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As West Contra Costa County educators prepare to strike, district leadership expresses concern for students while supporting staff. The United Teachers of Richmond announced that picket lines will form outside all campuses, with 98% of its 1,400 members voting in favor of the strike due to contract disputes. President Francisco Ortiz said, “Striking is the last resort — we want to teach. But we know this truth: The status quo is failing our students.” Despite the strike, Superintendent Cheryl Cotton stated that schools will remain open, and substitute teacher pay will increase to attract temporary staff. The union seeks a 10% raise over two years, while the district's latest offer includes a 3% raise and a plan to increase health care contributions. Trustee Demetrio Gonzalez-Hoy expressed disappointment in the negotiations, emphasizing the need for better conditions for students and educators.

 

EdSource

East Bay

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The abrupt termination of federal grants for school mental health services has left many initiatives in jeopardy. Ian Levy, an assistant professor of school counseling at Rutgers University, expressed disappointment, commenting: "The grant funding would have ended in five years, but the work of the grant would have lived well beyond the period." The U.S. Department of Education terminated these grants, citing inconsistencies with the new administration's priorities. This decision affects 174 initiatives aimed at increasing the availability of mental health professionals in schools, which are crucial given the ongoing mental health crisis exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The funding cuts have prompted appeals and legal challenges from affected organizations, but few have been successful. As a result, many school districts may struggle to retain newly hired counselors, further impacting student mental health services.

 

Education Week News

According to a recent study by Arkansas State University, K-12 educators are increasingly concerned about students relying on artificial intelligence (AI) for emotional support. The survey of 760 educators revealed that 41% view AI negatively, with half stating that current safeguards are "insufficient to protect students." Nearly 79% of educators noted that students have become dependent on AI, leading to diminished confidence in their problem-solving skills. Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers, emphasized the importance of harnessing AI responsibly, stating, "AI holds tremendous promise but huge challenges." The study highlights the ongoing debate about AI's role in education, especially as OpenAI collaborates with educators to enhance teaching and learning.

 

Killeen Daily Herald

Ameresco, Inc., a prominent energy infrastructure solutions provider, has partnered with Orange USD to complete a solar photovoltaic rooftop and carport installation across seven schools. This initiative is expected to yield $6.3m in savings for the district over the next 25 years. "Orange USD is reducing energy costs and optimizing efficiency with Ameresco's resilient solar PV solutions," the company stated, highlighting the project's role in supporting long-term energy independence.

 

The Bakersfield

Students from Manhattan Beach Middle School were involved in a violent assault on a 57-year-old man in Hermosa Beach, leading to his hospitalization. Principal Matthew Horvath confirmed the involvement of students in the incident, which has sparked outrage in the community. Surveillance footage captured the attack, where a group of teens on e-bikes surrounded the victim, with one yelling, “he's dead, he's dead” as they fled. Two of the alleged attackers, aged 13 to 15, were arrested on suspicion of felony assault. Horvath expressed concern over the incident, stating, “This event has understandably caused concern, anger, and sadness across our community.” The rise of e-bike gangs has been a growing issue, with discussions on accountability taking place in recent community forums.

 

Los Angeles Times

Laws aimed at reducing absenteeism in schools often overlook the underlying reasons for student absences, notes an article in the Mercury News. This oversight can lead to ineffective policies that fail to address the real issues affecting attendance. Understanding the root causes of absenteeism is crucial for developing effective solutions that support students and improve their educational outcomes.

 

Mercury News

The Marin County Office of Education reported a nearly 2% decline in student enrollment for the 2025 school year, dropping from 30,077 to 29,524 students. John Carroll, the county superintendent of schools, said, “A drop of 553 students is not statistically significant.” This fluctuation in student numbers is considered part of the normal ebb and flow of school populations.

 

Press Democrat

The White House and the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) have endorsed the SCORE Act, a bill aimed at regulating college sports, despite criticism that it favors the NCAA and its most influential schools. The House is set to vote on the legislation, which has garnered significant Republican support but faces opposition from Democrats. Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA), a key critic, described the situation as “a David and Goliath fight,” arguing that the bill would disproportionately empower the SEC and Big Ten conferences. The USOPC, while initially withholding support, has indicated readiness to collaborate on a model that benefits Olympic sports. The NCAA claims the bill codifies rules from a multibillion-dollar lawsuit settlement allowing player compensation. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) acknowledged concerns regarding federal involvement in college sports, highlighting the contentious nature of the legislation. The SCORE Act aims to establish stability and national standards in college athletics, according to SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey.

 

U.S. News

The increasing interest in artificial intelligence (AI) programs among students is evident as universities expand their offerings. According to The New York Times, more than 3,000 students enrolled in a new AI and cybersecurity college at the University of South Florida in Tampa this semester. Institutions are responding to the popularity of generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude. For instance, the University of Washington recently launched a $10m campuswide AI initiative, while Penn State aims to prepare students, faculty, and staff to lead in an AI-driven economy. Additionally, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill plans to consolidate two schools to form an AI college, and Arizona State University will feature rapper will.i.am leading an AI course titled “The Agentic Self.” Many universities are rebranding their computer science programs to incorporate AI more broadly.

 

Edscoop

The French government is urging an “urgent mobilization” to boost children’s reading after a national study found that young people aged 7–19 spend only 19 minutes a day reading compared with more than three hours on screens, with 38% of older teens not reading at all in their free time. Reading interest drops sharply during collège, especially among boys, prompting calls for stronger action despite existing investments in libraries and reading associations. At a recent national conference, experts proposed a 10-year plan with 15 measures focused on restoring the pleasure of reading, promoting daily reading habits from birth to age 18, and improving training for teachers and other professionals who work with young people.

 

The Local

At Kingsborough Early College Secondary School, students begin their day at CUNY Kingsborough Community College, with many graduating high school with associate degrees. A recent analysis revealed that 57% of CUNY Kingsborough students are high schoolers, highlighting the growing trend of dual enrollment programs in New York. The state Education Department is prioritizing these programs, proposing new regulations to enhance reporting and outcomes. “It really is a game changer in terms of being able to save time and money to a degree,” said Alexandra Wilcox, deputy director of the New York Alliance for Early College Pathways. With a $9.1m College in High School Opportunity Fund, New York aims to support dual enrollment and increase access for low-income students. As dual enrollment continues to rise, it now serves over 176,000 students statewide, making New York the third largest in the nation.

 

Chalkbeat