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Five years after the COVID-19 pandemic began, its effects on K-12 education remain significant. Education Week highlights nine key areas impacted, including a decline in U.S. public school enrollment, which peaked at nearly 50.8m students in 2019 but has not recovered since. The pandemic also affected early education, with many low-income children missing crucial preschool years, leading to behavioral issues reported by teachers. Teacher salaries have not kept pace with inflation, with over two-thirds of teachers feeling their pay is unfair. Additionally, school staffing levels have been affected by pandemic relief funding, and the number of school shootings has increased as students returned to campuses. National reading and math scores have dropped to historic lows, and chronic absenteeism among 4th graders has risen significantly. Mental health concerns for high school students have also escalated, with a notable increase in suicide rates among teens. Maya Riser-Kositsky, a librarian and data specialist, emphasizes the ongoing need for mental health support in schools.

 

Education Week News

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The U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Educational Technology (OET) has been eliminated as part of the federal agency’s massive reduction in force, according to a report in Education Week. The OET was responsible for setting a national education technology plan and assisting states and districts in implementing technology in schools. “There’s going to be a new technology—it’s inevitable,” said Joseph South, the chief innovation officer for ISTE/ASCD, who was a former OET director during the Obama administration. “States and districts are going to be trying to figure it out...and there won’t be an entity that’s gathering research on effective pedagogy, best practices, and then responding back to states with guidance.” However, John Bailey, a nonresident senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, noted that “There is such an ecosystem of support organizations now—like in AI, there’s just a lot of infrastructure that’s getting stood up to help districts. I think that’s part of the administration’s argument: There are so many other resources and groups out there. I think they are trying to make the case that that’s why this isn’t needed.”

 

Education Week News

Texas educators, including K-12 teachers and university professors, gathered at the Texas State Capitol to protest against school vouchers and limitations on shared governance. The event marked the first joint advocacy day for the Texas American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and the Texas Conference of the American Association of University Professors. The protest coincided with discussions on House Bill 3, which proposes allocating $1bn in public funds for private school tuition. Anthony Elmo, director of political organizing at AFT, emphasized the shared challenges faced by educators, noting: "You have these far-right forces pushing the school vouchers." Educators expressed concerns over low pay and insufficient resources, with Celia Saiz-Broussard highlighting the need for better funding. The session also saw discussions on Senate Bill 37, which could increase oversight of faculty governance. Rep. James Talarico, a vocal opponent of vouchers, described the issue as an "existential fight" for education in Texas.

 

Austin American-Statesman

During Sunshine Week, Belton ISD emphasizes its commitment to transparency in public information requests. Superintendent Malinda Golden said: “We have a process that's really been well developed for the intake part of a public information request.” This year, the district received 44 requests, primarily for information already available online or from vendors seeking business. Golden noted a decrease in requests, attributing it to improved communication with the community. “We want to be proactive to the point where someone doesn't have to go through a public information request,” she said. Recent incidents involving staff arrests have also highlighted the importance of transparency, with Golden asserting that keeping families informed is crucial. Christine Parks, the chief communications officer, emphasized that building trust takes time but is essential for the community.

 

Temple Daily Telegram

Round Rock ISD is projected to face a $16.5m budget shortfall for the 2025-26 school year, according to chief financial officer Dennis Covington. The preliminary budget estimates $461m in revenues against $477.5m in expenditures, without accounting for compensation increases. Covington noted that several factors could influence this projection, including potential legislation to raise the basic allotment per student from $6,160 to $6,380, as outlined in House Bill 2. He said: "If your increase covers what you would have gotten for those hold harmless exemptions, you won't get those funds." Board Secretary Amber Landrum emphasized the need for a more realistic budget approach, claiming: "It's catastrophic what's happening to public education in terms of funding." RRISD must finalize its budget by the end of June, with a July 1 start for the financial year.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

Belton ISD recently celebrated a surprise grant awarded to Anna Fitzsimmons, a digital learning coordinator, which will enable the district to acquire DroneBlocks autonomous drone kits. These kits are designed to teach elementary students vital coding and digital literacy skills. The event took place at the Dragon Room in the Belton ISD Administration Building, where around 30 staff members joined in the festivities, showcasing their excitement with cheer poms and clappers.

 

Killeen Daily Herald

Dave Sollectio has joined School Bus Logistics (SBL) as the new sales manager, bringing over 13 years of experience in the education technology sector. His expertise will enhance SBL's sales efforts, particularly for the online RouteHub portal. Sollectio expressed enthusiasm about his new role, stating, “Joining SBL felt like an ideal next step in my career.” Robert Jacobus, chief executive of SBL, emphasized the importance of Sollectio's industry knowledge and customer-first approach, which aligns with the needs of transportation directors. Previously, Sollectio worked at TransAct Communications and Transfinder, specializing in routing solutions for school transportation. SBL has seen significant growth since its establishment in 2010 and continues to expand its capabilities.

 

School Bus Fleet

Demond Jackson has withdrawn from the Nacogdoches ISD school board race and endorsed his opponent, Damon Ruckel. Ruckel is competing against Cheryl Brady for the at-large seat. This unexpected move adds a new dynamic to the election, as Jackson's support could significantly influence the outcome.

 

Dailysentinel.com

The Texas House is considering House Bill 6, which aims to enhance disciplinary measures in schools, particularly for homeless and younger students. Critics argue that the bill could lead to increased suspensions, potentially pushing vulnerable students out of the classroom. Rep. Jeff Leach, the bill's author, said: “This bill is about standing with our educators, ensuring that teachers in our classrooms have the support that they need.” The proposal comes amid concerns over teacher shortages and classroom disruptions. Opponents fear that the bill's broad language may result in excessive discipline, echoing issues faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Rep. Alma Allen warned “This is a pipeline to the prison system,” highlighting the potential long-term consequences for students.

 

The Texas Tribune

Texas lawmakers are pushing for House Bill 1481, which would prohibit K-12 public school students from using cellphones during the school day. Rep. Caroline Fairly, who introduced the bill, said: “When you see what is being pushed on social media and the distraction it causes in the classroom, there is a need for our government to support our educators in this.” The bill aims to address concerns over distractions and mental health issues linked to cellphone use, as parents worry about cyberbullying and social media impacts. Some Texas schools have already implemented similar bans, with Rancier Middle School reporting a decrease in fights and cyberbullying incidents since their policy took effect. However, some critics argue that the ban is overly restrictive and could hinder students' ability to contact parents or law enforcement in emergencies. The bill is set to take effect in the 2025-26 school year if passed.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

The Texas Tribune

The Texas Senate has passed a bill that could require public school leaders to implement a period for prayer and reading religious texts, although participation would not be mandatory. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick emphasized that “religious freedom is a bedrock principle upon which America was founded.” The bill, known as SB 11, aims to enhance religious liberties in schools, building on previous legislation that allowed chaplains and Bible-infused lessons. Critics, including Sen. Nathan Johnson, argue that the bill forces religion into education, while Sen. José Menéndez raised concerns about potential bullying of non-Christian students. The Senate also debated a separate bill requiring classrooms to display the Ten Commandments, which passed with a 23-7 vote. Sen. Phil King noted the historical significance of the Ten Commandments in shaping moral and legal codes.

 

Dallas News

Siviwe Gwarube, South Africa's Minister of Basic Education, says that more than 1.3mn of the country's children are not enrolled in any early childhood development (ECD) programs, missing out on the foundational literacy and numeracy skills necessary for success in school. "The children who are not attending ECD are found mostly in poorer communities and this unequal access entrenches the inequalities that have come to define our country. The difference between wealthier children and poorer children in being developmentally on track in ECD is staggering," she said in an address at the Bana Pele Early Childhood Development Leadership Summit in Braamfontein, Johannesburg. "To rescue the children of South Africa, we have set out on a strategic reorientation of the basic education sector towards foundational learning. We’ve set ourselves some goals, and one of them is as bold as it is audacious. By 2030, we want every child in South Africa to have access to quality early learning." She emphasised the need for private and civil society partners to come up with a joint solution for the 1.3m children in this country who do not have access to ECD.

 

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