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A new analysis from the American Federation of Children has found that nearly 92% of U.S. K-12 students could qualify for scholarships under the Trump administration's new federal school choice tax credit program, although the number of students who ultimately receive awards will depend on state participation, taxpayer contributions, scholarship availability, and forthcoming federal regulations. The program, created under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, allows taxpayers to claim federal tax credits of up to $1,700 for donations to scholarship-granting organizations that can fund private school tuition, certain homeschooling expenses, and approved educational services for public and charter school students. The analysis highlights that 31 states have already opted in or indicated they will participate, while 19 states have yet to decide. Additional uncertainties include how many taxpayers claim the credit, how scholarship organizations distribute funds, and whether homeschooled students qualify in states that do not legally define homeschooling as a form of private or religious schooling. Congressional projections estimate the program will generate $500m in tax credits during its first year, rising to $4.4bn by 2034.

 

Education Week News

The Los Angeles USD recently approved a $1.2 bn pay hike for employees, but it can only fund this increase by laying off at least 6,000 of its youngest workers, primarily teachers. This decision stems from the "last in, first out" (LIFO) policy, which prioritizes layoffs based on seniority. Many younger teachers expressed feelings of betrayal, with one stating, "We're pretty shocked." The district's financial struggles have drawn scrutiny from the Los Angeles County Department of Education, which warned of a potential takeover if a viable financial plan is not presented. Despite claims of hidden reserve funds by union leaders, financial experts have debunked these assertions, revealing that the funds are already allocated for specific purposes. The situation reflects broader issues within California's education system, where similar patterns of strikes and layoffs are emerging across various districts.

 

Press Enterprise

A new study has found that elementary school students who own a cell phone score lower on reading comprehension tests than peers who do not own one, regardless of whether the device is present during testing. Researchers from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) tested 106 third- and sixth-grade students and found no difference in scores when phones were placed beside students during exams versus being put away, suggesting that phone ownership itself, rather than immediate access, is associated with weaker reading performance. The researchers said the findings indicate parents concerned about reading development may want to delay giving children their own phones during elementary school, although they cautioned that the study does not establish causation. The study also found that students from non-English-speaking households who began texting at an earlier age tended to have stronger reading comprehension by sixth grade than similar students who started texting later, highlighting a potential benefit of texting for English language development in those groups.

 

U.S. News

In the San Mateo-Foster City School District, parents are urging administrators to reassess technology use in classrooms as concerns about excessive screen time grow. Over 550 parents signed a petition advocating for intentional technology use, calling for the removal of devices in early grades and restrictions on YouTube access. The district plans to establish a Technology Task Force to evaluate current practices and gather stakeholder input. Director of Communications Diego Perez said: "At a high level, we'll be minimizing student technology use in a very noticeable and significant way." As the new school year approaches, parents are seeking transparency and prompt action to address their concerns about students' screen time.

 

San Mateo Daily Journal

School districts are increasingly integrating curriculum and information technology teams to ensure education technology investments directly support teaching and improve student outcomes. Education leaders say districts achieve the greatest value when technology decisions are driven by instructional needs rather than by the latest products, with IT teams working alongside educators to implement tools such as AI, accessibility resources, and digital curricula that address specific classroom challenges. Technology and curriculum leaders also emphasized that collaboration should extend beyond procurement, with IT staff remaining closely connected to classrooms to evaluate whether technology is enhancing learning. Rather than focusing solely on screen time, they said districts should measure success by improved student engagement, accessibility, active learning, and educational outcomes, while building strong relationships between departments to support more effective and sustainable technology integration. 

 

GovTech

The Primary School, the tuition-free East Palo Alto school co-founded by Dr. Priscilla Chan and funded with more than $125m from the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI), has closed after a decade as CZI shifted its philanthropic focus from education and social initiatives toward scientific research. Established in 2016 to support low-income students through wraparound services, including health care, dental care, early intervention, and family wellness programs, the school sought to address the effects of poverty and childhood trauma alongside academic learning.  While the model improved student well-being, it struggled to meet academic expectations and attract additional long-term funding, leading the board to vote to close the school after learning CZI would end its financial support. CZI has committed $50m to help wind down operations.

 

Wall Street Journal

The Orange County Department of Education has ordered an independent review of Laguna Beach USD's finances, with the Fiscal Crisis and Management Assistance Team (FCMAT) set to examine financial and administrative matters related to employee health benefit contributions, contracting decisions, and the use of district resources from fiscal years 2021-22 through 2025-26. Superintendent of Schools Stefan Bean said the review was initiated following requests from community members, while emphasizing that it does not indicate fraud or financial misconduct. Newly appointed Superintendent Don Austin said the district will fully cooperate with the review, which will be funded by the county at a cost of up to $125,000, and that the findings will be made public once the investigation is complete.

 

Los Angeles Times

Sacramento City USD Board of Education has approved a $159m fiscal sustainability plan to avert a projected cash deficit and prevent state receivership. The plan, which includes state funding, spending cuts, and a revised agreement with the Sacramento City Teachers Association, aims to stabilize the district's finances. "This is the first and clearest example of what a plan looks like," said Carl Pinkston, a member of the Black Parallel School Board. The measures exceed the district's $150m solvency target by $8.6m. The plan also includes significant savings from retiree health benefits, with an expected $67m saved over three years. Trustee Michael Menjamin emphasized the importance of avoiding state receivership, noting: "It would place an especially heavy burden on our most vulnerable and most marginalized students."

 

The Sacramento Observer

Elk Grove USD is changing its crossing guard service provider this school year, aiming to save over $1.2m in five years. The district has signed a one-year contract worth $309,900 with National Language Service, which can be extended for up to four additional years. District spokesperson Lisa Levasseur clarified: "Compared to ACMS, National Language Service LLC's pricing represents an annual cost savings of approximately $245,669." This decision follows a request for proposals, where National Language Service was chosen as the "lowest responsive and responsible bidder." The district's Board of Trustees approved the contract on June 9, as part of efforts to reduce a budget deficit projected to drop from $57.9m in 2025-26 to $5.9m in 2026-27.

 

The Sacramento Bee

The Oxnard School District has removed a statue and mural of César Chavez following allegations of sexual abuse against him. The decision, made during a board meeting on June 3, resulted in a 3-2 vote to take down the statue, which had been covered with a tarp to prevent vandalism. The removal, costing approximately $20,000, has led to broader discussions about Chavez's legacy, with many states and cities distancing themselves from him. "I am excited by some of the names that are being discussed," said district spokesperson Ginger Shea, as the community considers new names for the school. The district has received 570 name submissions and is working with a committee to finalize recommendations for the superintendent.

 

The Sacramento Bee

Japan is expanding Japanese-language education for students with foreign backgrounds, but nearly 9,700 public-school students who required language instruction in 2025 received no specialized support, highlighting persistent educational gaps. Experts say that schools should adopt a plurilingual approach that strengthens both academic Japanese and students’ family languages, warning that preserving heritage languages is essential for educational achievement, family relationships, emotional well-being, and Japan’s long-term success as a more diverse society.

 

The Japan Times

Three Sacramento buildings are among thirteen California historic properties being considered for the National Register of Historic Places. The State Historic Resources Commission will review the nominations, which will then be sent to the National Park Service for final approval. El Dorado Elementary School, designed by James Dean, showcases Spanish Revival architecture and represents the community's commitment to education. “These buildings are symbols of the commitment of the community to education,” said Kara Brunzell, a nomination applicant. The Thomson-Diggs Co. Building, significant for its industrial ties, is undergoing conversion to mixed-use, while Grant Union High School, built during the Great Depression, reflects architectural responses to earthquake safety laws. The commission will meet to consider these nominations on Friday at 9 a.m. in Sacramento.

 

The Sacramento Bee