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The latest data from the Superintendent Research Project reveals that superintendent turnover among the nation's 500 largest school systems increased to 23% for the 2024-25 school year, up from 20% the previous year. Julia Rafal-Baer, co-founder and chief executive of the ILO Group, which produced the report, emphasized the importance of stable leadership, commenting: “Stability in leadership is stability for students. If we want lasting results for kids, we have to stop treating this role as a revolving door. The talent is here. The experience is here. The will to lead is here.” Additionally, the number of women in superintendent roles has risen to 33.2%, although men still dominate new appointments, with 61% of new superintendents being male. The report also highlights that 66 of the new superintendents were internal hires, indicating a trend towards promoting from within. Rafal-Baer noted that the current leadership churn is becoming the new normal, stressing the need for effective leadership to support students during challenging times.

 

EdSource

Education Week News

An Administrator's Guide to Blended Learning

Online learning doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing approach. Explore blended learning with this comprehensive guide from FlexPoint^®, which includes:

• Worksheets to define your school’s needs
  
• Outline of blended learning classroom models
  
• List of questions to ask curriculum providers
  
• Best practices for educator training
  
• Instructional strategies and tips
  
• Key benefits for you, students, and staff

Download the FlexPoint guide to find the right mix of face-to-face and online instruction for your school or district.

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Des Moines Public Schools is seeking voter approval for a $265m general obligation bond to fund significant changes in the district. Following a successful signature campaign, over 9,000 signatures were submitted to place the bond on the November 4 ballot. Superintendent Ian Roberts expressed gratitude to the community, commenting: “You showed up, you showed out, and you said to us ‘We are moving in the right direction.” The revised plan aims to enhance student achievement and enrollment by expanding preschool programs and improving educational facilities. To pass, at least 60% of voters must approve the bond, which would cost homeowners approximately $188 annually for a $200,000 home over 20 years.

 

Des Moines Register

Despite a surge in district ed-tech spending post-pandemic, many teachers are still personally funding classroom technology. According to a recent EdWeek Market Brief survey, two-thirds of teachers reported paying out of pocket for devices or software. While the percentage of educators covering these costs has decreased since 2021, a significant number still feel compelled to do so. “Teachers are absolutely drowning,” lamented one educator who has spent over $10,000 on classroom items in 12 years. The survey revealed that middle school teachers are more likely to pay for digital exercises, with 34% reporting such expenses. Overall, while satisfaction with available ed-tech has improved, many educators continue to fill gaps in resources themselves.

 

Education Week News

Chicago Public Schools' Black Student Success Plan, aimed at addressing disparities faced by Black students, is under federal investigation following a complaint from Parents Defending Education. Board member Jitu Brown, who leads the initiative, said: “I am not built to shrink,” emphasizing the district's commitment to the plan despite scrutiny. The plan includes goals such as doubling the number of Black male teachers and reducing suspensions by 40%. However, the Trump administration's stance against race-based initiatives raises concerns about potential funding cuts. Community advocates urge the district to proceed with implementation and provide a clear roadmap for achieving its objectives, while some parents express mixed feelings about the plan's focus on Black students. Brown remains determined, asserting: “This work will happen no matter what.”

 

Chalkbeat

Milwaukee Public Schools is conducting free lead testing clinics at three schools this week, following concerns about lead poisoning linked to school exposure. The initiative comes after city health officials urged the district to enhance screening efforts, especially after a student's case was connected to school conditions. "No amount of lead is safe," emphasizing the importance of early detection for children's health. The clinics will be held on September 16, 17, and 18, with specific times for both public and in-school testing. Families can also access additional testing options at local health centers. The district has been actively addressing lead hazards in its buildings, having cleared 50 older schools and planning further cleanups in newer facilities.

 

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

A New Jersey appeals court has upheld the state's gender-inclusive education regulations, dismissing a challenge from Shawn Hyland, director of advocacy for the New Jersey Family Policy Center. The court ruled that the state Board of Education acted lawfully in adopting regulations that promote equity in public schools, including replacing terms like “male and female students” with “based on gender identity.” The judges said: “We are convinced the State Board reasonably acted within its broad rulemaking powers to prescribe regulations ensuring that all students are afforded an educationally equitable learning environment.” Hyland had argued that the amendments violated free speech and parental rights, but the court found that the regulations do not compel speech and that parents can opt their children out of certain lessons. The ruling reinforces the state's commitment to inclusivity in education.

 

NJ.com

Glenn Maleyko has officially signed a three-year contract to become Michigan's next state superintendent, starting on December 8. Currently the superintendent of Dearborn Public Schools, Maleyko will earn an annual salary of $272,000. He expressed his enthusiasm, commenting: “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to support children and families, educators, and other school staff at all of Michigan's public schools.” His appointment comes at a crucial time, as recent state test results revealed concerning trends in student performance, particularly in literacy. The State Board of Education, led by president Pamela Pugh, negotiated the contract, which includes benefits similar to other state officials. Maleyko's performance will be evaluated annually, with potential salary increases based on satisfactory reviews.

 

The Detroit News

CBS News

Chalkbeat

Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) has experienced a significant decline in student enrollment, losing over 10,000 students, which is more than 9% over the past decade. This trend starkly contrasts with the statewide and national averages, where public school enrollment dropped by just under 2.5%. MSCS board member Natalie McKinney emphasized the need for the district to "become competitive," as enrollment directly impacts funding. The decline is attributed to various factors, including lower birth rates and increased interest in private schooling, with private school enrollment in Tennessee rising by over 23% from 2019 to 2021. Experts like Tara Moon from Future Ed predict that the new universal voucher program will further drive families towards private education, indicating a shift in educational choices. As MSCS considers school closures, the district's leaders are aware that around 30 schools are overenrolled and outperforming those under capacity.

 

Chalkbeat

Portland's ambitious high school modernization projects are facing significant budget overruns, with estimates now totaling around $1.02bn for three schools. Cleveland High, Jefferson High School, and Wells High are projected to cost $472m, $466m, and $449m, respectively. School board members had initially aimed for a budget of $340m-$360m per school to allocate funds for other district needs. However, rising material costs and redesign expenses have contributed to the current estimates. As noted, "the goal, now seeming like a pipe dream," reflects the challenges in managing these projects. Despite design reductions, the schools will still exceed the district's specifications, with added features based on community preferences. The district is also committed to building all-electric schools, aligning with environmental goals, despite higher costs compared to natural gas.

 

The Oregonian

In an article for Education Week, S. Kambar Khoshaba, a high school principal in Lorton, Va., emphasizes the importance of intrinsic motivation over traditional extrinsic rewards like food incentives. He suggests that recognizing and motivating staff through meaningful acknowledgment can foster a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Khoshaba shares three effective strategies: publicly recognizing teachers, offering handwritten encouragement, and encouraging teachers to pass on positive recognition to students. He notes, "If you are not finding something worth noting, you may not be paying enough attention." By shifting focus from short-term incentives to deeper appreciation, schools can enhance staff morale and align with their core values.

 

Education Week News

The U.S. Department of Education's recent decision to end several grant programs could significantly impact Wisconsin's colleges with large Hispanic populations, including Alverno College, Herzing University, Gateway Technical College, and Mount Mary University. U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon stated, “Discrimination based upon race or ethnicity has no place in the United States,” emphasizing a shift away from race-based funding. The $350m previously allocated for these grants will be redirected to other programs. Experts like Marybeth Gasman warn that these cuts could harm low-income and first-generation college students. The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities condemned the decision as “an attack on equity in higher education,” while education policy researcher Anthony Hernandez argued that minority-serving institutions are essential for providing opportunities to historically marginalized communities. Despite the funding cuts, many institutions remain committed to serving Hispanic students and are exploring alternative partnerships.

 

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

A new report from war crime investigators at Yale University suggests that Russia's secretive program of re-education and military training for Ukrainian children from occupied territories is far larger than previously thought. The Humanitarian Research Lab at the Yale School of Public Health examined instances in which Ukrainian parents were killed by the Russian Army in its invasion and their children were subsequently educated in Russian language and culture. The study found evidence of re-education at 62% of the 212 sites it it identified, and of military training at 19% It defined re-education as instruction in history and culture curriculums approved by the Russian government. Nathaniel Raymond, the lab's executive director, described the program as the largest single kidnapping since World War II, when children were moved from Poland to Nazi Germany. Russian authorities have said children were evacuated from the front lines for their safety, arguing also that although the Geneva Conventions prohibit military recruitment in occupied territory, they do not apply in this case due to its claims to have annexed the land.

 

CBS News

New York Times