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Recent Editions
Education Slice
National
U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon has told lawmakers on the Senate Appropriations Committee that the administration is still considering relocating key special education programs to other federal agencies, including the Departments of Labor or Health and Human Services, as part of a broader restructuring tied to its fiscal 2027 budget proposal. The administration is also evaluating potential changes to other programs, such as Impact Aid, while defending plans to shift more than 100 education programs across federal agencies, a move critics say could be disruptive. During the hearing, lawmakers from both parties raised concerns about proposed changes to the $1.2bn TRIO program, which supports low-income students, particularly its new focus on workforce pathways and its partial transfer to the Department of Labor. McMahon defended the shift, arguing it reflects labor market needs, while also facing scrutiny over reduced civil rights enforcement capacity despite claims of increased focus. The hearing highlighted broader tensions over the administration’s education strategy, including funding cuts, program consolidation, and questions about legal authority and oversight. While McMahon emphasized improving alignment between education and workforce outcomes, lawmakers questioned accountability measures and the impact of ongoing restructuring.
Full Issue
Education Slice
California
California is considering Senate Bill 1067, which mandates screening for basic math skills among kindergartners and early elementary students. "A student's early math skills are the most powerful predictor of their later success in school," said Amy Cooper, a senior advisor at EdVoice, a cosponsor of the bill. The initiative aims to address the state's poor math performance, where only 37% of students met grade-level standards last year. Critics, including the California Teachers Association, argue that the screening is unnecessary and could stigmatize students. They emphasize the need for comprehensive support rather than additional testing. The bill has passed the Senate education committee and aims to provide targeted support for struggling students.
Full Issue
Education Slice
Texas
Texas’ K–12 education market is undergoing significant disruption as declining enrollment, constrained funding, and shifting state policies reshape school district priorities and vendor opportunities. Across the state, student numbers are falling, directly cutting into district funding, which is closely tied to attendance. A 2025 Texas Association of School Business Officials survey found that 48% of districts reported ended the previous school year in deficit. Although lawmakers approved $8.5bn in targeted education funding, the base per-student allotment has remained unchanged since 2019, limiting districts’ financial flexibility and forcing them to absorb rising costs. At the same time, a new $1bn voucher program is expected to further divert funding from public schools, adding uncertainty to long-term financial planning. Districts are increasingly prioritizing core instruction while cutting or consolidating spending elsewhere, including vendor contracts, technology tools, and support programs. This is making purchasing decisions more cautious, with even pilot programs often deemed unaffordable.
Full Issue
Education Slice
Florida
Former Palm Beach County School District teachers are relocating to states like Texas, Alabama, and Vermont for better salaries. Kaitlyn Mouring, who moved to Fort Worth, Texas, in 2024, stated: "I moved here because of the pay. The pay is so much nicer here," earning $20,000 more annually. Florida ranks 50th in average teacher salaries at $56,663, which is $18,000 below the national average, according to the National Education Association. Andrew Spar, president of the Florida Education Association, noted: "We are 50th out of the 50 states in Washington D.C. for the third consecutive year." Despite efforts by the Palm Beach County School District to increase teacher pay, including a raise five times higher than the state’s, many teachers continue to struggle financially. Spar emphasized the need for better compensation, saying, "The lawmakers in the state are not really valuing the importance of public education."
Full Issue