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California
29th July 2026
 

THE HOT STORY

California schools offer paid pregnancy leave

California public school and community college employees will now receive up to 14 weeks of paid pregnancy leave, as part of the education bill linked to the state's new budget. Gov. Gavin Newsom endorsed this provision, marking a significant shift from his previous stance in 2019 when he vetoed a similar bill. H.D. Palmer, a spokesperson for the State Department of Finance, said, “educator workforce recruitment and retention has been a priority for the administration since the governor's first day in office.” The funding for this program, estimated at $218m, comes from unexpected tax revenue, primarily from tech workers' stock options. While many school district administrators have historically opposed paid leave due to costs, the new plan has garnered bipartisan support. The California Association of School Business Officials now supports the initiative, which aims to close a gap affecting many teachers, particularly women, who previously lacked access to paid leave benefits.

NATIONAL NEWS

Court stops Education Department's latest attempt to end school mental health funding

A federal judge has blocked the U.S. Department of Education from moving forward with another attempt to terminate nearly $1bn in school mental health grants, ruling that the agency likely acted unlawfully by reassessing previously approved grants using new policy priorities. U.S. District Judge Kymberly Evanson found the department could not evaluate multiyear grants against criteria that were not in place when the funding was originally awarded, and said states did not have to wait until the grants were formally canceled before challenging the decision in court. The grants, created by Congress in 2018 and 2020 following a series of school shootings, support the recruitment of mental health professionals in underserved schools. According to the coalition of states challenging the cuts, the programs have provided services to nearly 775,000 students in their first year, contributed to a 50% reduction in suicide risk at high-need schools, reduced absenteeism and behavioral issues, and improved student engagement. The judge also ruled the department could not withhold grant payments without providing recipients with notice and an opportunity for review, finding its planned actions were likely arbitrary, capricious, and in violation of the Administrative Procedure Act.

Colorado tops national education rankings

Colorado has been ranked the top state for education by U.S. News & World Report, rising from third place last year, based on measures spanning preschool, K–12, and higher education. Gov. Jared Polis welcomed the recognition but cautioned that the ranking reflects a "low bar," noting that the U.S. education system still trails many other developed countries and that too many Colorado students are struggling to meet academic expectations. The ranking was supported by Colorado's expanded early childhood education programs, including universal preschool and free full-day kindergarten, as well as an improving high school graduation rate, which rose to 85.6% for the Class of 2025. However, student achievement remains a concern. On the 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), only 35% of Colorado eighth graders met or exceeded proficiency in reading and 32% did so in math, despite outperforming national averages in both subjects. It was followed by New Jersey, Florida, Wyoming, and Wisconsin; the top 10 was rounded out by Utah, Massachusetts, Washington, South Dakota, and North Carolina. California placed 25th.

Right-sizing schools could strengthen education

A new EdChoice analysis argues that declining public school enrollment does not have to lead to weaker schools, urging districts to adopt thoughtful "right-sizing" strategies, including consolidating facilities, adjusting staffing, and reallocating resources to better serve remaining students. The authors note that U.S. public school enrollment fell 3% between 2019 and 2024, while inflation-adjusted revenue per student increased 16%, reaching $21,065, largely because of state funding protections and higher per-pupil spending. They contend that enrollment declines are driven by multiple factors beyond school choice, including lower birth rates and population shifts, and argue that transparent planning, efficient use of underutilized facilities, and student-focused resource allocation can help districts remain financially resilient while improving educational outcomes. 

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Drones join school security arsenal

At least nine schools across Florida, Georgia and Colorado will introduce remotely operated drones designed to confront active shooters within 15 seconds. Activated through teacher apps or panic buttons, the nonlethal aircraft can flash lights, sound sirens, spray pepper gel, break windows and ram targets. Mithril Defense co-founder Bill King said: “Once I get the drones on you, you just can’t escape them.” Supporters argue the technology could protect campuses without dedicated resource officers and improve response during the critical opening minutes of an attack. Critics warn pilots could mistake students or police officers for attackers and question spending limited school budgets on untested technology. The drones have undergone simulations but have never been deployed during an actual shooting.

TECHNOLOGY

AI in classrooms: a double-edged sword

AI is often seen as a tool to enhance teaching effectiveness, but a recent study published by The Hechinger Report reveals potential drawbacks. The research indicates that students whose teachers used an AI teaching assistant felt less motivated to learn. Alp Sungu, the study's lead author and an assistant professor at the Wharton School, said: “Teachers, just like students or coders, might be using AI as a crutch.” The study involved 193 teachers and over 2,800 students in Turkey, showing that while average academic achievement remained stable, students of lower-performing teachers experienced declines in both achievement and confidence. Sungu cautions against concluding that “AI is terrible and will ruin education,” emphasizing the need for effective teacher training to ensure AI is used to enhance, rather than replace, human creativity and judgment.

WORKFORCE

Housing lottery changes teacher's life

Carolina Sanchez Garcia, a teacher at Rosa Parks Elementary in San Diego, faced a grueling four-hour commute from Tijuana due to high housing costs in Southern California. In 2023, she won a housing lottery for a subsidized apartment at LIVIA Scripps Ranch, significantly reducing her rent from $4,500 to $1,500. Garcia described the change as a “miracle,” allowing her to have more time for planning and less stress as a mother. As housing prices soar, districts in California, Texas, and Florida are exploring partnerships with developers to create affordable housing for educators. San Diego USD plans to convert former administrative sites into 2,500 apartments for teachers, with the first units expected by 2030. Kyle Weinberg, president of the San Diego Education Association, emphasized that affordable housing is crucial for recruitment, stating: “Offering affordable housing is equivalent to a pay increase.”

LEGAL

Georgia teen sentenced to life without parole for Apalachee High School shooting

Colt Gray, the Georgia teenager who pleaded guilty last week to carrying out the 2024 mass shooting at Apalachee High School, has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Judge Nicholas Primm ruled that the attack, which killed two students and two teachers and injured nine others, was a deliberate act rather than the result of youthful immaturity, rejecting defense arguments that Gray's abusive upbringing and troubled home life should leave open the possibility of parole. During the sentencing hearing, family members of the victims urged the court to ensure Gray would never be released, describing the lasting trauma caused by the shooting. Prosecutors presented evidence that Gray had become fixated on previous mass shootings and sought notoriety, while the defense highlighted years of abuse, neglect, parental substance misuse, and untreated mental health issues. The judge acknowledged Gray's difficult childhood but concluded that it did not excuse his actions, stating that the harm inflicted on the victims, their families, and the community warranted a sentence of life without parole.

DISTRICTS

Art class controversy resolved at last

The Petaluma City Schools district has announced the restoration of the AP Art 3 class at Casa Grande High School, alleviating concerns over its previous defunding. Incoming Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services Kirsten Grimm stated: “Throughout the summer, we carefully reviewed enrollment, staffing, course requests, and section allocations while balancing the district's significant budget constraints.” The decision follows pressure from parents and teachers who argued that the class should be funded under Proposition 28, which guarantees state funding for arts education. Former Superintendent Matthew Harris clarified that the confusion stemmed from a lack of communication regarding budget allocations. The district is committed to ensuring compliance with Prop. 28 and has passed recent audits with no findings of noncompliance.

GOVERNANCE

New special education coordinator appointed

The Santa Monica-Malibu USD Board of Education has appointed Wassim Issa as the new special education coordinator, effective this summer. Previously, he served in various roles at University High School Charter, facilitating around 300 Individualized Education Program meetings annually.  

NUTRITION

Delivery apps bypass nutrition policies

A new survey from the American Society for Nutrition has found that nearly one in four U.S. teenagers use food delivery apps during school hours, with 58.8% of those students ordering fast food and 34.1% purchasing sugary drinks, raising concerns about the impact on student health and school nutrition efforts. The study, which surveyed 1,027 adolescents aged 13 to 17 in 2025, found that almost half also used delivery apps after school. Researchers said the findings highlight a gap in nutrition policies, which regulate food sold in schools but not meals ordered through smartphones. Students in the western U.S. were the most likely to use delivery apps during school hours, while respondents expressed mixed views, with many supporting access but also acknowledging concerns about distractions and campus safety. 

HIGHER EDUCATION

AI reshapes the job market

Nearly half of American workers are college-educated, yet many struggle to remain effective in their jobs due to rapid technological changes and the rise of artificial intelligence. A study by New York University and the Burning Glass Institute revealed that about 25% of mid-career professionals are in a “stall,” lacking wage growth or promotion for five or more years. The University of California system, which educates over 320,000 graduates annually, is addressing this issue through its “shadow training system,” offering just-in-time skills training in various fields. John D. Skrentny, a professor at UC San Diego, and Mary L. Walshok, former associate vice chancellor, argue that universities should formally adopt “career-sustaining” education as a core mission, ensuring graduates have access to necessary retraining as job requirements evolve. They emphasize that adapting to technological disruptions is essential for maintaining regional economic competitiveness in a rapidly changing global economy.

Sonoma State revives athletics after hiatus

Sonoma State University is set to reinstate its athletic programs in fall 2027 after a two-year hiatus, a move aimed at reversing a significant enrollment decline. President Michael Spagna stated: "Athletics are an exciting way to engage our communities, help generate school spirit, enhance the student experience, and increase recruiting efforts." The university will field the NCAA minimum of 10 teams, including men's and women's basketball, soccer, and volleyball, while baseball and women's track and field will not return. The decision follows a $24m budget deficit that led to the elimination of athletics and several academic programs. With a 40% drop in enrollment over the past decade, the university hopes that reviving sports will attract new students.  

INTERNATIONAL

Seoul school curriculum to emphasize history, constitutional values, and anti-discrimination

The Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education plans to introduce a new civic education course into the school curriculum following controversy over Paichai High School students allegedly mocking the May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement, with the aim of strengthening students' understanding of democracy, history, and civic responsibility. The elective course, tentatively titled "Democratic Citizenship Through Coexistence and Communication," will focus on history, constitutional education, and preventing discrimination and hate through classroom discussion and interactive learning. The initiative was accelerated after nationwide criticism of the incident and is expected to be introduced in Seoul schools from the 2028 academic year, with officials also pledging rigorous oversight to ensure political neutrality in the curriculum. 

OTHER

Kelsey Grammer slams education system

Kelsey Grammer is advocating for significant changes in the American education system, claiming it has "really dropped the ball" and is doing so "deliberately." In an upcoming interview with conservative podcaster Katie Miller, he expressed concern that the educational community is teaching children that the United States is a "crap country." Grammer, who co-founded the American Revelation Foundation, stated: "It's basically child abuse what we do with our children," emphasizing the need for a shift in how history and national values are taught. He suggested that there is a "plot" within the education system to instill negative views about the U.S., asserting, "It's not a theory. It's a conspiracy."
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