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President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Linda McMahon, a billionaire and former chief executive of World Wrestling Entertainment, to serve as the next secretary of the Department of Education. The choice surprised many education experts, as McMahon was not on the initial shortlist. Trump praised her as a “fierce advocate for parents' rights,” emphasizing her commitment to school choice and local control over education. Critics, including Shaun Harper from USC, expressed concern over her lack of educational experience, saying, “America's schoolchildren and college students deserved an Education Secretary who brings deep education experience.” Supporters, however, believe her business acumen will benefit the education system. McMahon's past roles include leading the Small Business Administration and serving on the Connecticut Board of Education. In the near future, she could potentially be tasked with overseeing the Department of Education's demise or diminution, after the president-elect repeatedly called for abolishing the agency on the campaign trail. The Trump administration may also use the formal regulatory process to undo changes the Biden administration made to Title IX that sought to expand protections for LGBTQ+ students.

 

CNN

Los Angeles Times

Politico

School Leadership’s Guide to Career and Technical Education

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The Cincinnati Public Schools Board of Education has appointed Shauna Murphy as the permanent superintendent during a surprise vote, despite a split decision of 4-3. Jim Crosset, the newest board member, motioned for Murphy's promotion, citing positive feedback from teachers and community members. However, some board members, including Brandon Craig and Ben Lindy, expressed concerns about the lack of a transparent selection process. Murphy, who has over 35 years of experience in education, stated: “It is a privilege to serve as superintendent [...] Together, we will remain focused on fostering academic success by creating a supportive environment that uplifts our educators and motivates our students to reach their highest potential.” Additionally, Alesia Smith has been named deputy superintendent. “The board is confident in Shauna Murphy and Dr. Alesia Smith’s ability to lead CPS during this critical time,” said school board president Eve Bolton. “Their strong leadership and shared commitment to equity and excellence will ensure the District stays on course. With their deep knowledge of CPS and dedication to our students, staff, and community, we know the District is in capable hands as we move forward.”

 

Cincinnati Enquirer

The School District of Philadelphia is preparing for potential school closures, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in the decision-making process. Oz Hill, the interim deputy superintendent of operations, stated: “We first and foremost have learned that there has to be increased community engagement.” The district faces challenges such as declining enrollments and aging school buildings, many of which are over 70 years old and contain environmental hazards. The district aims to improve student learning conditions rather than merely save money, with plans to repurpose closed schools for community use. A draft facilities plan will be released next year, with community feedback expected in late 2025. Hill expressed a desire for “mass participation” from parents in future meetings to ensure their voices are heard.

 

Chalkbeat

Plans are underway to preserve the historical significance of Gary Roosevelt High School in Indiana, which has been closed since 2019. The Gary School Board approved a two-year memorandum of understanding with Indiana Landmarks Black Heritage Preservation Program to create an adaptive reuse plan for the school. The agreement allows for community engagement sessions to gather stakeholder input and access for content removal. Eunice Trotter, director of the program, emphasized the importance of maintaining the building's integrity, stating, “We want to get started quickly because that building can't continue to take what it's taken.” The school, which is nearly 100 years old, was included in the National Trust for Historic Preservation's 11 Most Endangered Places list, highlighting its need for preservation efforts.

 

Chicago Tribune

The Texas State Board of Education voted Tuesday in favor of a new optional Bible-infused curriculum for kindergarten through fifth grades. This initiative, part of a broader movement to integrate religious teachings into public education, includes lessons from the Bible, such as the Golden Rule, and texts like Genesis. Eight out of 15 state school board members voted to keep the Bluebonnet Learning curriculum on a list of K-5 reading and English language arts materials that could be used for the 2025-26 school year. Bluebonnet Learning is an optional, state-owned and Texas Education Agency (TEA)-developed open education resource that can earn schools $40 per student annually for adopting it. Board members who signaled their support for the curriculum said they believed the materials would help students improve their reading and understanding of the world. Members also said politics in no way influenced their vote and that they supported the materials because they believed it would best serve Texas children. TEA has said the lessons will provide students with “a strong foundation” to understand more complex concepts as they reach later grades. State officials have also said those materials are written in an age-appropriate manner.

 

CNN

The Hill

The Texas Tribune

The electrification of school buses still presents unique challenges compared to other fleet vehicles or light-duty cars due to factors like range, battery capacity, and vehicle weight. With their large battery packs and electric motors, managing the components’ operational temperatures is essential for optimal performance and platform success. Thermal management technology has emerged as a solution to this, maintaining optimal battery performance and consistent range. Advanced thermal management systems dissipate heat and prevent overheating to maintain maximum efficiency, range, and vehicle longevity. With the right technology, e-bus platforms operate smoothly even under demanding conditions and enhance the reliability of electric school transportation.

 

School Bus Fleet

Tuscaloosa City Schools will reduce its summer learning program following the rejection of a tax referendum that aimed to secure $17m annually. Lesley Powell, a member of the Tuscaloosa City Board of Education, expressed her disappointment, stating, "It's sad for me to see, in black and white... the changes that we are being forced to make because the vote didn't go our way in September." The failed referendum would have funded additional school resource officers, increased teacher salaries, and expanded pre-kindergarten access. Although immediate cuts will not occur, significant reductions are anticipated as the district adjusts to the loss of funding from the proposed 11.5-mill property tax increase.

 

Tuscaloosa News

Chronic absenteeism among students is significantly affecting teacher morale, according to a recent study published in Education Researcher. Michael Gottfried, a co-author and associate professor at the University of Pennsylvania, stated: “Absenteeism pulls teachers away from that core purpose.” The study analyzed data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, revealing that teachers with higher absenteeism reported lower job satisfaction and feelings of usefulness. With chronic absenteeism rising from 15% before 2020 to 28% in 2023, teachers are feeling the strain. Lindsey Paricio-Moreau, a science teacher, noted that absent students struggle to build relationships, leading to awkwardness upon their return. The ongoing challenges of absenteeism are contributing to a negative perception of the teaching profession, with a survey indicating an average teacher morale score of -13.

 

Education Week News

The Estherville Lincoln Central Community School District in Iowa faces backlash over its "Midget" mascot, which many find offensive. Rachel Wherley, cofounder of the Mascots Matter Campaign, said: “They don't answer our questions,” as she highlighted the lack of dialogue with school officials. The mascot's name, rooted in a 1927 football victory, is defended by the district as a source of pride. However, advocates argue it perpetuates derogatory stereotypes associated with dwarfism. The campaign, led by Wherley, Terra Jolé, and Shelby Holloway, aims to raise awareness about the negative implications of such mascots. They believe changing the mascot's name could foster broader discussions on disability rights. Jennifer Crumly from Little People of America emphasized the need to eliminate the "M word," describing it as a “very difficult, derogatory label.” Despite resistance, Wherley remains hopeful for a constructive conversation with school officials about inclusivity.

 

DesMoines Register.com

Massachusetts voters have decided to eliminate the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) as a graduation requirement, reflecting a growing trend against standardized testing. The decision, made on Election Day, was supported by 59% of voters and is part of a broader movement questioning the effectiveness of high-stakes tests in measuring student readiness for college and careers. Governor Maura Healey emphasized the need for uniform expectations for all students, saying: “We shouldn't have different expectations for students depending on which zip code they live in.” Critics argue that this move may lower educational standards, while supporters, including the Massachusetts Teachers Association, believe it will allow for a more equitable education system. The change leaves only seven states with mandated graduation exams.

 

Boston Globe

For the first time since 2009, students from India have surpassed those from China as the leading international group in U.S. colleges and universities, according to the Institute of International Education's latest report. The total number of international students in the U.S. reached over 1.1m, marking a 7% increase from the previous year. California remains the top destination, with institutions like USC and UCLA attracting the largest international populations. Gaurav Khanna, an economist at UC San Diego, noted: “Chinese student flows may stay low under Trump and, for Indians, it depends on what happens to H1B policy.” The report highlights a significant increase in Indian students participating in Optional Practical Training, contributing to their rise in numbers.

 

Los Angeles Times

Student protesters are increasingly worried about the potential impact of the Trump administration's policies on their freedom of speech, particularly regarding pro-Palestinian advocacy. Amr Shabaik, legal director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations in California, expressed concern that “Trump has threatened mass deportations of millions of people, including students.” The Republican National Committee's platform aims to “deport pro-Hamas radicals,” raising fears of intensified crackdowns on dissent. Legal experts warn that colleges may face pressure to suppress student voices, especially as Trump appoints loyalists to key positions. Radhika Sainath, senior staff attorney with Palestine Legal, noted that the environment for free speech is already hostile, observing, “There is this very McCarthy environment that's happening right now.”

 

The Hill

In Strasbourg, France, schoolchildren are being monitored with GPS devices during break times to investigate playground dynamics, particularly the dominance of boys over girls. Proponents argue that the initiative will help create a more inclusive environment. Strasbourg deputy Mayor Christelle Wieder, head of sex equality at the council, noted: "Eighty percent of the space in playgrounds is occupied by only 20% of the children, mostly boys." The council plans to redesign playgrounds to promote equality, while some commentators argue for a different approach to address gender dynamics. 

 

Daily Mail

The Times of London