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The Administration for Children and Families has mandated California to eliminate references to "gender ideology" from its Personal Responsibility Education Program (PREP) within 60 days. This directive follows a review that deemed content discussing gender identity and transgender issues as "egregious." Andrew Gradison, acting assistant secretary, said: "The disturbing gender ideology content in California's PREP materials is both unacceptable and well outside the program's core purpose." The federal agency is also reviewing PREP curricula in other states to ensure compliance. LGBTQ+ advocates criticize this move as harmful to vulnerable communities.

 

Daily Press

Ventura County Star

Meghan Freeman, CEO of Elite Academic Academy charter schools, resigned last month following an investigation by The San Diego Union-Tribune into the school's financial practices. Despite claims that her departure was unrelated to media coverage, the investigation revealed how Freeman and founder Brent Woodard enjoyed a lavish lifestyle while managing the publicly funded institution. The charter network, which serves about 1,800 students primarily through homeschooling, has faced criticism for conflicts of interest. Woodard, who created Elite in 2018, has profited from a third-party corporation, Prime Educational Solutions, which provides services to Elite without public oversight. Freeman defended her compensation, stating it was “legally approved, independently benchmarked and publicly voted on.”

 

The Fresno Bee

Highlands Community Charter School in Sacramento is facing potential closure, which would severely impact its refugee student population, particularly those from Afghanistan. The school provides essential English language classes and vital resources, including transportation and domestic violence support. Executive director Bill McGuire warned: "That’s going to create turmoil across all of those communities." An audit revealed funding mismanagement and credential violations, leading to possible layoffs of up to 80% of staff and a loss of 6,000 students. The school has acknowledged its past mistakes and is prepared to repay $13m in misappropriated funds.

 

The Sacramento Bee

Los Angeles USD is providing a virtual summer school option for families concerned about U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids. Out of 90,000 students enrolled in the "Summer of Learning" program, 1,900 have chosen to attend online. Superintendent Alberto Carvalho emphasized: "That should not be the reality in our schools or our communities: separating families, instilling a culture and atmosphere of fear." A recent Stanford study indicated that school attendance drops in areas affected by immigration raids. Carvalho also noted that ICE attempted to access two schools but was prevented by legal protections.

 

EdSource

Sierra High has recently been awarded the Career Choices Silver Medal, recognizing its exceptional life- and career-planning programs. This honor, presented by Academic Innovations, highlights schools that effectively prepare students for future success. Mindy Bingham, chief executive of Academic Innovations, stated: “It’s always a joy to spotlight educators who are making a difference, but the biggest winners are the students and the communities they’ll go on to lead.” Sierra High's program, which utilizes the Career Choices series curriculum and My10yearPlan.com, has shown impressive results, exceeding state averages in graduation rates and college readiness.

 

Manteca Bulletin

Two students from Fairfield, Alfredo Naranjo and Crispin Luimin, are participating in the Fairfield-Suisun USD's inaugural paid automotive internship program. This initiative provides them with hands-on experience and training in transportation services, including skills like oil changes and safety protocols. The program also offers certification to become a licensed school bus driver, paving the way for immediate employment at age 18. If successful, the program may expand to include more students in the future.

 

Merced Sun Star

Riverside USD is set to undergo an audit by the California Joint Legislative Audit Committee due to concerns over the potential misuse of funds from Measure O, a bond measure approved by voters in 2016. The audit will specifically investigate the district's plans for a STEM high school to be constructed at UC Riverside, funded by Measure O. The committee's decision to audit was made on June 18, highlighting the importance of accountability in the use of public funds.

 

Press Enterprise

Following the unexpected departure of Superintendent Darnise Williams, Pacifica School District has appointed Carisa Bowman as interim superintendent and Martha Ladd as interim deputy superintendent. The board of trustees unanimously approved Bowman's contract, which offers a salary of nearly $200,000, while Ladd will earn approximately $197,000. Williams, who is leaving for the Antioch USD, expressed gratitude for her time in Pacifica, saying: "It has been a joy to serve as a superintendent."

 

Half Moon Bay Review

Atascadero USD is saying goodbye to two key figures, Superintendent Tom Butler and Executive Assistant Stacey Phillips, who are retiring after a combined 67 years of service. Butler, with 36 years in education, highlights achievements such as modernized facilities and a dual enrollment partnership with Cuesta College, which allows students to earn college credits while in high school. Phillips, who served for 31 years, began her career as a school aide and has been a vital support to the district's administrative team. 

 

Atascadero News

The City of Manteca is launching its largest initiative to enhance pedestrian safety around schools, funded by an additional half cent from Measure K sales tax. The City Council has approved a $4,097,000 project aimed at improving safe routes for students at several schools, including Sierra High, Manteca High, and Golden West. The project will benefit approximately 6,500 students and includes the installation of high visibility crosswalks, curb ramps, and sidewalks. Notably, a refuge island will be constructed on North Main Street to aid pedestrian crossings. The initiative marks a significant step towards ensuring safer travel for students in the area.

 

Manteca Bulletin

School Bus Logistics has introduced new features to its RouteHub platform, enhancing communication for school transportation. The updates include transportation forms and student incident reporting, aimed at improving efficiency and safety. The transportation forms simplify community communication, allowing parents to request bus stop changes and submit multiple forms for their children. The incident reporting feature provides an electronic record of interactions, including a video request button and a QR code for drivers to report incidents. The enhancements aim to streamline processes and improve accountability across the platform.

 

School Bus Fleet

An appeals court has upheld a $1m jury verdict against El Segundo USD for failing to protect Eleri Irons, a middle school student, from severe bullying and emotional abuse. Irons faced harassment from peers, including threats and derogatory social media posts. After reporting the abuse, a school counselor dismissed her concerns, saying: "Girls will be girls." Following her transfer to a private high school, Irons sued the district in 2019, winning $700,000 for noneconomic damages and $300,000 for future noneconomic damages.

 

EdSource

Yuba City USD is providing free breakfast and lunch for children aged 18 and under during the summer break from June 12 to July 11, 2025, at various locations. Notable sites include Bridge Street, Butte Vista, and River Valley High School, with specific breakfast and lunch times outlined. The program is designed to ensure that "kids 18 and under eat free breakfast and lunch," with no registration required. Menus will be available at each site, and the program will be closed on June 19 and July 4.

 

Appeal Democrat

On Friday, U.S. District Judge Allison D. Burroughs issued a preliminary injunction blocking the Trump administration's attempt to revoke Harvard's ability to enroll international students. Burroughs directed the administration to “immediately” prepare guidance to restore visa holders and applicants to their previous status. The ruling prevents the administration from altering Harvard's Student and Exchange Visitor Program certification. The administration is expected to appeal the decision. Harvard's attorney, Ian Heath Gershenger, criticized the administration for “using international students as pawns,” while the Department of Justice cited national security concerns. The ongoing conflict has drawn criticism and support from various quarters, including a group of over 12,000 Harvard alumni who described the funding freeze as a “reckless and unlawful” attempt to control the university.

 

CNN Edition

CNBC

New York Times

The Trump administration has initiated lawsuits against Texas and Kentucky, challenging laws that permit undocumented students to pay in-state tuition. This legal action raises concerns about the future of similar policies in California, where undocumented students have benefited from in-state tuition since 2001. Kevin R. Johnson, dean of the UC Davis Law School, said: “We are just waiting to see when it's California's turn,” indicating that the administration may target California's law next. The lawsuits have left many undocumented students, like Osmar Enríquez, uncertain about their educational futures, as the difference in tuition rates can be substantial. The Justice Department argues that these state laws violate federal law, which prohibits providing benefits to undocumented individuals that are not available to U.S. citizens. As legal challenges mount, the fate of in-state tuition for undocumented students hangs in the balance.

 

Los Angeles Times

Matt Dennish, a 39-year-old high school health teacher from Pennsylvania, achieved remarkable success at the Fanatics Games, a sports-skills competition held in New York City. He finished third, earning a $250,000 cash prize and a valuable LeBron James rookie card. Tom Brady, the event's champion, offered Dennish $250,000 for the card, which Dennish accepted on stage. "I didn't know exactly what to do with a card of that value," Dennish remarked. The competition featured 50 professional athletes and 50 fans, with events ranging from MLB pitching accuracy to WWE-style entrances. Dennish's impressive performance included the highest score in the MLB pitching event.

 

NBC Miami