You’re all signed up for the Education Slice
Thank you for your interest in our service.
Watch out for a confirmation email from our subscriptions team. Once you have confirmed you will join the community of over 35,000 subscribers who are receiving daily Education intelligence to lead, innovate and grow.
Note: Due to the nature of this message you may find this in your "promotions" or "spam" folders, please check there. If nothing arrives within a few minutes let us know. If you do not receive this email we will be happy to help get you set up.
Adding the email address news@industryslice..com, will help to ensure all newsletters arrive directly to your inbox.
Recent Editions
Education Slice
National
U.S. school districts face a mixed funding outlook following the 2026 midterm elections, with voters approving new statewide education investments while rejecting numerous local tax increases and imposing additional property tax restrictions. Minnesota approved a permanent funding source for K-12 education, Colorado backed measures to increase public revenue, and Washington retained its millionaire tax. However, only five of 39 proposed school income tax levies passed in Ohio, while Virginia voters approved school construction sales taxes in just 15 of 47 localities. North Carolina and Florida also backed property tax restrictions, potentially limiting education-related funding. Meanwhile, Democrats secured majorities in both chambers of Congress, creating opportunities to increase federal support for low-income students and special education programs. The results highlight growing tensions between school funding needs, taxpayer affordability, and competing education priorities.
Full Issue
Education Slice
California
Republican Sonja Shaw conceded the California Superintendent of Public Instruction race to Democrat Richard Barrera, expressing her disappointment in a heartfelt statement. “Last night voters made their choice. I would be lying if I said my heart wasn’t heavy,” Shaw said. Motivated by her children, she ran for the position to advocate for better education. Despite emerging as the top vote-getter in the primary, Shaw faced significant challenges in the general election, trailing Barrera by nearly 15 percentage points. Her campaign raised about $595,000, while Barrera's garnered $812,000, bolstered by substantial support from the California Teachers Association, which spent $8.4m on his behalf. Shaw reflected on her journey, stating, “I don’t know exactly what God has next, but I know He isn’t finished.” She will not return to her position on the Chino Valley Unified School Board, as her husband Chris Shaw is also facing a tough race for her open seat.
Full Issue
Education Slice
Texas
Gina Hinojosa, the newly elected governor of Texas, has pledged to fire Education Commissioner Mike Morath on her first day in office and appoint an educator to lead the Texas Education Agency (TEA). Hinojosa emphasized the urgency of addressing the "crisis" in public education, citing over 170 school closures and a significant teacher exodus. She plans to pause the A-F accountability system and eliminate the high-stakes STAAR exam, which she described as "rigged" and detrimental to student success. Hinojosa aims to replace STAAR with a more adaptive assessment system that fosters curiosity in classrooms. While facing challenges from a Republican-controlled legislature regarding voucher programs, she seeks to ensure that private schools receiving public funds are held to the same standards as public schools. Hinojosa's commitment to auditing TEA contracts and prioritizing public education marks a significant shift in Texas education policy. Meanwhile, demonstrators gathered outside Miles’ Houston home, leaving chalk messages celebrating Democratic victories and expressing hopes for a new direction in Texas education.
Full Issue
Education Slice
Florida
In a surprising election outcome, Florida elected Republican Byron Donalds as its first Black governor, defeating Democrat David Jolly by a narrow margin of 1.3 points. Donalds, who aims to continue the legacy of former Gov. Ron DeSantis, faces significant challenges ahead, including the implementation of Amendment 3, which limits local government spending. This amendment could impact rural areas' ability to maintain essential services. Donalds has expressed support for the controversial universal school voucher program initiated by DeSantis, which allows parents to use state funds for private education. He also plans to influence health policy, particularly regarding vaccine mandates, as he has long opposed such mandates. "We are still red," Donalds declared in his victory speech, signaling his commitment to conservative policies in Florida. He will officially take office on January 5, 2027, as DeSantis completes his term. DeSantis, who cannot run for re-election this year, may seek office again after Donalds' term ends.
Full Issue