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California
18th June 2026
 

THE HOT STORY

Visa delays threaten classrooms

Thousands of international teachers working in U.S. schools could be forced out of classrooms due to lengthy visa renewal delays and a proposed $100,000 H-1B visa fee, raising concerns about staffing shortages in districts that rely heavily on foreign-born educators. Teachers on H-1B visas are experiencing renewal processing delays of more than 10 months in some cases, forcing some educators onto unpaid leave or out of the country altogether. At the same time, the Trump administration’s proposed six-figure fee for new H-1B applications has created uncertainty for school districts, although a federal judge recently struck down the charge and the administration plans to appeal. Many districts depend on international teachers to fill hard-to-staff positions, particularly in subjects such as math, special education, foreign languages, and dual-language programs. Large districts including Dallas and Washington, D.C., employ hundreds of H-1B visa holders, while smaller districts have also reported disruptions as teachers await immigration decisions. 

STATE NEWS

Teachers union backs Becerra for governor

Xavier Becerra has received the endorsement of the California Teachers Association (CTA) for the upcoming gubernatorial election in November. “This November the choice is clear,” said the CTA, emphasizing the need for a leader who supports public education. Becerra is the third candidate the CTA has backed this election cycle, following their previous support for Tom Steyer and the revocation of their endorsement for Eric Swalwell due to serious allegations. With over 300,000 members, the CTA highlighted education funding as a critical issue, particularly in light of California's financial challenges. The next governor will need to address significant deficits while continuing the educational initiatives started by Governor Newsom.

Education cuts threaten mental health support

Drew Furedi, president of Para Los Niños, expressed concern over the U.S. Department of Education's decision to terminate approximately $168m in school-based mental health programs in California. The department is seeking clarification from a federal judge regarding a December 2025 order that aimed to restore these grants. U.S. District Court Judge Kymberly K. Evanson previously ruled that the discontinuation of grants was "arbitrary" and "capricious." Furedi stated, "It is so disappointing that the Department of Education... has instead decided to cut off a lifeline that ensures every child and family can thrive." The department aims for a court decision by July 30, which could allow terminations to start as early as July 31, potentially impacting vital support for families in need.

California’s TK expansion disrupts daycare

Yolanda Thomas, a family daycare provider in Contra Costa County, faces challenges as California's transitional kindergarten (TK) program draws 4-year-olds away from her preschool. The state’s expansion of TK, which offers free education to all 4-year-olds, has left many providers like Thomas struggling to fill vacancies and adapt to the changing landscape. “There has to be a pathway where we can use our years of experience,” Thomas said, highlighting the need for recognition and support. While California has increased funding for early childhood education, many providers feel overlooked, receiving minimal financial assistance compared to the substantial investments in TK. A recent UC Berkeley report indicated a net loss of about 1,100 nonprofit preschool programs, underscoring the strain on the sector. Advocates argue that while TK has expanded access to early education, the lack of support for existing childcare providers is a significant oversight.

TECHNOLOGY

Edtech benefits come with risks

A new EdWeek Research Center survey suggests that educators view educational technology as a double-edged sword, with many seeing academic benefits while expressing concerns about its impact on students’ social-emotional development and mental health. More than half of teachers, principals, and district leaders surveyed said technology use in schools has a positive effect on student engagement, learning, and mastery of content and skills. However, more than half also reported that technology has a negative impact on students’ social-emotional growth, overall well-being, and mental health. Respondents offered differing perspectives on the issue, with some arguing that outcomes depend on how thoughtfully technology is integrated into instruction, while others cited distractions and overreliance on online resources as significant drawbacks. The survey, conducted in February and March, included responses from 79 district leaders, 122 principals, and 395 teachers, and found educators largely divided on whether school-related technology ultimately increases or decreases student learning.

FINANCE

Parcel tax fails by narrow margin

The proposed parcel tax, Measure C, aimed to generate $12.2m annually for the Redwood City School District but fell short of the required two-thirds approval, receiving only 65.31% of the votes. Superintendent John Baker said: “More than 15,600 voters, 65% of those who cast a ballot, voted in support of local schools and local students,” highlighting community support for public education. The tax would have levied a 17.5 cent tax per building square foot for eight years, aligning the district with neighboring areas. Despite the setback, Baker expressed gratitude for the community's efforts, stating: “The strong support shown for Measure C is a reminder that Redwood City values its public schools.” The district is also managing a projected deficit in its 2026-27 budget.

Trustees approve massive stipend increase

The Modesto City Schools Board of Trustees has approved a significant increase in trustee compensation, raising the monthly stipend from $765 to $3,000. This decision, made during the board's June 8 meeting, faced opposition from Trustees Cindy Marks and Adolfo Lopez, who argued that the increase was excessive. Lopez stated, “For me, that big jump from $765 to $3,000 is one that I'm not sure I can wrestle with.” The raise follows the passage of Assembly Bill 1390, which allows for this adjustment for the first time since 1984. Trustee Abel Maestas highlighted that the stipend had not been adjusted for inflation in 40 years. The board's next meeting on June 22 will finalize the approval. Trustee John Ervin emphasized the need for equity, noting the long delay in compensation adjustments. The district is currently negotiating with the Modesto Teachers Association regarding healthcare contributions.

GOVERNANCE

Donette leads Sacramento education race

Dominique Donette is leading the unofficial results for the Sacramento County Board of Education Area 1, securing approximately 38% of the vote. Anna Molander Hermann follows with 29%, and Davon Thomas has 25.6%. This election is significant as the top vote-getter will serve a four-year term starting July 1. Donette, the director of government affairs at EdVoice, emphasized the importance of literacy, stating: "Currently, only 42% of third graders in Sacramento County read on grade level, which is a crisis." She aims to implement "the Third Grade Reading Promise," targeting a 70% reading proficiency among third graders over four years. Donette also plans to foster collaboration with organizations that supported her opponents to ensure all community voices are heard.

Napa Valley School Board halts trustee search

Napa Valley USD has decided not to proceed with the application process for a vacant Board of Trustees seat. The district announced this decision on June 10, citing "some ambiguity" in the California Education Code regarding provisional appointments. The vacancy arose after former Trustee Julianna Villegas Hart was removed for moving outside her elected area. The board unanimously declared the vacancy on June 9 and concluded that the best approach to fill the remaining two years of her term is through the regular election process. The district expressed appreciation for community interest and aims to fill the vacancy transparently and lawfully.

DISTRICTS

L.A. County keeps control of Locke High

L.A. County education officials have decided to keep Green Dot Public Schools in control of Locke High in Watts, rejecting the Los Angeles Unified School District's (L.A. Unified) bid to take back the charter school. The board's 5-2 vote came after a lengthy discussion, despite a recommendation from county staff to support L.A. Unified's position. “Locke is not just a building. It is the people inside it,” said 11th grader Genesis Castorena, highlighting the community's emotional investment. Green Dot's Chief Executive Cristina de Jesus emphasized the importance of tailored support for students facing significant challenges. The decision allows Green Dot to continue its 17-year transformation of a school once known for its struggles, while L.A. Unified argued that it could manage the school effectively. Board member Yvonne Chan warned that closing the school would have “immediate, disastrous consequences” for students.

Santa Rosa launches online high school

Santa Rosa City Schools is set to launch an online-based high school program at the Santa Rosa Language Academy, previously known as Cesar Chavez Language Academy. This initiative, approved unanimously by trustees, marks a significant expansion from its existing transitional kindergarten through eighth-grade model.

SOCIAL & COMMUNITY

Pasadena's tree removal plan sparks outrage

The Pasadena USD faces backlash over its plan to remove approximately 200 trees for toxic soil cleanup following the Eaton fire. During a City Council meeting, residents criticized the district for poor communication and called for city intervention. City Councilmember Rick Cole emphasized the need for clarity on jurisdiction, stating: “I would ask that we move expeditiously to alert the school district to the need to resolve that issue of jurisdiction.” Local ecologist Nina Raj expressed concern, noting: “Trees help remediate soil,” and described the removal as “heartbreaking.” In a joint statement, PUSD and the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) asserted that tree removal is necessary for safe remediation and reopening of schools. The community remains divided, with activists actively protesting the plan.

HIGHER EDUCATION

Sacramento State expands course offerings

To accommodate rising enrollment, Sacramento State has added 4,251 seats and created 135 new course sections for the summer and fall semesters. This expansion aims to serve over 27,000 full-time equivalent students, reflecting a capacity increase of more than 1,000 students compared to last fall. Despite challenges, including a shortage of available seats, the university is committed to proactive planning to meet student needs. Interim Provost Mary Maguire noted the shift from reactive management to strategic planning, stating, “This means making section decisions earlier, with greater intention.” Sacramento State's four-year graduation rate has improved from 9% in 2016 to over 30%, although it still lags behind the systemwide average of 37.3%.

AND FINALLY......

Soccer teacher sparks student interest

Cavan Sullivan, a 16-year-old soccer player, expressed frustration over unengaging readings assigned by Mark Franek, his teacher at YSC Academy. Franek, who returned to teaching after a legal career, aimed to make American soccer history more appealing. He authored "American Soccer Nation," a nearly 300-page book that presents the sport's history with optimism. "It's incredibly rewarding to see an idea that began in our classrooms grow into a resource that is now helping students and soccer enthusiasts better understand the game," said Nooha Ahmed-Lee, YSC's Head of School. The book is now integrated into the curriculum, helping students learn about the sport's past while preparing for their futures in soccer. YSC boasts an impressive 86% college graduation rate and has produced numerous professional players since its inception in 2013.
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