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California
10th April 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Funding crisis looms for California schools

California's education system is facing a significant threat as Governor Gavin Newsom's budget proposal seeks to withhold $5.6bn in funding mandated by Proposition 98. The California Teachers Association reported that over 100 school districts have issued 2,400 preliminary layoff notices, warning that Bay Area districts could lose more than $586m in funding. David B. Goldberg, president of the CTA, emphasized: “Prop. 98 isn’t a piggy bank you get to borrow from. It’s the law that entitles our students to the funding they need to learn.” The proposal comes amid ongoing budget deficits and layoffs, raising concerns about the future of education in California. Newsom's plan, which aims to create a cushion for uncertain state revenues, could have long-term implications for school funding. The CTA warns that without legislative intervention, the situation could worsen, leading to larger class sizes and reduced support for students.

MULTILINGUAL LEARNERS

Exclusive Webinar with Dr Kate Kinsella

The final months of the school year can have a lasting impact on multilingual learners—especially those at risk of becoming Long Term English Learners (LTELs). Join Dr. Kate Kinsella, nationally recognized researcher, author, and educator, on April 23 for a California-exclusive webinar on how schools can use post testing instructional time to re-engage students, strengthen academic language practices, and accelerate progress toward reclassification.

Learn more and register today!

 

NATIONAL NEWS

Pandemic learning slump hits college dreams

Remote instruction in K-12 schools during the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected college enrollment, according to a study by the National Bureau of Economic Research. The research analyzed data from 14,005 public high schools between the 2015-16 and 2021-22 school years. It found that first-year college enrollment decreased by 2.5% after the 2020-2021 school year, with FAFSA applications declining by 4.2% and ACT test-taking declining by 4.8%. Researchers noted that reduced interaction with school counselors and teachers may have "weakened students’ expectations that college was feasible or worthwhile." The study highlighted that the negative impact was more pronounced in higher-poverty schools, indicating that school-based guidance is crucial for disadvantaged students. Although FAFSA completion rates among low-income students have mostly recovered, middle-income students still show lower rates compared to pre-pandemic levels.

Four-day weeks, mixed results

Four-day school weeks have spread to more than 2,100 schools in 26 states, especially in rural areas and more rapidly since the pandemic. The model is often adopted to ease teacher burnout, support recruitment, and trim costs, but the evidence is uneven. Research cited in the text suggests academic outcomes depend heavily on preserved instructional time, while savings are typically modest. Some districts report reduced bullying and fights, but other studies link shortened weeks to food insecurity, weaker health habits, and only limited gains in teacher retention.

Deepfakes outpace school response

AI-generated explicit images of students are spreading quickly in schools, with teenage girls frequently targeted through cheap, accessible tools that can fabricate sexualized images in seconds. Although many places criminalize sharing nonconsensual deepfakes, schools often lack clear policies, apply discipline inconsistently, and provide little education on the issue. Victims may suffer emotional distress, isolation, and lasting psychological harm, while parents describe frustration with limited transparency. Advocates say schools are reacting too slowly and need stronger rules, education, and support for affected students.

WORKFORCE

Unions unite for LAUSD strike

Three unions representing nearly 85% of LAUSD's 83,300 workers are threatening a strike on April 14, forming an unprecedented alliance. They demand higher pay, citing $5bn in reserves. Dan Schnur, a political communications instructor, said: "This type of alliance is very rare and it greatly enhances the bargaining power of all three unions." The unions include United Teachers Los Angeles, Local 99 of Service Employees International Union, and Associated Administrators of Los Angeles, representing about 70,000 employees. Jessica Rodarte, an incoming UTLA vice president, commented: "With over $5bn dollars in reserves, we know that LAUSD can absolutely provide all of its employees with a fair contract." The unions are determined to negotiate for better pay and working conditions, with the potential for significant disruption to the school system if the strike proceeds.

FINANCE

Novato schools seek new funding boost

Novato USD is urging voters to approve Measure G, a new parcel tax set at $249 annually for eight years, aimed at generating approximately $4m each year to enhance educational programs and retain quality staff. The district, which currently receives the lowest per-student funding in Marin, faces a projected $9.5m budget deficit for 2026-27. Novato Councilmember Tim O'Connor, a supporter of Measure G, emphasized the importance of stable funding, noting: "Working in education, I see firsthand how critical stable funding is to maintaining quality schools." The measure also offers exemptions for seniors and individuals with disabilities, and no opposition arguments have been filed. The district serves around 7,120 students across various schools.

DISTRICTS

Lakeside USD defies guidance

A Southern California district said it will not adopt updated state guidance meant to limit cooperation with immigration enforcement on school campuses. Lakeside USD Trustee Andrew Hayes called the policy political, saying: “In Lakeside we believe in the rule of law,” and argued compliance could threaten federal funding. The text contrasts Lakeside’s stance with other districts that tightened campus access rules and with state officials’ push to keep schools safe and accessible for students regardless of immigration status.

Merced schools face backlash over hip-hop camps

Merced City School District has partnered with Fresno-based School Yard Rap to offer hip-hop expanded learning programs, including the R.A.P. Camp and affinity groups. Despite claims that the program is exclusive to Black students, officials assert it is open to all. Brandon "Griot B" Brown, founder of School Yard Rap, aims to develop students' skills in hip-hop, DJing, and production. The R.A.P. Camp focuses on fostering creativity and community, allowing students to showcase their talents.

CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION

Name decided for Elk Grove's new school

Elk Grove's new school, located at 8140 Spoonwood Ave., will be named David W. Gordon Elementary School, following a unanimous decision by the Board of Education. Gordon, the Sacramento County Office of Education's superintendent, previously served as the Elk Grove USD's superintendent from 1995 to 2004. He announced his retirement for June 2027. Trustee Jennifer Ballerini emphasized Gordon's contributions, while Board President Beth Albiani praised his leadership, including the launch of an in-house cafeteria system.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Students take the wheel on safety

In recognition of National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, the Alhambra USD hosted the Be the Change Summit on April 8, 2026, where over 100 students engaged with local leaders and traffic safety experts. The event aimed to raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving, which is the leading preventable cause of death among teenagers. Alhambra High School Junior Keiko Rakin saidl “I think the lessons from Be the Change are so important because distracted driving is something that feels small in the moment, but it can change someone's life instantly.”

HIGHER EDUCATION

King/Drew shines in UC admissions

The King/Drew Medical Magnet High School of Medicine and Science recently celebrated its class of 2026 during a special assembly, highlighting its significant contributions to the University of California (UC) system. Since 1994, King/Drew has admitted 1,103 Black students, the highest among all schools, with 67 admitted last year. Principal Reginald Brookens emphasized the importance of character alongside academics, stating: “It’s not just about academics... it’s about who you are as a whole.” The school, founded in 1982 to promote equity in healthcare access, has maintained a graduation rate exceeding 95% since the 2020-21 academic year, with a 100% rate projected for 2024-25. Acting Superintendent Andrés Chait reminded students of their responsibility to give back to their community after graduation.
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