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The California Department of Education has recognized 31 schools, including Elliott Ranch Elementary School in Elk Grove, for their exceptional performance and student support as part of the California Blue Ribbon School scheme. “This prestigious award honors public and private elementary, middle and high schools that close achievement and opportunity gaps,” the state Education Department said. Originally nominated for the National Blue Ribbon Schools program in 2025, California decided to honor these schools independently after the U.S. Department of Education discontinued the program. California Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond congratulated the school communities.

 

The Sacramento Bee

Approved. Aligned. Ready

California Reveal Math by McGraw Hill, approved by the California Department of Education, offers a TK–12 curriculum built to deliver measurable results. Grounded in the California Mathematics Framework, it helps educators teach through the Big Ideas of math with clarity and coherence.

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California is requesting federal waivers to provide meals to students during weekends and holidays, as families face challenges due to cuts in food stamps. State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond emphasized the urgency, stating: “Americans are struggling and they’re suffering and they’re hungry.” The California Department of Education aims to use existing federal funding to offer grab-and-go meals, similar to the program during the pandemic, which saw over 800m meals distributed. With 27% of California households with children experiencing food insecurity, Thurmond urged the Trump administration to approve these waivers immediately.

 

East Bay

Around 100 attendees gathered at Pasadena High School for a town hall meeting organized by the Pasadena USD to discuss its ongoing financial challenges. Superintendent Elizabeth Blanco and Board President Jennifer Hall Lee addressed community concerns regarding a structural deficit caused by declining enrollment and rising costs. The district is working to identify $30m to $35m in cuts for the 2026-27 budget, with discussions focusing on various categories such as staffing and asset management. The Board of Education is set to review recommendations from the Superintendent’s Budget Advisory Committee on November 13, with final decisions expected by November 20.

 

SGV Tribune

On the eve of Veterans Day, ten veterans employed by the Lucerne Valley USD were honored by local officials, receiving plaques and $1,000 stipends for their service. The annual stipend was inspired by a discussion among school board members. Superintendent Peter Livingston said: “Providing a $1,000 stipend to every veteran working in our district is a small but heartfelt way to honor their service.”

 

Daily Press

As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly integrated into education, the Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) emphasizes the necessity of foundational computer science (CS) education for all students. According to the upcoming 2025 Teacher Landscape Report, 70% of computer science teachers are already incorporating AI into their curricula. The CSTA's recent survey, conducted in partnership with the Alliance for Interdisciplinary Innovation in Computing Education (AiiCE), found that 80% of K-12 computer science teachers view AI as essential to the curriculum. The report highlights that 44 states have established standards for teaching these foundational skills, with many requiring computer science for graduation. The CSTA asserts: "A foundational computer science education is the cornerstone of AI literacy." To prepare students for a future driven by computing, educators must engage them as creators of AI, not just users.

 

EdSource

San Luis Coastal USD is transforming its food offerings to include diverse and nutritious options, such as sweet potato and black bean chimichurri bowls. Erin Primer, the director of food and nutrition services, emphasized the importance of introducing students to various flavors from different cultures. The district benefits from the Local Food for Schools program, which supports farm-to-school initiatives, providing fresh produce and educational opportunities about food systems. However, recent federal funding cuts have strained resources, impacting the ability to maintain these programs. Suzanne Morales, president of the California School Nutrition Association, said: "The last thing we want to do is cut for children’s nutrition because children who are hungry or malnourished can’t learn." As districts adapt to these challenges, the focus remains on providing high-quality meals while fostering a connection between students and local agriculture.

 

EdSource

A rally has seen parents and alumni of Jesuit High School in Carmichael protest against the school's decision to admit girls starting in 2027. The rally, attended by about 50 people, aimed to preserve the school's all-boys tradition. School leaders cited financial challenges and declining enrollment as reasons for the change, with enrollment at a 30-year low of 894 students. However, Sandy Malaney, who organized the rally, claimed to have gathered $3.7m in conditional pledges to keep the school all-boys. Elizabeth Sands, a school spokesperson, reiterated that the decision is final and invited open dialogue with concerned parents.

 

The Sacramento Bee

The Department of Education has announced $167m in competitive grants under the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE) for FY2025, targeting artificial intelligence (AI) integration, accreditation reform, and short-term workforce programmes. AI-related priorities will receive $50m to support tools that enhance learning and expand AI and computer science education. Accreditation reform is allocated $7mto aid transitions between agencies and establish new accreditors. Another $50m is directed at high-quality short-term academic programmes, supporting curriculum development and employer collaboration. Applications are due by December 3 2025.

 

ETIH

The University of California (UC) serves 300,000 students, yet only one of the two student representatives on the 26-member Board of Regents has voting rights. Student leaders are advocating for a second voting position to better reflect the diverse perspectives of the student body. Current student regent Sonya Brooks stated: "I've always been an advocate for all things justice," emphasizing the need for broader representation. The UC Student Association is leading the charge for this change, aiming to have a measure on the November 2026 midterm election ballot. Unlike California State University and California Community Colleges, which have two voting student representatives, UC's governance structure is more complex, requiring either a regent vote or a constitutional amendment for policy changes. Advocates believe that a second vote would enhance student representation and influence on critical issues, such as tuition increases.

 

Los Angeles Times