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California
19th August 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Sacramento schools face financial turmoil

Sacramento City USD is grappling with significant financial challenges following the rescission of a labor agreement with its teachers' union. The district has requested $20.6m from CalPERS to cover retiree health benefits for the 2025-26 fiscal year, a move that has raised concerns about its financial stability. Michael Fine, chief executive of the Fiscal Crisis and Management Assistance Team, expressed skepticism about the reimbursement, stating: “The Trustee... will catch up to that.” The agreement was projected to save the district about $98m over three years, but uncertainty remains regarding its future implementation. Taylor Kayatta, vice president of the district's board, emphasized the importance of honoring the agreement, while Nikki Milevsky, president of the Sacramento City Teachers Association, affirmed the union's commitment to pursuing the agreement's benefits. The district must identify $150m in cash solutions by June 2027 to avoid insolvency.

BLENDED LEARNING

An Administrator's Guide to Blended Learning

Online learning doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing approach. Explore blended learning with this comprehensive guide from FlexPoint®, which includes:
  • Worksheets to define your school’s needs
  • Outline of blended learning classroom models
  • List of questions to ask curriculum providers
  • Best practices for educator training
  • Instructional strategies and tips
  • Key benefits for you, students, and staff
Download the FlexPoint® guide to find the right mix of face-to-face and online instruction for your school or district.

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NATIONAL NEWS

New federal guidance targets racial considerations in student discipline

The U.S. Department of Education has instructed schools not to consider race when developing or enforcing student discipline policies, arguing that Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and the Constitution prohibit intentional discrimination, rather than policies that unintentionally produce racial disparities. The guidance, announced on Tuesday in a "Dear Colleague" letter, follows the department’s July decision to eliminate longstanding regulations recognizing “disparate impact” liability, and reverses approaches taken under the Obama and Biden administrations. The department argues that previous guidance pressured schools to adjust discipline practices based on racial outcomes, potentially undermining consistent enforcement. Supporters say the new approach will ensure students are disciplined according to individual behavior, while critics argue that it could make it harder to address disproportionate discipline rates among Black, Indigenous, and other minority students. The guidance does not carry the force of law, but sets out how the Trump administration intends to interpret and enforce federal civil rights protections. It states that schools can adopt race-neutral policies with mandatory punishments as long as they are applied consistently, regardless of race.

FINANCE

Oakland USD's credit rating plummets

The Oakland USD has faced a significant downgrade in its credit rating, now at BBB with a “negative” outlook, reflecting ongoing fiscal pressures and declining reserves. Fitch Ratings, which categorizes anything below BBB- as “speculative,” noted that the district's financial stability remains uncertain. Superintendent Denise Saddler previously claimed improvements in the district's finances, stating: “This is a moment of real pride for everyone who believes in Oakland Unified.” However, critics argue that the district's financial forecasts are misleading, with a reported $104m deficit last year and new labor contracts adding $100m in expenses. Parent Edmund Chan expressed skepticism, saying, “It's really hard to believe and understand.” The Fitch rating underscores concerns about the district's ability to meet its financial obligations.

Funding boost for special education

Santa Barbara USD is set to receive $3m from the state of California to support special education, as part of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s budget passed in June. This funding aims to mitigate federal cuts from the U.S. Department of Education and is expected to have a significant impact on the district's budget, according to Conrad Tedeschi, the district’s assistant superintendent of Business Services, who called it one of the “biggest impacts” to the district’s budget. Additionally, the district will receive nearly $10m in a Student Support and Professional Development grant for various initiatives, including teacher recruitment and addressing declining enrollment, which has dropped by over 16% since 2014. The Learning Recovery Emergency Block Grant will also provide $2.4m to aid academic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, with a deadline for use by the end of next year.

STATE NEWS

California school makes national top 10

U.S. News & World Report has unveiled its 2026-27 Best High Schools rankings, with Science Academy STEM Magnet in Los Angeles achieving the No. 10 position nationally and the highest rank in California. The rankings evaluated nearly 18,000 public high schools based on factors such as college readiness and graduation rates. Science Academy scored 99.94, with 36% of its students identified as economically disadvantaged, according to U.S. News & World Report. Other top schools in California include Whitney High School and Oxford Academy, ranked No. 2 and No. 3 respectively. "Admission to Whitney High School is selective and is based on state and district assessments," the report notes.

LEGAL

Meta faces landmark federal child safety trial

Meta is facing the first bellwether federal trial over allegations that Instagram and Facebook have harmed children through addictive product features, with California, Colorado, Kentucky, and New Jersey seeking nearly $200bn in damages for alleged violations of federal child privacy and state consumer protection laws. The states argue that Meta knew features such as infinite scroll, beauty filters, and engagement-driven algorithms could contribute to compulsive use, anxiety, and other harms among young users, while continuing to promote its platforms as safe. Meta denies the claims, says it has introduced safeguards for teenagers, and argues that the states’ allegations are unsubstantiated and their financial demands disproportionate. The six-to-eight-week Oakland trial represents a significant legal test for Meta after recent setbacks, including a $6m California verdict against Meta and YouTube and a New Mexico ruling ordering Meta to pay nearly $1bn. Meta said it spent more than $2bn on legal expenses related to social media addiction trials and other litigation from April through June, compared with quarterly profit of $18bn. Beyond damages, the four states are seeking changes to Meta’s products for users under 18, including bans on infinite scrolling, autoplay, “like” buttons, certain beauty filters, and engagement-optimized algorithms.

Chino Valley's book policy sparks outrage

Chino Valley USD's book-removal and parental notification policies are facing legal scrutiny. A complaint filed with the California Department of Education claims the district's book policy unlawfully targets LGBTQ+-themed titles and bypasses public hearings. Board President Sonja Shaw, a Republican candidate for state superintendent, supports these policies, stating: "I believe the larger issue is whether parents are going to remain the primary decision-makers for their children." Critics argue that the policies discriminate against LGBTQ+ individuals, with Elizabeth Graves from Public Counsel noting that the removals are "not because they contain sexually obscene material, but because they contain content protected by law." The district's actions have sparked a heated debate as Shaw prepares for a November election against Democrat Richard Barrera, who opposes her agenda.

GOVERNANCE

Petaluma school board shake-up ahead

Three members of the Petaluma City Schools Board of Education—Caitlin Quinn, Mady Cloud, and Joanna Paun—are not seeking reelection this November. The board oversees over 7,300 students and a budget exceeding $137m. In Trustee Area 2, Brianne Balzarini is running unopposed, while Laura Holmes faces John Garcia in Area 3, and Sarah Seitchik Sebastian competes against John La Bare in Area 5. The upcoming election will also see unopposed candidates in other local districts, including Old Adobe Union, Cinnabar, Dunham Elementary, and Liberty School Districts. "The newly elected trustees will join Ryan Williams and Ellen Webster to manage the large district," said Superintendent Davina Goldwasser.

Lodi school board race heats up

Two familiar candidates are vying for seats on the Lodi USD Board of Education. Ron Heberle, a former board member, is running against Jeff Stroh, who replaced him. Heberle, who served three terms and was board president in 2012 and 2016, has a background in firefighting and education. Stroh, a retired teacher with over 30 years of experience, is a third-generation educator. In Area 3, Katherine King, who previously ran in 2022, is challenging incumbent Sherry Alexander, a retired teacher with a notable career in special education. Unopposed incumbents include Susan Macfarlane in Area 1 and Courtney Porter in Area 4. Dr. Charles Jennings will defend his seat on the San Joaquin Delta College Board against challenger Dr. Tony Shah in November. "Lodi voters will have a choice between experienced educators," said a local observer.

TEACHING

Teachers cling to outdated reading methods

According to the "From the Teacher's Desk: A Science of Reading Progress Report," nearly 30% of K-3 teachers are still using discredited reading methods, failing to fully embrace the science of reading. The report, based on a survey of over 1,200 educators, highlights that many teachers in high-poverty schools are less informed about phonics, a key component of effective reading instruction. David Griffith, a co-author of the report, emphasized the importance of phonics, stating: "If kids don't learn to do this, then they won't learn to read." Despite laws in 42 states promoting the science of reading, concerns remain about balancing phonics with comprehension and vocabulary instruction. The report calls for improved teacher training and curriculum alignment to enhance reading instruction across all schools.

Math camp boosts student confidence

At UC Merced's Summer Math Academy, middle school students engaged in interactive learning through games like Jeopardy, enhancing their understanding of math concepts. The program aims to strengthen foundational skills, addressing concerns over declining math proficiency, as only 25% of eighth graders were proficient in 2024, according to the Nation's Report Card. Paula Heupel, superintendent of El Nido Elementary School District, noted: “Last year, (35.92%) met or exceeded in math. Now we're going to be somewhere between 41% and 44%.” The camp, part of the federally funded TRIO program Talent Search, provides intensive instruction and fosters a positive attitude towards math, helping students gain confidence and prepare for high school. Heupel emphasized the importance of this confidence, stating: “It sets them up” for future success in education and life.

TECHNOLOGY

ChatGPT introduces teen mode as scrutiny of AI safety grows

OpenAI has launched ChatGPT for Teens, a new mode for users ages 13 to 17 that includes stronger safeguards, parental controls, and educational features. The mode will activate when users identify themselves as minors or are estimated to be under 18, with ChatGPT defaulting to the safer experience when a user’s age is uncertain. The service will restrict conversations involving high-risk topics, including self-harm, violence, and eating disorders. Parents can set “Quiet Hours,” manage certain settings, and receive notifications when sensitive subjects arise, while educational features include guided study, quizzes, homework reminders, and visualizations designed to support learning rather than simply provide answers. The launch comes amid growing scrutiny of AI chatbots’ potential effects on young people, including concerns about mental health, emotional reliance, and academic learning. OpenAI said it will use self-reported ages, behavioral and account signals, and verification methods to determine when the additional protections should apply.

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Keep kids healthy this school year

As children return to school, maintaining their health becomes crucial. Erin Hoying, a nursing expert from Purdue University, emphasizes the importance of basic habits like regular handwashing, proper cough etiquette, and adequate sleep. "There's actually a lot of stomach viruses that sadly are not killed by hand sanitizer," Hoying said, highlighting the effectiveness of soap and water. Parents should also ensure children stay home when experiencing symptoms like fever or vomiting. Additionally, maintaining a balanced diet and encouraging physical activity after school can support overall well-being. The CDC recommends that children aged six to 12 get nine to 12 hours of sleep, while teens should aim for eight to 10 hours. By focusing on these fundamental practices, families can help keep kids healthy throughout the school year.

POLICY

New school year, new bike rules

Newport-Mesa USD welcomed nearly 18,000 students for the new school year, introducing significant changes to biking policies. A districtwide ban on e-bikes and full-throttle e-motorcycles for students in grades TK through 8 was approved in April, alongside a requirement for all student cyclists to complete a CHP-approved training course and obtain a school-issued permit. Bikes without permits will receive notification cards with links to the online training.

HIGHER EDUCATION

Pentagon orders 30 U.S. universities to review foreign partnerships

The Department of Defense has ordered 30 U.S. universities to audit partnerships with foreign universities and military training institutions, most of them Chinese, as the Trump administration intensifies scrutiny of potential national security risks. The universities have two weeks to review their relationships and terminate arrangements deemed problematic or risk losing federal funding, with Harvard University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Johns Hopkins University reportedly among those affected. The Pentagon said the action is intended to prevent taxpayer-funded research from being stolen or exploited, following its publication of a list of 130 foreign institutions considered to pose an increased risk of research misappropriation. Most are Chinese, although Russian and Iranian institutions are also included. The American Council on Education criticized suggestions that U.S. universities have failed to address research security concerns, while China’s embassy accused Washington of politicizing academic exchanges. The move forms part of broader Trump administration efforts to scrutinize Chinese influence, investment, and activities in the United States and elsewhere.

INTERNATIONAL

Principals seek independent council to end New Zealand’s cycle of education reform

The New Zealand’s Principals’ Federation is calling for cross-party support to establish a permanent, independent Curriculum and Assessment Council, arguing that repeated politically driven reforms have caused unnecessary disruption to schools. Federation president Jason Miles said the proposed body would operate across electoral cycles, draw on research and professional expertise, and work in partnership with iwi and Māori education groups to provide a more deliberate approach to curriculum and assessment changes, while education ministers would retain final decision-making authority. Labour education spokesperson Ginny Andersen backed the broader aim of reducing political influence on education but stopped short of endorsing the proposed council.

 
RNZ
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