girls without access to secondary schooling, as reported by UNESCO. While madrasas have proliferated, many girls, like Nargis, a 23-year-old woman, feel these institutions do not provide the education they need. Nargis has taken it upon herself to teach girls in secret, despite the risks involved, commenting: "Even if I lose everything, I will do this one thing." The situation highlights the dire consequences of the Taliban's policies on women's rights and education in Afghanistan. Until recently, USAID had been funding secret schools across the country, known as “community-based education,” as well as study abroad programs and online scholarships. However, several of these programs are now winding down, due to the cancellation of $1.7bn-worth of aid contracts.

 

CNN Edition