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California
11th August 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Are cellphone bans effective?

Since France implemented the first comprehensive student cellphone ban in 2018, 106 countries and 39 U.S. states have followed suit. However, experts like Sonia Livingstone, a professor at the London School of Economics, argue that "the jury is out" on the effectiveness of these bans. While some studies indicate improved academic performance and reduced bullying among students without phones, others show no significant changes. The push for bans reflects growing concerns about technology's impact on youth, as highlighted by former U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy's call for stricter regulations. Despite the bans, students often find ways to circumvent them, raising questions about their practicality and effectiveness. In Norway, a study found that cellphone restrictions positively impacted grades, particularly for girls, suggesting that while bans may help, their overall effectiveness remains uncertain.

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STATE NEWS

California's education showdown heats up

In California's upcoming election, the race for state superintendent of public instruction features two distinct candidates: Richard Barrera and Sonja Shaw. Barrera, a long-serving trustee of the San Diego USD, emphasizes support for vulnerable students and community engagement, remarking: "The people that I worked with cared about the quality of their schools." In contrast, Shaw, a newcomer and conservative advocate, focuses on parental rights and traditional education values. Both candidates oppose recent changes to the superintendent's role, which has diminished its power. Barrera has raised over $400,000 for his campaign, while Shaw has garnered about $465,000, with significantly less independent spending. As they prepare for the election, their differing visions for California's education system highlight the growing partisanship in local school governance.

LEGAL

Thurmond rejects Sacramento school appeal

California's Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tony Thurmond, has rejected the Sacramento City USD's appeal regarding a decision by the Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE). The appeal was related to a rescinded agreement with the teachers' union, which was expected to provide $97.6m in fiscal relief amid the district's $222m deficit. Thurmond expressed concerns, stating that SCOE's decision "was not effective in resolving SCUSD's financial problems." He warned that if SCOE continues to make decisions that worsen the district's financial situation, he would assume direct oversight of SCUSD's financial decisions. The district must find $150m in cash solutions by June 2027 to avoid insolvency and a potential state takeover.

NATIONAL NEWS

SNAP cuts threaten free meals

A record 55,362 U.S. schools participated in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) during the 2025-26 school year, allowing 27.6m children to attend schools offering free meals to all students regardless of family income. Participation increased by 1,128 schools and 368,019 students from the previous year, although growth has slowed following a major expansion after the USDA lowered the program’s eligibility threshold in 2023. The Food Research and Action Center warned that cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) under H.R. 1 could reverse that growth. Because schools’ CEP eligibility is partly determined by the share of students whose families participate in federal benefit programs such as SNAP, reduced SNAP eligibility could push some schools below the 25% threshold required to participate, potentially leading to nationwide declines in CEP adoption beginning in the 2026-27 school year.

TEACHING

Middle schools need literacy overhaul

According to a new study by NWEA, middle school students, particularly the lowest achievers, are facing alarming declines in reading scores since the pandemic. The study analyzed data from over 20m K-8 students and found that while younger students have made progress, middle schoolers continue to struggle. Megan Kuhfeld, director of growth modeling at NWEA, said: “The evidence presented here suggests that existing early-literacy reforms... are not sufficient to support students whose reading difficulties persist.” Experts emphasize the need for coherent literacy systems that extend beyond K-3, addressing the unique challenges of middle school interventions. Schools must implement targeted strategies to support struggling readers, ensuring that interventions align with individual needs and do not disrupt access to essential content across subjects.

DISTRICTS

Parents and teachers launch new school after Palm Valley closure

Parents and educators are opening Valley Independent Preparatory Academy following the sudden closure and bankruptcy of Palm Valley School in June. The secular private school will begin classes on August 31 at St Margaret’s Episcopal Church in Palm Desert, initially serving preschool through sixth grade. Organizers hope to enroll 50 to 60 pupils and employ six or seven teachers, many formerly from Palm Valley. The curriculum will emphasise small classes, academic standards, individual attention and arts education. Annual tuition will range from $15,000 to $21,000.

Back to school countdown begins!

As the new school year approaches, San Luis Obispo County schools are preparing for the first day of classes in August. With 10 school districts serving students from preschool to 12th grade, parents may find it challenging to keep track of start dates. Atascadero Unified School District kicks off on August 12, while Paso Robles Joint USD and others will begin on August 13. "The school year starts on Thursday, Aug. 20," said a representative from San Luis Coastal USD. Notably, Lucia Mar USD will also start on August 13. Parents are encouraged to check specific district schedules to ensure a smooth transition back to school.

Cinnabar welcomes new leadership

Amelia "Amy" Circo has been appointed as the new principal and superintendent of the Cinnabar Elementary School District, which is transitioning from a TK-8 to a TK-6 model.

GOVERNANCE

Fresno election applications close soon

The Fresno County Clerk/Registrar of Voters has finalized the list of candidates for the upcoming school board elections, with applications closing on Friday at 5 pm. Michele Cantwell-Copher, the incumbent Fresno County Superintendent of Schools, is running against Eimear O'Brien, former superintendent of Clovis Unified. Cantwell-Copher has seen graduation rates rise to 86.2% during her tenure, while O'Brien has a strong record of academic performance. "I am committed to promoting school safety and educational opportunities," Cantwell-Copher said. Additionally, elections for the Fresno USD and Central USD will feature several contested races, with candidates including community advocates and educators. The elections are set for November, with significant implications for the future of education in the region.

SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION

Back to school? ride for free!

The Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT) has launched the RydeFreeRT program, providing free bus and light rail rides for TK–12 students with a valid card for the 2026–27 school year. This initiative, supported by local jurisdictions and school districts, aims to alleviate transportation costs for families. Mayor Kevin McCarty emphasized: “Every student deserves a safe and reliable way to get to school and the opportunities that help them succeed.”

SPORTS

SCOTUS ruling sparks new debates

The U.S. Supreme Court's recent decision on transgender sports participation has upheld the status quo, allowing states to maintain bans on transgender athletes in teams matching their gender identity. "As litigators, we keep making these arguments until we win," said Beth Parlato, an attorney with the Independent Women's Law Center. While over 20 states permit transgender athletes to compete, advocates anticipate ongoing legal battles. The ruling raises questions about the boundaries of transgender rights, with experts like Anna Kirkland expressing concern over the lack of evidence required to justify state bans. The decision leaves room for future challenges against discrimination, but the conservative majority's stance narrows the interpretation of equal protection for all.

HIGHER EDUCATION

New president leads Mt. San Jacinto College

Mt. San Jacinto College has welcomed nearly 17,000 students for the 2026-27 school year, marking a significant milestone for the institution. The college has appointed Tawny Dotson as its first female president, succeeding Roger Schultz, who retired last October. Dotson, previously the president of Yuba College, began her tenure last month. This year also sees the opening of a new science and math building at the Menifee Valley Campus, which spans 41,842 square feet and includes eight classrooms, 13 laboratories, and various student study spaces. The $42.3m facility was funded through a combination of state dollars and Measure AA, a bond approved by voters in 2014. Dotson said: "Other Inland community colleges will soon be following Mt. San Jacinto College's example," as classes resume at nearby institutions.

INTERNATIONAL

Australia targets bullying nationwide

The Australian Government has launched a A$10m ($7.06m) national anti-bullying initiative supporting students, families, teachers and schools. The Let’s Stop Bullying campaign includes A$5m for advertising and free online resources, following findings that one in four Years 4 to 9 students regularly experiences bullying and more than half of young people have faced online bullying. From Term 1 in 2027, schools must publish policies aligned with a national framework and respond to reported incidents within two school days. Cyberbullying reports rose more than 455% between 2019 and 2024.  


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