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USA
13th February 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Districts depend on flexible federal grants to support student needs, report finds

A new survey by the Association of School Business Officials International and the Title IV-A Coalition shows that school districts across 43 states across the nation rely heavily on federal Title IV-A grants to fund STEM programmes, mental health services, and classroom technology. Among more than 1,000 finance and operations leaders surveyed during the 2024-2025 school year, 56% used funds to expand STEM and computer science, 36% prioritized school-based mental health services, and 29% invested in blended learning and computer-based assessments. Some 78% cited the program’s spending flexibility as its most valuable feature, allowing districts to address gaps not covered by state or local budgets. While Congress allocated $1.38bn for fiscal year 2026, 61% of respondents said funding levels remain insufficient, prompting calls for increased support in the 2027 federal budget to meet rising student and district needs. “Title IV-A’s flexible structure recognizes that one-size-fits-all approaches don’t always work in education," commented James Rowan, CAE, SFO, CEO/Executive Director of ASBO International. "It empowers education leaders, especially in rural, underserved areas, to strategically invest funds to meet their students’ unique needs, whether by enhancing educational offerings, improving school environments, or expanding student access to digital skills and tools to help them succeed.”

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DISTRICTS

Chicago BOE ends CEO search firm contract

The Chicago Board of Education has terminated its contract with Alma Advisory Group, the firm assisting in the search for a new chief executive. The board members, including Carlos Rivas Jr. and Che “Rhymefest” Smith, expressed a desire for interim CEO Macquline King to remain until a fully elected board is established in January. The statement highlighted concerns over political interference, claiming that mayoral appointees have “sabotaged” the search process. Despite the turmoil, board member Jenni Custer remained optimistic, stating: “We have a lot of great candidates left in our pool.” The board's search for a permanent CEO has faced delays, particularly after the names of finalists were leaked, causing further complications. The board's statement criticized the mayor's office for hindering the process, emphasizing the need for a qualified leader to guide Chicago Public Schools (CPS) into the future.

Detroit Mayor launches city offices to support Detroit students and schools

Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield has created two new executive-level positions aimed at strengthening support for K-12 students and schools, focusing on absenteeism, transportation and out-of-school programming. Chanel Hampton has been appointed senior director of youth and education, while JerJuan Howard will lead the newly formed Office of Youth Affairs. The roles will work with Detroit Public Schools Community District, charter schools and community groups to better coordinate services and address persistent challenges facing students. The mayor said the positions, funded within the existing mayoral budget, reflect her campaign pledge to deepen collaboration with schools, which operate independently of city government. School leaders welcomed the move, saying closer coordination could help improve attendance, expand after-school and summer programmes and better support families.

LEGAL

Former NYPD school safety chief charged in bribery scheme

Kevin Taylor, the former head of the New York Police Department’s School Safety Division, has been charged with soliciting bribes in exchange for helping steer city contracts to a Florida businessman, federal prosecutors said. Taylor, 52, allegedly received tens of thousands of dollars in cash, luxury hotel stays, a helicopter ride and Broadway tickets from businessman Geno Roefaro, whose company sought contracts with the city. Prosecutors said Taylor promised to use his position to pressure and advise city officials to benefit the company. Both men face multiple charges, including honest services wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. Taylor has pleaded not guilty. Prosecutors said the alleged scheme emerged during broader corruption investigations linked to New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ administration. 

LEGISLATION

Tennessee lawmakers approve measure to permit Ten Commandments in classrooms

The Tennessee House has approved a bill permitting public and charter schools to display the Ten Commandments in classrooms, provided they are shown alongside founding documents such as the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights. House Bill 47, which passed 75-17 largely along party lines, frames the Ten Commandments as a historical and cultural document that may be presented in the context of history, ethics or other secular subjects. Supporters say the measure gives schools the option — but not a mandate — to display the text, while critics argue it risks violating constitutional protections by favoring one religion. The companion bill has yet to advance in the state Senate. Similar laws in other states have faced ongoing legal challenges.

Iowa's new bill tackles antisemitism in education

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds has proposed legislation, House Study Bill 646 and Senate Study Bill 3095, mandating that Iowa's K-12 schools, universities, and community colleges submit annual reports on antisemitism incidents. Supporters argue that this measure is essential for tracking the rising antisemitism, particularly following the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel by Hamas. Senator Jesse Green said: "Sadly, since October 7 of 2023, antisemitism has exploded and has plagued our schools, college campuses, Jewish communities and the country." However, critics, including Professor Lisa Heineman from the University of Iowa, contend that the bill's definition of antisemitism conflates criticism of Israel with antisemitism, potentially infringing on free speech. The bill requires adherence to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's definition of antisemitism, which includes various manifestations of hatred toward Jews. Critics fear that the reporting requirement may discourage open discussions about Jewish culture and history among students.

FINANCE

School budgets at risk from property tax cuts

In at least 10 states, politicians and activists are advocating for the elimination of property taxes, a significant revenue source for school districts. This movement, driven by rising property-tax bills, could lead to budget cuts, staff layoffs, and school closures. Andrew Kahrl, a professor at the University of Virginia, said: "Without taking actions that address the tax burdens that average homeowners are facing, you continue to run this risk that voters are going to throw up their hands and say, tax relief in any form is better than the status quo." While some states are considering smaller-scale tax relief measures, the potential consequences of eliminating property taxes could severely impact public education funding and local services. The ongoing debate reflects a long-standing tension between tax relief and the financial stability of schools.

Milwaukee Public Schools secures $5m grant for mental health services

Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) has received a $5m grant from the U.S. Department of Education to enhance mental health services within the district. This four-year funding initiative aims to recruit and train school psychologists through partnerships with Alverno College and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. MPS Superintendent Brenda Cassellius said: "This new funding allows MPS to develop the district's own school psychology professionals, providing them with firsthand experience and professional training to support our students' academic, social, and emotional well-being." The grant will facilitate the training of at least 24 graduate students and the addition of five new internship positions. The initiative builds on previous investments, improving the mental health staffing ratio from one professional for every 175 students in 2020 to one for every 145 today. A 2023 report from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction highlighted that over half of Wisconsin students reported experiencing anxiety, underscoring the need for increased mental health support.

West Contra Costa Schools approves $42m reduction to address deficit

The West Contra Costa USD board recently approved a fiscal solvency plan that will cut $42m from the California district's budget for the 2026-27 school year, which includes a 10% reduction in staffing levels. Demetrio Gonzalez-Hoy, a board member, said: "If we do not right-size our budget, we risk losing control and decisions could be made for us that would be even more harmful to our schools." The plan follows the district's first teachers' strike settlement, which provided wage increases but raised concerns about long-term financial sustainability. The board aims to minimize layoffs through attrition, but community members express frustration over the potential impact on education quality.

WORKFORCE

Hawaiʻi's teaching crisis: Emergency hires at risk

Hawaiʻi is currently evaluating a proposal to extend the emergency hire permits for teachers from three to five years, amid concerns about the state's growing reliance on unlicensed educators. Anton Avanozian, an emergency hire at Baldwin High School, expressed anxiety about his future, adding: "I'm really pushing towards it, but I do have that worry in the back of my mind, what if it doesn't work out?" The Department of Education (DOE) reported that approximately 1,000 emergency hires constitute about 8% of the teaching workforce, with some areas exceeding 15%. Critics argue that extending the permit duration may compromise educational quality, particularly in rural areas. DOE Deputy Superintendent Tammi Oyadomari-Chun emphasized the importance of retaining teachers, stating: "Moving beyond the three years is important." However, the lack of data on the effectiveness of emergency hires raises questions about the long-term implications of this approach.

POLICY

Should school districts take public positions on divisive topics?

Matthew Montgomery, the superintendent of Lake Forest Schools in Illinois, emphasizes the importance of a structured communication strategy for school districts. He states: "Having a strategy can help prevent rash decisions and build community trust." To address the complexities of public engagement, Montgomery developed a communication decision-making matrix that guides when to speak on various issues. This matrix helps leaders navigate community expectations and political pressures, particularly in a post-COVID landscape. By understanding community dynamics and establishing clear guidelines, superintendents can effectively manage communication, ensuring consistency and transparency in their responses. Montgomery's approach highlights the need for a thoughtful process in decision-making, especially in challenging situations.

TEACHER TRAINING

Five million dollar grant to expand Arkansas Teacher Corps training program

A $5.1m grant from the Walton Family Foundation will fund the training of at least 114 new fellows through the Arkansas Teacher Corps over the next three years, the program has announced. The initiative, run by the University of Arkansas’ College of Education and Health Professions, recruits and supports aspiring teachers, including noncertified school staff and community members, to earn full licensure, with a focus on addressing shortages in regions such as the Arkansas Delta. Since launching in 2013, the program has supported more than 326 teachers across 95 schools and 42 districts. The new funding builds on previous expansion efforts and aims to sustain the programme’s current scale while continuing to strengthen the state’s teacher pipeline.

INTERNATIONAL

Nearly 500 Alberta schools to receive new support teams under C$143m plan

The Alberta government will allocate C$143 million ($105 million) to create 476 “complexity teams” in elementary schools across the province, aiming to help teachers manage growing academic and behavioral challenges in classrooms. Each team will include one teacher and two educational assistants, providing in-class support such as English-language learning, enrichment for gifted students and help with disruptive behavior, with the option to bring in additional specialists when needed. The funding follows new provincial data from more than 89,000 classrooms and forms part of a broader C$400 million, three-year plan to address class size and complexity. All 61 school authorities will receive at least one team, with 143 assigned to Edmonton, 171 to Calgary and 162 elsewhere. While the government says the initiative supports early intervention and builds on plans to hire 3,000 teachers and 1,500 assistants, critics and the Alberta Teachers’ Association argue it reflects years of underfunding and are calling for further support, particularly for Grades 7 to 12.

AND FINALLY......

McMahon to lead U.S. delegation to Winter Olympics closing ceremony

Education Secretary Linda McMahon will head the U.S. delegation to the closing ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Verona, Italy, on February 22, the White House has announced. She will be joined by U.S. Ambassador to Italy and San Marino Tilman Fertitta, Small Business Administration chief Kelly Loeffler, senior Trump adviser Meredith O’Rourke and former Olympic ice hockey player Ryan Suter, among others. 
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