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The U.S. Supreme Court is poised to rule in favor of Ava Tharpe, a 19-year-old student with Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome, in a case that could redefine liability standards under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. During oral arguments in A.J.T. v. Osseo Area Schools, Tharpe's lawyer, Roman Martinez, emphasized the urgency of her educational needs, commenting: “Think about Ava, who desperately needs every precious hour of school so she can learn to communicate with her parents.” The case challenges a federal appeals court's ruling that imposed a high burden of proof on families seeking damages for disability discrimination. The court's decision, expected by late June or early July, may clarify the standards for schools nationwide regarding the treatment of students with disabilities.

 

USA Today

Education Week News

K-12 Dive

New York Times

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Since taking office for his second term on January 20, President Donald Trump has rapidly implemented significant changes in K-12 education policy. Notably, in his first 100 days, he rescinded a 13-year policy protecting sensitive locations from immigration enforcement and issued an executive order limiting Title IX protections for transgender students. The administration also paused federal funding, causing confusion among schools, and launched an investigation into a Denver high school's restroom policy, signaling a strict interpretation of Title IX. Trump's orders aim to expand school choice and eliminate what he calls "radical indoctrination" in education. As he stated, the goal is to "promote patriotic education" while dismantling programs he views as discriminatory. Jennifer Vilcarino, a digital news reporter for Education Week, highlights these developments as pivotal in shaping the future of education in the U.S.

 

Education Week News

As Illinois lawmakers approach the end of the spring legislative session, several education-related bills are advancing. Key proposals include limiting cellphone use in classrooms, unlinking student test scores from teacher evaluations, and protecting the rights of students with disabilities during mediation. Gov. J.B. Pritzker highlighted the need for cellphone restrictions, stating they contribute to "cyberbullying and can be a distraction from learning." Other bills, such as those addressing homeschooling regulations and the creation of an AI task force, are currently stalled. With the legislative session ending on May 31, the future of these bills remains uncertain as lawmakers also work on the fiscal year 2026 budget amid potential federal funding cuts.

 

Chalkbeat

Six school districts in central Ohio are pursuing levies in the May 6 primary, with four seeking bonds to accommodate increasing student populations. Groveport Madison, Jonathan Alder, Southwest Licking, and Teays Valley Local Schools aim to raise funds for new constructions and renovations. Marysville Exempted Village Schools is making a third attempt for a 5.5-mill emergency levy to alleviate financial strain that has resulted in staff and service cuts. The previous levy failed by a narrow margin of 400 votes. Walnut Township Local Schools is also seeking a renewal levy. Voter support for local levies has waned, influenced by recent property reappraisals that have inflated property values. As noted, "Voter appetite for supporting local levies has appeared to be diminished."

 

The Columbus Dispatch

Little Egg Harbor School District is contemplating a significant tax increase of nearly 33% due to ongoing staffing shortages and budget constraints. Superintendent Lisa Antunes expressed concern, stating, “Little Harbor, along with many other school districts across the state, are ready to fall off this fiscal cliff.” The proposed tax hike would result in an additional $615 annually for homeowners with an average house value of $308,000. The district is facing a $10m shortfall in its education budget, which the state mandates to be $24m for the upcoming school year. Business Administrator Robert Green noted that the district is eligible for the state's Tax Levy Incentive Aid program, which could provide additional funding if taxes are raised. Principal Chrissy Cummings emphasized the need for the tax increase to ensure a safe educational environment, stating, “I implore you to approve the 32.6% tax increase to preserve our school district.”

 

NJ.com

San Diego USD in California will introduce 10 new community schools in the 2025-26 academic year, expanding its current network of 25. These schools aim to provide tailored resources to students and families, including food markets, clothing closets, wellness centers, tutoring, and English classes. The new schools will be Chesterton, Hamilton, Kimbrough, Marshall, Penn, Ross, Rowan, Washington, Webster, and Whitman Elementary. Melissa Agudelo, co-principal of Lincoln High School, emphasized the importance of community interaction, commenting: “This is a space where different community members and speakers and opportunities are able to be welcomed into Lincoln.”

 

EdSource

Green Bay's newest elementary school will be named Starr Elementary, honoring former Packers quarterback Bart Starr and his wife, Cherry. Board member Alex Mineau expressed that Bart's character reflects respect and kindness, stating, "I can't help but believe that he would be delighted that his wife... would have the opportunity to be included in this." The school, set to open in 2026, is part of a $60m project consolidating students from three existing schools. The Packers Hall of Fame has agreed to provide busts of the Starrs if both are honored in the naming. Superintendent Vicki Bayers confirmed that Bart Starr Jr. is supportive of the decision.

 

Green Bay Press Gazette

New York state lawmakers have reached an agreement to implement a "bell to bell" ban on cellphones in public schools starting next school year. Gov. Kathy Hochul said: “We've protected our kids before from cigarettes, alcohol, and drunk driving, and now we're protecting them from addictive technology designed to hijack their attention.” The ban allows schools some flexibility in implementation, with exemptions for students needing access for medical reasons or learning disabilities. If enacted, New York will join at least eight other states with similar restrictions. The move aims to eliminate distractions during school hours, despite concerns from parents about emergency communication. Lawmakers are set to vote on the $254bn state budget soon.

 

New York Times

U.S. News

Burlington Public Schools is facing two federal complaints after a health survey administered to middle school students included graphic descriptions of sexual acts, which some parents found offensive. The complaints were filed by the Massachusetts Liberty Legal Center on behalf of parents who had opted their children out of the Youth Risk Behavior Survey, yet their children were still given the questionnaire. Adrianne Simeone, a parent, expressed her shock at the survey's content, commenting: “Even though my son is in eighth grade, that's pretty horrific to me.” Superintendent Eric Conti acknowledged areas for improvement in the opt-out process. The controversy has drawn attention to the need for clearer communication with families regarding student participation in such surveys. Legal counsel Sam Whiting noted the graphic nature of the questions and the district's failure to comply with parental opt-out requests.

 

Boston Globe

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has enacted a law designed to enhance school safety following a tragic shooting at Apalachee High School that resulted in the deaths of two students and two teachers. Richard Aspinwall, father of one of the victims, expressed hope, commenting: “I don't want anyone else to have to go through this.” The law, known as House Bill 268, mandates that police report threats to schools, ensures quicker record transfers for students, and establishes mental health coordination positions in all 180 school districts. Additionally, it requires public schools to provide panic buttons and submit campus maps to authorities annually. While the law is a significant step, cooperation among schools, law enforcement, and mental health agencies is crucial for its success, as emphasized by Rep. Holt Persinger and Barrow County Sheriff Jud Smith. The law also includes provisions for adult prosecution of minors charged with serious offenses.

 

Atlanta Journal-Constitution

U.S. News

George Philhower, superintendent of Eastern Hancock Schools, emphasizes the advantages of small school districts in navigating educational challenges. He likens small schools to kayaks—nimble and responsive—compared to larger districts, which he describes as cruise ships. Philhower notes, “We can test ideas, make adjustments, and move forward quickly—without waiting for top-down approval.” This agility allows small districts to adapt swiftly to changes, such as Indiana's revised graduation requirements, ensuring students remain on track for success. He advocates for a mindset of smallness, where relationships drive decisions, regardless of district size. As public education evolves, he believes that connection and clarity will be crucial for success. Philhower concludes that while Eastern Hancock isn't perfect, it has built programs that meet current needs, offering a perspective of calm and confidence in uncertain times.

 

Education Week News

An estimated $11bn will be required over the next two decades to repair or replace Maine's aging public school buildings, according to a new interim summary from the governor's commission on school construction. The commission warns that without major changes to how the state funds and plans school construction, the problem will only grow, with more schools falling into disrepair each year. Currently, school construction in Maine is funded through a combination of local property taxes, bonds, and limited state support for only the highest-priority projects. Potential remedies in the report include the creation of a centralized office to support districts with planning, financing, and design; developing standardized school prototypes to reduce soft costs and accelerate construction timelines; exploring public-private partnerships and philanthropic support to supplement state and local funds; and encouraging school consolidations in areas where multiple under-enrolled schools operate in proximity.

 

Construction Equipment Guide

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect classrooms, as educators like Jennifer Orr highlight the increased behavior challenges and learning gaps among students. Orr notes, “Our students are not OK,” emphasizing the need for collaboration with counselors and parents to support students' social and emotional well-being. The trauma experienced during the pandemic has led to significant social and emotional issues, with many students struggling to engage and connect. Educators are urged to create supportive environments that foster connections and address these challenges holistically. As Melanie Shoffner and Angela W. Webb point out, the educational landscape has shifted, requiring a focus on relevance and authenticity in teaching. The pandemic has reshaped priorities, pushing educators to establish boundaries and prioritize self-care while navigating the complexities of modern education.

 

Education Week News

The Richmond, Virginia school district has made significant strides in addressing chronic absenteeism, which surged during the pandemic. Shadae Harris, former chief engagement officer, emphasized that the issue stemmed from a "breakdown in trust" between families and schools. The district's approach focuses on building relationships through family engagement initiatives, including home visits and community walks. By partnering with local organizations like Housing Families First, Richmond has helped over 120 families with housing stability, contributing to a drop in chronic absenteeism from 37% in 2022 to 22% by the end of the 2023-24 school year. Harris noted, "We don't have an attendance problem. We have an engagement problem." This shift in mindset has proven essential for improving student achievement and attendance.

 

Education Week News