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A National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) survey has revealed that 50% of public school leaders felt understaffed in October 2024, up from 45% the previous year. Despite no reported change in total teaching positions between the 2023-24 and 2024-25 school years, 34% of schools cited difficulties filling special education vacancies, and 3% of all instructional positions remained vacant. While fewer schools reported operational impacts like increased class sizes, staffing shortages persisted alongside concerns over student performance. School leaders estimate 40% of students were behind in at least one subject at the start of the year, reflecting pandemic-related learning loss. Efforts to address this include tutoring, with 78% of schools offering services, though the availability of high-dosage tutoring decreased slightly from the prior year.

 

K-12 Dive

Camino Nuevo Charter Academy in Los Angeles is addressing California’s bilingual teacher shortage through its AVANCE teacher residency program, a partnership with Loyola Marymount University. The program trains diverse bilingual educators while removing traditional barriers like high tuition, unpaid student teaching, and multiple credentialing exams. AVANCE residents receive a $50,000 compensation package, including a salary, tuition stipends, and coverage for testing fees. Tuition costs are reduced significantly, and participants gain hands-on experience alongside mentor teachers. Designed for flexibility, the program emphasizes trauma-informed pedagogy, bilingual education, and free test preparation. In its first two years, 97% of AVANCE participants identified as BIPOC, with nearly 70% securing bilingual teaching roles. Camino Nuevo’s community-focused approach highlights how targeted residency programs can help meet the demand for bilingual educators in California. 4o

 

The 74 (Online)

Deborah Figliola, a teacher in Harrisonburg, Virginia, successfully challenged a mandate requiring educators to use students' preferred pronouns. Figliola stated: "A lot of teachers didn't agree," highlighting the silent discontent among her colleagues. Alongside fellow teachers Kristine Marsh and Laura Nelson, she filed a lawsuit in June 2022, arguing that the mandate violated their rights under the Commonwealth's Free Speech Clause and the Virginia Religious Freedom Restoration Act. The lawsuit concluded with a settlement that allowed teachers to refrain from using preferred pronouns without fear of discipline.

 

Fox News

In 2006, a federal immigration raid at a food processing plant in Grand Island, Nebraska, left thousands of students in uncertainty, with 2,500 absent the following day and 500 never returning. Former Superintendent Steve Joel shared his experience at a Colorado conference, urging school leaders to prepare for potential mass deportations under incoming President Donald Trump. Joel advised having clear communication plans for families, verifying student guardians, and working with community groups. He emphasized the need for emergency funds to support impacted students, including housing and food, and creating informal lists to identify affected students. Denver and other districts are already hosting "know your rights" events to help families prepare. Joel stressed the importance of keeping the focus on children and ensuring schools remain a safe haven.

 

Chalkbeat

CNN reports that a recent diversity and inclusion conference hosted by the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) has drawn criticism from several Jewish organizations for remarks deemed antisemitic and anti-Israel. The conference, known as the People of Color Conference, was held in Denver and aimed to promote equity in education. Leaders from the Anti-Defamation League and other organizations condemned the rhetoric, stating it created a "hostile" environment for Jewish attendees. One Jewish student reported feeling "so targeted, so unsafe" that he concealed his Star of David. In response, NAIS president Debra Wilson expressed regret over the "divisive and hurtful rhetoric" and announced plans to vet future speakers more rigorously. She emphasized that "any student [feeling] the need to conceal their identity at our conference is antithetical to our mission and our values." The incident highlights a troubling rise in antisemitic incidents on school campuses amid ongoing tensions related to the Israel-Hamas conflict.

 

CNN Edition

Texas school districts are being asked to repay $16m for improper Medicaid reimbursements through the School Health and Related Services (SHARS) program dating back to 2011. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services identified 238 ineligible services and widespread documentation issues in a 2017 audit. Following years of appeals, federal officials have given the state six weeks to decide whether to recoup funds from districts or cover the repayment with state funding. The repayments, which rose to as much as $400,000 for larger districts like Northside ISD, come amid budget shortfalls exacerbated by inflation, expiring pandemic relief, and stagnant state funding. District officials, already strained by a $607m state cut to SHARS funding, warn the repayments will further hinder special education services. Brian Woods of the Texas Association of School Administrators called the timing disruptive, noting districts had already finalized their budgets. Some, like Leander ISD, plan to appeal the charges despite unclear guidance on the process. Advocacy groups and educators are urging lawmakers to address funding shortfalls during the upcoming legislative session, emphasizing the urgent need for special education support.

 

The Texas Tribune

The Denver Public Schools' school choice application window, known as Round 1, will commence on January 15. Recent data indicates a significant decline in the number of students waitlisted, dropping from approximately 5,000 in 2019 to about 2,900 this past spring, marking a 41% decrease. Overall enrollment has also decreased from around 92,200 students in 2019 to about 88,200 in 2024, a 4% drop. Denver Public Schools officials are uncertain about the reasons behind the shrinking waitlists, suggesting it may reflect declining enrollment or increased satisfaction among families with their assigned neighborhood schools. As stated, "School choice is enshrined in Colorado law," allowing students to apply to any public school. The district facilitates this process with a single online application for up to 12 school choices.

 

Chalkbeat

The Chicago school board is to vote on the termination of district chief executive Pedro Martinez, following months of tension with Mayor Brandon Johnson. A board agenda posted Wednesday outlines two items: approving Martinez’s firing and a settlement agreement. The vote comes after Johnson asked Martinez to resign in September, a request Martinez declined. This decision, scheduled just weeks before a new 21-member board takes office on January 15, has drawn criticism from some elected officials who argue major decisions should be deferred until the new body is seated. The special meeting is set for 5:30 p.m. on Friday.

 

Chicago Sun Times

Chalkbeat

The Chicago Board of Education is set to vote on a resolution to keep seven Acero charter schools open for another year, with plans for Chicago Public Schools (CPS) to take over five campuses in 2026. The move follows weeks of protests from families and staff opposing the proposed closures. To address an operating deficit for next year, the board may provide additional funding to the publicly funded, privately managed charter network. CPS leaders initially presented various options, including district takeover of all seven schools, keeping them open with increased funding, or closing them altogether. The board has also threatened not to renew Acero’s contract to manage its remaining schools. 

 

Chicago Sun Times

Schools in Lahaina, Hawaii, are continuing their recovery from the devastating 2023 wildfires, showing progress in stability and student engagement. However, challenges remain, including declining enrollment, academic setbacks, and limited mental health resources. Proficiency rates in math and reading dropped by nearly half in some schools, and only two-thirds of students have returned. Teachers report burnout, while many families face housing and financial instability. Despite a $2m federal grant, hiring mental health professionals has been hindered by major shortages. Rebuilding efforts include tutoring programs, attendance incentives, and plans for affordable teacher housing, but educators stress the urgent need for ongoing mental health and academic support.

 

The 74 (Online)

The U.S. Department of Justice's investigation into the Ellensburg School District revealed a failure to protect Black, Latino, and LGBTQ+ students from severe harassment, including intimidation and death threats. The investigation, which began in August 2023, involved interviews with over 100 individuals and a review of records from the 2021-22 to 2023-24 school years. Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke stated: “All students, whether Black, Latino or LGBTQ+, have a right to attend school free from harassment.” As part of a settlement agreement, the district will implement a new system to document harassment reports and train staff by the 2025-26 school year.

 

The Columbian

Over 1,600 electric school buses will soon join fleets across dozens of U.S. school districts, funded by $490m in EPA grants through the Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicle Program. The initiative, part of a broader $735m investment in zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles, aims to improve air quality and reduce diesel exhaust pollution, particularly in underserved communities. Since the Clean School Bus Program's launch, 8,000 electric school buses have been funded, reflecting growing enthusiasm for sustainable transportation. The program highlights the health benefits, operational cost savings, and emergency power potential of electric buses. School districts nationwide, including in North Carolina, Indiana, and Utah, applied for funding, signaling widespread commitment to clean, reliable transportation for students. In addition to air quality improvements, the shift to electric buses supports environmental goals and addresses concerns like asthma, a leading cause of absenteeism. This transition is complemented by investments in charging infrastructure and technology to optimize electric fleet performance, paving the way for a sustainable future in student transportation.

 

School Bus Fleet