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Starting this month, prospective students applying for federal financial aid at 132 California colleges will encounter a new warning label regarding alumni earnings. This label indicates that graduates from these institutions earn less than those with only a high school diploma four years post-graduation. The U.S. Department of Education introduced these “lower earnings” alerts primarily targeting for-profit colleges, including beauty and trade schools. In California, these flagged schools enrolled over 80,000 students and received substantial federal funding. U.S. Under Secretary of Education Nicholas Kent stated that the alerts aim to help students make informed decisions without restricting their options. While the alerts do not impose immediate penalties, they signal upcoming legislation that may revoke federal loan eligibility for programs failing to demonstrate increased earnings for graduates.

 

EdSource

California's new Family Preparedness Plan Act, effective January 1, allows parents to designate a caretaker for their child if they are detained or deported. The law expands the definition of "caretaker" to include various relatives and establishes a process for temporary joint guardianship through probate court. Jenilee Fermin, legislative director for Assemblymember Celeste Rodriguez, said: "The family preparedness plan should state who the chosen caregivers are in the event they are separated." The law also prohibits daycare facilities from collecting immigration status information and limits cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. While the bill received support from over 75 organizations, critics raised concerns about potential misuse of the caregiver's affidavit, which only requires self-attestation. Gov. Gavin Newsom emphasized the importance of children's safety, remarking: "We stand by our families and their right to keep their private information safe."

 

LA Daily News

A U.S. federal judge has ruled to block hundreds of layoffs by the Trump administration across several government agencies, stating the moves violated a law tied to ending the recent 43-day government shutdown. Judge Susan Illston said the State and Education departments must halt planned job cuts, while ordering reinstatement of about 300 workers already let go. The ruling, which favors unions challenging the cuts, underscores legal limits on government downsizing during funding disputes. The Justice Department is expected to appeal Illston’s order.

 

Government Executive

Politico

Reuters

As contract negotiations between the Duarte USD and the Duarte Unified Education Association (DUEA) continue, tensions are escalating. The DUEA has been negotiating under an expired contract since the summer, and a recent mediation on December 3 failed to yield an agreement. Both parties are now entering a fact-finding phase, where a neutral panel will assess the situation. Board President Reyna Diaz said: "The Board remains hopeful that this next phase will support a fair and fiscally responsible resolution." DUEA President Heather Messner expressed skepticism about the district's budget calculations, asserting that the district can afford their demands. With a strike assessment showing 92% support among members, the DUEA is ramping up community engagement efforts. Messner emphasized the urgency of the situation, warning: "If the District ends up not agreeing to a fair contract, we’ll have a strike authorization vote."

 

SGV Tribune

The Chieftain mascot at Clark Intermediate School in Clovis USD, California, will continue following approval from the North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians. A new state law, effective July, prohibits schools from using most Native American terms as mascots without tribal consent. Fred Beihn, the tribe’s vice chairperson, said: "There are generations of family, community, friends and tribal citizens that attended Clark Intermediate School and are proud to claim Chieftains as their mascot." Superintendent Corrine Folmer emphasized the importance of honoring local Native American history, noting that the discussions have "deepened our understanding" of the mascot's significance. The law expands the ban on derogatory Native American terms, ensuring respectful representation in school mascots.

 

EdSource

San Luis Coastal USD is facing significant budget cuts, with the school board approving $5m in prospective reductions despite community opposition. Over $4.1m of these cuts will impact jobs, including teachers and counselors, while a $100,000 reduction in the music program has raised concerns among parents and students. Superintendent Eric Prater emphasized that the district's structural budget deficit, projected to reach $10m over two years, is primarily a revenue issue. "I'm here tonight to tell you we have been backed into the wall," Prater said. Without additional funding, the cuts could lead to layoffs and reduced services across school sites. Community members are advocating for restored funding from PG&E and legislative support for transitional kindergarten funding.

 

San Luis Obispo Tribune

Huntington Beach Mayor Pro Tem Butch Twining has filed a defamation lawsuit against Ocean View School District board president Gina Clayton-Tarvin, seeking $25m in damages. The lawsuit stems from Clayton-Tarvin's social media posts following a vigil for conservative activist Charlie Kirk, where Twining claimed he was misrepresented as participating in a "white supremacy rally." Twining said: "She immediately put a target on my back," referring to the threats he received after her comments. Clayton-Tarvin dismissed the lawsuit as "nonsense," asserting that public officials are subject to scrutiny. Twining, who has faced backlash since the incident, emphasized the impact on his reputation and safety, claiming: "You have damaged my reputation, but I plan on getting it back." The case highlights ongoing tensions in local politics and the challenges of public discourse.

 

Los Angeles Times

On December 10, Rancho San Justo Middle School hosted its annual PBIS Luncheon, honoring 45 students for their behavioral growth and integrity. Principal Deborah Armstrong emphasized that teachers selected students based on their positive behavior rather than academic performance, saying: "I always say I’m a proud principal and I’m especially proud of you." The event featured a taco lunch prepared by the Student Nutrition Department, with school officials, including Board President Jan Grist and Superintendent Erika Sanchez, serving the students. Grist remarked that the event demonstrates to students that school can be enjoyable and encourages positive interactions with teachers. Assistant Principal Samantha Rivas noted that this event, which she introduced two years ago, is her favorite of the year.

 

Hollister Free Lance

During Saugus USD's organizational meeting on Tuesday, Matthew Watson was elected as the 2026 board president with a 4-1 vote, despite public support for board member Anna Griese. Griese, who nominated herself, received backing from community members, including Linda Valdes, president of the Saugus Teachers Association, who said: "My hope is Anna Griese will be elected as board president." Griese expressed her commitment to advocating for teachers and parents, remarking: "I will continue to visit classrooms. I'll keep advocating from the dais." The election comes as the district prepares for the retirement of Superintendent Colleen Hawkins, making the new president's role crucial in selecting her successor.

 

Signalscv.com

The ongoing legal battle over California's Assembly Bill 715, aimed at combating antisemitism in schools, has raised significant concerns regarding teachers' rights. U.S. District Court Judge Noël Wise expressed respect for both the need to address antisemitism and the teachers' desire for open discourse. Attorney Jenin Younes, representing several teachers, argued that the law's vague definition of antisemitism could stifle classroom discussions, stating, "Teachers must have leeway to do their jobs to encourage open discourse." In contrast, Deputy Attorney General Andrew Edelstein maintained that teachers do not possess First Amendment rights in the classroom, emphasizing that "government speech is not bound by First Amendment rights over instruction and content." The case highlights the tension between educational freedom and legislative mandates, with Wise acknowledging the complexity of the issues at hand.

 

EdSource

Harvard University has initiated a confidential disciplinary investigation into students Rosie P. Couture and Lola DeAscentiis for their involvement in recording former president Larry Summers discussing his connections to Jeffrey Epstein. The students posted videos online that prompted scrutiny and complaints from faculty members. The investigation focuses on potential violations of university policies regarding unauthorized recording and attending classes without enrollment. Harvard stated: "The College prohibits unauthorized recording of classroom proceedings to protect classrooms as spaces for intellectual exploration." The students, both active in feminist causes, could face consequences ranging from reprimands to expulsion. This incident follows recent revelations about Summers' ties to Epstein, which have sparked significant public outcry and pressure on the university.

 

Boston Globe

Hong Kong's Education Bureau will offer HK$500,000 ($64,200) in one-off funding to each public primary and secondary school that applies to a new three-year initiative aimed at integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into classrooms. With HK$500m allocated, the program requires schools to use AI in at least three subjects and create six teaching resources, as well as host open classes and student activities. Applications are open until February 2026, with funding available for use through August 2028. Lee Yi-ying, chairwoman of the Hong Kong Subsidised Secondary Schools Council, said the funding offered a very good start for the sector to implement AI in the classroom, adding: “We could use [the money] to help teachers prepare lessons, teaching materials, to devise classroom strategies, help draft assessment papers, offer feedback and personalize learning plans for students. It could save lots of time, particularly on translation between Chinese and English.”

 

South China Morning Post

Britain will rejoin the European Union's Erasmus student exchange program in 2027, marking a significant shift since its departure during Brexit negotiations. The government hailed this decision as a “huge win” for young Britons, ensuring that “everyone, from every background, has the opportunity to study and train abroad.” The program allows students to study at foreign universities while paying domestic fees. However, the cost for the 2027/28 academic year will be £570m ($760m), which is approximately double the previous contribution before Brexit. This reintroduction raises questions about the benefits of leaving the EU, as public sentiment towards the bloc appears to be softening. Irene Tracey, Vice-Chancellor at the University of Oxford, emphasized the program's role in enhancing Britain's global standing, stating: “Many of these people are going to go on and become leaders of the public and private sector.” Nick Thomas-Symonds, Britain's minister for EU relations, noted that the agreement is “about more than just travel.”

 

CNN Edition

Financial Times