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Dozens of researchers and contractors with the Institute of Education Sciences (IES), the research arm of the U.S. Department of Education, were told on Monday to immediately stop work on research projects and program evaluations. The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) terminated 89 contracts, worth $881m, along with $101m in training grants for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The research collected by IES is used by educators, state and local departments of education, school districts, colleges and other researchers to better understand student achievement, enrollment and a host of other important functions that shape the education system across the country. The cuts come with President Donald Trump expected to issue an executive order this month to wind down the Department of Education, and with Education Secretary nominee Linda McMahon preparing to testify before Congress on Thursday.

 

Education Week

NPR

Politico

EdSource reports that California school districts are grappling with an estimated $2bn in claims due to a surge in lawsuits stemming from a 2019 state law that expanded liability for past child sexual assaults. The Fiscal Crisis and Management Assistance Team (FCMAT) warns that these legal challenges could lead to significant budget cuts, layoffs, and even bankruptcy for some districts. A report from the FCMAT suggests creating a voluntary victims’ compensation fund to alleviate financial burdens on districts. With many claims still pending, the final costs remain uncertain, but the average claim is around $2.5m per victim.

 

EdSource

The Trump administration has been sued by California and 21 other states to stop it from cutting key funding universities rely on to conduct scientific research and discovery. Last week, the National Institutes of Health issued a memo indicating that it would reduce the “indirect cost rates” that universities receive from the agency to 15%, nearly half the average rate that research campuses currently get. The lawsuit, which was filed in the U.S. District Court for Massachusetts, said the action would result in layoffs, suspension of clinical trials, disruption of ongoing research programs and lab closures. UC President Michael Drake commented: "This is not only an attack on science, but on America’s health writ large. We must stand up against this harmful, misguided action."

 

LAist

Los Angeles Times

The Press Democrat looks at how educators, students and parents in the North Bay are fearful of ICE turning at schools. As yet, there are no reports of agents turning up, either in Sonoma or Napa counties - or elsewhere, but the threat appears large as a result of President Trump's executive order that changes certain ICE guidelines to make it easier for immigration authorities to enter schools. At Healdsburg High School, principal Tait Danhausen said students are well-aware of the change. More than 65% of students in the Healdsburg Unified School District identify as Latino. “Am I having conversations with kids I wouldn’t be having if Kamala Harris had been elected? Absolutely,” Danhausen said. Meanwhile, Calistoga Superintendent Audra Pittman echoed Danhausen, noting that her school community is experiencing “a sense of fear” and asking “lots of questions regarding what happens if ICE does show up.” Pittman says staff at Calistoga schools are to “treat ICE the same way we treat any other visitor on our campus.”

 

The Press Democrat

EdSource reports that Compton USD has made significant strides in improving student performance, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. With nearly 95% of its 20,000 students classified as "high-need," the district has been recognized for its impressive academic growth. The Education Recovery Scorecard indicates that Compton has raised its scores in English language arts and mathematics, with a notable increase in students meeting or exceeding standards. Superintendent Darin Brawley attributes this success to targeted assessments and resource allocation, highlighting the importance of using data to guide instruction. Los Angeles County Superintendent of Schools Debra Duardo added: "Compton USD’s achievements are truly inspiring. Their impressive graduation rate, coupled with significant academic growth and a strong focus on college and career readiness … demonstrate a deep commitment to student success.”

 

ABC News

EdSource

The Barstow USD Board of Trustees has appointed Elizabeth Givens and Leonard Williams to fill vacant seats for Areas 1 and 5. Superintendent Deanna Swearingen officiated the swearing-in ceremony. Givens, who is the executive director of Growing Outreach Growing Opportunities Barstow, expressed her commitment to being “a voice for the community, be an advocate for the students and their families.” Board President Aaron Heldreth praised Givens for her strong community ties and looks forward to the new ideas she will bring.

 

Daily Press

Residents in the Tamalpais Union High School District have rallied behind a petition supporting the district's ethnic studies program, countering critics who demand curriculum changes. The petition, organized by MVFREE (Mill Valley Force for Racial Equity and Empowerment), states: "The well conceived and popular ethnic studies course in Marin's public high schools is facing an organized attack." Critics, including Laurie Dubin of Tam Union Together, argue that they support a comprehensive ethnic studies curriculum but seek to address concerns about bias. Both sides agree on the importance of teaching the truth about historical injustices, with the petition emphasizing the need for "multicultural understanding and empathy."

 

San Luis Obispo Tribune

Los Angeles USD (LAUSD) is facing three class-action lawsuits following multiple cyberattacks that compromised sensitive student information. Parents allege that the district failed to adequately protect their children's records and lacked transparency regarding the leaks. The attacks included a September 2022 ransomware incident that exposed psychological evaluations, a January 2022 breach involving Illuminate Education, and a June 2024 attack on Snowflake. Superintendent Alberto Carvalho downplayed the severity of the leaks, stating: “We have seen no evidence that psychiatric evaluation information or health records... has been made available publicly.” An LAUSD spokesperson emphasized the district's commitment to data privacy and transparency, stating they follow a structured process for internal assessments and compliance with regulations.

 

EdSource

Students Against Racial Discrimination (SARD) has filed a lawsuit against the University of California (UC) Regents and 35 individuals, including UC President Michael Drake and Gov. Gavin Newsom, alleging unlawful racial preferences in hiring and admissions. The complaint cites violations of Title VI, 42 U.S.C. § 1981, and the Equal Protection Clause, stating these laws “make no exception for diversity-based affirmative-action programs.” SARD argues that affirmative action harms qualified white and Asian-American students while non-Asian racial minorities face academic struggles. The lawsuit highlights a significant drop in African American admissions at UC Berkeley, from 8% in 2010 to 2% in 2023.

 

The Daily Californian

Beattie Middle School in Redlands has launched a program to provide every student with a Chromebook, moving away from the previous model of using laptops on carts. The initiative aims to enhance learning by ensuring that students have access to technology both on campus and at home. Christine Stephens from the Redlands Unified School District said: "Students also received branded laptop sleeves to protect the devices and make it easier to bring them to and from school."

 

Redlands Daily Facts

The Sonoma Valley USD board of trustees will meet on Thursday to discuss cutting 33 full-time classified jobs. If approved, 19 positions would be discontinued from July 1st 2025, with a further 14 being eliminated no later than the start of the 2025-26 academic year. The trustees will also consider shortening the length of board meetings and debate whether or not to approve comprehensive school safety plans.

 

Press Democrat

Sonoma News