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During a heated U.S. House of Representatives hearing, Education Secretary Miguel Cardona faced sharp questioning over several pressing issues, including the botched rollout of a simplified FAFSA form, increasing reports of antisemitism in schools, execution of student-debt relief, and changes to Title IX regulations. Cardona advocated for the Biden administration's 2025 budget proposal, emphasizing the need for increased funding for the Education Department’s civil rights office to handle a growing number of discrimination complaints more efficiently. Republicans criticized the recent Title IX updates, arguing they could harm girls' sports and privacy, while also expressing frustration over persistent technical problems with the FAFSA application process, which has deterred students from seeking federal aid. Despite these controversies, there was bipartisan support for enhancing career and technical education, highlighting a rare agreement on the importance of expanding vocational training opportunities. Cardona’s testimony underscored ongoing debates about educational priorities and the federal role in ensuring fair treatment and access to education amidst policy challenges.

 

Education Week News

A recent federal report on public education finance highlights potential financial challenges for U.S. schools with the looming expiration of federal COVID-relief aid. During the 2021-22 school year, schools experienced unprecedented funding variations, with states like Utah spending approximately $9,500 per student while New York spent over $29,000. Notably, federal funding surged during the pandemic, comprising 13.7% of total educational funding, significantly higher than the typical 8-10%. This infusion helped schools navigate the pandemic's challenges but is set to expire soon, causing many districts to consider cuts such as teacher layoffs and school closures. The report also noted a 2.6% decrease in state funding and a 2% drop in local revenues when adjusted for inflation. Schools have rapidly utilized the Emergency Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds, with billions spent on immediate pandemic needs. However, as these funds dry up by September 30, with the possibility of extensions, districts face rising costs, especially in food and transportation services, which saw increases of 21.3% and 14.5% respectively. Salaries and benefits remain the largest expenses, consuming $595bn of the $767bn total spent on K-12 education. Instructional expenses accounted for nearly 60% of spending, emphasizing the high cost of maintaining educational staffing and quality amid financial constraints. As federal aid diminishes, schools must navigate these fiscal challenges without compromising educational quality.

 

Education Week News

Texas schools are facing a funding crisis as they remain among the lowest funded in the nation. Despite a record surplus, per-student funding has remained flat at $6,160 since 2019, putting immense pressure on public schools. Many districts, including HISD, Spring, Spring Branch, Katy, Tomball, and Conroe, are projected to have budget shortfalls. While Fort Bend and Klein ISD expect no shortfall, they are exceptions. Schools are forced to make huge budget cuts due to rising inflation and increased costs. A bill to increase funding and give teachers a $15,000 raise was never heard or voted on. Tomball ISD Superintendent Martha Salazar Zamora, the state's Superintendent of the Year, emphasizes the need for better funding to continue providing quality education. A recent survey shows that 80% of districts face budget and resource issues, with over half having a deficit and expecting spending cuts.

 

KTRK-TV

Mississippi's Republican-led Legislature has completed a last-ditch effort to revive a bill to regulate transgender people's use of bathrooms, locker rooms, and dormitories in public education buildings. The legislation would require all public education institutions to equip their buildings with single-sex restrooms, changing areas, and dormitories. People would only be allowed to enter spaces that correspond to their sex assigned at birth, regardless of their appearance or any procedures they've had to affirm their gender identity. Democrats criticized the bill for putting transgender people at risk and questioned the prioritization of this issue over other legislative priorities. Republicans argued that they were standing up for female family members on college campuses. The bill received support from Republican women, who expressed concerns about women being crowded out of spaces they rely on. The Mississippi proposals are part of a larger trend in state legislatures around the country to restrict transgender people's access to gender-affirming care, bathrooms, and sports.

 

The Hill

The Baltimore County Council is considering a bill that would tie new construction to current school capacity in an effort to address school overcrowding. This comes nearly four years after a task force first recommended such a measure. However, this move is expected to spark another round of political debate over the future of county development. The council's decision will have significant implications for the county's education system and its residents. Baltimore County Councilman David Marks stated: "We need to find a balance between development and the capacity of our schools." The bill aims to find a solution to the ongoing problem of overcrowded schools in the county.

 

The Baltimore Sun

At Ohio's second largest public pension system, board meetings are tumultuous, its high-paid executive director is on indefinite leave, and reformers pushing for wholesale changes appear poised to seize control. Aon Consulting, a national firm, canceled its contract early with the State Teachers Retirement System Ohio. The outcome of the ongoing election for a board member could tip control of the board. The Ohio Retirement for Teachers Association and its allies on the board are pushing for several changes, including reinstating regular cost of living adjustments for retirees and increasing transparency. Some have lost confidence in William Neville, the executive director, who is currently on leave. The board voted to keep him on leave through mid-May. The reformers also want to cut down on administrative expenses and staff bonuses, dial back on higher-risk investments, and increase transparency. The pension system has been facing internal strife and controversy, with clashes between reformers and the current board.

 

The Columbus Dispatch

The Washington State schools leader, Chris Reykdal, is running for a third term amidst the challenges brought by the pandemic. Concerns about students struggling academically and their mental health, as well as the expiration of federal aid and financial crises in many districts, have become key issues in the race. Reykdal, who has led the state's school system to a "great recovery," emphasizes the need for more work on funding. His opponents, Reid Saaris and David Olson, highlight their classroom experience and advocacy for equity issues, respectively. The state superintendent, responsible for leading the state education department and distributing funding, earns around $150,000 a year. The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction has the authority to withhold funding or issue sanctions for non-compliance with the law. "The effects of the pandemic have now really hit home," says Arik Korman, CEO of the Washington League of Education Voters.

 

The Columbian

Centreville Elementary in Virginia's Fairfax County stands out for its robust integration of outdoor education, significantly predating the pandemic-induced shift towards outdoor learning. With two permanent outdoor classrooms and a commitment that began under former Principal Dwayne Young, the school has embedded nature deeply into its curriculum. Joshua Douds, the current principal, has continued this legacy, encouraging lessons that utilize the school's 17 outdoor spaces and nature-based activities like the Trout in the Classroom program. Students engage in hands-on environmental science, applying the latest U.N. Sustainability Goals to their learning projects, and even helping local wildlife through the school's Green Team. This approach not only aligns with global sustainability efforts but also addresses the increasing disengagement observed in nationwide student populations. Research supports the socio-emotional and academic benefits of such immersive outdoor experiences, suggesting that more schools could benefit from this model. Despite challenges such as funding and the need for appropriate spaces, Centreville Elementary exemplifies how creative solutions and strong leadership can overcome obstacles to outdoor learning. The school's success, recognized as one of the Top Ten Green Schools in the nation, underscores the potential for outdoor education to enrich student learning and foster a deeper connection to the environment.

 

Education Week News

There's a new trend in education following the pandemic and teacher shortages across the state of Florida. "Microschools" have gained popularity, offering small classrooms with each functioning as its own miniature school. One such school is Primer, which has 16 locations in total. Primer teachers earn more than the average school teacher salary and are equity partners in the microschool. Parents and students appreciate the small class sizes and individualized attention. The contrast between microschools and traditional classrooms is clear, and parents seem to love the option. Primer staff plans to expand, capitalizing on the success of this innovative education model.

 

Local10

Think Together, California's leading nonprofit provider of afterschool and school improvement programs, has recognized Colton Joint Unified School District with its Champion of Change Award. Think Together has partnered with Colton Joint Unified since 2010, offering after school and expanded learning programs to students free of charge. The district has successfully eliminated waitlists for their afterschool programs and integrated community partners into Think Together's expanded learning programs. Colton Joint Unified was commended for their innovative approach to scaling academic and enrichment programs. The Champion of Change Award was presented at the district's board meeting. Colton Joint Unified Superintendent Dr. Frank Miranda expressed his gratitude and commitment to continuing these programs for the community. Think Together has been working with schools for over 25 years, serving over 200,000 students in various schools across California. Their program areas include early learning, afterschool, school support services, and leadership development for teachers and school administrators.

 

Orange Leader

Port Arthur News

Parents in California are facing a decision between keeping their children in preschool or enrolling them in the state's newly expanding Transitional Kindergarten (TK) program. TK, a $2.7bn initiative, offers an extra year of free public education to children who turn 4 by June 2. However, TK programs vary by district and may only offer three hours of care per day. TK classrooms have more students and higher education requirements for teachers compared to preschools. The decision ultimately depends on factors such as available hours, schedule details, costs, classroom style, and curriculum. It is advised for parents to visit TK classrooms to assess the program's suitability for their children.

 

Los Angeles Times