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25th March 2026
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THE HOT STORY

States warn USDA rules on funding could disrupt access to school nutrition programs

A coalition of 20 states and the District of Columbia has sued the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), arguing that new grant conditions tied to federal funding could threaten billions of dollars for school meal and nutrition programs. The lawsuit, brought by states as California, Colorado, Maryland, Massachusetts, and Virginia, challenges rules introduced at the end of 2025 that prohibit grant recipients from using funds for activities related to “gender ideology,” immigration incentives, or policies affecting women’s sports, with states claiming the requirements are unlawful and overly broad. State attorneys general argue the USDA lacks authority to impose such conditions, noting that Congress mandates access to school meal programs regardless of immigration status, and that the rules introduce uncertainty and administrative burden. The USDA has said the conditions are intended to ensure compliance with federal law, but has declined to comment on the ongoing litigation.

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LEGAL

Menomonee Falls School Board candidate sues over false claims

Jefferson Davis, a candidate for the Menomonee Falls School Board, has filed a lawsuit against Sheila Witt, Nathan Greenleaf, and an unnamed individual for allegedly making false statements about him on social media. The lawsuit, filed on March 18 in Waukesha County Circuit Court, claims that the defendants accused Davis of racist behavior, sexual misconduct involving minors, and dishonesty towards local businesses. Davis denied these allegations, stating they have caused him significant reputational harm and emotional distress. He is seeking compensatory and punitive damages, as well as legal costs. The community group Grassroots Menomonee Falls Area expressed concerns about the lawsuit, suggesting it may hinder community dialogue during the campaign. They stated: "Using litigation in this way... risks chilling community participation." No hearing has been scheduled for the case as of now.

Des Moines background check firm faces scrutiny

In response to the arrest of Des Moines Public Schools' Superintendent Ian Roberts, the Iowa Department of Public Safety has warned Jimmy Waters, chief executive of 3rd Degree Screening, that he could face criminal charges for operating without a private investigator's license. Waters contends that his company's services do not constitute private investigation, yet he obtained the license following a call from state officials. The incident highlights the state's efforts to enhance background check regulations for public job applicants. Following Roberts' arrest, which revealed he lacked work authorization, Gov. Kim Reynolds signed an executive order mandating state agencies to verify applicants' immigration status. Waters stated: "For as much bad publicly that Des Moines Public Schools has had, I can tell you that they do run the most thorough criminal check that they can." The situation raises questions about the definitions of background checks versus private investigations.

DISTRICTS

Teacher pay dispute intensifies in Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor Public Schools in Michigan is negotiating with teachers over pay, benefits, and working conditions while facing significant financial pressure, including a $7.8m midyear shortfall, a fund balance of 5.7% versus an 8% target, and long-term enrollment declines that reduce state funding. The Michigan School Business Officials group advises school districts to keep reserves of 15%–20% of annual spending to manage cash flow and unexpected costs. Teachers, working without a contract for the first time in over 20 years, argue they have endured nearly two decades of stagnant wages and repeated concessions without improving the district’s finances, while officials say any raises must be balanced against rising staffing costs, past budget deficits of up to $25m, and the need for structural changes to stabilize finances. Tensions are heightened by layoffs, staffing levels that have grown despite falling student numbers, and policy disputes over class sizes and planning time, while differences in regional pay, funding inequities tied to Michigan’s school finance system, and alleged financial missteps have further fueled disagreements among union leaders, administrators, board members, parents, and students.

Arizona voters could decide mandate to increase spending on teacher pay

Arizona lawmakers have advanced a proposal that could ask voters in November to require larger school districts in the state’s two most populous counties to allocate at least 60% of their funding to direct instructional expenses, including teacher salaries, up from the current average of 52.1%. Supporters argue the measure would ensure more money reaches classrooms and teachers, while critics say it fails to address broader underfunding and could force cuts to essential services. Opponents, including Democratic lawmakers, contend schools already lack sufficient funding for infrastructure, materials, and student support services, and warn the mandate could strain budgets, especially as costs rise for special education and operational needs not counted toward the 60% threshold. The proposal also highlights ongoing disputes over how education funds are used, past efforts to boost teacher pay, and whether administrative spending or structural funding gaps are the root cause of financial pressures, with the measure still requiring approval from the state House before reaching the ballot.

Tennessee committee calls for corrective measures at underperforming Memphis schools

The Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) district is under scrutiny due to a significant reliance on unlicensed teachers, as revealed during a state accountability hearing on Tuesday. Over half of the teachers at 14 schools with D or F grades have emergency or temporary permits, reflecting a troubling trend in the state. The Tennessee State Board of Education is considering a “corrective action plan” for these schools, which may involve state monitoring and performance targets. Bob Eby, chair of the State Board, commended MSCS for their thorough presentation of challenges, commenting: “Of all the districts we've interviewed so far, this district has presented its root causes better than any other we've heard.” The accountability process will continue, with further hearings scheduled for other districts.

Cuts threaten Boston's support staff

In response to proposed cuts of over 400 jobs within Boston Public Schools (BPS), educators, parents, and students gathered outside Boston City Hall on Tuesday to advocate for an additional 1% investment in the school budget. Erik Berg, president of the Boston Teachers Union, emphasized the necessity of maintaining support for high-needs students, commenting: "The cost pressures driving this budget are real." The proposed layoffs would primarily impact multilingual learners and students with individualized education programs (IEPs). The Boston School Committee is set to vote on a $1.7bn budget, which has raised concerns among educators about the potential loss of essential support staff. Anna Stenger Golden, a special education teacher, highlighted the urgency of the situation, asserting: "Children's lives are at stake." The community's call for increased funding reflects a broader concern for the educational support system amid rising costs.

TECHNOLOGY

NYC issues first AI guidelines for teachers,

New York City’s public school system has released its first guidance on artificial intelligence (AI) in the classroom, allowing teachers to use the technology for tasks like lesson planning, research, and drafting materials, but prohibiting its use for grading student work or making disciplinary decisions. The 30-page playbook introduces a “traffic light” system to define acceptable, cautious, and banned uses, emphasizing that AI should support, not replace, teacher judgment and that student data privacy must be protected. The guidance reflects a broader effort to formalize AI use across nearly 1,600 schools, where practices have varied widely, and comes as other districts adopt similar policies and officials explore further integration, including a potential AI-focused high school. While some educators and experts welcome clearer guardrails, others warn the technology remains poorly understood, potentially unreliable, and controversial, with concerns about bias, accuracy, student learning impacts, and the need for better teacher training and ongoing policy updates.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Georgia's schools consider daily weapons checks

Georgia is poised to become the first state to mandate daily weapons checks for all public school students. A bill, sponsored by Republican House Majority Leader Chuck Efstration, is advancing in the legislature following a school shooting in 2024 that resulted in four fatalities. Efstration said: "Georgia's students and educators deserve similar security with weapons detection systems inside of every Georgia public school." While some schools have implemented metal detectors, the proposed legislation would introduce advanced detection systems that utilize computer analysis and cameras. However, concerns remain regarding the effectiveness of these systems, funding challenges, and the potential for false alarms. Gretchen Walton, an assistant superintendent in Cobb County, emphasized the need for adequate funding to support such initiatives. Critics argue that the focus should shift towards limiting access to firearms rather than solely enhancing security measures. The bill awaits final votes in the Senate and House before reaching Gov. Brian Kemp for approval.

LEADERSHIP

Small moments, big impact in education

Ian Knox, principal of Hamagrael Elementary School in New York, emphasizes the importance of small, intentional moments in shaping students' experiences. He notes that while data and formal metrics are essential, "some of the clearest indicators of impact are the ones that resist easy measurement." Knox advocates for scheduled read-alouds as a means to connect with students, reinforcing schoolwide values and fostering relationships. He highlights that these moments not only enhance visibility but also humanize leaders, allowing them to engage authentically with students. Furthermore, he asserts that prioritizing joy in leadership is crucial for preventing burnout and modeling balance for staff. Ultimately, Knox concludes that by focusing on these small interactions, school leaders can create significant ripple effects that positively impact the school community.

CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION

Blending strong curriculum with school design seen as key to student success

Aylon Samouha, co-founder and chief executive of Transcend, a national nonprofit organization that supports communities to create and spread extraordinary learning environments, argues that education has been held back by a false divide between rigorous instruction and innovative school design, and that combining both approaches is essential to improving student outcomes and engagement. While investments in high-quality curriculum and teaching have strengthened academic performance, the author contends that outdated learning environments and disengaging student experiences continue to limit impact, as reflected in declining student engagement and falling public school enrollment. Drawing on examples like integrated learning models and programs such as Gradient Learning, the piece highlights how combining strong instructional materials with intentional, student-centered design—focused on relationships, relevance, and agency—can enhance learning. The author concludes that a “third way,” driven by community-led school redesign, is needed to align rigorous academics with meaningful student experiences, particularly as broader societal changes increase the demands on education systems.

CURRICULUM

California educators navigate America’s 250th carefully as historical perspectives clash

California is enhancing civics education in K-12 schools to foster respectful debates and civic engagement among students. The State Board of Education plans to incorporate civics into the California School Dashboard, aiming to improve students' understanding of the Constitution and democracy. Gov. Gavin Newsom's office is collaborating with experts to develop lessons and activities that inspire students to participate in civic life. Michael Matsuda, former superintendent of Anaheim Union High School District, emphasized the importance of teaching democracy: "Who's responsible for making sure the next generation upholds democracy? It's not in the air, it's something that has to be taught." Despite past sidelining of civics education, recent initiatives like the Seal of Civic Engagement aim to recognize student achievements in this area. However, the current political climate complicates civics education, as federal policies have shifted towards a more partisan approach.

HIGHER EDUCATION

Federal court grants partial reprieve to schools over admissions data request

A federal judge has extended the deadline for public universities in 17 states to submit seven years of admissions data on race and sex to the U.S. Department of Education, pushing it to April 6 as part of efforts by the Trump administration to enforce the Supreme Court’s 2023 ban on affirmative action. The judge also extended a temporary restraining order blocking the requirement, though he narrowed its scope so it no longer applies nationwide. The administration says the data will help identify whether schools are still using indirect racial considerations in admissions, but state officials and legal representatives argue the revised survey is flawed and potentially unlawful. The judge has raised concerns about whether the Education Department can manage the data request amid broader efforts to dismantle the agency, and is expected to rule on a longer-term injunction by April 3.

INTERNATIONAL

Seoul urges Tokyo to revise territorial claims over Dokdo in school materials

South Korea has urged Japan to correct territorial claims over the disputed Dokdo islets in newly approved high school textbooks, formally protesting descriptions that label the islands as Japanese territory and characterize Korea’s control as illegal. Seoul criticized the materials for distorting historical facts, called for immediate revisions, and reiterated that Dokdo is Korean territory under international law, while also raising concerns about broader textbook narratives that downplay wartime forced labor and sexual slavery, issues that continue to strain relations between the two countries.
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