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Recent Editions
Education Slice
National
In a Time op-ed, former Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist and Jonathan Klein, chief executive and co-founder of UndauntedK12, discuss how extreme heat is increasingly disrupting U.S. schools, with aging buildings and air-conditioning systems struggling with higher temperatures. During the 2024-25 school year, more than 9m students across 10,000 schools experienced closures or disruptions linked to extreme heat and other severe weather. Research cited in the article suggests that excessive classroom heat can reduce concentration and learning, increase absenteeism, and worsen health problems. Schools are responding by modernizing HVAC systems, installing geothermal or ground-source heat pumps, and combining these upgrades with solar power and energy storage. These investments can provide more reliable heating and cooling, improve indoor air quality, and reduce schools’ exposure to rising and volatile energy costs. Federal energy tax credits and Elective Pay are also helping districts reduce upfront costs and make projects more financially viable. Several districts are already implementing these solutions. Center Grove Community Schools in Indiana is replacing aging boilers, chillers, and fan coils with a geothermal heat pump system, while a school in Menasha, Wisconsin, has combined ground-source heat pumps with solar panels and energy storage. Prince William County schools in Virginia are taking steps to protect their budgets from projected utility cost increases.
Education Slice
California
Chronic absenteeism has surged in U.S. schools, with nearly 23% of students missing 10% or more of the academic year. This issue, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has roots in poverty, unreliable transportation, and housing instability. However, research by Jerome A. Graham, Su Yon Choi, and Yi-Chih Chiang highlights the importance of positive school climates in combating absenteeism. They found that when students feel safe, connected, and supported, their attendance improves significantly. "You are seen here, you are safe here, and this place was built with you in mind," the authors noted, emphasizing the need for schools to foster an inviting environment. While addressing external barriers is crucial, enhancing the school experience is equally vital for improving attendance.
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Education Slice
Texas
Texas Comptroller Don Huffines announced a review of select school districts to ensure responsible spending of taxpayer funds, following a request from Gov. Greg Abbott. The Huffines Performance Review aims to verify that district spending complies with the law and benefits students, classrooms, and teachers, rather than supporting administrative growth. "Texans must have confidence that their school tax dollars support educational opportunities for students," Huffines said. Abbott emphasized the importance of the $104.9bn education budget being used effectively to enhance student support. The review will focus on up to four independent school districts and is expected to conclude by December 31, 2026, allowing the Legislature to consider any recommendations for reform.
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Education Slice
Florida
In the Primary Election, Florida voters demonstrated strong support for public education by electing pro-education school board candidates. Andrew Spar, President of the Florida Education Association, said: “Today’s results prove once again that Floridians want to strengthen, not abandon, their public schools.” The election results reflect a desire for leaders who prioritize students and families over political agendas. As the General Election approaches, voters are focused on issues like stagnant wages and the need for a robust public education system. The Florida Education Association endorsed several candidates who won their races, including Fentrice Driskell and Kyandra Darling.
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