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California
4th February 2026
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THE HOT STORY

President Trump signs bill to end shutdown, preserving K-12 funding

Congress has narrowly approved legislation to end a partial U.S. government shutdown, passing the funding bill by a 217–214 vote before President Donald Trump signed it into law. The $1.2tn measure restores funding for much of the government through the end of the fiscal year, while temporarily funding the Department of Homeland Security until mid-February to allow further negotiations over immigration enforcement. It keeps funding flat for most major K-12 programs, including Title I for low-income students, special education under IDEA, professional development, and support for English learners. The budget rejects Trump administration proposals to cut billions from education, while stopping short of blocking efforts to shift Education Department responsibilities to other agencies. Instead, it requires closer consultation with Congress and provides nearly $400m for department staff compensation. Funding was also restored for smaller agencies such as AmeriCorps and the Institute of Museum and Library Services, giving schools and education providers greater certainty ahead of the next academic year.

CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION

Level Up Your Students’ Future-Ready Skills

As the workforce and student needs evolve, how can schools ensure students are future-ready? Career and Technical Education (CTE) offers a strategic solution. Our comprehensive free guide empowers school leaders with practical tools—from student interest surveys to employment landscape checklists—to strengthen CTE offerings and equip students with the skills, knowledge, and mindsets needed for future success.

In the guide, you’ll have access to:
  • An overview of nationally recognized Career Clusters and Programs of Study
  • Tips for selecting the best career pathways that evolve with the employment landscape
  • Sample survey questions to gauge students’ interests in future career opportunities
  • And more!
Download The Guide

 

DISTRICTS

Irvine high schoolers propose impactful policies

More than 140 high school students participated in Irvine's inaugural Policy Brief Competition, where they developed and presented policy proposals on pressing local issues such as e-bike safety, immigration enforcement, and housing affordability. Councilmember James Mai emphasized the importance of the initiative, remarking: "They have the chance to make real change in local government." The event, held on January 24, 2026, featured 18 teams competing for recognition, with the winning groups being honored by councilmembers on January 27. Mai noted the high energy and competitiveness of the event, emphasizing that students were eager to continue working on their proposals even during lunch. "Hopefully they can take something away from that and realize that they can make a difference, with just their voice, as students," he said.

WORKFORCE

CalSTRS Divest campaign gains momentum

The CalSTRS Divest campaign, initiated over a year and a half ago, is spearheaded by teachers urging the California State Teachers’ Retirement System to withdraw investments that support the genocide in Gaza. The campaign reflects a growing concern among educators about ethical investment practices. "We cannot stand by while our funds support such atrocities," said a representative of the movement. The call for divestment highlights the intersection of social justice and financial responsibility within the education sector.

FINANCE

Petaluma schools face $6.1m cuts

The Petaluma City Schools Board of Education is set to vote on significant budget cuts totaling approximately $6.1m for the upcoming school year. During a special meeting on January 27, district leaders discussed various cuts recommended by the Budget Advisory Committee, which included eliminating positions such as two library assistants and a school nurse. Victor Hughes, a work-based learning coordinator, emphasized the importance of his role, remarking: "What we are discussing today is not only a budget decision, but a decision about student opportunity and long-term impact." The district is also considering restructuring its alternative education model and cutting discretionary funds to save costs. The next board meeting is scheduled for February 10.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Campus safety concerns rise for women

An analysis by Washington State researchers reveals that female college students aged 18 to 24 are 74% more likely to experience sexual violence. Following a reported rape at UC Irvine's Camino del Sol housing, students have expressed heightened fears for their safety. Destiny Anderson, an educational science major, stated: "You can’t be by yourself at night... It just feels unsafe." The increase in reported incidents of Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) crimes across California campuses may stem from improved awareness and reporting processes. Stett Holbrook, associate director at the University of California Office of the President, noted that "improved Clery Act reporting and campus security response measures have contributed to an increase in reported VAWA crimes." Experts emphasize that the actual number of incidents is likely much higher than reported, as many survivors do not disclose their experiences. Lauren Roberts, founder of The Thriving Initiative, highlighted that "the numbers that are reported are not accurate" due to underreporting.

Vandals wreak havoc at Holy Innocents

Holy Innocents School in Long Beach was severely vandalized on Monday night, with extensive damage reported to the church hall. According to a Facebook post from the school, "Statues were smashed. Our sound system was ripped out. Sacred and valuable items were thrown about and damaged — as if the goal was destruction itself." The vandals targeted irreplaceable items, including a statue of the Blessed Mother valued at $40,000. A GoFundMe campaign has raised over $91,000 for repairs. The Long Beach Police Department is investigating the incident, which they described as a "crime of opportunity." Tony Tripp, the school's director of advancement, noted that the total loss is still undetermined but confirmed the damage is "definitely a high amount."

EARLY EDUCATION

Pre-K teacher fights for pay equity

Rebecca Schneider-Kaplan, a prekindergarten teacher at Stepping Stones Pre-School, is advocating for pay equity among early childhood educators. Despite her 18 years of experience, she earns significantly less than public school teachers, highlighting a systemic issue where "90% of community-based lead teachers with master's degrees still earned less" than their public counterparts. The city's early childhood system, which serves nearly 160,000 children, is struggling with staffing due to low wages, leading to empty classrooms and long waitlists. Michelle Kindya, co-director of Stepping Stones, emphasized that "the budget doesn't cover what the programs cost," further complicating the situation. As the city expands its early childhood programs, educators are rallying for fair compensation, asking: "What would make them think we can survive?" The movement aims to raise awareness and demand respect for the vital work they do.

STEM

STEM educators shine in Orange County

Al Rabanera and Daniel Pilchman, both Cal State Fullerton alumni, received Outstanding STEM Educator Awards from the Orange County Department of Education for their commitment to making STEM education accessible. Rabanera, awarded for his work at La Vista High School, emphasized the importance of creating inclusive environments, saying: "This recognition affirms that when we center students’ humanity... STEM spaces become places of possibility rather than exclusion." Pilchman, recognized for his role in Career Technical Education at Woodbridge High School, aims to revitalize interest in technical education, noting: "There’s really important work to be done in making sure that career education is accessible." Both educators highlight the significance of representation and partnerships in fostering student engagement in STEM fields.

HEALTH & SAFETY

TB outbreak hits Bay Area school

Public health officials are investigating a tuberculosis outbreak at Archbishop Riordan High School in San Francisco, where over 50 cases have been identified. The San Francisco Department of Public Health reported three active cases and 50 latent cases, prompting the school to cancel in-person classes until February 9. Dr. Shruti Gohil, associate medical director for UCI Health Epidemiology and Infection Prevention, noted that California's TB rates are rising, partly due to increased travel to endemic areas post-pandemic. "Routine screening is vital in catching latent TB," Gohil said, emphasizing the importance of early detection to prevent the disease from becoming active. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 2132 into law to enhance TB screening in primary care settings, effective in 2025.

INTERNATIONAL

Giant homework sheets go viral in China as parents seek fun ways to motivate children

Some parents in China are turning to giant-sized homework papers to motivate their children, a trend that has gone viral on social media while also dividing public opinion. Supporters say the oversized test sheets make studying more engaging and help children focus, with several parents reporting that their kids enjoyed the novelty and even asked for more. However, others say the approach backfired, with some children treating the huge papers as toys and becoming more resistant to studying once they realized it was homework. The debate comes amid ongoing efforts by the Chinese government to reduce academic pressure and encourage more balanced, “happy education” approaches, highlighting the tension between creativity in parenting and the country’s traditionally intense study culture.
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