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The Fort Worth Star-Telegram highlights analysis by Study.com of the United States Census Bureau's Public Elementary-Secondary Education Finance Data from 2022 and 2023, looking at how different states allocate resources to public schools and their differing funding priorities. The figures show that California was just outside the top 10 for per-pupil spend, at $18,906 per pupil, with the fourth-biggest year-on-year increase, at $1,856.56 per pupil. California's 2023 budget, it notes, included a significant cost-of-living adjustment and $20m to help train more bilingual teachers. The piece notes that different states focused funding in different areas - with more money for educational equity in Michigan, early childhood education in Minnesota, and school choice and voucher programs in Florida and North Carolina. With many areas facing difficulties hiring and retaining teachers, different states have also responded in different ways, by easing licensing requirements, or increasing funding for training.

 

Star-Telegram

Inspections of 18 California schools, conducted by the State Auditor’s Office, have revealed significant maintenance issues and safety risks, as detailed in the report “Custodial Staffing and Cleanliness Standards.” California State Auditor Grant Parks warned that "many schools are not meeting state standards for cleanliness and maintenance, exposing children to unsafe and unhealthful conditions." The report highlighted problems such as improperly stored hazardous cleaning supplies, leaky roofs, and missing fire extinguishers. Additionally, the auditors noted discrepancies between their facility scores and those reported by school officials. Parks recommended updates to the Facility Inspection Tool and emphasized the need for a dedicated funding source for maintenance, separate from the current school funding formula.

 

EdSource

The Newman Crows-Landing Unified School District board has agreed to continue negotiations over bargaining agreements with the Newman Crows-Landing Teachers Association and the California Schools Employee Association. Maria Andrade, president of the NCLTA, emphasized the need for competitive pay to retain teachers, stating: “I don't want Newman to be a stepping stone district.” The NCLTA's proposal includes improved medical benefits for long-serving employees and more flexible leave options. Meanwhile, Brittney Clarke, president of the CSEA Newman-Crows Landing Chapter, expressed concerns about healthcare costs, commenting: “I have employees that their entire check goes to covering their entire health care.” The district plans to address various articles in the existing agreements, with hopes for a timely resolution despite past delays.

 

Westsideconnect.com

San Luis Obispo County school districts are grappling with chronic absenteeism, as highlighted by recent data from the California Department of Education. The report reveals that absenteeism rates have surged since the COVID pandemic, with a state average of 18.6% in 2024, down from a peak of 30% in 2022. While most local districts are below the state average, some, like Shandon and Paso Robles, continue to struggle. Lucia Mar district reported the lowest absenteeism at 12.2%, while San Miguel Joint Union showed significant improvement, reducing its rate from 25% to 13.9%. The data also indicates varied graduation rates and college readiness among districts, with Coast Unified achieving a 100% graduation rate and over 80% college readiness. However, challenges remain for English-language learners, with only three districts surpassing the state average for progress in English proficiency. The report underscores the need for targeted support for disadvantaged students, who face higher suspension rates and lower academic performance.

 

San Luis Obispo Tribune

High-poverty schools in Tulare County are fostering a local workforce for mental health support, addressing a long-standing issue exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Rural Access to Mental Health Professionals program places early-career mental health workers in schools, significantly improving the student-to-counselor ratio. Despite progress, challenges remain, including the retention of these workers. The California Center on Teaching Careers has secured a $15m federal grant to support final-year graduate students, ensuring they can provide long-term care. This initiative aims to bridge cultural gaps, as many students are Latino and require bilingual support. The program not only addresses mental health needs but also works to rebuild trust with immigrant families, who often view social workers with skepticism.

 

EdSource

Wadsworth Elementary in South Los Angeles has suffered its sixth break-in since July, resulting in damages estimated at $115,000. The incident is part of a troubling trend, with 171 reported cases of burglary and vandalism in the Los Angeles Unified School District this semester alone. Superintendent Alberto Carvalho remarked: “To target, burglarize, vandalize, steal from poor schools - that is reprehensible.” The school currently lacks a burglar alarm, and security cameras have yet to be installed. The break-in involved heavy tools to force open reinforced doors, affecting 24 classrooms. Community members, including Principal Jenny Guzman-Murdock and parent Bertha Cuevas, expressed anger and concern over the impact on students. Carvalho noted that some incidents may be linked to organized crime, emphasizing the need for community awareness and support through the district's LASAR app for anonymous reporting.

 

Los Angeles Times

Creative Sonoma has launched #TeachTheArts, a campaign aimed at encouraging student artists to pursue careers in arts education. This initiative, developed by local arts and education partners, seeks to address the demand for arts teachers following the passage of Prop 28, which allocates approximately $9.5m annually to Sonoma County schools for new arts programs. The campaign includes an online resource at CreativeSonoma.org/TeachTheArts and an upcoming College & Career Pathways in the Arts event on February 1, 2025, at Sonoma State University. The Stanford Research Institute's policy brief highlights the need for more teachers and suggests funding district arts plans to enhance teacher development. Prop 28 represents the largest investment in arts education in the U.S., aimed at expanding arts programs and addressing instructional gaps.

 

Sonoma Valley Sun