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Recent Editions
Education Slice
National
A new Education Week survey has highlighted the diverse professional backgrounds of school board members, with 44% of 478 respondents reporting no professional experience in education, compared with 30% who had worked as classroom teachers. The findings have sparked debate over whether education experience is essential for effective school governance. Supporters of diverse professional backgrounds argue that expertise in finance, construction, technology, and management can strengthen boards’ ability to oversee budgets, policies, and major projects, while ensuring broader community representation. Others emphasize that firsthand teaching experience provides valuable insight into classroom operations, instructional practices, and student needs. The discussion suggests that effective school governance depends on balancing professional expertise, community advocacy, collaboration, and a commitment to student success.
Full Issue
Education Slice
California
As the new school year begins, many students in the U.S. face the challenge of adjusting to new schools due to widespread closures. According to an analysis by Big Local News at Stanford University, 1,156 schools closed last year, the highest since the pandemic. Vallejo City USD, for instance, has seen enrollment drop from nearly 18,000 to about 9,300, leading to significant budget cuts and staff layoffs. Lydia Rainey, research principal at the Center on Reinventing Public Education, said, “States aren't about to open the coffers and swoop in with additional funds to save schools.” The decline in enrollment, driven by lower birth rates and increased private school options, could lead to a loss of $11.5 bn in state revenue annually by 2030-2031. Closing schools often fails to provide the expected financial relief and can negatively impact students' academic performance, as noted by Marisa de la Torre from the UChicago Consortium on School Research.
Full Issue
Education Slice
Texas
As the new academic year begins, many students across the U.S. are grappling with the challenges of transitioning to new schools due to widespread closures. Vallejo City USD, for instance, has seen a significant drop in enrollment, from nearly 18,000 students in 2006 to about 9,300 today. Lydia Rainey, research principal at the Center on Reinventing Public Education, said: “States aren't about to open the coffers and swoop in with additional funds to save schools.” Nationwide, public school enrollment has decreased by over 1.4m students since 2019, leading to financial strains that could result in $11.5bn in lost state revenue annually by 2030-2031. The closures often fail to provide the expected financial relief and can negatively impact students' academic performance, as noted by Marisa de la Torre from the UChicago Consortium on School Research, who stated that displaced students may experience long-term declines in reading and math.
Full Issue
Education Slice
Florida
Florida voters have demonstrated strong support for public education funding while simultaneously endorsing property tax relief, approving 26 of 27 local school tax referendums alongside Amendment 3, which expands homestead property tax exemptions. The amendment received 62% statewide support, while school funding measures secured overwhelming backing across urban, rural, conservative, and liberal communities. In Miami-Dade and Walton counties, at least 80% of voters supported school property taxes aimed at maintaining competitive teacher salaries, highlighting a willingness to invest in education despite concerns about rising living costs. Education advocates argue that the results demonstrate public confidence in local school districts and reinforce the importance of protecting school funding from broader tax reductions. Gov. Ron DeSantis has suggested reconsidering Florida’s school funding model to balance property tax relief with adequate education spending, while education leaders have proposed extending the renewal period for local school taxes from four to six years to provide greater financial stability.
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