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California
29th May 2026
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THE HOT STORY

California schools face heat crisis

California is experiencing extreme heat, with temperatures hitting 100 degrees in March. The lack of HVAC systems in thousands of schools poses a significant risk to student safety and learning. Modern HVAC systems not only cool classrooms but also filter out harmful pollutants and reduce disease spread. The California Schools Healthy Air, Plumbing, and Efficiency Program (CalSHAPE) aims to fund necessary upgrades, particularly in underserved communities. However, nearly $200m in CalSHAPE funds may be returned to utilities if not spent soon. Leah Stokes, an associate professor at UC Santa Barbara, emphasized the urgency, stating: “Our members and our students are very literally dying for this money.” The program's future hangs in the balance, and action is needed to ensure schools receive the funding they require for safe learning environments.

BOOST ENROLLMENT

How to Attract Families to Your School & Increase Enrollment

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STATE NEWS

Newsom's budget a balancing act

Gov. Gavin Newsom aims to conclude his governorship positively, asserting he has crafted “a balanced budget structurally for 18 months” to ease the transition for his successor. However, the budget reveals a $20bn gap, with projected spending of $246.6bn against $226.5bn in revenues, indicating a persistent structural deficit. Gabe Petek, the Legislature's budget analyst, stated that the budget leaves the state “ill-prepared” for revenue fluctuations. As the June 15 deadline approaches, resistance mounts against proposed cuts, particularly in education and health services. Debra Schade, president of the California School Boards Association, emphasized that the funding issue is “a matter of law, not a suggestion.” Advocates for children's dental care warn that “upwards of 1.2m low-income California children could lose access” if cuts proceed.

Teachers association backs Barrera strongly

The California Teachers Association has invested over $5m in Richard Barrera's campaign for California superintendent of public instruction, aiming to elevate him in a crowded race. A recent voter survey by the Public Policy Institute of California revealed that none of the 10 candidates garnered more than 10% support among likely voters. Barrera, a longtime San Diego USD trustee, faces competition from candidates like Sonja Shaw, Al Muratsuchi, Josh Newman, and Nichelle Henderson. CTA President David Goldberg said the association is prepared to allocate additional funds if necessary to secure Barrera's victory.

TECHNOLOGY

California urged to regulate student AI

Artificial intelligence (AI) has become an integral part of students' daily lives, embedded in their schoolwork and social interactions. However, California lacks regulations to protect children from potential risks associated with AI. Jacob Sandoval, state director of California LULAC, and Rev. Tecoy Porter Sr., president of National Action Network Sacramento, emphasize the urgent need for safeguards, stating, "Parents should not have to live in a constant state of uncertainty about whether the tools their children are using are safe." The Parents and Kids Safe AI Coalition advocates for measures such as age estimation technology, prohibiting the sale of minors' data without consent, and annual audits of AI companies' child safety protocols. California has the opportunity to lead in establishing strong protections for children in the face of rapidly advancing technology.

Transforming classrooms for an AI future

Dr. Matthew J. Welker's book, The AI Ready Classroom: Preparing Educators for the Future of Learning, offers a comprehensive framework for integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into education. As schools face the challenges of AI's rapid adoption, Welker emphasizes that the key question is not whether to use AI, but how to implement it responsibly. The book is structured into five parts, covering AI's role in education, teacher preparation, and practical classroom applications. It also addresses assessment and the balance between automation and professional judgment. "AI can reduce administrative burden and expand instructional possibilities," Welker noted, while also raising concerns about bias and privacy. The book includes practical tools for responsible AI use and is part of a planned series on AI's impact on education.

WORKFORCE

Redlands school board cuts layoffs

The Redlands USD School Board has voted to reduce teacher layoffs from 91 to 24, a significant decrease from the 135 notices issued in January. The decision, made unanimously by trustees Melissa Ayala-Quintero, Candy Olson, Michele Rendler, and Jeanette Wilson, was influenced by factors such as vacancies, resignations, and retirements, according to a district report. This move follows the earlier approval of layoffs for 19 non-teaching employees. Christine Stephens, a district spokesperson, noted that a judge upheld the 24 layoffs and extended the deadline for finalizing them. The board's previous decisions faced community backlash, with some audience members expressing their discontent. "Shame on you," they shouted during the January meeting when the initial layoff notices were approved.

DISTRICTS

Vote for change: San Gabriel Valley measures

In the upcoming June 2 primary election, San Gabriel Valley residents will decide on various local measures proposed by school districts and city councils. These include property tax increases for school upgrades and sales tax hikes to address city financial issues. Notably, Measure A in the Bonita USD seeks a $256m bond for essential repairs, requiring 55% approval. Covina's Measure CC proposes a 25 cent sales tax to fund city services, while La Cañada USD's Measure LCF requests $113m for facility improvements. "Critically, bond funds can only be used for facility repairs and improvements," said Monica Martinez-Johnson, interim Superintendent of Little Lake City Elementary School District. Voters will also consider measures in La Puente, Pasadena, and South Pasadena, among others.

Central Unified tightens disclosure rules

Central USD revised its conflict-of-interest policy after concerns that communications officer Johnathon Burrows could work for a political action committee he cofounded without filing outside-income disclosures. The change adds the communications and public relations officer to positions required to submit Form 700. Board President Yesenia Carrillo said the district wanted to address “a gap in reporting” so any conflicts are known. The Fresno Bee reported Burrows received district pay while also earning consulting income from Youth Save Democracy, which donated to local campaigns.

Recall notices served at heated meeting

During a heated meeting, Pasadena USD Board President Tina Fredericks and Trustee Scott Harden received notices of intent to recall. This occurred after an advisory committee recommended against school mergers, which many community members opposed. Over 75 speakers voiced their concerns, with chants of “Save our schools!” echoing throughout the meeting. Fredericks defended her personal consolidation plan, stating: “Any assertions or accusations that the creation and existence of the slides in any way tainted or influenced this process is patently false.” The board is expected to make a final decision on school mergers at the June 25 meeting, following a second public hearing on June 11.

Education showdown: Camacho takes lead

In the race for San Mateo County Superintendent of Schools, Hector Camacho is positioned as the stronger candidate compared to Chelsea Bonini. With over 25 years in education, including roles as a teacher and administrator, Camacho has a comprehensive understanding of the challenges facing the county's fragmented school system. He emphasized the need for "more persuasion than coercion" to address issues like declining enrollment and fiscal imbalances. While Bonini has valuable experience, her approach may not adequately confront the tough decisions required for the role. Ultimately, the East Bay editorial board believes Camacho is better equipped to tackle the pressing challenges in San Mateo County's education landscape. Voters should elect Hector Camacho.

Outdoor education under threat

Atascadero USD faces potential cuts to its outdoor education programs, Learning Among the Oaks and One Cool Earth, which have served local elementary students for over 20 years. Zarah Wyly, program manager at Learning Among the Oaks, expressed concern after receiving an email indicating the district would withdraw support, despite the program providing around $60,000 in services this year. Kirk Nordby, a special education paraeducator, emphasized the garden's importance for students needing sensory breaks, stating: “The One Cool Earth school garden is not just an outdoor science lab. It is a vital sanctuary.” Executive director Katharine Rondthaler Krieg noted that the district's funding is “highly leveraged,” with significant support from fundraising efforts. The community is rallying to advocate for these essential programs.

GOVERNANCE

New principal takes the helm at Peninsula High

Dr. Barnaby Payne has been appointed as the new principal of Peninsula High School, effective July 1. He succeeds Jenora Lewis, who held the position for one year. Payne brings extensive experience, having served as principal at Redwood High School since 2022 and previously at a middle school in Taiwan.

HIGHER EDUCATION

GAO launches probe into student loan transfer to Treasury Department

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has agreed to investigate the Trump administration’s decision to transfer management of federal student loan services and default collections to the Department of the Treasury, following concerns raised by Sens Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Bernie Sanders (I-VT). The review will examine whether shifting responsibility for parts of the federal student loan system out of the Department of Education has created administrative inefficiencies or undermined statutory responsibilities. The investigation is particularly significant for borrowers in default, whose loans may become subject to collection actions that can affect credit scores and government benefits. The administration has defended the move, arguing that Treasury’s financial expertise will improve management of the nation’s $1.7tn student loan portfolio, while critics contend it is part of a broader effort to dismantle the Education Department and could harm students and borrowers.

INTERNATIONAL

Ontario schools grapple with growing teacher absenteeism

Teacher and educational assistant absences in Ontario have increased significantly since the pandemic, driven by rising levels of classroom violence, stress, burnout, and insufficient student support, according to educators, unions, and school administrators. In the 2023-24 school year, elementary teachers took an average of 15.4 sick days, up from 12.8 in 2018-19, while secondary teachers took 13.1 days, up from 11.1, and educational assistants averaged 22 days. The cost of replacing absent staff has risen by more than 50% to over C$1bn ($724.2m) annually, while workplace safety claims across school boards have more than doubled in value since 2018. Education leaders cite increasing violence, unmet student needs, lengthy waits for specialist support, and deteriorating classroom conditions as key factors behind the rise in absences, with surveys showing growing levels of burnout and concerns about workplace safety. 

AND FINALLY......

California eighth-grader triumphs at Scripps Spelling Bee

Shrey Parikh, a 14-year-old from Rancho Cucamonga, California, has won the 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee, defeating 246 competitors after a dramatic Spell-Off tiebreaker in which he correctly spelled a record 32 words in 90 seconds, compared with runner-up Ishaan Gupta’s 25. Shrey secured the title with the word "bromocriptine," and will receive more than $52,500 in cash and prizes, along with the prestigious Scripps Cup. A returning competitor who finished tied for third in 2024, Shrey credited his family, coaches, and extensive preparation, which included practicing spelling for five hours a day. The competition featured nine finalists from across the United States and international locations, with contestants ranging in age from nine to 15.
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