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Recent Editions
Education Slice
National
Education and technology groups are raising concerns that the Federal Communications Commission’s review of the $3bn E-rate program could restrict or potentially end a critical source of broadband funding for schools and libraries. Established in 1996, E-rate provides discounted connectivity that now supports not only classroom technology, but also essential operations, including security systems, HVAC controls, and school bus tracking. Advocates argue that concerns about student screen time should be addressed through curriculum decisions rather than changes to connectivity funding. Schools and libraries received more than $13bn through E-rate between 2021 and 2025, with higher discounts going to lower-income communities. Aldine Independent School District in Houston, where nearly all 50,000 students are economically disadvantaged, has received about $11m from the program over the past five years. Aldine Superintendent LaTonya Goffney warned that reducing E-rate support would create an immediate budget shortfall that could force the district to redirect money from teachers, programs, and other services. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said the review is intended to empower parents, strengthen program integrity, streamline administration, and better protect children. Public comments are due October 13.
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Education Slice
California
California’s State Board of Education has approved 31 early literacy training programs that school districts can use as part of the state’s shift toward evidence-based reading instruction, including a greater emphasis on phonics. Gov. Gavin Newsom allocated $200m for professional development to help elementary teachers adopt the new strategies, although districts can receive funding for other programs if they demonstrate alignment with the state’s criteria. The approved programs were selected from 37 eligible providers after a review led by WestEd, with scores ranging from 30 to 53 out of 54. The California Association for Bilingual Education and SchoolKit received the highest ratings, while the board removed six of the lowest-ranked programs. The state plans to publish detailed information to help districts compare providers. Some literacy advocates argued that the 31-program list remains too broad and includes options with limited evidence of effectiveness. Board members acknowledged that the ratings primarily measure alignment with state criteria rather than demonstrated improvements in student outcomes, and directed the Department of Education to provide clear guidance to districts as they select programs.
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Education Slice
Texas
Five Houston-area school districts—Cy-Fair, Channelview, Huffman, La Porte, and Spring—are asking voters to approve tax-rate increases in November that would collectively generate about $137mn additional revenue. The districts face combined projected budget deficits of more than $100 million as declining enrollment reduces funding, while inflation, insurance, transportation, utilities, and other operating costs continue to rise. Cy-Fair is seeking the largest increase, proposing a 12-cent hike expected to generate $103.6m and eliminate an anticipated $80m deficit. Channelview is seeking $7.5m, Spring $15.5m, Huffman $2m, and La Porte about $8.4m. The funding would support expenses including employee compensation, student programs, instructional services, transportation, and general operations. The proposals come despite increased Texas public-school funding in 2025, which district leaders say has not been sufficient to offset higher costs and enrollment declines. Some districts have already made significant cuts or closed schools, while Cy-Fair, Channelview, and Crosby are also pursuing bond measures for infrastructure, technology, new facilities, and other capital projects.
Full Issue
Education Slice
Florida
U.S. school districts are seeing superintendent turnover fall toward pre-pandemic levels, while research suggests that leadership stability is associated with stronger student outcomes. An ILO Group analysis of the 500 largest districts found turnover fell to 17%, from 20% to 23% over the previous five years, with only 78 districts maintaining consistent leadership since the pandemic. Students in districts without leadership changes between 2019 and 2025 recorded at least one additional month of learning in reading and math, while separate research found that repeated turnover in high-poverty districts was associated with students falling roughly two months behind in math and six weeks behind in reading. Financial pressures may also be discouraging leadership changes, given the cost of superintendent searches, while women now account for 34% of superintendents across the 500 largest districts.
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