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California
25th May 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Cybersecurity remains top priority for K-12 technology leaders

Cybersecurity remains the leading technology concern for U.S. school districts, while adoption of formal artificial intelligence guidelines has accelerated sharply over the past year, according to the Consortium for School Networking’s State of EdTech 2026 report. The survey of more than 600 K-12 technology leaders found that nearly 80% of districts now have AI guidelines in place, up from 57% in 2025, as schools increasingly focus on managing technology safely and effectively amid rising cyber threats and tighter budgets. District leaders said budget constraints, limited resources, staffing shortages, and insufficient professional development remain major barriers to implementing technology-driven learning environments, while procurement processes are becoming more focused on security, interoperability, and instructional value. The report also found that many districts continue to face staffing shortages in cybersecurity and instructional technology support, even as schools adopt more structured processes for vetting digital tools and monitoring risks associated with students’ personal device usage.

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DISTRICTS

LAUSD's online courses raise concerns

Over the past six years, more than 150,000 students in the Los Angeles USD have earned credits through online courses, primarily provided by Imagine Learning's Edgenuity. The district has spent $100m on these courses since 2022. While these online classes help students graduate, they also raise concerns about learning gaps and cheating. Brenda Helfing, a retired high school history teacher, said: "It was a quick, easy fix, just to say ‘yes, this kid checks this box off,’ and then enable them to graduate on time." Despite a record-high graduation rate of 87% in 2024, only 46.5% of students met standards in English language arts, highlighting a disconnect between graduation and actual learning outcomes.

Pasadena trustees face backlash over merger plan

Tina Fredericks, President of the Pasadena Unified School Board, is facing criticism over a proposed school consolidation plan that was discussed before it was officially announced. Public records revealed that Fredericks and other trustees coordinated on the plan prior to a full board vote, raising concerns about transparency and potential violations of the Brown Act, which governs public access to government meetings. "The Board is evaluating the allegations and determining appropriate next steps to ensure continued transparency in the governance process," Fredericks said. The district is currently grappling with financial challenges and declining enrollment, prompting discussions about cost-cutting measures.

WORKFORCE

Oakland teachers' deal still pending

In Oakland, a tentative agreement reached on February 27 between the district and teachers remains unfinalized, leaving salary increases and retroactive raises on hold. The delay stems from "questionable bookkeeping, backroom deals, school board bickering and an overall sense of chaos," according to public records. Superintendent Denise Saddler noted that the agreement is "among the most complex multi-year labor commitments in this District's recent history." The deal, which includes an 11% to 13% raise over two years, is estimated to cost $13m this school year, escalating to $62m by 2027-2028. However, the district faces a $100m structural deficit, raising concerns about its ability to afford the contract. Critics, including board member Mike Hutchinson, have expressed skepticism about the district's financial transparency and decision-making processes.

GOVERNANCE

Principal resigns at Redwood High

Barnaby Payne, the principal of Redwood High School in Larkspur, has resigned after four years in the role. He will be taking on a new position managing continuation programs at the San Mateo Union High School District. An interim principal is expected to be appointed for the upcoming school year, with a full search for a permanent replacement planned for the fall semester.

New superintendent appointed for Azusa USD

Azusa USD Board of Education has appointed Guillermo Lopez as its new superintendent, effective June 30. Lopez, currently the Associate Superintendent of Educational Services at Palo Alto Unified, is recognized for his "proven track record of expanding student pathways," which aligns with AUSD's mission to enhance educational opportunities. 

Principal on leave after controversial remarks

Erinn Dougherty, principal of St. Joseph High School in Orcutt, has been placed on administrative leave following the release of a recording in which she berates students, describing their behavior as "white trash public school behavior." The six-minute recording captures Dougherty's angry remarks, including her assertion that "people did not pay $15,000 a year for that." In a letter to parents, Michael Ronan, regional superintendent, stated that Dougherty's comments are under review. The Archdiocese of Los Angeles is working with the school to uphold its core Christian principles.

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Teen purpose supports well-being

A new Cornell University study has found that teenagers who maintain a stable sense of purpose over time report higher well-being and self-esteem than those whose sense of purpose fluctuates significantly from day to day. The research, published in the Journal of Research on Adolescence, tracked 320 high school students over a 70-day period during a mentorship-based learning challenge run by nonprofit organization GripTape, with participants receiving funding and guidance to pursue personal interests. Researchers found teens felt most purposeful on days they met with mentors, suggesting that consistent support, mentorship, and opportunities for self-directed learning can help young people build more enduring emotional resilience and life direction.

Whooping cough outbreak hits Pasadena school

Sequoyah School in Pasadena is experiencing a whooping cough outbreak, with six confirmed cases reported, marking the third outbreak in the area this year. The Pasadena Public Health Department (PPHD) noted that while the city typically sees about three cases annually, there have already been 17 cases this year.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Evacuations prompt school closures

Following a malfunctioning tank at an aerospace plant in Garden Grove, 40,000 residents were evacuated, impacting local schools. The Garden Grove USD announced that several schools remain under evacuation orders, with plans for distance learning starting Tuesday if conditions do not improve. High school graduations are still expected to proceed as scheduled, with ceremonies planned at Bolsa Grande High and Garden Grove High. The Westminster School District is also preparing for online learning for schools in the evacuation zone.

SOCIAL & COMMUNITY

Students cultivate trees for healing

In Pacific Palisades, students are actively participating in a tree-planting initiative called TREEAMS, which aims to plant 5,000 trees in areas affected by recent fires. Sarai Woodard, a 17-year-old from EF Academy, guided younger students as they repotted native trees, including western redbud and California sycamore. "Many are still hurting, many families are still rebuilding," said Margarita Pagliai, co-founder of the initiative. The project, inspired by the late Jane Goodall, not only addresses environmental restoration but also provides students with a sense of agency and healing after traumatic events. Dan Lambe, CEO of the Arbor Day Foundation, praised the effort, emphasizing the importance of planting trees correctly for long-term survival.

HIGHER EDUCATION

UC tuition hike proposed

California’s Legislative Analyst’s office has recommended that the University of California charge out-of-state students higher tuition at UC Berkeley, UCLA, and UC San Diego, arguing the move could raise an additional $80m over four years without significantly affecting enrollment. The proposal would increase nonresident tuition by $6,000 annually at the three selective campuses beginning in the 2027-28 academic year, while out-of-state tuition at the seven other UC campuses would rise by $2,000. The report said UC is unusual among public university systems for charging the same nonresident tuition across campuses, and suggested that higher prices at flagship schools may even enhance their perceived prestige among applicants. Student leaders criticized the proposal, warning it could reduce access for lower-income students and further increase affordability pressures in cities such as Berkeley, Los Angeles, and San Diego.

INTERNATIONAL

Mexico City approves phone rules

Mexico City lawmakers have unanimously approved reforms to the capital’s Education Law that will introduce stricter regulations on cell phone use in primary and secondary schools, while still allowing devices for authorized educational activities. The legislation requires authorities to develop guidelines and oversight mechanisms aimed at reducing classroom distractions and addressing concerns around student mental health, cyberbullying, and online exploitation, while promoting what lawmakers described as “responsible digital learning.” Officials said the reform does not amount to a total ban on phones in schools, arguing that balancing technology and student well-being is more effective than outright prohibition. The rules will apply to both public and private schools once enacted by Mayor Clara Brugada and published in the city’s Official Gazette.
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