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California
16th February 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Students demand digital wellness education

Elise Choi, a high school junior and policy director for GENup, advocates for the integration of digital wellness into California's health education curriculum. With 94% of California youth reporting mental health challenges, Choi emphasizes the need for education on the impacts of technology, urging: "We need to talk about the harms encountered in the digital world." The California Department of Education's recent AI guidance is a step forward, but it lacks funding and does not address the mental and emotional effects of technology. Choi calls for practical skills training, including understanding app design, managing online conflicts, and adopting healthy screen time habits. The American Psychological Association and the U.S. Surgeon General have also highlighted the importance of digital literacy education to support student well-being. Choi's personal experience with a social media fast has shown her the benefits of reduced screen time, reinforcing her belief in the need for a cultural shift towards mindful technology use.

CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION

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NATIONAL NEWS

States under pressure to repeal childhood school immunization requirements

Allies of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. have launched a coordinated state-level campaign to repeal long-standing laws requiring children to be vaccinated against diseases such as measles and polio before attending school or day care. A newly formed Medical Freedom Act Coalition, which includes Children’s Health Defense and other groups aligned with Kennedy’s “Make America Healthy Again” initiative, is backing bills in at least nine states to eliminate or significantly weaken school-entry vaccine requirements. While some proposals have stalled, measures are advancing in states including New Hampshire, Georgia, Iowa, and Idaho, with additional efforts expected. Supporters say the goal is to end what they describe as coercive medical mandates and restore parental choice. Kennedy has said he is not directly involved in the repeal efforts but supports “freedom of choice” in vaccination decisions. Public health experts warn that dismantling school vaccine requirements would lower immunization rates and increase outbreaks. South Carolina is currently experiencing a measles outbreak that has sickened more than 900 people, with vaccination rates in some affected schools below the 95% threshold typically needed to prevent spread.

School principals urge lawmakers to boost federal support

More than 200 elementary school principals convened on Capitol Hill last week to advocate for increased funding in three key areas: teacher training and retention, mental health support for students, and safeguarding public school funding from private school choice initiatives. David Carpenter, principal of Jeeter Elementary School in Alabama, noted that lawmakers were more receptive this year, commenting: "This year, it's been a little easier to set up meetings." The principals emphasized the necessity of maintaining federal funding for programs like Title II, which supports teacher training, and Title IV-A, which aids student support services. Concerns were raised about the potential impact of private school choice programs on public school resources, with Annette Sanchez, a principal from Beeville, Texas, highlighting the need for accountability in these initiatives. As federal funding remains stable, principals are focused on addressing staffing challenges and ensuring adequate support for students with disabilities and mental health needs.

TEACHING

Hands-on learning in construction class

Lori Brown, a construction and engineering teacher at Vallejo High School, has transformed a neglected workshop into a thriving learning environment. Through the Construction & Building Trades Pathway Program, students engage in real-world projects, such as constructing walls for a public art installation at a Black History Month Block Party. Brown, who has 34 years of engineering experience, emphasizes the importance of foundational skills, saying: "If you can read, you can write, and if you can write, you can read." The program not only enhances academic skills, particularly in math, but also provides a calming space for students, including those with special needs. Community partnerships are vital for the program's success, with hopes to connect students to future career opportunities in the trades. Brown believes that the program can help "spark that interest in young people to get into the trades."

FINANCE

Budget cuts loom for West Contra Costa

West Contra Costa USD is facing a $127m deficit over three years, prompting significant budget cuts. Board President Guadalupe Enllana said: "Our responsibility is to stabilize the district's finances while continuing to support students and staff." The district plans to reduce staffing, merge schools, and eliminate certain programs, with an initial $60.4m in cuts expected for fiscal year 2026-27. Associate Superintendent Katherine Acosta-Verprauskus emphasized the personal impact of these decisions, noting: "The impacts of all of these concepts are real, and they're deeply personal for our students, our staff, and our families." The district has struggled with financial stability for decades, and with declining enrollment, the situation remains critical. Community members and staff are advocating for better transparency and collaboration in decision-making as the district navigates these challenges.

WORKFORCE

Conejo Valley faces mental health cuts

Conejo Valley USD is facing potential layoffs of 15 mental health workers due to the cancellation of a federal grant by the Trump administration. The district, which joined a lawsuit with 16 states to retain the funding, has seen some legal victories but continues to face appeals from the federal government. "This has nothing to do with us not balancing a budget," said Mark McLaughlin, the district's superintendent. The grant, originally worth $11.3m over five years, was crucial for mental health services, and its loss could cost the district about $5m. While the district has secured some state funding, the future of its mental health programs remains uncertain as they await further court decisions.

Drastic layoffs loom for Santa Clara schools

Superintendent Dr. Damon Wright addressed a concerned audience regarding impending layoffs aimed at resolving a $30m structural deficit in Santa Clara USD. "Delaying action this year would increase our deficit in outer years," Dr. Wright warned, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. The district has seen a significant increase in staff while enrollment has declined, leading to a projected $42.3m deficit by 2025-2026. The proposed cuts include 113.3 certificated positions, 40 classified positions, and 15 management roles. Community members voiced their concerns, particularly regarding the impact on essential programs and teachers. Despite reassurances, many believe the layoffs could be staggered over a longer period to mitigate the impact on students and staff.

Duarte teachers strike deal for better pay

Duarte Unified Education Association (DUEA) has reached a tentative agreement with Duarte USD after a year of negotiations. The new contract includes improved prep times for elementary school teachers, more affordable healthcare, and increased wages. The DUEA had been negotiating under an expired contract since last summer.

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DISTRICTS

Belmont-Redwood Shores schools to stay open

In a recent meeting, the Belmont-Redwood Shores School District Board of Trustees decided to keep all three middle school programs open, despite declining enrollment and low demand. Superintendent Dan Deguara had recommended reducing the options from two smaller middle schools to one starting in the 2026-27 school year, citing that maintaining both could create uncertainty in the community. However, Trustee Anne Dang emphasized the importance of preserving choice, remarking: "I would like to keep all the programs open." The board's decision, which passed 4-1, aims to focus on increasing enrollment at the smaller schools, Nesbit and Sandpiper, while managing a $4.8m structural deficit. Deguara noted: "We need to fill those open seats, that's a financially prudent thing to do."

LEADERSHIP

Resignation shakes Santa Rosa schools

Roxanne McNally, a trustee for Santa Rosa City Schools, has resigned due to the strain of balancing her teaching job and board responsibilities. "This is a decision that I have considered for months and finally come to terms with," McNally said. Her resignation follows significant staff and program cuts aimed at addressing the district's severe budget crisis, which threatens local control. McNally's tenure has been marked by challenges, including rising campus violence and fiscal instability. President Nick Caston acknowledged the difficulty of the role, saying: "This is a very difficult job." The board plans to fill McNally's position by appointment, with applications opening on February 25. McNally emphasized the importance of teacher perspectives in school board discussions and encouraged others to pursue board positions. "The wellbeing of students and the continual improvement of public education remains central to my core values," she noted.

HIGHER EDUCATION

Trump administration sues Harvard over admissions data in race discrimination probe

The Justice Department has sued Harvard University for allegedly failing to comply with a federal investigation into whether its admissions practices discriminate on the basis of race, escalating a broader standoff between the Trump administration and the Ivy League institution. Officials say Harvard has refused to provide detailed admissions data needed to assess its compliance with the Supreme Court’s ruling in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard, which curtailed the use of race in college admissions. Harvard maintains it is following the law and responding in good faith, describing the lawsuit as retaliatory amid wider federal pressure that includes threats to freeze research funding, revoke tax-exempt status and impose financial penalties.

Mistrial declared in Stanford protest case

A judge declared a mistrial in the case involving five current and former Stanford University students related to the 2024 pro-Palestinian protests, where demonstrators barricaded themselves in the school president's office. The jury was deadlocked, voting nine to three on the felony vandalism charge and eight to four on the felony trespass charge. Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen stated: "This case is about a group of people who destroyed someone else's property and caused hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage." The protests were part of a larger movement demanding an end to U.S. support for Israel and divestment from companies supporting it. Over three thousand arrests occurred during the protests, with some students facing severe disciplinary actions.

INTERNATIONAL

Australia confronts Roblox on child safety

Australia’s government has called a meeting with Roblox after reports of child grooming and children being exposed to graphic content on the platform. Communications Minister Anika Wells said she wrote to the company with “grave concern,” adding: “Australian parents and children expect more from Roblox.” The eSafety Commissioner said it will test Roblox’s age-based safety features and warned it could pursue penalties of up to A$49.5m ($35m) if Roblox fails to comply with online child-protection laws. The statement marks a shift after Roblox rolled out age-assurance measures in 2025 aimed at limiting chats and reducing grooming risk.

AND FINALLY......

Texas school leader named National Superintendent of the Year

Roosevelt Nivens, the superintendent of Lamar Consolidated ISD in Texas, was honored as the 2026 National Superintendent of the Year during the National Conference on Education in Nashville, Tennessee on Thursday. Nivens, who has led the district since 2021, emphasized the importance of student advocacy, commenting: "When students walk into my district, their last name becomes Nivens, and that means whatever they need is what we're going to give them." Under his leadership, the district has experienced a 23% increase in enrollment, driven by local housing growth. Nivens called on fellow superintendents to prioritize students' needs, asserting that they require adults who believe in them. The award, presented by AASA, The School Superintendents Association, recognizes superintendents based on their leadership, communication skills, professionalism, and community involvement. A $10,000 scholarship will be awarded in Nivens' name to a student from his district or his alma mater.
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