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California
5th February 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Enrollment in private school choice skyrockets

Enrollment in private school choice programs has significantly increased in recent years, with Republican-led states investing billions in subsidies for families. These programs include vouchers for private school tuition, education savings accounts (ESAs), and tax-credit scholarships. Chris Lubienski, a professor of education policy at Indiana University Bloomington, said: "There's a lot of questions here that really could have pretty profound impacts that aren't necessarily evident yet." As of now, twenty-eight states are set to participate in a new federal tax credit program, further complicating the landscape of private school choice. While some states see soaring demand, others struggle with capacity and funding issues. The push for expanded access continues, with advocacy groups like EdChoice aiming for universal eligibility in private school choice programs. However, accountability and transparency concerns are rising, prompting scrutiny of how funds are utilized.

CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION

Level Up Your Students’ Future-Ready Skills

As the workforce and student needs evolve, how can schools ensure students are future-ready? Career and Technical Education (CTE) offers a strategic solution. Our comprehensive free guide empowers school leaders with practical tools—from student interest surveys to employment landscape checklists—to strengthen CTE offerings and equip students with the skills, knowledge, and mindsets needed for future success.

In the guide, you’ll have access to:
  • An overview of nationally recognized Career Clusters and Programs of Study
  • Tips for selecting the best career pathways that evolve with the employment landscape
  • Sample survey questions to gauge students’ interests in future career opportunities
  • And more!
Download The Guide

 

NATIONAL NEWS

Cellphone bans gain momentum in schools

Cellphone bans in schools are gaining traction across more than half of U.S. states, with educators and experts advocating for these policies to enhance student achievement and mental health. Kara Stern, director of education and engagement for SchoolStatus, said: "During remote learning, phones became a primary way kids entertained themselves and stayed connected," but have since contributed to disconnection in classrooms. Currently, 38 states and Washington, D.C., have some form of cellphone restrictions, with 18 states implementing full-day bans. While many support these measures, compliance remains inconsistent, as a 2025 University of Southern California study found that most students still use phones during school hours.

STATE NEWS

Surge in special education enrollment

In McFarland USD, Superintendent Aaron Resendez reported an unexpected increase in special education enrollment, with 449 students requiring services in 2024-25, up from 248 in 2014-15. This trend reflects a statewide pattern in California, where the percentage of students qualifying for special education has risen from 13% in 2018-19 to 15% in 2024-25, despite an overall decline in student enrollment. Factors contributing to this increase include improved identification of disabilities and pandemic-related disruptions. However, funding challenges persist, as federal and state resources often fall short of covering the rising costs associated with special education services. Veronica Coates, chair for SELPA Administrators of California, emphasized the need for more equitable funding to address these challenges.

WORKFORCE

Teachers demand pay raise amid inflation

In Atascadero, parents and teachers recently gathered to advocate for a cost-of-living pay raise during a school board meeting. Teachers expressed that not receiving a raise would effectively act as a pay cut due to rising living costs. The district received a 2.3% cost-of-living increase through Gov. Gavin Newsom's budget, but it is not mandated to be passed to staff salaries. Community member Robin Dery highlighted the issue of teacher retention, stating that a 0% raise would be a “pay cut in terms of purchasing power.” District superintendent Tom Bennett acknowledged the concerns and expressed a desire for collaboration to address the budget deficit.

GOVERNANCE

Orange Unified Board's stipend shocker

The Merced Sun Star reports that the Orange USD School Board has approved a significant stipend increase from $400 to $2,000 per member, raising annual compensation to $24,000. While this change has sparked controversy, the real financial impact lies in the health care benefits, which can exceed $50,000 annually. Ian Hanigan, spokesman for the Orange County Department of Education, said: “That figure reflects the full employer cost of the benefit plans available to OCDE board members.” The increase aligns with California's new law, AB 1390, aimed at modernizing compensation for school board members. Despite the hike, many board members opt out of health benefits due to existing coverage from other jobs. Orange Unified's budget can accommodate this increase, but the district faces challenges like rising employee costs and declining enrollment.

Elk Grove board members eye pay raise

Elk Grove USD board members may see their compensation increase significantly, from a maximum of $750 to $3,000 per month, following California's AB 1390. This law adjusts board member pay based on district size and average daily attendance, potentially raising maximum compensation to $4,500 if attendance improves. The proposed changes could cost the district an additional $252,000 annually, raising concerns as it faces a $35m deficit. 

DISTRICTS

TIDE Academy faces potential closure

Sequoia UHSD Superintendent Crystal Leach has recommended the closure of TIDE Academy, with the Board of Trustees set to decide on the phase-out plan on February 4. The proposals include closing the campus by June 30, relocating the program to Woodside High School, or allowing current students to graduate at TIDE until June 2029. The staff report indicates that “keeping TIDE open and running as it currently exists is not sustainable nor equitable toward the other schools.” Estimated savings from the closure could reach approximately $14.5m over four years if relocated.

San Mateo super announces retirement plans

Nancy Magee, the San Mateo County superintendent of schools, will retire on February 19, having already indicated she would not be seeking re-election. Serving since 2018 and re-elected in 2022, Magee expressed her pride in the educational opportunities provided to all students, stating: “It has been an incredible honor to serve the students and families of San Mateo County.” The San Mateo County Board of Education will discuss an interim superintendent on February 18.

Third annual Women's Empowerment Event

The third annual Women's Empowerment Event, hosted by Manteca USD, is scheduled for March 31 at the RESC Building. This year's theme, “Resilient. Rooted. Rising.” aims to empower young women to recognize their strengths and move forward with confidence. 

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Vaccination rates plummet post-pandemic

Cases of measles are increasing in West Texas, with over 150 confirmed cases and one death reported. A Stateline analysis reveals that many states, including Mississippi and West Virginia, are losing their top vaccination rankings due to expanded exemptions and growing skepticism about vaccines. Dr. Patricia Tibbs, a pediatrician, noted: "If they hear something about it in the news, then it must be right, they think." The analysis indicates that at least 33 states fell below herd immunity levels in the 2024-25 school year, compared to 28 states before the pandemic. Connecticut, New York, and Maine now lead in vaccination rates, while states like Florida and Idaho are pushing for more exemptions. The trend raises concerns about public health, as misinformation and distrust continue to influence parental decisions regarding vaccinations.

NUTRITION

Navigating new school meal guidelines

The recent unveiling of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) introduces significant changes to school meal standards. Lori Nelson of the Chef Ann Foundation stated: "It is a puzzle essentially," highlighting the complexities schools face in meeting new nutritional requirements. The guidelines emphasize protein intake and encourage the use of whole-fat dairy products, which may lead to increased costs for schools. Diane Pratt-Heavner, a spokesperson for the School Nutrition Association, noted that schools would "absolutely need more funding" to comply with potential new protein requirements. While the USDA sets regulations based on these guidelines, the implementation process is lengthy, requiring significant adjustments in infrastructure, staffing, and funding.

TEACHER SUPPORT

Teacher of the Year finalists address stress and burnout issues

In a recent discussion with Education Week, the finalists for the 2026 National Teacher of the Year award emphasized the importance of addressing teacher stress and burnout. One of the final five, Katie Collins, a 1st grade teacher at Bluff Park Elementary in Hoover, Alabama,said: "Teachers still feel alone. We are regulating very dysregulated children and we're dysregulated ourselves." The finalists highlighted the need for supportive environments that foster connections among teachers and students, and advocated for administrators to prioritize social and emotional support, particularly for young teachers of color. The educators shared strategies for maintaining joy in their work, such as finding purpose and building trust with administrators. Collins concluded: "When we can trust each other, y'all, the sky is the limit." The insights from these educators underscore the critical need for systemic changes to support teachers effectively.

INTERNATIONAL

Australia brings early language learning to the classroom

Australia’s Early Learning Languages Australia (ELLA) program is being expanded into Foundation to Year 2 classrooms, giving primary schools free access to digital, play-based language learning tools. Already used by more than 1m children across 5,000 early learning services, the program now offers 11 immersive apps per language, professional development, and classroom resources aligned with the Australian Curriculum. The expansion aims to overcome common barriers to early language teaching, such as limited teacher confidence and resources, while promoting cultural understanding, inclusivity, and multilingualism from the earliest years of schooling.

AND FINALLY......

Rouble Nagi awarded $1m Global Teacher Prize

Rouble Nagi, an Indian teacher and activist, has been awarded the $1m Global Teacher Prize at the World Governments Summit in Dubai. Known for establishing over 800 learning centers and creating educational murals, Nagi aims to provide structured learning for children who have never attended school. Her Rouble Nagi Art Foundation focuses on teaching literacy, science, math, and history through art. Nagi plans to utilize the prize money to build an institute offering free vocational training. The Global Teacher Prize, awarded by the Varkey Foundation, recognizes exceptional educators worldwide; Nagi is the tenth recipient since its inception in 2015.
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