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USA
18th February 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Feasibility studies drive successful school developments and community backing

Feasibility studies are playing an increasingly vital role in school planning, helping districts navigate funding challenges, public approval processes, and evolving educational needs. Douglas Roberts, Principal at JCJ Architecture, highlights how these studies provide data-driven analysis to evaluate options such as renovations, additions, or new builds, while fostering transparency and public trust. Because education projects are typically publicly funded, gaining voter approval requires clearly communicating costs, benefits, and long-term value to the community. Tyngsborough Middle School in Massachusetts serves as a case study. Built in 1967 and facing outdated systems and space limitations, the school underwent a feasibility study guided by the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA). After evaluating multiple options, the town chose to construct a new 112,784-sq-ft facility designed to support flexible, project-based learning, STEM/STEAM programs, performing arts, and sustainability goals. The process emphasized collaboration between the school district, project managers, designers, and community stakeholders. Public engagement, through meetings, outreach efforts, and clear explanations of infrastructure needs, proved critical in securing funding approval. Ultimately, the study-led approach enabled Tyngsborough to align educational design with long-term community priorities, demonstrating how feasibility studies can bridge strategic planning and community consensus to deliver future-ready schools.

CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION

Prepare Your Students For Their Future, Today

As the workforce and student needs evolve, how can schools ensure students are future-ready? Career and Technical Education (CTE) offers a strategic solution. Our comprehensive free guide provides school leaders with the tools needed to elevate CTE, from student interest surveys to employment landscape checklists.  

In the guide, you’ll have access to:
  • An overview of nationally recognized Career Clusters and Programs of Study
  • Tips for selecting the best career pathways that evolve with the employment landscape
  • Sample survey questions to gauge students’ interests in future career opportunities
  • And more!
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DISTRICTS

Philly City Council members voice concerns over school closures

Philadelphia City Council members are actively engaging in discussions regarding the district's proposed plan to close twenty schools starting in 2027. During a recent hearing, council members expressed concerns about the plan's lack of detail on critical issues such as student transportation and community engagement. City Council President Kenyatta Johnson emphasized that the council will not simply "rubber stamp" the proposal, despite lacking official voting power. Superintendent Tony Watlington acknowledged the plan is still a draft and is open to suggestions from council members, commenting: "If there are schools that council wants me to take off the list and add others on that list, we are open to you telling me what those are." The district aims to use the closure plan to enhance educational opportunities, although council members insist more community involvement is necessary.

Dropout rate plummets at Billings Public Schools

Billings Public Schools in Montana has reported a significant 43% decrease in dropout rates over the past year, indicating potential improvements in the district's graduation rates, which have historically lagged behind the state average. The adult special education program has also seen substantial growth, doubling in size since its inception in 2024, following a state settlement. A parent emphasized the need for compassion and stability in addressing trauma, adding: "Trauma does not need commentary; it needs compassion, stability and a supportive community, along with time." The positive trend in dropout rates and program expansion reflects the district's commitment to enhancing educational outcomes for its students.

Kalihi's aspiring elementary school authors take flight

State Senator Donna Mercado Kim is advocating for a pilot program aimed at transforming fifth graders at Kalihi Waena Elementary School into published authors to enhance literacy and self-esteem. The initiative, inspired by a successful program at Ke Kula Niʻihau O Kekaha, seeks to engage students in project-based learning through writing and publishing their own books. Despite the potential benefits, the Hawaiʻi Department of Education has expressed concerns regarding existing literacy initiatives and budget limitations. Principal Daniel Larkin emphasized the need for time to see results, adding: "When you start a program, it takes time for the results to happen." The program aims to provide culturally relevant, hands-on experiences that foster confidence and pride among students, particularly those from low-income households and diverse backgrounds.

LEGAL

Michigan lawmakers demand answers on Native American boarding school report

Michigan lawmakers are investigating the decision to shelve a $1.1m report on Native American boarding schools, which recommended an apology for the state's role in the abuse and deaths of Native American children. The report, completed in September, was not released to the public or the Legislature, raising concerns among lawmakers. Representative Tom Kuhn, R-Troy, said: "We'd like to get some understanding of why we spent over a million dollars on a 300-page report and then threw the report in the garbage can." The Department of Civil Rights, which oversaw the report, declined to testify at the upcoming hearing. The report included recommendations for an executive order apology from the governor and the elimination of the statute of limitations for crimes against minors in boarding schools. The investigation into these abuses is modeled after a previous inquiry into clergy abuse in Michigan.

Baltimore school construction workers sue contractors over alleged wage violations

Three carpenters have filed a federal lawsuit alleging they were underpaid while working on the $66 million renovation of Baltimore’s Commodore John Rodgers Elementary/Middle School, a state-funded project. The suit, filed in January in U.S. District Court in Maryland, claims Tobar Construction, DC Construction, and CAM Construction failed to pay required prevailing wages and overtime under state law and the federal Fair Labor Standards Act. The workers allege they were paid at a lower “common laborer” rate instead of the higher carpenter rate, resulting in significant lost wages, and that one worker was fired after questioning his pay. The complaint also names the general contractor under a Maryland law that can hold contractors jointly liable for subcontractors’ wage violations on public works projects. The workers are seeking unpaid wages, damages ,and class certification so others can join the case.

LEGISLATION

Colorado Dems propose state-level protections for students with disabilities

Colorado Democratic lawmakers are drafting legislation to protect the civil rights of students with disabilities by shifting enforcement of certain discrimination complaints from the federal government to the state. The proposal comes after staff cuts to the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) reduced its capacity to investigate complaints, including cases involving students with 504 plans, which provide classroom accommodations for disabilities such as ADHD, physical impairments, or severe allergies. Although some federal job cuts were later reversed, advocates say the disruption left families facing delays and uncertainty. The bill would embed federal disability protections into state law and create new legal roles within the Colorado Department of Education to investigate complaints and provide remedies. Lawmakers argue the move would ensure timely enforcement, reduce adversarial disputes, and prevent costly litigation, while helping schools better support students. Supporters say the measure is necessary to safeguard equitable access to education and prevent further strain on under-resourced schools, though details on funding and costs are still being finalized.

Iowa GOP revives legislation to allow firearms in campus parking areas

Iowa Republican lawmakers are advancing legislation that would allow firearms in vehicles on school and college grounds, despite strong opposition from educators and Democrats. The proposed bills aim to roll back certain restrictions on gun ownership, which supporters describe as necessary “code cleanup” following the adoption of permitless carry in Iowa. Critics, including Emily Piper of the Iowa Association of School Boards, expressed concerns about safety, questioning enforcement and the potential for firearms to be brought into school buildings. “We don't think we're going to make things safer by permitting weapons in areas we consider to be high-tension,” said Melissa Peterson of the Iowa State Education Association. The measures are now set for consideration by the full Senate Judiciary Committee and House Education Committee.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Teen testifies in Georgia school shooting

In a poignant testimony, Melany Delira-Castaneda, a 16-year-old survivor of the September 2024 shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, recounted the traumatic moment she realized she had been shot. “I didn't know I was shot, but I was,” she stated, reflecting on the lasting emotional impact of the incident. Melany was among several victims who testified in the trial of Colin Gray, the father of the alleged shooter, who faces charges including murder and manslaughter for allegedly providing his son with the firearm used in the attack. Prosecutors argue that Gray acted with criminal recklessness despite prior warnings about his son's dangerous behavior. The trial highlights a growing movement to hold parents accountable in school shooting cases, similar to the recent convictions of James and Jennifer Crumbley in Michigan. If convicted, Gray could face significant prison time.

Detroit teachers demand support amid ICE fears

The Detroit Federation of Teachers (DFT) is advocating for enhanced support for educators and students affected by immigration enforcement in their upcoming contract negotiations. President Lakia Wilson-Lumpkins emphasized the need for better training, stating: "If you go into some of those neighborhoods, where you would normally see hundreds of parents walking their kids to school, you don't see those parents." The DFT aims to reinforce the district's commitment to being a sanctuary district and is also pushing for competitive wages, paid maternity leave, and additional resources for students with autism spectrum disorder. Superintendent Nikolai Vitti acknowledged the challenges posed by decreased enrollment and increased absenteeism due to fears of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) presence, stating: "We are actively working with Southwest leaders to proactively anticipate increases in ICE presence in Detroit." The DFT's priorities reflect a commitment to improving working conditions and support for both teachers and students.

HIGHER EDUCATION

Trump administration identifies 40,000 more borrowers for student loan forgiveness

The Trump administration identified more than 40,000 federal student loan borrowers as eligible for debt forgiveness in January, according to a recent court filing. Roughly 22,000 qualified under income-driven repayment plans, which cancel remaining balances after 20 or 25 years of payments, while 18,160 borrowers became eligible through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program for those working in government or non-profit roles for 10 years. The update follows a legal settlement requiring the Education Department to provide regular progress reports on loan discharges. While some borrowers have begun receiving “golden email” notifications confirming eligibility, more than 626,000 applications for affordable repayment plans remain backlogged. The department has reduced the overall processing queue but acknowledged that delays continue, particularly for PSLF buyback requests.

INTERNATIONAL

Irish teacher union demands clarity from over planned SNA reductions

Calls are mounting for clarity after several schools in Ireland were informed their Special Needs Assistant (SNA) allocations may be reduced from September 2026. Trade union Fórsa said multiple schools have been notified by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) that SNA posts will be cut, but there is little information about how many schools or jobs are affected, or the reasons behind the reductions. While overall SNA numbers are set to increase nationally by more than 1,000 posts, concerns remain that some schools are losing support before a promised redeployment scheme is introduced. Fórsa has urged Education Minister Hildegarde Naughton to address the issue, warning that stricter criteria may be limiting SNA support to students with physical care needs, potentially overlooking those requiring emotional or behavioural assistance. The Department of Education said SNA allocations are reviewed annually based on student numbers and care needs, in line with existing guidelines.

AND FINALLY......

Lessons for the classroom from Bad Bunny's Super Bowl performance

Peter DeWitt, a former K-5 public school principal and founder of the Instructional Leadership Collective, and Michael Nelson, a K-12 educator and leadership coach, reflect on the leadership lessons from Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime performance. They emphasize that leadership should be viewed as an invitation to inclusivity and understanding. They say: "Before you judge a community, ask what you've truly tried to understand. Before you “go neutral,” ask who neutrality harms. And before you speak for others, make space for them to speak for themselves. This week, pick one lesson below and act on it—then collect evidence of impact." The performance serves as a case study for school leaders, highlighting the importance of sharing personal stories, embracing community diversity, and celebrating the voices of others. Key takeaways include honoring students, choosing unity over divisiveness, and calling out inequities within school communities.
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