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A recent study by the USC EdPolicy Hub highlights the increasing difficulties faced by school board members in California, emphasizing the need for support amid partisan politics and funding uncertainties. Julie Marsh, a professor at USC, said: “School boards are one of the most visible and vital forms of local democracy.” The study revealed that board members struggle with time commitments and navigating local politics, often leading to emotional distress. Many expressed a desire for more training to effectively fulfill their roles. Additionally, board members advocated for increased compensation to attract more candidates, as recent data showed over half of school board races lacked candidates. The new Assembly Bill 1390 aims to raise board pay significantly, potentially encouraging greater participation in school governance.

 

EdSource

An Administrator's Guide to Blended Learning

Online learning doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing approach. Explore blended learning with this comprehensive guide from FlexPoint^®, which includes:

• Worksheets to define your school’s needs
  
• Outline of blended learning classroom models
  
• List of questions to ask curriculum providers
  
• Best practices for educator training
  
• Instructional strategies and tips
  
• Key benefits for you, students, and staff

Download the FlexPoint guide to find the right mix of face-to-face and online instruction for your school or district.

Download Free Guide

 

The latest data from the Superintendent Research Project reveals that superintendent turnover among the nation's 500 largest school systems increased to 23% for the 2024-25 school year, up from 20% the previous year. Julia Rafal-Baer, co-founder and chief executive of the ILO Group, which produced the report, emphasized the importance of stable leadership, commenting: “Stability in leadership is stability for students. If we want lasting results for kids, we have to stop treating this role as a revolving door. The talent is here. The experience is here. The will to lead is here.” Additionally, the number of women in superintendent roles has risen to 33.2%, although men still dominate new appointments, with 61% of new superintendents being male. The report also highlights that 66 of the new superintendents were internal hires, indicating a trend towards promoting from within. Rafal-Baer noted that the current leadership churn is becoming the new normal, stressing the need for effective leadership to support students during challenging times.

 

EdSource

Education Week News

The shift to virtual education has gained momentum post-pandemic, with educators embracing the flexibility it offers. The National Center for Education Statistics reported that about 2.5% of K-12 students were enrolled in full-time virtual education during the 2022-2023 school year. The number of teachers in virtual schools has also increased, with K12 employing 8,000 teachers, according to Niyoka McCoy, chief learning officer. Teachers appreciate the work-life balance and reduced distractions, allowing for more creative lesson plans. However, they still face challenges in managing online classrooms and ensuring student engagement.

 

EdSurge

The White House is evaluating the Smithsonian Institution's content to ensure it aligns with "American ideals." This review has raised concerns among educators, including high school teacher Katharina Matro, who argues: “We don't want a partisan history. We want the history that's produced by real historians.” Over 80% of history teachers rely on materials from federal museums, which are now under scrutiny. Critics fear that the changes may lead to a sanitized version of American history, potentially impacting how history is taught nationwide. Brendan Gillis from the American Historical Association emphasized the importance of these resources, noting they have been crucial for social studies education. The review could affect various educational projects, including those addressing racism and discrimination, with it suggested that the outcome of the review may significantly influence the future of history education in the U.S.

 

Los Angeles Times

San Juan USD has been criticised for potentially violating the Brown Act during the investigation of Trustee Nick Bloise. The board reprimanded Bloise for “inappropriate and excessive” personal disclosures, but the discussions and vote on this matter occurred in closed sessions, raising concerns about transparency. The district maintains that their actions complied with legal requirements, citing attorney-client privilege as justification for the closed meetings. However, critics argue that the public deserves to know about misconduct allegations against elected officials to ensure accountability.

 

The Sacramento Bee

Fresno USD has decided to discontinue remote learning for kindergarten students this school year. Carlos Castillo, the district's chief academic officer, highlighted the difficulties of teaching foundational reading skills online, stating, “Reading foundational skills are hard enough to teach in person.” The Farber School of Online Learning, which has become one of California's largest online programs, enrolled over 800 students last year. Castillo noted that teaching young students remotely presents unique challenges, particularly with phonetics. He mentioned that students beyond second grade are generally more receptive to online learning. The district aims for 80% of first graders to achieve literacy proficiency this year, and interventions will be available for students struggling with remote learning.

 

The Fresno Bee

Los Angeles USD aims to convert 30% of hard-surface schoolyard areas into green spaces by 2035. On a hot September day, LAUSD Board Member Kelly Gonez, Principal Henry Vidrio, and San Fernando Mayor Mary Mendoza inaugurated a greening project at O'Melveny Elementary School, which will provide a new grass field and shade for its 350 students. Mayor Mendoza stated, “Today we celebrate not only a field, but also a happier future.” The initiative, supported by the Hollywood Beautification Team and funded by a CAL FIRE Green Schoolyards Grant, is part of the district's Green Schools for All Resolution plan adopted in September 2022. This project aims to combat extreme heat by increasing green spaces and trees on school campuses.

 

LA Daily News

Modesto City Schools is in the process of determining which facilities will benefit from Measure X funds, approved by voters in 2024. The measure allocates $85m in bonds for improvements, with an annual funding of approximately $4.5m. The first project will be at Marshall Elementary School, where a new cafeteria and multipurpose room are set to begin construction by early summer 2026. Linda Mumma Solario, the district's public information officer, stated, “Many of our schools are decades old and face recurring facility challenges.” The funding aims to enhance safety and functionality, with plans for additional improvements across K-8 schools, including music and art spaces. Other schools slated for upgrades include Martone, Everett, and Enslen.

 

The Modesto Bee

Sonoma Valley USD is set to begin accepting applications for the superintendent position next week, aiming to identify strong local candidates. Brandon Krueger, an administrator, emphasized the importance of finding a leader who can effectively guide the district. He stated, “I will be searching for a superintendent who can lead the district and help us achieve our goals.” The district plans to have a new superintendent in place by January 1, 2026, to ensure a smooth transition and continued progress in educational initiatives.

 

Press Democrat

California high school seniors in the class of 2025 have shown remarkable resilience by completing 33,000 more financial aid applications than the previous year, marking an 11% increase. This growth comes despite concerns over a delayed federal aid cycle and immigration issues. The California Student Aid Commission highlighted that the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the California Dream Act application (CADAA) are essential for accessing federal and state financial programs. Shelveen Ratnam, a spokesperson for the commission, noted that targeted outreach and workshops in ten counties significantly contributed to this increase, with a 30% rise in applications observed by the end of June.

 

EdSource

The Sacramento Observer

As the California legislative session neared its end, lawmakers failed to address two critical bills aimed at combating charter school fraud, which has cost taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars over the last decade. However, the session was extended, allowing the Assembly to pass Senate Bill 414 shortly after midnight. This bill highlights the ongoing struggle to regulate charter schools effectively.

 

Chico Enterprise Record

The Golden Returns study ranks California community and career colleges based on how quickly students can recoup their educational investments. Notably, Cerritos College and Moorpark College ranked 10th and 7th, respectively, among 327 institutions. The study, commissioned by the HEA Group and College Futures Foundation, highlights that public colleges generally offer better returns than private ones, with 40% of public institutions allowing students to recoup costs within a year. Eloy Ortiz Oakley, president of College Futures Foundation, emphasized the importance of aligning programs with workforce needs to enhance economic mobility.

 

Los Angeles Times