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President Donald Trump said on Friday that federal special education operations, currently spearheaded by the U.S. Department of Education, will move to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS.) He also said he is aiming to move federal student loan and school nutrition program oversight from the Education Department to the Small Business Administration. “It’s going to be a great situation. I guarantee that in a few years from now… I think that you’re going to have tremendous results,” said Trump, while seated in the Oval Office of the White House. Relatedly, Education Secretary Linda McMahon wrote in a piece for Fox News that abolishing the department “will not happen tomorrow,” but that she plans to pave the way for Congress to take action. “We will systematically unwind unnecessary regulations and prepare to reassign the department’s other functions to the states or other agencies,” she added. Democrats on the House Education and Workforce Committee have introduced a resolution calling for transparency and information on plans for the Education Department. 

 

The Hill

Connecticut Post

K-12 Dive

K-12 Dive

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The U.S. Department of Education has initiated an investigation into Chicago Public Schools, Deerfield Public Schools, and the Illinois State Board of Education for potential violations of Title IX, which prohibits sex discrimination. This action follows a federal complaint from conservative groups alleging that policies are “forcing students to share bathrooms, locker rooms, and overnight accommodations with members of the opposite sex.” Craig Trainor, acting assistant secretary for civil rights, emphasized that Title IX was established to ensure that “males and females, especially minors, have a right to be free from compelled exposure of their bodies.” The investigation could lead to significant consequences, including the loss of federal funding for the districts involved.

 

Chalkbeat

Alabama's CHOOSE Act, the state's largest school choice initiative, primarily benefits private school and homeschool students, according to state data, with 25,537 applicants so far. The program offers families up to $7,000 in education savings accounts for private school tuition or educational expenses. Although public school students are prioritized, only about 6,300 applicants are from this group. Gov. Kay Ivey expressed pride in the diverse applications, stating, “It is clear that taxpaying Alabama families want school choice.” Education professor Josh Cowen noted that private schools are not obligated to accept public school students, even with funding. The program has room for 14,000 students, with applications closing on April 7. Schools are preparing for potential changes, but many expect only slight increases in enrollment.

 

Al.com

The Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) board has unanimously approved a $472m operating budget for the 2025-26 school year, despite facing significant uncertainty regarding future revenues. Proposed legislation, including Senate Bill 1, could lead to a loss of approximately $1.3min 2026 and $2.2min 2027. Deputy Superintendent Andrew Strope remarked, “As we think about specifics around decision points for the future, those are still unknown.” The budget anticipates a modest 1.5% increase in base tuition support, estimating $8,250 per pupil in 2026. Additionally, IPS plans to allocate around $13m to charter schools, including $5m from its operating referendum funds. The district may need to rely on its cash balance to offset potential revenue losses, emphasizing the importance of long-term strategic planning.

 

Chalkbeat

California lawmakers have introduced Assembly Bill 1264, aiming to phase out ultra-processed foods from school meals by 2032. The bipartisan bill seeks to protect children's health from harmful additives found in snacks like chips and sodas. Democratic Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel stated, “Our schools should not be serving students ultra-processed food products that can harm their physical or mental health.” The bill will have the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment define harmful foods based on their fat, sugar, and salt content. Gabriel emphasized the need for healthier options, noting, "Americans are among the world's biggest consumers of ultra-processed foods." Concerns have been raised about potential health disparities and consumer confusion, as expressed by Sarah Gallo of the Consumer Brands Association. This initiative follows Gabriel's previous efforts to enhance food safety in schools.

 

US New and World Report

A federal appeals court has upheld an Idaho law mandating that public school students use restrooms corresponding to their biological sex, ruling it likely does not violate the 14th Amendment's equal-protection clause or Title IX. The unanimous decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit came in the case of Roe v. Critchfield, where the court acknowledged that the law discriminates based on sex and transgender status but concluded that Idaho's objectives of "protecting the privacy and safety of all students" justified the law. Judge Morgan Christen noted: "That some students in a state of partial undress may experience embarrassment... is neither novel nor implausible." The ruling adds to the ongoing national debate over transgender rights in schools, with at least 11 states having similar restroom bans.

 

Education Week News

Superintendents are increasingly seen as civic leaders, guiding their communities through political and educational challenges. At a recent AASA conference, Kristine Gilmore, a former superintendent, emphasized: “For many people across the community, the first person they look to during difficult times is their school superintendent.” To enhance their political acumen, superintendents are advised to build coalitions, prioritize core values, and integrate civic responsibilities into their daily routines. Experts like Lindsay Whorton and Ray Hart stress the importance of establishing relationships and coalitions well before crises arise. Additionally, Jennifer Perry Cheatham highlights the need for superintendents to maintain focus on local issues, stating, “Today there are kids in classrooms who don't care about this.” The insights shared aim to empower superintendents to navigate their dual roles effectively.

 

Education Week News

Cedar Rapids Schools is implementing a 6% reduction in staff positions to address a $12m budget deficit caused by declining enrollment and reduced funding. This cut will affect approximately 222 employees, including 77 teaching roles. Superintendent Tawana Grover emphasized that the reduction will occur through retirements and attrition, stating, “This realignment is not a mass layoff.” The district plans to invest $7.5m into classrooms despite the cuts, aiming to maintain student-to-teacher ratios and enhance support services. Individual schools may use supplemental funds to "buy back" positions being eliminated. A public hearing on the proposed property tax levy is scheduled for March 31.

 

The Gazette Cedar Rapids Iowa

The Evers administration has mandated that Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) enhance their lead paint abatement practices after discovering unsafe conditions in classrooms. A letter from the Wisconsin Department of Health highlighted that MPS's current methods violate state regulations, posing "an unreasonable risk to the health and safety of the children and staff attending MPS schools." Recent inspections revealed that children were allowed back into classrooms with visible lead paint debris, particularly at Fernwood Montessori School, where health officials noted "a significant amount of paint chips and renovation debris were visible within arm's length of a child's desk." The state has ordered MPS to implement a correction plan and adhere to safety protocols, warning that failure to comply could lead to further enforcement actions.

 

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Taxpayers are suing the Arrowhead Union High School District in Wisconsin, claiming that a proposed $136.2m renovation referendum misrepresents costs by over $100m. The lawsuit, filed by a group called Arrowhead No, alleges that district officials have repeatedly sought taxpayer approval for poorly planned renovations without disclosing additional interest fees. John Marek, a member of Arrowhead No, said: "What they'd rather do is just tear down two perfectly good buildings and replace them." The lawsuit also highlights a previous failed referendum that would have cost taxpayers closer to $430m. With declining student enrollment, the group questions the necessity of the proposed projects. The referendum is set for the April 1 ballot.

 

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

New York City Mayor Eric Adams recently visited P.S. 35 in the Bronx to promote the new on-site mental health clinic, part of the Mental Health Continuum program that serves 20,000 students across 50 schools. Adams described it as “a place to learn coping skills and resilience without financial burden,” highlighting the importance of mental health support. However, his preliminary budget does not allocate funding for the program next school year, raising concerns among local lawmakers and advocates. Rohini Singh, director of the School Justice Project at Advocates for Children, questioned the lack of funding, stating, “I don't know what the calculation is and why it hasn't been baselined.” The program aims to provide easier access to mental health services and reduce emergency calls during student crises. Despite its benefits, uncertainty about funding complicates staffing and planning, as noted by Nelson Mar from Bronx Legal Services.

 

Chalkbeat

UNICEF in Afghanistan has announced that it is in the process of constructing 165 schools across the country, benefiting more than 33,000 children, half of them girls. The schools are equipped with solar power systems to light the classrooms, and include separate latrine blocks and drilled water wells to provide students with safe water and hygienic handwashing spaces in their learning environment. High boundary walls mean the schools are a safe haven for education. Currently, less than half of the country’s public schools have boundary walls, an important factor for girls’ attendance in particular. Enclosed schools are considered safe by parents, which improves girls’ attendance. The schools are being built with support from the the Government of Japan, and in partnership with the United Nations Development Program.

 

UNICEF

Italy's education ministry has mandated a ban on gender-neutral symbols in schools, citing their lack of clarity and violation of Italian grammar rules. The ministry said: "The use of non-compliant graphic signs... is contrary to linguistic norms." The decision may heighten tensions between the right-wing government, which emphasizes traditional values, and advocates for LGBTQ and women's rights. The Accademia della Crusca, the authority on the Italian language, has also advised against the use of gender-neutral symbols in official documents.

 

US News and World Report

Dan Marburger, the former principal of Perry High School, will be posthumously awarded the Single Act of Heroism Award by the Congressional Medal of Honor Society for his courageous actions during a school shooting on January 4, 2024. Marburger attempted to shield his students from gunfire, ultimately succumbing to his injuries ten days later. The society's release stated, "Principal Dan Marburger demonstrated extraordinary heroism during the tragic shooting," highlighting his selfless confrontation with the shooter. His wife, Elizabeth, and their children will accept the award at Arlington National Cemetery, where they will honor his legacy. Marburger is the only individual among four slated for recognition to be honored posthumously.

 

Des Moines Register