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California
16th June 2026
 

THE HOT STORY

California budget boosts education funding

The California Legislature has passed a budget that significantly increases education funding, projecting an additional $5bn for TK-12 and community colleges. Governor Gavin Newsom's proposal to withhold $3.9bn in education funding until certain revenue projections are met has sparked threats of legal action from education groups. Barrett Snider, a founding partner of Capitol Advisors Group, said: “A great budget for schools,” reflecting widespread support among education advocates. The budget includes a record $127bn for schools, with allocations for various programs, including $700m for school kitchen upgrades and $300m for career/technical education. However, concerns remain about the potential impact of moving preschool funding into Proposition 98, which could strain resources for K-12 education. Assemblywoman Laurie Davis criticized the budget, stating: “This bill shortchanges our districts $3.9bn they need right now.”

STATE NEWS

Justice Department probes California schools

The Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division is reviewing four California school districts, including Santa Rita Union and Soledad Unified, for their instruction on sexual orientation and gender ideology in TK-12 education. Santa Rita Union stated: “Our decisions are made in good faith, with transparency, and with the best interests of our students, their parents, and our community in mind.” Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon emphasized that the DOJ will not tolerate violations of parental rights, referencing recent Supreme Court decisions in Mahmoud v. Taylor and Mirabelli v. Bonta. The review will assess compliance with Title IX, parental notification regarding LGBT-inclusive education, and policies on bathroom and locker room access based on biological sex or gender identity.

NATIONAL NEWS

Job cuts loom for school staff

Thousands of public-school employees in the U.S. are facing potential job losses as financial pressures mount within the education system. Leaders from seven of the ten largest school districts are planning staff reductions to balance budgets, with significant cuts already reported in districts like Los Angeles and Chicago. "These are all things that are really coming to a head," said Warren Morgan, CEO of Cleveland Metropolitan School District, which is set to lay off around 400 employees. The decline in enrollment, rising costs, and the end of pandemic-era federal aid are key factors driving these cuts. The National Center for Education Statistics reported a drop of 1.2m public-school students from 2020 to 2022, with projections indicating a further decline of 2.7m by 2031. As districts grapple with these challenges, many are forced to make tough decisions regarding staffing and budgets.

Middle schoolers need urgent help

Younger students are showing signs of learning recovery, but 13-year-olds are struggling to keep up, with reading scores stagnating at levels seen 50 years ago. Kymyona Burk, a senior policy fellow at ExcelinEd, emphasized the need for immediate action, stating: "We can't afford to let students lose momentum during this important stage of development." While some states, like Virginia and Mississippi, are implementing policies to support adolescent literacy, many others lag behind. Burk suggests practical steps for improvement, including training teachers beyond 3rd grade, reexamining bell schedules for extra help, and engaging parents as partners in education. With only 14% of 13-year-olds reading for fun most days, it is crucial for education leaders to prioritize middle school literacy to ensure students thrive.

FINANCE

FAFSA completion rates soar in San Diego

In San Diego County, the percentage of students completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) increased from 49% in 2019 to 65% in 2026, reflecting a statewide trend. Tanya Bulette, school counseling coordinator at the San Diego County Office of Education, emphasized the importance of financial aid, stating: “The campaign unlocked something in our school teams to really understand that we don’t want to put up any kind of barrier for students to go to (college).” The county's “Race 2 Submit” campaign encourages schools to compete for the highest FAFSA completion rates, offering cash prizes and recognition. Additionally, tools like a completion dashboard and the California College Guidance Initiative portal help track student progress, ensuring they meet deadlines for financial aid. These initiatives aim to support high-need students, as illustrated by a recent graduate who enrolled in community college after realizing the financial aid available to him.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Budget woes threaten school safety

South City has renewed its agreement with the South San Francisco USD to provide school liaison officers, but budget constraints raise concerns about the program's sustainability. During a recent City Council meeting, police Lt. Fahmida Murphy reported over 300 police contacts during the 2025-26 school year, with an increase in school-initiated contacts. “Basically, the schools are calling us more often for various reasons,” Murphy said. The program currently costs $750,000 annually for two officers, but with a projected $5.5m deficit, funding cuts are a possibility.

LEGAL

Racial bullying lawsuit shakes Redlands USD

Daphne Hawkins has filed a lawsuit against Redlands USD, alleging that officials failed to protect her two sons from months of racial harassment. The incidents began in March 2025, following a classroom lesson featuring "Black Pete," a character described as a racist caricature. Hawkins reported that her sons faced derogatory comments, including a note stating:"Your skin is as black as your future." Despite multiple complaints and investigations, it has been claimed that the district's response was minimal, leading to emotional distress for the children. The lawsuit states that the district's inaction resulted in the boys developing post-traumatic stress disorder. Hawkins is seeking compensation for treatment costs and demanding reforms, including anti-racism training and improved oversight of discrimination complaints.

DISTRICTS

Reparations for Black students: A promise unfulfilled

The Oakland USD pledged to pursue reparations for Black students five years ago, but many promises remain unfulfilled. Pecolia Manigo, co-chair of the original Black Thriving Task Force, expressed frustration over her daughter's lost $20,000 scholarship due to systemic issues. “I lost a $20,000 scholarship for my child because one teacher didn't know how to maneuver through your system to change a grade,” Manigo said. The task force aimed to create a Black Thriving Fund to support Black students, but internal conflicts and leadership changes hindered progress. Despite some initiatives continuing in select schools, many original recommendations have not been implemented. Manigo noted: “When you look at the tangible educational outcomes for Black students... I cannot tell you that that has remarkably changed.” The current task force, now under new leadership, is working to improve outcomes but faces challenges in gaining community trust and addressing the needs of Black families.

Heritage and legacy programs soar

The Victor Valley UHSD's Heritage and Legacy programs have significantly enhanced college readiness among graduating seniors, resulting in nearly 2,000 college acceptance letters. Over 80% of Heritage seniors and 55% of Legacy seniors graduated ready for admission to UC or CSU schools. Superintendent Carl Coles said: “These programs are changing the perception of what is possible for students in the High Desert.” The district's A-G completion rate stands at approximately 59%, positioning it as a local leader in college readiness. The Heritage Program, initiated at Adelanto High School in 2022, has seen remarkable success, with 87% of its seniors achieving A-G completion this year. The programs provide essential support, including guidance on scholarships and college applications, contributing to a broader goal of preparing all students for a life of purpose and potential.

Yearbook quote ignites free speech debate

The San Dieguito UHSD is reviewing its policies on student expression following a controversial senior quote in the Canyon Crest Academy yearbook. The quote: “From the river to the sea,” has been interpreted differently, with some viewing it as a call for unity and others as antisemitic. Parent Romi Neustadt said: “There was harm,” highlighting the quote's impact on Jewish families. The board discussed potential policy changes to clarify free speech rights in student-generated publications. Superintendent Anne Staffieri emphasized the need for a balanced approach, stating: “We are committed to strengthening practices that promote respect.”

Irvine schools score big for arts

Irvine USD has received a generous $2m donation aimed at enhancing arts, music, and science education for its students. This significant contribution was announced during the annual Donald Bren Honors Concert, attended by over 1,000 student musicians and their families. The donation is expected to greatly benefit the district's educational programs, with a focus on fostering creativity and innovation among students. "This support will help us enrich our students' learning experiences," said a district representative.

CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION

AI helps students land jobs

June Han, chief executive and co-founder of EduPolaris AI, emphasizes the need for AI to assist job seekers rather than replace them. The company has launched "Eddie Jobs," an AI-based employment platform aimed at helping students secure trade and technical jobs, which are often filled through informal networks. "Students are ready for a job, but the last mile to a job placement is a structural challenge for almost all of the schools," Han said. The platform allows schools and state workforce commissions to subsidize services for students, enabling them to modernize job application tracking. While students can use the platform for free initially, a monthly fee applies for continued access. Han noted the importance of personalized guidance for high school students, stating: "Students need guidance from counselors, but guidance needs to be personalized."

INTERNATIONAL

U.K. Government moves to restrict under-16s from social platforms

U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced plans to ban social media access for children under 16, describing the move as a necessary step to protect young people from harmful online content, cyberbullying, and potential mental health risks. The proposed legislation would prohibit under-16s from using major social media platforms and introduce additional restrictions on online services, including gaming apps, by limiting or removing the ability for children to communicate with strangers online. The measures would go beyond Australia’s recently introduced social media restrictions. Starmer said the government intends to pass legislation by the end of 2026, with the ban expected to take effect by spring 2027. He acknowledged the challenges of enforcement and the likelihood that some teenagers may attempt to circumvent the rules, but argued that laws also serve to establish social norms and expectations.
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